If you ever needed evidence of the character and culture of St Margaret’s College, the events of the past fortnight have surely illuminated the values of our school, the professionalism of our staff, and the strength of our community.

My thanks for your support and positive messages, especially those expressing gratitude for the extraordinary efforts our staff. I have established a ‘Wall of Messages’ in the staff room that displays the hundreds of thoughtful comments from our SMC families, as well as well-wishes from schools around the country and the world.

The #paperchainsoflove initiative led by our Prefect team has offered our girls the opportunity to share their feelings and communicate their sympathy, at the same time encouraging the girls to come together last week to talk and process their own feelings. The positive power of social media was evident in sharing this demonstration of compassion. Schools from all over New Zealand and Australia, and as far away as Canada, USA, Chile, and Brunei, reproduced this in their local communities. It is always our ambition to empower girls, but I never cease to be amazed at their capacity to mobilise such generosity of spirit.

Our decision to postpone Open Day until this week gave everyone the time and space to begin their recovery, so it was with renewed enthusiasm that we welcomed over 400 visitors to the campus on Monday. My thanks to the myriad of dancers, singers, actors and musicians for their contribution to the festive atmosphere of the day. There was talent on show at every turn. Our tour guides again proved a highlight for the visitors, with many commenting on their confidence and poise. Our girls are powerful ambassadors for St Margaret’s and it was a pleasure to see and hear them in action.

This week’s newsletter is another collection of stories of excellence and endeavour, with a number of outstanding sporting performances from the Summer Tournament competitions around the country. Next week we look forward to some cultural spectacles with the Orchestra Extravaganza and Twilight Concert.

As we prepare to embark on the final week of this first term, I wish you all the best for the term break. May you enjoy His blessings this Easter season, and spend quality time with family and friends.