eNews Archive Issue 29 - 14 September 2023

In the latest edition you will be able to access very readable articles written by our staff members. Many would be of particular interest to parents, including an article written by Kelly Alford on Career Education and the world of work; Nikita Uscinski’s essay on the importance of ‘play;’ Chris Dunn’s report on the SOAR program; Caitlin McCluskey’s piece about self-regulation and Nikki Townsend’s work on navigating the turbulent waters of teenage hood.

I commend the Sunata publications to you.

As we are about to enter the last term for 2023, this is just another reminder of the need for a term’s notice of withdrawal for those not returning in 2024.

If your child is not returning to St Margaret’s in 2024, we require one full school term’s written notice (or one school term’s fees in lieu of notice) when withdrawing a student from the school. In some year levels, we have waiting lists and we need to be able to contact those on the list who are hoping to secure a place at the school. To meet the requirement of a term’s notice, advice can be received up to the last Friday of the September school holidays. Advice may be emailed directly to me or to our admissions via admissions@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.  

Yabbr and St Margaret's partner to support girls in tech

I am pleased to share that St Margaret's has partnered with communications technology company Yabbr, to grow eSports as an extracurricular activity and boost the burgeoning Girls in Gaming initiative. 

You can read more on this new partnership on our website: https://bit.ly/3LkKxYI 

I wish all students and families a relaxing and safe September holiday period. See you all in Term 4!

Ros Curtis

We are finishing our term in a big way with a number of our students attending the QGSSSA Athletics Carnival. Our students in Years 9 and 11 will also be attending to cheer on their fellow students.

Good luck also to the rowers attending the State Rowing Championships near Bundaberg this coming weekend. There are many schools competing in this event, and we wish all the rowers best wishes for a safe and successful regatta.

The annual Sony Children’s Holiday Camp is on again this year, and a number of girls in Year 11 have been preparing for this. Run in conjunction with Churchie, the weekend-long camp brings together students from St Margaret’s and Churchie along with doctors and nurses from across Brisbane to partake in activities with guests with disabilities and special needs in order to give their families respite. It is a life-changing camp for our students and we wish them well.

The first day back at school is Tuesday 3 October, and on this day will be the Prize Reading assembly. At this assembly we will announce those students who will receive awards and prizes at our Annual Speech Night on 10 October. Year 12 parents are now able to reserve their tickets through a link that was sent to them last week. Another link will be sent to families in Years 7-11 on 3 October.

We will also have some awards presented at our Music Dinner on 6 October, as well as our Special Awards Ceremony and Sports Awards Evening, both on 13 October.

Karen Gorrie

“The word gratitude is derived from the Latin word gratia, which means grace, graciousness, or gratefulness (depending on the context). In some ways, gratitude encompasses all of these meanings. Gratitude is a thankful appreciation for what an individual receives, whether tangible or intangible. With gratitude, people acknowledge the goodness in their lives. In the process, people usually recognize that the source of that goodness lies at least partially outside themselves. As a result, being grateful also helps people connect to something larger than themselves as individuals — whether to other people, nature, or a higher power.”

Giving thanks can make you happier - Harvard Health

Cultivating gratitude is an essential part of flourishing. It turns us beyond ourselves to a reality that is greater than the individual self. It turns us toward the people we love and all that connects us with our community and the world around us. Gratitude helps us shift perspective, to see that life is a gift, that our relationships, work, hobbies, homes, possessions, and all the good things, are gifts that work for our flourishing. We are part of a greater whole, interconnected with all that lives.

As we move into the holiday period, and change pace, let us cultivate a sense of gratitude and embrace the joie de vivre.

Rev’d Jazz Dow

It has been a very busy term for the boarding house, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Fiona Spooner and Gracemere Mataia for the wonderful work that they did while I was on long service leave.Their experience and enthusiasm for the boarding community was seen through the wonderful work that they did during my time on leave.The whole boarding house has been a hive of activity this term and they are all looking forward to a well-earned rest.We look forward to seeing all of the girls back at the beginning of Term 4.

In Term 4 there are a few things to note:

Year 12

SWOTVAC begins tomorrow with a breakfast to thank Year 12 teachers and continues through to next Thursday evening where we will have a Sunset Cinema Pyjama Party. Students will need to check the SWOTVAC timetable for rooming allocations for the week. All students should be mapping out their planning between now and External Exams. They have covered all the content for the exams, the teachers are here to support, but the hard work and commitment to get them to their final exams is up to them.

Year 11

The current Year 11s will begin their Unit 3 study next term. Each Year 11 has access to the Assessment Calendar until the end of the year. Year 11 students will also receive their first ATAR prediction based on their Unit 1 and 2 results.

Year 10

All students have received confirmation of their subject selection for Year 11 2024/Year 12 2025. At this stage of the process there are always some doubts. I have been meeting with students who have been having second thoughts to discuss their selections. As the timetable has been created for next year, it is possible that not all subject changes are able to be accommodated.

For all girls, over the holidays, take some time to relax and recharge. I certainly will be and am looking forward to reading plenty of books. Find the activity that fills your bucket and make time for it in the holidays so that you are ready to come back refreshed for Term 4!

Caitlin McCluskey

QUT Pre-Service Teachers

This week, we farewelled our three QUT pre-service teachers who have been with us for the past six weeks in the secondary school. All these pre-service teachers are in their final teaching placement at university, and it has been fantastic to hear how fondly they have talked of our girls and our school. St Margaret’s is proud to contribute positively to the development of new teachers, and we wish each of these pre-service teachers the very best as they enter our wonderful vocation next year.

Chris Dunn

One such study conducted in 2016 revealed that schools with mobile phone bans experienced a significant increase in student performance, with test scores improving by approximately 6.4% of a standard deviation. This improvement was equivalent to adding five additional days to the school year or an extra hour of learning per week. The positive effects were particularly notable among low-achieving students. Similar studies conducted in Spain and Norway have consistently supported these findings.

It is crucial to acknowledge this issue and engage in open discussions about the negative effects of phone addiction. Parents and caregivers can use various strategies to help minimise the impact of such bans whilst safeguarding their child’s mental health and wellbeing. Maintaining open communication with your school is essential. It is important to stay informed and collaborate with educators to develop effective strategies for supporting children during the adjustment period.

While addressing mobile phone separation anxiety is challenging, implementing such bans in schools allows for better focus on teaching and learning, minimising distractions and interruptions. The evidence of improved student performance and the need to address the negative impacts of excessive phone use emphasise the importance of parental involvement in promoting healthy phone habits and supporting children through this transition.

I wish all families a lovely September holiday.

Nikki Townsend

Yesterday we held the Interhouse Athletics Carnival. This day is so much more than the track and field events, it is filled with experiences that support social development. It started with the girls proudly displaying their House spirit as they chanted war cries with great enthusiasm and beamed with pride.  

Special mention to the Pre-Prep and Prep students who, for some of them, it was their first time competing in a whole school competition. It was evident from their joy, excitement, and enthusiasm that our youngest St Margaret’s learners relished in the day from lining up at the starting line, collecting a ribbon after they stepped across that finish line, interacting with the ‘big’ girls and just being ‘amongst it’.

Thank you to Lauren Richards, Suzy Edwards and Morgan Rowe for their organisation and to all primary school staff for supporting the girls and their events. Thank you also to the Years 5 and 6 parents who worked tirelessly to provide lunch on the day. It was wonderful to see so many parents, relatives and friends of the girls attend and support them. Both the staff and girls appreciated your attendance. Check out the POD tomorrow for the results.

A highlight of this term’s creative endeavours was Arts Spectacular, it was testament to our commitment to the artistic component of learning. Creativity is described as putting your imagination to work and that is not just about being artistic, but it is the process of having original ideas that has value that is to create new ideas, new approaches, new actions, to challenge, to express, to experiment, to consider.

With the first day of holidays tomorrow, I thought it was timely to set a creativity challenge. During the holidays provide opportunities for your child to be creative as it is the simple act of making something new. Engage in these activities together or provide the opportunity - build a sandcastle, draw, build with Lego and boxes, play a thinking game, conduct experiments, visit the art gallery, or the museum, read together (this can be an AR book), play board games and cooking. Not only will you be encouraging creativity, but you will be spending enjoyable time together. 

Interestingly, research has found the happiest childhood memories that adults hold have two common threads. First, childhood happiness always centres on activities experienced together as a family. Second, the most pleasurable childhood times almost always centre on simple activities.

During the holidays do something different, fun and something that involves laughter, play and creativity. Just enjoy the break from routine and I look forward to seeing everyone next Term.

2024 Planning

As we finish Term 3 we are now planning for 2024. A major focus at this time of the year is new classes and teachers. The process we use for planning classes is outlined in the parent handbook on page 42 and on the POD. This includes a sociogram where students identify friends who they can work with in a classroom setting.

If you would like to provide information about your child that you believe would be valuable for teachers planning classes, please complete the form via this link: https://forms.office.com/r/zm8rBz1b6t by Friday 6 October.

Unfortunately, no late forms can be accepted beyond this date as teachers will create new class lists in the second week of Term 4 and changes will impact on all arrangements including new student and buddy allocation. Please note, the submission of an application provides no guarantee that requests will be granted.

Angela Drysdale

Lisa Damour, renowned international psychologist, best-selling author and speaker is a source you may wish to turn to for some guidance as to how to navigate these times of change. While she has written multiple books, her text Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood is one which is a most insightful companion for any parents of girls.

Although the title refers to ‘teenage girls’, Damour certainly pitches her discussions for anyone involved in chaperoning a young girl towards her teens and her writing is littered with pearls of wisdom, practical takeaways and thoughtful approaches to attempt in the home (or classroom). For those who like to ‘read’ on the move, it is also available in audiobook format. ‘The Seven Transitions’ in question are Parting with Childhood, Joining a New Tribe, Harnessing Emotions, Contending with Adult Authority, Planning for the Future, Entering the Romantic World and Caring for Herself. I am sure there is at least one chapter that already sparks your interest based on what you are facing at home, just as it did for many of our staff here at St Margaret’s who have also read the book as part of our professional learning pursuits.

Damour’s research, experience and real-life examples are accessible, thought-provoking, at times humorous, and at others, challenging, but they are all very much applicable to this time of transition that lies ahead for the girls. I hope that Damour (who has also written two other equally excellent books: Under Pressure: Confronting the Epidemic of Anxiety and Stress in Girls and The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable and Compassionate Adolescents) can offer you some comfort and confidence as you tackle the next chapter with your daughter.

Annette Box

2024 Music Ensemble Auditions

Auditions for 2024 Music Ensembles will be held in Week 3 of Term 4 with audition excerpts available via the respective POD pages. Details regarding audition times will also be available on the POD.

Speech Night

Please note that all students in Chamber Strings, Sister Helen Wind Symphony, Exultate and Tuesday Rock Band will be required to be in church dresses for Speech Night. Students are able to hire a church dress through the School Supplies Shop (please complete the 2023 Church Dress Hire Form in advance, available on the POD).

Special Staff Performance

Three St Margaret’s staff members will be giving a special performance in the Arts Centre Foyer on Sunday 15 October at 2:00pm. Ms Helen Carvolth (upper strings teacher), Ms Alys Rayner (upper strings teacher) and Mr Alex McPherson (cello teacher) are all members of Riverbend Ensemble, a highly regarded chamber music ensemble, and will present repertoire by Mozart, Galzunov, Coleridge-Taylor and a special work composed by Ms Rayner. Tickets for this event are now available via Try Booking (with $10 from each ticket donated to the Asylum Seeker Support Hub). This will be a wonderful opportunity for our students to hear the St Margaret’s staff performing on their respective instruments.

Music Support Group - Next Meeting

The next Music Support Group meeting will be the AGM and will be held on 24 October at 5:00pm in M’s Cafe. We encourage parents from both primary and secondary schools to become involved.

Brad King

A hallmark of our programs continues to be the spirit in which we play. Our girls demonstrate humility in times of victory and dignity in times of defeat. Their ongoing support and encouragement of each other is valued by our school. I would like to congratulate all teams on their efforts and achievements this season.

On the score board several teams stood out:

On the netball court, our Open Netball team secured the QGSSSA Open ‘premier’ Division Premiership. St Margaret’s came up against an undefeated Moreton Bay, in what proved to be the most exciting game of the season. Our girls were calm under pressure, but fierce in their intent at every play. Their win over Moreton Bay College secured a tied premiership with their opponent and the first Open Premiership since 2015. Head of Netball Ms Gayle Coutts described the premiership as “icing on the cake” for what was one of netball’s most successful seasons to date. The success on court kept coming with our Senior B & 10 B divisions also securing premiership honours. I would like to highlight the dedication and pursuit of these teams in their performances across the season.

On the tennis court, our Junior A Tennis Team (the best players of Years 7, 8 & 9) powered on to victory. This team went undefeated for the entire season and did not falter when the pressure lifted in close games against Brisbane Girls Grammar and St Hilda’s. This team courage and energy on court set them apart and they should be extremely proud of their achievements. We look forward to what the future holds.

I would like to thank the staff, coaches and parent supporters who have made this winter season such an enjoyable experience for our girls. Please enjoy your off-season, re-charge and get ready for a big 2024.

Well done to all!

Sporting Achievement

It’s with great pleasure that we recognise the outstanding sport performances and representation of St Margaret’s students at a national and international level. I would like to highlight and congratulate the follow student on her recent achievements:

• Eadie McWilliam (Year 10) who recently represented Australia at the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Riders and Juniors. Eadie rode Treasure to cover a distance of 120kms over four loops on technical and challenging terrain in the South of France, competing alongside the world's elite young endurance riders. She was one of the youngest riders in the race and finished in 19th position from 70 starters. Well done, Eadie on this incredible effort.

Sports Awards Evening - Save the Date

The St Margaret’s Sport Awards Evening will take place on Friday 13 October. Here we celebrate and recognise the outstanding achievements of our St Margaret’s student-athletes in the field of sport.

Over the school holiday break those student-athletes recognised with an award will be notified and invited to attend this special event.

We look forward to celebrating the year of St Margaret’s Sport. 

GO MAGGIES!

Lloyd Knight

Year 11 Term 4 2023 Booklist

The Year 11 Term 4 2023 (Year 12 2024) booklist is now available. Lists can be accessed by clicking on this link St Margaret's AGS Year 11.4 (12 in 2024). Orders placed by 8 September will receive free home delivery ($9.95 after) and will be delivered prior to the commencement of Term 4. 

Orders placed after 9 September will be sent ASAP, however Sequel cannot guarantee delivery prior to the commencement of Term 4.

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 2024 will be posted in early Term 4.

Blazer Fittings

Blazer fittings - Students entering Year 10 in 2024 should consider coming into the Supplies Shop to be fitted for their blazer prior to the end of Term 4 2023. 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 24 November for a March 2024 delivery. Students can visit the Supplies Shop during our opening hours with a blazer fitting taking around 10 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 2023 and January 2024 are available online. We encourage families to book a fitting appointment as soon as possible, as appointments are filling fast. Book your appointment here.

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)

PUPIL FREE DAY, 15 SEPTEMBER 2023:  The School Supplies Shop will be open between the hours of 11 am and 2 pm.

Monday               8am – 2pm
Tuesday               8am – 2pm
Wednesday        10am – 5pm
Thursday              8am – 2pm
Friday                   8am – 2pm

Public Holidays Closed

View the full listing of services and providers online at: https://www.stmargarets.qld.edu.au/community/business-directory

Daughters and granddaughters of Old Girls photo

Students who are daughters, granddaughters and great granddaughters of Old Girls are invited to mark their diary for the annual photograph which will be taken for The Link on Monday 9 October at 9.00am at Eton Hall.

2023 St Margaret's Secondary Mother Daughter Luncheon - Wrap up

The P&F Association was proud to host the 2023 Secondary Mother Daughter Luncheon on Sunday 10 September at Howard Smith Wharves with more than 180 mums and daughters in attendance.

The P&F would like to specifically thank event organiser Melanesia Carson and parent volunteers who gave their time in the lead up to the event and on the day. Melanesia (primary parent) has instigated a tradition this year where primary parents lead the coordination for this event to allow secondary mothers to enjoy the day with their daughters. An event of this scale requires months of planning and we thank Melanesia and those involved for their commitment to delivering such a special day. If you would like to volunteer to help organise this event next year, please email P&F@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

We sincerely thank our Guest Speaker, Shea Morrison ('96) (primary parent and Old Girl), interviewer Jo Stone (secondary parent), and presenter Karen Whistler (secondary parent) for showcasing their talents and illustrating for our girls the many and varied talents of the mothers in our community.

Thank you to our 2023 Mother Daughter Lunch Major Sponsors: KLM Solicitors and Maggie's Supporter: Shingle Inn – two more organisations led by St Margaret’s mothers, Kelli Martin (primary parent) and Louise Bellchambers (secondary parent).

The 2023 Mother Daughter lunch raffle and its proceeds were made possible thanks to the generosity of the following families and organisations: The Martin/Jansen Family, Evercare, Kailo Wellness Medispa, Alpha-H, Hervé's Restaurant and Bar, Howard Smith Wharves, Sign Artist, Provincial Home Living, Brighton Lane, The Verve Lounge, Flowers from Moray and the Fraser Family (Mecca voucher).

Parents are warmly invited to the P&F Association General Meeting and End of Year Celebration 

2023 has been a busy year and we look forward to sharing with you a summary of what has been achieved and what we hope to deliver for our community in 2024 and beyond.

The P&F works to promote a spirit of cooperation between parents, staff, and students. During the school year your P&F deliver events and initiatives for the general wellbeing of all members of the school community. While fundraising is part of what we do most importantly we support connections that support your daughter at St Margarets and beyond.

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

Our final meeting of 2023 is an informal evening where we welcome new people (including those new to the school in 2024) and where we can all share our thoughts over some light refreshments.

Date: Monday 16 October 2023

Time: 6.30pm to 8.30pm

Location: Arts Centre Foyer, St Margaret's Anglican Girls School

RSVP: https://www.trybooking.com/CLKBW

Lara Pickering