eNews Archive Issue 25 - 16 August 2024

Currently, St Margaret’s is involved in a small trial exploring the effectiveness of artificial intelligence (AI) in assessing student work and providing meaningful feedback to students. The trial, which is progressively rolling out across the Science, English and Global Studies faculties this year, includes using AI to help calibrate benchmarking processes and providing teachers with deeper analytical insights into individual student performances. It is important to note that despite these AI trials happening, teachers will continue to mark and oversee feedback for individual drafts and final pieces of work for students as per normal.

It is a very exciting to see the development of these AI technologies and the way they might assist our students to strive even further in their academic pursuits. I look forward to seeing the results from the trials and sharing some insights with the school community as data comes to hand.

Every three years, St Margaret’s conducts a whole school parent survey (Prep – Year 12) as part of our continuous improvement process. I will detail the process more fully to you in a separate communication piece; however, at the outset, I just want to encourage your participation as your feedback is vitally important to us. The survey is run by external specialist education consultancy MMG, and all feedback is confidential and de-identified to encourage the full and frank expression of your views. Parents will receive separate communication from MMG next Friday 23 August with a link the survey. Our Year 12 students similarly will be participating in what is an annual Year 12 exit survey to be held at school on Monday 26 August, again conducted by MMG.

Ros Curtis

This year the following students will be required to attend Speech Night:

• All Years 11 and 12 students. All students in Year 12 will be required to wear a Church dress. Only prize winners in Year 11 will be required to wear a Church dress. Students in Year 11 who are not prize winners will wear their school middy.
• All boarders will be attending. Boarders who are not prize winners or in Year 12 will wear their school middy.
• All additional prize winners in Years 5-10.

The Church dress is available for purchase or hire from our Supplies Shop.

All non-prize winners in Years 5-10 are not required to attend. However, please be advised that we will continue to livestream our event and we encourage these students and their families to watch the event online.

Tickets will be released to Year 12 families first, then opened to the rest of the families of prize winners. We are currently in the process of finalising these details and will be in touch via email and the eNews about these arrangement in the near future.

Karen Gorrie

Students at St Margaret’s have been participating in Prayer Spaces for many years and know the ritual of the program. They know they come into the chapel, and it is a time for quiet reflection, prayer, and meditation. Once they’re all seated, we briefly introduce the theme, and then invite the students to mindfully explore the spaces. At the end, students report feeling calmer and more centred, ready for the rest of their day.

Some of the activities set for the theme of ‘Inclusivity – Everyone Belongs’ include:

Where are you from: learn the First Nations’ word for the place they live, and put a dot marking where home is on the global map.

Thank you for being kind: notice someone who has shown kindness at school and write a “thank you for being kind” note to them. “How do we change the world? One random act of kindness at a time.” – Morgan Freeman

Many gifts, one community: reflect on the uniqueness of every human being and write their own gifts or talents on a coloured piece of paper and peg it to our rainbow forest, symbolising the vibrant diversity of our St Margaret’s community.

You are more than enough: spend time reflecting on the fact that they are made and loved by God and that they are more than enough – a gift to our community and the world.

As we move into the final weeks of Term 3, know that you are indeed a gift to our community.

Rev’d Jazz Dow

Day families provide extra support and care for the girls during the year by taking them to appointments, to sporting activities, inviting them into their homes and providing extra care for the boarding girls when they are away from their homes. Over the six years that many of the girls are in boarding, the relationship between the parents grows and lasting friendships are made. This is what makes St Margaret’s the nurturing community it is.

We would like to acknowledge the Boarder Support Group for all their efforts in preparing for this evening and to all of the boarding parents that helped make the night the success that it was. We would particularly like to thank the Boarder Support Group committee for all their efforts leading up to the event. A special thank you to Angela Crowe for her support behind the scenes with invitations and communication for the event.

Lastly, thank you to the day families for your ongoing support and care of the girls in boarding. Our boarding community acknowledges your contribution to ensuring that all girls at St Margaret’s are cared for in this wonderful community.

Lesa Fowler

If your daughter is in Year 10 and is unwell and unable to attend school on the day of an exam, please ensure that she fills out the appropriate form (found via the Extension Form button on the Year Level POD pages) and sends the form, along with relevant evidence such as a medical certificate, to the Head of Faculty.

For students in Years 11 and 12, they should also contact me to ensure they have the appropriate documentation and we will organise a time for them to resit their exam.

Year 12 students

A reminder for all students to register for the QTAC Portal. Those wishing to be considered for Early Offers will need to put their preferences in this term.

Caitlin McCluskey

We encourage students and their parents to discuss this teacher feedback as it is released, to help ensure a plan is formulated for academic development and growth. Further, girls can use their grades and feedback to help evaluate their progression towards the academic goals they set earlier in the term.

• For Years 7 to 10 assessments – results and comments are released two school weeks after their submission/sitting date.
• For Year 11 – most results and comments are released two school weeks after their submission/sitting date, however, for some larger assessments it will be three school weeks.
• For Year 12 - results and comments are released three school weeks after their submission/sitting date.

To access these results, please log into the Learning Analytics Parent Portal and click on the Continuous Reporting Quick Link button.

Years 9 and 10 Study Hall

A reminder that during Years 9 & 10 Study Hall days, normal classes are suspended for these year levels, and students may have examination and performance assessments scheduled (please refer to your daughter’s Assessment Calendar on the POD).

When girls are not sitting assessment during Study Hall, they are afforded time to undertake independent study, where they can continue with other schoolwork and assessments.

Term 3 Study Hall dates are as follows:

Chris Dunn

Next, I ask them to consider their strengths and talents. What are they naturally good at? These abilities can often point towards a fulfilling career or hobby that aligns with their purpose. Additionally, I ask them to seek feedback from others. Sometimes, friends, family, or mentors can see our strengths and potential more clearly than we can.

I urge students to explore different paths and experiences. Volunteering, travelling, taking up new hobbies, or pursuing educational opportunities should be a considered option. These activities can expose them to new perspectives and help them discover what resonates with them.

Lastly, they must set goals and take action. Purpose isn’t found overnight; it’s cultivated through consistent effort and reflection. I discuss the importance of being patient with themselves and remaining open to evolving their understanding of what brings them fulfillment. Their purpose may change over time, and that’s totally fine. Most importantly embracing the journey of growth and self-discovery, knowing that each step brings them closer to a meaningful life, should be embraced.

Nikki Townsend

Kindness is reflected in our St Margaret’s Way statement, particularly “How do I want to feel every day when I come to school? What am I doing to ensure others can feel this way?” Research has found that people who are kind and compassionate are more satisfied with their lives, have better physical and mental health and have stronger relationships. Therefore, deciding to be a little kinder and participating in regular small acts of kindness will bring you more pleasure and direction than ever before.

Research has found that people who witness, or benefit from, someone’s kindness and compassion are more likely to be kind themselves. For a child to perform acts of kindness, they need to see the adults or others in their lives model them. As a parent, when you model acts of kindness, you are encouraging your child to do the same. Together, by promoting and practising kindness, you will value others more and strengthen your relationships.

Small acts of kindness can have enormous power for both the person who is being kind and the recipient. As Eddie Jaku advocates in the above quote, kindness costs nothing but is the richest commodity that can last a lifetime.

Early this week I witnessed a wonderful moment of kindness and cooperation when the Prep girls visited Churchie for a morning of activities and creating puppets together. The Churchie boys showed thoughtfulness by sharing their umbrellas with the girls which added an extra touch of kindness to the event. Thank you to the Churchie staff for organising this special event and providing the opportunity to further strengthen the relationship with our brother school.

Angela Drysdale

On Tuesday 20 August the annual Book Week Parade will take place on Circular Drive. Here, our Pre-Prep to Year 4 students will grace us with their creative and innovative costumes inspired by their favourite book characters. The 2024 theme is ‘Reading is Magic’, and this year’s parade will no doubt have us reminded of those fantastical characters that made us believe in the unimaginable. The parade will also feature the highly anticipated debut of this year’s Piccolo Choir, our Prep and Year 1 ensemble who commence in Semester Two. Please see the Book Week Parade invite on The POD for all event details.

After we have had the chance to explore the page for all things magical it will be time to see it in action on the stage on Circular Drive in the Primary Arts Spectacular on Friday 23 August. This year’s title builds on the theme of Book Week; ‘Mid Winter Magic’. The Years 5 and 6 students will take us on a journey where we will encounter places and characters with the magical touch through a kaleidoscope of wearable art, an outdoor art gallery, singing, dancing and creative storytelling.

The girls work towards this event over many months and this year they have had the privilege of creating alongside Ms Free, Ms Stewart, Ms Brennan, a range of choreographers and many other staff who have helped bring this event to life. It is always a magical and memorable evening, and we look forward to welcoming the Years 5 and 6 parents as the girls illuminate our imaginations on Circular Drive.

All event details including timings, food and beverages can be found on the invite on The POD as well as through information from your Class Parent Ambassadors.

We look forward to sharing this wonderful week with you all.

Annette Box

Interhouse Solo Music Week

The Music Department is looking forward to the Interhouse Solo Music Competition which will be taking place in Week 7 (secondary) and Week 8 (primary) of this term. This competition is open to all students in Years 4-12, regardless of whether students are taking private music lessons or not. There have been plenty of opportunities for houses to show their sporting capabilities and now is the time for houses to demonstrate their musical prowess! Information pertaining to the competition has been distributed to students and is also available on the POD.

Music Dinner

The Music Captains are very excited to announce the theme for the upcoming 2024 Music Dinner to be held on Friday 4 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! Music Dinner is an occasion for students and parents to celebrate a wonderful year of music-making at St Margaret’s. Special performances are given, awards are presented, and speeches are made to acknowledge the girls’ many achievements. A letter with further details will be distributed next week.

Music Concert - Save the Date

Stradivari Strings, Jackson Wind Ensemble and Volare will be presenting a special performance 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. A letter with further details is attached here. (PDF 241.5KB)

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

Our Netball teams continue to excel, sweeping the competition on Saturday by winning all divisions played. Despite some early season challenges, our Open team sits comfortably in the top three of the table, alongside our Senior A, Senior B, Senior C, 10B, 7B, and 7C teams. The remaining teams are all positioned mid-table, steadily building confidence and skill as they gear up for the second half of the season with enthusiasm.

Our Hockey teams also put on a great performance over the weekend, playing on grass fields in front of a lively crowd of supporters. The Open team played an exciting match, though they narrowly lost 2-1. The Senior A team is showing consistent improvement and is eagerly anticipating upcoming matches against Somerville House, Clayfield, and St Peters. Meanwhile, our Junior A team has played strong hockey throughout the season. Although they have yet to record a win, their close contests—like a 2-1 loss to Moreton Bay, a 4-2 match against Brisbane State High, and a 1-1 draw with St Aidan’s—show their determination and readiness to tackle the challenges ahead. We wish these teams the best of luck for the remainder of the season.

Our Tennis teams are finding their stride as the season progresses. The Open team celebrated its first win of the season against Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School, followed by another strong performance against St Aidan’s last Saturday. Our Senior A and B teams, as well as our Junior A, B, and C teams, all secured victories against St Aidan’s. With teams now sitting mid-table, they are well-positioned to make their move in the second half of the season.

Our Volleyball teams are having a lot of fun while learning new skills as the season unfolds. The Open team has been competitive, showing improved skills and a better understanding of their positions on the court. Although they have only recorded one win so far this season, the momentum is clearly building. This positive trend is reflected across the program, and we’re excited to see how the rest of the season plays out.

BSRA Rowing and St Margaret’s Regatta – Report

On Saturday 10 August, St Margaret’s proudly hosted a highly successful BSRA Regatta No. 4. We wish to extend our heartfelt gratitude and congratulations to everyone who played a part in making this event a great day. Whether you baked for the bake sale, donated raffle prizes, assisted with setup, manned the BBQ, or towed trailers, each contribution was vital. This monumental team effort showcased the dedication and community spirit that defines St Margaret’s. A special thanks must be given to our Rowing Support Group who continue to do an outstanding job in supporting our program. We are extremely appreciative of all the volunteers who support initiatives week in and week out.

In addition to the outstanding work behind the scenes, our athletes delivered impressive performances on the water. We have significantly closed the gap with All Hallow’s School in the overall point score, now trailing by just 16 points. This progress is a testament to the strength and resilience of our rowing team. As we set our sights on the Head of the River, our focus will be on what we can control—maintaining health, attending training sessions, and supporting one another. While major fitness gains may be unlikely at this stage, refining our technique and overcoming mental barriers will be crucial.

We look forward to Head of the River taking place on Saturday 24 August.

Jack Armitage

Head of Rowing

Sporting Achievement

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

• Congratulations to Sophie Gill who will represent the UEA at the upcoming World Life Saving Championships on the Gold Coast. We wish Sophie all the best and are excited to hear of her achievements upon her return.

We would like to continue to recognise the outstanding achievements and representation of students’ participating at 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 lknight@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 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!

Sport award criteria can be found on the St Margaret’s Sport POD Page: <CLICK HERE>

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 Mr Lloyd Knight, Director of Sport (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

The juxtaposing still life portraits invite audiences to consider the cold realities of the cooler toned modern technological world contrasted by a warmer toned one in which, a slower, curated, culture is privileged.

She has shown a proficiency for realism and an excellent aptitude for the medium of acrylic on canvas. Rafaella’s manipulation of light and shadow while maintaining a consistent tone and colour to aid the symbolism of her piece is ultimately remarkable and deserving of artist of the month.

Year 11 Term 4 2024 Booklist

The Year 11 Term 4 2024 (Year 12 2025) booklist is now available through Campion Education. Lists can be accessed here:  https://campion.com.au/parents/how-to-order/

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 2024

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 (no appointment required). A blazer fitting takes around 15 minutes. 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 and 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 on Petrie Street.

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

Helen is a commercially astute, passionate, people and business leader, with extensive experience growing businesses across the Food and Retail sectors. Helen currently leads a 14,000 strong team to operate 300 KFC restaurants across Australia from Busselton to Brisbane and everywhere in between!

Prior to joining Collins Foods, Helen was CEO of Oporto, leading 180 restaurants across Australia and New Zealand. Prior to that, Helen was General Manager – Convenience Development for Ampol (formerly Caltex Australia) creating the successful Foodary retail format. Helen brings over 15 years’ experience in retail and consumer goods, commencing her career in investment banking with JPMorgan and Deutsche Bank before transitioning to senior leadership roles at Woolworths Group.

Event Details

Date:   Tuesday 15 October 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