eNews Archive Issue 20 - 17 July 2025

St Margaret’s Day celebrations are also followed by our whole weekend dedicated to the reunions of Past Staff and Old Girls from 2015, 2005, 1995, 1985, 1975, 1965 and prior to 1964, and an Old Girls’ Chapel on Sunday. This year we are expecting just short of 400 past students.

It is an important weekend in our school calendar, as it is a wonderful opportunity for our past students to reconnect with their school mates, and with the school.

Before school started at the beginning of this year, I wrote to parents who had a child under 16 years of age recommending applying parent control apps on your daughter’s phone. I wrote that ‘This is a wonderful opportunity to provide as much oversight of your daughter’s virtual safety as you currently do of her physical safety.’

If you have not yet done this, I strongly recommend that you do. The E-Safety Commission has many resources for parents if you wish to know more - Parental controls | How to keep your child safe. On this website, you will find a great explanation of the functionality of these controls which I have published below. Parental controls are software tools that allow you to monitor and limit what your child sees and does online.

They can be set up to do things like: 

• Block your child from accessing specific websites, apps or functions (like using a device’s camera, or the ability to buy things)
• Filter different kinds of content — such as ‘adult’ or sexual content, social media pages and pages with content that may promote self-harm, eating disorders, violence, drugs, gambling, racism and terrorism
• Limit who can communicate with your child as well as manage the apps they can use to communicate with others
• Allow you to monitor your child’s use of connected devices, with reports on the sites they visit and the apps they use, how often and for how long
• Set time limits, blocking access after a specific length of time. 

If a device or program is shared by multiple members of your family, you should be able change the settings to reflect each user’s age, maturity and skills.

Of course, parental controls are only as good as the parent’s willingness to take the time to set them up for full control, who are prepared to say ‘no’ when a student wishes to access inappropriate social media or when it is applied to all the phones and devices a daughter may have.

Ros Curtis

With increased involvement across the school community, it’s a good time to remind families about our volunteer application process. We deeply value the contributions of our volunteers—whether you're helping in the classroom, tuckshop, on excursions, at P&F events, or during sporting carnivals. Your support enriches the learning experience for all students.

If you’re planning to volunteer, please ensure you complete the Volunteer Application Form, available here. This page contains all the necessary information, including the link to the volunteer register. Please note that a new application must be submitted each calendar year.

A reminder also that we have recently communicated changes to our private bus run services. This has included updates to the bus runs with some bus stops that were no longer being used being removed and a few pickups and drop off times have been adjusted slightly to help the buses run more efficiently.

The new routes and times have taken effect and you can view the updated information via the St Margaret’s website or via The POD - Bus Transport Page.

We have also engaged a new Bus Management System called Rollcall. The Rollcall Parent App (on mobile device) and web portal (on computer) allows you to manage aspects of your daughter’s private bus travel.

The functions of this system will allow users access to:

• Live mapping of the school bus when the route is in operation
• Notify the driver of your child’s absence from the bus
• Book a seat on your chosen bus as soon as the booking window is available.
• View and change your students bus bookings up to 10 days in advance
• Setup alerts for your daughter’s movements on and off the bus
• View the balance and transactions and make payments to your daughter’s bus fare account
• Setup and manager access to the system for additional carers.

Communication was sent to all parents over the holidays with regards to setting up this system if your daughter travels to and from school via the private bus runs. Should you have any questions please don’t hesitate to email: schoolbus@stmargarets.qld.edu.au

I hope everyone found time to rest and recharge over the break and I am looking forward to the exciting semester ahead.

Nicole Devlin

You can choose an item or any combination of the following new items in adult sizes (S–XXL):

• Warm jumper or hoodie
• Trackpants
• Socks
• Beanie
• Scarf

Please ensure all clothing are new with tags, unwashed, and suitable for winter. We are unable to accept used clothing or additional items.

For primary students: please drop your donations to your classroom.

Secondary students: more information is on your year level POD page with regards to what to donate and how to donate.

Our annual Confirmation service will take place this term on 3 September at 6pm.

If you, or a member of your family would like to be confirmed, please complete this online form. Please note that in the Anglican tradition, Confirmation is for secondary students and adults.

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

Rev’d Jazz Dow

This weekend will be our Closed Weekend for Semester 2, and our Boarder Captains certainly have a lot planned for what will be a wonderful and fun weekend of activities, bonding, and sharing in the joy of our boarding community.

On Friday 8 August, we will have our annual Boarder Support Group Cocktail Party, a favourite event in our calendar for both boarding and day families alike. I look forward to celebrating with you all the connections forged between the boarding house and day school at this event.

Term 3 is always an exciting time for our Year 11s, as their 2026 leadership positions will soon be announced and their shadowing of current captains will begin. I know that next year, our boarding house will once again be led by confident, capable and compassionate young women who will learn from our current captains and be yet another team of strong leaders of our boarding community.

I look forward to yet another exciting term for boarding and the wider St Margaret’s community.

Lesa Fowler

Secondary Assessment Policy

A reminder that all students should familiarise themselves with the Secondary Assessment Policy, which can be found on the POD. In particular, I would like to draw attention to the checkpoint and drafting expectations. Checkpoints and drafts are important in assisting students to manage their time effectively, giving goal posts along the way to a larger task, and develop strategies to submit completed assessment by the due date. They also provide opportunities for teachers to gather evidence of completed work prior to the due date and implement intervention if required. Students and parents should note that failure to meet a checkpoint will result in parents/carers (and boarding house where applicable) being contacted by the teacher and the relevant Head of Faculty and Dean of Studies/Academics being informed. If a student fails to submit a genuine attempt of a completed draft by the due date, it will result in parents/carers (and the boarding house where applicable) being contacted, the relevant Head of Faculty and Dean of Studies/Academics being informed and an afterschool Academic Detention being issued.

“Be bothered to hand in a full draft; trust me, it helps” – Gisele Vitale, ’24.

Caitlin McCluskey

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.

Parent Teacher Interviews

I would like to thank parents, carers, students and teachers on the collaborative and congenial way in which they engaged at Secondary Parent Teacher Interviews last week. The start of a new semester is always an opportune time for students to be introspective on the successes and challenges from their previous semester, and to consider practical steps they can take for improvement.

To this end, over the coming weeks all Years 7 to 12 students will be working with their Academic Advisors or Form Teachers to map out their Learning Paths for Semester 2 on Learning Analytics, which includes the development of three S.M.A.R.T. goals. Progression towards these goals will be evaluated by the students throughout the semester, and I would warmly welcome them becoming a source of discussion at the dinner table.

Chris Dunn

We look forward to making some exciting leadership announcements in the coming weeks, as many of our students are set to take on new roles and responsibilities that will help shape our school community. These leadership opportunities will not only provide valuable experiences but also encourage personal growth, collaboration, and empowerment.

Additionally, we are excited to continue our support of The Ponytail Project this term. This initiative aims to raise awareness and funds for cancer research, and we are proud to see our students engage in this meaningful cause. We encourage everyone to get involved, whether by donating, raising awareness, or participating in upcoming events.

Together, we look forward to another term of learning, leadership, and making a positive impact both in and outside of the classroom. Let's make Term 3 one to remember!

Nikki Towsend

Students across all year levels enjoyed a wide variety of excursions and incursions, from visiting Out of the Box at QPAC, exploring Australia Zoo, and attending mapping and illustration workshops, to hands-on learning at the Science Museum and more.

The week followed our much-loved Grandparents Day, which welcomed nearly 800 guests, the largest turnout ever! Families enjoyed Interhouse Verse Speaking (congratulations to our champions, Chaucer House), a beautiful morning tea, special classroom activities, and the Interhouse Ballgames Competition, which was won by Milton House. A huge thank you to our dedicated staff and students for making it such a special and successful day.

We were also proud to acknowledge our students who have achieved outstanding results in academic and sporting arenas:

• Our Da Vinci Decathlon team earned second place—a brilliant result!
• The Years 5 and 6 All Girls’ Maths Tournament team showed courage and persistence in a challenging competition.
• Madeline J achieved the highest result in Queensland for the AMEB Speech and Performance Preliminary Grade exam and performed at the prestigious Barbara Sisley Awards.
• Harlo D has been selected for the Queensland team to compete at the School Sport Australian Diving National Championships this month.
• Ariella L returned from the 2025 Australian Kung Fu Wushu Championships with three gold medals!

These achievements are impressive—but they don’t happen by chance. They raise an important question: Why do some people achieve their goals while others don’t?

Research shows that natural talent is not enough. Success comes from hard work, consistent effort, and a desire to improve. It’s not just about finishing a task it’s about working to get better at it, learning from feedback, and always striving for growth.

Here are some powerful ways students can put this into action:

• Set a goal: Try to improve each time you practise a skill, whether in sport, learning, or arts.
• Focus as you work: Understand what you’re doing and why you're doing it that way.
• Ask for feedback: Listen to your teacher or coach and make changes to get better.
• Think big: Consider your dreams and the kind of person you want to become.
• Be consistent: Keep working hard—not just sometimes, but all the time.

At our school, we believe that effort leads to excellence. We are so proud of our students who continue to show that with determination, resilience, and support, anything is possible.

Let’s make Term 3 a term where we encourage the students to commit to doing their best in all endeavours, trying their hardest, and growing through every challenge.

Angela Drysdale

As a result of this process, there may be changes to your child’s Mathematics, Core Literacy, Cluster, or Spelling group this semester. These adjustments are based on current data and are made to ensure each student is placed in a group that best supports their progress and extends their learning. Your child may be assigned a different teacher or a new group of peers. In some cases, a teacher may continue with their current group; in others, they may begin working with a different group.

All grouping decisions are made thoughtfully and with a clear focus on student growth. Our flexible approach allows us to respond to the needs of learners and provide an environment in which every student is supported, challenged, and given the opportunity to thrive.

Previewing Semester 2 Learning

We also acknowledge the vital role families play in supporting their child’s learning journey. One way we foster this partnership is by offering opportunities for students to preview upcoming content—an approach that promotes confidence, engagement, and deeper connections between new learning and prior knowledge.

To support this, parents and carers can access a preview of their daughter’s learning via the Year Level POD Subject pages. These previews offer an overview of the key content and a set of broad learning intentions across subject areas. Reviewing this information together at home can help students feel more prepared for classroom learning, prompt meaningful conversations, and reinforce the concepts and skills being taught. We are proud to work in partnership with you to create a rich and empowering learning experience for every student.

Kate Frewin

Students work hard rehearsing music over several days, and this culminates with a performance given at the conservatorium. These programs are wonderful opportunities for our music students to further develop their musical capacity whilst also making connections with other young musicians from around the country. Two programs were held recently (South East Qld Program and Brisbane Program) and it was wonderful to have so many students participate. Congratulations to the following students:

SHEP – SOUTH EAST QLD PROGRAM

Sienna (Yr 7 Violin), Anika (Yr 6 Alto), Greer (Yr 9 Violin), Maya (Yr 8 Clarinet), Emma  (Yr 9 Clarinet), Charlotte (Yr 7 Alto), Matilda (Yr 8 Violin), Zohal (Yr 6 Violin), Chloe (Yr 9 Cello), Hattie Yr 7 Soprano), Angela (Yr 6 Alto), Arielle (Yr 6 Alto), Sophia (Yr 9 Alto), Nikki (Yr 9 Violin)

SHEP - BRISBANE PROGRAM

Clara (Yr 9 Alto), CJ (Yr 8 Soprano), Gia (Yr 8 Soprano), Ella (Yr 9 Alto), Harriet (Yr 10 Trumpet), Allegra (Yr 9 Soprano), Madeline (Yr 10 Soprano), Astrid (Yr 10 Soprano), Angelica (Yr 9 Alto), Sienna (Yr 6 Violin), Nikki (Yr 9 Soprano)

Soaring Upwards Festival

All larger music ensembles will perform at this special performance event on Circular Drive on Saturday 2 August. A special stage will be set up on Circular Drive along with professional audio. Parents and friends are encouraged to come and support the girls as they showcase their musical talents. The afternoon will also include some wonderful, combined ensemble performances. Seating will be provided or feel free to bring your own picnic rugs/chairs. The Music Support Group will be selling baked goods, chips, juice, soft drink and also provide a sausage sizzle. Please see the performance schedule below:

CONCERT BANDS

12:30pm           Chaseley Concert Band           

12:45pm           Jackson Wind Ensemble           

1.00pm            Sister Helen Wind Symphony               

1:15pm            COMBINED BANDS PERFORMANCE                                    

ROCK/STAGE BANDS

1:30pm            Stage Band                   

1:45pm            Highly Strung               

1:55pm            Monday Rock Band                  

2:10pm            Tuesday Rock Band                  

CHOIRS

2:30pm            Belle Voci                    

2:40pm            Chorale                       

2:50pm            Encorah                      

3:00pm            Volare

3:10pm            Exultate

3:20pm            COMBINED CHORAL PERFORMANCE

STRINGS

3:40pm            Amati Strings               

3:55pm            Stradivari Strings                      

4:10pm            Chamber Strings                      

4:25pm            COMBINED STRINGS PERFORMANCE

Winter Wonders

As part of our Soaring Upwards Festival, 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 1 August, with students in the following music programs and ensembles performing:

• Years 3 and 4 Strings (Primary Immersion Program)
• Year 5 Band (Primary Immersion Program)
• Archetti Strings (Early beginner strings ensemble)
• Tutti Strings (Advanced beginner strings ensemble)
• Serenata (Years 2 & 3 Choir)

The performance will begin at 8:45am and conclude at approximately 10:10am. All performances will be on the stage set up on Circular Drive with parents and friends 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

The next Music Support Group meeting will be held on Tuesday 22 July 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

We started the term on Tuesday with our Interhouse Athletics Carnival at Windsor Park. This day has developed over the years to be about participation with a focus on getting points for your respective house and continuing a culture of inclusiveness and Maggies spirit. All students participated across a variety of field events and the 100m. In 2025, we introduced a new event, the all ages relay across all year levels which was a great way to conclude the Carnival. The St Margaret’s Handicap Gift held over 100m was won this year by one of our School Captain, Ebony O. Overall results will be delivered at an upcoming assembly in a few weeks’ time.

QGSSSA Winter Fixtures in tennis, hockey, netball and volleyball start this Saturday, 19 July with our first fixture against Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School. Please keep an eye on the POD pages for fixture details and venues.

St Margaret’s Day is next Friday, 25 July and the school will be delivering the annual St Margaret’s Run event. Nominations are currently open for secondary students and close on Monday, 21 July at 3pm so if you are intending to run, please nominate for this event. See the POD Secondary Sport page for more information.

Congratulations to our winning QISSN Netball team who came away with the winner’s trophy in Division 2. This event was held during the second week of the holidays in Bundaberg. It was a big week for the team who had to dig deep on several occasions and who went into the final with two players out with ankle injuries. A massive thank you to both our Head of Netball, Gayle Coutts and primary teacher Camille Poupardin who were instrumental in preparing the team and being a constant and positive support throughout the week in Bundaberg.

A note to all parents and students. A reminder to all students in relation to absentees from sport training and fixtures. If you are unable to participate in a training or a fixture, you must use the absentee register at all times. These registers are continuously monitored and then reviewed at the end of the sport season. The information from these registers is utilised as part of the pocket policy. Please do not rely on emailing or telling your coordinator about an explained or unexplained absence. You must still complete the absentee register.

If you participated in any activities during the holidays, we would be happy 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 via 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:

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

Anne Louise Williams

There is also an option to join this meeting remotely via Microsoft Teams for those unable to attend the meeting in person.

A link to the meeting papers will be available on the P&F POD page prior to the meeting.

Reunion Weekend and Old Girls’ Day - calling all Old Girls!

St Margaret's warmly invites graduate students from 2015, 2005, 1995, 1985, 1975, 1965 and VIP graduates from the years 1964 and prior to return to the school to celebrate their milestone reunions. The reunion events will be held at various locations at St Margaret’s over the weekend of Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 July.

The annual Old Girls’ Day Chapel Service and Morning Tea, open to graduates from all years, will be held from 9.00am on Sunday 27 July, and is always a wonderful opportunity to reconnect, remember and share personal histories with one another.

To find out more and to register to attend, please visit the Reunion Weekend webpage: https://paststudents.stmargarets.qld.edu.au/events

St Margaret’s Plus Mentoring Program now open for Year 11 applicants

The St Margaret’s Plus Mentoring Program is designed to connect current Years 11/12 students with St Margaret’s alumni who work in the field they are aspiring to enter upon graduation. These alumni serve as mentors to current students for the duration of their final year of schooling.

Across four virtual meetings throughout the academic year (one per term), students can gain industry insight, tips and tricks and advice from an Old Girl who has established themselves as an industry professional.

Applications are now open for Year 11 students. More information and the application form can be found on the St Margaret’s Plus Mentoring Program POD Page here: The POD - St Margaret's Plus Mentoring Program.

Tickets are available here: MAYO Long Lunch Tickets, Terraces, Ascot | TryBooking Australia

St Margaret’s Friends of MAYO Committee is named in honour of prominent sculptor and St Margaret’s Old Girl Daphne Mayo, one of Australia's finest sculptors and, throughout her life, an energetic and tenacious advocate of the Arts in Queensland. The Friends of MAYO Committee host events designed to bring those in the community together who share confidence in the strength of the Arts at St Margaret's.

Mothers' Luncheon – Tickets selling fast

This year, our much-loved St Margaret’s Mothers’ Luncheon embraces a vibrant Greek theme!

Book now for a wonderful celebration inspired by the rich culture, flavours, and spirit of Greece. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect, unwind, and enjoy time with our incredible community.

Prepare for an afternoon filled with Greek charm, delicious food, and great company. We expect tickets to sell quickly, so be sure to secure yours early.

Date:              Friday 12 September 2025

Time:              11.30am – 2.30pm

Location:        Grand Ballroom, The Greek Club, 29 Edmondstone Street, South Brisbane

Price:              $199 per person and include a two-course lunch paired with a three-hour deluxe drinks package featuring Australian sparkling wine.

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:       Please contact: P&F@stmargarets.qld.edu.au

Tickets are available here:  https://www.trybooking.com/DBECB

We thank St Margaret’s P&F Mothers’ Lunch sponsors, Maggies Supporter: Hundt Law.

Lara Pickering