eNews Archive Issue 6 - 29 February 2024

It is important for girls to have strong relationships with their parents and caregivers, as well as other trusted adults in their life including teachers, coaches, and tutors.

Being ‘connected’ is a term widely used today. But what this really means is that a young person feels that she can be fully and authentically herself, knowing that she can be confident, but that she can also be vulnerable, she can be uncertain, and she can know that she can bring that to the relationship without fear of judgement or reproach and she is accepted for who she truly is. A strong relationship with a parent, caregiver, and trusted adults in her life, will allow her to be all these things.

It is a difficult task for parents to empower confident, holistically healthy young women in a world that often appears to be spiralling with negativity, horrific crises, loss and trauma. Some may over burden their girls with activities, but what is necessary is for a parent to ensure a healthy connection to their daughter as she becomes her own person, even when she makes mistakes and choices that make you shake your head and make her roll her eyes at your response.

In the busyness of today’s world, girls need downtime of their own. This ensures that they have the time to build important connections with family, but that they also have time that is unclaimed, that is their own. Dr Judith Locke, a Brisbane-based psychologist, talks about parents having the best of intentions with ongoing involvement in their daughter’s life, from building a relationship based on ‘love, affection, quality time, praise, all the stuff that warms your heart as a parent’, to the burning desire to ensure your child achieves well and avoids disappointments. But sometimes supporting girls’ connections means stepping back. Having a positive, loving, healthy relationship is undoubtedly important. Yet helping a young person learn how to navigate disappointment while building resilience and coping skills is just as essential as building a positive relationship with her parents.

In early adolescence, girls may experience uncertainty searching for identity and wondering ‘if you fit in, how you fit in, and who your people are.’ At this time, it has been suggested that parents take a step back by encouraging their daughters to recognise the good things that are also present in addition to the worries that that they have. This is a time for parents to support girls certainly, but parents also need to be prepared sometimes just to listen and not problem-solve the situation. Instead, they may be best placed to encourage the opportunity for the ‘genuine sense of accomplishment’ that girls will experience as they learn to be unique, independent and healthy young women, empowered to take on the world, to be the best version of themselves and to be able to meet the challenges of a globally changing world.

Source: International Coalition of Girls’ Schools– Supporting Healthy Connections for Girls Issue1/2024

Ros Curtis

One thing that struck me when listening to Kirra present was the need for parents to have a good grasp on what their children are accessing online, and particularly on their mobile devices. Sitting down with children and talking through online safety and healthy boundaries to put in place is important, but equally having an agreement that children can report unsafe behaviours or content to their parents without fear of ‘getting into trouble’ is also crucial.

Australia has laws in place that are designed to protect people online. These laws protect and prosecute in instances where people experience online bullying, harassment, sending inappropriate content, image-based abuse and online scams.

The eSafety Commissioner (eSafety) is Australia’s independent regulator for online safety. eSafety fosters online safety by exercising powers under Australian government legislation, primarily the Online Safety Act 2021. Their website www.esafety.gov.au is a great place to start if you think you or your daughter is experiencing harmful content online. They have information and facilities to report complaints about online behaviour to the eSafety commissioner whose department will then investigate.

Kirra’s website has a wide range of resources to help parents navigate this area. Topics such as social media privacy settings, guides on social media platforms, how to secure your child’s device and others are available for download at https://www.safeonsocial.com/free-parent-resources-downloads.

Karen Gorrie

Albert Einstein said: “The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science.”

Prayer Space allows students to find a quiet, calm, centre and ponder mystery, and then return to classroom learning more focussed and ready to learn. Teachers often report that when their classes return from Prayer Space there is less disruption from students and they are more receptive to learning.

I have been encouraged by this term’s Prayer Space theme to think about how I can foster a sense of awe and wonder in my daily life, how I can be attentive to the world around me, and intentionally notice the beauty of nature around me.

Rev’d Jazz Dow

These individuals, having spent years living and learning within the boarding community, possess a deep understanding of its dynamics, challenges, and opportunities. Leveraging their experiences as students, they offer invaluable insights and empathy to current boarders. Their firsthand understanding of the boarding experience allows them to offer tailored support and guidance, contributing to the holistic development of current boarding students.

We are so fortunate to have many graduated boarders who have returned to the boarding house, in various positions ranging from tutors to performing administrative tasks to Junior House Mother. Their presence not only enhances the support network for current boarders but also fosters a sense of continuity and connection within the boarding community.

Lily Shann who graduated in 2022, expressed her enthusiasm for returning as a boarding staff member this year. "Having lived in the boarding house for six years, I understand the highs and lows that students experience. It feels rewarding to give back to the community that shaped me and to support current students through their journey," she said.

Currently we also have Bronwyn Ninai (’16), Bella Gray (’19), Meg Sargood (’20) and Georgina Winter (‘21) who are also from graduated cohorts working within the boarding house as Junior House Mothers. They are only but a few of many other graduating students that have worked within the boarding house.

Moreover, the transition from student to staff member provides valuable professional development opportunities for returning graduates. They develop leadership skills, gain experience in mentorship and pastoral care, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the inner workings of educational institutions. For many, this experience serves as a steppingstone to careers in related fields.

The return of graduates not only strengthens the boarding community but also underscores the enduring bonds forged within it. Their presence brings a sense of continuity and stability to the boarding community. They serve as role models and trusted confidants for current students, fostering an inclusive environment. Their contributions exemplify the profound impact of a supportive boarding environment, where students evolve into confident, capable, and compassionate individuals, eager to pay it forward to the next generation. It is true testament to our boarding community.

Gracemere Mataia

Extension Forms

On each Year Level POD page, there is a link to the extension procedures page. This page contains two forms, one for an unexpectedly missed exam (when sick) and another for planned absences or extended sickness in the lead up to a due date. Both the page and the relevant forms contain the procedures for applying for these extensions.

Please note that in Years 7-9, requests for an extension must be accompanied by a parent letter or a medical certificate. In Years 10-12, requests for an extension must be accompanied by a medical certificate or, if absent for commitments such as Representative Sport, formal documentation outlining these dates.

When an exam is unexpectedly missed, the procedure in Years 7-11 is for the student to complete this exam in the library in lesson 2A/B on the day of their return to school. In the event that the student has been absent for a period of time and has multiple exams to catch up on, this schedule will be managed by the Academic Studies Office: Dean of Studies (Years 7-9) and Dean of Academics (Years 10-11). All adjustments to Year 12 assessment are managed by the Dean of Academics.

Special Provisions or Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments

Students with disability, a medical condition or other circumstances may require reasonable adjustments to assessment conditions. Special provision involves making reasonable adjustments, such as providing alternative arrangements for seating, equipment or time. If your daughter requires special provisions, Margot Johnston, the Learning Enhancement Coordinator, will have communicated with you about a learning plan. If you have any questions about these provisions, please contact us prior to exams.

Caitlin McCluskey

“Stay in your own lane. Throughout Years 11 and 12, my mum frequently reminded me to focus on and prioritise myself and my own learning and all that involved, regardless of others and what theirs looked like.” Greta King ‘23

At St Margaret’s, we do give students a quantitative guide as to how much time we suggest they spend on homework. In the secondary school, it is as follows:

It is important to recognise, however, that it is the quality of the homework, not the quantity, which determines so much about its impact on student learning.

Below are some important tips for students to improve the effectiveness of their homework time:

Tip 1 - Plan your homework sessions

Homework is invariably split into two components:

1. Immediate class tasks
2. Exam revision and assignment work

Taking the time at the start of your homework session to construct a plan of what you will realistically accomplish can significantly improve your productivity. Amongst the completion of immediate tasks, you should also schedule in time to ‘chip away’ at the larger revision and assignment-based tasks.

Tip 2 – Chunk your revision

Avoid doing long sessions of revision on the same subject in a night. The research indicates that ‘spacing’ revision for a subject throughout the week, or indeed the term, is far more beneficial to improving memory retention and consolidation of knowledge in students.

Tip 3 – Checkpoint your assignments

Create a list of checkpoints that you want to reach for your assignments at the end of designated homework sessions. This step could be in consultation with your teacher. It is important to then make sure you hold yourself accountable to these checkpoints.

Tip 4 – Seek guidance but don’t let others be the doers

The research suggests that motivation and support provided by parents and siblings during homework exercises has an immensely positive effect on the learning that takes place. It is important, however, that you make certain this support doesn’t turn into them ‘doing’ the thinking for you. Homework is critically important in building academic resilience and independent learning skills in students. Allowing others to assist too much reduces its positive impact on you as a learner.

Chris Dunn

References

Barger, M. M., Kim, E. M., Kuncel, N. R., & Pomerantz, E. M. (2019). The relation between parents’ involvement in children’s schooling and children’s adjustment: A meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 145(9), 855–890.

Carpenter, S. (2020) Distributed Practice or Spacing Effect. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Education. Retrieved 17 Feb. 2022, from https://oxfordre.com/education/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780190264093.001.0001/acrefore-9780190264093-e-859.

Nota, L., Soresi, S., & Zimmerman, B. J. (2004). Self-regulation and academic achievement and resilience: A longitudinal study. International Journal of Educational Research, 41(3), 198-215.

We would very much appreciate your support in publicising the event to friends and colleagues who may be interested in seeking a St Margaret’s education for their daughter.

Furthermore, Saturday 9 March is a day when we require all of our students to be present at school, in full uniform and either participating in curricular, co-curricular or community activities. Students should arrive no later than 9.15 am for the activities.

If, due to extenuating circumstances, a student is unable to be at school on Open Day, we require a written note or email requesting absence to studentleave@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Nikki Townsend

Research has found that people who practise gratitude face problems and challenges in their lives with resilience. They also have an ability to reframe problems as a possibility for growth. Gratitude has physical, psychological, and social benefits. Gratitude is an element of our spiritual practices and there is also emerging research indicating that gratitude has the potential to bridge between academic and social wellbeing. It has been found that grateful youth have higher results, experience more positive emotions and ultimately go on to live more meaningful lives. 

I am grateful that I am part of a community who work together in support of each other.

As a parent you may wish to encourage your child to begin an evening ritual of recording in a gratitude journal. Engaging in this practice encourages gratitude and in turn helps build resilience.

The key points for every evening are to:

Record your daily tasks – tick when you achieve it – by doing this

• you feel grounded and in control
• it builds self-regulation (I have achieved, I am in control)

Appreciation

• Focus on things you appreciate about yourself – it builds self-worth

  Gratitude

• Record three things that went well for you today and/or you are grateful for

What are you looking forward to most about tomorrow?

If you would like to read more about this area, a great but simple read is The Resilience Project Finding Happiness through Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness by Hugh Van Cuylenburg.

Angela Drysdale

This duty has become one the girls look forward to, as they share their school with pride. However, it is not only the girls who benefit from this experience, with many families noting that the girls’ genuine respect and passion for their school was a significant ‘selling point’ that contributed to the choice of St Margaret’s as their preferred school. This significant task is a perfect example of how the students demonstrate the St Margaret’s Way through the school values and brings great pride to members of the school community who see them in action.

With Open Day 2024 just around the corner, we invite you to come into the school and witness your daughters engaging in not only these tours, but in a range of performances, activities, and classes across the primary school. It is a wonderful opportunity to see the school in operation, especially for families new to the school. For parents of girls in Years 5 and 6, you may also like to arrange (through negotiation with their class teacher) to take your daughter through the secondary school to see what awaits them as they prepare for their transition into Year 7 and beyond. Primary parents are also able to engage in a tour with secondary students to gain further insights into the many benefits that a senior education at St Margaret’s holds. We look forward to welcoming you and the wider school community to enjoy all that the school has to offer on Open Day, next Saturday 9 March.

Annette Box

Circular Drive Stage

9:30am             Sculthorpe String Quartet                                

9:45am             Amati Strings                           

10:00am           Stradivari Strings                                              

10:15am           Chamber Strings                      

10:30am           Chorale                                                           

10:40am           Volare                         

10:50am           Encorah                                              

11:45am           Exultate

11:55am           Music Ext Perf

12:00pm           Highly Strung                                       

12:10pm           Rock Band (Mon)                                             

12:20pm           Rock Band (Tues)

Eton Hall

9:30am             Chaseley Concert Band                                                

9:45am             Sister Helen Wind Symphony                                       

10:00am           Jackson Wind Ensemble                                   

10:20am           Elayne Jones Percussion Ensemble                                            

10:35am           Stage Band                                                       

11:45am           Speech & Drama Presentation                                      

12:10pm           Serenata                                                          

12:20pm           Belle Voce       

Toorak Courtyard

11:00am           Flute Ensemble                                                            

11:10am           Clarinet Ensemble       

11:20am           Saxophone Ensemble                           

11:30am           Brass Ensemble

Primary Atrium

11:15am           Beath String Quartet

Music Support Group

The next Music Support Group meeting will be held on Tuesday 5 March 2024 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

Congratulations Bede House on taking out the champion house for overall points scored and Tennyson House for taking out the spirit award for their energy, creativity and unity in their house march-on performance.

Well done all students and thank you all staff.

Our next Interhouse Sport event is the Interhouse Cross Country, set to take place on Tuesday 16 April.

Staff vs Student Cricket Match

The St Margaret's Staff vs Student Cricket Match was a thrilling match that ended with a win, once again, for the teachers. After an intense lunch-time battle on Circular Drive the teachers emerged victorious, despite the gallant efforts of our students…

The match began with the teaching staff batting first and scoring steady runs thanks to the HPE team Mr Smithers and Ms Lobegeiger. Some very impressive one-handed fielding from Daisy Brown (Year 12) saw sparks of brilliance from the students. However, it was not enough to curb the powerhouse teachers 11.

The match was a great opportunity for the teachers and students to bond and have fun. Everyone enjoyed the match and praised the effort of both the teachers and the students. It was a great victory for the teachers, they look forward to the next encounter in Staff vs Student Basketball.

Latest Sport News and Information

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

• Basketball (Autumn Sport) - (The POD - Secondary Basketball (stmargarets.qld.edu.au)
• Soccer (Autumn Sport) - (The POD - Secondary Football (stmargarets.qld.edu.au)
• Touch Football (Autumn Sport) - (The POD - Secondary Touch Football (stmargarets.qld.edu.au)
• Swimming - The POD - Secondary Swimming (stmargarets.qld.edu.au)
• Cross Country - The POD - Secondary Cross Country (stmargarets.qld.edu.au)
• Artistic Gymnastic – The POD - Secondary Artistic Gymnastics (stmargarets.qld.edu.au)
• Cricket - The POD - Secondary Cricket (stmargarets.qld.edu.au)
• AFL (Yr 10,11&12)) - The POD - Secondary AFL (stmargarets.qld.edu.au)
• Club Water Polo - The POD - Club Water Polo (stmargarets.qld.edu.au)
• Club Netball - The POD - Club Netball (stmargarets.qld.edu.au)
• Rowing - The POD - Secondary Rowing (stmargarets.qld.edu.au)

Lloyd Knight

Ashley (Year 7) was busy working on her art assessment in smART club. She was very excited about her watercolour painting and praised the other students on their sunset paintings.  

smART Club takes place every Tuesday afternoon from 3:30pm to 5pm in classroom V014. It is open to students in Years 7 to 12, is free and there is no requirement to register. 

It is a fantastic opportunity to promote your business to the entire school community which includes current parents, students, staff, prospective parents and students as well as Old Girls through communication channels including eNews and St Margaret's social media channels and/or through signage and activations at the event.

If you would like to discuss ways in which you can partner with the MAYO Arts Festival, please contact Pru Reed on 07 3862 0828 or email preed@stmargarets.qld.edu.au. 

We have fun-filled and exciting activities planned for our Easter School Holiday Program. Further details of the program can be found here (PDF 263.1KB). Boys and girls, siblings, friends and family welcome!

Please refer to the attached Information Guide for full booking terms and conditions. We are unable to accept bookings via email or text message. The OSHC registration and Debitsuccess form must be completed, signed and sent back to us to finalise your booking. Please read the information guide carefully as some information has changed. OSHC Registration and Debitsuccess can be completed via the My Family Lounge.

PLEASE COMPLETE YOUR VACATION CARE BOOKING FORM VIA THE MY FAMILY LOUNGE APP

We are very excited to inform you that St Margaret’s OSHC has subscribed to a fantastic online Booking and Waitlist management program called QK Enrol. This program will give you access to manage your own account information, where you will have the ability to make bookings requests and allows you to complete and submit an online enrolment form for your child. You can do this and much, much more all within a parent portal called ’My Family Lounge’.

How do I log in?

Please navigate to the link below and either sign in with your existing My Family Lounge account or Register for an account if you do not already have one. Please note all families who have previously submitted an enrolment form will have an account already set up; all you will need to do is click ‘forgotten password’ and use the email address you used to receive this form.

https://www.qkenhanced.com.au/Account/Embeddable/?databaseId=9385

When making a Vacation Care booking please select Casual bookings, not Permanent.

What is the cost?*

Early Bird Fees: $63 per day

Early Bird Bookings close: 8 March 2024

Fees: $68 per day*

Bookings close: 18 March 2024

*Incursions and excursions incur additional costs. These are compulsory for all students and therefore you are able to claim CCS.

What are the hours of operation?

The service is open from 7:00am until 6:00pm.

How can I obtain more information?

If you would like further information regarding our OSHC Program or if you would like to make a booking, feel free to contact me on 0423 547 653 or email: oshc@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Palu Ingram

Rhyll Gardner is a non-executive director, chair, mentor and coach following a 40-year career as a financial services executive with St George, Westpac, Bank of Queensland and Suncorp in Brisbane and Sydney. During her executive career, she led teams of up to 1000 people across retail, business and corporate banking, product and marketing, strategy and M&A, risk and compliance, and business and corporate development. Her current board roles include Chair of Nucrush, Non-Executive Director of BankVic, Non-Executive Director of Identitii, Non-Executive Director of InterFinancial, and Non-Executive Director of Foodbank. Rhyll also chairs and mentors a peer advisory group for CEOs and business owners. She is an avid supporter of the arts and is always drawn to opportunities to support young women.

Event Details

Date:                     Tuesday 19 March 2024
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  

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, Supporting Sponsors: Wolff Coffee Roasters, Downer, Clear Insurance, Move Recruitment Solutions and O’Reilly Shaw Family Lawyers.

St Margaret’s Past Student Awards Dinner

Just a reminder that it is not too late to purchase your ticket for the Past Student Awards Dinner. 

This year’s event will celebrate the 2024 St Margaret's Past Student Awards recipients: Dr Alex Markwell ('95), Michelle May AM KC ('72), Caitlin McConnel ('07) and Trudi Mitchell ('87).

Join us with your daughter to hear from these four inspirational St Margaret's women who have made outstanding contributions to our society and achieved great success in their chosen field.  This event may be of particular interest to students considering careers in law, medicine, agriculture or agribusiness, philanthropy, or international aid.

Event Details

Date:        Thursday 21 March 2024
Time:        Pre-dinner drinks and canapes at 6.30pm
                  Dinner at 7.00pm (including Awards presentation)
Venue:      Arts Centre Foyer, St Margaret's Anglican Girls School
Cost:         $95 Adults | $65 Students 
                  Adult ticket includes canapes, two course meal and drinks package
                  Student ticket includes canapes, two course meal and non-alcoholic drinks package
Tickets:    paststudents.stmargarets.qld.edu.au/event/past-student-awards-dinner
RSVP:        Friday 8 March 2023
Enquiries: Development and Community Office, (07) 3862 0768 or           
                  oga&alumni@stmargarets.qld.edu.au

St Margaret’s Fathers Dinner Raffle

Tickets are now on sale for the St Margaret’s 2024 Fathers’ Dinner raffle! Fantastic prizes are on offer! You do not need to attend the event to enter. Please click on the link below to purchase raffle tickets and to see all of the amazing silent auction items on offer: https://app.galabid.com/stmfathers2024/register

Georgia Mitchell