eNews Archive Issue 24 - 10 August 2017

The fact that the school can provide a number of employment opportunities to the residents of the College is very significant; students living at the College may not be on the site of their universities studies but they are right next door to their place of work. St Margaret’s College is rapidly developing a reputation for academic excellence; this is reflected in the combined mean Semester 1 2017 GPA of 5.84. In fact, students serious about study, should seriously consider St Margaret’s College with its supportive environment.

The motto of the College is ‘With a View to the Future’; it reflects well the support we provide these young women in their tertiary studies and reflects the outlook over the city of Brisbane from the residence which is comprised of two wings – St Raphael (which has 7 residential rooms) and Clewer (which has 18 residential rooms). The rooms are quite large, air-conditioned, have a sink, small refrigerator and several rooms have verandas/windows facing the city. Dr Kylie Armstrong is our College Director and she is currently processing applications for 2018.

Word of mouth is an important form of advertising for us and, if you know of students from any other rural or coastal region who are looking for a safe and nurturing transition from school to the first year of university in Brisbane, please let them know St Margaret’s College is in the process of enrolling for 2018; students can be first to fourth year students, or even those engaging in post-graduate studies. Should you or a friend wish to find out more information about the application process, please contact Dr Kylie Armstrong on karmstrong@stmargaretscollege.com.au. Further information may also be found and applications made online via the website: www.stmargaretscollege.com.au.

Term’s notice of withdrawal

I remind parents that if your child is not returning to St Margaret’s in 2018, we require one full school term’s written notice (or one school term’s fees in lieu of notice) when withdrawing a student from the school. Currently, we are working on the 2018 timetable and staffing and it is important that we have accurate enrolment numbers. In some year levels, we have waiting lists and we need to be able to contact those on the list who are hoping to secure a place at the school. In order to meet the requirement of a term’s notice, advice can be received up to the last Friday of the school holidays. Advice may be emailed directly to me or to our admissions via registrar@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Ros Curtis 

Life in 2017 can be busy with commitments, but young people need to make sure they devote time to their mental and physical wellbeing through exercise. This can be through organised activity such as sport, but can also be through leisure activity that they can undertake by themselves or with friends or family.

I was reading an article recently that talked about the decline in activity levels that many students encounter when they enter high school. This decline often leads to a continuation of this behaviour into adulthood and can even lead to setting up these people for sedentary-related adult diseases.

Young people are all different and so it is difficult to rely on a one-size-fits-all answer. However, the article I read suggested that young people needed to find opportunities for leisure activities outside of the structure of the school and in a way that was personalised.

One thing that St Margaret’s can do to help in this regard is through the extensive extra-curricular program that is offered. I urge all students to be involved in some way. There are many sporting, music and cultural groups that students can join.

In terms of physical activity, there are many teams that a student can join throughout the year. Most sports run for nearly two terms (including training and then competitions). Even if a student has never played or been involved in particular sports before, they are always encouraged to try out. We often have a number of teams of varying ability levels.

It would be great if students start thinking about what sport they might be interested in joining in the future – either towards the end of this year or as a goal for next year.

Karen Gorrie 

This year my family and I will be visiting Assisi just prior to his day of remembrance and will return to St Margaret’s for two opportunities for pet blessings!

On Wednesday 11 October, the Boarding community will gather to celebrate not only domestic pets, but also the working animals and livestock that make up part of so many boarders’ lives. All members of the school community are welcome to come along for a communion service recognising the gifts of creation and harvest.

On Sunday 15 October at 9am, all are welcome to bring their pets along to the Barley Sugar Garden for a service of Thanksgiving for Creation and Blessing of Pets. All furry, scaly, feathered and slimy creatures are invited… I don’t baulk at blessing anything! It is a wonderful celebration and I look forward to it each year.

Prayer for the Week Ahead

As I live every day,

I want to be a channel of your peace.

May I bring love where there is hatred

And healing where there is hurt;

Joy where there is sadness

And hope where there is fear.

I pray that I may always try

To understand and comfort other people

As well as seeking comfort and understanding from them.

Wherever possible, may I choose to be

A light in the darkness,

A help in times of need,

And a caring, honest friend.

And may justice, kindness, and peace

Flow from my heart forever.

Amen

(from the Westhill UCC, printed in R. Hunt’s “When Progressives gather Together”, 2016)

With every blessing on you and your week ahead,

The Reverend Nicki Colledge 

This term, we have had a major push for cleanliness and tidiness, reminding the girls of the expectations found in the Boarding Handbook. When girls take greater pride in their living spaces, the entire Boarding House benefits.

Year Level Boarder Representatives have been assisting House Mothers in putting systems in place to create a culture of cleanliness and so far, everyone has contributed positively to this initiative. Girls have been encouraged to routinely tidy and, most importantly, leave their dormitory in an appropriate state before they depart for school each morning. Simple measures such as beds made and floors cleared, helps reflect a much higher standard of presentation, one we eagerly seek for our treasured residents of St Margaret’s.

Dimity Harris 

The new system, which will result in an Australian Tertiary Entrance Rank (ATAR), aims to keep the best of the current school based Queensland Education system while addressing issues relating to comparability throughout the state and the nation. While much has been made of the inclusion of an external examination for each ATAR subject, the changes go beyond that. Certainly, having a 50% (maths and science subjects) or 25% (all other subjects) external examination at the end of Year 12 will require changes in both planning and pedagogy for teachers, as well as placing a greater emphasis on the retention of content to ensure depth of understanding for students. To facilitate this, refined programs will be introduced into the lower secondary years (7 to 10) to ensure a level of cognitive skill development consistent with senior requirements.

All students will have to pass an English subject in senior to be eligible for an ATAR, although it does not have to be included as one of the five used in the rank’s calculation. A student’s five best subjects will be used to calculate the ATAR. One of these five may be a vocational qualification at a Certificate III level or above. Under the new system such vocational qualifications will not result in a separate tertiary entrance rank.

Subject results achieved by a student at the end of Year 12 will be based on four pieces of assessment – three of these will be internal and one will be external. The internal assessment pieces will be endorsed prior to them being used. Students’ results will be confirmed by the QCAA after each piece of assessment. The results of each of the four assessment pieces will be added together to determine the subject result. There will be no scaling at this stage. That is, the external piece of assessment will not be used to scale the internal pieces. There will be a process of inter-subject scaling which will see some subjects contributing more to an ATAR than others. This will be determined by the QCAA and based upon the calculated level of difficulty of a subject. A straightforward example of this is seen with the Mathematics subjects. Mathematical Methods (similar to Maths B) is a higher-level Maths than General Mathematics (similar to Maths A) so 75% in in the former would contribute more to an ATAR than 75% in the latter.

We have worked very hard as a staff to be well prepared for the changes in curriculum and assessment. By targeting and refining our pedagogy we are ensuring our students will be ready to meet the challenges of external examinations. Through a thorough analysis of assessment practices and internal moderation systems we are positioning ourselves very well for the new mechanisms of endorsement and confirmation. This is an exciting time for education in Queensland and as a school we are ready to embrace this new era.

Samantha Bolton 

As we move towards a traditionally busy part of the term, 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 have copies of assessment calendars for this term and they are available on the POD. It is important to note that assessment is held in the last week of school and all girls are required to attend school until the last day to complete all assessment.

Subject Selections

In the past week I have had many meetings with students about subject selections and learning pathways. As mentioned at the Subject Selection Evening, it is important to allow the girls to make decisions about subjects that not only appeal to them because they are good at them, but to select subjects that will allow for growth in skills not yet developed. This well-rounded approach will see girls get the most out of the opportunities on offer. By ensuring this whole-child approach to education, we can encourage and enhance the girls’ cognitive development, helping them to become well-rounded individuals that will allow them to become prepared for personal success in school, life and the workforce.

It is also important to remember that if your first preferences cannot be chosen, it is not about missing out on doing a subject, but looking at balancing the skills that need to be developed or challenged. This week, I have visited each Year 7 classroom to explain their opportunities with subject selections. All Year 7 girls have been provided with a copy of the Year 8 Curriculum Handbook and subject selection options. All students in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 have received an email with regards to subject selection and need to complete the online nomination of subjects for study in 2018. Please contact with myself for Years 8 and 9 subject selections and Ms Samantha Bolton for Years 10 and 11/12 subject selection inquiries.

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 from tutors and other students to learn, review and prepare for assessment.

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

If you have any questions about this program please call 3862 0826.

Nicole Devlin 

7A: Form Captain - Millie Nucifora, Vice-Captain - Mia Reinhardt

7B: Form Captain - Bella Griffiths, Vice-Captain - Esther Quirk

7C: Form Captain - Madeleine McMillan, Vice-Captain - Mackenzie Curr

7D: Form Captain - Georgie Herring, Vice-Captain - Verity House

7E: Form Captain - Josephine Spooner, Vice-Captain - Ella Gibson

8A: Form Captain - Zara Campbell, Form Vice Captain - Georgia Ditchfield

8B: Form Captain - Ashleigh Witenden, Form Vice Captain - Rachel Sands

8C: Form Captain - Sophia Wightman, Form Vice Captain - Elizabeth Ekeledo-Smith

8D: Form Captain - Julia Elks, Form Vice Captain - Chloe Fenwicke

9A: Form Captain - Margot Lisle, Form Vice Captain - Isobel Barry

9B: Form Captain - Leilani Chia, Form Vice Captain - Airlie Ronald

9C: Form Captain - Alice O’Driscoll, Form Vice Captain - Pia Malouf

9D: Form Captain - Rose Couper, Form Vice Captain - Sarah Mitic

10A: Form Captain - Ella Leavey, Form Vice Captain - Bella Donaldson

10B: Form Captain - Olivia Marega, Form Vice Captain - Ji A Kim

10C: Form Captain - Lucy Gaspar, Form Vice Captain - Olivia Trempus

10D: Form Captain - Emily O’Neill, Form Vice Captain - Kate Crawford

11A: Form Captain - Amy Tran, Form Vice Captains - Elizabeth Gooden

11B: Form Captain - Gabriella Reynolds Campbell, Form Vice Captain - Anna Perkins

11C: Form Captain - Lara Crouch, Form Vice Captain - Tiana Wilson

11D: Form Captain - Sophie Ryan, Form Vice Captain - Prudence Brosnan

11E: Form Captain - Lauren Masters, Form Vice Captain - Phoebe Leach

12A: Form Captain - Nicole Sallis, Form Vice Captain - Ella Pearson

12B: Form Captain - Georgia Duhig, Form Vice Captain - Lucy Herring

12C: Form Captain - Alice Commens, Form Vice Captain - Laura Thornton

12D: Form Captain - Georgina Liddy, Form Vice Captain - Georgia Poth

12E: Form Captain - Isabella Montagu, Form Vice Captain - Madeline Wightman

Ponytail Project

It is not too late to donate to the Ponytail Project, with funds currently raised exceeding $52,000. All proceeds go to The Cancer Council and The Minotti Trust. Please go to the following in link if you wish to contribute: https://www.mycause.com.au/events/theponytailproject.

Internet Safe Education Sessions

As part of the Pastoral Care Program, students from Years 3 to 10 attended Internet Safety Education sessions last week facilitated by Brett Lee. A parent information evening was also held, which was well attended. Feedback from students, staff and parents was extremely positive. Parents who were not able to attend the Information night can view his presentation on the St Margaret’s website.

Nikki Townsend 

These results are an affirmation of student and teacher capacity, the learning experiences offered, the teaching of previous year levels and the curriculum initiatives instigated under the leadership of Mrs Trudi Edwards.

On Saturday, when I opened The Weekend Australian, there were the girls again. This time the photo was accompanied by a list of eight principles compiled by Elena Douglas author of the article and CEO of Knowledge Society. In this article, she lists 8 principles distilled from the combined research of experts, including John Hattie - whose research has also influenced our teaching practices in the Primary School. I would like to address each of these principles regarding how the Primary School is working to achieve these principles of practice.

Principle One – Classroom teachers must understand their power to effect change.
Teachers effect student learning through employing practices that have a significant effect size on learning, which include feedback, mastery learning, instructional quality to name a few. This principle also includes teachers working collaboratively to plan for the best learning experiences. This practice has always been part of our teaching and learning planning, as the teachers met regularly in year levels and cluster groups to plan and review student learning.

Principle Two – It’s about the students, not the teachers and leaders.
This principle is in relation to students at the centre of the learning, it is a commitment to helping children achieve their learning goals. This principle suggests a case management approach to students. We have such an approach to each of our students. Each week, teachers meet with Trudi Edwards and review their classroom programs based on student learning. In addition, a weekly learning enhancement meeting is held with key staff to review students who need intervention or extension and a plan of support is developed. As a partner in the educative process, parents are also involved in this planning support process.

Principle Three – We need a whole-school and a whole system approach.
The school has developed a framework of quality teaching and learning which articulates and describes the learning environment, the learning process and the pedagogy (teaching approach) that links the two. All teachers in the school follow this framework. Principle three also suggests that professional learning is most effective when undertaken within the school. Teachers in our school engage in classroom observations of each other and coaching of specific programs is also available for teachers. For the third consecutive year, the Primary School is involved in a school based mathematics research project with ISQ. This project involves staff reviewing our practices for teaching an aspect of mathematics (multiplicative thinking) and looking at the implications for students.

Principle Four – We need a coherent vision for learning shared by teachers and leaders in the schools, and supported by the system as a whole.
This principle is based on the belief that when all stakeholders have a deep understanding of what needs to happen in a school and know their role in achieving this purpose, “coherence emerges and powerful things happen”. This deep understanding is reflected in our School Strategic Plan, particularly the goal, academic success.

Principal Five – Data should drive decisions.
Data provides evidence that not only drives the programs we select to use in our classrooms, but also data is collected in the classroom and used to inform our practice and support for individual students.

Principle Six – School leaders need to lead the learning.
This is a mantra for all leaders in our school, starting with Ms Curtis’ commitment to provide learning experiences to support students in reaching their potential.

Principle Seven – Education systems need to trust the teachers we have and invest in their professional growth.
As a school, we are committed to the professional growth of each of our teachers. Each year, teachers identify a professional learning plan and the school works alongside them in support to achieve their goals.

Principle Eight – Schools must model 21st century learning for all – students, teachers and leaders.
21st century learning is regarded as the skills, knowledge and mindsets needed for the future. These are identified as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication which need to be embedded in learning on a foundation of strong literacy and numeracy. As we work towards consolidating this foundation, these skills for the 21st century are embedded in this learning. This brief review of our curriculum and classroom practice based on the eight principles listed above, affirms that, as a school, we are on the right trajectory for our students and teachers. These principles, however, are not regarded as a checklist but rather they serve as a reminder of the key practices for successful schools and as a base for improvement through continuous reflection, reviewing and planning. I would like to thank all the teachers in the Primary School and Mrs Trudi Edwards for their ongoing commitment to providing best practice for our students.

If you would like to read the full article it is only available by electronic subscription or I also have a hard copy for perusal.

Athletics Carnival
Another successful athletics carnival was held on Friday. It was a wonderful celebration of House spirit that was the outcome of many weeks of preparation. Thank you to Miss Richards and Miss Rowe for their organisation and to all Primary School staff for supporting the girls and their events. Thank you also to the Year 6 parents who worked tirelessly to provide a barbecue lunch on the day and to the many parents who provided items for the cake stall, and to Angela Pratt for organising it. It was wonderful that so many parents, relatives and friends of the girls attended and supported them. Both the staff and girls appreciated your attendance.

After the final calculation, Milton took home the trophy for both the track and field events, while Lawson came first in the ball games and received the Mace Cup. Well done to these teams. Congratulations to Lawson who was awarded the Percentage Cup.

The carnival provided an authentic experience for the girls to practise the art of winning and losing graciously. All the girls were winners as they happily accepted the outcome of their events and the final results. Each girl should feel proud of her performance.

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the carnival as I was attending a seminar presented by international educator, James Nottingham, who developed the concept of the learning pit. His presentation was inspiring and in the upcoming weeks I will address the key messages that we will focus on at school and hope that you will also share at home. One message that is particularly relevant this week, in the context of NAPLAN results and the Athletics Carnival, is that a child needs to give her personal best as she competes against herself.

Student Absentees
We take this opportunity to remind you that when a student is absent, the School must be notified on the morning of the absence before 9:00am, but preferably between 8:00–8:20am. The Primary Absentee Line is 3862 0729. It is critical that parents contact this number and not email teachers to advise of the absence, as absentees are required to be recorded by the Primary Office.

Student Leave
If students are granted extended leave by the Head of Primary School, please be aware that any assessment tasks that are missed due to this leave will be coded with NR (Not Reported) on continuous reporting for Years 5 - 6. For students in Years P - 4, missed tasks will not be considered for End of Semester Reports, and report grades will only be based on assessment tasks that have been completed. Depending on the number of assessment tasks missed, this may also result in a ‘Not Reported’ grade on Semester Reports for students in Years P - 6.

Congratulations to:
Evangeline Phillips who represented her swimming club at the Brisbane Short Course Championships on the weekend. She achieved great results coming 1st in 11 Years 100m Butterfly and 2nd in 11 Years 50m Butterfly.

Upcoming Events:

 Angela Drysdale

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!

Music Tour 2018

A meeting was held this week to provide further information regarding the proposed 2018 Music Tour to the Czech Republic and Austria. This is a very exciting and unique opportunity for the girls to experience performing in spectacular venues in Prague, Vienna and Salzburg. At this stage, we are seeking to confirm numbers of girls interested in participating in the tour. To secure a place on the tour, a deposit of $750 needs to be paid via Flexischools by Wednesday 13 September. This deposit is fully refundable should we not have sufficient numbers to go ahead with the tour. An initial deposit information letter and draft itinerary is included on the links below. We look forward to having many girls involved in this exciting opportunity!

Initial Deposit Information Letter (PDF 293.6KB) 

Draft Itinerary (PDF 1.1MB)

Upcoming Chorale and Encorah Performances

On Friday afternoon, the Primary Chorale will be performing at the National Body of Anglican Schools Conference Eucharist at St John’s Cathedral at 5pm. This promises to be special event for the Primary girls. Encorah will also be singing at St Mark’s Anglican Church this coming Sunday 13 August at 9:30am. Parents are very welcome to attend these services. We thank the girls in both Chorale and Encorah for their involvement with the broader Anglican community.

Morning Tea Performance

Thank you to Serenata and Primary Chorale for their enchanting performances in the Barley Sugar Gardens this week!

Music Support Group Meeting

The next Music Support Group meeting will be held on Tuesday 5 September at 4:30pm in the Primary Music Room (second floor of Chaseley). Please note the earlier start time to allow parents to attend the Trends in Education seminar at 5:30pm that evening. Parents from both the Primary and Secondary Schools are welcome to attend.

Brad King 

I would like to thank the coordinator of the evening, Megan Stanley, for her tireless efforts on such a successful event, which raised an estimated $8,000. I look forward to sharing the total funds raised in upcoming weeks.

Rhythmic Gymnastics

The girls had a successful day at the Rhythmic Gymnastics competition, finishing in the top four across most age groups. Our A Grade Hoop group of Hannah Polovich, Paris Martin, Georgia Duhig and Ashaya King were spectacular and managed the highest score for St Margaret’s. Congratulations to our Year 7 girls who fielded three teams and performed well on the day. Thank you to Nikki Anderson, our Rhythmic Gymnastics Coordinator, Heather Lane and Fiona Shepherd for their coaching and the inspirational captains, Erica Fisher and Paris Martin.

Athletics

Friday night hosted the first of the athletics meets for the 2017 season. The girls are working towards their goal of improving the relays with ten teams running. The Grand Prix 800m event saw Isabella Burdon finish 2nd in the open division, Ciana Jamieson 2nd in the Intermediate and Maicey Lynch finished 5th, racing girls a year above in the 13 Years age group. Emma Pickering placed 5th in the Grand Prix Discus as did Hanna Gustafsson and Lilly Devlin in their Triple Jump events. Thank you to the parents of the senior girls who made salads for our hungry team. This week, the Years 7 and 8 girls are rostered.

Please note that all communication for the athletics season will be through the newly refurbished St Margaret’s school app. If you have had this on your device for some time, simply update the app and head to the co-curricular section for the latest news, meet program and results.

Fixtures

It was a tough round for all sports last weekend with the annual winter cold and flu. We managed to field most teams and crews and many girls in true St Margaret’s spirit put their hand up to help out.

In tennis, we won Junior B and C and our Junior D girls played their first round against Brisbane State High School. The Junior B tennis girls are currently sitting at the top of the table.

It was freezing at hockey and the mist from the turf sprinkler didn’t help! The girls soldiered on having mixed results. The Opens lost a tough game 1-12 and the Junior A won their match 12-0. Also sitting at the top of the table are the Junior A Hockey team and the Junior B girls are second.

In netball, the girls won 6 of their matches. Once again, the Years 7 and 10 teams won by huge margins. The match of the day went to the Senior A girls who fought a tough battle to win in the last minutes by 2 goals. Finally, our volleyball teams won two of their four matches with the Year 10 girls still holding top position on the ladder.

Congratulations to:

Isabelle Simpson (Year 11) has been selected in the Queensland Schools Golf Team.

Kirrily Siebenhausen (Year 12) will be competing in the World Junior Swimming Championships in Indianapolis.

Beck Meares, Head of St Margaret’s Tennis program, who will be coaching the Australian University Team and the World Uni Games.

The girls have been sent information to sign up for Water Polo, Junior Softball and Badminton this week. All information is available through the newly refurbished St Margaret’s school app.

Nicky Barrie 

The Visual Art students have thoroughly enjoyed the postcard artwork on display in preparation for the Friends of MAYO Long Lunch. Girls have been busy hypothetically selecting the postcards they would most like to buy, surely encouraging the collectors of the future! I would like to add my thanks and appreciation to Jenny Lishman and the FoM committee for a wonderful event.

Lisa Smith 

St Margaret’s Students on Exchange

We recently heard from Sophie Cosgrove and Imogen Morison who are on exchange in South Africa:

Imogen and I have settled in well at St Anne’s and, so far, we have had a wonderful experience. South Africa is so beautiful and all the people we have met have been really nice. The weather is much cooler than Brisbane and there is a big time difference; however, we are adjusting to it well. We are both enjoying the new uniform but have had to learn how to do a tie. Last weekend, we both went to my partner’s dairy farm where we saw many animals including cows, deer, rabbits, owls, porcupine, moles and a donkey. We are very excited for all the activities ahead such as hot air ballooning and safari.

2018 Global Exchange Program

Applications closed on 21 July and all applicants were invited to complete an online Cultural Intelligence test on Monday 31 July. Due to scheduling challenges of the panel members, the interviews will now commence on 11 August and will conclude 25 August.

Applicants will be informed of the outcome via email on Tuesday 12 September.

Upcoming Exchange Event

• Students who were on their exchange in Term 2 will be presenting at the Whole School Assembly on 22 August.
• Visiting exchange students will be presenting to the Year 9 cohort in Week 8.
• I will be taking the visiting exchange students on a 2-day trip to Sydney on 31 August and 1 September.

Angelin Achari 

Scott was supported by donations from some of his most reliable suppliers and we extend our thanks to Hillman Meats, Quality Food Services and Richards Brothers Seafoods for their quality produce.

“We are a new family to the school and were impressed with the celebration of art at St Margaret's as part of the cultural life of the school. It was a truly beautiful afternoon; lovely company and a delicious lunch.”

The lively atmosphere in the Arts Centre Gallery was created by ninety people having a happy time celebrating the achievements of Friends of Mayo during the last twelve months. We are especially grateful to all the participating artists who donated small artworks to our inaugural Postcard Project, enabling us to raise funds for the next artwork to be purchased for the school. So many of the contributing artists expressed their gratitude to us for allowing them to participate, which must define this project as a winner!!

Postcards purchased are being delivered to all participants this week!

Besides the Postcard Project, our other initiative has been the inclusion of a Guest Gallery at the Long Lunch. This year we invited Brisbane’s Edwina Corlette Gallery in Brunswick St, to hang artworks in our Gallery bays. This provided us with a magnificent backdrop to the Lunch as well as commissions on any sales! We are indebted to Edwina Corlette for her generosity to us.

The school is grateful to the Friends of Mayo Committee for ensuring the success of such a niche event. The skills, commitment and friendship of Sally Quayle, Cath Hudson, Anna Davidson and Lisa Smith are greatly appreciated. Our Committee now metamorphoses into the Mayo Gallery Committee and so the work goes on.

Jenny Lishman 

Bookings for the St Margaret’s OSHC September School Holiday Program opened Monday 7 August. If you require care for the upcoming school holiday period, please return your booking form before 8 September 2017.

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 7:00am until 6pm.

Location
St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School, OSHC Room (under the Primary School Reception).

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 

Special thanks must go Head Chef, Scott Johnston and his team for the fabulous French Cuisine enjoyed on the day. 

The postcards were well received with the community purchasing over 100 of these beautiful handcrafted designs.

Congratulations to the committee led by Jenny Lishman and supported by Sally Quayle, Catherine Hudson, Anna Davidson, Lisa Smith, Angela Drysdale and Claudia Mazzotta.

ST MARGARET’S FOUNDATION

Professional Women’s Network Breakfast – Featuring Julie McKay

7am 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. Only limited tickets are still available for this event

ST MARGARET’S P&F ASSOCIATION

TRIVIA NIGHT

The P&F Netball Support Group hosted a very successful Trivia Night in Eton Hall last Saturday evening. All money raised will go towards improvements to Windsor Park.

Special thanks must go to Megan Stanley, who did an outstanding job coordinating this event.

ST MARGARET’S RACE DAY

The P&F Race Day to be held on Saturday 2 September 2017 is nearly sold out! If you want tickets don’t delay, purchase them via Flexischools.

Tickets are $165 and include admission to Doomben Racecourse and The Grove Marquee, canapes, lunch and a 5 hour drinks package.

ST MARGARET’S RACE DAY RAFFLE – $8,000 prize pool

Don’t forget to buy your tickets online via Flexischools for your chance to win some fabulous prizes. The raffle will be drawn on the Race Day.

Prizes include:

• PandaPearls Jewellery $2,500
• 2 nights Mantra FQ Noosa and a bottle of Champagne $1,000
• 1 night Sofitel Noosa and Champagne, wine and chocolate hamper $900
• Brisbane Race Club Member Tour and Fascinator by Meredith McMaster $600
• Fragrance and Beauty Hamper by Chemist Warehouse $600
• Black Bird Bar and Grill Voucher and Kiss Photography Portrait Sitting $600
• 1889 Enoteca Voucher and Original Oil Painting by Brenda Stevens $500
• Flight Centre Travel Voucher $500
• 2 nights Beach Ranch Angourie Point $400
• Village Roadshow theme parks Family VIP Magic Pass $400

All proceeds go towards building a collaborative lecture space for our girls.

Luanne Wishart 

The University of Queensland

US and UK Seminar and Application Workshop
The event is being held by Crimson Education on Wednesday 23 August from 4:30pm-6:30pm at the Toowong Rowing Club. The aim of the seminar is to help students and parents answer five big questions: 

1. What's the difference between US and UK universities?
2. How do I apply?
3. How do I gain admission?
4. How much does it cost?
5. How do I know which universities to apply to?

Tickets are usually $10 to cover event costs, but by using a promo code, 'MARGARETS', students and parents can secure free tickets. Please click on the following link to view the Eventbrite page:

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/us-uk-university-seminar-and-application-workshop-brisbane-august-2017-tickets-36571305760

Tertiary application dates:
QTAC: www.qtac.edu.au Key dates for 2018 applications: 

UAC: www.uac.edu.au (NSW/ACT Application) 

VTAC: www.vatc.edu.au (Victoria) 

Thinking of studying Medicine?
MedView (powered by Crimson Education) will be holding a free Brisbane-based, MedView Australia expo event on Saturday 19 August, 2017. The event will be presented by current top medical students and a medical professional, with a focus on essential knowledge/tips on applying to Medical Schools across Australia.

The aim of the presentation is to broaden student's 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: 3:00 - 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
Students can test drive uni and experience different study areas through the START QUT program. Applications for 2018 opened 1 August and close 31 October 2017.

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

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 opened 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 6-8pm 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 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: https://bond.edu.au/future-students/study-bond/how-apply.

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.

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 the 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:
Thursday 3 August
QTAC Applications opened

Sunday 13 August
11am – 3pm, James Cook University (JCU) Townsville
https://www.jcu.edu.au/open-day

Sunday 13 August
10am – 2pm, University of Southern Queensland (USQ) Toowoomba
https://www.usq.edu.au/openday/

Sunday 20 August
11am – 3pm, James Cook University, Cairns 
https://www.jcu.edu.au/open-day

Sunday 20 August
QUT Caboolture 
https://www.qut.edu.au/study/events/qut-open-day

Sunday 20 August
9:30am – 3pm, UQ Gatton
https://www.qut.edu.au/study/events/qut-open-day

Sunday 20 August
10am -1pm, USQ, Springfield
https://www.usq.edu.au/openday/

Sunday 2 September
10am – 2pm, USQ, Ipswich, 
https://www.usq.edu.au/openday/

Elizabeth Johnston