eNews Archive Issue 11 - 24 April 2025

Like all our terms, this one will go quickly with a variety of events and activities.

Much research in recent years has focussed on connections between sleep, academic performance, and other areas of adolescent health. With rising rates of anxiety and other mental health concerns among adolescent girls, the impact of screen time and sleep on girls’ symptoms is becoming increasingly relevant. This is the very subject that researchers from Sweden have addressed in a new article released this month. The research was led by the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and focussed on Swedish students aged 12 to 16 years, tracking students at key points across a twelve-month period. The study recognised the well-known association between adolescent screen time and disruptions to sleep and identified that excessive screen time negatively impacts multiple aspects of sleep for both male and female adolescents. The concerning item of note was that this increases the risk of depressive systems (such as tiredness, sleep loss, lack of appetite and reduced self-image) – especially among girls, who on average experienced more than twice the rates of depression-related symptoms as boys. The research that led to this finding was detailed and extensive. Screen time was considered to not only include use of devices, television/video streaming and gaming, but also explicitly internet use.

Although depression was the focus of this study, there is no doubt that there are concerning impacts of screen time and sleep disturbances. It leads us to ask what more we can do to help support girls. The authors suggest that “structural school interventions and societal shifts” are needed to help address this challenge.

St Margaret’s is a member of the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools (ICGS) and drawing on data from more than 30,000 students, ICGS’s Raising Her Voice research reveals that when girls have access to strong relationships, trusted adults, and a deep sense of belonging, their wellbeing and engagement flourish. Among the key takeaways for ICGS’s research are:

• Students with a trusted adult at school report significantly lower levels of stress and stronger emotional coping skills.
• Belonging within the girls' school community acts as a powerful buffer against the pressures of adolescence.
• Schools that value student voice and agency create a reinforcing cycle, where belonging fuels engagement and engagement strengthens connection.

These results affirm what girls’ schools do best. Together, as communities, schools, and families, we can educate girls on the important benefits of sleep, the development of healthier sleep habits, and connect with girls to support their holistic wellbeing journey.

Reference

Hökby, S., Alvarsson, J., Westerlund, J., Carli, V., Hadlaczky, G. (2025). Adolescents’ screen time displaces multiple sleep pathways and elevates depressive symptoms over twelve months. PLOS Global Public Health, 5(4), 1-21. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgph.0004262.

Ros Curtis

This term we welcome the following students from our exchange schools into Year 10.

We welcome Morjane and Lilia from Sacre Couer, France, Antoinette, Amy, Isabella, Annabelle and Kira from St Anne’s, South Africa and Katelyn, Sanyuri, Jessica, Megan, Ruby, Ella and Siobhan form St Mary’s, South Africa. We also wish our girls travelling to Canada, South Africa and Japan all the best for their Term 2 exchange and we look forward to welcoming them back in Term 3.

A reminder with regards to student safety. It is very important for parents to be aware of their child’s safety in both the physical and online environments. I’d like to include a special note to ask parents to please be aware of your daughter’s activities online, who and what they are engaging with, and communicate with them about these activities. Our student protection policies and procedures certainly extend to the online forum, and I have included information and contacts for this below.

Student Protection

St Margaret’s takes student protection seriously, and so it is timely that I remind all families about the policies and processes that we have here.

St Margaret's AGS is committed to:

• promoting and striving to provide a safe, supportive and ethical environment for the wellbeing and holistic development of students; and
• providing a safe secure nurturing environment in which all its students may grow and learn.

Student Protection Officers:

Student Protection Officers are persons designated as liaison people to whom students may refer if they are not feeling safe; or to whom they make complaints of harm, inappropriate behaviour or physical/psychological/emotional/sexual abuse.

The St Margaret's Student Protection Officers are:

- Deputy Principal – Nicole Devlin

- Head of Boarding - Lesa Fowler

- Dean of Academics – Caitlin McCluskey

- Head of Primary School - Angela Drysdale

- Assistant Head of Primary – Curriculum (PP-6) – Kate Frewin

- Dean of Students - Nikki Townsend

- Head of Year – Nicole Walker

- Senior Psychologist – Michelle Alexander

- Psychologist – Emma Greensill

All Student Protection documentation including all policies and procedures can be viewed on our website here https://www.stmargarets.qld.edu.au/discover-st-margaret-s/student-protection.

Nicole Devlin

This week we honour the life of Pope Francis, giving thanks for his tireless work to live out his faith in the world. Our Archbishop, Jeremy Greaves has offered a reflection to honour Pope Francis: Remembering Pope Francis - YouTube.

Eternal rest grant unto Francis, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

This morning, we gathered for our St Margaret’s ANZAC Day Service. We paid tribute to all who served in World War I, and all who served subsequently to cultivate and protect the peace we know today. We heard the stories of three past students who served in WWI and WWII (respectively).

We will remember them.

Upcoming Chapel Events

Primary Baptism and Admission to Holy Communion

Like the family services in the secondary school, the Primary Baptism and Admission to Holy Communion service is an opportunity for Years 4-6 families to gather for Holy Communion and to build community. Baptism and Admission to Holy Communion are also an option for students.

Join St Margaret’s and Churchie, Years 4-6 Baptism and Admission to Holy Communion Service
Wednesday 7 May, 6pm, St John’s Anglican Cathedral, Ann St, Brisbane

Family Services

Our Family Services are an opportunity for students and families to connect with our Anglican tradition and the legacy of the Society of the Sacred Advent, gather in our chapel for Holy Communion, and foster community.

Years 11 and 12 Family Service
Wednesday 21 May, 6pm School Chapel

Years 7 and 8 Family Service   
Wednesday 4 June, 6pm School Chapel

Confirmation – Save the Date

Our Regional Bishop will join us in Term 3 for our annual Confirmation service. This is an opportunity for secondary students, parents, or staff to confirm their baptismal promises and invite to Holy Spirit to strengthen them in living out the great call to love our neighbour.

Confirmation Service

Wednesday 3 September, 6pm, School Chapel.

Please email me if you have any questions regarding these events, jdow@stmargarets.qld.edu.au

Rev’d Jazz Dow

We kicked off Term 2 with the Interhouse Cross Country Carnival on Tuesday, where a sea of House colours took over Crosby Park. It was an exciting way to commence Term 2, and I am very proud to have seen our boarders proudly sporting their House colours and running their hardest. I hope you all appreciated our live coverage and photos on our St Margaret’s AGS Boarding Instagram page (@stmargaretsboarding). I encourage you to look at our social media to receive updates on your daughters’ weekend activities and school events.

Following the excitement of the Cross Country Carnival, the boarding house celebrated Earth Hour. To support the cause, the boarding house and millions of other participants globally turned off all the lights at 8:30pm Tuesday night to demonstrate our support of the environment. It was great to see all the girls get behind supporting such an important cause. Given that so many of our girls are from rural/remote areas cyclically affected by drought and floods, or from island nations threatened by rising sea levels, it is important that we educate our girls about environmental threats and make them aware of how they can support important initiatives in very simple ways – even if it is just by turning off the light.

With ANZAC Day this Friday, our Year 10 boarders will be giving each boarding student a sprig of rosemary to wear to school on Thursday 24 April. Rosemary is worn as a symbol of remembrance for the sacrifices soldiers and nurses made, encouraging us to remember the brave Australian soldiers and nurses who served to protect our country. On Friday morning, our boarders will be attending a Dawn Service to commemorate the memories of the ANZACS.

In the Garden Room, we have decorated our notice boards with facts about ANZAC Day and how our girls can actively partake to mitigate the effects of climate change and celebrations of Earth Day. Whether it be supporting their House, supporting important environmental causes, or commemorating the memories of those who have served our country, the boarding house strives to involve our girls in initiatives that make them well-rounded, informed, and empathetic students. I am proud of all the efforts our boarders have shown in just this very short first week of term, and I look forward to sharing the rest of Term 2 with them.

Lesa Fowler

Year 11 Exam Mornings

There is a Year 11 Exam morning on Friday 9 May. All Biology students are required to be at school ready for their exam to begin at 8:20am. All Year 11 students who do not study Biology are not required to be at school until Academic Advising at 9:50am.

On Thursday 15 May there will be another exam morning for English. All English students are required to be at school ready for their exam to begin at 8:20am. Any students who do not study English are not required to be at school until lesson 2A at 10:50am.

“Don’t be afraid to seek feedback even after the assessment is over” – Charlotte Jackson, ‘24

Caitlin McCluskey

A reminder that SSS operates on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 5:00pm to 7:30pm. Parents do have the option of purchasing dinner for their daughters from the boarding house at the time of booking for $12.50. Bookings close at 9:00am on the day, unless the maximum number (25) is reached prior to this point, so I do recommend parents book in early to avoid missing out.

The purpose of these sessions is to provide girls with a quiet and well-resourced space that is conducive to productive homework and study time. Each SSS will be staffed by up to two tutors, who offer advice and guidance on how to plan effectively for upcoming assessments. The SSS tutor group is made up of ten young women who are currently studying at university and have much to offer our girls in the way of study skills.

For students attending SSS after an afternoon of sport, transport is available to and from Windsor Park. For those staying on after school to attend SSS, the Eunice Centre is open until 5pm prior to the commencement of the study sessions.

Trends in Education

On Wednesday 14 May, our first Trends in Education Seminar is occurring in the Arts Centre Foyer (4:00pm for 4:30pm start; 6:00pm finish). Our guest speaker is Dr Haley Tancredi, who will be speaking on Accessibility in Education and how it should feed into the pedagogical practice of teachers. It is sure to be an informative and insightful lecture, that will provide our teachers with much food for thought.

Importantly, this seminar is open to all teachers in South-East Queensland. Any St Margaret’s parents who are interested are also very welcome to attend. Further information about this free seminar can be found through the following link Trends in Education Seminar - St Margaret's. Registrations close Friday 9 May.

Chris Dunn

A highlight of the start of this term was our ANZAC Service held today. It was a deeply moving ceremony that focused on stories of strength—not only from the broader ANZAC tradition but also from St Margaret’s old girls who served. Hearing their stories of courage, resilience, and dedication reminded us of the values we hold dear as a school community. Their experiences continue to inspire us, and it was wonderful to see students engaging with this important part of our history with such respect and reflection.

As we move through the term, I encourage everyone to carry forward this spirit of strength and perseverance. Let’s support one another, set new goals, and make the most of the opportunities ahead. Wishing you all a fulfilling and successful Term 2!

Nikki Townsend

These qualities are not just historical virtues; they are living values that continue to shape the way we learn, grow, and contribute as a school community.

At our school, courage is one of our core values. It means more than bravery in the face of fear—it’s about stepping outside one’s comfort zone, being willing to try something new, take on challenges, and face setbacks with determination. We encourage students to bring this kind of courage into their everyday learning.

We also encourage persistence—a value deeply mirrored in the way we approach learning through the concept of the Learning Pit. Just like the ANZACS didn’t give up when faced with difficulty, we teach students that real learning often happens when things get tough. The Learning Pit is a powerful metaphor that helps students understand that struggle is a normal and necessary part of growth.

• Falling into the Pit represents the challenge - feeling stuck, unsure, or confused.
• Climbing out requires effort, resilience, and support from peers and teachers.
• Reaching the top is the moment of insight, progress, and achievement.

Through this model, students learn that persistence leads to understanding, and mistakes are valuable steps in the journey.

But perhaps the most powerful legacy the ANZACS leave us is a reminder to live each day with deep gratitude—for our freedoms, our opportunities, and the sacrifices they made on our behalf.

Gratitude is more than saying thank you—it is an active mindset. When we choose to be grateful, we shift our focus from what is missing to what is meaningful. We begin to see challenges not as burdens, but as opportunities. Gratitude allows us to value the people around us, the learning in front of us, and the moments that make up our everyday lives.

As we begin this new term, we encourage every member of our school community to carry forward the legacy of the ANZACS - the enduring values of courage, persistence, and gratitude. Let these values shape the way we lead, the way we learn, and the way we support one another. In living out these principles each day, we honour not only the past but also the future we are building together.

Angela Drysdale

The Core Plus Cluster Program continues to reflect the school’s commitment to effective differentiation and student-centred learning. This year, our whole-school cluster focus is reading, with a particular emphasis in Term 2 on reading fluency and visual literacy. Students in Years 2 to 6 will work on developing fluency through expression, pace, and accuracy, while also learning to interpret and analyse visual texts. These areas are embedded across all cluster levels to support consistent literacy growth. In 2025, we have introduced new cluster structures: students in Years 2 and 3 will learn together, as will students in Years 4 and 5, while Year 6 students will engage in learning designed to foster independence and leadership as they prepare for their secondary school journey.

Kate Frewin

24 April          ANZAC Day Service (Sister Helen Wind Symphony, Primary Chorale)

1 May              Churchie/St Margaret’s Afternoon (Stradivari Strings/Jackson Wind Ensemble)

20 May            Open Morning (Performing ensembles to be confirmed soon)

23 May            Classics in the Cathedral                      

26-30 May       Semester 1 Performance Presentations

30 May            Live on the Drive #1 (Primary/Secondary Rock Bands)

11 Jun             Soloists’ Recital Series #2                     

Encorah

We are very excited to announce that Encorah, our secondary all-comers choir, will recommence rehearsals in Term 2. Encorah is open to all students in Years 7-12 who enjoy singing. All are welcome to attend with no audition required. The choir will sing a wide range of repertoire from a variety of genres including music theatre, pop, jazz and folk styles. The choir will rehearse with Ms Langford from 3:30-4:30pm every Thursday afternoon in the Arts Centre/Drama Room (V101) with the first rehearsal to commence on Thursday in Week 3 (8 May) in the Drama Room. There is no need to sign up – students are asked to just come along to the first rehearsal where their details will be taken down for future rolls. (Please note it is an expectation that all students in Exultate and Volare will attend Encorah rehearsals).

Music Support Group

The next Music Support Group meeting will be held on Tuesday 29 April 2025 at 5:00pm in the Circular Drive Classroom 01 (in front of the Arts Centre Foyer). Parents from both the primary and secondary school are welcome to attend.

Brad King

Easter Holidays Sport wrap up

During the term break, several St Margaret’s students took part in representative sports including Water Polo, Athletics and Swimming. We congratulate all students for participating in these high-level competitions and we will be providing more details as we gather results over the coming weeks.

Initially, we congratulate some of our Club Water Polo players who represented St Margaret’s in the Under 12s, 14s and 18s down at the Gold Coast at the Water Polo State Titles in the first week of the holidays. It was a fantastic experience for some of our younger players and for the seniors who were playing their final games for St Margaret’s. All teams played with spirit and enthusiasm throughout the tournament. A special thank you to parents for supporting the students as well as our coaches Emma, Georgia and Zac for providing great guidance and encouragement throughout this tournament.

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 at awilliams@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:

• Basketball (Autumn Sport) - (The POD - Secondary Basketball (stmargarets.qld.edu.au)
• Soccer (Autumn Sport) - (The POD - Secondary Football (stmargarets.qld.edu.au)
• Touch Football (Autumn Sport) - (The POD - Secondary Touch Football (stmargarets.qld.edu.au)
• Cross Country - The POD - Secondary Cross Country (stmargarets.qld.edu.au)

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

Anne Louise Williams

P&F General Meeting: Monday 19 May

The P&F Association hosts a General Meeting once a term and we encourage parents to join us at these meetings throughout the year. This provides an opportunity to hear from the school leadership, the Parents and Friends committee, Support Groups (including music, boarders and extracurricular sports) and to get involved in upcoming events.

Classics in the Cathedral: Friday 23 May

Held in St John’s Anglican Cathedral, this is an evening of beautiful music, performed by St Margaret’s Music ensembles within a spectacular setting and is one of the school’s very special performance events.

GIVING DAY: Wednesday 28 May

This year St Margaret’s will host its sixth annual Giving Day. As the St Margaret’s community celebrates our past and the incredible legacy of 130 years of educating girls, we also look to the future and imagine the possibilities it can bring.

By making your tax-deductible donation on Giving Day, you are building the next chapter in this legacy. Your kindness and generosity can help St Margaret’s thrive for the next 130 years. Your gift is her future.

Aspiring Young Women’s Network (AYWN) Breakfast: Thursday 29 May

The AYWN series provides an opportunity for secondary school students to hear firsthand from alumni who have transitioned to university or into their chosen field. Parents are encouraged to join us with their daughters to hear from with guest speaker, Elise Gane (’04), Physiotherapist, Health Services Researcher, Principal Project Officer, Queensland Health.

Professional Women’s Network (PWN) Breakfast: Wednesday 11 June    

Join us on Wednesday 11 June for a Professional Women's Network Breakfast with guest speaker Amanda Lacaze ('76), CEO and MD of Lynas Rare Earths.

Cocktails on the Creek: Saturday 14 June

Join members of the St Margaret’s community and friends for a night of ‘Cocktails on the Creek’, an annual event hosted by St Margaret’s Rowing and the Rowing Support Group.

P&F Father Daughter Breakfast (Secondary): Thursday 19 June

An annual event for students in Years 7-12 and their fathers or significant males in their lives to enjoy a stand-up breakfast and city views on Circular Drive.

Further details including information on how to purchase tickets/register for these events will be forthcoming via email and be advertised on the POD and the school Events webpage.

Volunteering at St Margaret’s?

We acknowledge the important work that volunteers carry out within our school environment. Assistance, whether it is as a volunteer in the classroom, tuckshop, excursions, P&F activities or sporting carnivals, enhances the quality of your child’s teaching and learning experience.

If any parent is volunteering in the school, they must fill out the Volunteer Application form, found at the following link: https://www.stmargarets.qld.edu.au/discover-st-margarets/student-protection/volunteering-at-st-margarets/volunteering-at-st-margarets. This link will give you all the information about volunteering, as well as the volunteer register link. Please note that each volunteer must fill out a new form each year, as the application is only valid for one calendar year.

Please also be aware that there is a Volunteer Code of Conduct available on The POD.

Lara Pickering