eNews Archive Issue 24 - 8 August 2024

As the week has gone on from the Ponytail project, the amount donated by the students has settled in at around $225,000. That is an amazing effort by the students, staff, and wider community. That means that over the last 10 years of the Ponytail Project, St Margaret’s has donated $937,000 to support those suffering because of cancer. Congratulations to everyone involved.

Several members of the teaching staff have been nominated by the community for the National Excellence in Teaching Awards (NEiTA).

Congratulations to the following teachers in the primary school: Karen Andrews-Close

Regina Brennan; Brooke Calcutt; Jon Cox; Georgi Eadie; Melissa Garbutt; Belinda Knowles; Mary Komselis and Sarah Singleton.

Congratulations also to the following teachers in the secondary school who have been nominated: Kelly Alford; Colette Anderson; Adam Hand; Sarah Harre; Margot Johnston; Brad King; Alina Layton; Rebecca Neveu-Wirth; Tom Smithers and Nicole Walker.

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.

As you would have seen on social media, Mr Brad King has been named as one of Australia’s Most Influential Educators. This is a very well-deserved honour, and we are fortunate to have Mr King as our Head of Performance. Congratulations, Mr King!

Ros Curtis

We spend a lot of time with our students talking about setting goals. We use the language of learning goals, and we always talk about students reaching their potential. With our school theme of ‘striving’ this year, this is a perfect time to reassess the journey that students are taking as they strive towards their goals.

It is really important for students to strive for their personal best (PB) in their learning and achievement. We often hear about ‘PBs’ when talking about sport, but this can also be applied to academics.

Many people assume that great sports people achieve success through talent alone, or that talent is what gets us those good results on our assessment. However, it is hard work and not talent that gains those results. Hard work can be uncomfortable. That is what striving is all about – the ability to tolerate being uncomfortable while focusing on growth. Focussing on gaining a PB in academics can maintain engagement and motivation, both in the classroom and outside it with homework and assessment.

Some thoughts for our students may be:

• In striving for a PB, the focus must be on the effort. Just like training for a sport to perform at an event or a race, focusing on effort can mean greater success on the assessment piece.
• Students can over- or under-estimate their ability at any given time. It is important to set reasonable goals that are not too hard or too easy and reflect the ultimate challenge.
• Students need to identify what skills they need to improve the most and take steps towards allocating time and energy to these skills.
• Students need to seek feedback on their progress. They can track this at school through Learning Analytics where they can access teacher comments and results.

Karen Gorrie

Farmers live and work with the seasons. They know when it is time to sow and when it is time to reap the harvest. The seasons matter. The Church works in seasons as well, we have Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Pentecost, and Ordinary Time. A season that has been added to the Church calendar in recent times is the Season of Creation. This begins with Spring, on the first day of September. It recognises God’s call to us to care for the earth, and, like the cotton farmers, and all the farmers in our St Margaret’s community, to live in harmony with and attentive to the seasons.

So, as we prepare for spring, and travel these final weeks of winter season, I share a prayer from Leunig:

"We give thanks for the blessing of winter:
Season to cherish the heart.
To make warmth and quiet for the heart.
To make soups and broths for the heart.
To cook for the heart and read for the heart.
To curl up softly and nestle with the heart.
To sleep deeply and gently at one with the heart.
To dream with the heart.
To spend time with the heart.
We give thanks for the blessing of winter:
Season to cherish the heart.
Amen."

Rev’d Jazz Dow

On Monday the wait was finally over. We would like to wholeheartedly congratulate all of the school’s 2025 leaders, particularly Tilly Charlton and Isabella Gordon on their appointment as Boarder Captains in 2025. Congratulations also to our 2025 Boarder Prefects: Charlotte Ashney, Lulu Behrend, Ella Hagenbach, Sophie Hunter, Ella McCready. Mary Milligan, Victoria Omowaire, Nellie Slack, Charlotte Thomas and Phoebe Woods.

School Prefects: Matilda Charlton, Eve Jenner, Elke Lord, Hailey Tsang, Phoebe Tydd

House Captains: Bede House - Georgia Webb, Spencer House - Maggie Clarke, Tennyson House - Claire Packer

Sport Captain: Daisy Yannakouros

Sacristan: Isabella Rasheed

Sport Captains: AFL – Sophie Hunter, Artistic Gymnastics – Kaleija Tucker, Cricket – Finley Hoger, Cross Country – Phoebe Tydd, Tennis – Eve Jenner & Nellie Slack, Touch – Phoebe Kibble, Volleyball – Esther Lee, Water Polo – Ella McCready

Music Captains: Choral – Hailey Tsang, Band – Kelly Ng

International Captains: Chloe Cheung and Kelly Ng

As our current Year 12s prepare for their external exams and the end of their boarding journey we can rest assured that the boarding house will be in good hands under the leadership of not only those listed above but all of our 2025 Year 12 cohort.

We look forward to what this cohort can bring to the Boarding House as our 2025 leaders. We know we will be in good hands yet again to lead us through another great year of boarding.

Angela Crowe

In three weeks, the Year 12 students will head into the Mock Block where they will experience the External Exams in a practice environment. There are only three weeks remaining of standard class time during which teachers are delivering targeted lessons to help prepare our girls to be as ready as possible for both their Mock Exams and their External Exams.

It is expected that in the next three weeks, the Year 12 students maintain a committed approach to both attendance and engagement in their classes. Students are encouraged to ensure they are arriving at school with sufficient time to get to their classes with all required equipment. They should not be booking Careers meetings during lessons and instead should use their break time or ILOs for these bookings.

While External Exams seem to be a long way away, this time passes quickly, and the girls are encouraged to take advantage of all the support that is in place to ensure they are well prepared for the last steps of their secondary school journey. We know they have worked so hard to get to where they are now, and we are here to encourage and support them to the end.

Caitlin McCluskey

While at St Margaret’s, these pre-service teachers will be teaching classes under the supervision of a St Margaret’s teacher; receiving feedback on their pedagogical practice and develop it in new and innovative ways; observing lessons across a diverse range of subject disciplines; and taking part in the school’s professional development days and afternoons. Further, St Margaret’s runs pre-service teacher-specific professional development sessions to assist them to prepare for their first year of full-time teaching.

For all the following pre-service teachers, this is their final university placement, and on behalf of the school community, I warmly welcome them to St Margaret’s this semester, and wish them every success in their time with us:

• Isabella Bolton – History and English (with Mrs Burton and Ms Philp)
• Sophia Ross – Drama and Music (with Mrs Bracken and Ms Mendham)
• Elizabeth Warren – Drama and English (with Ms Flanagan)
• Timothy Hauff – Science, Biology and HPE (with Ms Cescotto)

Chris Dunn

Firstly, leadership opportunities cultivate essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. By participating in group projects, leading class discussions, or organizing events, students learn to articulate their ideas clearly, collaborate with diverse peers, and develop innovative solutions to challenges. These skills are not only vital for academic success but are also highly sought after in the professional world.

Moreover, leadership experiences boost self-confidence and self-awareness. Taking initiative in various school activities helps students recognize their strengths and areas for improvement. This self-awareness is instrumental in personal growth, enabling students to set realistic goals and strive for continuous improvement. Additionally, the confidence gained from successfully leading a project or contributing to a team effort empowers students to take on more significant challenges in the future.

Engaging in leadership also nurtures a sense of responsibility and empathy. Students involved in leadership roles often work on initiatives that impact their peers and the broader community. This involvement fosters a sense of accountability and encourages them to consider the needs and perspectives of others. Empathy and a sense of duty are critical in developing socially responsible citizens who are aware of and committed to contributing positively to society.

Furthermore, leadership opportunities enhance university and career prospects. Admissions personnel and employers often look for candidates with demonstrated leadership experience, as it indicates a proactive and motivated individual. Even without holding a formal position, active participation in school leadership activities can significantly strengthen a student's profile.

Here at St Margaret's, there are a multitude of opportunities for the girls to experience leadership both formally and informally. These opportunities are integral to personal development, regardless of whether a student holds a formal position. Students build essential skills, boost confidence, foster responsibility and empathy, and enhance future academic and career prospects. Engaging in these opportunities prepares students not only for immediate academic success but also for their future roles as effective leaders and responsible citizens.

Nikki Townsend

The wisdom of Dr Seuss has been proven time and time again; reading matters and daily reading has a significant impact on student attainment. In the lead up to Book Week it is timely to consider the value of daily reading. Extensive reading has been linked to improved measures on general knowledge, vocabulary, spelling, verbal fluency and of course reading comprehension. 

Sourcing and borrowing books are important aspects of reading. Recent research has found a connection between students with lower book borrowing rates and lower performance in reading comprehension. For students in the early childhood years, it is important that they read the books they borrow weekly with an adult who can model reading and engage in discussions about the text. Students in Years 3-6 are supported to borrow books by using our Accelerated Reader Program (AR). This program encourages, monitors, and assists each girl’s book selection and reading development.

When a child is reading independently it is critical that time is spent each day rehearsing fluent reading behaviours by accessing books at a suitable level. Books that are too challenging lead to students practising ‘struggling’ reading behaviours and this impairs both fluency and comprehension development and doesn’t help build a love of reading. Through the AR program each student undertakes a range of reading assessments to ascertain their best fit reading level and then selects books from the library at her level. When the book is finished, students take a short quiz on the computer which provides teachers with information about how well students have comprehended the text. With over 32,000 AR quizzes available, many books in our Primary Library have been levelled and colour coded to assist the girls to select a book which she should be able to be read without frustration or loss of motivation. These books all have AR quizzes which will be completed once the book has been read. Books are also assigned points based on the length of the book.  Students earn points or a portion of a book’s points depending on how well they do on the reading quiz. 

Millionaires’ morning tea is a motivational strategy we use to encourage students to read and make the most of the AR program. A Millionaires Morning Tea is held regularly with students who have read a million words invited to the celebration to receive a certificate. Students who read two million words are presented with their certificate at Assembly, three-million-word readers have morning tea with Ms Curtis in her office. Over 3 million students attend another morning tea. This year so far, we have from Years 3-6:

1-million-word readers - 37 students (7 are Year 3 students)  

2-million-word readers - 10 students (1 Year 3 student)

3- and 4-million-word readers - 4 students in each (1 Year 3 student is a 3 million reader).

Photos of all millionaire readers are displayed on the honour board in the library. Congratulations to all these girls.

Students are not required to read only books within this colour band and will always be encouraged to read broadly, however, they will be guided to read books at their level so that staff can monitor students’ developing comprehension. Once students have mastered their comprehension at one colour level, they will be directed to a new level. Teachers will monitor each girl’s reading and help them set personal reading goals.

We strongly encourage and request that you focus on encouraging your daughter in her reading by discussing the book she is reading with her as she develops good reading habits. Parents can best assist by ensuring their daughter reads each night and to continue to read aloud to their daughters to model fluent and expressive reading, as well as to instil a love of literature. Below is an infographic which highlights the value of daily reading.

Andrews Cup Soccer

During Week 3, 60 girls headed off to Toowoomba to compete in Andrews Cup soccer. Each of the teams worked hard to achieve their personal best. Congratulations to Junior A and Senior C1 who both placed first. Thank you to Ms Rowe, Ms Komselis, Ms Richards and Ms Court and Brisbane City coaches for supporting the girls in this competition.

Angela Drysdale

Years 5 and 6 Honours Awards are given for excellent academic achievement based on results from Terms 1, 2, and 3. Students must achieve a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 13 or above and receive no less than a B- overall in any of their subjects. The GPA is calculated by weighting assessed subjects relative to the number of curriculum hours allocated each week. These awards also include Honours memorial prizes. Students receiving an Honours Award are not eligible for a Commendation Award.

The Dux of the Primary School is the most prestigious Honours Award and will be presented to a Year 6 student who has attained the highest overall grade calculation, as per the Honours Awards criteria. The Proxime Accessit to the Dux of the Primary School is the Year 6 student who is second to the Dux, having attained the next highest overall grade in the Year 6 cohort. The recipients of the Dux and Proxime Accessit will remain confidential until the presentation on Speech Night.

Commendation Awards are given in recognition of excellent engagement in learning. They are based on the level of application demonstrated in class and at home, as well as the attitude displayed in all subjects. The Attitude to Learning result is recorded on the report card using a four-point scale that provides evidence of engagement in learning. To receive a Commendation Award, a student must achieve an average score of 3.9 or higher across Terms 1, 2, and 3. The average score is calculated by weighting subjects relative to the number of curriculum hours allocated each week. Students who receive an Honours Award are not eligible for a Commendation Award.

The Spirit of St Margaret’s Award is granted to a student in each class in Years 5 and 6 who is outstanding in exemplifying the school values and the philosophy of St Margaret’s Way – Spirit, Inclusivity, Integrity, Courage, Respect and Passion at all times.

Awards are also presented for sport and musical achievements.

We look forward to announcing these prize winners at the beginning of Term 4 and sharing in this special night.

Kate Frewin

Music Concert – Save the Date

Stradivari Strings, Jackson Wind Ensemble and Volare will be presenting pieces at an upcoming concert to be held in the Phillip Harris Gym on Monday 9 September at 6:30pm. This will be a fantastic opportunity for these ensembles to showcase their hard work for 2024 and we look forward to having many in attendance to support the students.

Music Dinner Theme Announcement

The Music Captains are very excited to announce the theme for the upcoming 2024 Music Dinner to be held on Friday 11 October is ‘Barbie’. Students (and parents) are encouraged to come along dressed as their favourite Barbie (or Ken), or you may just consider wearing lots of pink! It will be a fun evening celebrating the music students’ achievements throughout 2024. Further information regarding the purchase of tickets will be made available soon.

Music Support Group

The next Music Support Group meeting will be held on Tuesday 3 September 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

St Margaret's club sport programs offer an inclusive environment that caters to all abilities, ensuring every student has the opportunity to participate and excel. With extensive team options available within club sport competitions, students can become more deeply involved while also expanding their social and community networks. The club sport seasons span across two terms, providing continuous engagement, development, and plenty of fun!

The 2024/2025 Club Water Polo program will see some change to its structure with Water Polo Queensland taking over the facilitation of the competition. The competition will now be known as the ‘Brisbane Metropolitan Junior Competition’. The format will see 14 Rounds plus a 3 Round Finals and Playoff series. Competition will focus around the U12, U13, U14, U15, U16, U17 and U18 divisions with four grades within each age group to cater for competitive, social, and beginner athletes. The purpose of multiple divisions is to ensure that the teams are participating against teams of similar ability, for a more closely contested competition and an enhanced development experience for the players. Further information regarding the competition can be found on the Water Polo Queensland website: Brisbane Metropolitan Junior Competition - Water Polo Queensland (waterpoloqld.com.au). 

To find out more information regarding the St Margaret’s offering and to register your daughter’s interest to participate please visit the St Margaret’s Club Water Polo POD page.

Ms Hannah Calcino, Assistant Director of Sport will be overseeing the program this year. If you have any questions regarding your daughter’s participation, please do not hesitate to contact her via email hcalcino@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Sport Awards Evening – Save the Date

The annual St Margaret’s Sport Awards will be held on Thursday 3 October, celebrating the outstanding achievements of our Maggies students in all areas of sport. Award winners and their families will receive personal invitations towards the end of Term 3, but we warmly invite and encourage the entire St Margaret’s community to join us in celebrating the successes of the 2024 program. Tickets will be available soon—don’t miss out on this special evening!

Criteria for the Sports awards can be found on the St Margaret’s Sport POD Page.

At our Sport Awards Evening, we recognise and celebrate the achievements of students who have represented Queensland or Australia through their respective school sport and club sport pathways. Since club sports are external to St Margaret’s, we rely on students and/or parents/guardians to inform the Activities Office about representation at this level. We acknowledge and honour those students who have been selected for and competed in a Queensland or Australian representative team.

If your daughter has represented at this level, please notify the Activities Office by Friday, 6 September, with the relevant details. Please email me a 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 charge an additional late delivery fee for any orders received after the commencement of Term 4, 2024

ONLY Boarders 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. Further details of the Student Free program can be found here (PDF 217.4KB) and the September Vacation Care program here. (PDF 289.7KB) 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?*

Student Free Day - 30 August 2024

Fees: $68 per day*

Bookings close: 19 August 2024

September Vacation Care Program 2024

Early Bird Fees: $63

Early Bird Bookings close: 30 August 2024

Fees: $68 per day*

Bookings close: 6 September 2024

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

*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

You don't have to attend the event to enter. You can purchase your raffle tickets and view the full listing of prizes via Raffletix: https://www.raffletix.com.au/?ref=eyd3r

Raffle prizes include a two-night stay at The Beach Ranch in Angourie, valued at $1,700, a $1,578 gift voucher to KAILO Wellness Medispa, a set dinner menu by The Running Cook for 8 to the value of $1200, a $799 Jimena Alejandra Blake necklace, $500 dinner voucher at Herve’s French restaurant, shopping at Edito James Street, vouchers for Hoppy’s car wash and more!

A special thanks to Maggies Supporters, Jimena Alejandra, UMS, and Hundt Law.

Thank you to our Prize Donors: The Beach Ranch, KAILO Wellness Medispa, The Running Cook, Verve Photography, Edito, Number Works n’ Words, Jimena Alejandra, Herve’s French Restaurant, Hey Chica, Hoppy’s Car Wash and the Running Cook.

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

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.

Georgia Mitchell