eNews Archive Issue 27 - 31 August 2023

Pitcher Partners and St Margaret's partner to enhance careers programs for students

St Margaret’s is thrilled to announce a new school partnership with leading accounting and business advisory firm Pitcher Partners.

Pitcher Partners has been a long-time supporter of the school through their significant sponsorship of the Professional Women’s Network Breakfast series and this partnership will provide even more opportunities for our students to access real-world opportunities and develop their skills to meet the needs of today's employers.

You can read more on this new partnership on our website: https://bit.ly/44A1W6t

Year 12 Survey

By now, all our Year 12 parents should have received an email from specialist education consultancy MMG Education who are conducting an online survey of St Margaret’s Year 12 parents, on behalf of the school. The survey gives you the opportunity to express confidentially your views of the ways in which the school has met your needs and those of your daughter/s.

I would like to encourage all Year 12 families to complete the survey. Your feedback is invaluable and will assist the St Margaret’s School Council and Senior Leadership Team to review the school’s operations and plans for the future. All responses will be treated by MMG Education in strict confidence and no parent will be identified to the school by MMG Education. If you have not received an email from MMG Education with a link to the survey, please contact our Director of Marketing and Communications, Ms Wendy Johnston, who will follow up with MMG Education. Email wjohnston@stmargarets.qld.edu.au or phone (07) 3862 0837. Thank you in advance for your participation in this important project.

Term's notice of withdrawal

Currently, we are working on the 2024 timetable and staffing, and it is important that we have accurate enrolment numbers. This is just a reminder to parents that if your child is not returning to St Margaret’s in 2024, 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. 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. To meet the requirement of a term’s notice, advice can be received up to the last Friday of the September school holidays. Advice may be emailed directly to me or to our admissions team via admissions@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.  

Ros Curtis

 

This year we will again be booking tickets for Speech Night online through the QPAC booking system. The following students will be required to attend Speech Night:

• All Year 11 and 12 students. All students in Year 12 will be required to wear a Church dress. Only prize winners in Year 11 will be required to wear a Church dress. Students in Year 11 who are not prize winners will wear their school middy.
• All boarders will be attending. Boarders who are not prize winners or in Year 12 will wear their school middy.
• All additional prize winners in Years 5-10.

Bookings will open for Year 12 parents only on Friday 8 September, and these families will receive an email early next week with the details of how to make their booking.

Tickets for all other year levels will open to the rest of the school at 5pm on 3 October. The prize reading assembly occurs on this day.

Your daughters will receive their tickets at school (they will not be sitting with you) and therefore you do not need to book seats for them.

This year there is the added option of print@home which will make it much easier for families to access their tickets. Of course, families are still able to choose the option of QPAC box office collection; however, please be aware that the box office is a busy place just prior to the event so you may wish to opt for print@home.

We look forward to seeing many students and families at our annual Speech Night and Prize Giving Ceremony.

Karen Gorrie

What struck me about the conference is the consistency of change that we face as humans in the 21^st Century and how adept and resilient young people are at dealing with change. I also reflected on the importance of being still. Stopping. Connecting with our story and the stories of those in our communities.

There is a prayer that we pray at evening prayer:

“Be present, merciful God, and protect us through the hours of this night: that we, who are wearied by the changes and chances of this fleeting world, may rest on your eternal changelessness; through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

May you know the constant and unchanging peace and love of God in these final weeks of Term 3.

Admission to Holy Communion (Years 7 and 8)

At our Term 3 Years 7 and Year 8 Chapel services (in weeks 9 and 10), there will be another opportunity for students to be admitted to Holy Communion. These services take place during the school day. Please fill in this form if your daughter wishes to be admitted to Holy Communion. If you have any questions, please email me: jdow@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Rev’d Jazz Dow

In boarding, from Years 6 to 10, the junior year levels do their prep in the Avoca classrooms and the Year 7 Precinct classrooms. The classroom settings provide an opportunity for cross-grade interaction. This approach fosters a sense of community and shared academic goals. This setup also creates an environment where seeking assistance is encouraged as staff float throughout the classes.

The Years 11 and 12 boarders have independent study in their dormitories. The Dining Hall each evening becomes the collaborative workspace where prep teachers visit to offer their support to the older girls. The Year 12s also have access to the Senior Study Centre until late each evening as an additional independent quiet space. Eton Courtyard, Petrie Park, M’s Café and Circular Drive at times are also favourite spots over the weekend for the boarders to study.

Sundays between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM, all students engage in independent study prep in their dormitories when they are entrusted with the responsibility of managing their time and priorities. The emphasis here is on fostering independence and self-directed learning and organising themselves for the week ahead.

As we close in on the final weeks of the term, the boarding staff take a particular focus on how we manage and prepare the boarders for their heavy assessment periods. Ensuring we are encouraging our students to apply themselves and give it their very best. This dedication stems from the school's belief that education extends beyond the confines of a classroom, and that a supportive academic environment plays a pivotal role in their learning journey.

Gracemere Mataia

One of the presentations I attended was by Dr Tim Sharp, also known as “Dr Happy”, CHO of the Happiness Institute. What I loved about Dr Sharp’s presentation was his discussion about the importance of experiencing the whole range of emotions and experience, and that happiness is not just about enjoying the good times but also working through the difficulties that we will inevitably face from time to time. Some of the key tips he gives are:

• Reach out and utilise your support network
• Learn from your experiences, but don’t dwell on the past (especially on or about things that can’t be changed)
• Look after your (physical) health including making sure you get plenty of rest and sleep
• Try to learn more about yourself and focus on the positives within yourself
• Focus, also, on the positives in the world

These are useful tips to focus or reshape our thinking when we are struggling with various aspects of our lives. The girls should be reminded that there is a fantastic network of teachers and support staff who are here to assist them if they are struggling and need a hand.

Caitlin McCluskey

Evidence for listening to music during study

• Listening to music during study can be helpful to certain students in distracting environments – for example, in a busy coffee shop. In this situation, music can replace irregular noises from the environment with a predictable, enjoyable source of stimulation.
• For some students, music can lower stress levels, which can help improve mood, motivation and study endurance.
• In some people, music has been shown to improve creativity and imagination during study sessions.

Evidence against listening to music during study

• Music with lyrics, or that is too fast paced, or that has a lot of changes in dynamics, has been shown to have a negative impact on study effectiveness.
• Research suggests that listening to some music has a detrimental impact on a student’s ability to undertake reading comprehension tasks or memorise content.
• Students who are musicians, or students who are introverted, often operate better without music during their study sessions.

How to choose music to help you study

If you are to study while listening to music, Olsen suggests you must consider the following points:

• Choose music with no lyrics and minimal amounts of abrupt and noticeable changes. “Distinct changes in music will capture your attention and become a source of distraction.”
• Keep the volume low so music is in the background. “People experience background music in a similar way to soft lighting – it can be relaxing and help you focus on your primary task without significant distraction.”
• Choose music that suits your personality – and what you’re working on.

Chris Dunn

References

Molloy, F., 2022. Please explain: Does music help you study?. [Online]
Available at: https://lighthouse.mq.edu.au/article/please-explain/february-2022/please-explain-does-music-help-you-study
[Accessed 2 September 2022].

Setting a schedule is vitally important. Students need to schedule everything from sleeping and eating, to studying and exercising. It is one of the best ways to manage inevitable exam stress. Students need to look after themselves when they have big demands in their life.

When it comes to productive study, sometimes less is often more. It is recommended that students hit the books in 50-minute stints, broken up by 15-minute breaks. This gives the brain, and body, a rest. Adolescents will often underestimate the amount of sleep they need. Getting enough sleep is key to successful study practices.

Research shows that physical activity also has a very positive impact on mental wellbeing. Eating well is another crucial factor to maintaining concentration and staying focussed on the task ahead.

Nikki Townsend

Arts Spectacular was the culmination of cultural learning experiences with the Years 5 and 6 girls sharing their artistic and musical talents. It was a ‘spectacular’ event thanks to our artist-in-residence, Jacinta Stewart, Marguerite Erasmus, Claudia Mazzotta and Meg Cohen. This event was dedicated to Kerry Rider for her inspiration this year and many past years. The girls, past and present, are very lucky to benefit from her creativity.

The girls’ creativity could not have been so effectively implemented without the support of parents in the art room. Thank you also to the Year 5 parents who organised the food. Thank you to staff who worked backstage and on the bar, Regina Brennan for the Year 5 finale song and Annette Box for her artistic direction and organisation - it was astounding!

Thank you to families for attending and supporting both the girls and the event. Arts Spectacular and other performance opportunities are evidence of our commitment to the Arts but it is also an opportunity for the girls to apply what they have learnt in class and present to such an appreciative audience.

This week, the girls in Years 5 and 6 were provided with other opportunities for performance, OptiMinds, Public Speaking (Year 5) and Debating (Year 6). Two teams ably competed in the OptiMinds competition. Many girls chose to participate in these two-round friendly competitions with St Aidan’s this week. The girls in each of these activities loved the opportunity to challenge their thinking as they worked together in a team.

It was wonderful to see so many special men attend our Primary Father’s Day Breakfast today. Each girl relished the opportunity to give their special guest a tie, which was created from their heart. I hope everyone enjoys the celebration on Sunday. 

A true artist is not one who is INSPIRED, but one who INSPIRES others – Salvador Dali

  

  

Angela Drysdale

Aesop wrote 725 fables in the sixth century BCE and Shake & Stir have dusted them off to present them for a 2023 audience in their original production Fractured Fables. Much has changed since Aesop was around, but his iconic messages remain as pertinent as ever. Our Years 1 to 6 girls will witness a fast-paced, kookily creative, and utterly delightful production featuring a collection of favourite fables, each exploring a moral relevant to the past and present. This combination of books, stories, storytelling, and performance will provide the perfect culmination of this term’s celebration of all things literary and artistic, as well as give the girls the chance to exercise their skills of reflection and appreciation as they observe the actors onstage bring these tales to life. The Question and Answer session after the performance will also give the girls the chance to delve deeper into the arts as a career path as the actors and creators provide valuable insights into their industry and how the girls can commence and continue a lifelong relationship with the arts. We cannot wait to share this exciting experience with the girls for the first time.

Annette Box

  

Music Dinner

The St Margaret’s annual Music Dinner is fast approaching with tickets now on sale. It will be held on Friday 6 October in Eton Hall from 6pm. The Music Captains have announced the theme for this year’s dinner to be 100 Years of Disney as Disney celebrates its 100-year anniversary, with students (and parents) encouraged to come dressed according to the theme. A letter with further details is attached. (PDF 454.7KB)

Music Support Group - Next Meeting

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

Brad King

• Georgia Montague Year 12 Single Scull
• Yr 8 STM 9 (Isabela C, Vivienne L, Cheeky H, Talia S, c: Pheobe M) Year 8 Quad Scull Div 9
• Yr 8 STM 7 (Bronte W, Verity W, Ruby C, Maddie C, c: Lily C) Year 8 Quad Scull Div 7
• Yr 8 STM 6 (Annabelle L, Charlotte H, Maddie P, Sarah B, c: Milla P) Year 8 Quad Scull Div 6
• Yr 8 STM 5 (Indie McC, Amelia G, Sally C, Mitchi S, c: Ivy Mc M) Year 8 Quad Scull Div 5
• Yr 8 STM 3 (Jane M, Ella Mc L, Izzy B, Lucy G, c: Hilary D) Year 8 Quad Scull Div 3
• Yr 9 STM 9 (Matilda K, Coco V, Molly S, Madeleine P, c: Millie R) Year 9 Quad Scull Div 8
• Yr 9 STM 7 (Daisy L, Lilly McG, Isabel P, Deiselle McC, c: Poppy J) Year 9 Quad Scull Div 7
• Yr 9 STM 6 (Emma B, Cadence E, Tilly McD, Charlotte B, c: Hazel M) Year 9 Quad Scull Div 6
• Yr 9 STM 3 (Bridget S, Taylah N, Annabelle R, Jemima G, c: Sophia W) Year 9 Quad Scull Div 3
• Yr 9 STM 2 (Hannah McM, Rose J, Charlotte T, Aila M, c: Isabelle W) Year 9 Quad Scull Div 2
• St Margaret’s 2nd VIII (Lucy W, Tiggy W, Skye C, Alice B, Olivia R, Allie G, Charlotte J, Lucy D, c: Sophie M) Schoolgirls Senior VIII Div 2

Our First VIII crew also placed a commendable second, defeated by a fast starting All Hallows’ crew.

We would like to thank Mr Jared Bidwell, our Head of Rowing for another outstanding rowing season and also extend that thanks to the many coaches, staff, managers, parents and the rowing support group for all their time and energy put in.

Congratulations to the girls on an exceptional effort and a heartfelt thanks to the swarms of supporters who fuelled our rowers with plenty of spirit and loud cheers from the banks of Wyaralong Dam on Saturday.

School Sport Australia Swimming Championships

This past week, four St Margaret’s students have been competing as members of the Queensland State Schools team at the National Schools Swimming Championships held in Sydney.

The girls have done themselves, their families, their school, and their representative state of Queensland proud with their strong performances.

All the girls have made it through to the finals with some of the girls reaching the podium and winning those elusive medals.

The following results are from our victorious girls:

Ruby G Year 9   

•             Gold                      14 year 50 Free

•             Gold                       13-14-year 4x50 Free Relay

•             Gold                      13-14-year Mixed Medley Relay

•             Bronze                  13-14-year Medley Relay

•             5th                         14-year 50 Fly

Cosette C Year 10

•             2nd                        15-16-year 4x50 Free    

•             6th                         15 year 50 Free

Mena B Year 8

•             Bronze                  13 year 50 Free

Gloria F Year 8

•             4th                         13-year 100 Breast

•             5th                         13-year 50 Breast

Congratulations to all the girls and we look forward to having you back at school over the coming days.

Matt Brown

Head of Swimming

School Sport Australia Cross Country Championships

On Saturday 26 August, six St Margaret’s students represented Queensland and competed in the 2023 Australian Cross Country Championships in Stromlo Forest, Canberra. The best cross-country runners from across Australia and New Zealand competed over distances from 3km to 6km.

A huge congratulations to all students on strong performances – Coco F (Year 9), Charli S (Year 10), Ruby E (Year 10), Ginger C (Year 11), Amber N (Year 12) and Isabella H (Year 12). A special mention must go to Isabella Harte for placing 3rd in a lightning-fast time of 21:53 for 6km.

Well done girls.

Josh Partridge

Head of Athletics & Development

Sport Awards Evening - Representative Achievements

Within our St Margaret’s Sport Awards Evening we recognise and acknowledge the achievements of students who represent team Queensland and Australia within their respective School Sport and Club Sport Pathways.

Given club sport is external to St Margaret’s we do appreciate students and/or parents/guardians notifying the Activities Office of student representation at this level. Recognition is acknowledged of those students who are selected and compete within a representative Queensland or Australian team.

If your daughter has represented at this level, could you please email me by 8 September at lknight@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.  

GO MAGGIES!

Lloyd Knight

Year 11 Term 4 2023 (Year 12 2024) Booklist

The Year 11 Term 4 2023 (Year 12 2024) booklist is now available. Lists can be accessed by clicking on this link St Margaret's AGS Year 11.4 (12 in 2024). Orders placed by 8 September will receive free home delivery ($9.95 after) and will be delivered prior to the commencement of Term 4. 

Orders placed after 9 September will be sent ASAP however, Sequel cannot guarantee delivery prior to the commencement of Term 4.

Boarders are able to have their book pack delivered to the St Margaret’s Boarding House for pickup on return to school in Term 4. Boarders requiring their book pack delivered to the school must complete their delivery address as: Boarder – Deliver to St Margaret’s AGS.

Booklists for Pre-Prep to Year 11 2024 will be posted in early Term 4.

Blazer Fittings

Blazer fittings - Students entering Year 10 in 2024 should consider coming into the Supplies Shop to be fitted for their blazer prior to the end of Term 4, 2023. This will ensure the best fit and will allow time for a custom make blazer for the students who require extra or shorter length through the body and arms. All orders will need to be placed by 24 November for a March 2024 delivery. Students can visit the Supplies Shop during our opening hours with a blazer fitting taking around 10 minutes per student. The cost of the blazer is $275 and is payable at the time of ordering.

Uniform Fitting Appointments - Online booking system

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

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

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

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

Trading Hours (Term Time)

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

Public Holidays Closed

We have fun-filled and exciting activities planned for our June/July School Holiday Program. Further details of the program can be found here (PDF 242.7KB). Boys and girls, siblings, friends and family welcome!

Please refer to the attached Information Guide for full booking terms and conditions. We are unable to accept bookings via email or text message. The OSHC registration and Debitsuccess form must be completed, signed and sent back to us to finalise your booking. Please read the information guide carefully as some information has changed. OSHC Registration and Debitsuccess can be completed via the My Family Lounge.

PLEASE COMPLETE YOUR VACATION CARE BOOKING FORM VIA THE MY FAMILY LOUNGE APP

We are very excited to inform you that St Margaret’s OSHC has subscribed to a fantastic online Booking and Waitlist management program called QK Enrol. This program will give you access to manage your own account information, where you will have the ability to make bookings requests and allows you to complete and submit an online enrolment form for your child. You can do this and much, much more all within a parent portal called ’My Family Lounge’.

How do I log in?

Please navigate to the link below and either sign in with your existing My Family Lounge account or Register for an account if you do not already have one. Please note all families who have previously submitted an enrolment form will have an account already set up; all you will need to do is click ‘forgotten password’ and use the email address you used to receive this form.

https://www.qkenhanced.com.au/Account/Embeddable/?databaseId=9385

When making a Vacation Care booking please select Casual bookings, not Permanent.

What is the cost?*

Fees: $68 per day*

Bookings close: 11 September 2023

*Incursions and excursions incur additional costs. These are compulsory for all students and therefore you are able to claim CCS.

What are the hours of operation?

The service is open from 7:00am until 6:00pm.

How can I obtain more information?

If you would like further information regarding our OSHC Program or if you would like to make a booking, feel free to contact me on 0423 547 653 or email: oshc@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Palu Ingram

Tickets include:

• grazing style Italian menu plus dessert, tea and coffee
• special guest speaker Shea Morrison ('96) co-founder of The Goodnight Co. and host of the popular Sleep by Shea podcast
• live music, and
• photo booth.

Sunday 10 September - 11:00am to 3:00pm

Tickets available through Trybooking until 5pm, Thursday 31 August - https://www.trybooking.com/CKNNI

Special thanks to our Major Sponsor KLM Solicitors and Maggie's Supporter Shingle Inn.

Ticket sales close soon for the third Professional Women's Network Breakfast with Jane Carland, General Manager (Australia and New Zealand), Castrol.

Secure your tickets or corporate table for this upcoming event on Tuesday 12 September 2023. It is a wonderful opportunity to attend with your daughter or to host clients and staff on a corporate table.

Guest speaker, Jane Carland has over 25 years’ experience in the energy sector across ANZ and Asia Pacific having worked in most aspects of the energy value chain including Operations, Marketing, Sales, Strategy and Business Development. She also holds several Director roles.

Jane has had the opportunity to be at the forefront of innovation and energy transition initiatives, providing customers with alternate, lower emission energy options. Prior to her current role, she led the development of LNG as an alternative fuel across Asia Pacific which provided her and the family an amazing cultural experience. She is passionate about customers and seeing people achieve their potential.

Event Details

Date                Tuesday 12 September 2023
Time               6.45am arrival for 7.00am - 8.45am
Location         Arts Centre Foyer, St Margaret's Anglican Girls' School
Format           Sit down breakfast. We also invite you to enjoy Barista Coffee from the Wolff Coffee Roasters cart, before and after the event!
Tickets           $85 Adult, $40 Student (Years 10-12/Tertiary).  
Corporate tables $850 (10 seats), includes company logo displayed on table and acknowledgement during event.

To purchase tickets or a corporate table: Click here

We thank our series sponsors, Major Sponsor: Pitcher Partners, Associate Sponsors: Programmed Property Services and Wolff Coffee Roasters, and Supporting Sponsors: Downer, Clear Insurance, Westpac, O’Reilly Shaw Lawyers, Uniform Link and Move Recruitment Solutions.

Lara Pickering