And in a wonderful milestone, the State Government approved the building plans on the final day of the 2025 school year, allowing construction to begin this year.

The Arts Precinct will be a vibrant hub for creativity, featuring new spaces that will meet both the curricular and extra-curricular needs of the arts program, including a purpose-built Blackbox Theatre, Recital Hall, dedicated rehearsal spaces, music rooms, and teaching studios, all designed to deliver a world-class learning environment for our primary and secondary students and to support excellence in the performing Arts.

Philanthropy has always reflected the St Margaret’s values in action, shaping a community where generosity, service, and shared purpose flourish.

One of the most inspiring examples of this belief comes from Year 4 student, Madeleine A, whose enthusiasm for the project captured the very essence of St Margaret’s culture of giving.

Madeleine first learned about the new precinct during the St Margaret’s Day Assembly. As she later shared:

“When I saw the presentation about the new Arts Precinct, I felt so excited. I could imagine the beautiful new spaces, the music rooms, and the theatre, and I thought, ‘Wow! This will be such a special place for girls like me to learn, create and shine.’”

Her excitement didn’t end there. That afternoon, she eagerly showed the architect’s images to her mum, her brother, her dad—and even Mimi the cat, who, according to Madeleine, “was impressed.”

Inspired to help bring the precinct to life, Madeleine teamed up with her brother and a friend to run a lemonade stall, complete with baked goods and handmade crafts contributed by family and community members. The response was overwhelming.

“So many St Margaret’s friends stopped by to support our stall. It showed me how kindness and teamwork can make a big difference.”

Madeleine donated her share of the profits to the St Margaret’s Foundation Building Fund.

“Honestly, it felt really good. I was proud to use my money to help build something that so many St Margaret’s girls will get to use, now and in the future.”

Her story is a powerful reminder that philanthropy at St Margaret’s is not just something students witness, it is something they live.

Educators have long championed the role and value of the arts in a well-rounded education.

“Music is such an incredibly powerful art form that has existed in every community across the globe since the dawn of time. A dedicated performing arts space where students can both learn and perform will be so pivotal in providing amazing learning and performing opportunities while also nurturing our next generation of performing artists,” said Head of Performance, Brad King.

The music and drama program at St Margaret’s has shaped countless futures, and this precinct will amplify that legacy.

Maggie James (’97) is the Music Therapy Clinical Leader at the Queensland Children’s Hospital in Brisbane. Maggie knows too well the positive power that music can yield, not just in performance but in our everyday lives.

“After graduating from St Margaret’s, I pursued a Bachelor of Music (Performance) and a Graduate Diploma in Music Therapy. These studies provided the theoretical and practical knowledge and transformed my love for music into a profession that changes lives.

Today, as the Clinical Lead of the Music Therapy Department at Queensland Children’s Hospital, I lead a team of six music therapists. Together, we use music therapy to support children’s neurological recovery, physical and cognitive rehabilitation, emotional regulation, and even to provide comfort during end-of-life journeys for children and their families,” Maggie said.

Maggie believes that the foundation built at St Margaret’s has not only shaped her career but also reinforced her belief in the power of music to heal, connect, and transform.

Music, drama and performance have a profound impact on our wellbeing and development.

“The arts have the capacity to be transformational in a young person’s life; they can shape identity, foster a sense of belonging and undoubtedly have a positive impact on their overall wellbeing,” Annette Box, Assistant Head of Primary School – Wellbeing and Operations said.

She believes that the creation of spaces in which communities can gather to celebrate and share these experiences will only serve to enrich and enhance their impact.

This building is a catalyst for growth, connection, and wellbeing for our students and broader community.

Every donor who has supported this Campaign is helping bring this vision to life. To all who have supported The World Is Her Stage campaign, we sincerely thank you.

Your generosity is shaping the future of arts education at St Margaret’s and ensuring that every girl has every opportunity to discover her talent and chase her dream.

If you would like to discuss making a donation to The world is her stage Capital Campaign for the Arts Precinct, please contact, Lara Pickering, Director of Philanthropy and Stakeholder Engagement on (07)3862 0884  or email foundation@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.