100 Stories

This story is about me: Julius, also known as Mr. K or Coach K., from Germany. I was a Gapper (gap student) at QMS from August 2019 to June 2020.

I came to QMS in 1960. I stayed associated with the school for nearly 30 years. Miss Denny and Miss Geoghegan made the years memorable years ones. In fact, all the years were memorable and I’d like to tell you about some of them.

I was a lifer at QMS and graduated in 2004. I started riding at QMS at age 7 and was lucky enough to have my own horse from grades 7-12.

Who else but Miss. D and Miss. G could see the beauty of buttercups sending us out to pick armloads of them for weddings in our Chapel.

Summer of 1929…”When Q.M.S. is one hundred years old the Editor of the Magazine will probably write the Editorial in an aeroplane. Being so high in the heavens will possibly be an aid and inspiration.”

The Founders of QMS accepted girls with developmental disabilities when I went to QMS in the 50s and 60s. So, when my own daughter was born with Down Syndrome I made a vow that I would fight for her rights, never realizing that I would have to take on so many systems.

Hosted at the beautiful Chemainus Theatre Festival, our community came together for an elegant Gala that celebrated philanthropy and our common passion for enriching the experience of students at QMS and our local community. Together, we raised an incredible $121,000 for The Learning Centre Phase II.

Congratulations to The QMS Grad Class of 2020!

“We cannot choose what happens to us, but we can choose how we react to it.” There has never in recent memory been a better time to consider the concept of ‘resilience.’

I graduated from Q.M.S. in 1957 and remember well all the special events that led up to the end of term at Christmas. There was the Old People's party which consisted of some selected individuals from Duncan who were on their own and in need of some Christmas cheer. I don't know how many there were but the dining room was full…

Aristotle is quoted as stating that, “the aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.” It is through the artistic process of reflection and exploration that assists us in discovering what events and experiences have been significant to each of us personally.

When Jennifer Turton-Mulgat (‘87) started The View Winery on her family’s Okanagan estate in 2006, she quickly realized that the region was filled with fantastic wineries. Jennifer shares that since the beginning, she has tirelessly worked to promote The View Winery in new ways to keep her clients buying their products.

During our Mental Performance workshop and one-on-one sessions facilitated by renowned clinician Dave Freeze, QMS equestrian students learned that these emotions are often “borrowed from the nasty list.” The “nasty list” is a tool Dave Freeze uses to help riders connect their emotions with physical performance.

“Life is change. If you aren’t growing and evolving, you’re standing still and the rest of the world is surging ahead.” It was this premise that brought the QMS leadership team and Board of Governors to a strategic cross roads in 2018. Their work resulted in setting the School on a path that has shown tremendous success, ensuring we are not standing still.

Relationships these days are hard, and for teenagers, technology has created a whole new world of challenges and potentially funny pitfalls. In the opening scene of this year’s Senior School production of subText, the audience watches a young boy struggle to capture the perfect selfie.

Leone Braby’s (Smith, 1953-1957) joy for life and her tendency to climb trees landed her in Miss Denny and Miss Geoghegan’s office quite frequently, yet she shares that “Queen Margaret’s School gave me the courage to do everything I have done in my life.”

Each day presents us with opportunities to grow, love, explore, and learn. It is simply up to us to see them, embrace them and allow a new path to form in front of our feet. For Graeme Fowler (1999–2007), a service trip to Honduras in Grade 11 resulted in a profound career change with Promise Vancouver years later.

Two of the strongest skills that a boarding school can assist young people in building are independence and courage. For QMS graduates Susanna Cai (‘20) and Rainia Zhang (‘20), acquiring these strengths through their time at QMS certainly aided them in actualizing their own paths, both aimed directly at “Beantown,” aka Boston, MA, USA.

The 2019-2020 school year started like most and we quickly set the tone of the importance of service at QMS. The Senior School Service Day in October featured 160 students working throughout the Cowichan Valley on projects such as…

The QMS community is healthy & strong! Recently, COVID-19 has changed our school lives considerably, but it remains a positive experience.

2019 marked the 60th year since the Class of ’59 tread the halls at QMS, so they came together during Alumni Weekend to reconnect and share colourful stories of their high school years.

Throughout the 2018-2019 school year, our team was excited to reconnect with alumni in England, Mexico, South Korea, Thailand and Canada. We enjoyed learning about the paths blazed by former students and staff of QMSl.

Congratulations to The QMS Grad Class of 2019!

As a community, we did it! We raised $120,000 to invest in a new fitness centre that supports our diversifying student population and our School’s commitment to health and wellness. Thank you!

Recently, Queen Margaret's School lost a great friend, leader and community builder. This loss has been felt by our entire School community.

QMS is a wonderful and inspiring place to learn and grow, and the philanthropic support for our School Archives will have a lasting impact for years to come. We are incredibly grateful to our donors for their intentional act to preserve our School’s history. This gift is meant to be shared. We hope you take the opportunity to visit our Archives the next time you are on campus and explore the unique history of QMS.

Intuitively we know change is happening around us all the time, even in schools. In his recent article, Why should schools change?, internationally-recognized thought leader on the transformation of K-12 education, Grant Lichtman, proposed schools change because they must; that the transformation of schools into ones of deeper learning that prepare students for success in a rapidly evolving future is inevitable.

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” Most of us were bombarded with this question growing up, and in turn we plague the next generation with its unfortunate implications—the idea that their future careers will define who they are. Yet, for QMS graduates Jillian Kitt (‘19) and Sara Raessi (‘19), they are not focusing on the what, but rather, the who.

The human fingerprint on climate change is one of the defining issues of our time, and today’s youth are considered by the United Nations to be the most vulnerable to its consequences. From shifting weather patterns impacting food production and rising sea levels, to the accelerated melting of our polar ice sheets, our world is changing quickly and QMS students are raising their voices...

Having strong family and community support systems are integral to a healthy life. For Sam Pascoe, when personal health issues arose in his first year of university studies, it was through the gathering of these groups that provided guidance, care, and a life experience that clarified a new career path.

The 2018-2019 school year was highlighted with several fine arts accomplishments, yet two particular events stood apart for our Cowichan Valley and QMS communities. The tremendously successful Spring Rhapsody Concert and the unveiling of a stunning mural to celebrate the history of Chinese culture in Duncan.

On a sunny day in May 2019, several QMS school leaders visited Generation Farms in Yellow Point, BC, to participate in a day of learning in Equine Facilitated Leadership Development (EFLD). The goal—to introduce the four key competencies of our new EFLD program through experiential activities that incorporate nature, horses and each other.

One of the ways that we can make the study of history more interesting and engaging for our students is to dive deep into the stories of past peoples.

Inspirational ideas for engaging experiential learning activities can come from anywhere. They can be new or recycled as long as the ideas can draw in and capture the imagination of the learner.

For Zayge, the opportunity to really sink her teeth into political discourse came with her participation in the Model United Nations in Grade 12. Her very first position paper secured her a ticket to the national forum in Ottawa.

For generations, stories have been passed down to teach valuable lessons about life, love, pain, and hope. Few do this better than Once On This Island Jr., the simple tale of Ti Moune, the peasant girl whose love for a boy from the wealthy side of the island takes her on a journey through all of life’s experiences and more, ultimately proving that the power of love is greater than prejudice and fear.

Assuming the part of a female pilot determined to challenge women’s societal roles in WWII is a daunting task. Sharing that pilot’s story with authenticity, is an even taller order. Yet, for the actors in this year’s production of Decision Height, their sights were set on achieving that high flying goal.

Time travel…it’s a favourite subject of science fiction authors and scientists alike. At the turn of the 20th century, Albert Einstein published his theory of special relativity, hypothesizing that time travel was theoretically possible. The idea of moving back in time to observe history in the making is a tantalizing prospect for any student.

Following your passion can take perseverance and sacrifice. Yet, sometimes the chance to discover a career that funds your obsession still requires a more traditional path to locate the unexpected links that will bring the two together.

The love Bruce McPherson has for our QMS trees is evident. If ever you have the chance to walk the grounds with him, simply point to a tree and ask for its story. From the flowering cherry, weeping spruce, and pink dogwood, to the magnolia, Liquidambar, Raywood ash, flowering plum and the monkey puzzle tree—each is part of our legacy.

Hosted at the beautiful Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit, this year’s Gala surpassed our original goal, raising $114,000.

For as long as Ann Buttner-Danyliw and Brian Danyliw can remember, the concept of philanthropy and giving back to the community have been part of their family.

The Nishiuras moved to Canada specifically to attend Queen Margaret’s School because they felt the school would provide greater educational opportunities for their daughters. Their love of horses, the beauty of Vancouver Island, and immersion in an English speaking culture made Queen Margaret’s School the obvious choice for the Nishiuras.

The cornerstone of a Queen Margaret’s education, past and present, is this solid foundation of self-mastery and sense of direction. Through our student-centred approach to teaching and learning—underscored by a focus on character building and service— our students are guided to discover these foundational gifts and build their future success.

THE MAGICAL STORY OF GIANTS IN THE SKY explores the world of gentle giants who live high above the clouds. They polish the stars, poke the clouds to let it rain, and paint the sunsets. Everything is beautiful and life is perfect.

It seems that if you ask anyone about their experiences as math students, they have very definite opinions. A few of us will smile and reflect upon feelings of success and mastery. Unfortunately, though, many of us will cringe.

Upon first meeting Skye Koyote (’20), you would never think she describes herself as naturally aggressive. Yet this soft spoken Royals rugby sevens star is well on her way to making a name for herself in the sport.

Congratulations to the QMS Grad Class of 2018.

Horses live in the present moment and they allow their bodies to give them information about the world around them. They don’t make up stories about people, places or things. They accept what is and if it doesn’t feel right they do something about it. This honest, in the moment feedback allows us to notice how we are showing up, learn from it, adjust if necessary and receive an immediate response back from the horse reflecting any shifts we made.

Each generation claims the world spins faster for them than the generation before. The attainment of skills and education through life experience has been a very different process for Baby Boomers, Gen X’ers, Millennials, and now iGen.

One legacy outcome of the Senior School’s work with Ms. Hart and the Cowichan Elders has been the creation of a native garden at Queen Margaret’s School. Spearheaded by Miss Lorusso, with help from our Maintenance Staff, a pathway has been formed behind the Senior School that showcases native plants of the region. This “Ethnobotany Walk” has provided valuable hands-on learning opportunities for all students at QMS.

The energy is palpable. The stage is silent as a team of motionless figures in black t-shirts close their eyes, take a deep breath, exhale and slowly open their eyes to the audience.

QMS’ legacy of dramatic performances spans from comedies to dramas, the profound to the absurd, musicals to Shakespeare. Throughout the last 100 years, Queen Margaret’s School students have educated, reflected, entertained, engaged, questioned, and pushed boundaries each time they stepped onto stage.

It was a busy Alumni Weekend for 2018 and we were thrilled to welcome back alumni from across the years. Several classes came together from ’56, ’57, ’62, ’78, ’88, ’89 and ’13 to reconnect and tour the School. Thank you for visiting us and we look forward to welcoming you back again soon.

This past year, we were pleased to meet with alumni in Mexico City, China, Hong Kong, England and the Cowichan Valley. It is always exciting to reconnect with our former students and faculty to discover where their paths have led them after treading the halls of Queen Margaret’s School.

In the 1920s, Duncan and the Cowichan Valley was the home to many upper class British families —retired military men and landed gentry—and Queen Margaret’s School was established by Miss Denny and Miss Geogheghan to serve the educational needs of these families.

“When you spend your formative years surrounded by female classmates smarter than you, and women in positions of power educating you, there is no question that men and women are equal. Your reality is constructed in a way so that gender equality is completely normalized.”

“Check it out!” Brittany Mayo gushes as she proudly shows off her latest tattoo. The image of four spitfire planes cruising over the fields of Britain graces her upper right arm in fresh black ink. “I love these planes. It would the fields of Britain graces her upper right arm in fresh black ink. “I love these planes. It would be incredible to be involved in a project on one of these…or a hurricane. I love classic planes.”

Rotary International is a global network of volunteers who focus their energy on addressing some of our world’s most persistent problems such as fighting disease, promoting peace, growing local economies, making education accessible, and supporting mothers and their children.

The desire to memorialize our loved ones in a meaningful way is part of the human condition. And when a loved one has made a lasting impact on not just a few lives, but an entire community, the need to celebrate the individual who has contributed to a lasting positive influence on others is not just a way of seeking solace, but also a way to pay homage.

Empathy. It is a simple word that can mean kindness and compassion. For Collette Coleman empathy is a key life lesson she took from her time at Queen Margaret’s School which has enriched her life immensely, personally and professionally.

This year’s Annual Event surpassed the original event goal, culminating in $70,000 Funds raised have been directed towards the purchase of an additional school bus to grow the number of off-campus educational experiences for QMS students.

To our Queen Margaret’s School community for your faithful support…thank you. Your generosity enriches the lives of current students and provides opportunities to children who could not attend QMS without financial assistance.

The QMS Grad Class of 2017 received $212,500 offers in scholarships, awards and bursaries.

Inspiration for creating performance can come in many forms. For Grade 6 students this year, their exploration of deforestation in the Amazon educated them on the complexity of the issue.

SERVITE FORTITIER Whether it is refreshing headstones, cleaning tack for CTRA or helping out at Providence Farm, QMS students generously donate their time.

Message from Shelagh Boggs (Randel, ’56). To begin, I want to congratulate the OOMA on its 90th anniversary.

It Takes a Village…The 2016-2017 Queen Margaret’s School year was an active one for both students and the Parents’ Association with new, fun activities added to our calendar.

All living systems are connected, interwoven together, interactive and interdependent.

As many scientists and researchers can attest, the campus of Queen Margaret’s School provides more than just a picturesque background to our learning spaces. It has been proven that the harmonization of students’ academic learning with a nature-rich environment also maximizes their opportunities for social, emotional and physical growth.

This connection, this harmony with an animal is what drew me to horses as a child—and is what draws me to horses still. The idea that an animal so large and so capable of overpowering us would let us onto its back, would willingly carry us, is magical to me.

Imagine facing down a den of dragons…you have the best idea for an amazing classroom space for you and your fellow students. So you work hard with a team to come up with the complete design, potential costs, and the impacts.

Service is a core value of Queen Margaret’s School. Partnerships with local not-for-profit organizations provide life enhancing experiences for both QMS students and their chosen service groups.

By definition, social disruptors are people who take bold actions that break the status quo to create positive change in a world where common approaches are viewed as inadequate.

Each year, the Queen Margaret’s School Equestrian Program offers financial support to students through the awarding of Shirley Burr Equestrian Scholarships. These funds can make a profound impact on a family’s ability to afford riding lessons for their child.

When people think of art, most envision beautiful, classical forms such as large oil paintings or marble sculptures in enormous sprawling museums and galleries.

“I was a little hesitant about portraying a nun. We all were,” laughs Allie Johnston, Grade 11. “But when our first read through went well, we got really excited about the play.”

Music. Such an intrinsic part of our lives that it can become a soundtrack to our life experiences, with the power to enrich, enhance, enlighten or even diminish them. For three QMS alumni, music’s siren call ensnared them each at a young age, but they are not complaining.

Sometimes the value of lessons learned in school are not understood for years. The experiences can be quiet, yet profound. We safely store these moments deep in our hearts and minds, not knowing they will mold our perceptions of the world and develop our character, guiding our future actions.

Creating historical narrative through archeological context can be tricky and highly sensitive. The key is to incorporate multiple perspectives, since each person who has touched an artifact at any point in its history can impact how its story is written.

At Queen Margaret’s School, we have sought out and created “Harmony” for ourselves. The energy derived from creative and engaged work, discovery and exploration, as well as giving back, brings out the best in our students, staff, alumni, parents and all members of our community.

So often, parents and visitors to Queen Margaret’s School comment on how wonderful it is to see our Junior School students enjoying a vigorous physical education (PE) class or extracurricular sports practice on the field.

Teachers strive to inspire their students to work hard, push past personal fears to see our world from a new perspective, follow their personal passions and to be lifelong learners who make a positive impact on the world. Queen Margaret’s School Senior School teacher Kimberley Phillips wanted to be a model of these behaviours by embodying them.

Held at the Arbutus Ridge Golf Club the 2016 Gala raised an astounding $89,500 for Queen Margaret’s School. Funds raised will be directed towards continued Equestrian Centre upgrades and future expansion of The Learning Centre.

This has been a successful year for both the School and the OOMA, and I want to thank everyone who made it possible.

Kassidy Keith (‘16) enjoyed her most successful year of competition to date in 2015-16. In addition to winning the Jump Canada and CET medal finals, she was named to the U18 Junior Canada Equestrian Team.

88 Total number of boarding students: 14 Domestic Boarders, 74 International Boarders.

Being so involved in international business, I knew that I wanted my daughter to attend a boarding school in Canada, where she could learn English, make friends from around the world, and graduate to continue her education…

Each October, Queen Margaret’s School celebrates its Founders by inviting a distinguished alumnae to speak to students, staff and special guests about their passion and their path from the School to where they are now in their lives.

Ever since I was little, I dreamed of going to Queen Margaret’s School. Whenever my school work seemed too easy and I found myself staring out the window, picturing a challenge, three little letters always came to mind: “Q.M.S.”

During the summer before Grade 7, my mom sat me down at the kitchen table and asked me if I’d like to go to Queen Margaret’s School. Although I was hesitant, my mom asked me to try it for a year. Next thing I knew, I was being fitted for my own kilt.

In April 1949, my sister and I were deposited at Queen Margaret’s School in Duncan, keeping us thankfully together after a series of foster homes. I thought the School was another place for homeless children.

Since opening its doors in 1921, Queen Margaret’s School has operated on the belief that every child has unique gifts and talents that they bring into the world.

Living within an international community like a school boarding program is a wonderful opportunity to promote global understanding and broaden our world view.

When Senior School Principal Deborah Cook and Director of Residential Life & Health Services Celina Mason decided to trial a new position of Chinese/English Interpreter at Queen Margaret’s School, they were thrilled with the overwhelmingly positive impact the new role had in enriching the School.

I used to think that I was shy; I never spoke up to express my opinions to others. Whenever I met new people, I wondered whether they liked me or not because I did not have confidence in myself.

This year, a team of 45 young artists from Queen Margaret’s School and 13 adult artists from Duncan combined forces to create a public mural which promotes the understanding of local eco-systems from a First Nations perspective while beautifying a main corridor in the City of Duncan.

When Grade 3 Teacher Patti Small sent out her annual letter to her new students with a challenge to design a new garden space near the Primary Centre in August 2010, she had no idea of the seeds of change that she had planted at Queen Margaret’s School.

A wagon emerges out of the hallway, is pulled gently through the Primary entrance and out into the big, wide world. The pullers of the wagon are 15 Kindergarten students bursting with excitement as they look for objects they want to know more about.

At Queen Margaret’s School, many of our staff and faculty lead by example, demonstrating to our students on a regular basis what it means to be generous and of service to others. Like our Founders, they do it without fanfare or acknowledgement.

A SMALL FOX, approximately the size of a domestic cat, seems an unlikely symbol of the health of wildlife in Canada. Weighing only 5-7 pounds, they are opportunistic feeders, eating rabbits, mice, birds, berries and seeds. They pose no threat to humans.

Over the 2016 Spring Break, Kelly Deng and 15 of her fellow QMS students travelled with teach-ers Sue Stone and Jane Richmond to Quito, Ecuador on a service learning trip, facilitated by Me to We. Below, Grade 10 student Kelly Deng describes her experience and how it impacted her.

Over five generations of students have graduated and gone forth to take their places in the world, spreading the influence of Queen Margaret’s School and our vision of creating lifelong learners making positive impacts in the world.

Currently I am reading Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World. Described as one of this generation’s most compelling and provocative thought leaders, author Adam Grant addresses the challenge of how do we improve the world around us.

The QMS Board of Governors are a group of dedicated volunteers who work together and oversee the governance of Queen Margaret’s School. They are ultimately responsible for the strategic direction of the school.

In 2015 the QMS PA raised over $25,000 in directed fundraising for our school. These funds are being allocated to a new Atom Ball Pit, upgrades to sound system in Founders’ Hall, and a new electronic sign for the school’s entrance.

Gala 2015 was a resounding success. A special thank you to the 2015 Gala Committee for the tireless hours spent securing donations for both the silent and live auctions.

After graduating from the University of Toronto, I began my career in the engineering consulting field, specializing in equipment/system design & analyses for the nuclear power generating industries.

Since graduating from QMS in 1987, I went on to pursue a B.A. and B.Ed. from UBC and UVic respectively. In 2006, I had the opportunity to start a winery on my family’s property.

Upon QMS I came to Queen’s to study physics, which interested me throughout high school. After I finish my undergrad I hope to continue my studies at grad school in Medical Physics, specifically in radiation therapy.

After graduation in 1994, I went on to study at the University of Victoria. I started a career advertising. In 2008, I teamed up with my child-hood friend, Emily Clements, to start Adage Studio in the Cowichan Valley.

The QMS Grad Class of 2015 received over $250,000 in scholarship offers.

The year was 1956—Grace Kelly became a princess, Doris Day sang “Que Sera, Sera,” the first episode of “As the World Turns” was broadcast on television, the Winter Olympics took place in Italy…

The QMS Parents’ Association is celebrating another successful year of fun-raising and fundraising. The school year started with the annual PA Wine & Cheese in September…

Students from my generation and each successive class were there to commemorate the Class of 2015 and their accomplishments. It was the embodiment of our three-linked chain: past with present, joining future.

Starting in 2016, QMS students in Grades 1–4 will have the opportunity to be recognized for their love of reading or art via two new awards: The Margaret Alexander Bookworm Award and The Margaret Alexander Budding Artist Award.

“Connecting the arts and education by developing mutual awareness, respect and appreciation” is one of the fundamental goals of the Artists in the Classroom program.

Being a student at Queen Margaret’s School means many things to me; it means challenging yourself, excelling to the best of your ability, but most importantly, contributing to your community by providing service for others.

For a school like Queen Margaret’s, Internet technology is used daily to help teachers and student push the boundaries of what can be accomplished in their learning opportunities, both collaboratively and individually.

Thanks in part to a generous donation by alumna Lea Burburuz (1958-1960), Queen Margaret’s School has purchased two portable automatic external defibrillators (AEDs). Placed in two central high-traffic, public areas in the school (the gymnasium and the Residence Atrium), these readily accessible AEDs are an integrated part of the school’s commitment to protecting the welfare of its students, staff and community.

For many QMS students, the face of the school is the first one that greets them in the morning and the last one to say goodbye to them each afternoon. It’s not their teacher, their principal, or their friends. It’s their bus driver.

“What is an archives?” That is a question that was posed to our young students this year in a video prepared for our annual Gala. Here are a sample of answers: “It’s a whole bunch of art.” “Umm…a cave?” “Where they put the records away.” “An Archives is where all the things from the school and people from the school in the past are kept.”

To a young student, words such as heritage, legacy and service are just that—words. They hold no meaning … yet.

Grade 12 student Tara Cooper was nominated for a Schulich Leader Scholarship. Launched in 2012, this $100 million program funds only 50 undergraduate scholarships each year, allowing promising students up to $80,000 to pursue their dreams and become innovation leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Tara was selected by Dalhousie University as their 2015 Schulich Award winner for Engineering.

Every Wednesday, Junior French Teacher Dean Schneider steps into his role as the Junior School Chaplain at Queen Margaret’s School and greets the school’s Kindergarten to Grade 7 students as they attend their weekly chapel service.

With Canada’s only on-campus English riding program, QMS attracts elite student riders from all over the world. These students are not only accountable to the rigorous demands of a challenging academic program geared towards university preparation, they are also responsible for the care and exercise of their horses.

As an international boarding school, QMS welcomes students from over a dozen different countries annually. The vocabulary of school is hard enough for most people —hypotenuse, paradox, synthesis, discourse are just a few course-specific words our students encounter on a daily basis. Now imagine learning these concepts in another country, in another language. This is a challenge that many Queen Margaret’s School students face every school year.

In our focus on student-centered learning, the Fine Arts Department at Queen Margaret’s School works in concert with the other departments in the school to deliver innovative and unique programs that focus on developing the whole person.

In 2014, Madison Heisterman (Grade 9) became the first ever provincial track and field champion from Queen Margaret’s School. Not only did she capture the gold medal running in the 1500m, but she also won the silver medal in the 800m in 2014 and the gold medal in the 800m in 2015.

The world is changing rapidly and exponentially. In fact, Raymond Kurzweil, noted Futurist and Director of Engineering at Google, tells us that the 21st century will experience 20,000 years of progress (at today’s rate), not 100!

The concept of critical thinking has been around since the time of Socrates. But how do you teaching critical thinking and habits of the mind to young children who are also busy grasping the fundamentals of literacy and numeracy, all the while learning how to engage and connect with their peers in a positive and compassionate manner?

The Campus Master Plan showcases a strong vision for the future of the QMS campus.

When we embarked on developing a new strategic plan for Queen Margaret’s School last year, one of our priorities was the creation of renewed and unifying vision and mission statements for our school which reflect our current reality, yet honour the foundations upon which our community was built.

A course has been set for our centenary in 2021 and beyond that will challenge us to reach our collective potential with courage and resilience. It celebrates our ability as a small independent school to be adaptive and flexible, and acknowledges the powerful strength of our community.

The QMS Grad Class of 2014 is embarking on exciting new opportunities with acceptances at several post secondary institutions and scholarship awards totalling over $280,000!

Scholarships and Bursaries are an important part of independent schools; Queen Margaret’s School awards merit scholarships to to students who demonstrate excellence in academics, athletics, the arts or community service.

QMS was pleased to welcome back Old Girls, past staff and faculty to the Reunion Weekend of 2014.

Those of you who belonged to the QMS family have your own individual experiences to remember, your own stories to tell. What do you remember?

There is no doubt that QMS is an outstanding school—for the last 93 years, students from all over the world have received a first-rate education that has prepared them to be successful in post-secondary pursuits, chosen career paths, and to become concerned citizens of the world.

On January 9th, 2013, our family began a life altering adventure to the continent of Africa with AFRETECH Aid Society, founded in 1992 by Don and Bonnie Sutherland, two teachers, from Delta, British Columbia.

Profiles of QMS volunteers today. Partnering with parents.

In the 2013-14 school year, boarders represented eleven countries and eight different languages. Yet despite our differences, we seek the same: to be heard, to be under-stood; to be acknowledged and to be respected.

The QMS Residence Program has seen much transformation over the years. In September 1981, a new building was completed, just a week before school started, linking St. Michael’s and St. Hugh’s houses together.

A decade after I first started to revitalize our leadership curriculum, the school has developed a leadership framework that encompasses the whole school, in every department.

Partnering with Me to We, senior school students travelled to Ghana to assist in building a new school. Listening and participating in this new culture was so rewarding, even though we only had a brief time.

Queen Margaret’s School is committed to providing education that places an emphasis on critical thinking, positive relationships and a strong sense of community involvement.

During World War II, Queen Margaret’s School undertook its greatest service project to date—salvaging materials to raise money to contribute to War Funds. The legacy of service at QMS is a proud one, and one that QMS students are eager to continue.

Before there were Outdoor Education, Service Learning, and Leadership courses, there was Girl Guides. As an integral part of the early days of QMS, many of the school’s first students were recruited through Guiding.

QMS was one of the first schools in the Cowichan Valley to have classroom computers. In the interim years, technology has changed the classroom landscape. Now technology has become ubiquitous in the classroom.

Educational practice has changed since Miss Denny and Miss Geoghegan founded Queen Margaret’s School. The early years were characterized by a traditional teacher-centred approach that focused on rote memorization…

Boys have been an integral part of Queen Margaret’s School since our inception in 1921. However, boys attending QMS today may have a very different experience than those who attended earlier in the school’s history!

The key to a successful, evolving education system is not in the bricks and mortar, but in the ability to engage the hearts and minds of all stakeholders in the aspirations one has for the learner.

When Miss Shirley Burr arrived on campus back in 1961, the Equestrian Centre consisted of a rickety old barn on an overgrown area housing four horses. Through the determination of our students and their love of horses…

The Bridgeman Cup is the oldest and most prestigious Senior Girls’ Field Hockey Tournament in British Columbia. First held in 1937, it has its roots at Queen Margaret’s School, where the tournament took place every November.

Before YouTube, before television, even before cinemas and movies, mass entertainment in small communities like Duncan consisted of amateur theatrical performances and concerts. In the creative spirit of the 1920s…

Capacity is defined as the ability to do things; adaptive capacity involves the complimentary and often destabilizing quest for change in pursuit of improved performance, relevance and impact.

Queen Margaret's School was founded by Miss Norah Creina Denny and Miss Dorothy Rachel Geoghegan. Miss Denny and Miss Geoghegan wanted to provide a solid education for anyone willing to come to their school.

The QMS Grad Class of 2013 is embarking on exciting new opportunities with acceptances at several post secondary institutions and scholarship awards totalling over $250,000!

When the Founders, Miss Denny and Miss Geoghegan, planned for retirement, they formed the non-profit Queen Margaret’s Trust Society in 1954.

With the help of volunteers, QMS continues to provide an exceptional education for its students. When parents volunteer their time at QMS, it shows they are partners in their child’s education.

As we look back on the intentions of our founders, Miss Geoghegan and Miss Denny, or look forward to the opening of our new Learning Centre in the fall of 2013, the hopes and expectations remain the same.

The graduating class of ’63 met on Old Girls’ Weekend this past May to celebrate 50 years since their graduation from QMS. Sitting together at the Alumnae Dinner, the ladies regaled with tales of their adventures at the school.

I truly felt a debt of gratitude to Queen Margaret’s, for the education, the teachers, and the whole QMS experience that sent me out in the world with a solid foundation — not to mention those treasured friend-ships…

Every year, the school chooses a distinguished graduate to speak at Speech Day. This year, the honour went to Jennifer Stone, Class of ‘97.

This year’s Grandparent’s Day was especially well attended with approximately 80 grandparents and significant elders in attendance.

When QMS Alumna Dr. Danielle Fritz toured a veterinary clinic in Kindergarten, she knew that she wanted to be a vet when she grew up. This notable QMS graduate is now the main veterinary caretaker for over 40 equine athletes…

Each September, the Junior School embarks on its Outdoor Education Program. These trips provide essential opportunities for classes to come together and build trust, setting a foundation for an amazing school year ahead.

As an integrated element of the QMS curriculum, senior students spend four days on an outdoor education trip. For many international boarders, these trips are a first opportunity to experience the wilderness of British Columbia.

Athletics is one of the four pillars at Queen Margaret’s School, where physical fitness is emphasized and the life-long enjoyment of physical activities is encouraged.

QMS is more than just a school, it is a community. While students and teachers comprise the core, they are guided and enriched by administrators, support staff, and dedicated volunteers.

Miss Sybil Phoebe Spurgin passed away on April 4, 2013, and Queen Margaret’s School lost a living legend.

Completed in June 1934, the QMS Chapel is a unique structure, built entirely with native woods. It has a special place in the lives and hearts of every QMS student past and present, regardless of faith.

Supported and mentored by the faculty of the Humanities Department, the Global Issues Club serves as a vehicle for student engagement beyond the walls of the classroom.

Increasing knowledge of and engagement with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) has been brought to the forefront of educational reforms in North America in an effort to better prepare students for the challenges of the global economy and to push the boundaries of innovation.

More than just a repository for print materials, the new Learning Commons is designed to promote collaboration, research, project development, and presentations. Library resources will be close at hand for Intermediate students, and integrated wireless technology will support research opportunities and digital learning for students and staff at QMS.

Our 27-acre campus is home to over 300 students and more than 40 horses. As Canada’s only equestrian boarding school, QMS offers a unique opportunity to its students to attend class and participate in a world-renowned equestrian program. All riders are welcomed and accommodated, from the tentative first time rider to the established rider looking to further advance their skills.

For many students, school is fun, but weekends are when the excitement really happens. In QMS Residence, these times are for students to connect with each other through recreation.

As a young woman, living in Residence is one of the best developmental opportunities we can be faced with. Being a Boarder is more than a title. It is a duty. What type of duty you ask? Well, we are the few who are brave enough to leave our comfort zone.

Leaving home to come to a boarding school can be scary, but arriving in Residence where there are 19 languages spoken and students from 17 different cultures can be downright terrifying!

Being nominated for and winning the Green Business Award at the Cowichan Chamber of Commerce Black Tie Awards was a surprise for the entire school community. Making the school greener has been a long-standing focus for many students and staff, but in 2013, it became apparent that these efforts were not just the focus of a few individuals, but the entire school.

As many parents of young adolescents can tell you, these children are at a critical stage of learning; they are about to embark on a growth and development phase that will set the stage for adulthood. It is imperative that these students are given a learning environment that is safe, inviting, and challenging. Queen Margaret’s School is committed to providing the best middle years’ experience possible.

As part of an Earth Day celebration, Queen Margaret’s ECE students participated in a community Shoreline Clean-Up at Transfer Beach in Lady-smith on March 14, 2013.

Servite Fortiter (Serve Ye Bravely), the motto of QMS, sets a standard that continues to challenge students to look beyond themselves and give to their communities, both locally and globally.

Walking into the Arts and Culture Salon, one cannot help but be engulfed in a wave of sights, sounds and smells. Laughter and song lift one’s spirit, cultural treats entice the taste buds, and creative works inspire reflection and contemplation. It is an annual event that is not to be missed.

The newest jewel in the Queen Margaret’s School crown will be The Learning Centre (TLC), scheduled to open its doors the fall of 2013.

Miss Margaret Glide passed away on September 22, 2012, and Queen Margaret’s School hosted a memorial service for her that was attended by many students, former teachers, and alumnae.