An OOMA Legacy
Story appeared in the 2021 issue of QMS Connections Magazine.
BY SARAH MILNE (1981–1987), OOMA President
The QMS Founders (circa 1926).
Sarah Milne–OOMA President
This year we celebrate a monumental occasion at QMS—100 years of family, alumni, and community connection. It was my pleasure to attend a special Centennial Founders’ Day event (outdoors) on April 1, 2021, commencing QMS’s Centennial festivities. During the coming school year, as pandemic restrictions lift, there will be plenty of opportunities to visit the School and join the celebration. I encourage you to join us for as many events as you can. It is the celebration of our century!
For over 70 years OOMA has been providing an annual bursary to a QMS student in need. These bursary contributions were helpful for the students, but did not cover the entire cost of tuition. With the launch of the Overseas Old Margaretian Association Legacy Centennial Fund, we hope to provide a Heritage Scholar with a significant portion of their tuition. Our goal is to endow the fund, thus providing for future students indefinitely. To everyone who has already contributed, thank you! We are excited to inform you that your donations have been matched (dollar-for-dollar) by OOMA. For anyone considering donating to the fund, I encourage you to, and remind you that OOMA is matching all donations up to $40,000! This fund is a benevolent link bridging us to future students who don’t even know they will experience the gift of a QMS education.
OOMA supports students of all backgrounds and genders to attend Queen Margaret’s School. As single women, our Founders themselves had an unusual profile. They travelled halfway around the world not knowing what they would do when they got here. In their own ways, they established unspoken School traditions of encouraging independence, travelling, and finding adventure by exploring possibilities that challenge conventional norms.
QMS is experiencing new growth while learning to adapt to change. I am excited to share this time with our community. I feel our Founders would be proud of the current School; our Board of Governors, the phenomenal staff, the students, and their parents and guardians. During this unusual year I have had the privilege to witness first-hand, the School’s versatility, positive attitude and unfailing commitment to maintaining the highest possible standard of education. Queen Margaret’s School is thriving and I imagine no greater way to honour what Miss Geoghegan and Miss Denny created than for us to continue to support their school for another hundred years.
Happy Birthday QMS!