eNews Archive Issue 27 - 02 September 2021

I would like to encourage all families to complete the survey. Your feedback is invaluable, and your responses will assist the St Margaret’s School Council and Senior Leadership Team to review the school’s operations and plans for the future.

As communicated in previous correspondence all responses will be treated by MMG Education in strict confidence and no parent will be identified to the school by MMG Education on the basis of questions asked or responses made.

If you had not received an email from MMG Education with a link to the survey, please contact our Director of Marketing and Communications, Ms Wendy Johnston, who will follow up with MMG Education. Email wjohnston@stmargarets.qld.edu.au or phone (07) 3862 0837

Thank you in advance for your participation in this important project.

As many of you are aware St Margaret’s has been named finalist in four categories for the Australian Education Awards; several people have asked me about the outcomes of these awards. Unfortunately, they were meant to be held in Sydney on 27 August 2021 and they have now been postponed until 3 December 2021. We are hoping for some success in the following 4 categories: Best School Strategic Plan; Primary School Teacher of the Year- Non-government (Lucardia Moulton); Secondary School of the Year – Non-government; and School Principal of the Year – Non-government

Ros Curtis

Failure to protect:

Under this new law, failing to take steps to protect children from sexual offenders is an offence. This criminal offence compliments existing civil liability laws to protect children from abuse.

The failure to protect offence applies to all those 18 or older and associated with an institution that has children in its care, supervision or control, and you:

• know there is a significant risk that another adult also associated with the institution (including regulated volunteers) will commit a sexual offence against a child or children
• have the power or responsibility to reduce or remove the risk
• wilfully or negligently fail to reduce or remove the risk.

Failure to report:

This new law now makes it an offence for any adult in the community to not report sexual offending against a child by another adult to police, unless they have a reasonable excuse for not doing so.

All staff employed at St Margaret’s undertake annual Student Protection training. Additionally, all volunteers to the school must complete a volunteer application, and as part of this process understand their obligations to report any suspicion that a child has suffered, is suffering, or is at unacceptable risk of significant harm.

It is important for all members of our school community, including parents, to understand their obligations under these new provisions. With National Child Protection week starting on Sunday, it is a timely reminder to us all to think about the safety of children in our community.

All information including policies and procedures regarding student protection and our reporting processes can be found on our school website and the POD:

• Student Protection in Anglican Schools Policy
• Student Protection in Anglican Schools Procedures
• Child and Youth Risk Management Strategy

Karen Gorrie

I have always liked working the soil and producing food and flowers. I think it is a way of connecting with my ancestors who were farmers and owned cattle stations here in Queensland and New South Wales. There is something about being aware of the fragility of life and how we cannot control the weather. It makes me stand in awe of those who make a living out of this sometimes harsh land in which we live. John van de Laar suggests, “Aligning our lives with the seasons can be a life-giving and healing spiritual practice. When we ignore the cycles of change in the natural world, we lose a sense of rhythm in our lives and our souls grow cold and empty.” As we reflect on the change of seasons, I wonder what will this season usher in for you? Are we aware of the changes around us? And if not, maybe we need to take time to stop and smell the roses. As we stop and notice the change of season, let us give thanks for those who work the land to produce our food.

“For everything there is a season, and a time of every matter under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3: 1).

Rev Susan Crothers-Robertson

There are always times and special circumstances when a rule can be or needs to be changed to suit a situation and that is usually at my discretion. This can be confusing for some parents and girls as they do not understand the circumstances behind a decision and the privacy of others needs to be protected. Our decisions are always based on what is best for the student and that we have the welfare of the girls as our top priority.

One area where there are often questions is regarding leave. Girls may only be signed out by an approved host (approved by parents) who is over 21 years of age unless it is a sibling.  Hosts must pick the girls up from the Boarding House where they must be sighted by a Housemother and returned and again sighted by a Housemother. Boarding girls are not permitted to be returned to the boarding house in a taxi from their host’s residence and if this occurs the girls will not be able to be signed out by this host again. All of the staff in the Boarding House have the girl’s welfare and safety as our top priority and we ask that Boarding Parents support us in our endeavours to keep the girls safe and happy.

Lesa Fowler

For Year 11 students, next week will see that start of a 2 week exam block for them. In this exam block they will be completing their final Unit 2 and Unit 1/2 assessments (Maths and Science subjects). When they return next term, they will begin Unit 3 which is the start of the learning and assessment for their ATAR and External Exams. The best preparation for external assessment is building the foundational knowledge and skills in each of these subjects from day one. For some subjects, such as the Languages and Maths, the building begins in the earlier years; however, many of our senior subjects do not require pre-requisites. In this context, I often talk to the girls about not ‘kicking the can down the road’. The time to start building, you could almost say, was yesterday but now is a much better time than never – that is to say, stop kicking the can and pick it up. Rather than just talking to parents, teachers and Academic Advisors about the need to improve study habits, completing homework, drafting assignments and going to tutorials to name just a few strategies that are directly linked to academic success, I encourage the students to stop talking and start doing. It is also important to remind students that to be truly learning and improving you should be challenged by the work, for it is when we work at the top of our abilities this is when we see growth and improvement in skills and demonstrate our full capacity.

As the Year 11 and 12s near exam block and External Assessments, please encourage your daughters to use their time productively, put their phone away from the study area and plan an approach to their exams and assignment completion. Also, use all available resources such as revision sheets, tutorials, the teachers, The POD and OneNote to give themselves the best chance to do as well as they can.

Nicole Devlin

NAPLAN Online

In 2022, NAPLAN will be moving online for all schools. As part of the preparation for this, St Margaret’s will be carrying out the NAPLAN Online School Readiness Test (SRT) as required by QCAA. The purpose of SRT is to support schools in transitioning to NAPLAN testing online. It is a requirement for schools that have not previously administered in online testing to participate in SRT training. The SRT assists principals to gather important information about their school’s technical readiness and the preparations they might need to be ready for NAPLAN testing online (https://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/p-10/naplan/getting-ready/school-readiness).

This week, we have been checking that the locked down browser is working correctly on all student devices as we will carry out the SRT on Thursday 2 September 2021, with all students in Years 7 and 8. On this day, students will be required to bring their fully charged laptops and wired headphones to the testing session. This session will also give students the opportunity to experience for the first time the platform they will be using the next time they sit NAPLAN.

Caitlin McCluskey

Vaping is the act of inhaling a vapour created by an electronic cigarette, or e-cigarette. Although vaping is often marketed as being the “healthy” alternative to smoking, doctors advise that if you do not smoke, then you should not start vaping. Although vaping products are infused with enticing flavours, many contain high levels of nicotine as well as other chemicals and additives, that when inhaled, can cause severe damage to the lungs.

Australia has strict regulations in place for nicotine-containing products and despite it being illegal to use, sell or buy nicotine for use in e-cigarettes, users are purchasing these products through other avenues. A recent Australian study of chemically flavoured liquids used in e-cigarettes which are available for purchase over the counter, has confirmed concerns about their safety and respiratory health impact. Attempts are being made to regulate vaping and ban the importation of vape products containing nicotine. Unfortunately, manufacturers are developing vaping devices that are cheaper and easier to hide than conventional cigarettes, making it more attractive and cost-effective for impressionable young people.

Given the health implications it has on young people, St Margaret's takes a strong stance on vaping.

For more information or support in relation to some of the issues raised.

Lung Foundation Australia 1800 654 301 • Quitline 13 78 48
Poisons Information Line 13 11 26 • Alcohol and Drug Foundation 1300 85 85 84

Nikki Townsend

As a school, we have been annually measuring our students’ (Years 5 and 6) wellbeing since 2014. Twelve months ago, we introduced a program EI Pulse, which allows us to measure the wellbeing of Year 4, 5 and 6 students on a weekly basis.

EI Pulse asks students to answer questions which are drawn from the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth's (ARACY) Common Approach™ framework. The Common Approach™ framework was selected based on its evidentiary base and track record of use in Australian schools. The list of ARACY member organisations can be found at https://www.aracy.org.au/join-us/current-members. Data is collected from students and organised within six areas of wellbeing: Valued & Safe, Healthy, Material Basics, Learning, Participating, and Positive Sense of Identity and Culture.

The weekly check-in consists of five to six questions and collects two kinds of information: Identified and Anonymous.

Each check-in, students are asked ‘How are you feeling today?’. This question is asked every week of every student with the student’s identity attached to her response. This question allows the student to reflect on her emotional state and provides an easy way to ask for help.

The student can choose from the following responses:

• I’m feeling great
• I’m feeling positive
• I’m feeling in the middle
• I’m feeling negative
• I need some help (this statement sends notification to teacher/primary leadership team member, if student agrees)

Based on the response to this question, the student is then asked four to five other questions which are different each week and relate to wellbeing and engagement. The question responses are all anonymous. Each week, the responses are collated in a continuum for analysis and a percentage of positive check-ins is also provided. This data is also used to help monitor the efficacy of our wellbeing programs.

The social and emotional wellbeing of all students is of paramount importance. A happy child = a happy school, and that environment is conducive to strong learning in all areas.

2022 Planning

2022 planning is well underway with a major focus being new classes and teachers. The process we use for planning classes is outlined in the parent handbook on page 38 and on the POD. This includes a sociogram where students identify friends who they can work with in a classroom setting. If you would like to provide information about your child that you believe would be valuable for teachers when creating classes, please complete the form attached (PDF 61KB) and return it to the Primary Office by Monday 6 September. Unfortunately, no late forms can be accepted beyond this date as teachers will create new class lists at the end of term and changes will impact on all class arrangements. 

 Please note, the submission of an application provides no guarantee that requests will be granted. 

Angela Drysdale

Combined Strings Performance

This week on our school assembly we were treated to a special combined performance by all of St Margaret’s string orchestras including our beginner string ensemble Tutti Strings, Amati Strings, Stradivari Strings, and Chamber Strings. The students were very excited to perform what was to be their finale for the Soaring Upwards Music Festival. The performance was of a traditional Mexican mariachi tune called El Zopilote Mojado, arranged especially for the ensembles by our Strings Coordinator Mr Jonny Ng. It was a wonderful performance that was filled with energy and fun, and was enhanced by Mr Ng’s colourful pinata costume. A video of the performance is available on the St Margaret’s Music POD page.

Music Support Group

The next Music Support Group meeting will be on Tuesday 5 October at 5.00pm in the Primary Music Room (second floor of Chaseley). Parents from both the Primary and Secondary Schools are welcome to attend.

Brad King

Head of the River     

The BSRA Head of the River will be held on Sunday 5 September  at Wyaralong Dam from 8:00am - 1:00pm. This is a great opportunity for all students and friends of St Margaret’s to come and support our rowers. A student supporter’s bus will be available departing from St Margaret’s at 6:30am and will then return at approximately 3:30pm.  Further details about this event are listed below.

When:                        Sunday 5 September

Where:                       Wyaralong Dam

Supporters Bus:        Departs Butler Street at 6.30am Arrives at Wyaralong Dam at approx. 8.00am.  Returns to St Margaret’s approximately 3.30pm.

All girls wishing to catch the Supporter’s  Bus must register online via the link supplied on the Secondary Sport POD page.

Parent Parking:         Pre-paid parking is only available via the below link.

                                    BSRA Head of the River 2021 Tickets, Queensland State Rowing Centre, Allenview | TryBooking Australia

Race Schedule:          To access the race schedule click here

Winter Fixtures

The majority of our teams experienced success in our winter fixtures against St Hilda’s School. Our Netball teams won 8 out of 9 games whilst the Senior tennis and Year 10 Volleyball teams all having wins. This weekend all teams will travel to Ipswich Girls Grammar School venues. Please ensure you visit your individual POD pages for the draw as well and bus departure times. Please note that COVID-19 restrictions are still in place and all girls are required to wear a mask whilst travelling on a bus and no one is permitted to enter any sports event venue if you:

• Are self-quarantining due to overseas travel, or travel to a designated COVID-19 ‘hotspot’.
• Have been in close contact with a confirmed active case of COVID-19 or awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test.
• Are currently an active COVID-19 case.

Club Netball Grand Finals

It has been a successful season for our Club Netball program and are delighted to have six teams competing in the Grand Finals this Saturday 4 September. Congratulations to the following teams, St M 16, St M 10, St M 8, St M 7, St M 6, St M 3. We invite as many supporters as possible to Downey Park and please help support the girls by wearing the brown, white and blue. Please view the game schedule via the Club Netball POD page.

QGSSSA Athletics

The athletics season is in the final stages with the last competition Meet being held on Friday 10 September at the University of Queensland and several compulsory sessions before the big one - QGSSSA Championships on Thursday 16 September. The squad is over 100 athletes strong and is aiming to better the 2020 result. To support the team in this endeavour several key events will take place as detailed below:

• Compulsory Training - Wednesday 8 September @ Windsor Park 6.15am–7.45am
• Final Competition Meet - Friday 10 September @ University of Queensland 4.00pm–8.00pm
• Compulsory Training - Sunday 12 September @ Nudgee College 8.30am–12.30pm
• Compulsory Training - Monday 13 September @ Winsor Park 6.15am–7.45am
• QGSSSA Send-off -Tuesday 14 September @ Circular Drive 10.25am–10.50am
• Pre-QGSSSA Lunch - Tuesday 14 September @ ACF 1.10pm–1.50pm
• Compulsory Training Wednesday 15 September @ Windsor Park 6.30am–7.45am
• QGSSSA Championships Thursday 16 September @ QSAC 6.15am–3.30pm

Sport Awards Evening

The annual Sports Awards evening will be held on Friday 8 October. This event is a highlight of the sporting year and we are excited to welcome parents back to this event in 2021. All award recipients will be notified prior to the end of term with all recipients required to register their attendance. St Margaret’s Sport looks forward to continuing to recognise and celebrate the sporting achievements of our students and staff in the below categories:

• Most Valuable Players/Athletes
• Rising Stars
• Autumn, Summer and Winter Team of the Year
• Captain of the Year
• Coach of the Year
• St Margaret’s Contribution to Sport Award
• A variety of special sporting awards for each individual sport

Helen Lobegeiger

Lisa Smith

A friendly reminder the School Supply shop is now located in the Mayo building.

Kielee Alcantara

She has been at the forefront of change in Angel investment and start-up activity. As an experienced non-executive Director, Ruth has sat on several Boards and Advisory Panels. She is currently Chair of Alkira Software Pty Ltd and Mrs Clucks Pty Ltd and a past CEO of Alkira Software, as well a past Director of several other quasi-Government, university and private company Boards. She is a co-founder of Mrs Clucks, continues as a member of the Queensland Government’s Advance Queensland grant assessment committee and is a long-term member of Brisbane Angels.

• Date: Wednesday 20 October 2021
• Time: 6.45am for a 7.00am start. 8.45am finish
• Venue: Arts Centre Foyer, St Margaret's Anglican Girls School
• Tickets: $80 Adult, $40 Student (tertiary, Year 10 -12)
• Tickets will be available for purchase soon!

St Margaret’s P&F Primary Mother Daughter High Tea – Term 4

After careful consideration and in consultation with the school and our supplier, Sugarize, the P&F Association have made the difficult decision not to proceed with the Primary Mother Daughter High Tea event which was scheduled for early in Term 4.

Given the potential for another COVID lockdown and likely future restrictions which would reduce venue capacity, we felt that the event could no longer be celebrated in the way we had envisaged.

We look forward to delivering a suite of exciting P&F events for our parent community in 2022, kicking off with the Mothers’ Luncheon in Term 1 next year!

Lara Pickering

Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship Scheme

Value: Up to $15,000 AUD per year. Open/Closing Dates: 30 August 2021 – 11 October 2021. The scheme provides scholarships for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people studying an entry level health course. Find out more

QUT Esport Scholarship

Value: $5,000 AUD. Open/Closing Dates: 9 August 2021 – 26 November 2021

Opportunities exist for aspiring Esports players to be part of an Oceanic leading program that embraces skill-acquisition, culture, and academics. Find out more

Griffith University Experience Days.

During the September holidays, Year 11 and 12 students, can join our Experience Days to get a feel for life at Griffith University. Register now

JCU Virtual Open Day

Students are invited to join us at Virtual Open Day on Tuesday 14 September 2021 from 4:00pm-7:00pm. Explore JCU’s campuses and facilities, attend presentations, access course information, and chat to JCU staff and students, all from the comfort of your own home. Register now

UQ Guaranteed minimum ATAR thresholds 2022

UQ Admissions has released the guaranteed minimum ATAR thresholds for majority of programs for 2022 entry. The final selection thresholds will be determined in January 2022 and may be lower than the ATARs listed within. Discover more

UQ Gatton Open Day new date 12 September

Register now for UQ Gatton Open Day on Sunday 12 September 2021 from 9:00am – 3:00pm Register here. St Lucia Open Day sessions are also available to view online here.

Entry to Medicine 2022

This document outlines the possible entry methods into medicine courses throughout Australia in 2022. Click here to access this information.

QUT | Pathways to QUT

Wednesday 13 October 2021 from 6:00pm - 7:30pm. Online. Join us for a live webinar to help you find the best pathway to your preferred course.

Liz Johnston