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Issue 51 – October 2014 – QUEEN MARGARET CALLING
know that there
is a biological
d i f f e r e n c e
between
the
way boys and girls develop and view the world and as a corollary,
how they learn in the classroom. The advantage of an all-girls
school is that the teaching programme
can be tailored to meet the specific
needs of young women and girls who
also have the freedom to be themselves
without risking embarrassment. During
the formative adolescent period when
girls sometimes lose confidence in their
abilities all-girls schools provide an
encouraging, supportive environment.
Queen Margaret College is that school.
I relish the thought of Queen
Margaret College girls crossing the
city’s streets to and from school being
reminded, even in a subliminal way, of the achievements of Kate
Sheppard. I hope some of them also gaze towards the ninth floor of
the Beehive and reflect that in this country two women have led our
nation from there. Who knows, they may be next.
Enjoy reading this edition and the successes and experiences of
Queen Margaret College girls.
Carol Craymer
From the Principal
Walk down Molesworth Street and cross the intersection
to Lambton Quay. Press the button to indicate you wish to
cross the road, then wait for the green walking man to ap-
pear on the light overhead. An unexpected image appears,
also green. It is the silhouette of an Edwardian lady, Kate
Sheppard, and it is she who accompanies you across the
road to safety.
S
he also features in the nearby traffic lights round the
parliamentary precinct reminding us of a historical
watershed, 1893, when New Zealand became the first country
in the world to enfranchise women. I applaud the bright spark who
dreamed up the walking image of Kate Sheppard, the courageous
leader of the women’s suffrage movement, and a strong role model
for today’s young women.
I am an unashamed advocate for girls’
schools as they provide positive female
role models, particularly important in an
age when popular culture can promote
inappropriate high-profile personalities. At
Queen Margaret College there are female
staff or older students in leadership roles or,
and our school is particularly blessed in this
regard, successful Old Girls, who continue
to play an active part in the life of the
school. One such example is Judge Carolyn
Henwood, retiring Chair of the Queen
Margaret College Trust and one of the first New Zealand women to
be elevated to the bench.
Another strong argument in support of all-girls schools is that
every leadership role is filled by a girl, thereby empowering young
women by boosting their skills, confidence and aspirations. We
I am an
unashamed
advocate for
girls’ schools
