The Astra Gala Dinner May 16, 2026, was a remarkable evening of generosity, community, and shared belief in the transformative power of education.
It was heartening to see parents, carers, alumnae, staff, donors, and friends of Queenwood gathered in support of our vision for the future of girls’ education. The evening reflected something distinctive about this community: a collective commitment not only to academic excellence, but also to the formation of young women of character, purpose, and intellectual courage.
We were honoured to welcome Ms Felicity Wilson MP, Member for North Shore, as our guest and donor, and grateful to our MC Angela Bishop, the QPA, year-group parent representatives, our generous donors, and the many staff and volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.
I would also like to acknowledge our staff, whose commitment to Queenwood extends far beyond the classroom and whose professionalism, care, and dedication were evident throughout the evening. Together, their efforts created an occasion of extraordinary warmth and professionalism.
A significant moment of the evening was the formal announcement of the name of Queenwood’s new Esther Road centre, due to open in 2027.
After considerable reflection, the Queenwood Council selected the name Artemis, drawn from the classical tradition and inspired by the figure known as protector of young women and nurturer of the young. The name reflects our aspirations for the Centre and for the education we believe young women require in the twenty-first century.
Artemis will bring together art and engineering, design and technology, the humanities and the performing arts within a rigorous transdisciplinary environment. It represents our conviction that education must develop not only technical competence, but also ethical reasoning, creativity, identity, and leadership. It will be a place where students learn not simply how to do things, but why they matter.
Most importantly, the evening reminded us that Queenwood’s future is being built collectively, by a community willing to invest in opportunities that will shape generations of young women to come. Thank you to all those who attended and supported the Astra Gala Dinner for helping make that future possible.
