eNews Archive Issue 21 - 23 July 2026

Mayo Arts Festival

Excitement is building for the MAYO Arts Festival on the Saturday 1 August - a signature community event in our school calendar and a vibrant celebration of the arts. I encourage you to join us and explore the art, music, and dramatic performances as well as the artisan market, food, and beverages and for children, the carnival amusement rides and activities.

The Mayo Arts Festival is a fabulous opportunity for our community to come together but is also an important fundraiser for the school and, in conjunction with the much-appreciated generosity of donors and sponsors, assists the school to continually grow our art collection for educative purposes and to inspire current and future generations of St Margaret’s students.

Our school community including students, parents, teachers, and support staff have worked tirelessly to make this event an enormous success, and it would be wonderful if you and your family could join us on that day.

Ros Curtis AM

To support this important work, St Margaret’s implements the Child Safe Anglican Education Policy, Child Safe Responses Procedures, and Child Safe Operations Procedures. These documents are available on the school website. Students also have access to age-appropriate information about our child safety commitments through their class and year-level POD pages.

A key part of our child safety framework is our team of Child Safe Advocates, who provide support and guidance to students, families, staff, visitors and community members. They serve as an important point of contact for anyone seeking advice or wishing to raise a child safety concern.

In addition, the school has a Child Safe Committee that oversees the development, implementation, monitoring and review of our Child Safe Action Plan. The committee is responsible for coordinating our child safety initiatives and ensuring effective implementation of the Child Safe Anglican Education Policy and related procedures. The committee reports to the Principal and School Council each term, and the 2026 Child Safe Action Plan is available on the school website.

Creating and maintaining a child-safe culture is a shared responsibility across our entire school community. If you would like to discuss any aspect of our child safety approach, please do not hesitate to contact me in my role as Lead Child Safe Advocate.

Nicole Devlin

Last week, I had the privilege of visiting the Community of the  Sisters of the Church in the Solomon Islands. I spent time with Sister Veronica, who is the Sister Provincial (oversees the leadership of the CSC communities and ministries in the region). Sister Veronica visited St Margaret’s last year and told the story of the school she started in her kitchen which then expanded to the lower floor of her house, and then to a purpose-built school building. The work that the sisters do in caring for the vulnerable, educating women and children, and providing a safe and restorative sanctuary is inspiring, particularly their strength, faith, and courage in the face of many challenges, e.g. access to power, uncontaminated water, gender-based violence, etc.

I had the privilege of visiting the Christian Care Centre (CCC) which is an Anglican institution operated by two orders of Anglican nuns - the Community of Sisters of the Church and the Community of Sisters of Melanesia. The CCC plays a unique role in the Solomon Islands as the sole key provider of short term shelter to women and children affected by gender-based violence.

- Christian Care Centre - ACOM

The Community of the Sisters of the Church has an historical connection with the Society of the Sacred Advent and we are continuing to nurture and build the relationship between the SSA and CSC in the Solomon Islands.

Rev’d Jazz Dow

Saturday brought out the creativity, talent, and competitive spirit of our boarders. Dividing into teams, they took part in a Dance Off and Bake-Off Competition, encouraging collaboration, communication, and teamwork. Every group had to work together, support one another, and contribute their individual strengths. The grand finale was a spectacular celebration, featuring cultural foods chosen from the boarders' favourites, music from a DJ, exciting rides, and the ever-popular mechanical bull. The atmosphere was electric as everyone came together to celebrate the diversity, talents, and spirit of our boarding community.

Sunday saw the return of the famous and notorious Amazing Race through the city, beginning at the Botanical Gardens and finishing back at school. More than just a race, it was an important opportunity for students to demonstrate teamwork, resilience, leadership, and problem solving. Eight teams all dressed in different costumes, navigated challenges, encouraged one another through difficult moments, and celebrated successes together. The Amazing Race highlighted the importance of working as a team, trusting each other, and showing determination while having fun along the way.

Throughout the closed weekend, the true strength of our boarding community was on display. Whether cheering on teammates, tackling challenges, embracing the adventure through the city, or simply enjoying each other's company and being their silly authentic selves, our boarders demonstrated outstanding spirit and a genuine sense of belonging. These experiences help build friendships, strengthen connections across year levels, and create a supportive environment where everyone feels valued.

It was a celebration of community, culture, teamwork, and boarding life. These are the experiences that make boarding special and remind us all that we are part of something much bigger than ourselves.

Gracemere Mataia

Year 12 Academic Progress Meetings

This week, I started meeting with Year 12 students to do a final check in on their progress and to discuss their plans moving forwards. ATAR eligible students will receive an updated ATAR prediction based on their first two internal results. Students are to book these meetings via the POD and parents are welcome to attend these meetings either in person or via phone/Teams.

Year 12 2027 Parent Information Evening

In Week 4, we will be holding the Year 12 2027 Parent Information Evening. The purpose of this evening is to explain the QCE system in more detail and to provide more information regarding the girls’ final year of school. This event will be held via Teams and also recorded for any parents unable to make the evening in person. Please keep an eye out on the POD for more information.

“Make the most of your time left at St Margaret’s because it really does fly by and you want to make the most of the opportunities you are given.” – Emily MacDowell, ’25.

Caitlin McCluskey

Students were eligible for two awards:

• Progress Certificate – awarded to students whose GPA improved by at least one whole point from the previous semester.
• Academic Pocket – awarded to students who achieved a GPA of 13 or above.

It is with great pleasure that I extend my warmest congratulations to the following students:

Year 7

Academic Pocket Awards:
Alexandra B, Pippa B, Adelita B, Isabelle B, Sophia B, Elizabeth B, Isla B, Charley C, Penny C, Olivia C, Charlotte C, Anika C, Ivy C, Clover D, Molly F, Matilda G, Yike H, Isabella H, Aimee H, Madeleine J, Ayeon J, Olivia K, Serena K, Clare L, Annabel L, Claire L, Grace L, Zimeng M, Alice M, Emma O, Isabel P, Isabella P, Isabella R, Alina S, Olivia S, Sienna S, Alice S, Lulu T, Willow W, Lilian W, Abigail W, Ziqiu Y, Zara Z

Year 8

Academic Pocket Awards:
Sofia B, Florence B, Georgina B, Olivia B, Arabella B, Morgan B, Esther B, Caitlyn B, Yuna C, Holly C, Claire d, Kiara D, Imogen D, Molly D, Delilah D, Charlotte D, Bonnie E, Camilla F, Bronte G, Madison H, Eloise H, Edie J, Ha Eun K, Alice K, Haeun L, Florence L, Megan L, Sarah L, Dain P, Vi-Anh P, Harriet P, Amelia R, Charlotte R, Charlotte R, Harriet R, Scarlett R, Sabrina Z

Progress Awards:
Maggie B, Isabelle C, Olivia C, Sophia D, Arkie F, Georgia G, Amelia H, Odette H, Jessica J, Lucy K, Lilly-Rose L, Amelia M, Alira M, Harriette N, Annika P, Annabelle R, Olivia S, Molly S

Academic Pocket and Progress Awards:
Annie A, Audrey B, Amelia D, Esme D, Luofan J, Ivy L, Audrey M, Charlotte M, Serena O, Annabelle T, Lucy W, Eliza W, Florence W, Francesca Y

Year 9

Academic Pocket Awards:
Grace A, Charlie B, Annabel B, Sofia B, Thea B, Piper C, Cassandra C, Yujiao C, Jiwon C, Mia C, Maya C, Gia C, Sarah C, Alessandra C, Maya D, Chloe D, Grace E, Hanna F, Agnes F, Juniper F, Isabella G, Allegra H, Mia H, Ashley J, Chloe J, Alekhya K, Chloe K, Harang L, Cheuk Yi L, Lanarita L, Anabelle M, Mia M, Amelia M, Millicent M, Blaire M, Sienna M, Ishani M, Clara O, Zara P, Isabelle R, Rosanna R, Sophie S, Zara S, Eva S, Jessica S, Caitlin S, Isabella S, Arabella T, Uyen Bao Dang T, Annabel W, Grace W, Tilly W, Elkie W

Progress Awards:
Jean A, Imogen B, Maya-Makayla B, Alessandra C, Milla J, Olivia R, Zara W, Isla W

Academic Pocket and Progress Awards:
Thamanna A, Annika B, Sienna D, Isabella G, Soyoon K, Matilda L, Olivia N, Lila S

Year 10

Academic Pocket Awards:
Zara B, Emily B, Sophie B, Ashleigh C, Emily C, Piper C, Ava C, Greer C, Penelope C, Camilla D, Chloe D, Ritz F, Jade F, Zali F, Maddison G, Emma H, Lata H, Phoebe J, Scarlett J, Emma K, Danielle L, Eilish L, Lauren L, Sophie M, Georgia M, Ella M, Alice M, Siena M, Stella M, Lauren M, Chloe N, Anjelica O, Sophia P, Valentina P, Isabelle P, Allegra P, Jiayu S, Isobel S, Eva V, Yueming W, Felicity Y

Progress Awards:
Annabelle B, Vivienne F, Beth H

Academic Pocket and Progress Awards:
Sienna B, Freja F

Year 11

Academic Pocket Awards:
Edith B, Holly B, Isabella B, Mia B, Olivia B, Abigail B, Abigail B, Hope C, Emily C, Samantha C, Tanisha d, Charlotte F, Clara F, Helena G, Georgina H, Elyettine H, Gina L, Cheuk Ning L, Ysabella M, India M, Estelle O, Zeli Q, Lucinda R, Madeline R, Astrid S, Talia S, Georgia S, Erin S, Ava T, Inès V, Emma W, Bronte W, Siena W

Progress Awards:
Eliza B, Madeleine C, Gabriella H, Emily J, Vivienne L, Mabel L, Jane M, Molly M, Hayley O, Madeline P, Imogen W

Academic Pocket and Progress Awards:
Sarah B, Chloe C, Sofia d, Olivia D, Gloria F, Amelia G, Charlize H, Maya H, Ellen R, Matilda R, Kit S, Liliana S

Year 12

Academic Pocket Awards:
Charlotte A, Matilda B, Amelie C, Sofia I, Lauren J, Lucy L, Xinyi L, Andie M, Abby M, Tayla M, Matilda O, Charlotte T, Hiu Ching T, Phoebe W

Progress Awards:
Neve A, Chloe A, Claudia A, Charlotte B, Ashley B, Amaya B, Sienna B, Amelie B, Sophie B, Hannah B, Kenzie C, Jamie-Mae C, Frances D, Madeleine E, Jemima G, Ruby G, Georgia H, Rose J, Sophie K, Aurora L, Philippa L, Annabel L, Sienna L, Amelia L, Daisy L, Millicent M, Sarah M, Georgia M, Philippa M, Deiselle M, Matilda M, Lillian M, Hannah M, Caitlin M, Lucy N, Darcy P, Sharlotte P, Kiara P, Olivia P, Isabel P, Madeleine P, Samantha P, Aaliyah P, Mollie S, Bridget S, Annabel T, Ava T, Jacqueline T, Sophia W, Sofie W, Zoe W, Adison W, Stella-Marie W

Academic Pocket and Progress Awards:
Charlotte B, Claire B, Madeline B, Rafaella B, Charlotte B, Hannah B, Francesca B, Emma B, Sophia B, Lola B, Maggie B, Evie B, Georgia B, Talia B, Flame C, Cynthia C, Katelyn C, Teliah C, Anna C, Hudson C, Bless D, Alexandra D, Eloise D, Esther D, Elspeth D, Miller E, Cadence E, Charlotte F, Coco F, Georgina F, Mana F, Ava F, Sofia G, Annabel H, Sophie H, Anika H, Samara H, Tia H, Amelia H, Amelie H, Olivia H, Lily J, Poppy J, Nell K, Scarlett K, Bronte K, Gemma K, Jessica K, Adel K, Angie L, Clara L, Vania L, Aila M, Hazel M, Maggie M, Elke M, Kashvi M, Taylah N, May N, Marcia N, Annabelle R, Ruby R, Annabelle R, Eloise S, Evie S, Milana S, Jessica S, Lucy S, Harper T, Bronte T, Anoushka T, Beatrice T, Tallulah V, Gabriella V, Isabel W, Letitia W, Chloe W, Isabelle W, Ellie W, Polly Y, Frankie Z

Chris Dunn

1. Broadening Perspectives and Support Networks

Teenagers often find it easier to open up to non-parental mentors about personal struggles, career aspirations, and social challenges. Studies show that adolescents with supportive adult mentors are more likely to develop strong problem-solving skills, resilience, and self-efficacy (DuBois et al., 2011). These mentors offer alternative perspectives and wisdom that complement parental guidance, helping young people navigate challenges with greater confidence and independence.

2. Positive Role Modelling and Skill Development

Mentors provide real-world knowledge, career advice, and life skills that shape a teen’s sense of identity and direction. Research by Zimmerman et al. (2002) found that mentorship helps adolescents build leadership skills and make healthier life choices, particularly among young people facing additional challenges. By observing trusted adults who model perseverance, integrity, and success, teenagers gain valuable examples of how to approach their own goals and aspirations.

3. Increased Academic and Career Opportunities

A strong mentor can encourage academic success and open doors to future career opportunities. Adolescents who engage in mentoring programs show higher educational aspirations, greater motivation, and stronger engagement with school (Herrera et al., 2013). Mentors can also provide practical guidance on subject selection, university pathways, scholarships, and career options, giving students greater confidence in planning for the future.

4. The Value of Alumni Mentoring Programs

Our school-based mentoring programs connects current students with Old Girls which provides a particularly powerful form of guidance and inspiration. Alumni mentors offer relatable examples of how young women can navigate school, university, careers, and personal challenges while remaining connected to the values of their school community. Through sharing their experiences, successes, and setbacks, Old Girls help students broaden their aspirations and develop confidence in their own potential. These intergenerational relationships foster a sense of belonging and continuity, while providing practical advice and encouragement that can positively influence future study, career pathways, and personal growth.

While parents remain the most important influence in a young person’s life, mentors provide an additional layer of support that can significantly enhance adolescent development. Whether through teachers, coaches, community members, or Old Girls, mentoring relationships help teenagers build resilience, expand their horizons, and develop the confidence needed to thrive. Encouraging young people to seek guidance from trusted adults beyond their immediate family strengthens their support network and equips them with valuable insights that contribute to lifelong success and wellbeing.

References

DuBois, D. L., Portillo, N., Rhodes, J. E., Silverthorn, N., & Valentine, J. C. (2011). How effective are mentoring programs for youth? A meta-analytic review. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 12(2), 57–91.

Herrera, C., Grossman, J. B., Kauh, T. J., Feldman, A. F., & McMaken, J. (2013). Mentoring in Schools: An Impact Study of Big Brothers Big Sisters School-Based Mentoring. MDRC.

Rhodes, J. E. (2005). A model of youth mentoring. In D. L. DuBois & M. J. Karcher (Eds.), Handbook of Youth Mentoring (pp. 30–43). SAGE Publications.

Zimmerman, M. A., Bingenheimer, J. B., & Notaro, P. C. (2002). Natural mentoring relationships and adolescent health: Evidence from a national study. American Journal of Public Health, 92(2), 222–227.

Nikki Townsend

Term 3 is an event filled term, whether through celebration, service, creativity, sport or fellowship, these occasions enrich school life and reinforce the relationships that underpin our community.

St Margaret's Day

The first whole school event in our Term 3 school calendar is St Margaret’s Day. This day honours our school's namesake and celebrates the history, traditions and values that continue to shape our community. It is an opportunity for students to come together in the spirit of faith, service and community. Tomorrow, students will gather for a special assembly to celebrate and reflect on the school's heritage which includes giving to those in need. Thank you to the many parents who donated pantry goods. The day also includes a range of house activities designed to build connection, teamwork and school spirit. Selected students will participate in St Margaret’s Run, a tradition where the students race around the school, cheered on by the school community, and finish where they start on Circular Drive.

MAYO Arts Festival

The following week MAYO Arts Festival will be the highlight on the calendar. This biennial event brings the school and wider community together. It will kick off on Friday afternoon (31 July) with Winter Wonders, a celebration of music. This concert will feature performances by students in Year 3,4 and 5 music beginner ensembles and provide our students with the opportunity to perform on a Circular Drive. The students in the following music programs and ensembles will be performing: 

• Yr 3 and Yr 4 Strings (Primary Strings Immersion Program)
• Yr 5 Band (Primary Band Immersion Program)
• Archetti Strings (Early beginner strings ensemble)

The performance will begin at 11:00am and conclude at approximately 12:00pm.  All parents and friends are warmly invited to attend.

The following day the school will be transformed into a Festival with rides, activities, entertainment and so much more.

Ponytail Project

On Tuesday 4 August, ‘hair’ will be the focus of events when the primary girls come to school with ‘crazy hair’ and watch secondary girls and staff cut their hair as part of the Ponytail Project.  This significant event commenced in 2015 when students wanted to pay tribute and support members of the community affected by cancer. Participants cut and donate their ponytails to be made into wigs for people undergoing treatment, while also raising funds for cancer research and support services. The initiative has grown significantly and has inspired schools across Queensland to become involved. To support the students and staff cutting off their hair for charity, please access this link: Ponytail Project - St Margaret's Anglican Girls 2026.

Open Morning

On Tuesday 11 August,the classrooms doors will be opened to members of the community so visitors can witness learning in action.

Book Week

Book Week celebrates the joy of reading and literature. This year’s theme is “Symphony of Stories”. All students will participate in a variety of literature activities throughout the week, and more details will follow. Students in Pre-Prep to Year 4 will take to the stage on 25 August dressed as a book character and parade on Circular Drive 12.00 – 1.30pm.

Arts Spectacular

The week concludes with Arts Spectacular on 28 August which showcases the talents of students in Years 5 and 6, across visual art, music, drama and performance. Families are invited to celebrate the creativity, dedication and achievements of these students.

Students and staff look forward to celebrating these events with the school community.

Andrews Cup Soccer

Congratulations to our Andrews Cup soccer teams on some fantastic results.

Open A – 1^st Arna Bennett Trophy Winners

Open B – 3^rd

Open C White – 3^rd

Open C Navy – 6^th

Junior A – 2^nd (Went down in the grand final)

Junior B White – 5^th

Junior B Navy – 4^th

Angela Drysdale

The girls will begin their first session with Judith via Zoom on Monday 3 August, with a follow-up session on Thursday 10 September. Each year level will take part in a 90-minute session on each of these dates.

Over the three years, the program covers: the emotional and physical changes of puberty; self-respect, belonging and connection; body image and interpersonal relationships; anxiety management skills; shame resilience; and communication and interacting for the wellbeing of oneself and others. The program is closely linked with the Daniel Morcombe program and is developed to reflect our Christian values. It is not designed to replace the role of parents in this area — we encourage you to use it as a springboard for your own conversations with your daughter.

To provide further information about what your daughter will experience in these sessions, I will be facilitating a Parent Information Session with Judith via Zoom on Tuesday 28 July, 6.00–7.00pm. The Zoom link will be shared on the day. This session is for parents and carers of Years 3, 4 and 5 students taking part in the program; it is restricted to adults, and children are asked not to attend. You'll have the chance to hear from Judith directly and, time permitting, ask questions before the in-class sessions begin.

We encourage all parents to attend the online information session. If you have any questions about the program, please contact your daughter's classroom teacher.

Annette Box

Summa Cum Laude, in particular, is a wonderful festival experience, carefully planned to give students opportunities to perform and hear incredible music in spectacular spaces in Vienna — a city with a rich history of music-making. Students will also have the chance to meet musicians from around the world and experience firsthand the power of music as an international language. Please click here to watch the festival in action in 2025:

SCL Festival 2025 - Youth Music Magic in Vienna - Unforgettable Moments from the Festival

If you have any questions about the tour, please feel free to let email the Music Department (music@stmargarets.qld.edu.au). We look forward to providing this amazing opportunity for our students at St Margaret’s!

PRACTICE-A-THON FUNDRAISER

The Music Department in conjunction with the Music Support Group are excited to once again run the Practice-a-thon fundraiser. This is a wonderful initiative organised by the Music Support Group that will both assist in raising funds for the Music Program, as well as encourage students to develop a healthy, consistent practice routine. The Practice-a-thon is open to students in the Primary school who are undertaking private music lessons, involved in co-curricular music ensembles or are a part of the Yr 3 & 4 Strings Program/Yr 5 Band program. Practice-a-thon forms have been delivered to all students this week (Primary music Practice-a-thon flyer 2026.pdf (PDF 267.1KB)). Students (with the help of parents) are able to sign up via the QR code and seek sponsorship from friends and family to raise money based on the level of practice achieved during the period 16-29 August. There will be prizes for the students who have raised the most money, and shown the most practice, as well as two random draws. Each prize will be a hamper that will consist of a Frameo digital photo frame, a pastel writeable music folder, an Astala Luna pencil case, a Vinyl Plush pendant blind box Monster, a set of Kknekki hair ties, and pencils and stickers. We look forward to having many students signing up!

MAYO ARTS FESTIVAL

The Mayo Arts Festival is fast approaching with all the students in the Music Department rehearsing hard in preparation for the event on Saturday 1 August.  This event is a day filled with musical entertainment along with the opportunity to explore artisan stalls, food trucks, rides and other fun activities.

Mayo Arts Festival 2026 Performance Times

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE (Circular Drive Stage):

11:00am            Sculthorpe String Quartet

12:00pm           Tutti Strings

12:20pm           Belle Voci

12:35pm           Chorale

12:50pm           Solo Performances

1:30pm             Elayne Jones Percussion Ensemble

2:00pm             Chaseley Concert Band

2:15pm             Jackson Wind Ensemble

2:30pm             Sister Helen Wind Symphony

3:00pm             Amati Strings

3:15pm             Stradivari Strings

3:30pm             Chamber Strings

3:45pm             Encorah

4:15pm             Ballare

4:30pm             Volare

4:45pm             Exultate

5:00pm             Boarder Island Dance Group

5:30pm             Stage Band

5:55pm             GAP Performance

6:05pm             Highly Strung

6:20pm             Monday Rock Band

6:40pm             Tuesday Rock Band      

MAYO WINTER WONDERS

As part of our Mayo Festival performances, we are very excited to invite a number of our primary beginner ensembles to perform at a special event called Winter Wonders. This will be held on Friday 31 July, the day prior to the Mayo Festival, and provide our younger students with the opportunity to perform on the big stage to be set up on Circular Drive. The students in the following music programs and ensembles will be performing:

• Yr 3 and Yr 4 Strings (Primary Strings Immersion Program)
• Yr 5 Band (Primary Band Immersion Program)
• Archetti Strings (Early beginner strings ensemble)

The performance will begin at 11:00am and conclude at approximately 12:00pm.  All parents and friends are warmly invited to attend. We are looking forward to hearing the wonderful performances and thank you in advance for your support of the event.

MUSIC SUPPORT GROUP

Upcoming meetings for the Music Support Group are as follows:

• Term 3, Week 3 - Tuesday 28 July
• Term 3, Week 8 - Tuesday 1 Sept
• Term 4, Week 1 - Tuesday 6 October
• Term 4, Week 4 - Tuesday 27 October (AGM)

Parents from both the Primary and Secondary school are welcome to attend. Please join the Music Parents Support Group POD page to stay updated on all things Music Support: https://pod.stmargarets.qld.edu.au/homepage/8562

Brad King

This Saturday is the first regatta of rowing season in 2026 out at Wyralong Dam. All the crews have been working hard over the past few months, and it will a great test on Saturday to see where the crews sit amongst the other schools in the BRSA.

Over the recent school holidays, Year 11 student Mena B had the opportunity to go to the AIS in Canberra with Swimming Australia for the New Wave Swimming Competition. Sarah Caithness, Head of Swimming here at St Margaret’s, also attended as one of the coaches.

Mena has put together some takeaways from the experience and is very happy to share with the St Margaret’s community.

The Next Wave competition is a group of 62 swimmers that gets split into two teams and race for points. The better you place the more points you get towards your team. At the end of each session the points are combined from relays and individual swims to a total score with a winner announced at each session.

Going down to the AIS was a great learning experience for me as I got an insight into what team racing looks like on a higher level.

My biggest learnings included adapting to a new kind of racing. At the AIS, we would race about 3-4 races per session, which was very different to normal kinds of racing that I have done previously. I needed to manage recovery, not getting a warm down in right away but still needing to perform well and lift my team up.

My biggest challenge was I had quite a disrupted preparation due to injury and sickness, so trying to keep my head while racing without fully training was a challenge for me.

Something I would do differently if I got the opportunity to go again would be getting to know my team right away. Since we were racing as a team knowing them by name and being able to cheer them on was so important, so getting to know everyone better at the start would have bettered my experience.

My advice to St Margaret's swimmers interested in this competition would be to keep training hard. It’s a long process of learning beforehand and getting everything right on race day, so put yourself in the best position for getting selected on teams. This opportunity has provided me with so many great experiences including making amazing new friends and building my swim race knowledge so that’s my motivation to keep training. 

Thank you to Mena B for providing such valuable insights.

The St Margaret's sport team is happy to recognise the outstanding achievements and representation of students participating a national level, outside of the school sport pathway. Please directly contact Ms Williams via awilliams@stmargarets.qld.edu.au

A reminder to all families that students should be bringing student ID cards to all trainings and fixtures for bus travel. If you have misplaced your card, please visit school support for a new one.

For the latest sport news and information please check out the following Secondary School Sport POD Pages:

• The POD - Club Netball
• The POD - Secondary Hockey
• The POD - Secondary Netball
• The POD - Secondary Tennis
• The POD - Secondary Volleyball
• The POD - Secondary Athletics
• The POD - Secondary Rowing
• The POD - Secondary Rhythmic Gymnastics 

Anne Louise Williams

Rides and Activities

Petrie Street will be transformed with carnival rides including a rock wall, super flyer chairs, a giant slide and teacups, while on the adjacent carpark, there will be a silent disco. There will also be an animal farm too. Feeling hungry in this precinct? Head to the Potato Slinky or Yo-Get-It food trucks.

Ride wristbands are now on sale, giving access to ride or dance all day between 11am and 5pm or visit the animal farm between 11am and 3pm. Pre purchase for $40 or purchase on the day from the Merchandise Stall for $45. Individual ride tickets will also be available.

For our younger St Margaret’s students and perhaps younger siblings or family members, please note there are age/height restrictions on some rides which are listed on the Trybooking page. Individual ride tickets might be a better value option for smaller children.

Pre purchase ride wristbands here: Mayo Arts Festival Rides Wristband Tickets, St Margaret's Anglican Girls School , Ascot | TryBooking Australia

In addition to the amusement rides, there will also be a number of fun activities including lucky dip, lob a choc, face painting, hair braiding and a craft cart.

Food and Drinks

There will be a range of delicious food offerings from some of Brisbane’s best food trucks around Circular Drive including Bill’s Burgers, El Corazon, Roam’ In Pizza, OMG Donuts, Dippin, Dots, Samurai Kitchen and coffee from Tipple and Tamper.

There will also be a sausage sizzle and on Petrie Street, near the amusement rides, you will find Potato Slinky and Yo-Get-It.

Of course, all the traditional fair style food options will also be available with stalls including fairy floss and popcorn and lollies in addition to the famous Mayo Bake Sale.

The Comiskey Group Bar will open at 12pm and run into the evening serving up a wide selection of drinks including signature cocktails.

Artisan Market Stalls

Browse the more than 20 market stalls in Eton Hall and Courtyard showcasing the work of Brisbane and Queensland artists and artisans selling everything from homewares, jewellery, ceramics and paintings.

We are also pleased to have several of our entrepreneurially minded students who have elected to have a stall at Mayo this year and we encourage you to support their small business ideas. You will find them in the Arts Centre Foyer.

Live entertainment

Enjoy music performances on the main stage on Circular Drive from 12pm through until 7pm. There will also be pop-up musical performances around the school grounds as well. Our dance and drama students will also perform throughout the day.

Student Visal Art Displays

This year we will exhibit more student visual art than ever before, providing a platform for our students to share their work and talents with the community.

Raffle

Thanks to the generosity of so many donors, there is over $13,000 worth of prizes up for grabs in the festival raffle including a luxury tropical escape. You don’t need to be attending the event to enter. Purchase tickets online here: RaffleTix | St Margaret's Mayo Arts Festival Raffle 2026

Thank you to the many families and businesses that have donated items for the raffle including Comiskey Group, Jimena Alejandra, Saskia Mariet, Cosy Knits by Gemma, Essential Earthing, Earth Fibre, I Make It, Wovenwood Interiors, Rosie Lloyd-Giblett, Alan Innes, Aileen Greig, Catherine’s Kitchen, Donna Saunders, Felt Sew Reel, Short Stuff Creations, Fun For You 3D, Lenore Mackintosh, Helen Davis, Melissa Booth Homewares and Hodgination Art.

Bake Sale

We are putting the call out to the bakers and sweet creators in our St Margaret’s community to whisk up something delicious – cakes, slices, cupcakes, biscuits, brownies, muffins, scones or any delectable delights – for the festival bake sale. Not a baker? No worries. We will happily accept your donation of store-bought baked goods.

Packaging and Labelling: Please prepackage your baked donation using disposable packaging. You can package in individual serves, batched portions or as a full-size donation. If wheat/gluten, egg, nuts, sesame or soy is present, please clearly label on your packaging.

Delivery: Please deliver items to the Gate 4 Butler Street drop off zone on Friday 31 July between 7:30am-8:30am and 3pm-4pm. Last minute donations can also be delivered to the Piazza on the Saturday morning of the festival.

See attached flyer for more information. (PDF 440.6KB)

Thank you to this year’s Mayo Arts Festival sponsors including Major Sponsor - Oliver Jonker - Coronis Ascot; Supporting Sponsor - Village Voice Brisbane and Mayo Supporters - CMBM, Belbaker Bus Charter, Anytime Traffic Control, Allclear Print & Signs, FVS Services Group and Comiskey Group as well as the many businesses that have sponsored a stall or donated prizes towards the raffle.

We hope you can join us at this year’s event!

Date:        Friday 11 September 2026

Time:       11.30am - 3.30pm

Location:  Grand Ballroom, The Greek Club, 29 Edmondstone Street, South Brisbane. 
Tickets:    $219 per person - includes a 2-course lunch, 4-hour drinks package and entertainment.

Purchase your ticket online via this LINK.

Thank you to our event sponsor, UMS, for their ongoing support of the St Margaret’s Mothers’ Luncheon.

The St Margaret's Year 12 Necklace - Class of 2026

We are pleased to share that the new St Margaret's Year 12 Necklace is now available to order.

Earlier this year, a group of Year 12 students sat down with Jimena Yudi ('01), founder of Jimena Alejandra Jewellery, to design the piece together. The girls learnt about gemstones and their meanings, discussed what they wanted the necklace to stand for, and chose the stones that best represented their cohort. For Jimena, a former lawyer turned jewellery designer and proud Old Girl, it was a "full circle" moment: a chance to give something back to the school that helped shape her.

The Class of 2026 selected:

•            Pink – Kindness

•            Champagne – Celebration

•            Peridot – Growth

The pendant design will carry forward each year, with each cohort choosing their own gemstones. Available in silver or gold with two chain lengths, the necklace is presented in a velvet keepsake box with a story card. Priced at $169, it will be presented to students at the Valedictory Dinner.

Try it on at the School Supply Shop until Friday 31 July, or at Jimena's stall at the Mayo Arts Festival on Saturday 1 August.

Orders close Friday 7 August. To order, please visit the Year 12 2026 POD page. Please note, as the necklace is made exclusively for the Class of 2026, orders cannot be accepted after this date.

Support is available to ensure every student who wishes to receive a necklace can do so. For a confidential conversation, please contact Ms Townsend at n.townsend@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Aspiring Young Women’s Network Breakfast with guest speaker, Doctor Louisa Sondergeld (’13)

From the classrooms, rowing sheds and music rooms of St Margaret’s to a career in medicine, Dr Louisa Sondergeld has followed a pathway shaped by curiosity, service and a deep commitment to caring for others.

After graduating from St Margaret’s, Louisa completed a Bachelor of Science with an Extended Major in Psychology, followed by a Doctor of Medicine. Her medical training and early career took her through St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, where she became a published researcher with the Cardiac Transplant Team, and later to Princess Alexandra Hospital and Queensland Children’s Hospital, where she developed her skills as a clinician, lecturer and mentor.

Louisa is now a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and works as a General Practitioner at Walton Bridge Medical Centre in The Gap. She has a special interest in paediatrics, women’s health, men’s health and palliative care, and continues to support the next generation of doctors as a lecturer and mentor to medical students.

Join Louisa as she shares her journey from St Margaret’s to medicine, reflecting on leadership, service, study and the many pathways that can lead to a meaningful and fulfilling career. Her story will offer students and community members valuable insight into what it means to build a life centred on purpose, care and contribution.

Date:                   Wednesday 2 September 2026

Time:                   6.45am arrival for 7.00am - 8.45am

Location:            Arts Centre Foyer, St Margaret's Anglican Girls' School, 11 Petrie Street, Ascot
Format:              Continental style breakfast  

Tickets:               $38 Adults/Student

To purchase tickets please click here

We thank our series sponsors Pitcher Partners and the St Margaret’s Old Girls’ Association.

Lara Pickering