eNews Archive Issue 18 - 7 June 2018

They both spoke about a sense of community at school; there were references to lessons learned from participation in extra-curricular; observations were made about persistence and giving back; and, there was respect for their teachers and the values of the school. Thank you to the OGA for hosting events which enable the community of Old Girls to celebrate in the achievements and reflections of members of the past student body.

As you are reading this, there are only two weeks of Term 2 left. How the year is flying by! Many of you will be planning activities for your daughters for the June/July holidays and, on the back of some interesting research from the United States outlined below, I would suggest going to a see a play for an entertaining and educational experience.

In this research project, school groups were randomly chosen to receive free tickets to attend one of five live theatre performances over a two-year period: A Christmas Carol, Hamlet, Around the World in 80 Days, Peter and the Starcatcher and Twelfth Night. Similar classes were taken out of school to see film versions in movie theatres, and a control group saw neither a live performance nor a film. Seven or eight weeks afterwards, students took a survey in their classrooms, and the results showed significant benefits to seeing a live performance:

• Tolerance: students’ willingness to accept that others may have different viewpoints;
• Social perspective: willingness to figure out other people’s motivations;
• Content knowledge and understanding: answering six questions on the plot;
• Vocabulary: answering five questions on words used in the production;
• Interest in seeing live theatre performances in the future.

The movie treatment did not seem to have a robust effect on any of these outcomes. It is educationally significant and surprising that watching a movie is not a particularly effective way of conveying content knowledge. Going to see a play, on the other hand, is less common than seeing a movie, but appears much more effective for learning. This is true even though the production values of most films are superior to those of plays that students might see on the stage.

Why do live performances have more impact?

Perhaps the explanation is that theatre is a window for students to a broader world. Plays may be more effective than movies in helping students understand and accept that broader world because we react differently to human beings acting out a story in front of us than to representations of human beings on a screen. The in-person experience may create greater emotional connections.

Acknowledgment: “The Play’s the Thing: Experimentally Examining the Social and Cognitive Effects of School Field Trips to Live Theater Performances” by Jay Greene, Heidi Erickson, Angela Watson, and Molly Beck in Educational Researcher, May 2018

Ros Curtis

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We could make parallels with school work – the amount of effort we put in to our study will often help us feel good with the end product of expanding our knowledge or perhaps achieving that result we were aiming for. We therefore place a higher value on a result that we have worked hard for, or concentrate more on the skills that we have gained through hard work and perseverance.

It seems that most people do prefer to put effort into things and that such people are in the end happier and more motivated. In the same speech, Dan Ariely talks about the advent of the humble cake mix that we buy in supermarkets. The cake mix was introduced in the 1940s and was marketed to housewives at the time as a much easier way of baking cakes. Even though the end product looked nice and tasted great, the popularity of these cake mixes was not good at all. It appeared that simply putting the cake mix in the bowl, adding some water, mixing it and placing it in the oven made the people baking it feel that it wasn’t their cake due to the lack of effort involved in its preparation. So what did the cake mix company do? They took out the powdered milk and eggs, so now these things had to be added as well – suddenly not only did making the cake with the cake mix need more effort but they also become much more popular!

I encourage students to expand their knowledge and work hard to obtain more skills, as these will help motivation with schoolwork. After each class, a great way to do this is to ask another question that expands on the knowledge gained in that lesson. The question could be asked to a teacher, but more gratification would probably come from independently researching that question themselves. They don’t have to be hard questions, they can simply start with a who, what, when, where, how or why question. Independently building the answer may end up just like that last IKEA purchase that has been put together – very gratifying!

Karen Gorrie 

Confirmation is a mature and adult rite in the Anglican Church, where candidates literally confirm their commitment to promises often made on their behalf at their Baptism. The promises are the same, “Do you turn to Christ?”, “Do you repent of your sins?” and “Do you renounce evil?”

Please keep these girls in your prayers as they prepare for their Confirmation: Bella Gray, Claudia Jackson, Skye Littlewood, Emi McBride, Jessica Roberts and Madison Smith.

Dadirri Prayer Spaces Term 2

We are now almost at the end of two weeks of Dadirri for the term. Students from Pre-Prep to Year 11 have visited and engaged in the variety of reflective activities. Each person is invited to participate as they feel comfortable and all visitors are reminded that Prayer Spaces are designed for all faiths and none.

I am always moved by the variety of responses within the spaces. When students and staff return in their own time to seek some solitude, I know that what we are offering is appreciated and needed.

Prayer for the Week

In a world where we often despair … May we know your hope and love

In the many moments of joy and satisfaction … May we recognise your hand of grace

In the darkness of the night, when distant sounds ring of distant lives … May we give thanks for our own place and be mindful of our valuable role in the lives of others

Holy God, as we live, as we breathe and have our being, may You live, and breathe, and be with us and within us.

Amen

With every blessing on you and yours,

The Reverend Canon Nicki Colledge 

I have included a TED Ed video link below which outlines. ‘How playing an instrument benefits your brain’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0JKCYZ8hng.

Who do I speak to if my daughter would like to start playing a musical instrument?

First point of call would be Mr King, myself or any of the private music teachers. Alternatively, students and/or parents could contact the Music Assistant, Mrs Lloyd to discuss options. Application forms for Private Music Tuition can be downloaded from the School’s website.

My daughter wants to play (e.g. drums) but doesn’t have an instrument. Is this a problem?

If you don’t have your own instrument, St Margaret’s has quite a large variety of band and orchestral instruments available for hire, subject to availability. We also have a number of drum kits, percussion equipment and pianos available for practice in various music rooms.

When does she do the lessons?

At St Margaret's, our instrumental tuition is conducted during school time. It is important to remember that lesson times are rotated to avoid the same lessons being missed regularly. Our ‘school hours’ system at St Margaret's is the result of a great deal of discussion and expertise, as well as tradition. The exception to this are older students in Years 11 and 12, who must have lessons during morning tea, lunch or after school. They are given first preference to any of these times available. 

What are the costs involved and how do I pay?

Please note that the rate for lessons for 2018 is $35 per half hour, as governed by the Music Teachers' Association of Queensland. Parents are invoiced by the teacher for the full term, with payment made (in most cases) directly to the teacher. It is important to remember that with lessons at St Margaret's, parents, students and instrumental teachers all have obligations. These are very clear in relation to missed lessons and giving notice of absences or sickness. Lessons are not credited or made-up if a student forgets, or is absent without the required 48 hours’ notice.

How often does she need to practise?

This will differ for every student. Some of us will need to practise more than others. Some students rely on natural ability for so long before they discover what practise really is and how to do it! For the younger student, I would encourage them to play for 5 minutes every day. The more they make their instrument part of their daily schedule, the faster they will progress. As they gain more confidence and knowledge, the time will increase to 10, 15, 20, 30 or 60 minutes, but maybe only 4-5 times a week.

Where and when can she practise in the Boarding House?

St Margaret’s provides supervised practise times during Prep on a Monday through Thursday evening, between 6:30-8:00pm in the Darnell Music Rooms. Boarders are also encouraged to practise during their own time before or after school, and on weekends in the Darnell Rooms or in ‘Old Mez’.

Where does she sign up for music practise?

Students can sign up for practise in the Garden Room in the folder ‘Music Practice sign-on sheets’.

How do I know how she is going?

All students undertaking Private Music Tuition at St Margaret’s are involved in a reporting process whereby each student participates in a ‘presentation’ giving an overview of what they have been learning each Semester. This provides them with short term goals and focus during their lessons, culminating in a short performance for two music teachers. Parents are also encouraged to be in contact with their daughter’s Private Music Teacher to check on their progress.

Will there be opportunities to hear her play?

Yes! Each Semester there will be an opportunity for your daughter to perform at the Boarder Musician’s Recital. In addition to the evenings set aside exclusively for Boarders, the Music Department hold regular Student Recitals, along with individual studio recitals from different teachers. Students are also encouraged to participate in the variety of ensembles on offer in the St Margaret’s community between the Band, Choral and String departments.

Can my daughter learn a musical instrument without the music examinations?

Yes. Every student’s musical journey will be different to the next. Some students thrive on examinations, other students learn music because they just love it. Our teachers are more than happy to support our students in the path they wish to explore.

Dimity Harris 

In the event of illness or if extenuating circumstances arise during exam block, the St Margaret’s assessment policy provides information about missed assessment. In the senior years, parents must provide medical documentation for any missed assessment or written documentation for other situations that may occur such as bereavement and injury. In these situations, I will negotiate a new time for the assessment with you and your daughter. There is more information regarding this process in the following Dean of Studies article. Good luck to all the girls for their upcoming exams!

Year 12 QCS Practice Day

Today, Thursday 7 June, the Year 12 OP eligible girls completed a practice multiple choice and short response QCS test. On Monday, they completed a practice writing task test. These tests allow the girls to practice the skills they have learnt in class, tutorials and workshops run by some expert QCS markers. The skills they learn focus on the common curriculum elements but also how to manage their time during the test, how to interpret the cues in the exam and how to structure their written responses. To enable the girls to get an accurate indication of how they are progressing, it is important that they give their best in these practice tests. The feedback from these tests assist us to address specific areas of need next term before the QCS test on 4 and 5 September. Additional multiple choice and short response tests will be made available on The POD to complete over the holidays if they choose.

Jo Butterworth 

As a parent, it is sometimes a difficult time to keep things in perspective for your daughter when she may be disappointed in results and feeling a bit vulnerable. It is important to focus on the process and not the result, as it is through the process we can find the remedies to our shortcomings. Below are a few points that you can use to discuss ‘academic fitness’ with your daughter to maybe set some goals for better learning processes:

1. Research has found that the best predictor of academic performance is your attention span and persistence levels – how persistent and on task is your daughter in class and with tasks?
2. Engagement in class is not simply about good classroom behaviour, but a connection with learning – is your daughter connected with her learning?
3. Student-teacher relationships have a significant impact on engagement and success – how can your daughter use her teachers to her advantage? Is she actively participating and seeking out assistance?
4. Motivation is a fundamental part of engagement – what is her motivation level like for school?
5. Mutual respect drives high expectations, this leads to self-regulated learning where students can shape their own learning and goals – your daughter can only learn if she is ready to learn. What learning process goals can she set to support powerful learning?

Student Sickness and Extensions

As a school we are currently revising our Academic Policy in relation to procedures around missed assessment and extensions. This new process will begin at the beginning of Semester 2. Jo Butterworth (Dean of Pedagogy) and I will share the new procedures with parents through our eNews articles in Term 3. As we head into the busy part of the term, can you please note the following for your daughter if she misses an assessment or needs an extension due to illness.

If a student is ill and therefore absent from school on the day of a test or an assessment submission, they are required to: 

• Contact the Assistant to the Dean of Studies and Pedagogy by phone (+61 7 3862 0826).
• Make contact with the relevant Head of Faculty upon first day of return to school.
• Students in Years 11 and 12 must submit a Medical Certificate upon the first day of return to school. A Medical Certificate is required in an attempt at equity and fairness for all students, so that no-one is perceived as having been unfairly advantaged by receiving extra time on assessment items.
• Documentation needs to be given directly to the Assistant to the Dean of Studies and Pedagogy.
• Alternate arrangements will then be organised by negotiation with the Head of Faculty.
• If an assignment is due on the day that a student is absent, then the Head of Faculty should be contacted by the parent by phone and arrangements made for the delivery of the assignment (e.g. via email, parent/sibling to deliver, posted, faxed etc.).
• Absence on the day is not an excuse for late submission.

On occasions circumstances arise which require students be given special consideration with regard to their assessment and learning that are not related to a short term illness or absence. Such consideration is based on the premise that there are times when alterations are required to ensure equality of academic opportunity. This can result in changes to the nature, conditions, timing or amount of assessment students complete. Decisions about the alteration of assessment must be based on evidence and documented clearly.

The QCAA allows the School to make decisions regarding this in the following contexts:

• illness
• injury
• bereavement
• family or personal problems
• any other issue which may hinder a student’s access to the learning.

Years 7 to 9
The HOF consults with the Dean of Studies to determine if alterations are required and what form they will take. Documentation may be in the form of a medical certificate, a report from a health professional, a letter from a parent, a documented conversation with a parent or the Head of Year.

Years 10 to 12
The HOF or student consults with the Dean of Pedagogy. Medical documentation is required for any missed assessment – a note from a parent may not be sufficient. The Assistant to the Dean of Studies and Pedagogy keeps a spreadsheet recording all alterations to assessment. Where possible, concerned staff will be consulted prior to the alteration of assessment, but in some contexts this may not be possible and an email will be sent informing them of the decisions and the reasons for them. The management of make-up exams is through the Assistant to the Dean of Studies and Pedagogy.

Nicole Devlin

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The following are suggestions adapted from child psychologist, Dr John Irvine’s, ‘Ten commandments to educational salvation’ that parents and educators may like to consider:

1. The school and the parents should honour one another.
2. Adults should model good behaviour.
3. Adults should say good things about our adolescents. (What adults say to each other about our students can have profound effects on their behaviour and self-esteem).
4. We should not overact to success or failure, as adolescents may come to fear the pressure to succeed and despair when they fail.
5. Self confidence in our students is developed through effort. The path your daughter’s walk should not be too smooth, this will build good character.
6. Slowly together we will hand over the reins steadily and gradually over their schooling journey enabling the girls to develop confidence and self-control.
7. If the educational institution and the family are divided then we will have an adolescent divided against authority.
8. Always take time to consider how you will deal with confrontation.
9. Competition is itself one important way for your daughters to learn to achieve.
10. As adults, we should show a love for learning which contributes to the global community.

Alliance of Girls' Schools Australasia
MAD - Making a Difference - Girls for Change Leadership Summit. Are your girls ready to become change makers?

The Summit will be held on 13-14 October 2018 at St Margaret's Anglican Girls School and will bring together like-minded Years 9-11 girls to connect, collaborate, learn from talented social change leaders and entrepreneurs and to discover their own abilities to lead and effect change. To download a brochure will full details, please click here. Book now!

Nikki Townsend 

Makerspaces Australia describe the spaces as areas that will:

• Foster play, exploration and participatory learning.
• Facilitate informal learning opportunities where connections between home, school and community are enabled and encouraged.
• Collaborative learning where educators and students pool their skills and knowledge and share in the tasks of teaching and learning.
• Develop a culture of creating as opposed to consuming.

The beauty of a makerspace is it is created as a space unique to the school environment as no two makerspaces should be the same. We are referring to our space as an Atelier, which is a term used in the early childhood classrooms of Reggio Emilia in Italy. It is a French word meaning the private workshop or studio of a professional artist in the fine or decorative arts, where a principal master and many assistants, students and apprentices can work together. Our Atelier will be also a space that will allow for creation in other areas as well. These will include cooking, design and technology.

Before the space was renovated, the students in Prep to Year 2 observed the area, documented their observations and made recommendations about what they would like to see and how they would like to see it arranged. The upcoming holidays will see the space enhanced with furniture and equipment which will allow collaborative learning to take place in Term 3.

The provision of the Atelier also aligns with our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Program and Australia’s strategy 2016-2026. The STEM Program is inclusive of coding as this strategy includes a priority, “to support the development of students’ problem-solving and reasoning skills which are at the core of mathematical thinking, scientific literary and a deep engagement with coding” (p.8).

Australia’s commitment to coding aligns with the business sector which has campaigned for the school curriculum. Coding is another way to prepare students for the 21st century and the future workforce. The benefits of participating in a coding program are numerous – an understanding of technology, developing skills for life and the development of problem-solving and support of mathematical skills.

As a continuation of the coding program we introduced last year, next term, Prep to Year 2 students will we be offered a weekly coding lesson developed and offered by specialist educators. Through participation in coding programs, students will become acquainted with the basics of coding, that is, computer programming, to gain an understanding of how the devices play a large role in modern life. More immediately, these early childhood students will develop hand-eye coordination, sequencing and begin to develop an ‘algebraic’ language of programming.

A knowledge of coding will also have long term benefits, as it will eventually contribute to the economic competitiveness of our country because of the availability of qualified workers. Coding is highly creative, it contributes to a person’s problem-solving ability and equips students for a world constantly evolving because of technology.

The Year 4 students will also undertake a touch-typing program. This will assist in setting the students up for the development of good typing skills, again, a life-long skill for using technology.

Coding will also be offered during the upcoming holidays. Our class provider (CIY Camps and Clubs) will run a one-day camp on 16 June and two coding camps for the first (25-29 June) and second (2–6 July) weeks of the holidays. Be sure to look out for information in the coming weeks as places will fill quickly.

We have also been made aware of another holiday program offered by Junior Engineers who are running a series of Coding and Robotics Workshops for Kids at St Peters Lutheran College. For more information, please visit: www.jnrengineers.com.au or contact admin@jnrengineers.com. Flyers are available on the stand outside the Primary Office for both holiday coding programs.

Angela Drysdale

Accessing Reports Years Prep-6

You will need your login details to access reports through Parent Lounge via the POD. If you do not know your login, please contact School Support via schoolsupport@stmargarets.qld.edu.au or 07 3862 0732.

Pre-Prep Reports

Pre-Prep reports will not be placed on Parent Lounge. A hard copy will be mailed out during the first week of the school holidays.

Students not Returning

If your daughter is not returning next term, you will need to download her reports from Parent Lounge, as once she has left the school you will not be able to access these reports. If you have any issues please contact School Support.

Term 3 Parent/Teacher Interviews

Term 3 Parent/Teacher Interviews will be held on Monday 16 July. The focus of these interviews is to share information about your daughter’s literacy and numeracy development and for parents to meet with Specialist Teachers if required.

Bookings for Parent/Teacher interviews will be facilitated in Parent Lounge. The booking system will be open to parents at 9:00am, Monday 18 June and close at 9:00am on Wednesday 11 July.

More detailed information will be sent home in the coming weeks.

Cathy Cox

Assistant Head of Primary 

Isabella Bluett (Violin)
Hazel Buchan-Hepburn (Soprano)
Arabella Burke (Soprano)
Annette Chan (Percussion)
Nicola D'Abreton (Violin)
Lucy Hansen (Viola)
Elena Kearns (Tuba)
Yeonju (Julie) Kim (Violin)
Stephanie Licina (Soprano)
Jacqueline Ma (Violin)
Eva Matyear (Alto)
Emi McBride (Soprano)
Evangeline Phillips (Violin)
Claire Pitt (Cello)
Jessica Roberts (Soprano)
Sophie Sorensen (Violin)
Ella Steinberg (Soprano)
Brooke Walker (Alto)

Career Talk on Music Therapy
Last Monday, our students were treated to a very interesting talk given by Old Girl Maggie Leung (’97) on her career as a music therapist. Maggie is now the team leader of allied health for oncology services at the Lady Cilento Hospital and is working with a variety of providers within the hospital to improve health outcomes of patients. It was fascinating to hear of the evidence based research supporting the power of music in enhancing patients’ recoveries. We thank Maggie very much for coming in to speak to the students.

Upcoming concert by Dr Noble
Dr Noble will be presenting a solo piano performance on Saturday 16 June. This will be a wonderful opportunity to hear Dr Noble perform as well as celebrate his recently awarded PhD! Dr Noble will be presenting repertoire by Alberto Ginastera, Philip Glass, Agnes Obel and Nigel Sabin. The event will be held on 16 June in the Arts Centre Foyer, starting at 5pm. The cost to attend is $10 adults, $5 students/children, $20 family, with all proceeds donated to the Archbishop’s PNG Earthquake Appeal. All are welcome to attend!

Student Congratulations

Congratulations to Naomi College (Year 7) who entered four sections in the Redlands Eisteddfod last week. Naomi placed first in the Musical Theatre section, first in the Sacred Solo section, and second in both the Contemporary Song section and the Folk Song section. This is a wonderful result. Congratulations Naomi!

Music Support Group

The next Music Support Group meeting will be held on Tuesday 12 June 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 

Tennis Championships

The annual St Margaret’s Cup was again played on the weekend. Our Primary students from Years 4-6 started the rounds, playing Friday 1 June. Such long-fought matches were played that the final rounds will be finished this Friday to announce the winner.

On Saturday 2 June, the Secondary students played the Junior, Intermediate, Senior and Boarders Cup events. Some girls had 8 matches across the day with many long rallies. Congratulations to all our players on such a great day of tennis. Further congratulations to the following winners:

Junior Tennis Champion – Gabriella Henzell

Intermediate Tennis Champion – Zara Campbell

Senior Tennis Champion – Niamh Macfarlane

Boarders Cup Champion – Gabriella Henzell

Olympic Athlete Coaching Track and Field

We are excited to announce Cedric Dubler, who is Australian’s first decathlete to compete at an Olympics (Rio) in 16 years and a Bronze medallist at the recent Commonwealth Games is now a coach for the St Margaret’s Track and Field team 2018. Cedric is a huge asset to our coaching team whose extensive knowledge and skills will no doubt assist our athletes improve and develop their skills and fitness.

St Margaret’s Run

The St Margaret's Run is a tradition that commenced in 1999 and is based on the famous ‘Great Court Race’. The Great Court Race was made famous in the movie ‘Chariots of Fire’ where students at Cambridge University attempted to complete a circuit around a court within the University. The St Margaret's Run will be held on St Margaret’s Day, Friday 20 July, and requires students to run a circuit around the school of approximately 800m in length.

The event includes both Primary and Secondary students with the following divisions:

• Junior Primary Division (Year 3 and Year 4)
• Upper Primary Division (Year 5 and Year 6)
• Junior Division (Year 7 and Year 8)
• Intermediate Division (Year 9 and Year 10)
• Senior Division (Year 11 and Year 12)

Entry Forms for this event will be available online next week.

Cross Country Metropolitan North Championships

A small contingent of Secondary school students competed at the Metropolitan North Cross Country Trials on Tuesday 5 June at St Paul’s School, Bald Hills. Well done to all runners, with special mention of Isabella Harte who placed 1st and Maicey Lynch 4th in the 13 Years age group. Chloe Fenwicke (15 Years) and Ciana Jamieson (16 Years) placed 1st and Bella Donaldson who placed 5th in the 16 years age group. All girls will now go on to compete at the State Cross Country Championships in July.

Congratulations to:

• Brooke Lane who recently represented Queensland for the fourth time at the National Championships for Rhythmic Gymnastics. Brooke and her team won gold becoming Australian Champions for 2018.
• Isabelle Simpson who was selected in the Metropolitan North Golf team for the eighth year in a row and will now contest the State Championships at Kingaroy in July/August.
• Indiahna Frawley who was selected in the 10 – 12 Years Metropolitan North Touch Football team and will contest the regional championships in August.

Helen Lobegeiger 

The activities for our winter program include clay, paper folding and artist books, jewellery and the popular canvas painting.

Please click here (PDF 775KB) for further details. For all enquiries, please contact Claudia Mazzotta 3862 0791 in the Arts Faculty.

Holiday Drama Workshop Opportunities with Shake & Stir

Shake & Stir Theatre Co’s July Holiday Workshops are available for students from Prep through to Year 12. If you're looking for something to stretch your creative muscles, these workshops aim to help you develop the acting tools and techniques you need, no matter your age or ability level. Enrolments for both Primary and Secondary workshops are open now. Please see below for more details.

Annette Box

If you are interested in joining this small group, please ring Margit on 0410 030 870.

Jenny Lishman

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Bookings for the St Margaret’s OSHC June/July School Holiday Program opened on Monday 21 May. If you require care for the upcoming school holiday period, please return your booking form before 15 June 2018.

How do I book?
Complete the official booking form attached to the program. For further details, please email: oshc@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

What is the cost?*
$60 per day. Incursions and excursions incur additional costs. These are compulsory for all students and therefore you are able to claim CCB/CCR for these.

What are the hours of operation?
The service is open from 7am until 6pm in the OSHC Room (under the Primary School Office).

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 

The Konan students will have one night away during this period so there would be a total of 6 nights homestay accommodation required for each student. You may decide to take in one or two students. We would welcome homestay families with students from any year level.

The girls are keen to learn about the lifestyles of Australian students and would do whatever it is you and your family normally do. There would be no need to go to any great effort or expense to do out of the ordinary things.

If you and your family are keen to host a student, please email me at: tkirkpatrick@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Trish Kirkpatrick 

Current crossing times: 7:45am – 8:30am and 3:00pm – 3:45pm.

The current rate of pay is $29.61 per hour.

Commencement of work for the successful applicant is dependent on: 

• The favourable outcome of a health assessment.
• A Positive Notice Blue Card (you do not need to have a blue card to apply for the position).

Closing date for applications: ASAP​.

Completed applications should be emailed to: employment@stmargarets.qld.edu.au. 

We also have a Live Auction with top prizes available, including a table of 10 to the Churchie Cricket Lunch, a 5-night stay at the Ala Moana Hotel in Honolulu and a 2.5 hour Golf Package for 4 people at Victoria Park Golf Complex.

This annual event is a great opportunity for all fathers and male role models to come together and share a sumptuous two course dinner and drinks. To view the invitation, please click here (PDF 431.1KB).

Date: Friday 15 June 2018

Time: 6:30pm pre-dinner drinks in Eton Courtyard, 7pm Dinner

Venue: Eton Hall

Cost: $100.00 per person includes two course dinner and drinks

This event is proudly sponsored by Morgans.

Mother Daughter High Tea – Save the Date!

Join us for the St Margaret’s P&F Association Inaugural Mother Daughter High Tea. To view the save the date flyer, please click here (PDF 703.2KB).

Date: Sunday 12 August 2018

Time: 3pm to 5pm

Old Girls' Events 2018

Old Girls Brunch

On Sunday, the school hosted The Annual Old Girls' Association Brunch. It was a wonderful event enjoyed in the company of friends and other past students. Presentations from guest speakers, Mel Buttle (‘99) and Christine Muir (‘17) shared their inspiring and often hilarious stories and insights from their journeys since graduation.

We would like to thank our raffle donors for their contributions, in particular, McKinney’s Jewellers for donating the first prize.

Reunions

Tickets are on sale now via Flexischools.

Please contact our office if you are a member of an Alumni listed below and haven’t received your invitation: Phone 07 3862 0768 or Email: developmentandcommunity@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

10 Year Reunion – Class of 2008 – Friday 27 July

20 Year Reunion – Class of 1998 – Friday 27 July

30 Year Reunion – Class of 1988 – Friday 27 July

40 Year Reunion – Class of 1978 – Saturday 28 July

50 Year Reunion – Class of 1968 – Saturday 28 July

60 Year Reunion – Class of 1958 – Saturday 28 July

60+ Year Reunion – Classes prior to 1957 – Monday 30 July

Chapel Service and Morning Tea – Sunday 29 July

60+ Year Reunion – Monday 30 July

Professional Women’s Network

Tickets to our next Professional Women’s Networking Breakfast are now on sale and selling fast!

Guest Speaker: Alison Quinn CEO - RetireAustralia.

Alison Quinn is the Chief Executive Officer of RetireAustralia, the largest privately owned retirement village operator in Australia. As one of Australia’s most experienced property executives with an extensive track record of success, Alison has extensive development and investment experience in the seniors housing, property and constructions sector. A proud St Margaret’s Old Girl, Alison holds a degree in Commerce from the University of Queensland and is currently the President of the Retirement Living Council.

Join us for our third exciting breakfast in 2018 and learn how Alison has achieved outstanding success in her long and distinguished career in the property sector.

When: Thursday 23 August 2018

Where: Arts Centre Foyer

Tickets: Corporate tables $800 for 10, $60 adult and $40 students (Years 10-12/tertiary)

Lara Pickering 

QTAC www.qtac.edu.au
QTAC applications for current Year 12 students open 2 August. All applications are submitted online via the QTAC website. Some courses have earlier closing dates but the general early closing date is 28 September 2018.

How to apply to interstate tertiary institutions
You can apply for some institutions in Northern New South Wales and Tasmania through QTAC. See our participating institutions.

You can access websites for all Australian institutions through the tertiary admission centres listed below.

You can apply for most interstate courses through state-based tertiary admissions centres. Current Year 12 students can apply from the start of August 2018: 

• New South Wales – apply through UAC (opens 1 August)
• Northern Territory – apply though SATAC (opens 7 August)
• South Australia – apply through SATAC
• Tasmania – apply direct for University of Tasmania
• Victoria – apply through VTAC (opens 6 August)
• Western Australia – apply through TISC; apply direct for The University of Notre Dame Australia.

Application processes and fees vary, so visit the relevant state’s tertiary admissions centre or institution website for more information.

The University of New England
Benefits of UNE Early Entry Direct:

• Apply directly to UNE online
• No application fees
• Know earlier (November) that you have a place at UNE to relieve the pressure of waiting for results, and let you plan your big move
• No QTAC application required - Applying through UNE Early Entry does not prevent you from making another application through a tertiary admissions centre, so it’s a great way to increase your chances of getting into the course you want.

Who can apply for Early Entry?
Early Entry is available for most UNE degrees, for current Year 12 students. For most courses you are offered you will also have the option to accept the offer and defer for up to two years. Apply via: https://earlyentry.une.edu.au/apex/f?p=118:1 on or before Friday 28 September 2018.

Australian Catholic University
Apply for CAP now.

What is CAP?
ACU's Community Achiever Program (CAP) is designed to acknowledge commitment to our local communities. Regular volunteer work in your community – through a social justice organisation, sporting, performance, cultural or religious group – may be rewarded through our Community Achievers' Program with entry into an undergraduate degree.

A successful CAP application means you could receive an offer as early as August to study at ACU. Being part of this CAP group also offers unique opportunities to enhance your leadership and volunteering skills, while you study with us.

CAP entry is only available for Undergraduate bachelor level degrees at ACU. Remember: the experience must have been voluntary, so ACU will not consider community involvement undertaken as part of your schoolwork, work experience or paid employment.

CAP applications to study in 2019

• Close Midnight Tuesday 31 July 2018
• Offers will be released by the end of August 2018

Monash University
Audition preparation course – jazz and popular voice studies
This is a two-day course for jazz instrumentalists, jazz voice and popular voice students. Students will explore the performance and ensemble processes helping them build the skills required to audition for entry to the Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music. Students will learn what is expected during the auditions for our jazz and popular voice courses.

Event details:
Date: Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 August 2018
Time: 10am – 3pm
Location: Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music, Clayton campus
Cost: $330
Register at: shop.monash.edu/audition- course-jazz-studies-and-popular-voice.html

Engineering prerequisites
Did you know, engineering graduates are among the highest paid graduates in Australia, with a median starting salary of $64,000 p.a. (2017 Graduate Outcomes Survey)? The Faculty of Engineering at Monash offers a flagship Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree enabling graduates to qualify as an engineer after just four years of study.

If are interested in entering this course at Monash, it’s imperative to select appropriate subjects early on, to ensure you can satisfy the course prerequisites (all Australian Year 12 equivalent):

• English
• Higher Level Mathematics
• Physics or Chemistry

For more information, visit: https://www.monash.edu/study/courses/find-a-course?query=engineering&f.Tabs%7CcourseTab=Undergraduate&f.InterestAreas%7CcourseInterestAreas.

The University of Sydney
Our undergraduate degrees are streamlined so you can choose your ideal course. To help you navigate our study areas and pathways, we have streamlined and simplified our degrees. If you know precisely where you want to head or want to explore different areas before deciding what to do, we have an undergraduate degree that will take you where you want to go. We’ve also expanded access for you to study across disciplines by introducing a shared pool of over 100 majors and minors. This gives you the opportunity to explore a wide range of study areas within the following degrees: 

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Design Computing
• Bachelor of Economics
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Visual Arts
• combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies.

For example, if you enjoy studying science and history you can now pursue both areas of study by enrolling in a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science or a combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies degree.

You can design your own degree with our new combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies. Taken in combination with a three-year degree, the combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies not only allows you to design your own degree, but also supercharges your undergraduate experience at The University of Sydney.

As part of the combined degree you have the opportunity to: 

• access at least one major outside your primary field of study
• complete a second major
• build on your expertise with advanced coursework and project work
• complete an Honours component
• enrich your experience in community, industry or entrepreneurship settings.

The future is in your hands. Find out more about the Sydney Undergraduate Experience.

Bond University Scholarships for Australian students
Scholarship applications for Year 12 Australian students will open on 1 June 2018. View each of the scholarships below to find out more about each scholarship, their eligibility criteria, value and how to apply. Download your copy of the 2018 Bond University Scholarship Brochure. Also review our 'top tips' for Year 12 scholarship applicants.

The University of Queensland
Changes to Doctor of Medicine program from 2021
The UQ Academic Board have approved changes to the selection process for UQ's Doctor of Medicine (MD) program that will impact current high school students. These changes will be progressively introduced over the coming years, allowing students ample time to prepare.

What are the changes?
There are two main changes to the selection process for the MD Program at UQ: 

• The introduction of a Mini Multiple Interview as part of the selection process (only impacting current Year 10 students, or younger)
• The introduction of prerequisite courses to ensure students are well prepared for the first two years of the program (impacting all students)

Why the change?
Our revised admission process is designed to ensure the highly sought-after places in the MD program are offered to applicants who demonstrate the attributes and abilities most suited to the profession of medicine, and most likely to succeed in the MD program.

ANU
A pathway to medicine at ANU
The Bachelor of Health Science offers a pathway to the postgraduate Doctor of Medicine and Surgery (MChD) at ANU without having to sit the GAMSAT. At the end of their second year in the Bachelor of Health Science, up to 30 students will receive an offer of entry to the Doctor of Medicine and Surgery (MChD), contingent upon their grade point average (GPA), an interview process and successful completion of the Bachelor of Health Science. Ten of the 30 places in the Doctor of Medicine and Surgery (MChD) program are reserved for rural and Indigenous students from the Bachelor of Health Science.

Program details: QLD OP: 6. Other prerequisites apply. For further details on admission, fees and program requirements visit the ANU Programs & courses website.

UQ Pharmacy Experience Day - save the date
Pharmacy Experience Day is an annual UQ showcase which invites students to discover where a Bachelor of Pharmacy can take them. Throughout the day, guests will take part in a range of hands-on laboratory activities, meet and quiz current students and participate on a guided tour through the world class facilities. All members of the public are invited to attend the Pharmacy Experience Day held on Sunday 19 August 2018.

UQ New Bachelor of Arts Program Planner
The Bachelor of Arts offers students unrivalled flexibility, but this often causes confusion among new students. UQ have launched a new Bachelor of Arts Program Planner as a resource for guidance officers, teachers and students.

UMAT 2018 Key Dates:
Late registrations close Friday 15 June 2018, 5pm AEST
Applications for Special Testing Conditions close Friday 15 June 2018
UMAT test date Wednesday 25 July 2018
Results released Mid-September 2018

UMAT is only available once every year. If you do not register by the due date, you will have to wait until 2019 to sit the test.

University Open Days
Australian Catholic University (ACU)
28 July 2018 (Saturday) - Open Day Brisbane 9am-2pm

Bond University (BOND)
28 July 2018 (Saturday) - Twilight Open Day Gold Coast

CQ University (CQU)
9 August 2018 (Thursday) - Brisbane Open Day 3pm-6pm
11 August 2018 (Saturday) - Bundaberg and Mackay

Griffith University (GRIFFITH)
12 August 2018 Open Day Gold Coast, Nathan and South Bank Campuses

James Cook University (JCU)
19 August 2018 (Sunday) - Townsville Campus
26 August 2018 (Sunday) - Cairns Campus

Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
29 July 2018 (Sunday) - Open Day Gardens Point (City) campus

Southern Cross University (SCU)
29 July 2018 - Gold Coast Open Day 10am-2pm

The University of Queensland (UQ)
5 August 2018 (Sunday) 9am - 3pm - St Lucia campus
19 August 2018 (Sunday) 9am - 3pm - Gatton campus

University of Southern Queensland (USQ)
USQ Toowoomba - Sunday 19 August
USQ Ipswich - Saturday 1 September
USQ Springfield - Friday 7 September

University of the Sunshine Coast (USC)
Fraser Coast - Saturday 23 June
Sippy Downs - Sunday 22 July
Caboolture - Sunday 5 August

KEY DATES:

Wednesday 25 July
UMAT Exam

Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 July 2018
Tertiary Studies Expo (TSXPO), 8am – 4pm, RICC Brisbane Showgrounds

Midnight Tuesday 31 July 2018
ACU - Closing date CAP applications to study in 2019

Wednesday 1 August
UAC (NSW Tertiary) - Applications open
Early bird applications close Friday 28 September

Thursday 2 August
QTAC (Qld Tertiary) Applications open
Early bird applications close Friday 28 September

Monday 6 August 2018
VTAC (Victorian Tertiary) Applications open
Close of timely applications: Thursday, 27 September
Close of Scholarship applications: Friday 12 October

Sunday 19 August 2018
UQ Pharmacy Experience Day, 9:30am - 1pm

Friday 28 September 2018
UNE Closing date for Early Entry application

Monday 17 December 2018
OP Advice Night UQ Centre, St Lucia campus, 4pm – 7pm

Elizabeth Johnston