eNews Archive Issue 32 - 17 October 2024

‘Given the ongoing pressures to be exceptional, amazing, and astonishing, it is hard to feel contented and happy. Yet this is what we really want, and we want it particularly for our graduating Year 12s who are probably feeling this pressure the most at this time of transition as they consider further study and contribution to society……. Yet, we often forget or do not understand that most of our joy in life centres on the ordinary things in life: those tiny, seemingly insignificant moments when you feel a sense of joy, pleasure, peace, and gratitude.’

The next day, Angela Drysdale sent me this poem by William Martin. I really appreciated its sentiment, and I thought I would share with you:

Do not ask your children
to strive for extraordinary lives.
Such striving may seem admirable,
but it is the way of foolishness.
Help them instead to find the wonder
and the marvel of an ordinary life.
Show them the joy of tasting
tomatoes, apples and pears.
Show them how to cry
when pets and people die.
Show them the infinite pleasure
in the touch of a hand.
And make the ordinary come alive for them.
The extraordinary will take care of itself.

 Ros Curtis

With a future now filled with opportunity also comes change. Change. It’s a word we’ve all heard countless times, but today, it’s more than just a concept. It's a reality that you and I are about to face. Whether we’re excited for it or a little fearful of it, change is inevitable. But here's the thing: change is also what allows us to grow, to evolve, and to discover the very best versions of ourselves.

We live in a world that is constantly moving. The technologies we use, the jobs we will have, the places we will go—all of these things will be different a few years from now. But as we step into this ever-shifting world, it’s important to remember that change, while often unpredictable, is not something to fear. Instead, I believe that it is something to embrace.

As we move forward into the next phase of our lives, there will be even more changes ahead—some planned, some unexpected. But with each new experience, remember that change is often the catalyst for innovation, for creativity, for greatness. Embrace it with an open heart and a curious mind.

As we step into new careers, new study, new towns or cities or even new countries, and new chapters of our lives, we need to remind ourselves of the strength that comes from flexibility, from learning, and from adaptation. Change allows us to take what we’ve learned and build upon it, to dream bigger, and to strive for more. With the theme of striving this year, embracing change has never been more relevant to us all.

To all our Year 12 graduates, as you and I leave this place that has been our home for the past few years, I urge you to take on the world with confidence and courage. Don’t shy away from change, but rather, lean into it. Use it as fuel to shape the future you envision for yourself.

I think it is important that we mention those that have championed us in our time here at St Margaret’s, their encouragement and support that have brought us here today. Your parents and family have been there for you, celebrating your wins and supporting you when things haven’t gone as planned, this is an incredible thrill for them to see you graduate and move on to your next chapter. The staff here at St Margaret’s, I know I like express to anyone who will listen how incredible our teachers and support staff are here, they are absolutely amazing and are celebrating with you too, and I know you too will echo my thanks to these incredible people. Like you, I have made some incredible connections with these people, we have laughed and cried together, played music and sport together, been on school camps and incredible school tours together, it has been an honour to work alongside these incredible staff and I know you also are blessed to have had them teach and support you through your schooling years. The Society of the Sacred Advent, the sister’s vision that brought our school to reality all those years ago and the legacy they have left us, the philosophy of which underpins all we do every day is something so important to us all. I know I have been a staff member of the SSA schools for 23 years now, and it is something that means so much to me, education of the whole personality, physical, mental and spiritual so that girls can live to their fullest capacity. The school council, who in the background work tirelessly to improve our resources here at the school and ensure that the vision of the sisters continues to be fulfilled. And of course, to the St Margaret’s leadership team under the guidance of our Principal Ms Curtis, who is an incredible role model for us all, an incredible role model to me, an outstanding leader of teaching and learning, someone who I’m so proud of and proud to be her colleague and friend. She is a leader whose every decision is guided by what is best for you, the students of this school, and for the people that make up this special community.

So, girls, good luck with the changes you are about to embark on, Iean in to all those opportunities that will come your way, know that everyone here today wishes you all the very best for whatever comes your way.

Per Volar Sunata and congratulations to the class of 2024.

Karen Gorrie

This bold claim comes from New York Times columnist, David Brooks' latest book, The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen. On first reading, one might balk at the notion of placing the need for food and water on the same level as recognition; however, on deeper reading, it holds deep significance.

We humans are wired for connection, belonging, relationship, for meaning and purpose. Having the physical requirements of food and water without these things is not being fully human, fully alive.

Brooks goes on to talk about there being two types of people: diminishers and illuminators. As you might guess, “diminishers make people feel small and unseen", whereas illuminators are curious about others and accept that everyone bears unique gift. Illuminators shine a light wherever they go and call out that light in others. The light within each of us calls out the light within another.

On Monday morning, we farewelled the Year 12 boarders with a chapel service and breakfast. At the service we reflected on being illuminators. We were reminded that every one of us is known, loved and seen by God, and called to see others.

You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5. 13-16)

Rev’d Jazz Dow

Years 6 and 7 Boarder Prefects 2025

Sophie H

Mary M

Phoebe W

Year 8 Boarder Prefects 2025

Ella McC

Victoria O

Nellie S

Year 9 Boarder Prefects 2025

Ella H

Charlotte T

Year 10 Boarder Prefects 2025

Lulu B

Lotty A

2025 Boarder Prefect Legacy

‘Inclusivity’

In Term 4 and throughout 2025, our boarding prefects will prioritise inclusivity as a central goal, fostering an environment where every student feels valued, respected, and supported. We aim to celebrate the diverse backgrounds, cultures, and identities within our community, encouraging open dialogue and understanding among students and staff. Through inclusive practices, we will ensure that all students, regardless of their ethnicity, beliefs, or abilities, have equitable opportunities to thrive academically, socially, and personally. By promoting empathy, kindness, and mutual respect, we will create a sense of belonging that strengthens our community and prepares our students to become compassionate, culturally aware global citizens.

It has been a wonderful stepping stone for our Year 11 boarder prefects as they take on their roles as of now after a year celebrating the graduating Year 12s. 

Gracemere Mataia

If there are any queries regarding examinations, please contact myself or Megan Farnsworth (mfarnsworth@stmargarets.qld.edu.au). A reminder that if on campus, all students should be dressed in full school uniform.

Good luck Year 12s!!!

Year 11

Shortly, Year 11 students will be receiving an email from me inviting them to book in an ATAR prediction meeting. I will meet with all ATAR eligible students in Term 4 of this year and all Portfolio Pathway students in Term 1 of next year. Appointment times will be available before, during and after school and parents are encouraged to attend these meetings with their daughter.

If there are any students who are currently considering either changing subjects or changing pathways, these meetings need to happen ASAP. Please book in a meeting with me via the POD.

Year 10

Year 10 students are encouraged to reflect on their subject selections for next year, based on their results in Term 3. If students would like to discuss these further, please book in an appointment with me via the POD.

Caitlin McCluskey

Active retrieval is the process of recalling knowledge and skills in order to answer questions in a low or no-stakes environment. The process of recalling knowledge from long-term memory to answer questions during revision helps the brain to ‘work’ harder and often leads to greater consolidation of knowledge into long-term memory. In contrast, passive review (re-reading and recognising) previous material without ‘doing’ anything with it, has been shown to provide very low utility in memory formation and consolidation.

So how can you improve your study technique in five easy ways?

1. Look for ways to integrate retrieval practice into your study repertoire – flash cards, Education Perfect, Khan Academy, online textbook resources such as Cambridge Go are excellent tools, which often have many practice questions for you to experience.
2. Segment your study into 30-minute ‘blocks’ – don’t just do one subject the whole 2-hour session.
3. If you don’t know the answer, make sure you still give the question a go. This is a really important part of active retrieval. Answering a question BEFORE checking the answer is so important, even if you have no idea. Neurologically, your brain will learn from its mistakes better if you always do this.
4. Exam-style questions need to be answered in every study session – Some of your study session must be made up of answering exam-style questions to help you retrieve your knowledge in an exam context.
5. Space your retrieval practice out over several weeks before the exam. Retrieval practice loses a lot of utility if it is crammed. Make sure you start retrieval practice at least five weeks before your exam date so that your brain has adequate time to consolidate the content into long-term memory.

This article was written in reference to Pen Principle #9 (Active Recall Trumps Passive Review) from the Science of Learning Research Centre at The University of Queensland. There are 12 PEN Principles in total, which can be accessed by students and parents through the following link:

Science of Learning Research Centre Resources - Science of Learning Research Centre (slrc.org.au)

Chris Dunn

Australian Defence Force Long Tan Awards, Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award

Lily A (Year 12) and Hudson C (Year 10)

Future Innovators Award

Maddison K (Year 12) and Matilda O (Year 10)

The awards are presented to students each year in many Australian secondary schools in remembrance of the soldiers who died at the then South Vietnamese Village of Long Tan in 1968. The students are selected based on the following attributes:

• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Co-operation
• Resourcefulness
• High Personal Values
• Problem Solving
• Communication Skills
• Involvement in Community
• STEM innovation

The school wishes the Class of 2024 the very best for their upcoming external assessment.

Nikki Townsend

One of the most important goals for the program is for the girls to experience interactions with peers in a different setting and for a longer period. Also, for the girls to test their social skills in an environment that is not home or school as students learn to live with other students in cabins, sharing bathrooms and meals. I was so impressed as I witnessed firsthand, the girls apply all these skills so successfully and interact positively with each other throughout the camp experiences.

Camp also provides the perfect opportunity to challenge self-regulation. Experts regard self-regulation as one of the most important skills to teach children. However, it is not one but a set of skills including the ability to control something – behaviour, thought, movement or feeling and impulse. Delay of gratification is the most significant self-regulation skill. It has been linked to long term outcomes for children, that is, children who wait longer are more sociable, achieve better grades now, and in the future.

We teach self-regulation as part of cognitive learning and the social thinking program. This program teaches skills that contribute to self-regulation. Parents can also help by helping your child to:

1. Control an impulse to meet the higher goal (empathy, relationships, learning)
2. Use situations to teach strategies to help regulate impulses
3. Acknowledge the challenge of regulation (help children conquer hard things, don’t give up)
4. Make a choice and a plan- develop decision-making skills
5. Play games
6. Be flexible so the child is not too rigid

Be patient with your child as self-regulation skills develop over a lifetime.  

Thank you to the Year 4 staff - Melissa Garbutt, Danielle Patterson, Katie Court and Karen Andrews-Close and Mrs Lanigan for attending overnight. Thank you also to Morgan Rowe for supporting the girls with their very physical activities on the first day.

Angela Drysdale

Credit, Merit, and Participation awards will be presented in the classrooms.

This year, St Margaret’s is especially proud to announce two ICAS Medal Recipients. Winning an ICAS medal is a significant achievement, as it signifies that these girls have attained the highest score in their year level in Queensland. These medals will be presented at our end-of-year Acknowledgment Assembly.

Elizabeth S in Year 4 for English

Holly C in Year 6 for Science

English Results

Mathematics Results

Science Results

Writing Results

Kate Frewin

Professional Women’s Networking Breakfast #4

Thank you to the Sculthorpe String Quartet for providing entertaining music as guests arrived at the Professional Women’s Networking Breakfast held on Tuesday morning this week. Congratulations also to Tram (Year 8) who performed the meditative Ave Maria by Bach/Gounod’s on cello. All music performances were greatly appreciated by everyone in attendance.

Music Dinner

Many wonderful photos from Music Dinner have come through from our official photographer. Please visit the Music (Co-curricular) page on the POD to check them out. At the Music Dinner, the 2024 Music Year in Review video was presented, and this is also now available to be viewed on the POD.

Auditions for 2025 Ensembles

Thank you to all students who have auditioned for 2025 ensembles. The results of these ensembles will be made available soon via the POD.

Music Support Group

The next Music Support Group meeting will be the AGM and will be held on Tuesday 22 October 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

Adding to the excitement of the evening, we had the fortune of hearing from our special guest, 2024 Paris Olympian and St Margaret’s Old Girl, Lily Alton (’15). Interviewed by our distinguished guest interviewer, Karen Brown, Lily shared her inspiring career journey, reflecting on the dedication, hard work, and resilience that defined her success.

During the evening I highlighted the balance we strive to maintain between performance, participation, and character.

“Our diverse range of sporting opportunities allowed students to explore different activities, with participation being a key focus. At St Margaret’s, we continue to buck the national trend of declining sport participation. Our strength lies in encouraging students to “give sport a go” and enjoy it with friends, fostering a spirit of inclusion and teamwork.

In recognising the outstanding performances of students this year, it is important not only to celebrate their achievements but also to acknowledge the qualities they embodied: effort, perseverance, resilience, teamwork, responsibility, organisation, humility, gratitude, and enjoyment. These traits, cultivated through sport, extend far beyond the field of play, they influence every aspect of students’ lives and put them in good stead for the future."

A full list of sporting awards will be published in the St Margaret’s end-of-year Link publication.

However, I would like to pay special tribute to the awards of distinction that were presented:

• St Margaret’s Captain of the Year: Lucy P, Athletics Co-Captain
• St Margaret’s Coach of the Year: Tim Castley, AFL & Athletics Coach
• St Margaret’s Service and Contribution to Sport Award: Ms Gayle Coutts, Head of Netball

Thank you to all the students, families, and staff who came along and enjoyed the evening. It was a fitting conclusion to the sporting year, and we look forward to 2025.

Latest Sport News and Information

For the latest sport news and information please check out the following Secondary School Sport POD Pages:

• Club Water Polo – The POD - Club Water Polo (stmargarets.qld.edu.au)
• QGSSSA AFL (Junior) - The POD - Secondary AFL (stmargarets.qld.edu.au)
• QGSSSA Swimming – The POD - Secondary Swimming (stmargarets.qld.edu.au)
• Strength & Conditioning - The POD - Sport Staff Documents (stmargarets.qld.edu.au)

Mr Lloyd Knight

Anoushka has demonstrated a high-level of artistic ability through her meticulous representation of artist, Frida Kahlo. She showcases her understanding of the surrealist art movement through dream-like characteristics. Anoushka is commended on her ability to highlight realistic features of the artist using pencil and acrylic paint to celebrate the beauty of her vision.

Please Note: Families are required to create an account by clicking on the "Parents Order Here" button located in the top right hand corner of the Campion website. A four-character code is required to access the 2025 resource lists; the code for St Margaret's is VKTP.

Orders are required to be submitted by 11 December and will receive free delivery. Orders received after the cut-off date will be packed ASAP, however Campion Education cannot guarantee delivery of these orders prior to the commencement of Term 1, 2025. A delivery fee will be applied to all late orders and the amount will vary depending on the lateness of the order.

Boarders ONLY are able to have their book pack delivered to the St Margaret’s boarding house for pickup on return to school in Term 1 2025. Boarders requiring their book pack delivered to the school must complete their delivery address as: Boarder – Deliver to St Margaret’s AGS.

Blazer Fittings – current Year 9 Cohort 2024

Students entering Year 10 in 2025 are required to be fitted for their blazer prior to the end of Term 4, 2024. All orders will need to be placed by 15 November 2024 for a March 2025 delivery. Students can visit the Supplies Shop during opening hours (no appointment required). A blazer fitting takes around 15 minutes. The cost of the blazer is $275 or $290 for custom make and is payable at the time of ordering.

Church Dress Hire – Year 6 Chapel Service

Hiring of the Church Dress for all Year 6 students for the end of year Chapel Service has now commenced. The Hire form is available on the school’s website here. Plain white fold down ankle socks (not St Margaret’s competition socks), clean brown school shoes and a white ribbon are to be worn with the dress for the Year 6 Chapel Service. 

Uniform Fitting Appointments – Online booking system

Bookings for October, November and December 2024 and January 2025 are now 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 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.

Extended Trading Hours

Appointments can be made online via the school website here.

2024

25 Nov to 29 Nov                  Appointments only

2 Dec to 4 Dec                       Appointments only

2025

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.

Trading Hours (Term Time)

The final meeting of 2024 is an informal evening where we welcome new people (including those new to the school in 2025) and where we can all share our views and ideas 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 4 November 2024
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

Share the Christmas spirit with the P&F 2024 Bush and Beyond Christmas Raffle

Prizes include a $1000 RM Williams voucher, artisan gifts made by St Margaret’s families, local luxury food offerings and festive family experiences.

The raffle will be drawn on Tuesday 19 November with all proceeds donated to the St Margarets Foundation to help school families in need.

Tickets are available via Raffletix: https://www.raffletix.com.au/?ref=7yf46

Georgia Mitchell