eNews Archive Issue 22 - 27 July 2017

This year, the theme announced at St Margaret’s Day is ‘To go gently with courage’; to illustrate the theme we celebrated the work of the Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Advent (SSA), the founders of St Margaret’s. 2017 is the 125th anniversary of the establishment of the SSA. It was 1892 when Sister Caroline Amy and Deaconess Minnie arrived in the Brisbane port and introduced the SSA to Queensland and since that time went about establishing a huge portfolio of activity to support women and children. They went about their work ‘gently and with courage’. Not long after their arrival in 1895, this order of Sisters established St Margaret’s, then known as the Eton High School for Girls. The rest, as they say, is history.

On 9 August at St Margaret’s, The Alliance of Girls’ Schools Australasia is holding a seminar from 5-7:00pm on issues surrounding our fascination with gendered stereotypes. The guest speaker is Cordelia Fine. Professor Fine has written a book called ‘Testosterone Rex: Unmaking the myths of our gendered mind’. In this book, she delves into the science around biological brain development, investigating scientific claims that reinforce gender stereotypes and roles that are not scientifically justified and potentially harmful to both sexes, arguably, especially to girls and women. She will talk about how our gender beliefs shape the way we teach, learn and experience the world. She will also refer to carefully monitoring our entrenched perceptions, and the language we use around those perceptions. As this is an Alliance of Girls’ Schools Australasia event, bookings (with a ticket price of $68) need to be made through the Alliance Website: https://www.agsa.org.au/events/.

Over the June/July holidays, I had the opportunity to attend and present at the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools conference in Washington, DC. I will write more about some of the sessions I attended in future editions of the eNews. Today, I will just refer briefly to the final keynote speaker Michelle Poler, Founder of Hello Fears, who suggested, we must recognise the difference between safety and growth and ensure we push ourselves. She encouraged us all to change our mindset when faced with a difficult decision or during a time when taking a risk is required. She said what would happen if we asked at that moment not "what's the worst that can happen?" but instead, "what's the best that can happen?". So, this week, I encourage you all (and I am trying to do this) to ask when considering new ideas and approaches: "what's the best that can happen?"

Ros Curtis 

Student voice in schools is productive. Students are in control of their own learning journey, so connecting with their teachers and peers is important for them to realise their goals.

It is essential for students to understand that this does not mean that the teachers do the thinking for them. With the guidance of their teachers, students can engage with the content and rehearse the skills they are taught in order to reach a depth of learning that goes beyond the surface and results in deepest understanding.

With a new semester beginning and after feedback from their teachers through their reports, students should be revisiting their learning goals. Students should be looking at those areas where improvements can be made and taking steps to achieve these goals. Teachers love connecting with their students and assisting them to find their direction with making improvements in their learning.

It is expected that students are studying each day. This could include homework, preparation for assignments and exams, revision of work they have completed in their lessons and also reading.

For Secondary students, reading could include pre-reading, research or reading for pleasure. Primary students should also take time to read each day, either individually or with family members.

I wish all students well with their learning goals for the remainder of 2017.

Karen Gorrie 

Margaret’s feast day is 20 July. Hence, we celebrate St Margaret’s Day on the Friday closest to this date each year. Very little is known about Margaret, indeed any legendary story seems quite untrustworthy. She was the daughter of a pagan priest at Antioch in Pisidia, yet she converted to Christianity. When her father heard of this, she was driven from home. Margaret became a shepherdess and when she spurned the advances of Olybrius, the prefect, who was infatuated with her beauty, he charged her with being a Christian. Some stories suggest that she refused to be married to such a bore!

Olybrius had her tortured and then imprisoned, and while she was in prison she had an encounter with the devil in the form of a dragon. According to the legend, he swallowed her, but the cross she carried in her hand so irritated his throat that he was forced to spit her out. Margaret of Antioch is also known as the Patron Saint of Childbirth!

The miraculous events continued the next day, when attempts were made to execute her by fire and then by drowning. However, she was miraculously saved and thousands of spectators witnessing her ordeal converted - all of whom were promptly executed. Finally, she was beheaded.

That our St Margaret existed and was martyred is probably true; but other details probably simply make for a good story, one especially popular in the Middle Ages, spreading from the East all over Western Europe. Our St Margaret of Antioch Hymn highlights her story, amongst a clear acknowledgement of its legendary status and miraculous moments. We read below how we emphasise ‘IF’ … ‘If St Margaret met a dragon’ …. then she had God with her. ‘If St Margaret fought a dragon’ … then Jesus was on her side. ‘If St Margaret … fought for justice, then it is a constant reminder that we, too, might also have grace and courage when called to be God’s people in this world.

The St Margaret of Antioch Hymn

Words: Elizabeth J Smith 2008

Music: Marvel Loch c. Alexander Scutt 2008

If Saint Margaret met a dragon

with its teeth and scaly hide,

then Saint Margaret met that dragon

with the Saviour by her side.

So we pray to face each challenge,

Each injustice and each sin

With God’s love as our protection

And the Spirit’s power within.

If Saint Margaret fought a dragon

With its fiery, fatal breath,

Then Saint Margaret beat that dragon

Thanks to Jesus’ awesome death.

So we put our trust in Jesus,

For he died to save his friends,

But death could not keep him captive

And his glory never ends.

If a girl defeats a dragon

In a legend or in fact,

Then a girl can fight for justice

When God gives her strength to act.

So we pray for grace and courage

When we need to take a stand.

We will live as Jesus’ people

In this school and in this land.

May Margaret, in legend or in fact, be an example of courage and determination for us all.

May you be blessed in your week ahead,

The Reverend Nicki Colledge 

For starters, each girl has been suitably placed in a dorm to ensure they are well looked after by their peers and not lost within the greater community. Year level House Mothers are close at hand to assist all the girls' needs, answer questions and help clarify the routines and expectations of the Boarding House.

Girls who joined this semester are understandably nervous in their new environment and are occasionally experiencing waves of homesickness. Sandra Johnson, our Pastoral Care Coordinator, often checks in with girls who need a little extra support to assist with their adjustment to boarding life. In addition, our current boarders are a wonderful support during these times. Quite often we turn to those who may have had a hard time settling in themselves, as they know exactly what to say to new girls. Current boarders are well positioned to offer advice and comfort to those struggling to adjust and we are always proud of the girls’ generosity of spirt, never shying from reaching out to others in need.

Last weekend, the entire Boarding House came together by engaging in activities. Undoubtedly, new friendships and a stronger connection within Boarding were formed. I find first impressions are wonderful to hear. Lulu Maloney is a new Year 9 boarder from the Sunshine Coast. “I was nervous at first but everyone makes you feel so comfortable. It is so fun!”

Dimity Harris 

On top of this they considered their examination method as it applies to Multiple Choice tests. Another thirty three girls attended a Short Response tutorial which targeted Visual Literacy.

Other Year 12 students were engaged in completing some of the final modules required to complete their Diplomas of Business and Project Management. Congratulations to Madeleine Graham for completing her Diploma of Business this week. She already has a Diploma of Project Management which she attained last year. The achievement of a Diploma qualification while at School requires focused commitment and the girls who successfully attain one should be very proud of themselves.

I am generally very pleased with the level of application I am seeing from many of the senior students. It is important that students are aware that this very busy time is best managed by keeping a balance, applying themselves consistently and realising that they can only take one step at a time.

The OP or Rank achieved by a student at Secondary school reflects what they demonstrated during that time. These scores do not define a student’s character or her capacity for growth and development. They do not predict success or life quality. The effort, perseverance and resilience shown by students as they navigate this challenging time of their schooling is much more reflective of who they are and what they will ultimately achieve. My message to girls is to work hard but to understand that learning continues for a lifetime and they will not reach their peak in Year 12.

Subject Selection

Over the last week, students in Years 8, 9 and 10 have received a series of presentations relating to subjects for 2018. As I indicated in the last newsletter the actual procedure for selecting subjects will be outlined in an email sent by Ms Gorrie just prior to the Subject Selection Evening being held on 7 August. Once again, I encourage parents and students to attend this evening as it will allow them to speak with staff regarding the subjects they are interested in. Presentations will be delivered on the evening by Mrs Nicole Devlin and myself.

Year 10 students and their parents received an email last week regarding scheduling their SET Plan Interviews. Any queries regarding this process should be directed to Mrs Lisa Beeney, Executive Assistant Pedagogy and Studies. In preparation for these interviews the girls have received the report from testing completed by Academic Assessment Services last term. These tests are part of a more targeted approach to the collection of data, which will allow us to refine our approach to learning and to differentiate curriculum and instructional strategies. The tests conducted were achievement, ability and career focused tests. The latter identified areas of interest and suitability regarding possible career pathways for each student. The girls need to bring these reports, along with the reports from the Bullseye Career Program completed in their form sessions, to their SET Plan interviews.

Year 12 Parent Information Evening Reminder

This is a reminder that on Thursday 10 August from 5:30 until 6:30pm there will be an Information Session for Year 12 parents in the Independent Learning Centre. Students are welcome to attend as well. The purpose of this evening is to ensure that parents are aware of the process involved with the completion of Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) forms. I will introduce the evening and Ms Elizabeth Johnston, the Careers Counsellor, will speak in detail about the process between now and the end of the year. There will be some time for questions at the end of the address.

Samantha Bolton 

It is important to assist your daughters to continue to balance commitments and help her realise that as demands increase we need to be mindful of not trying to fit too much in.

All students in Years 7, 8 and 9 are able to access the Semester 2 Assessment Calendars through the Year Level page on The POD. I have encourgaed all girls to ensure they have saved or printed their Assessment Calender to ensure they are aware of their assessment commitments for the rest of the year. It is important to note that due to the Continuous Reporting Process, assessment is held in the last weeks of school and all girls are required to attend school until the last day to complete all assessment.

2018 Curriculum Handbooks and Subject Selection

All year level Curriculum Handbooks for 2018 are available for download on the school website. These can be accessed by clicking the Learning Tab and selecting Secondary School, and the links are at the bottom of the page. Please take the time to look at the courses of study for your daughter next year as there has been some changes to the organisation of the curriculum.

For girls in Years 8, 9 and10 they will be asked in the coming weeks to make some decisions about their course of study by selecting subjects for 2018. To assist you and your daughter with this decision it is important that you have both looked at the Curriculum Handbooks and Subject Selection Forms on the website.

Along with the Curriculum Handbook as a guide, this term the Years 8, 9 and 10 students will be addressed by each Head of Faculty during Year Level Assembly times. The curriculum details and requirements of each elective subject will be outlined. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions about the subjects they may be interested in pursuing next year. These talks began in Week 2 and it is important for your daughter to have looked at the Curriculum Handbooks to understand her options.

In addition to these information sessions, a Parent Information Evening will be held on Monday 7 August. This event will incorporate a Subject Expo where parents and students can speak with staff about subject offerings.

Supervised Study Sessions

Another way you can support your daughter is to look for ways to develop strong learning behaviours. Strong study habits stand all students in good stead as they move towards assessment. Supervised Study Sessions are a good way for girls to learn, review and prepare for assessment from tutors and other students.

Supervised Study Sessions are held in the Library on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons from 5:00-7:30pm. Students attending these sessions will be assisted with homework, assessment and exam preparation by tutors who are current students of St Margaret’s College.

Bookings for all sessions during this term can be done via Flexischools on the school website. While the study session is free of charge, if you would like your daughter to have dinner this can be purchased for $10 at the time of booking the session on Flexischools.

Nicole Devlin 

Brett Lee worked as a Queensland Police Officer for 22 years, 16 of those as a Detective predominantly in the field of Child Exploitation. In his last five years of service, he was a specialist in the field of undercover internet child exploitation investigations.

Brett has been personally involved in the online investigation, arrest and prosecution of numerous offenders, whose medium for preying on children is the internet. Further to Brett’s experience, he has completed the FBI Advanced Internet Investigations Course and has worked with the FBI Innocent Images Unit, Maryland USA, the Department of Homeland Security Cyber Crimes Centre, Virginia USA and the San Jose Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, California USA.

Additional information about Brett can be found at: www.iness.com.au. If you do have questions and concerns about your daughter’s technology usage, I strongly encourage you to attend.

Ponytail Project - Secondary School Initiative

This term, the students are fundraising for both The Cancer Council and The Minotti Family Trust. Amanda Minotti was a beloved old girl and teacher of the School who battled cancer. This year's Ponytail Project will again raise funds for both Amanda's family and the Cancer Council's ongoing research. Please note that donations won't be tax deductable as the funds are being split between these two causes. There are presently 42 Secondary school students donating their hair to Variety and raising funds in the process. If you would like to donate please visit the following link: https://www.mycause.com.au/events/theponytailproject

Will you help St Margaret’s girls make a difference?

Nikki Townsend 

Congratulations to the following Primary winners of the St Margaret’s Day Run:

• Milla Roberts, Senior Primary
• Ruby East, Junior Primary

St Margaret’s Day is a celebration of our School’s heritage. The run followed a lunch and whole school assembly. At this assembly, the school acknowledged 125 years of foundation of the Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Advent. It was wonderful to hear about the history of the order and our school.

A significant part of St Margaret’s heritage is service to others. In the Primary School, service is a key component of our Personal Development Program, and through various activities we aim to develop in each girl a sense of empathy and support for others. The girls participate in various service activities, which include House charities, free dress day, Student Representative Council fundraising and year level community service projects in Term 4. Through these activities the girls investigate, reflect upon and demonstrate values in relation to community life and provide tangible examples of the enduring foundations of charity and compassion laid by the Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Advent.

On St Margaret's Day, each of the girls donated cleaning products, which helped them understand the importance of assisting those who are less fortunate. Thank you to all the families for the donations for Anglicare.

Student Representative Council (SRC)

The SRC is a group of Year 6 students who are responsible for overseeing the Primary School fundraising events, which includes a free dress day each term. To date, the Primary School have raised the following amounts:

• Term 1 - $479.50 donated to the Bush Ministry
• Term 2 - $316.20 - to be allocated to a charity
• Term 3 - This term, on 7 August, we will conduct a free dress day for Anglicare where each student kindly donates a gold coin.

For over ten years, the Primary School has raised money in order to sponsor our World Vision child, Fatou. The SRC also raise money through the jumble sale (second hand school uniforms) for children closer to home through the Smith Family program. In the past weeks, the SRC conducted a cake stall and raised $274. Thank you to the Year 6 families for baking and donating to the stall.

On 1 August, the SRC will conduct a Trash and Treasure Stall. The girls would welcome donations of the following items: books, magazines, china, bric-a-brac, CD’s, DVD’s and games. Please bring items to the Primary Office by Monday 31 July so they can be sorted and priced.

SRC girls are organising ‘Woolworths Earn and Learn’. Please send your stickers to your daughter’s class teacher.

House Charities

Two House charity activities will be conducted this year. During Book Week, a book swap will be held. The Great Book Swap is a fantastic way to celebrate reading locally, and raise much needed funds for remote communities. The idea is to swap a favourite book in exchange for another, for a gold coin donation.

The money raised will be donated to the Indigenous Literature Foundation. The vision of this Foundation is to create equity for opportunity in remote communities across Australia, by lifting literacy levels and instilling a lifelong love of reading.

In Term 4, all Houses will participate in a Spellathon. More information to follow.

Each of these activities allow the girls to help those who are less fortunate and to learn from the appreciation and aspirations.

At the beginning of the year a fundraising calendar was issued. Please find attached the upcoming fundraising calendar (PDF 358.8KB).

Bands Concert

Congratulations to all the students who participated in the Bands Concert last week. The girls’ performances were a testament to their effort, commitment and music teachers. It was wonderful to witness and be entertained. Thank you to Mrs Emmett, Mrs Cruttenden and Mrs Erasmus for supporting the girls on the night.

School Crossing

St Margaret’s Primary School has a supervised crossing on Butler Street. Unfortunately, the Butler Street crossing will be unsupervised by an official school crossing person at all times until a school crossing supervisor can be recruited.

Parents are asked to discuss safe crossing behaviour with their children.

The school will endeavour to have an extra staff member near the crossing to support students as they cross the road. 

Upcoming Term 3 Calendar:

25-26 July: City Districts Track and Field

27 July: Andrews Cup Netball

1 August: Trash and Treasure Stall

1 August: ICAS English

1 August: Primary Athletics Meet

3 August: CPR Meeting

3 August: Years 3-6 Cybersafety Talk

4 August: Primary House Athletics

9 August: Gateway’s Eureka 

Angela Drysdale  

Music Tour 2018

A part of the St Margaret’s Strategic Plan is to broaden student horizons and provide students with opportunities to connect with global communities. In line with this, the Music Department is very excited to offer the girls the opportunity to join with student musicians from around the world in the Summa Cum Laude Festival which will occur in Vienna, Austria during the June/July holidays in 2018. Students will have the opportunity to perform in world class venues such as the Musikverein, home to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as participate in workshops provided by the Vienna University of Music and Performing Arts. The tour will also include time in Prague and Salzburg where students will visit and perform in sites of historical and musical significance. The tour will be open to students in Years 8-12 (2018). A meeting has been organised for Tuesday 8 August in the Arts Centre Foyer at 6:00pm. Further details will be provided at the meeting and there will be the opportunity to ask questions pertaining to the tour. A draft itinerary is attached (PDF 1.1MB) for your perusal. We look forward to having many girls involved!

Community Choir

Community Choir rehearsals commence this week (Thursday 27 July). This is always a fantastic way of engaging with the St Margaret’s community through the medium of music. This year the Community Choir will again participate in our annual Classics in the Cathedral concert held in St John’s Cathedral, singing Leonard Cohen’s classic Hallelujah, as well as in the whole of school Choral Concert held in Eton Hall at the end of Term 3. There is no need to register in advance for the choir - just come along to the first rehearsal this week in the Drama Room (directly below the Arts Centre Foyer). If you can’t make the first rehearsal, we would still love to see you the following week. Please find attached a letter with further details (PDF 222.1KB), and feel free to advertise the information to family and friends!

Classics in the Cathedral

The St Margaret’s Music Department is very excited to again present our annual Classics in the Cathedral concert. Classics in the Cathedral will be held this year on Tuesday 15 August in St John’s Anglican Cathedral at 7:00pm. This is a spectacular evening of beautiful music, performed within the stunning setting of St John’s Cathedral and is one of the St Margaret’s Music Department’s very special music events. Tickets are $25 for adults (no cost for students/children). Tickets may be purchased through Flexischools or at the door. A letter with further information has been distributed to students and is also available by clicking here (PDF 295.5KB). We look forward to seeing you there!

Morning Tea Performances

Thank you to the Flute, Saxophone and Clarinet Ensembles for the performances given last week in the Primary Atrium. The Primary students in attendance very much enjoyed the morning tea entertainment!

Music Support Group Meeting

The next Music Support Group meeting will be held on Tuesday 1 August 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 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the coaches for their efforts in developing the foundation skills of netball across the teams and we hope they enjoyed the season as much as the girls did. An enormous thank you to the parents who took on the Team Manager positions this year; for the time they put into the orange rosters, last minute nail cutting and weekly team captain emails, Thank you!

Our Senior teams have an exciting few weeks ahead. We are hoping to have seven teams play in the finals series this year. Congratulations to these teams and we wish you all the best for the weekend.

St Margaret’s Run

A traditional part of the St Margaret’s Day celebration is the Run around the school. This year we opened with a new fun race giving the Year 12 girls an opportunity to showcase their favourite sport and run around the school for their last St Margaret’s Day. The competitive races followed with some speedy times and close finishes. In true spirit they were cheered on by the whole school as they entered the finish on Circular Drive. Congratulations to the winners:

• Junior Primary - Ruby East
• Senior Primary - Milla Roberts
• Junior Secondary - Julia Elks
• Intermediate Secondary - Bella Donaldson
• Senior Secondary - Lara Crouch

Vicki Wilson Cup

The Senior girls opened their campaign against Albany Creek State High on Monday. The girls, led by the Netball Captain, Zoe Garraway, played well dominating the court and winning convincingly. This year there has been an addition to the Vicki Wilson Cup with a Junior section. St Margaret’s will be represented at the Carnival being played on Thursday at the Brisbane Netball Association. We wish all the girls the best of luck and we hope to share their results with you next week.

QGSSSA Winter Season

The girls played Round 2 of the winter season against St Peters Lutheran College in a home round last weekend. The tennis girls were a little tired after a day of St Margaret’s celebrations, however, in true St Margaret’s spirit played competitively. The girls had success in the Senior C, Junior B and Junior C teams. It was a great result for the Open team with the girls winning by ten games.

Volleyball continued their success with the Senior A girls winning their second round match. All other teams lost by one set and played competitively.

The Hockey teams played on the new turf facilities at the University of Queensland with great results. The Open team were out for their first run of the season and won 3-0. The Junior A girls found form this week running away with the match 9-0. The Junior B had a Bye in Round 2. The Open girls played a mid-week match against a very strong Moreton Bay College and were defeated. All Hockey teams will play at Windsor Park this weekend, one of the only matches to be played on grass this year.

The Netball Parent Support Group was hosting the canteen at Windsor Park and we would like to thank all the parents who volunteered to assist. There were many tight matches played on Saturday with the Year 7C girls losing their match in the last minute by a goal, the Senior A girls finishing with a draw and the Year 8C winning by a narrow two points. Also winning in Netball were 10A, 9A, 7A and 7B.

Nicky Barrie 

We are indebted to the generosity of artists who have so willingly donated their work to our fundraising project - many, in fact, have thanked us for the opportunity, expressing how much they enjoyed the challenge. Others who have heard about the project have asked to be involved next time!

Please pop into the Arts Centre Gallery to view the postcards!

Remember that you don't have to attend the Long Lunch on 6 August to purchase postcards. They can be ordered online via Flexischools (Quicklinks on the school website.) Online purchases close Friday 4 August to enable the draw to be organised for the Long Lunch on the Sunday.

Artists to date are: Nikki Anderson, Angela Antelme, Ari Athans, Graham Bell, Julie Birks, Robert Biscoe, Kathryn Blumke, Tessa Brown, Gaye Brown, Tania Budd, Fred Cehak, Amy Clarke, Deb Cohen, Sam Cranstoun, Susie Crooke, Ros Curtis, Hannah Cutts, Mary Dickinson, Mal Enright, Kaecee Fitzgerald, Charlton Groves, Richard Groves, Howard and Judi Hall, Lyndal Hargraves, Barbara Heath, David Henderson, Jenny Lishman, Rosie Lloyd-Giblett, Via Lim, Donna Marcus, Tara Marynowsky, Deb Mostert, Sophie Munns, Annie O’Dowd, Abbie Ongheen, Felicity Parker Gutteridge, Claire Poppi, Marissa Purcell, Martine Robert, Kerry Rider, Pia Robinson, Carly Scoufos, Tiel Seirk Keevers, Wayne Singleton, Lisa Smith, Howard Sparkes, Pip Spiro, Claire Stening, Judy Watson and Marion Wilson.

Jenny Lishman 

Our faithful team of volunteers, Janice Moody (Biddulph ’56), Dawn Jones (Rees ’44), Suzette Purdy (’65), Anne Muggleton (Schmidhauser ’56), Beverley Fox and Trish Barlow played a huge part in tracking down new email addresses and contact details of our past students. We have missed the volunteering contribution of Sheena Dyason (’51), so it was wonderful to enjoy her company at the VIP 60+ Reunion function on Monday.

In addition to the planning that takes place behind the scenes, there is also an army of staff that help create these beautiful functions. From boarding student volunteers to Scott Johnson and his Catering staff, to our brilliant Facilities team who assist with the set up and dismantle; not to mention Alimony (Front of House), Paige (Functions), Peter (IT), Wendy Johnston (Giddens ’79) and her marketing team and last but not least, the wonderful Bronwyn Perry (Thorley ’68) for her brilliant PowerPoint presentations.

This year, St Margaret’s saw over 420 past students reconnect with the school and their cohort in the most caring of ways. We are also very grateful of the leadership and enthusiasm of the Reunion Coordinators:

Class of 2007 - 10 Year: Georgina Elliott, Taryn Pieterse

Class of 1997 - 20 Year: Prue Purcell, Lauren Neill, Marie-Christine Sourris, Kate Juhasz

Class of 1987 - 30 Year: Lisa Prineas (Catouilis)

Class of 1977 -40 Year: Deborah Mills, Linda Allen (Stephenson)

Class of 1967 - 50 Year: Cynthia Dodd (Shannon), Pippa Prior (Park), Rosie Barrett (Ernst)

Class of 1957 - 60 Year: Robyn Besley (nee Galloway)

Our office has received numerous phone calls and a flow of emails, thanking all of those who played a part in bringing these wonderful women together.

It never ceases to amaze me, how caring and kind the past students are; particularly our very special VIP 60+ Reunion group. It is such a privilege to be able to sit with these women, hear their stories and connect with their overwhelming sense of gratitude of what life has taught them since receiving their education at St Margaret’s.

We often hear that past students are nervous about attending their Reunion, mainly because of the time that has passed since they were last in touch. If you are an ‘Old Girl’ reading this, I can assure you - come along - you will truly have a wonderful time reconnecting with old friends. The magic at each reunion is the hugs and warm embraces of having grown up with these women and sharing such a sense of St Margaret’s pride.

Friends of Mayo Long Lunch

Our hugely popular Friends of MAYO Long Lunch will be held on Sunday 6 August 2017. Don't miss out on a seat at the table laden with sumptuous French cuisine paired with beautiful wines. Guests will also be treated to selected art works from Edwina Corlette Gallery, Brunswick Street, New Farm.

RSVP: Friday 28 July, unless SOLD OUT prior. Tickets are on sale via Flexischools.

EVENT TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Event Date and details:

• Fathers’ Dinner - Friday 28 July 2017, $95 per person, RSVP closes 27 July
• Friends of Mayo Long Lunch - Sunday 6 August 2017, $90 per person, RSVP closes 2 August
• Professional Women’s Network, featuring Julie McKay - Wednesday 23 August 2017, $60 per person, RSVP closes 16 August

ST MARGARET’S FOUNDATION

Professional Women’s Network Breakfast - Featuring Julie McKay

Tickets are selling fast for the PWN event, 7:00am arrival on Wednesday 23 August 2017.

Join us for breakfast and hear one of Australia’s leading advocates for the social and economic empowerment of women who believes that the key to success will be converting awareness into meaningful change.

Tickets are available for sale via Flexischools. Select this link to purchase your ticket.

ST MARGARET’S P&F ASSOCIATION

P&F General Meeting

The P&F invites the school community to share their views and ideas at the General Meetings. Our next meeting will be held in the Arts Centre Foyer, Monday 31 July 2017 from 6:30 to 8pm.

P&F Event Dates 2017

Online tickets for the Fathers’ Dinner close at 5:00pm on Thursday 27 July 2017. Select this link and book your ticket today.

Date: Friday 28 July 2017

Time: 6:30pm pre-dinner drinks in Eton Courtyard, 7:00pm Dinner

Venue: Eton Hall

Cost: $95.00 per person, includes two course dinner and drinks

RSVP: Thursday 27 July 2017

Luanne Wishart 

The aim of the presentation is to broaden students’ understanding of the medical school admission process across Australian universities, giving an insight into the challenges of applying and empowering students with free resources and links should they want to research the topics further.

The presentation is also based around answering key questions including:

• Why choosing a career in Medicine might be right for you
• Advice and information on applying to direct-entry Australian Medical Schools
• Requirements for admission into Medicine (ATAR, UMAT, Interview etc.)
• Information on interview systems across different Australian Medical Schools
• Insights into the academic life of a Medical student

The presentation will be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, M4 Room. We currently have several attendees officially registered - with a maximum capacity of 400. Attendees will need to individually register for the event following the EventBrite link:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/your-path-to-medical-school-brisbane-august-2017-tickets-36174542029?aff=es2

Date: Saturday 19 August 2017
Time: 3:00pm - 5:30pm
Venue: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, M4 Room

QUT Update
Art, design, fashion, technology, robotics and interactive design events.
Students and their parents can attend panel discussions about careers in art, design and fashion at Open Day this year. Students are invited to attend a free QUT Tech Showcase on 18 August to celebrate National Science Week. You can also experience Robotronica at QUT on 20 August, with all-ages demonstrations, workshops, games and discussions about innovations in the fields of robotics and interactive design.

Making decisions - online resource and START QUT program
To help students with course and career decision making, QUT’s career practitioners have developed a free online course - Kickstart Your Career. Register now for the next course starting 7 August. Year 11 students can also test drive uni and experience different study areas through the START QUT program in Year 12. Applications for 2018 open 1 August and close 31 October.

Entry program, scholarships and support for elite athletes
QUT is recognised by the Australian Institute of Sport and The Australian Sports Commission as an elite athlete friendly university. Find out about our entry program, scholarships and support for elite athletes. 
https://www.qut.edu.au/study/undergraduate-study/do-you-advise-school-students/news-and-events/news?news-id=118416&utm_source=silverpop&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=qut_undergraduate_guidanceofficer&utm_content=Guidance%20Officer%20Newsletter%20July%20(1)&spMailingID=54503237&spUserID=Njc4NTQxNTM4MzIS1&spJobID=1202605892&spReportId=MTIwMjYwNTg5MgS2

University of Queensland
UQ Sporting Scholarships - apply now
UQ's sporting scholarships support students to balance their studies with the demands of elite-level competition. In addition to financial support, these scholarships offer academic tutoring, facility access, workshops and much more. UQ's sporting scholarships open on Thursday 3 August. Applications can be submitted online.

Engineering and Technology Careers Evening 2017
At UQ's 2017 Engineering and Technology Careers Evening, you will have the opportunity to:

• Hear from recent Engineering and Information Technology graduates about their experiences in industry
• Talk to academic staff and current students about the study options available at UQ
• Ask practicing engineers and technology innovators about job opportunities available in industry
• Discover why UQ provides students with the best foundation for careers in Engineering and Information Technology

The event will be held on Thursday 17 August from 6:00pm-8:00pm in the GHD Auditorium, Advanced Engineering Building (#49), The University of Queensland, St Lucia campus https://uqfuture.custhelp.com/rd?1=AvMo~wrADv8S~xb~Gv9S~yJNYPcr0C77Mv~A~z7~Pv8J&2=11497

Audition Information for Bachelor of Music (Honours) applications
The School of Music has released its audition information for Year 12 students wanting to enter the Bachelor of Music (Honours) program in 2018. Written applications for entry are due by Monday 14 August, with the on-campus audition process occurring between Saturday 16 and Saturday 30 September. Auditions are limited to students performing using classical orchestral instruments, classical guitar, piano and classical voice: https://music.uq.edu.au/about/auditions.

School of Economics Scholarships
Applications are now open for two invaluable scholarship opportunities at the UQ School of Economics: The Year 12 Domestic Australian Scholarship and the Year 12 Equity and Diversity Scholarship.

The Year 12 Domestic Australian Scholarship is for outstanding Australian domestic students who are completing Year 12 studies. The successful candidate will receive a $5,000 bursary each year for three years. Applications close 3 November 2017.

The Year 12 Equity and Diversity is for students who can demonstrate a very keen interest in economics but who have faced educational disadvantage during high school. The successful candidate will receive a $5,000 bursary each year plus a mentoring scheme. Applications close 28 November 2017: https://economics.uq.edu.au/.

Support for international students under 18 years of age
If you have international students who will be aged 17 at the time they will commence their studies at UQ, The University of Queensland Student Services offers a supervision program which approves the accommodation, support and general welfare of unaccompanied international students under 18 years of age.

Applicants under the age of 18 will be identified in the admission process and an offer of admission will be conditional on the applicant submitting a completed International Student Supervision registration form signed by the applicant and their parent/legal custodian.

If the University accepts responsibility for accommodation and welfare arrangements, a Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW) alongside a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) letter will be issued, so applicants can then apply for a student visa: http://www.uq.edu.au/student-services/u18-supervision.

Bond University:
You can apply direct to Bond right now. Applying online to study at Bond University is free and easy. We encourage you to lodge your application as soon as you have decided what you would like to study. There’s no application fee - no obligation to accept a place if it is offered - it simply gives you another option when it comes to making a decision about your future.

Applying for a scholarship is as simple as completing an additional section of the general Bond application form. In other words, there's no need to submit multiple applications. Your applications acts as both an application for a scholarship as well as an application to study at Bond University all in one form. Before you start an application, read our top scholarship application tips: https://bond.edu.au/future-students/study-bond/how-apply.

The University of Queensland: Accommodation guarantee for new students
For students commencing study at UQ and looking for accommodation, UQ's accommodation services is providing guaranteed accommodation for eligible students before they arrive!

Students who will be studying as an international, regional or interstate student at the St Lucia or Herston campuses will receive guaranteed accommodation through the UQ Colleges and UQ's external partners.

Upon application, students will receive an offer within five days, allowing them to plan and prepare for their move to Brisbane. For information please contact Andrea Strachan: Phone: 07 3365 1720, Email: a.strachan@uq.edu.au and Web: http://www.uq.edu.au/student-services/guaranteed-accommodation

QUT For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
QUT’s Oodgeroo Unit offers the Centralised Assessment Selection Program entry pathway from mid-October for QTAC applicants who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and place QUT within their top three preferences. Applicants need to have their Confirmation of Australian Indigenous Heritage from a registered Indigenous corporation and as this process can take time, we recommend students and/or their parents start this process early.

QUT Additional entry requirements and scholarships in creative industries
For creative industries courses with additional entry requirements such as auditions, portfolios or interviews, students must apply online to QUT by 5pm on Friday 15 September as well as applying through QTAC. Students interested in creative industries can also access generous scholarships, ranging from $10,000 to $30,000, many of which are awarded based on creative ability.

QUT Open Day program now available - register your interest
Mark the date in your diary! Visit us on Sunday 30 July to find out everything you need to know about studying at QUT. Register your interest to receive event updates and go into the draw for a MacBook.

UNSW Open Day - Save the date - Saturday 2 September
Open Day is an opportunity for your students to get their first taste of university life. Attend lectures, chat with current staff and students, explore campus and find out if UNSW is the right place for them. Registration will open later this month. Visit openday.unsw.edu.au for more information.

QTAC:Selection guidelines for initial teacher education courses (pre-service teachers)
As part of the Australian Institute for Teaching and Leadership (AITSL) revised Standards and Procedures (2015), all applicants to initial teacher education courses (pre-service teachers) must satisfy both academic and non-academic entry criteria for selection to the course. This requirement applies for the 2018 tertiary admissions period onwards. Details may be found at: http://www.qtac.edu.au/courses---institutions/initial-teacher-education

KEY DATES:
Sunday 30 July: 9am-3pm, Queensland University of Technology (QUT)                                                  Gardens Point, https://www.qut.edu.au/study/events/qut-open-day

Elizabeth Johnston