eNews Archive Issue 22 - 30 July 2026

Congratulations also to the following teachers in the secondary school who have been nominated: Kelly Alford; Collette Anderson; Rowena Bracken; Erin Buckingham; Caitlin Burmester; Jake Compton; Leigh Cordell; Ellie Curry; Katie Flanagan; Margot Johnston; Brad King; Alina Layton; Kate Montgomery; Rebecca Neveu-Wirth; Cassandra Pincott; Margot Shave; Tony Zhang.

These awards are designed to encourage and support educators through recognising those who are examples of excellence in their profession. It is a wonderful way to recognise the fantastic and important work of our teachers and is a great reflection on the quality of the whole school teaching and learning community.

There have been recent headlines (The National Tribune, June 25, 2026) that ‘Australia’s social media age restrictions show limited impact, new research finds.’ This is no surprise, particularly in less than a year of operation. Commitment to delaying young people’s access to social media is a significant cultural shift, and significant cultural shifts take time.

The research claims that approximately 85% of young people are still accessing social media, mainly because of poor age verification procedures including self-declared age options. However, now is not the time to give up. The mental health of our young people is at stake, and this is too important for now and our society’s future. I have no doubt more rigorous age verification processes will be implemented over time particularly if more fines are going to be paid by the tech giants. Patience and a relentless commitment to delaying access are in order here, and the school continues to support parental control in this matter and encourage you to ‘stay stronger, longer'. It is a difficult job being a parent and resisting ‘everyone else has a phone/is allowed Tik Tok/ can be on Snapchat/ etc’ is so hard. So, if it is any consolation, St Margaret’s is behind you 110%.

I am on long service leave for the next six weeks. During this time, Nicole Devlin will be Acting Principal, Nikki Townsend Acting Deputy Principal and Kelly Alford, Acting Dean of Students. I will be back in the last week of Term 3 and look forward to catching up on all the achievements of the term then. Until then, enjoy a very busy term!

Ros Curtis AM

Recently, I had the privilege of attending the Federal Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association (ICPA) Conference, where representative from State ICPA Branches gathered to discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with education for children living outside metropolitan areas. The conference provided a valuable opportunity to listen, learn and gain a deeper understanding of the realities faced by many of our boarding families.

Throughout the conference, I was reminded that the decision to send a daughter to boarding school is rarely simple. It is often accompanied by significant sacrifices, careful planning and deep consideration. Families must weigh the benefits of educational opportunities, co-curricular experiences and future pathways against the reality of distance from home, family and community. These decisions are often made with great courage and an unwavering commitment to providing the very best opportunities for their children.

Hearing firsthand accounts from parents reinforced the importance of continuing to listen carefully to our boarding families and understand the factors that influence their decision-making. Whether navigating fluctuating seasonal conditions, managing family businesses, balancing financial commitments or supporting children through transitions, our boarding parents demonstrate remarkable resilience and dedication.

As a school, it is essential that we continue to learn from these experiences. By better understanding the challenges and considerations our families face, we can ensure that our programs, communication and support structures reflect their needs and aspirations. Strong partnerships between home and school are at the heart of a successful boarding experience, and these partnerships flourish when built on mutual understanding, trust and respect.

I returned from the conference with a renewed appreciation for the role boarding plays at St Margaret’s and for the extraordinary families who entrust us with their daughters’ education. Their stories continue to inform my thinking and strengthen our commitment to providing a boarding experience where every student feels supported, connected and able to thrive.

Nicole Devlin

Think of the people who have shaped your own leadership, or even the people who have had the greatest impact on you. For most of us, it will be the culture and relationships that these people cultivated in the daily tasks and interactions, rather than big achievements (which aren’t standalone things, but rather the product of many small actions becoming a greater whole) that they made that impacted us most.

Our culture celebrates the big things; just think of what the news media covers. (Or, in Australia all the Big things [e.g. pineapple, banana, prawn, merino…] scattered across towns and cities.) Sometimes the focus on big things can keep us from taking the first small step toward possibility – a new project, a new direction, or simply, valuing the little things.

Transformation occurs in relationship. Relationships are nourished in the daily, small, and ordinary acts of kindness, integrity, care, inclusivity, manners, noticing the feelings of another, learning the first new thing, smiling at someone, giving someone the benefit of the doubt.

Thank God for the small things, and thank God for each one of you.

Rev’d Jazz Dow

Throughout the year, we have intentionally focused on providing more senior and year level social opportunities, allowing our girls to engage with students from neighbouring schools in a variety of meaningful, enjoyable and age-appropriate settings. While these occasions are often filled with fun, laughter and memorable experiences, their impact extends far beyond the event itself.

For many students, social events provide a chance to step outside their comfort zone, develop confidence in new environments and practise the interpersonal skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. They learn how to start conversations, build relationships, navigate different social settings and develop a greater sense of self within a broader community.

Our senior boarders have embraced these opportunities throughout the year. Year 12 students joined Churchie for an evening of mocktails, shared meals and meaningful conversations with both fellow students and senior leaders. The evening created space for genuine connection, encouraging students to share their experiences, celebrate common interests and form friendships beyond their own school community.

Year 12 students also attended the driving range with Nudgee College, where a relaxed recreational setting allowed interactions to occur naturally. Experiences such as these remind students that connection does not always come through structured conversation. Sometimes, it is found in shared activities, laughter and simply spending time alongside one another.

Year 11 students enjoyed a dinner with Nudgee in the city, providing an opportunity to meet new people, exchange stories and broaden their social networks. These experiences help students recognise that meaningful friendships can develop in many different settings and often begin with the simple willingness to engage with someone new.

Later this year, we look forward to welcoming Year 12 Churchie students to the boarding house. The evening will begin with a shared meal in the dining hall before moving to the terrace, where students will enjoy making s'mores around an open fire and sharing hot chocolate under the stars. It is often these simple moments of connection, free from the busyness of everyday life, that create the most lasting memories.

Our younger students have also enjoyed opportunities to build connections with their peers from other schools. Year 10 students participated in a lawn bowls social with Churchie at Norman Park, while Year 7 students enjoyed an energetic afternoon of pickleball with Nudgee in Redcliffe. These experiences provide a welcoming environment for students to develop social confidence, strengthen communication skills and experience the sense of belonging that comes from forming new friendships.

As a boarding community, we recognise that wellbeing is not simply about supporting students when challenges arise. It is also about creating opportunities for young people to flourish, connect and feel part of something bigger than themselves. Through these social experiences, our girls are developing confidence, empathy, communication skills and meaningful relationships, all of which are essential foundations for positive wellbeing.

The friendships formed, conversations shared and memories created through these events will remain long after the activities have ended. More importantly, they contribute to a strong sense of community, reminding our girls that they are connected, supported and valued as they continue to grow into confident and capable young women.

Kelli Boucaut

NAIDOC Week

This week, St Margaret’s celebrated NAIDOC Week. On Wednesday staff joined with some of our First Nations families for a shared meal. Today we had our NAIDOC Week Assembly where we were fortunate to have Refiti Tovi, our Turrbal Elder, perform a Welcome to Country. This evening we are holding our NAIDOC Week movie night in Eton Hall, watching Kangaroo. Tomorrow, we are lucky enough to have both Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal dance performances on Circular Drive. We are grateful to have been able to welcome our wider community to be with us this week and have been blessed to have some of our boarding families able to join us for these celebrations. 

At the NAIDOC Week Assembly, we were very excited to announce that Tina Pearson-Nona will continue to be our Student Co-Chair for the RAP Committee, with Tiffany Nona joining her in this role. Congratulations, girls! 

“The most important advice I received was to do something active or effective for my brain during work breaks rather than going on my phone.” – Niah Slatter, ’25.

Caitlin McCluskey

For more details, or to register, please click on the following link: Click Here to RSVP

NAPLAN 2026

Last week, NAPLAN results were released to schools and, once again, St Margaret’s has performed exceptionally well in all areas when compared to the state average. The 2026 overall school results can be viewed here on the school’s website.

Student achievement is reported to parents using proficiency standards for each assessment area at each year level. The standards are set at a challenging but reasonable expectation of what students know and can do at the time of testing. For further information on this reporting system, a Parent Information Brochure is available here.

Congratulations to all students on their efforts. I would also like to thank our dedicated teaching staff for their ongoing commitment to excellent education for our students.

Chris Dunn

For current students, St Margaret’s Day is a reminder that they are part of something much bigger than themselves. It is a celebration of belonging, service, courage, and community—values that have shaped St Margaret’s girls for generations. The day reinforces the strong sense of connection that exists across year levels and reminds students that they are supported by a network that extends far beyond their time at school.

As an Old Girl myself, this year’s celebration held even greater significance as I attended my own school reunion last weekend. There is something truly special about reconnecting with friends who shared such formative years of life. Although much has changed since we graduated, the bonds formed at St Margaret’s remain remarkably strong. We return not simply to revisit memories, but to celebrate the impact the school has had on our lives and the women we have become.

The Old Girls of St Margaret’s play an invaluable role in preserving the spirit and traditions of the school. Through mentoring, volunteering, philanthropy, and simply remaining connected, Old Girls provide a living link between past and present. They remind current students that being a St Margaret’s girl does not end at graduation; it is a lifelong connection built on shared experiences, values, and pride in our school.

In celebrating St Margaret’s Day, we acknowledge those who came before us, support those who walk beside us, and inspire those who will follow. It is this enduring sense of community that makes St Margaret’s such a special place and ensures its legacy continues for generations to come.

Nikki Townsend

As a school, we are very fortunate to belong to Andrews Cup (Queensland Girls Primary Independent Schools, Andrews Cup Association), started in 1938 by Miss Jessie Andrews. This sporting association committed to primary age girls’ sport with the nine other schools in the competition sharing similar values and traditions.

All member schools are committed to the values, guiding principles, are willing to embrace change, and are cognisant and respectful of the ethos of the Association.

The Andrews Cup Association values:

• its past and its founders
• current leaders and sportspersons in the Association
• the culture, values and traditions of member schools
• sportsmanship and friendly participation
• sport, physical wellbeing, and primary girls
• commitment and ethical behaviour, from all members of the Andrews Cup community
• strategic futures thinking

Each member school is committed to the active participation of primary girls in healthy sporting pursuits, in a carnival style competition. Fitness and exercise are an important aspect of the Andrews Cup competition and supported by St Margaret’s as preparation for the competition and includes the provision of regular training with expert coaches in each of the Andrews Cup sports.  

Sporting opportunities are not limited to Andrews Cup. In May, the Downey Park Netball Association club season commenced with 18 primary teams competing for St Margaret’s netball club with the season now heading to into semi and finals games. It is wonderful to watch the girls’ skills develop throughout the season.  

Before a student becomes a member of a sporting team, they undergo a clear selection process which is outlined in the Primary Information Guide (p. 45) and the selection process for each sport is shared at the beginning of each sporting season on the Sport POD page.  Please know, as a school, we are guided by our school’s six core values in all that we do. In relation to the team selection process, the value Integrity is paramount in the selectors’ mind.

A new initiative this year is the St Margaret's Way for Primary Sport. Before each competition, Mr Terry Humpreys reviews the expectations based on this document. It can be found here.

Thank you to the coaches and spectators for supporting the girls at each of the competitions throughout the year.

Angela Drysdale

NAPLAN provides valuable data that helps parents and educators understand how students are progressing in literacy and numeracy over time. It also allows schools to consider student achievement in relation to state and national benchmarks.

Student achievement is reported using proficiency standards for each assessment area and year level. These standards reflect a challenging but reasonable expectation of what students should know and be able to do at the time of testing. For more information about this reporting system, a Parent Information Brochure is available here.

The 2026 overall school results can be viewed on the school’s website here, and Individual Student Reports have now been sent home. If you have any questions about NAPLAN or your daughter’s results, please contact me or your daughter’s classroom teacher.

Kate Frewin

MAYO ARTS FESTIVAL

Our Music ensembles are very excited to be performing at the Mayo Festival this Saturday 1 August.  Full performance schedule is below:

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE (Circular Drive Stage):

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            Comino Sisters

6:05pm            Highly Strung

6:20pm            Monday Rock Band

6:40pm            Tuesday Rock Band       

MAYO WINTER WONDERS

Our primary beginner ensembles are very excited to perform at Winter Wonders on Friday this week. It will 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.

PRACTICE-A-THON FUNDRAISER

The Music Department in conjunction with the Music Support Group is 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!

MUSIC SUPPORT GROUP

Upcoming meetings for the Music Support Group are as follows:

• 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

Finally, our secondary groups completed the program. Each of the races was started by Ms Curtis with commentary provided by our ever-enthusiastic Sports Captains, Lola B and Jemima G. Our race winners were presented with a winners medal and our overall winner with the fastest time presented with a trophy which will awarded again at the Sports Awards in early Term 4.

Congratulations to our race winners as follows;

Junior Primary (Years 3-4): Blaire S

Senior Primary (Years 5-6): Zoe F

Junior Secondary (Years 7-8): Charlotte R

Intermediate Secondary: Elkie W & Georgiana R

Senior Secondary: Coco F

Overall winner: Coco F

With the QG Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships on next Friday 8 August, St Margaret’s hosted its own Rhythmic Gymnastics Practice Meet last Friday with visiting schools including MBC, IGGS, BGGS, and STP. It was an opportunity for our teams to do a run through in competition-like circumstances. With the judges then providing on the spot feedback, our teams can continue to improve and perfect routines in readiness for the Championships. A special shout out and thank you to the parents who assisted in the bake sale which fed participants and supporters throughout the event. All of the schools involved in the meet appreciated having this offering available.

Thank you to everyone, both parents and staff, in getting your daughters to various venues last weekend for our Round 2 Winter fixtures. We had students spread over seven venues on Saturday across the four sports. These rounds playing multiple schools add further complexity to the work of the sports office and your support is much appreciated. This weekend, our QG Netball, Tennis, Volleyball and Hockey teams will play home against BGGS. With all teams playing, we are looking forward a great round of games across the four sports.

Throughout the year, including Term 3, a number of students are balancing multiple sports and/or music commitments. I would remind all students and families to ensure that you continue to communicate with coordinators if you have clashes for training and competition fixtures. Our heads of sports, and coordinators of sport and music ensembles are very willing to work with each of you to assist as best we can. Many times, clashes can be shorted and trainings balanced; however, students need to communicate to ensure minimum disruptions between commitments.

Congratulations to current Year 12 student Bless D who over the last few months has debuted and is now a member of the Australian Women's Water Polo team. On Sunday, she was part of the Bronze medal winning team who defeated Russia 12-9 in the World Cup Finals. We are looking forward to welcoming her back to school and celebrating this success.

The STM sport team are 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

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.

Raffle

With first prize being a luxury tropical escape valued at $7000, don’t miss your chance to win in the festival raffle. 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, Hodgination Art and Raffinee the Label.

Bake Sale

We would greatly appreciate donations of 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.

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, Comiskey Group and the Lord Mayor’s Community Fund 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!

If you have a daughter in Year 11, talk to them about joining the Mentoring Program – applications are now open and can be found on the following Mentoring POD Page: The POD - St Margaret's Plus Mentoring Program. To talk to the Relationships and Mentoring Manager, Ms Lizzie Fowler, for more information, please email Mentoring@stmargarets.qld.edu.au

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 ntownsend@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Tickets for the 2026 St Margaret's Mothers' Luncheon are selling fast

The Mothers' Luncheon is one of the most loved events on the St Margaret's calendar - a wonderful opportunity to come together, celebrate friendships and enjoy a vibrant afternoon with our school community. This year, the celebration is bigger and brighter, with the drinks package extending for the full duration of the event and special entertainment to bring extra energy to the afternoon.

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.

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 pleaseclick here

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

Lara Pickering