eNews Archive Issue 23 - 1 August 2024

Vibrant was this year’s theme for Mayo and there was the opportunity to live that theme at Mayo last Saturday.

There are just too many people involved in the Mayo Festival to list and thank in this week’s edition of the newsletter. Students, parents, staff, and members of the community all worked together, and it is difficult to reduce this list to key personnel. Everyone played a significant role in the success of Mayo last weekend and I offer my congratulations to all those involved and to those parents, students and staff who supported this biennial event. We had thousands through the gate on Saturday. We are truly fortunate to have such a supportive, energetic, and passionate school community. The support of our donors and sponsors and the generosity of our parents and staff with their time and expertise have ensured financial success.

However, it is the very evident community engagement – the opportunity to connect - which is the real measure of the success.

Term’s notice of withdrawal

Currently, we are working on the 2025 timetable and staffing, and it is important that we have accurate enrolment numbers. This is just a reminder to parents that if your child is not returning to St Margaret’s in 2025, we require one full school term’s written notice when withdrawing a student from the school. In most year levels, we have waiting lists, and we need to be able to contact those on the list who are hoping to secure a place at the school. To meet the requirement of a term’s notice, advice can be received up to the last Friday of the September school holidays. Advice may be emailed directly to me or to our admissions team via admissions@stmargarets.qld.edu.au

Ros Curtis

What I loved about the day was the way the community came together for such a great cause. It was a day full of activities, and it was lovely that our students, staff and families were involved.

Being part of the vibrant community of St Margaret’s has so many benefits. I was reading an article recently which I think summed it up superbly. Being part of this community provides a sense of belonging. In turn, a sense of belonging can actually impact a student’s wellbeing and academic performance. The article explained the following:

• Students with a strong sense of belonging perform better academically and experience better mental health (Cai et al., Boyd et al., 2023)
• Belonging is defined as feeling valued, respected and cared for by a larger group, while also feeling you have something to contribute (Cohen, 2022)
• Common terms used by students and educators to describe belonging include feeling supported, safe, connected and valued (Carter, 2021).

There are many ways our students and their families are able to contribute to our community. We have a variety of extra-curricular offerings, which often have parent support groups attached to them. We have an active P&F association. We have many community events each year, and the school calendar that can be found on the POD is a great place to start to find these events. Of course, we will also always publish things via our eNews each week, or via the POD in each student’s year level.

Karen Gorrie

Communities are different too, each community has its unique character, values, identity, and unifying story. This week we witnessed our St Margaret’s community in full flight as we celebrated the Mayo Festival, reminding us of the beauty that each individual brings to our community, with much artistic talent and flare. The Mayo mosaic was a showcase of just how beautiful our differences can be when they’re celebrated and enrich each other, when we embrace our value of inclusivity. Congratulations to everyone who contributed so much to make the festival the success that it was.

On Tuesday, we showed our commitment to service and compassion through the Ponytail Project; a reminder of the strength of our St Margaret’s spirit and how much we can contribute to society when we band together for a cause.

As we continue with Term 3, with all of its events and responsibilities, and as Year 12 leaders are announced, may you remember the vibrancy you as an individual bring to our collective whole, and that every person plays a vital role in our St Margaret’s story.

Rev’d Jazz Dow

This term, the girls had the chance to visit McMartin’s Strawberry Farm, where they enjoyed picking their own strawberries and savouring homemade strawberry ice cream. The day continued with a serene walk through the Maroochy Wetland Sanctuary, offering a tranquil and educational experience amid beautiful natural surroundings. Such activities provide a balanced mix of relaxation and cultural exposure, giving students a break from their rigorous academic schedules and allowing them to unwind and recharge. This not only helps maintain a healthy balance between work and leisure but also exposes them to local attractions and new experiences, broadening their horizons.

Other exciting opportunities include trips to Movie World on the Gold Coast, where students can meet characters from various cartoon series and movies, enjoy vibrant parades, and thrill-seekers can take on rides. Local NRL football games also offer a chance to cheer on their favourite teams. These activities help manage students' time effectively, providing a structured way to spend weekends productively rather than feeling idle or lost. The diverse range of activities encourages students to step out of their comfort zones, pushing their social, mental, and physical boundaries in a safe environment. Such social events foster meaningful interactions and friendship-building, potentially leading to new hobbies and interests.

For those who prefer staying on campus, there are plenty of engaging opportunities as well. Students have access to the boarding house's backyard, complete with a cricket set, basketball hoop, and tennis court. They can also use the school’s sporting facilities after hours. A particularly popular activity is baking in Eton Kitchen, where students can create homemade treats with the help of staff. Whether it's creating a masterpiece where there are more sprinkles on the floor than on the cake, or baking a cake for a friend's birthday that is coming up, or simply indulging in some batter without parents only saying just one beater.

Overall, the weekend activities in boarding houses are far more than mere leisure time; they are integral to the overall boarding experience. By facilitating social connections, supporting emotional wellbeing, and fostering personal development, these activities significantly contribute to students' growth and happiness. As students navigate the complexities of life away from home, engaging in structured and enjoyable weekend events provides them with the support and balance they need to thrive. Ensuring these opportunities are a regular part of the boarding experience is essential for nurturing well-rounded, resilient, and content individuals.

Kelli Boucaut

This week, it was wonderful to see the community come together to raise money for the Cancer Council Queensland and the Minotti Trust through the Ponytail Project. All of these events are so important in building our community and they also play an integral role in developing St Margaret’s girls to be compassionate, well rounded young women.

Year 12 2025 Parent Information Evening

Thanks to all those who attended the online Year 12 2025 Parent Information Evening. This has been recorded and is available via the Year 11 POD page for those who were unable to attend. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to myself or Rhea Barber.

Exam Blocks

Year 11 and 12 Exam Blocks for this term have been released on the POD for a few weeks now. These are big sessions and girls should plan accordingly to be prepared for these. A reminder that when students attend school during exam block, they are required to wear their full school uniform.

Caitlin McCluskey

The tests will take place on the following dates:

Students must report to E201 at 7:00am. All students must bring their school-issued laptop and ensure that it is fully charged. All enrolled students will also receive an email with further information on what they need to do to prepare for the tests.

Chris Dunn

Tuesday saw over 200 St Margaret’s girls, and 14 staff cut their hair. All hair cut has been sent to Real Fringe Hair Bands to be made into wigs for individuals who have medical conditions. The primary students also contributed to this wearing crazy hair on the day. Incredibly the school community has raised over $223,000 towards our goal of $300,000.

You are still able to donate. Will you help St Margaret’s girls make a difference? Please donate here.

The Ponytail Project is such a big part of our community, and the school would like to thank everyone who has been involved as well as our hairdressers from Rogue Hair, Hamilton. A special thank you must also go to the students who ran their own market stalls at Mayo who donated items for our raffles. We look forward to continuing our campaign in the future. The challenge for 2025 has been set!

Nikki Townsend

Thank you to Pru Reed who worked tirelessly to ensure the festival was the success it was. Every department in the school contributed to the success of this event. Thank you also to marketing, facilities, primary administration team, finance and the school’s catering department- we couldn’t have done it without the personnel from each of the different areas in the school. 

I was overwhelmed on Saturday when I saw the stalls, not only seeing all the preparation come to fruition but the way in which the stalls were thoughtfully decorated. Thank you to the primary school community for your amazing donations. These ensured that each of the year level stalls was abundantly stocked for a profitable outcome. Thank you to the parent ambassadors who ensured each of the year level stalls was organised and to parents who dutifully worked on the stalls during the festival. Congratulations to James Barnier who won the wine wheel raffle prize. Thank you also to the Heads of Year for supporting students in their year level in preparing the stalls and then, together, running the stalls.

Thank you to primary and secondary staff who helped musicians and ran stalls. The introduction of student stalls was a great addition, and it was wonderful to witness each of the girl’s entrepreneurship with the items they created to prepare, sell and work on their stall.

A special thanks also to the parents who assisted on the drinks stall and the bar late into the evening.

It is testament to our Arts program when student performances can fill a whole day’s program of entertainment. The music, dance and drama performances were remarkable- thank you to Brad King, Regina Brennan, Jonny Ng and Camille Syntageros for all that they did to bring the stage alive.

We were very privileged and grateful to have renowned artist, Lindy Lee and arts writer, Alison Kubler participate in a Question-and-Answer session.

MAYO is an act of giving: the act of giving goods and time I witnessed in the lead up and on the day of Mayo, is affirmation that we are a strong community. In addition to this, by demonstrating generosity, parents also help their children to develop into happy giving and sharing adults. The MAYO Arts Festival is a clear demonstration of the wonderful community that is our school.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed in some way; each person’s contribution went towards making this event another huge success.

I'd like to also take this opportunity to acknowledge our sponsors, Mayo Supporters: Village Voice, Comiskey Distillery, All Clear Print & Signs and the Lord Mayor’s Community Fund and the Hamilton Ward Office. Thank you also to Axial Training and Jocelyn's Provisions who each donated items for the bake sale as well as Ascot Living for their installation in the Arts Centre, in addition to the many businesses that sponsored a stall or donated prizes towards the raffle.

Angela Drysdale

TikTok
Every week, Safe on Social receives alarming reports from primary schools about the increasing number of children using TikTok. These young children, often under 13 years old, are creating multiple accounts without their parents' knowledge. The consequences have the potential to be dire: bullying, defamation of staff, and exposure to inappropriate content. If your young child is using TikTok, you need to download our guide immediately. This is a critical tool to help you understand how to protect your child from the myriad dangers they face on TikTok. You must be actively engaged in their online life to ensure their safety and wellbeing. Your children face risks on TikTok that demand your immediate attention and involvement. Download the free guide here: https://www.safeonsocial.com/product-page/protecting-your-child-from-tiktok-dangers

Group Chats
Another constant source of concern for young people is related to group chats, including bullying, inappropriate behaviour, and late-night/all night usage. It has become evident that many children are using their phones to access group chat messages in the late hours of the night, causing them to experience sleep deprivation and anxiety from waking up in the morning and scrolling through endless messages to see if they were mentioned overnight. To address this issue, it is crucial for a multifaceted approach to teaching appropriate use of group chats. By setting boundaries and emphasising the importance of self-control, children can learn to use group chats responsibly: 

• Recognise the Risks - Group chats can be a breeding ground for cyberbullying due to the perceived anonymity and ease of posting hurtful comments. It's crucial for both parents and educators to be aware of the potential for drama, exclusion, and harmful behaviours
• Promote Respect and Kindness - Emphasise the importance of respectful and kind communication within group chats. Encourage positive interactions and highlight the consequences of negative behaviour
• Teach Safe Exiting Strategies - Help children understand that it is okay to leave a group chat if they feel uncomfortable or if the conversation turns negative. Providing strategies for polite and confident exits is essential
• Parental Monitoring and Involvement - Parents should monitor their children's online activities and be aware of their involvement in group chats. Regularly check in with children about their online interactions have "tech talks" to provide guidance
• Technical Controls and Notifications Management - Parents can use technical strategies to manage group chat usage. This includes removing access to devices late at night to prevent interrupted sleep, silencing notifications, and using features to limit notifications.
• Set Clear Boundaries - Establish clear rules about when and where devices can be used. For example, devices should not be allowed in bedrooms at night to prevent late-night use that can disrupt sleep patterns and increase stress levels
• Foster Balanced Online Habits - Encourage children to take regular breaks from screens and engage in other activities such as reading, sports, or hobbies. This helps in maintaining a healthy balance between online and offline activities
• Discuss the Importance of Sleep - Explain how using devices late at night can affect their sleep and overall well-being. Help children understand the importance of good sleep hygiene and the role it plays in their health and academic performance.

Annette Box

Years 3 and 4 Strings and Year 5 Band Music Performance

Last Friday morning, all students involved in the Years 3 and 4 Strings Program and the Year 5 Band Program provided wonderful pre-Mayo performances on the Circular Drive stage. This was a wonderful opportunity for these students to gain a special performance opportunity. As part of the concert, the teachers involved in the Band and Strings Programs gave a special performance which was thoroughly enjoyed by both the students and staff in attendance. A special thank you to Mr Ng, Mr Tong, Dr Syntageros, Ms Mackenzie and Mr Watts for coordinating this event.

Interhouse Music Week

The Music Department is looking forward to the Interhouse Solo Music Competition which will be taking place in Week 7 (Secondary) and Week 8 (Primary) of this term. This is open to all students, regardless of whether students are taking private music lessons or not. There has been plenty of opportunities for houses to show their sporting capabilities and now is the time for houses to demonstrate their musical prowess! Students are asked to look out for information that will be distributed later this week as to how they can become involved!

Music Dinner Theme Announcement

The Music Captains are very excited to announce the theme for the upcoming 2024 Music Dinner which will be held on Friday 11 October. The announcement will be made via the Music Co-curricular POD page on Friday 2 August so stay tuned!

Music Support Group

The next Music Support Group meeting will be held on Tuesday 6 August at 5:00pm in the Circular Drive Classroom 01 (in front of the Arts Centre Foyer). We encourage parents from both primary and secondary schools to become involved.

Brad King

In her new role, Miss Calcino will support the management of the overall St Margaret’s Sport and Activities program, specifically supporting the development and administration of our Club sports offering. Miss Calcino will aim to empower students to take ownership of their engagement in their sporting pursuits, utilising her strong communication and relationship-building skills.

We welcome Miss Calcino to the role and we are excited to have her playing a vital role in providing outstanding opportunities and experiences in St Margaret’s sport.

Sporting Achievement

It’s with great pleasure that we can recognise the outstanding sport performance and representation of St Margaret’s students at a national and international level. I would like to highlight and congratulate the follow students on their recent achievements:

• Congratulations to players Lucy C. (Year 11), Taylah N. (Year 10) and coaches Mary C. (2022) and Zac H. (STM Lead Coach) on their recent success at the Water Polo Australia U16&U17 Interstate Challenge. Lucy and Zac were a part of the team that won the overall tournament. We are extremely proud of our St Margaret’s players and coaches on their representation and achievements.

• Congratulations to Ada S. (Year 7), who was selected to represent Queensland as part of the Queensland School Sport team. Ada performed extremely well achieving personal best swims and finishing 3^rd overall in the 100m Freestyle and forth overall in the 200m Freestyle and 4x50m Freestyle relay. Congratulations Ada.

We would like to continue to recognise the outstanding achievements and representation of students’ participating at a national level, outside of the school sport pathway. I look forward to continuing to hear from our community regarding such outstanding achievement. Please email me directly at lknight@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Latest Sport News and Information

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

• QGSSSA Hockey - The POD - Secondary Hockey (stmargarets.qld.edu.au)
• QGSSSA Netball - The POD - Secondary Netball (stmargarets.qld.edu.au)
• QGSSSA Tennis - The POD - Secondary Tennis (stmargarets.qld.edu.au)
• QGSSSA Volleyball - The POD - Secondary Volleyball (stmargarets.qld.edu.au)

• Athletics - The POD - Secondary Athletics (stmargarets.qld.edu.au)
• Rowing - The POD - Secondary Rowing (stmargarets.qld.edu.au)
• Rhythmic Gymnastics - The POD - Secondary Rhythmic Gymnastics (stmargarets.qld.edu.au)
• Club Netball - The POD - Club Netball (stmargarets.qld.edu.au)
• Club Swimming - The POD - Club Swimming (stmargarets.qld.edu.au)

Lloyd Knight

Orders placed by 16 August 2024 will receive free home delivery and will be delivered prior to the commencement of Term 4. Orders placed after this date will be packed ASAP, however, Campion cannot guarantee delivery prior to the commencement of Term 4 and will incur a $11.95 delivery fee.  Campion will apply an additional late fee for any existing student orders received after the commencement of work in term 4.

Boarders ONLY are able to have their book pack delivered to the St Margaret’s Boarding House for pickup on return to school in Term 4. Boarders requiring their book pack delivered to the school must complete their delivery address as: Boarder – Deliver to St Margaret’s AGS.

Booklists for Pre-Prep to Year 11 2025 will be posted in early Term 4

Blazer Fittings – Current Year 9 Cohort

Blazer fittings - Students entering Year 10 in 2025 should consider coming into the Supplies Shop to be fitted for their blazer prior to the end of term 4, 2024. This will ensure the best fit and will allow time for a custom make blazer for the students who require extra or shorter length through the body and arms. All orders will need to be placed by 15^th November 2024 for a March 2025 delivery. Students can visit the Supplies Shop during our opening hours with a blazer fitting taking around 15 minutes per student. The cost of the blazer is $275 and is payable at the time of ordering.

Uniform Fitting Appointments – Online booking system

Bookings for October, November & December 2024 and January 2025 are available online. We encourage families to book a fitting appointment as soon as possible, as appointments are filling fast.

Book your appointment online via the school website http://www.stmargarets.qld.edu.au/admissions/supplies-shop

Appointment times are either 30mins or 60mins depending on your fitting type. Fitting types include New Student, Existing Student, Boarder Only and Pre-Prep/Prep.

• One appointment = one student fitting
  If you are booking for two or more students, please book separate fitting appointments for each student. These can be at the same time if times are available.

• All fittings will take place in the Supplies Shop, which is located onsite, just off Circular Drive through Gate 1, Petrie Street, Ascot.

Trading Hours (Term Time)

Monday            8am – 2pm
Tuesday         8am – 2pm
Wednesday      10am – 5pm
Thursday          8am – 2pm
Friday                8am – 2pm

Public Holidays Closed

We have fun-filled and exciting activities planned for our Student Free Day Program. Further details of the program can be found here. Boys and girls, siblings, friends and family welcome!

Please refer to the attached Information Guide for full booking terms and conditions. We are unable to accept bookings via email or text message. The OSHC registration and Debitsuccess form must be completed, signed and sent back to us to finalise your booking. Please read the information guide carefully as some information has changed. OSHC Registration and Debitsuccess can be completed via the My Family Lounge.

PLEASE COMPLETE YOUR VACATION CARE BOOKING FORM VIA THE MY FAMILY LOUNGE APP

We are very excited to inform you that St Margaret’s OSHC has subscribed to a fantastic online Booking and Waitlist management program called QK Enrol. This program will give you access to manage your own account information, where you will have the ability to make bookings requests and allows you to complete and submit an online enrolment form for your child. You can do this and much, much more all within a parent portal called ’My Family Lounge’.

How do I log in?

Please navigate to the link below and either sign in with your existing My Family Lounge account or Register for an account if you do not already have one. Please note all families who have previously submitted an enrolment form will have an account already set up; all you will need to do is click ‘forgotten password’ and use the email address you used to receive this form.

https://www.qkenhanced.com.au/Account/Embeddable/?databaseId=9385

When making a Vacation Care booking please select Casual bookings, not Permanent.

What is the cost?*

Fees: $68 per day*

Bookings close: 19 August 2024

*Incursions and excursions incur additional costs. These are compulsory for all students and therefore you are able to claim CCS.

What are the hours of operation?

The service is open from 7:00am until 6:00pm.

How can I obtain more information?

If you would like further information regarding our OSHC Program or if you would like to make a booking, feel free to contact me on 0423 547 653 or email: oshc@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Palu Ingram

Date:                    Thursday 15 August, 2024
Time:                    11.30am - 2.30pm
Venue:                Brisbane City Hall

Tickets:                $180 per person - includes a 2 course lunch and a 3 hour deluxe drinks package including Australian sparkling wine. All tickets will be sold individually and will require full name, email address and mobile phone number to be entered at the time of booking.

Tables:                 Maximum table capacity is 10 people. Seating requests can be made by nominating a Table Captain or Year Group at the time of booking. Best efforts will be made to meet any requests.

Enquiries:            P&F@stmargarets.qld.edu.au

Tickets are on sale via https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1234138?

This event is proudly supported by Maggies Supporters, Jimena Alejandra, UMS, and Hundt Law.

Professional Women’s Network Breakfast – Featuring Emma Covacevich (‘93), Chief Executive Partner of Clayton Utz

Tickets are available for the third Professional Women’s Network Breakfast on Tuesday 20 August, with Guest Speaker Emma Covacevich (’93). 

Emma is the Chief Executive Partner (CEP) of Clayton Utz - a leading Australian law firm, and recently celebrated 25 years with the firm.

Emma has deep expertise in the energy sector in Australia and New Zealand, and has advised major energy companies and supported new entrants establish themselves in the Australian energy market.

Prior to being appointed CEP, Emma was the Deputy CEP from 2020 to 2023, a Clayton Utz Board Member from 2017 to 2022, and has been a Partner of the firm since 2007. Emma was on the Queensland Symphony Orchestra Board from 2017 until late last year and is a member of Chief Executive Women.

Event Details

Date:                     Tuesday 20 August 2024
Time:                    6.45am arrival for 7.00am - 8.45am
Location:             Arts Centre Foyer, St Margaret's Anglican Girls School, 11 Petrie Street, Ascot
Format:                Sit down breakfast  
Tickets:                $85 Adult, $40 Student (Years 10-12/Tertiary). 
Corporate tables: $850 (10 seats), includes company logo displayed on table and acknowledgement during event.
To purchase tickets: Click Here

We thank our series sponsors, Major Sponsor: Pitcher Partners, Supporting Sponsors: Wolff Coffee Roasters, Downer, Clear Insurance, Move Recruitment Solutions and O’Reilly Shaw Family Lawyers