eNews Archive Issue 33 - 30 October 2025

72.8% (118 out of the 162 Year 12 completers) completed the survey. Of those, 97.5% continued in some recognised form of education, training, or employment. The most common study destination was bachelor’s degree and 12.7% transitioned directly into paid employment. 2.5% 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 2025 in the following areas of study:

Management and Commerce (38%)

Society and Culture (33%)

Health (15%)

Natural and Physical Sciences (14%)

Engineering and Related Technologies (10%)

Education (6%)

Creative Arts (5%)

Architecture and Building (3%)

Information Technology (3%)

These destinations remain unchanged from one year to the next although the order (percentages) will change.

38.1% or 45 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 (31%) and QUT (41%) remained the most popular institutions for tertiary studies with 72% of graduates choosing these universities. Of those students studying, 95% 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 12 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 2026.

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 2026, 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 or phone (07) 3055 2845.

Ros Curtis

This immersive experience will allow students to connect deeply with Fijian communities, contribute to sustainable development projects, and gain a richer understanding of global citizenship. Through hands-on service, cultural exchange, and reflection, students will develop empathy, leadership, and a sense of purpose that extends far beyond the classroom.

Infuse Travel is renowned for its ethical and educational travel programs, designed to empower young people and foster genuine cross-cultural connections. The Fiji Immersion will include community-led initiatives, environmental sustainability projects, and opportunities to learn from local leaders—all while exploring the natural beauty and vibrant culture of Fiji.

Information about this opportunity can be found here.

We are holding a parent information session for all interested Years 9 and 10 students and their parents on Wednesday 19 November at 6pm in The Loft. Can you please email Ms Shauna Crabbe (scrabbe@stmargarets.qld.edu.au) if you need to attend this session online.

We are incredibly excited to offer this transformative journey and look forward to seeing our students grow through this unique Service Learning experience.

Nicole Devlin

This week, Prayer Space has been continuing in the school chapel. It has been a gift to read the affirmations students have been writing to one another, reminding each other that they carry within them infinite worth and dignity and every person brings something unique and beautiful to the world. It is a reminder of the power of affirming one another’s strength.

Tomorrow, we celebrate World Teachers’ Day. Our St Margaret’s tradition is to celebrate all staff, support and teaching, as every staff member contributes and scaffolds the education endeavour.

Notices

SSA Monthly Service – All Souls’ Day – Sunday 2 November, 2025

Afternoon tea from 3.15pm, Eucharist at 4pm.

All Souls’ is a day of commemoration of the faithful departed. A day in which family and friends from various denominations of the Christian Family gather for prayer and remembrance. They clean the graves of their loved ones, and place candles, flowers, incense and generally beautify their final resting places. Special Eucharists are often held to remember the lives of those at rest.

All Souls' Day is the third day of Allhallowtide, being All Hallow’s Eve on 31 October, All Saint’s Day on 1 November, and All Souls' Day on 2 November. As is traditional with All Souls' services, we will include a Commemoration of the Faithful Departed.

Monthly Eucharists are held on the 1st Sunday of each month, at St Colomb’s Anglican Church, 23 Victoria Street Clayfield.

Girl Chorester Experience - Sunday 9 November 2025, 3pm-7pm

This is an exciting opportunity for girls to experience life as a chorister in one of Australia’s finest church buildings. The ability to already read music is not necessary. Girls will spend the afternoon rehearsing, meeting the current girl choristers, and touring the inspiring Cathedral. They will then join the Cathedral Choir in singing the service of Evensong, to which family and friends are warmly invited. For further information, or to register, please contact Andrej Kouznetsov, Assistant Director of Music, at AKouznetsov@stjohnscathedral.com.au.

Jazz Dow

I know that all of our Year 12 boarders will thrive in their final exams, and in life beyond school. I am confident that they are well equipped to enter the next stage of life, whether that be heading up north, to university or straight into work.

We have had many opportunities, both in the broader school community and specifically within the boarding house, to celebrate the graduating seniors. It has been a privilege to be able to celebrate with the Year 12s, their parents and guardians, and our incoming seniors, too, who are beginning to feel the excitement of being in this position in twelve months time.

Meanwhile, the rest of the boarding house is busy getting into the Christmas spirit – the Garden Room has turned into Christmas central, the gardens of Eton Courtyard filled with Christmas friends – from elves to reindeer to snowman – and the Dining Hall is adorned with a Christmas village on the fireplace mantle, a huge Christmas tree, and everything else festive the girls can possibly find to decorate the boarding house. As we countdown to the end of term and the end of the year, the Christmas spirit is growing as the return to home gets closer! 

While we begin to get excited for the wrap up of term, the girls remain focused on their study and rounding out the year strong. It is not always easy to maintain motivation towards the end, but rest assured the boarding staff are here cheering on your girls right until the end! 

Lesa Fowler

At times, some girls come out of the exams and feel unhappy with their perception of how they went, and some girls are just unsure, but when it is done, it is done and they should feel proud of how they have approached these exams from the onset. So, if your daughter is coming home unhappy about the exam, the questions and the things they did not know please reassure them. Tell them you are proud and remind them that the windscreen is bigger than the rear vision mirror. You need to glance back, but it is important to keep looking forward and navigate to the next bend on the road.

Finally, thank you to all Year 12 parents who are supporting their child in this. I am sure you too are feeling all the emotions that I feel with your daughters!

Year 11

Next week, I am beginning the first round of ATAR indication meetings with the Year 11 ATAR eligible students. They will all be emailed a booking link which can also be found on the Year 11 POD page. The purpose of these meetings is to discuss the girls’ progress so far, give them an indication of where they are heading and help them to make a plan moving forward. Parents are encouraged to attend this meeting either in person or via Teams/phone call.

Year 10

Year 10 students are busy getting into their school assessment for the term. It is only two short weeks until Study Hall, so all Year 10s should be planning their time carefully and factoring in additional study and review in the coming weeks.

Caitlin McCluskey

English

Year 7

• Holly C. - Distinction

Year 8

• Annabel W. – Distinction
• Juniper F. – Distinction

Year 9

• Danielle L. – High Distinction

Year 10

• Abigail B. – Distinction

Year 11

• Andie M. – Distinction
• Tia H. - Distinction

Mathematics

Year 7

• Dain P. – High Distinction
• Sammy L. – Distinction

Year 8

• Bella L. – Distinction

Year 9

• Danielle L. – Distinction
• Ritz F. – Distinction

Science

Year 7

• Holly C. - Distinction

Year 9

• Danielle L. –Distinction
• Isobel S. – Distinction

Writing

Year 7

• Holly C. – Distinction
• Lily W. – Distinction
• Madison H. – Distinction
• Sammy L. – Distinction

Year 8

• Lanarita L. – High Distinction

Year 9

• Vanetina P. P. – High Distinction
• Danielle L. – Distinction

Year 10

• Madeline R. – Distinction

Year 11

• Bronte T. – High Distinction
• Andie M. – Distinction

Chris Dunn

Today's parenting challenges extend beyond avoiding obvious dangers like abuse or neglect. Effective support requires proactive approaches that address the complexities of raising resilient children in our modern world. Research consistently shows that the best-adjusted children grow up in environments balancing warmth and sensitivity with clear behavioural expectations—fostering both emotional security and resilience.

At St Margaret's, our pastoral care team works in close partnership with parents and outside health professionals to provide holistic support for students. The number of risk factors often outweighs protective factors in many adolescents' lives, making this collaborative approach essential.

For additional guidance, explore our Parent Resource Page on the POD via School Box. We also recommend these valuable websites:

• Raising Children Network (raisingchildren.net.au): Australia's comprehensive government-supported parenting resource
• ReachOut (au.reachout.com): Leading online mental health service for young people
• Kids Helpline (kidshelpline.com.au): 24/7 counselling service offering resources on body image, relationships, and self-esteem
• Maggie Dent (maggiedent.com): Practical advice for raising resilient, confident girls
• YoungMinds (youngminds.org.uk): UK-based charity providing mental health resources

These sites offer reliable support to help navigate the unique challenges faced by teenage girls.

Nikki Townsend

This parent event followed our Orientation Day last week, another highlight in our community calendar. Many new parents shared how their daughters came home buzzing with excitement, already making new friends and feeling included by our returning students. Thank you to our “old girls” for being so welcoming to the new members of your cohort and House. Your kindness reflects the very best of our school spirit. Our teachers are now busy finalising class lists for 2026, ensuring every student is set up for a positive year ahead.

Our sense of community included the wider community this week. We held a special assembly to acknowledge Day for Daniel, an important reminder about staying safe in both the physical and online world. The girls revisited the three key steps, Recognise, React, Report, and reflected on how we can all play a part in creating a safe community. For further insights, I encourage you to read Ms Annette Box’s article in this week’s eNews.

Another wonderful community moment came through our Author Visit Program. Students in Years 1–4 were captivated by the storytelling of authors Jol Temple and Matt Stanton, who shared not only their stories but the creative journey behind them. It was inspiring to see our budding young writers so engaged, a true celebration of curiosity and connection through the written word.

As we move into the final weeks of the school year and the Christmas season draws near, it’s a timely opportunity to pause and reflect on how fortunate we are, surrounded by supportive families, caring friends, and a strong community. Our upcoming Service-Learning Projects will encourage students to give back, reminding them that connection also means compassion, helping those in need and being grateful for what we have.

In keeping with our long-standing tradition, we remind families that Christmas at our school is about kindness rather than commercialism. Instead of class Secret Santas, we invite students to participate in our Toy Drive for children in foster care. This tradition, now more than twenty years strong, reflects our belief that the true spirit of Christmas lies in generosity, empathy, and community giving.

Thank you to all families for continuing to support and live out our theme of Community and Connection. I look forward to seeing many of you over the coming weeks as we celebrate the end of another wonderful school year together.

Angela Drysdale

“It's a day to remember a little boy named Daniel Morcombe. Daniel was 13 years old when something unfortunate happened to him many years ago. He was sadly taken whilst waiting at a bus stop in 2003. We remember Daniel because we want to keep all children safe. Day for Daniel is all about teaching us important rules so we can be safe when we're out playing, at school, at home or anywhere else. Day for Daniel reinforces the vital message that keeping kids safe is a responsibility we all share. To keep ourselves safe we remember the three R’s:

Recognise: This means knowing when something doesn't feel right. If a situation makes you feel a little worried, scared, or confused, that's your body telling you to be careful.

React: This means knowing what to do right away. If you feel unsafe, you should find safety somewhere you feel comfortable like at school or at home.

Report: This is the most important part. You must tell a trusted adult what happened.

Today we are all wearing red ribbons as a tribute to Daniel because he was wearing a red T-shirt when he was taken and red was his favourite colour.”

Personal safety and body awareness are important aspects of the Daniel Morcombe Child Safety Curriculum which is taught in Pastoral Care and Health and Physical Education. For more information, please refer to the Parent Guides using the links below:

Parent Guide Prep to Year 2 (PDF 176.8KB)

Parent Guide Year 3 to 6 (PDF 189.2KB)

Fact Sheet for Parents (PDF 1.5MB)

The school’s adoption of this program demonstrates our ongoing commitment to child safety. I would encourage parents to continue to champion the safety message. The school-home partnership approach is the most effective way to ensure that the messages are absorbed and turned into action. Thank you to the SRC for presenting these key messages to the primary school, enhanced by insights from Mrs Drysdale.

Annette Box

Professional Women’s Networking Breakfast – Student Congratulations

Thank you to Yuna (Year 7) who provided a thrilling performance on the violin of Appassionato by Czech composer Josef Suk at the recent Professional Women’s Networking Breakfast held in the Arts Centre Foyer. This was a highly virtuosic performance and appreciated by everyone in attendance. Thank you also to Mr Jonny Ng who provided wonderful accompaniment on the piano. Of course, thank you also to the Sculthorpe String Quartet who continue to support many of our school events through their music making!

Message from St Margaret’s Music Support Group to primary and secondary parents

Does your daughter love to sing or play a musical instrument (or two)? Then we’d love to invite you to join our Music Support Group in 2026! We are a friendly group of parents who share a passion for music and enjoy supporting the incredible work of our Music Department. Throughout the year, we lend a hand with all kinds of fun and rewarding activities, from serving lunch at Music Day Camp and rehearsal days, to running the food and drinks at Classics in the Cathedral, and organising the annual Music Dinner.

Our goals are simple: to help create memorable experiences for our students and staff while building a wonderful community of music families and to raise funds for instruments, including our next big purchase - a Steinway for the new Performing Arts Complex.

We’re always excited to welcome new faces, so why not come along to our AGM in Week 6 – Tuesday 11 November 2026 at 5pm, held in the Circular Drive classrooms near the ACF.

All primary and secondary parents are warmly invited to attend. Can’t make it in person? No problem! Email Miranda at miranda_robinson@hotmail.com for a Teams link and join us online.

Further, if you would like to keep updated with our activities and how you can help during the year (where we post volunteer signup.com’s etc), please join the Music Support Group POD page here. 

Brad King

A special mention should be made to the students who are training to be referees, following participation in a recently held umpire training course in partnership with AFL Queensland and the QGSSSA. For most of the girls last Saturday was their first game day experience as referees and from all reports, very enjoyable and a great experience. These students are being mentored by qualified AFL Queensland referees over the season to ensure a good experience and they should be congratulated on taking this step.

Club Water Polo gradings will continue this weekend and our teams are getting into the swing of trainings and matches. It’s also great to see the consistent numbers of students training in the pool for QG swimming in readiness for 2026. As well as the King and Queen of the Pool event happening at Churchie this Friday, our swimmers will also have the opportunity to test themselves next Friday, 7 November at the Somerville House practice meet.

The sports office is currently putting plans together for the 2026 offerings and this information will be coming out on the POD over the next few weeks. As an example, in Term 1, secondary students will be offered sports in the QG Summer fixtures including Cricket, AFL Seniors and Artistic Gymnastics as well as the annual QG Swimming Championships. We are looking forward to another great year of sport and activities here at St Margaret’s!

The sport team are 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:

• AFL Jnr The POD - Secondary AFL
• Water Polo The POD - Club Water Polo
• Swimming The POD - Club Swimming
• Swimming The POD - Secondary Swimming

Anne Louise Williams

Booklists 2026

The Booklists for Pre-Prep to Year 11 2026 are now available and parents are able to order online at www.campion.com.au.  

New families to St Margaret’s in 2026 will be required to create a Campion account to gain access to the booklists.  For instructions on how to set up an account please click here Campion Education How to Order (PDF 344.9KB). A four-character code is required and the code for St Margaret's is 89YV.

Orders placed by Wednesday 10 December will receive free delivery and orders will be delivered prior to the commencement of Term 1, 2026. Orders received after the cut-off date will be packed ASAP; however, Campion Education cannot guarantee delivery of these orders prior to commencement of Term 1. A delivery fee will be applied to all late orders.

Church Dress Hire - Year 6 Chapel Service

Hiring of the Church Dress for Year 6 students has now commenced. Church Dress hire forms must be completed and signed by a parent or guardian. The Hire Form is available on the POD here. A deposit holding fee of $115 is payable for the hire of the Church Dress and upon return (as per conditions listed on the hire form) a refund of $70 will be given. Plain white fold down ankle socks (not St Margaret’s competition socks), brown school shoes and a white ribbon are to be worn with the dress.

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.

**EXENDED TRADING HOURS**

2025

Mon 1 Dec to 5 Dec      Open for Appointments Only

Mon 8 Dec to 12 Dec   Open for Appointments Only

2026

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 14 January              8 am – 2 pm

Thursday 15 January                 8 am – 2 pm

Friday 16 January                      8 am – 2 pm

Monday 19 January                   8 am – 2 pm

Tuesday 20 January                   8 am – 2 pm

Wednesday 21 January             1 pm – 6 pm

Thursday 22 January                 8 am – 2 pm

Friday 23 January                      8 am – 2 pm

Saturday 24 January                  9 am – 3 pm

Sunday 25 January                     CLOSED

Monday 26 January                   2 pm – 5 pm - BOARDERS ONLY

Tuesday 27 January                   Regular Term Time trading hours resume

Student Card Purchases

Just a reminder to ensure that the daily limit is set high enough to cover the cost of the uniform items being purchased, otherwise we will not be able to complete the transaction.

https://www.flexischools.com.au/

Blazer Pocket Embroidery 

Blazers are collected every Thursday after morning tea and take around two to three weeks to be embroidered.  

St Margaret’s Merchandise

The Supplies Shop has some great new merchandise available including St Margaret’s folding chair, scented candles in two sizes, St Margaret’s dog lead, St Margaret’s keychains, Panama croc jibbitz, vacuum drink flask and a crested fine bone china coffee cup.

Trading Hours (Term Time)

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

Public Holidays Closed

TeamKids offer exciting enrichment opportunities, providing engaging, hands-on experiences (STEM, arts, sports, cooking, environmental projects), and encourage student choice, voice, and leadership, attributes aligned with St Margaret’s educational philosophy.

The students will benefit from a child-centred approach, industry leading ratios, highly qualified educators, and specially designed programs, reflecting TeamKids’ commitment to excellence across all learning environments.

Parents and carers should note the following:

• Our current OSHC service will continue to operate as usual up to and including the last day of Vacation Care this year on Wednesday 17 December 2025.
• TeamKids will commence with their Vacation Care Program on Monday 12 January 2026.
• The new OSHC service will operate from the same venue in the primary school.
• Current OSHC enrolments and bookings will not be transferred over to Team Kids due to privacy legislation. Families are required to register and complete a new enrolment with TeamKids for 2026.
• Online registrations for TeamKids will open on Monday 10 November 2025 via their website https://www.teamkids.com.au/
• TeamKids Customer Service Team can be contacted on 1300 035 000 or email info@teamkids.com.au

Meet & Greet Information Sessions

TeamKids will be holding two informal Meet & Greet sessions during Term 4 where their friendly staff will be available in the Primary School Atrium near the main OSHC pick up point.

1. Wednesday 5 November 2025 from 4:00pm - 5:30pm, and
2. Wednesday 19 November 2025 from 4:00pm – 5:30pm.

These sessions will provide parents and carers with the opportunity to meet the TeamKids crew, ask questions, learn more about their OSHC program, and how to register. If you can’t attend, don’t worry. All information will be emailed to families and available on the TeamKids website from Monday 10 November 2025.

We thank you for your patience as we manage this transition phase.

We would also like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Palu Ingram and her dedicated team for the outstanding care and support of our children and families for over a decade!

Contact details and additional information about TeamKids are provided in this flyer. (PDF 898.8KB)

If you have any queries about OSHC for the remainder of 2025, please email oshc@stmargarets.qld.edu.au or for details on registering for TeamKids, please contact them directly on 1300 035 000 or info@teamkids.com.au.

At St Margaret’s, the Private Speech and Drama Program offers a fun, supportive environment for students to gain skills in interpersonal communication, presentation, performance and public speaking. Enrolments for Private Speech and Drama lessons for 2026 are now open for students who will be in Years 2 to 12 next year.

If you would like further information about the program, please contact the coordinator via email mchamberlain@stmargarets.qld.edu.au or phone 3862 0750 or refer to the Private Speech and Drama Handbook on the school’s website or Private Speech and Drama POD Page.

If you would like to enrol your daughter in Speech and Drama for 2026, please complete and return the Application for Tuition form by clicking HERE.

Places in the program are limited and are provided to continuing students and then to new students based on the order in which enrolment applications are received and according to availability of spaces in each year level. New enrolments are requested by Monday 24 November 2025.

Parents of current students – please remember to confirm or cancel your daughter’s place in the program for 2026 by completing and submitting the electronic form that was emailed to you by your daughter’s Speech and Drama teacher. Your consideration regarding this procedure is greatly appreciated. Accurate enrolment numbers are essential for ensuring successful timetabling, suitable staffing arrangements and a smooth start to the year for current and new students.

Lessons for 2026 will commence in week two of Term 1. We are looking forward to another exciting year of cultivating confident, capable communicators.

Maria Chamberlain

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of fun, laughter, and bonding at a premier Brisbane rooftop destination! Enjoy delicious food, refreshing drinks, and fabulous entertainment, including a live DJ spinning your favourite tunes!

Date                 Sunday 22 February 2026
Time                11:00am - 3:00pm
Venue               Lina Rooftop Bar, 74/80 Tribune St, South Brisbane

Cost                 $140 Adult (includes a Lina Spritz on arrival)

                        $110 Student (includes 4-hour soft drink package)

Dress               Summer Chic

RSVP                5:00pm Thursday 5 February, unless sold out prior. 

We realise that it is not possible for all girls to invite their mothers, and we would encourage them to invite a significant woman in their life, a relative or family friend.

Tickets are available here: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1469168 (until 5 February unless sold out prior).

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 2026?

Our final meeting of 2025 is an informal evening where we welcome new people (including those new to the school in 2026) 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 10 November 2025
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 2025 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) and Volunteer Thank You Celebration on Tuesday 4 November 2025.

At our final meeting of the year, you will have an opportunity to hear updates from the OGA and join our dynamic OGA Committee. After the meeting, join us in saying thank you to our volunteers over light refreshments.

Please find meeting details below:

OGA AGM and Volunteer Thank You Celebration
Date:     Tuesday 4 November 2025
Time:     7.00pm – 8.00pm - AGM
              8.00pm - 9.00pm - Light Refreshments  
Venue:   Arts Centre Foyer (ACF)
              St Margaret's Anglican Girls School
              11 Petrie Street, Ascot QLD 4007

RSVP:     Friday 31 October 2025 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 complete and return this nomination form prior to or at the meeting.

Lara Pickering