In 2025, Charlotte Swarbrick and Ebony Okonkwo will lead St Margaret’s as Joint School Captains. Here, they share some highlights from their journey at St Margaret’s so far and their hopes for next year.
1. Tell me about your first day at St Margaret’s and your first impressions.
Charlotte: To be completely honest, I was terrified. I had moved from my small school in Sydney halfway through Year 6 and didn’t know anyone or anything about Brisbane, let alone St Margaret’s. However, the kindness and community spirit that I immediately felt as I walked into my Year 6 classroom reassured me that, whatever was to come, whether that be in school or in life, the St Margaret’s community would always have at my back.
Ebony: Moving to St Margaret’s in Year 7 was a big change, and naturally, I was extremely nervous on my first day however, by the time 3:20pm rolled around, those nerves had been replaced by joy and excitement. Although it took a few weeks to navigate the campus, feeling the sisterhood didn’t take nearly as long. I was so excited to be warmly welcomed into such a vibrant school community.
2. What is your favourite thing about St Margaret’s?
Ebony: My favourite thing about our school is how St Margaret’s offers a wide variety of ‘beyond school’ programs and events. Whether it’s the exciting exchange program where students learn from and build connections with others around the world or attending a networking breakfast and gaining valuable insights from inspiring guest speakers, each and every experience is transformative, enriching, and broadens our perspective of the world. St Margaret’s truly is a local school with a global outlook.
Charlotte: My favourite thing about St Margaret’s is the community. No matter where you go across Brisbane, Australia, even the world, people acknowledge and know the St Margaret’s community. This is because of the unwavering support that is selflessly offered and the nearly 130-year history of the school. Over those 130 years, the dedication of an ever-growing number of Old Girls and family and friends have been centred on the improvement of our school and educating young women, and I find that inspirational.
3. What has been the highlight of your extracurricular involvement?
Charlotte: I have had an extensive involvement in extracurricular activities; however, my highlight has been the rowing community. Rowing at St Margaret’s is such an invaluable and amazing pursuit that I personally think every St Margaret’s student should experience. From the very first Year 8 session on the water, I knew that the sport was for me. No matter what challenge you are faced with individually or as a shed, there is always support and aid from every coach, parent or rower.
Ebony: Competing in QGSSSA Athletics every year. The energy is electric and all the girls getting behind one another is truly exciting. Even at my first QG when there were no spectators due to COVID, the atmosphere was incredible, filled with loud cheering and immense support from Maggies athletes and even other competitors.
4. What is one goal you have for next year?
Ebony: One of my goals for next year is to continue to foster a strong sense of sisterhood, ensuring everyone feels known and appreciated. Alongside Charlotte and my cohort, I aim to take the time to connect with girls across all year levels, building meaningful relationships and strengthening the bonds that unite us.
Charlotte: One of my main goals for next year centres on community engagement. Having more girls showing up to weekend sporting events to participate and cheer, creating opportunities for friendships to flourish across grades, and fostering more involvement in the wider St Margaret’s community are my main goals.
5. What legacy do you hope you as leaders will leave behind?
Charlotte: I want the Class of 2025 to be known for their kindness and dedication to fostering community engagement. I want people to think back onto my grade in our final year of schooling and reminisce on the dedication that we will take to build new friendships between grades, develop old friendships, and increase the general engagement of the community.
Ebony: I hope my cohort, Charlotte and I are remembered as girls who brought unmatched energy and spirit to every aspect of school life. I hope our passion and dedication will shape the culture of our school, leaving a mark that extends beyond our time here.