eNews Issue 32 - 19 October 2023

85% (120 out of the 141 Year 12 completers at the end of 2022) completed the survey. Of those, 77.5% continued in some recognised form of education and training. The most common study destination was bachelor’s degree. A further 20% transitioned directly into paid employment and no further study. 2.5% of respondents were not in the labour force, education, or training.

The Year 12 completers from St Margaret's continued in education or training in 2023 in the following areas of study:

Society and Culture (28.4%)

Health (25%)

Management and Commerce (23.9%)

(These three areas of study have consistently been the top three for many years at St Margaret’s, with only their order changing in some years.)

Engineering and Related Technologies (10.2%)

Natural and Physical Sciences (9.1%)

Creative Arts (9.1%)

Architecture and Building (8%)

Education (3.4%)

Information Technology (2.3%)

Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies (1.1%)

The top 10 subject areas (in order) were:

Behavioural Science

Other Management and Commerce

Business and Management

Architecture and Urban Environment

Nursing

Rehabilitation Therapies

Other Engineering and Related Technologies

Law

Other Natural and Physical Sciences

Other Society and CultureTotal (students) ** 77 —

The University of Queensland and QUT remained the most popular institutions for tertiary studies with 67.7% of graduates choosing these universities. 10.8% of our students, however, chose interstate universities.

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 percentages in areas studied and choice of university have been remarkably similar since the government first gathered this data in 2018.

Ros Curtis

Student Protection Officers are persons designated as liaison people to whom students may refer if they are not feeling safe; or to whom they make complaints of harm, inappropriate behaviour or physical/sexual abuse. The St Margaret's Student Protection Officers are:

- Deputy Principal - Karen Gorrie

- Head of Boarding - Lesa Fowler

- Head of Primary School - Angela Drysdale

- Assistant Head of Primary – Curriculum (PP-6) – Kate Frewin

- Dean of Students - Nikki Townsend

- Dean of Studies – Caitlin McCluskey

- Psychologist – Michelle Alexander

- Head of Year  – Nicole Walker

All Student Protection documentation including all policies and procedures can be viewed on our internet page at https://www.stmargarets.qld.edu.au/discover-st-margaret-s/student-protection.

Our statement of commitment is as follows:

St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School supports the rights of children and young people and are committed to ensure the safety, welfare and wellbeing of students. St Margaret’s is therefore committed to responding to allegations of student harm resulting from the conduct or actions of any person including that of employees.

This commitment includes the provision of a safe and supportive living and learning environment for all students and requires all employees, volunteers and visitors to model and encourage behaviour that upholds the dignity and protection of students from harm.

In support of this commitment, St Margaret’s is dedicated to our Child and Youth Risk Management Strategy which includes having relevant policies, procedures and training in place to effectively address the safety and wellbeing of students in our care.

Karen Gorrie

For the boarders, we reflected on the gift of learning to live with difference, resolving conflict peacefully and being formed by the St Margaret’s values of Spirit, Inclusivity, Integrity, Courage, Respect and Passion. These values, along with The St Margaret’s Way, helps to form us to be people of compassion and empathy in the world.

The world needs humans who know the importance of celebrating difference, of listening to opinions other than (and even contrary to) our own, of knowing how to live with one another in peace and creativity.

We only need to listen to the news over the last few weeks to know how important being able to value difference and the dignity of every human is. Every human being is created in the image of God, every human being matters, every human being is known and loved by God.

When Jesus is asked what is most important in all scripture, he answers by saying, “love God, love neighbour, love self”. It is as simple and as challenging as that.

Rev’d Jazz Dow

During the week of celebratory events including Speech Night, Valedictory Dinner, and Year 12 Graduation Assembly, the boarders also have sentimental traditions and events. We hosted a Boarder Family Dinner, a night dedicated to the Year 12 Boarders and their parents and loved ones, reflecting on their time in boarding. There was laughter mixed with tears as stories were shared and it was a reminder that the boarding community is not just a place to live but a large, interconnected family that supports, nurtures and celebrates milestones together. During this special event, our Year 11 boarders sang a personalised farewell song to the Year 12s.

The Year 12 boarders also hosted a final BBQ dinner on the Terraces with the whole of the boarding house so that they may enjoy their last meal together. At this event, the younger boarders created a guard of honour for our Year 12s from the boarding house to Circular Drive.  

The Final Boarder Chapel service always holds a special place in the hearts of both students and staff. Blessings were offered and prayers shared for the Year 12s and we hope they carry the spirit of St Margaret’s and their boarding community through to their future endeavours.

Lastly, a new tradition for boarding this year was the exchange of cultural necklaces at the Year 12 Graduation Assembly. The Year 11 boarders’ handmade lolly and ribbon leis (necklaces), gifting them to the Year 12 boarders after the ceremony. In Pacific Island cultures, receiving a handmade lei symbolises love, acknowledges an achievement, is a token of gratitude and thanks and an exchange of respect. The Year 12 boarders were touched by this gesture.

These farewell events reflected the essence of the St Margaret's boarding community, the depth of connections and the richness of our sisterhood.

We wish all Year 12 graduates the very best. They will be dearly missed.

Gracemere Mataia

If students are unwell, they are reminded to test for COVID and let me know as soon as possible if they are unable to attend any exams. I can then make sure all of the appropriate documentation is collected to submit to QCAA.

If there are any queries regarding examinations, please should 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 12!!!

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

What is Dual Coding?

Dual Coding theory, developed by Allan Paivio in the 1970s, posits that there are two distinct cognitive pathways for processing information: one for verbal (linguistic) and another for non-verbal (visual) information. This theory suggests that integrating both pathways can lead to more effective learning. Dual coding is, in essence, the process of combining words and images/diagrams to represent information.

Why is Dual Coding Important?

• Enhanced Comprehension: Dual coding helps students understand complex concepts better. When information is presented both verbally and visually, it becomes more accessible and comprehensible. For example, when learning about the structure of a cell, reading a description of its components and viewing a labelled diagram can reinforce understanding.
• Improved Memory: Visual information is often better retained in our memory. By using dual coding, students can create mental images that are more vivid and memorable. These images serve as mental hooks for retrieving information during exams or discussions.
• Increased Engagement: Traditional text-based learning can become monotonous and uninspiring. Dual coding introduces variety and stimulates interest by adding visual elements. This can make studying more engaging and enjoyable, encouraging students to spend more time on their studies.

How to Implement Dual Coding in Study:

• Mind Mapping: Create mind maps that visually represent the relationships between ideas, concepts, and subtopics. Use colours, images, and symbols to enhance the visual aspect of your maps.
• Flashcards: Combine textual information with images on flashcards. For vocabulary words, include a picture that represents the word's meaning. For historical events, add a brief description and an image.
• Diagrams and Charts: When studying scientific or technical subjects, use diagrams, charts, and graphs to illustrate concepts and data. This can make abstract ideas more concrete.
• Annotations: When reading textbooks or articles, take notes and annotate the text with visual cues. This can help you quickly locate and remember key information.
• Visualisation: Try to create mental images of the information you are studying. When you read a passage or learn a new concept, picture it in your mind's eye to aid retention.
• Use Technology: Leverage technology to create multimedia presentations, watch educational videos, and explore interactive simulations. Many online resources offer a combination of visual and textual information.

Reference

Main, P. (2021, October 26). Structural Learning. Retrieved from Dual Coding: A Teacher's Guide: https://www.structural-learning.com/post/dual-coding-a-teachers-guide

Chris Dunn

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 2023 the very best for their upcoming external assessment.

Nikki Townsend

Today, the Year 3 girls headed off to camp. Thank you to Morgan Rowe, Leasl Lanigan, Camille Poupardin and Nicole Jonathan who also oversaw the organisation of the camp. This camp marks the beginning of our sequential, structured camp program. Each year’s program builds on the previous years by increasing the number of days and building on activities that require more self-regulation. The common thread for each year’s program is respect and responsibility, which encompasses respect and responsibility for self, others and the natural world.

One of the most important goals for camp is for the girls to experience interactions with peers for a longer period of time. The girls test their social skills in an environment that is not home or school and learn to live with other students in cabins, sharing bathrooms and meals. Camp is also the perfect experience 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 and 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.

The Year 2 girls had to demonstrate self-regulation when they had the experience of playing golf.  Not only were their physical skills challenged with a new sport, but they also had to demonstrate patience towards each other and demonstrate integrity when scoring and working together. As the adults in a child’s life, be patient with your child as self-regulation skills develop over a lifetime.  

Angela Drysdale

Throughout this year, students in Year 1 have been developing their skills in block coding. Block coding is a way to program without having to write text. It is a simplified introduction to coding. While block coding, the Year 1 students were able to develop their recognition of shapes and were introduced to the more advanced skill of angles in shapes when they used the iRobot to draw shapes.

This term, students in Pre-Prep and Prep will conduct a range of scientific experiments to develop their curiosity and questioning skills. Year 1 will integrate their classroom learning into STEM with the creation of a park and Year 2 will create a maze for an ozobot.

We look forward to another great term of Early Years STEM.

Kate Frewin

Student Composition Performance

As mentioned in last week’s eNews, Charlotte (Year 8) was recently awarded joint first place in the ASME Composition Competition (Junior Secondary). During assembly this week we had the pleasure of hearing the composition performed by our St Margaret’s strings staff and joined by Hilary (Year 11) on double bass. The performance entitled Ancient Voyage was recorded and will be made available soon via the POD. We encourage everyone to check out this fantastic composition!

Professional Women’s Networking Breakfast

Thank you to the Sculthorpe String Quartet for providing entertaining music as guests arrived at the Professional Women’s Networking Breakfast held on Wednesday morning this week. Congratulations also to Elysia (Year 8) who performed Chopin’s Black Key Etude (Op 10, No 5) on the piano. Elysia captivated everyone in attendance with this highly technical performance. Thank you to Elysia and the Sculthorpe Strings Quartet for their musical contribution to this event.

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 2023 Music Year in Review video was presented, and this is also now available to be viewed on the POD.

2024 Music Ensembles

Thank you to all students who have auditioned for 2024 ensembles. The results of these ensembles will be made available soon via the POD.

Staff News

It is with sadness that we inform the music community that our Music Department Administration Assistant, Ms Georgia McLean, will be leaving St Margaret’s at the end of next week to move into a new role in another school. We thank Ms McLean for her outstanding contribution to the St Margaret’s Music Program and wish her all the very best as she embarks on a new chapter in her career.

Music Support Group – Next Meeting

The next Music Support Group meeting will be the AGM and will be held on 24 October at 5:00pm in M’s Cafe. We encourage parents from both Primary and Secondary schools to become involved.

Brad King

Of our senior squad, our Senior C and Senior D (i) were our top performing teams, both finishing 3rd in their respective competitions. Our Senior D (ii), Senior A, Senior B and Open teams finished 8th, 9th and 10th respectively. Our seniors, regardless of the result, showed great sportspersonship and spirit amongst their teams.

Of our junior squad, our Year 8 A & Year 9 A were our top performing teams finishing 6th and 7th respectively overall. Our juniors had a fantastic championship, playing with their teammates and experiencing the sport of badminton.

A great feature of the QGSSSA competition is that all players are required to both play and umpire different games within the tournament. This umpiring experiencing is a fantastic tool to teach students about the important and respected role umpires play within all sports, enabling students to experience the sport from a different perspective. It also helps to develop a greater knowledge of the game and foster a strong sense of community and collegiately across the QGSSSA schools.  

This season we saw improvement across all teams thanks to our partnership with Sam’s Badminton Centre. Stephen and his team of coaches provided an engaging training environment where all players could learn and further their skills. We would like to thank Stephen and the team at Sam’s Badminton Centre for all their support this season. We would also like to thank our Open Team coach Ashleigh, our supporting teachers Ms Montgomery, Mr Zhang, Ms Ivers, Ms Chappell and our Coordinator Ms Strid.

Lloyd Knight

Lucy's artwork is a striking triptych inspired by contemporary artists Yu Hong and Zhang Xiagang. It is a masterful representation of Lucy's responsive aptitude toward the uniquely challenging and self-directed Year 11 Term 3 unit 'Art as Code'. Lucy has resolved an artwork that has vibrancy of colour and detailed craftsmanship, using acrylic paint on canvas. She has manipulated her chosen medium into a profound and complex expression of human experiences, culture and connection. 

Booklists 2024

Booklists for Pre-Prep to Year 11 2024 will be posted end of October 2023. Once posted, the booklists can be accessed via the Supplies Shop page on the POD or on St Margaret’s website here.   

Boarders are able to have their book pack delivered to the St Margaret’s Boarding House for pickup on return to school in Term 1 2024. Boarders requiring their book pack delivered to the school must complete their delivery address as: Boarder – Deliver to St Margaret’s AGS.

Uniform Fitting Appointments – Online booking system

Bookings for October, November & December 2023 and January 2024 are available online. We encourage families to book a fitting appointment as soon as possible, as appointments are filling fast. Book your appointment online via the school website http://www.stmargarets.qld.edu.au/admissions/supplies-shop

Appointment times are either 30mins or 60mins depending on your fitting type. Fitting types include New Student, Existing Student, Boarder Only and Pre-Prep/Prep.

• One appointment = one student fitting
  If you are booking for two or more students, please book separate fitting appointments for each student. These can be at the same time if times are available.

• All fittings will take place in the Supplies Shop, which is located onsite, just off Circular Drive through Gate 1, Petrie Street.

Trading Hours (Term Time)

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

Public Holidays Closed

Blazer Fittings

Blazer fittings - Students entering Year 10 in 2024 should consider coming into the Supplies Shop to be fitted for their blazer prior to the end of Term 4, 2023. This will ensure the best fit and will allow time for a custom make blazer for the students who require extra or shorter length through the body and arms. All orders will need to be placed by 24 November for a March 2024 delivery. Students can visit the Supplies Shop during our opening hours with a blazer fitting taking around 10 minutes per student.

We have fun-filled and exciting activities planned for our December/ January School Holiday Program. Further details of the program can be found here (PDF 283KB). 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?*

Fees: $68 per day*

Bookings close: 20 November 2023

*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

Date:     Friday 1 March 2024

Venue:  Rivershed at Howard Smith Wharves

Cost:     $199 per person – includes a meal and drinks package.

Tickets go on sale from 9.30am Tuesday 24 October 2023: https://www.trybooking.com/CLPQT. (2024 Year 12 families will be given early access to purchase tickets from 9:30am Monday 23 October 2023). Be sure to be quick as tickets are limited!

RSVP:    5.00pm Thursday 15 February, unless sold out prior.

Tables:  Maximum table capacity is 10 people. Seating requests can be made by nominating a Table Captain or Year Group at the time of booking. Best efforts will be made to meet any requests.

Enquiries: P&F@stmargarets.qld.edu.au

This event is proudly supported by Supporting Sponsor, Morgans.

P&F growth and Treasurer vacancy

The St Margaret's community has grown in recent years as enrolments increase and we welcome more families. The P&F is inviting current and new parents/guardians to consider joining the P&F Committee as we expand our work to match this growth.

A casual vacancy has arisen in Term 4 for the P&F Treasurer position, and we are interested in hearing from parents with an interest and financial fluency.  In Term 3, the school kindly offered the P&F additional support from the St Margaret's Finance Team, and this was gratefully accepted. Consequently, the time commitment for the P&F Treasurer role will decrease going forward.

We thank outgoing Treasurer Katrina Carrick for her four years of service in this role and the considerable time she has committed to reporting and building processes and procedures.

The Committee meets approximately twice each term and is comprised of four Executive members (President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer) with other Committee Members drawn from across the whole school. The Committee is supported by a broad community of volunteers and support groups, and together, they design and deliver an evolving annual calendar of events and fundraise for our extracurricular activities.

All parents are welcome to be as involved as much or as little as their commitments allow, and Committee members are required to attend two P&F meetings each term. Parents attend in person or online and contribute to the direction of the P&F and its subsidiary support groups (e.g. boarding, music, and sport support groups).

All roles fall vacant in Term 1 2024 at the P&F AGM. Interested parents are invited to talk to the current P&F Committee or via p&F@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Genevieve Fraser

P&F President

Past Student Awards Nominations are open

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

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

There are three award categories:

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

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

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