eNews Archive Issue 31 - 15 October 2026

68% (102 out of the 150 Year 12 2025 completers) completed the survey. Of those, 99% continued in some recognised form of education, training, or employment. The most common study destination was bachelor’s degree and 11.8% transitioned directly into paid employment. 1% of respondents were not in the labour force, education or training and/or were actively seeking employment. There were two main reasons why they were not studying: they wanted a break and/or were waiting for their course/training to begin.

The Year 12 graduates from St Margaret's continued in education or training in 2026 in the following areas of study:

Management and Commerce (30.3%)

Society and Culture (30.3%)

Health (23.6%)

Engineering and Related Technologies (9%)

Natural and Physical Sciences (6.7%)

Architecture and Building (6.7%)

Education (4.5%)

Creative Arts (2.2%)

Architecture and Building (6.7%)

Information Technology (3.4%)

Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies (1.1%)

26.7% of Year 12 completers from St Margaret's were enrolled in a double degree, combining two bachelor’s degrees into a single course of study.

The University of Queensland (47.2%) and QUT (18%) remained the most popular institutions for tertiary studies. Interestingly, 18% of students chose to study at an interstate university. Of those students studying, 97.8% of our surveyed students are studying full-time.

This information came into the school from the state government during the September holidays. Even though this information relates to last year’s Year 12s graduates, it is interesting to note as most of the areas studied, and choice of university have been remarkably similar since the government first gathered this data in 2018.

Our current Year 12 students are encouraged to participate in the Next Step Year 12 Completers survey between March and June 2027.

This data, captured by the Queensland Government, is helpful, providing insights into our senior students interests as they transition from school to further study and employment.

In order to be advised of the survey being open it is important that Year 12 students, check that their contact details are correct in their learning account with the QCAA student portal, https://myqce.qcaa.qld.edu.au/. In March 2027, they will receive a letter from the Minister for Education and the Arts inviting them to participate in the Next Step Year 12 Completers survey. Students can win a laptop for participating. For more information, please visit www.qld.gov.au/nextstep.

Ros Curtis

Whether the focus is cultural immersion, language, sport, service, music, academic enrichment or exchange, students are encouraged to navigate unfamiliar environments, consider different perspectives and step beyond their comfort zones. They also develop practical skills such as managing their belongings, being punctual, following an itinerary, supporting others and adapting when plans change. These are small but important steps towards becoming capable, independent young adults.

Importantly, school tours can give students access to destinations, cultures and experiences that may not be possible for their families to provide. Travelling with the school can, therefore, open doors to learning opportunities they might not otherwise experience.

Experiencing another country alongside friends and teachers is also especially valuable. Shared challenges, discoveries and moments of wonder build strong connections and lasting memories. Students return not only with photographs and stories, but often with greater confidence, resilience and gratitude for both the differences and similarities they have observed.

At St Margaret’s, we want our students to become young women who are curious about the world and confident in engaging with it. Overseas tours help them develop this global outlook. Ultimately, their value lies not only in where students travel, but also in who they become through the experience.

I am pleased to announce the following overseas opportunities for students who will be in Years 8 to 11 in 2027.

Years 8 and 9 Singapore Experience (students currently in Years 7 and 8)

This new St Margaret’s tour is planned for the September 2027 holidays. Bringing together business, geography, science, art and STEM, the itinerary will include visits to businesses and tourist destinations where students will learn about sustainability and entrepreneurship. An information session for interested current Years 7 and 8 students and their parents will be held on Thursday 29 October at 6.30 pm in The Loft. Further details will be posted on the Years 7 and 8 POD pages early next week.

Years 10 and 11 Fiji Service Trip (students currently in Year 9 and 10)

Following the success of the 2026 tour, we are pleased to offer the Fiji Service Trip again in 2027. The trip is scheduled for the end of the June/July holiday break. Please click here (PNG 2.7MB) to view details about the tour and the parent information evening, which will be held on Thursday 22 October at 6:30 pm in The Loft. The session will be recorded and posted on the year-level POD pages on Friday 23 October, together with registration information from the tour organiser, Infuse Travel.

If you have any questions about these tours, please email me at ndevlin@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Nicole Devlin

As Ms Curtis spoke about in her Speech Night address, our minds can be our own harshest critics. Yet, within us is the power to believe that we are more than enough, that there is an inherent gold within each of us. This is the story of the Christian faith, we believe that every person is created in the image of God and holds within them an inherent dignity and worth – gold.

One of the many brilliant performances at Speech Night this week was the combined ensemble finale performance of “From Now On” and “Come Alive” from The Greatest Showman. “From Now On” speaks of the deceptive potential of the bright lights… “the glitter”. P.T Barnum had been consumed by the glitter of fame, status, and the approval of others, while losing sight of the people who mattered most – his family. This song conveys his turning point, the realisation that none of the glitter had brought him contentment, purpose, nor happiness.  He comes home to what is most important – to his core values, to the gold that lies within him. When everything is stripped away is when one can realise what is most important, the people and connections we have, and love we are capable of.

Our graduating cohort has led the St Margaret’s community in a way that has honoured the dignity of everyone in our community. Our Year 12 leaders have brought the school together and fostered a spirit of respect and belonging. For this, we give thanks to God.

Rev’d Jazz Dow

The evening provided an opportunity to reflect on the journeys our graduating 2026 boarders have taken throughout their years in boarding. From their first days settling into boarding life to the confident young adults they have become, the night was filled with stories, laughter, cherished memories, and moments of gratitude.

As families, staff, and fellow boarders gathered around the table, there was a strong sense of pride in all that the Year 12 students have achieved. Speeches and reflections highlighted the friendships formed, the challenges overcome, and the countless experiences that have shaped each student during their time in the boarding community.

It was also an evening marked by emotion. Tears flowed freely as students, staff, and families shared their appreciation for one another and reflected on the bonds built over many years. The love, care, and support that define our boarding community were evident throughout the evening, reminding everyone that boarding is much more than a place to live; it is a place where lifelong friendships and lasting memories are created.

As we prepare to farewell our graduating 2026 boarders from the boarding house, we do so with immense pride and gratitude. While their time with us is coming to an end, the impact they have had on our community will remain for many years to come.

We wish our graduates every success and happiness as they embark on the next stage of their journey. May they carry with them the friendships, values, and experiences gained during their time in boarding, and always know they will remain a valued part of our boarding family.

We wish the girls the very best as they begin their next adventure. We also farewell the parents and families who, in many ways, are graduating from their St Margaret’s journey alongside them. Thank you for being such an important part of our boarding family.

Gracemere Mataia

When you wear your uniform correctly, you’re essentially donning clothing associated with a serious, academic setting. This act can serve as a psychological cue that helps prime your mind for focused and academic tasks. The act can affect the following:

1. Mindset: Putting on your uniform signals to your brain that it’s time for a formal and structured activity. This can help you transition from a casual mindset to one more suited for academic work.
2. Minimisation of distractions: When you wear your uniform, you minimise potential distractions from your (and others) clothing choices, allowing you to direct your full attention to the exam questions.
3. Routine and Ritual: Establishing a routine of putting on your uniform before exams can create a ritualistic aspect to your preparation. Rituals can help reduce anxiety and boost confidence, making it easier to focus on the task at hand.

While I think this is particularly significant for our Year 12s entering their External Exam period, it is also important to recognise that the manner in which all students wear their uniform has a psychological impact on their engagement in class. When students wear their uniform incorrectly, including earrings, nail polish, makeup and false eyelashes, this can send a message to themselves and the students around them that they are not fully focused on their role as a school student.

Adam, H., & Galinski, A. D. (2012). Enclothes cognition. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 48(4), 918-925.

Caitlin McCluskey

Study Halls

Term 4 Study Hall days for Years 9 and 10 are as follows:

• Year 9 – Tuesday 10 November, Wednesday 11 November and Thursday 12 November
• Year 10 – Friday 13 November, Monday 16 November, Tuesday 17 November

The Study Hall schedules have now been released to students via their Year Level POD Page.

Chris Dunn

As they now turn their attention to their external examinations, I wish every girl success, but also a sense of calm and perspective as they approach these final weeks.

At this time of year, the media can expose students and families to considerable hype and pressure surrounding the completion of secondary school and the release of ATAR results. Maintaining perspective can help prevent both students and parents from becoming overwhelmed. Although this final year is important, it will not be the most important year of your daughter’s life. As parents and educators, we need to continue reinforcing the important message: you are more than your ATAR.

A student’s performance during Year 12 represents only one point in time and one measure of achievement. An ATAR cannot measure kindness, courage, character, creativity, determination, leadership or the capacity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

If a student does not achieve the ATAR she had hoped for, there are always other pathways available. One result will not determine her future, define her success or dictate her happiness. Life rarely follows one straight and predictable path, and sometimes the unexpected path leads to wonderful opportunities.

Our girls leave St Margaret’s well prepared to embrace what lies ahead with confidence, resilience and optimism. They should be enormously proud of all they have achieved and excited about the possibilities ahead.

Best wishes always, Year 12s. Believe in yourselves, embrace the opportunities ahead and continue to soar.

Per Volar Sunata!

Nikki Townsend

A key element in achieving success is self-reflection. Reflecting on their own learning helps students improve, develop better self-regulation, and stay focused in the classroom. It encourages them to think continuously about their learning journey. To foster this reflective practice, students are guided to regularly consider:

• What they are learning
• How they are learning
• What they are achieving
• How they see themselves as learners

Parents play a vital role in this process as well. I encourage you to have conversations with your child about these aspects of learning when discussing their progress. Personal success can take many forms—whether it’s greeting each day with optimism, setting and pursuing a goal, or showing resilience in the face of challenges. Success is personal, and it can be defined in many different ways depending on the individual.

Recently, I came across an article that highlighted timeless ideas about success, adapted from a book written in the early 1900s. Although the world has changed, the principles of success remain as relevant today as they were over a century ago. Here are a few key insights:

• Hard work and persistence often lead to success more than raw talent. Determination and purpose can be more important than ability.
• Success comes to those who put effort before pleasure. The secret lies in persistence, even when faced with difficulties. Setbacks are part of the process, and they can be the stepping stones toward greater achievement.
• Challenges should be welcomed. Obstacles, including competition, can drive us to push harder and grow stronger.
• Success is not a matter of luck. It is earned through dedication and hard work, with luck being merely a byproduct of sustained effort.
• Take time to do things well. Rushing leads to mediocrity, but careful, thoughtful work leads to excellence.
• Be organised and stay focused. Good work is tidy and well-managed.
• Stay positive and keep moving forward. While fatigue and challenges may arise, a cheerful and determined heart will help you overcome them.

These timeless lessons remind us that success requires not only effort but also the right mindset. As we move into the rest of the term, there will be opportunities for students to be recognised for their dedication and pursuit of personal success.

Angela Drysdale

Building digital literacy early

Although Year 5 students are below the minimum age required to use social media, some may still access online games and messaging platforms. Kirra’s approach acknowledges this reality and equips the girls with practical skills to navigate online environments safely and responsibly, both now and as they grow.

The session encouraged the girls to consider how to protect their privacy, treat others kindly online and recognise when it is time to step away. Most importantly, they were reminded that they do not have to manage a worrying situation alone and can always speak with a trusted adult at home or at school.

Keeping the conversation going

To continue the learning, Safe on Social has shared student cheat sheets on several popular online topics. These resources are particularly relevant because some students may have access to social media accounts, and they will support the girls’ ongoing development of digital literacy. Parents can access further information guides on the Safe on Social website: https://www.safeonsocial.com/resources/guides and the Cheat Sheets on the Year 5 POD page.

Kate Frewin

Congratulations to Emily (Voice - Yr 10), Emily (Oboe - Yr 11), Olivia (Cello - Yr 7), Yuna (Flute - Yr 8), Min (Violin - Yr 8), Christy (Violin - Yr 9) who participated in AHEP, and congratulations to Ellie (Voice - Yr 11), CJ (Voice - Yr 9), Isabella (Violin - Yr 7), Harriet (Voice - Yr 11), Cherry (Flute - Yr 11), Matilda (Percussion - Yr 12), Jemima (Double Bass - Yr 6), Astrid (Voice - Yr 11), Zara (Voice - Yr 9), Isobel (Voice - Yr 10) who participated in SHEP. It was wonderful to have so many representatives from St Margaret’s involved in both AHEP AND SHEP!

Music Dinner

Music Dinner was held last Friday evening and was a wonderful celebration of the music students’ achievements throughout 2026. It was also a special opportunity to say thank you and farewell to our 2026 Music Seniors. Eton Hall was transformed with each table decorated in line with the Music Icons theme. From the moment the seniors processed into Eton Hall to ABBA’s Dancing Queen, the evening had a festive and celebratory feel. Congratulations to the following students who were awarded prizes at the event:

The Friends of Music Perpetual Trophies for Outstanding Achievement in:

Brass – Hope (Yr 11)

Choral – Arwyn (Yr 11), Bronte (Yr 11), Claire (Yr 11)

Percussion – Matilda (Yr 12)

Strings – Valletta (Yr 12)

Woodwind - Yuna (Yr 8)

Contemporary Music – Madeline (Yr 11)

Band Awards:

Most Improved – Ashleigh (Yr 10)

Outstanding Commitment – Clara (Yr 9)

Rising Star – Audrey (Yr 8)

Strings Awards:

Most Improved – Zara (Yr 9)

Outstanding Commitment – Bijou (Yr 7)

Rising Star – Minh (Yr 7)

Choral Awards:

Most Improved – Ella (Yr 10)

Outstanding Commitment – Sophia (Yr 10)

Rising Star – Ellie (Yr 11)

A very big thank you to the Music Support Group along with other parent helpers who went to enormous lengths to provide such a special evening for our music students. Thank you also to the music staff, and the facilities and catering team for their efforts in putting together such a wonderful night for the music students.

Speech Night

Congratulations to our music students on the fantastic performances given at Speech Night held on Tuesday evening. Speech Night provides a special opportunity for the girls to showcase their talents within the amazing setting of the QPAC Concert Hall. The evening began with a dynamic performance of Greensleeve vs The Dargason by Chamber Strings, followed by the magical Disney theme Fantasmic! performed by the Sister Helen Wind Symphony. Exultate gave a moving acapella performance of Fleetwood Mac’s Landslide, with the evening concluding with a mash-up of From Now On and Come Alive from the movie musical The Greatest Showman, performed by our combined ensembles. This was an energetic and celebratory performance that was particularly enjoyed by the Year 12 student cohort. Thank you to all students and conductors for their hard work in preparing and presenting these performances.

Auditions for 2027 Music Ensembles 

Auditions for 2027 Secondary Music Ensembles will be held next week (Week 3, Term 4) with audition excerpts available via the respective POD pages. Details regarding audition times are also available on the POD.

Message from the Music Support Group 

Thank you to our village of parents for all their support and time spent in helping with the annual Music Dinner held on Friday.  It was another fabulous night, and we could not have done it without your help.

The next Music Support Group meeting will be the AGM and will be held on Tuesday 27 October in the Circular Drive Classroom 01 (in front of the Arts Centre Foyer). Parents from both the primary and secondary schools are welcome to attend and become a general committee member.  All Executive positions are also available, including President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary.  We welcome all new and continuing members and happy to share roles (e.g. Co-Vice Presidents).  Nomination forms can be obtained from our Secretary Miranda at: mirandarobinson496@gmail.com, or simply come to the AGM on the night and nominate from the floor.  

Please also join the Music Parents Support Group POD page to stay updated on all things Music Support, including the upcoming 2027 Musical volunteering - Beauty & The Beast: https://pod.stmargarets.qld.edu.au/homepage/8562

Brad King

Each of our sports were celebrated during the evening and, of particular note, our Netball Captains paid recognition to Gayle Coutts who is celebrating her 10^th year at St Margarets. St Margaret’s Netball is all the better for having Gayle who continues to push the sport to always function at a consistently high level and provide great opportunities for our players.

During the evening, attendees heard from guest panellists, Abbey McCulloch and Ria Thompson OLY. Both coming from elite sport in Netball and Rowing respectively, they shared great practical advice to members of the St Margaret’s community attending the awards. It was a pleasure to have them attend, speak and also present to our state and national representative students. Abbey also delivered a fantastic workshop to our Sporting Flyers the following day, focused on empowering girls in sport.

Some of our awards announced during the evening included: 

Teams of the Year

• Summer (Open AFL Team),
• Autumn (8A Basketball Team) and,
• Winter (Open 2^nd VIII Rowing Team)

Awards of Distinction

• Captain of the Year – Amelia H (Water Polo)
• Coach of the Year – Anthony Joseph (Rowing)
• Service and Contribution to St Margaret’s Sport – Principal Ros Curtis AM

Our current Deputy Principal Nicole Devlin presented the Service and Contribution to Sport award to Principal Ros Curtis AM and reminded us all of her extensive contribution to the sports program including but not limited to her role in the introduction of new sports including AFL and eSports as well her stewardship of the construction of the current sports precinct. It was a great way to conclude the evening.

All award winners will be listed and recognised in the Link Magazine 2026.

With Club Water Polo season now underway and also AFL Junior season starting next weekend, I would like to remind students to ensure that you complete the absentee register (found on each sports POD page) if you are going to be absent from training or matches. Please continue to tell your coach and the coordinator but you must always put through your absence on the register. This ensures that you have an explained absence which are used at the end of the season when looking at overall attendance and participation in each sport.

Our QGSSSA and Andrews Cup swimming seasons are officially underway for this term and it's great to see such strong numbers in the pool at this time of the year.

Whilst the team sport offering has tapered this term, I would encourage students to continue being active. Please look to join Run Club on Monday, Wednesday or Friday mornings and the school has increased its offerings of Strength & Conditioning sessions this term. Student Yoga is also back for the remainder of Term 4 with Pip Moran. All details can be found on respective POD pages.

This weekend, our students will compete in the Junior Badminton QGSSSA Championships. Congratulations to our Senior teams who played last weekend with great spirit and enthusiasm.

The sport team is happy 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 awilliams@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:

• Badminton The POD - Secondary Badminton
• AFL Jnr The POD - Secondary AFL
• Water Polo The POD - Club Water Polo
• Swimming The POD - Secondary Swimming
• Strength & Conditioning The POD - Strength & Conditioning
• Yoga The POD - Yoga and Reformer Pilates

Anne-Louise Williams

Blazer Fittings – Current Year 6 cohort

Blazer Fittings - Students in Year 6 should consider coming into the Supplies Shop to be fitted for their blazer prior to the end of Term 4, 2026. Orders for Year 7, 2027 will need to be placed by 14 November 2026 for a March 2027 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.

Important Notice: Middy Top & Middy Skirt Size Label Changes

Please note that the size labels for the Middy Tops and Middy Skirts are changing. When ordering through Flexischools, please refer to the guide below for size conversion.

• Current Size 26G -new label size 8G (girls sizing)
• Current Size 28G -new label size 10G (girls sizing)
• Current Size 30G-new label size 12G (girls sizing)
• Current Size G8 -new label size W4 (women’s sizing)
• Current Size G10-new label size W6 (women’s sizing)

If you have any questions or require assistance, please contact the Supplies Shop.

Online Booking for Uniform Fitting Appointments

The Supplies Shop has an online booking system for uniform fitting appointments. Appointments can be made by clicking on this link Accuity Uniform Booking.

**EXTENDED TRADING HOURS**

2026

Friday 27 November     9 am to 2 pm

Mon 30 Nov to 4 Dec   Open for Appointments Only

Mon 7 Dec to 11 Dec   Open for Appointments Only

2027

Customers without an appointment in January will be required to take a number and will be served as soon as a staff member is available.

Wednesday 13 January             8 am – 2 pm

Thursday 14 January                 8 am – 2 pm

Friday 15 January                      8 am – 2 pm

Monday 18 January                   8 am – 2 pm

Tuesday 19 January                   8 am – 2 pm

Wednesday 20 January             1 pm – 6 pm

Thursday 21 January                 8 am – 2 pm

Friday 22 January                      8 am – 2 pm

Saturday 23 January                  9 am – 3 pm

Sunday 24 January                     CLOSED

Monday 25 January                   1 pm – 3 pm - BOARDERS ONLY

Tuesday 26 January                   2 pm – 4 pm – BOARDERS ONLY

Wednesday 27 January        Regular Term Time trading hours resume

When Chelsey joined Allens in Brisbane in 1996, she joined Australia's oldest law firm. Founded in 1822, before Queensland even existed, Allens had already weathered generations of economic, technological and social change.

The decades that followed would transform the Australian business landscape once again. Through her work at Allens and as a member of the Australian Government's Takeovers Panel since 2016, Chelsey has had a front-row seat to organisations navigating growth, consolidation, globalisation and technological disruption.

Today, she is helping shape what comes next and is focused on a challenge confronting organisations everywhere: how to keep adapting while creating environments where talented people can build careers that last.

Drawing on lessons from one of Australia's oldest continuing businesses, Chelsey will reflect on what changes, what endures, and why some organisations continue to earn trust and relevance through generations of disruption while others struggle to keep pace.

Date:                   Thursday 29 October
Time:                   6:45am arrival for 7:00am-8:45am 
Venue:                Arts Centre Foyer, St Margaret's Anglican Girls School
Format:              Sit down breakfast with grab and go barista coffee on arrival 
Tickets:              $90 adults, $55 students (Years 10 to 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 Sponsor: Wolff Coffee Roasters, Supporting Sponsors: Clear Insurance, Resource Innovations, and The Bathhouse Albion.

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

Would you like to know what we’ve been up to this year? Are you interested in finding out what’s being planned for 2027?

Our final meeting of 2026 is an informal evening where we welcome new people (including those new to the school in 2027) and where we can all share our thoughts over some light refreshments.

Come and hear from the school leadership, the Parents and Friends committee, Support Groups (including music, boarders and extra-curricular sports) and find out how to get involved in upcoming events. There is also an option to join this meeting remotely via Microsoft Teams for those unable to attend the meeting in person.

Date:                   Monday 9 November 2026
Time:                    6.30pm to 7.30pm (followed by light refreshments)
Location:            Arts Centre Foyer, St Margaret's Anglican Girls School

Please click here to register.

Calling all Old Girls! Are you interested in joining the Old Girls' Association Committee? Join us for our 2026 AGM and Volunteer Thank You Celebration!

We are pleased to extend an invitation to you to attend the Old Girls' Association Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday 3 November 2026.

At our final meeting of the year, you will have an opportunity to hear updates from the OGA and join our dynamic OGA Committee.

Please find meeting details below:

OGA AGM
Date:     Tuesday 3 November 2026
Time:     6.30pm – 7.30pm AGM
               7.30pm - 8.30pm - Light Refreshments  
Venue:   St Margart’s Anglican Girls School
              11 Petrie Street, Ascot QLD 4007

RSVP:     Friday 31 October 2026 via this link. 

We understand that many of our Old Girls are not based in Brisbane. Old Girls' who live outside of Brisbane are encouraged to attend the meeting and volunteer through the OGA. If you are based outside of Brisbane you can join the meeting remotely.

Being a member of the OGA Committee involves attendance at four meetings a year (online or in person), assisting with events including Reunion Weekend, Old Girls' Day and the Past Student Awards, and contributing articles for the OGA Newsletter. If you are interested in joining the Committee, please contact developmentandcommunity@stmargarets.qld.edu.au for a nomination form.

Lara Pickering