eNews Archive Issue 30 - 5 October 2023

Our current Year 12s are almost ‘Old Girls’ but that does not mean that their connection with the school should cease. The Old Girls’ Association is a vibrant organisation with thousands of members. It holds several events throughout the year, and it helps support the school with the Past Students Awards.

The St Margaret’s Past Students Awards have been established to recognise the many achievements of St Margaret’s Past Students, both professionally and personally, and to celebrate the diverse achievements of Past Students and provide an opportunity to share stories of success.

You may know of a past student (or indeed be one) who should be nominated for one of the awards. I would encourage you to follow this link and take the time to complete a very simple online form. Nominations are to be submitted online or via post by 5pm, Friday 10 November 2023.

There are three awards:

Distinguished Past Student Award

– for alumnae who have celebrated their 20^th reunion. Recognises significant contribution or achievements in the profession, community or volunteer work.

• The nominee must be distinguished in her field(s) of endeavour – professional, community or volunteer work.
• The nominee must represent the ideals articulated in the St Margaret’s Mission Statement – to be a confident, capable, compassionate and contributing member of the community.
• The nominee must be a positive role model to current students.
• The nominee must be living and must have attended St Margaret’s in Secondary School.
• The nominee must have passed her 20th St Margaret’s Reunion year.

Young Past Student of Distinction Award

 - for alumnae in their 20th reunion year or younger. Recognises significant contribution or achievements in the profession, community or volunteer work.

• The nominee must have made a notable contribution in her field(s) of endeavour – professional, community or volunteer work.
• The nominee must represent the ideals articulated in the St Margaret’s Mission Statement – to be confident, capable, compassionate and contributing member of the community.
• The nominee must be a positive role model to current students.
• The nominee must be living and must have attended St Margaret’s.
• The nominee must be those celebrating their 20^th reunion or younger.
• Winning this award will not preclude an alumnae from receiving the Distinguished Past Student Award in the future.

Spirit of Service Past Student Award

– open to all alumnae.

Recognises and celebrates outstanding service to the community by a Past Student of St Margaret’s

• The nominee must have demonstrated a commitment to servant leadership through vision, contribution and example.
• The nominee embodies the philosophy and service values of the Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Advent.
• The nominee has gone above and beyond to make a meaningful difference or impact within the community she serves, inspires others who are interested in making a difference through service, and demonstrates empowering and effective leadership.
• The nominee must be living and must have attended St Margaret’s.

Ros Curtis

Speech Night

The 126^th Speech Night and Prize Giving Ceremony (10 October 2023) is fast approaching and excitement is building as students anticipate the end of the year and all that it brings.

We encourage any family who have tickets they no longer require to please email Lisa Watson at lwatson@stmargarets.qld.edu.au. Please note your daughters will receive their tickets at school (they will not be sitting with you) and therefore you do not need to book seats for them. Please choose the print@home option for your own tickets.

All community members are invited to watch the event via the following livestream link: https://www.stmargarets.qld.edu.au/speech-night-live-stream

Year 12 Graduation and Special Awards Ceremony

Parents of Year 12 graduates and parents of students in Years 5–11 who are receiving awards at this Special Awards Ceremony are invited to attend this event. Parents who wish to attend this event are asked to rsvp their attendance to lwatson@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Karen Gorrie

The SSA have a strong tradition of welcome and inclusivity, which is carried on in our school community. We prepare an educational and social space where everyone is welcome and nurtured to achieve their potential. A St Margaret’s education seeks to educate “the whole personality; physical, mental and spiritual that girls may live to their fullest capacity (flourish)”.

As we continue into Term 4 and the end-of-year events and celebrations, I wonder how we can continue to make space within the everyday busyness to connect with God, ourselves and each other, to notice the people on the journey with us, and to foster a spirit of gratitude for the beautiful gifts in our lives. I wish you all a wonderful Term 4.

Rev’d Jazz Dow

For many of the other girls in boarding it is a time to also think about how the Year 12 boarders have had an impact on their lives here in the boarding house. The bonds between the girls are very strong, and the Year 12s have supported many of our younger boarders and helped them to adjust to our community. Term 4 is an adjustment for many of the girls as our seniors leave; however, the bonds between the girls will last a lifetime. As a boarding community, we are very grateful for our Year 12s and wish them all the best for their remaining time in the boarding house.

Lesa Fowler

Determination of Honours Awards

Honours awards are given for excellent academic achievement based on results from Terms 1, 2 and 3 of a given year. In Years 7-10, students who achieve a Grade Point Average of 13 or above with no overall result lower than a B, will receive an Honours award. These awards are calculated using the results of all subjects which are studied for three or more lessons a week. In Year 7 where some subjects are studied on a rotational basis, only those subjects studied in the first rotation are used in the calculation of these awards. In Year 8, the Arts subjects that are studied for two lessons a week are included in the calculation for Honours Awards. In Years 11 and 12, Honours awards are based on the grades awarded using the provisional subject results for the internal summative assessments in each subject. The Years 11 and 12 Honours are calculated using the results of the students’ top five subjects.

Determination of Commendation Awards

Years 7 and 8

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 contexts. The Attitude to Learning result is recorded on the report card. These awards are calculated using the results of all Australian Curriculum subjects. To receive a Commendation Award, a student needs to receive an average score of 3.6 or higher over Terms 1, 2 and 3. Students who receive an Honours award are not eligible for a Commendation award.

Years 9 to 12

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 contexts. The Attitude to Learning result is recorded on the report card. These awards are calculated using the results of all graded subjects. To receive a Commendation a student needs to receive an average score of 3.6 or higher over Terms 1, 2 and 3. Students who receive an Honours award are not eligible for a Commendation award.

Determination of Year 10 Subject Prizes

A subject prize is awarded to a Year 10 student who receives the highest subject result based on three terms of work. If more than one student receives the highest subject result the decision is made by the Head of Faculty in consultation with the year level teachers to review the collection of assessment and make a judgement based on the quality of the assessment folio to deem who should receive the prize. To receive a subject prize all assessments must be completed.

Determination of Internal Year 12 Subject Prizes

A Year 12 Internal Assessment Subject Prize is awarded at Speech Night to the student who receives the highest provisional subject result based on the internal assessments. Note that percentage results are used in determining these awards for the Maths and Science Subjects. If more than one student receives the highest internal subject result from Unit 3 and 4, the cumulative result from Unit 1 and 2 in that subject will be used to determine the prize winner. To receive a subject prize all internal assessments must be completed.

Determination of the Internal Assessment Dux of the School and the Proxime Accessit to the Dux of the School

The Internal Assessment Dux of St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School will be awarded at Speech Night. This award is presented to the student in Year 12 who has attained the highest internal assessment subject results across five subjects. The Proxime Accessit to the Dux of the School is awarded to the student who has attained the next highest internal assessment subject results in that Year 12 cohort. The determination of these awards is based on students’ subject results at the completion of the summative internal assessment period for Unit 3 and 4. This subject result will be calculated by adding together the three internal assessment results for five subject results. To be considered for the awards, students must complete all three assessments for five subjects. Subjects are not weighted. In order to distinguish candidates for the final award, results from Unit 1 and 2 may be considered. If it is not possible to distinguish between two students, both shall be awarded the Internal Assessment Dux or Proxime Accessit to the Dux prize. The decision as to the Internal Assessment Dux and the Proxime Accessit to the Dux of the School shall remain confidential until the presentation at Speech Night.

Caitlin McCluskey 

A reminder that SSS operates on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 5:00pm to 7:30pm. Parents do have the option of purchasing dinner ($12.50) for their daughters from the boarding house at the time of booking. Bookings close at 9:00am on the day, unless the maximum number (25) is reached prior to this point, so I do recommend parents book in early to avoid missing out. Also, please note that there will be no Supervised Study on next Tuesday 10 October due to Speech Night.

The purpose of these sessions is to provide girls with a quiet and well-resourced space that is conducive to productive homework and study time. Each SSS will be staffed by up to two tutors, who offer advice and guidance on how to plan effectively for upcoming assessments. The SSS tutor group is made up of ten young women who are currently studying at university and have much to offer our girls in the way of study skills.

For students attending SSS after an afternoon of sport, transport is available to and from Windsor Park. For those staying on after school to attend SSS, the Eunice Centre is open until 5pm prior to the commencement of the study sessions.

Chris Dunn

Sony Camp

On the first weekend of the September holidays, Year 11 St Margaret’s and Year 11/12 Churchie students amalgamated to prepare for the annual Sony Foundation Children’s Holiday Camp. The camp saw 20 St Margaret’s students wholeheartedly dedicate their time to become the primary carers for approximately thirteen female intellectually and physically impaired children. The school also provided six helpers who prepared and served food and cleaned up and one media student who took invaluable photos over the three days for over 100 people.

Since 1999, the Camp Program has given Years 11 and 12 students the opportunity to care for a child with special needs over a four-day period in what is a unique and life-changing experience for all involved. Each camp is provided free of charge for the participants and the majority of the camps run in the September and December school holidays.

The students, supported by a team of dedicated teaching and medical staff, are responsible for the care of these children twenty-four hours a day over the course of the Camp. They quickly learn about the challenges and demands involved in caring for a child with special needs. Not only do the students have an enriching experience, but the children are treated to a weekend full of activities and interactions they would not normally have the opportunity to experience. The Camps also provide much needed respite for parents, siblings and primary carers in what may be their only break of the year.

The eager guests arrived on Saturday morning and their grateful families handed a challenging responsibility over to the students. In return, the parents received beautiful gift packs, which were donated and prepared by the generous St Margaret’s community. A range of activities were available throughout the camp, including swimming, art activities, a disco and a trip to Lone Pine.

Through great acts of devotion, persistence and responsibility, each companion and helper ensured that their guest’s experience was one that they would never forget. When the students relinquished the responsibility of their guest back to the parents, it was clear that the students’ contribution to the camp had made a significant impact on not only the children, but their inspirational parents, many of whom were able to take a well-deserved break. The camp deeply broadens students’ understanding of the realities and complexities of life as they carefully consider the lives of those living with a disability and the impacts this can have on their families. It must also be noted that our St Margaret’s Year 11 students attended lunch time workshops prior to the camp learning how to assist high needs children under the guidance of these staff members. A big thank you to Nikki Anderson and Amanda Jansen who assisted with the coordination of this camp.

Nikki Townsend

As we plan for the present, we are also forward planning for next year. An important task is to develop class lists. Next week, class teachers, with the support of our Learning Enhancement teachers, will be working together to formulate classes. Parents, if you have a valid educational request regarding your child that you believe would be valuable for teachers when creating classes, please complete the form shared last term via this link: https://forms.office.com/r/zm8rBz1b6t by Friday 6 October. Unfortunately, no late forms can be accepted beyond this date as changes will impact on all class arrangements made by teachers. The teachers use their knowledge of the children and professional judgement to construct these classes, so it is not necessary to complete a form.  

This week the Prize Reading Assembly was held. Students in Years 5 and 6 who will receive an award at Speech Night were issued with a letter outlining the detail. Other students announced will receive their award at the Acknowledgement Assembly.

In addition to Speech Night, each year level will be involved in a celebration. Each celebration is an acknowledgement of the significant learning that occurs for each particular year level and provides an opportunity for the students to share their talents with the audience. Families and friends are invited to each of these celebrations. So, open your diaries and pencil in the dates below relevant to your family.

Year 3 – Celebration of Achievement – 14 November 9.30am

Students share their key learning experiences and perform with their string instrument. The students are presented with their Key to Success Certificate that identifies their learning achievements.

Year 4 – Celebration of Achievement – 14 November 11.30am

Students share their key learning experiences and perform with their string instrument. The students are presented with their Key to Success Certificate that identifies their learning achievements.

Year 5 – Celebration of Leadership Preparation – 15 November 9.30am

Each class shares their significant learning experience and musical skills as part of the Year 5 band.

Prep – Year 2 Nativity Play and Book Presentation – 17 November 12.00pm

Prep students retell the birth of Christ through performance and song. The Years 1 and 2 students provide an angelic choir. Each student will cross the stage and receive a book as acknowledgement of their school year.

Year 6 – Final Chapel Service and Morning Tea – 20 November 9.30am

This service celebrates the journey of our Year 6 students so far, as they move to the secondary school. Parents are invited to attend the Service with the girls, followed by morning tea. Students will present a performance, highlighting their primary years at St Margaret’s.

Prep – Year 6 - Acknowledgement Assembly – 21 November 11.00am

We present special prizes to Years 5 and 6 students and acknowledge the successes achieved throughout the year.  We share with all members of the primary school community.

Pre-Prep Chapel Service – 22 November 9.30am

Chapel service to celebrate this significant year of learning.

I look forward to joining parents and families at these upcoming celebratory events.

Angela Drysdale

Honours

Honours awards are presented to students who have received the highest overall grade calculation across subjects based on a weighted 15-point scale. Students receiving an Honours Award need to have achieved nothing less than an overall grade of A- across Terms 1, 2, and 3 in both English and Mathematics and nothing less than a B- in all other subjects. These awards also include Honours memorial prizes.

Students receiving an Honours award are ineligible for a Commendation award.

Commendations

Commendations are awarded in recognition of exceptional engagement in learning across the range of subject areas to students in Years 5 and 6. Students who achieve the highest overall Attitude to Learning results across all subject areas on Student Reports are considered for Commendation awards.

Calculations of both Honours and Commendation awards involve the weighting of subjects relevant to the number of curriculum hours allocated. Learning Analytics calculates results, and an appropriate cut-off point is determined.

Kate Frewin

Hosted and organised by the Griffith University Queensland Conservatorium, the Honours Ensemble Programs bring together the finest young secondary school musicians from around the country to rehearse and perform together with renowned international and national conductors (Mr Ng, our Strings Coordinator, was one of the guest conductors). These programs are wonderful opportunities for our music students to further develop their musical capacity whilst also developing friendships with other young musicians from around South East Queensland. Congratulations to Ava (Year 11), Sofie (Year 12), Abigail (Year 6) and Tram (Year 7), who participated in AHEP, and congratulations to Harriet (Year 12), Esther (Year 9), Charlotte (Year 8), Bronte (Year 9), Christine (Year 10), Pendy (Year 7), Emma (Year 11), Cecilia (Year 10), Astrid (Year 8), Lily (Year 7) and Ivy (Year 6), who participated in SHEP!

Student Congratulations

Congratulations to Nicola (Year 12) who recently competed in the Enoggera Eisteddfod. Nicola achieved outstanding results, placing first in two sections (Vocal Solo – Australian Composer and Vocal Solo – Non-music theatre/non-contemporary) and third in three other sections (Vocal Solo – Contemporary, Vocal Solo – Music Theatre and Vocal Solo – Sacred). These are wonderful results, Nicola!

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 are available on the POD. Sign-up sheets are located in SHOR.

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

Over the school holiday break, those student-athletes recognised with a General Sport Award have been notified and invited to attend the Sport Awards Evening.

During Week 1 of Term 4, those student-athletes receiving a Special Sport Award were announced at the Prize Reading Assembly and invited to attend the Sport Awards Evening to accept their award.

We apologise for any confusion that this may have caused.

Could all awardee recipients, family and community members please ensure that they RSVP to the invitation by Friday 6 October. 

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

Mr Lloyd Knight

Director of Sport

Strength & Conditioning – Term 4 Programs

During Term 4, St Margaret’s will be offering a variety of strength and conditioning activities to guide the development of our students. This will include the following programs:

• Strength – based in the strength and conditioning gym, these sessions will teach students how to use the gym space effectively and target their general strength development. Sessions will comprise a variety of key strength competency exercises in addition to some general circuit training.
• Run Group - These sessions will be like those completed during the cross country season. Sessions are designed to improve students’ general aerobic fitness.
• Speed, Agility and Power - These sessions are ideal for those students wanting to be in the best condition for the 2024 QG Autumn & Winter Sport Seasons. They are a great way for students to improve their speed, ability and power, best suited to those team-based sports.

These programs are about developing your physical capabilities for sport and physical activity. They cater towards all levels of experience and ability and are conducted in a safe and enjoyable environment.

All St Margaret's secondary school students are welcome and encouraged to attend these sessions.

Please encourage your daughter to sign up using the following link: SIGN-UP HERE

If you have any questions please contact me via email jpartridge@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Josh Partridge

Head of Athletics & Development

Netball – Diamonds Training

St Margaret’s netball continues to shine bright, hosting the Australian Diamonds national team for four training sessions in the Philip Harris Gym during the last week of the holidays. These sessions were among the last before the team heads into the Constellation Cup against the New Zealand Silver Ferns, commencing on Thursday 12 October.

It was great to see the players training and a couple of our Open players had an opportunity to run, throw and play with their heroes while also getting a great insight into what happens at the pinnacle of the sport.

The second match of the Constellation Cup will be held at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Sunday 15 October and there are still some tickets available.

Sporting Achievement

It’s with great pleasure that we can 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 following students on their recent achievements:

• Congratulation to our incredible St Margaret's water polo champions, Cosette (Year 10), Bless (Year 9) and Lucy (Year 9), who were part of the unstoppable Queensland Maroon Team that clinched the Gold Medal in a breathtaking Grand Final victory against the NSW Blues, at the National State Championships in Canberra. The Queensland team's journey was nothing short of extraordinary, going undefeated in the National Tournament, with a whopping 208 goals and conceding only 39! This incredible feat was a testament to their remarkable teamwork, determination, and talent in the pool. A special shoutout to Bless, who was award Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Tournament. In recognition of their outstanding performance Bless and Lucy have both been named in the U16 Water Polo Australian Age Group Program Squad. This will see both girls remain in Canberra to harness their skills at the national training camp.

We would like to continue to recognise the outstanding achievements and representation of students participating at a national level outside of the school sport pathway. I look forward to continuing to hear from our community regarding such outstanding achievement. Please email me at lknight@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Lloyd Knight

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. 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 and 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 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.

Trading Hours (Term Time)

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

Public Holidays Closed

Julia is the founder of three regional businesses based in Goondiwindi and is passionate about empowering businesses and leaders to help them grow. Julia will share her personal and professional experiences as an entrepreneur, her aspirations for innovation within Queensland as Chief Entrepreneur, and the challenges faced by businesses outside of capital cities.

Event Details

Date:               Wednesday 18 October 2023
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  

We also invite you to enjoy Barista Coffee from the Wolff Coffee Roasters cart, before and after the event!

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 or a corporate table:Click here

We thank our series sponsors, Major Sponsor: Pitcher Partners, Associate Sponsors: Programmed Property Services and Wolff Coffee Roasters, and Supporting Sponsors: Downer, Clear Insurance, Westpac, O’Reilly Shaw Lawyers, Uniform Link and Move Recruitment Solutions.

Past Student Awards Nominations are open

If you know of a St Margaret’s Old Girl deserving of recognition, we encourage you to nominate her today! Perhaps your daughter is being mentored by a past student who has achieved great things.

The annual Past Student Awards recognise the many and diverse achievements of St Margaret’s Past Students, both professionally and personally, providing an opportunity to share stories of success with our current student community.

There are three award categories:

• Distinguished Past Student Award - for alumnae who have celebrated their 20th reunion. Recognises significant contribution or achievements in the profession, community or volunteer work; and
• Young Past Student of Distinction Award - for alumnae in their 20th reunion year or younger. Recognises significant contribution or achievements in the profession, community or volunteer work.
• Spirit of Service Past Student Award – open to all alumnae. Recognises and celebrates outstanding service to the community by a Past Student of St Margaret’s.

Nominations can be submitted by completing our Online Nomination Form by Friday 10 November, 2023. Please note, when competing the form, if there are any details (i.e. alumni year, degree information or addresses) that you need assistance in completing, please leave these blank, and we here in the Development and Community Office are happy to fill in those gaps.  

For more information please visit: https://paststudents.stmargarets.qld.edu.au/pages/past-student-awards

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

At the heart of St Margaret’s is a supportive and connected community of parents who are committed to promoting an active interest in the life of the school.

While many people associate the P&F with fundraising activities, it also works to promote a spirit of genuine cooperation between parents, staff, and students alike and support a range of community endeavours for the general well-being of all members of the school community. 

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. 

Our final meeting of 2023 is an informal evening where we will hopefully welcome some fresh faces and 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