Explore the emerging lineup of speakers and performances for 2026.
Speakers
Be inspired, empowered and informed by attending one of the many Speaker Series sessions offered throughout Open Day. Enjoy student showcases of music and culture, from Junior School to Year 13, and support the creativity, talent and courage of our students.
At 10am Te Whānau o Kuīni Mākareta welcome you to Open Day with the sound of the conch and pūrerehua (instruments), followed by a haka pōwhiri in the Atrium and Assembly Hall.
Welcome and keynote presentation from the Principal
Principal Jayne-Ann Young welcomes you to Open Day 2026. Her presentation will discuss the capabilities young people will require in a rapidly evolving future and how QMC is equipping students to engage with uncertainty, be comfortable with change and to think critically, to create and to act in contexts we cannot yet fully imagine.
Time: 10.22am - 10:45am
Location: Assembly Hall
IB Diploma Student Panel Discussion
Hear from the students! Sit in on this panel discussion with current IB Diploma students speaking about their personal experiences with the IBDP at QMC, led by IB Diploma Programme Coordinator Emma Birch.
Time: 11.00am - 11.30am
Location: Auditorium
Primary Years Programme (PYP)
Hear from Head of Junior School Jan Treeby and Deputy Head of Junior School Diane Campbell-Ward about the Primary Years Programme as they share what an IB education looks like in Junior School.
Time: 11.00am - 11.30am
Location: W18
NCEA Panel Discussion with NCEA Students
Get the facts and debunk the myths of our national qualification, NCEA. Hear from a panel of current students, facilitated by Deputy Principal Learning & Teaching, Holly Payne.
Time: 11.30am - 12.00pm
Location: Auditorium
Starting in Year 1
In this session, Deputy Head of Junior School Diane Campbell-Ward will share key insights to help your daughter start school and provide a glimpse into a typical day in Year 1 at QMC.
Time: 11.30am - 12.00pm
Location: W18
QMC Year 11 Foundations for Futures
Hear from Deputy Principal Holly Payne about QMC's Foundations for Futures Award, preparing students confidently for tomorrow through academic strength, critical thinking, courageous leadership, and the values needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Especially relevant for parents and students in Year 10 and below.
Time: 12.00pm - 12.30pm
Location: Auditorium
Years 7-10 Middle Years Programme (MYP)
Join this engaging panel discussion facilitated by Camille Le Prou, QMC's MYP Coordinator. Hear directly from current MYP students as they share their experiences of learning, challenge and growth across Years 7-10.
Ask questions and gain authentic insights into life as an MYP student, discover what they value most about the programme, and learn how the MYP supports students to become confident, curious and independent learners.
Time: 12.30pm - 1.00pm
Location: Auditorium
Critical Thinking as the Essential Future Literacy
This presentation by Deputy Principal Learning & Teaching, Holly Payne, invites families to consider how education is evolving and why critical thinking, the ability to question, analyse and make meaning, is essential in a world increasingly shaped by technology.
Discover how QMC is embedding critical thinking throughout learning and teaching, equipping our students not simply to keep pace with the future, but to shape it.
Time: 12.30pm - 1.00pm
Location: Assembly Hall
Performances
During the day attendees can look forward to captivating performances by our esteemed choirs and orchestras, showcasing the exceptional musical talent within our school community.
Haka Pōwhiri & Karakia
Te Whānau o Kuīni Mākareta welcome you to Open Day with the sound of the conch and pūrerehua (traditional instruments), followed by the opening karakia.
Time: 10.10am - 10.15am
Location: Assembly Hall
Voces Luce
Enjoy a performance from Voces Luce, Queen Margaret College's premier choir. This accomplished ensemble performs regularly at school and community events and proudly represents QMC at local, regional, national and international events.
The performance piece will be announced at the beginning of the set.
Time: 10.15am - 10.22am
Location: Assembly Hall
Te Whānau o Kuīni Mākareta Waiata & Closing Karakia
Te Whānau o Kuīni Mākareta perform a waiata and lead the closing karakia.
Time: 10.45am - 10.50am
Location: Assembly Hall
Tūī Singers
Enjoy a joyful performance from the Tūī Singers, bringing together all current Year 1-3 students at QMC. Full of energy and enthusiasm, our youngest singers are sure to delight the Open Day audience. The performance piece will be announced at the beginning of the set.
Time: 10.50am - 11.05am
Location: Assembly Hall
Instrumental Music Showcase
Enjoy performances from QMC's talented instrumental ensembles, including:
Stringendos
Year 6 Band
Banditas
QMC Orchestra
These performances feature students learning string and wind instruments through our Junior School instrumental programme, alongside our middle and senior instrumental ensembles. The pieces will be announced at the beginning of each performance.
Time: 11.45am - 12.30pm
Location: Assembly Hall
All Speaker Series sessions and performances are open to all visitors unless otherwise stated. We encourage families to arrive early to secure seating for popular sessions.
