eNews Archive Issue 28 - 6 September 2018

‘Twice a week at St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School in Ascot, Brisbane, you will see small clusters of girls – no more than ten – deep in conversation with teachers.

The students – from Years 9 to 12 – are in Academic Advising sessions, held on Mondays (one hour) and Fridays (40 minutes) which also incorporate morning tea.

This 2018 innovation replaces the traditional form class structure and facilitates a more purposeful approach to academic care – Academic Advising. It’s one of the many ways St Margaret’s personalises its approach to each student’s learning.

The key to its success is not only the ability to have a different conversation than the usual student/teacher classroom interaction (with their inevitable time constraints amidst a roomful of students and a curriculum to de delivered); it is also about using data to provide feedback about students’ progress to drive their learning.

Critically, the power of feedback lies in how effectively it is given and used. Not only must students be given sufficient time to monitor and reflect on feedback, they must be assisted to effectively implement the feedback so it can lead to enhanced learning and improved results.

Academic advising sessions set the scene by providing dedicated time to deliver feedback in a constructive and meaningful way. Advisors assist students to set goals based on their results and class teacher feedback, guiding them to self-manage their learning.

The second crucial element to useful feedback is the timeliness of the data being fed into the loop.

In 2018, St Margaret’s implemented Continuous Reporting across Years 5 to 12 (following successful earlier trials), which provides students with a hybrid of performance and mastery-oriented feedback.

Through a Student Mentoring Portal in Learning Analytics, students view and reflect on their results and feedback, including where they sit comparatively in the cohort, their GPA, and teacher comments. They use this data to identify steps to improvement, set meaningful goals and evaluate their progress.

This process promotes effective self-management, where students take responsibility and ownership of their learning, with their advisors assisting them to develop this independence.

Numbers don’t lie, and frequent interrogation of their results means students cannot, for example, delude themselves into thinking they are trying hard; or if they are trying, but to no avail, their advisor is another safety net to help steer them back on the path to constructive learning.

Numbers, however, won’t tell the whole story. A disappointing set of figures might reflect ongoing pastoral concerns, so Academic Advising sessions can also serve as a wellbeing watch. While all schools, St Margaret’s included, may have effective pastoral systems involving form teachers or Heads of Year, rarely would there be opportunities for such regular, structured contact with small groups of students, which also provide for one on one interactions.

Unhappy students cannot learn, so academic advising delves into both academic struggles and other areas impacting students’ learning or lives.

Academic Advisors are supported through additional resources – complementing their own expertise as educators – to help with conversations around topics like time management, developing a sleep diary, exercise and nutrition.

Academic Advising helps ensure each student is seen and known.

Using data as feedback and establishing effective goals, each student will come to see herself more clearly, too.’

It is the energy of an outstanding staff which has led to the success of our innovations in reporting, use of learning analytics and our focus on student academic and social wellbeing through academic advising. I take the opportunity in this edition of the eNews to congratulate the staff on how well they have embraced and further developed these initiatives to support students.

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

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

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

If you 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.

Ros Curtis 

I was fortunate to attend the celebratory lunch for our rowers on Sunday. I thought I would include part of my speech in the newsletter this week:

As I mentioned last year, let us always remember the whole team, those who won their races and those who did not, you have all shown commitment and perseverance and it is those characteristics of the whole St Margaret’s rowing team that won the Aggregate Cup.

I think the reason we were so successful again this year is twofold – it is the commitment that each individual has made over the season to both themselves and their individual growth, setting those individual goals each week from the start of the pre-season training through to yesterday. Secondly, it is about recognising the value that your contribution makes to the team as a whole, leading therefore to an incredible team effort. After all, it is not one person who won that Aggregate Cup, it is all of you sitting here today who won that Cup.

What is it that makes any team a great team, and specifically what makes the St Margaret’s rowing team such a great team?

Firstly, I believe that you all have fun in your teams. Fun is usually the thing that people leave until last; however, I have purposely put this characteristic first. I love how I see you before and after training ‘all smiles’, laughing together, no doubt having jokes in and out of the boat. That is a great way to build rapport in your team. You must always ensure you don’t cross a line in terms of having a joke at someone’s expense, that’s not what I mean at all. But having a sense of humour at times when that is appropriate is a good thing.

So that leads me to the next part, you obviously then know when you need to be serious, to show focus. Your coaches and coordinator need you to listen at all times, and to concentrate on employing skills, techniques, race plans, those sorts of strategies that require you to be serious about it. Then in a race, all individuals in the team need to focus on what it is that they are to do and to never waiver from that. I think we saw many examples of your focus yesterday and throughout the season.

Another thing I can point out is the sense of purpose or vision that you all have, and that you know the hard work that needs to be done in order to do well. You all showed incredible commitment this season; commitment is needed for success. It can be hard to get out of that bed in the morning I’m sure; it can be hard to say no to things in order to rest, or get homework and assignments done so that you can fit your rowing in; it can be hard to move your aching muscles after a particularly hard session; it can be hard to go out on wet or windy or freezing cold mornings to train, but it has all been worth it.

Finally, I see that you all support and mentor each other, and I think this is not just within your own crews but across crews in your own and other year levels. Our Years 11 and 12 girls, in particular, have shown this characteristic and I know that our younger girls really appreciate the time you take to listen to their questions, help them correct something that might be needed to be corrected or just generally be there to support them when they need it. And I think yesterday, in particular, they showed this gratitude to you. They lined the foreshore yesterday with the parents and supporters to cheer you on and over that line. I felt that sense of pride they felt in claiming you as part of their team and I know that is due to the respect they have in you for the time you have taken to support them.

And to the parents, I think you lead in this area too as rowing could honestly not exist in the way it does and be as successful as it is without the support you provide as well. It is hard to quantify the number of hours you all dedicate to your daughter’s rowing. The shed seems to run like clockwork and it is all due to the support that you provide on a daily basis to your daughters and to the school; please know that we truly appreciate it.

To the coaches and to Jared, thank you again for your dedication and commitment to your crews this year. Your support of these girls and the school rowing program is also very much appreciated, and I think your guidance and support of your crews saw their success yesterday – thank you.

And now that we are at the end of that season, it has all paid off girls. You have won the Aggregate Cup. You have done the school proud, you have done your families and friends proud, and I hope you have done yourselves proud. We wish for you all to continue to do your best, on and off the water, use those skills that you have as a team member at school with your academics as well, and with all other aspects of your lives.

Congratulations to you all, the competitors and their supporters, on a fabulous season. Well done.

Karen Gorrie 

The Retreat included the Term 3 Dadirri Spaces (Being Still, Doilies of Delight, Light in the Darkness, Binning our Burdens and Taking it to the Cross), Labyrinth walk in the Barley Sugar Garden plus a visit to the Sisters’ Chapel for contemplation and contributing to a ‘Year 12 2018 Tree’ with a button of their choice.

An underlying theme of ‘facing challenges and overcoming them’ was experienced also through the task of making a Celtic heart knot with rope… even when all the steps are followed, the final beauty lies in tweaking and refining and taking what one is given to form the desired effect… similar to life itself in many ways!

I encourage you to also give this Heart-Shaped Knot a go. Follow the video at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=7yo5nSXND5o.

Year 12s also took home with them a laminated copy of the following prayer, a beautiful reminder of God’s love and our goodness:

The Knots Prayer (anonymous)
Dear God, please untie the knots that are in my mind, my heart and my life.
Remove the have nots, the can nots and the do nots that I have in my mind.
Erase the will nots, may nots, might nots that may find a home in my heart.
Release me from the could nots, would nots and should nots that obstruct my life.
And most of all, Dear God, I ask that you remove from my mind, my heart and my life all of the ‘am nots’ that I have allowed to hold me back, especially the thought that I am not good enough.
Amen.

Junior Ichthus - 2 weeks left!
There are only 2 weeks left to go to register for Junior Ichthus! Junior Ichthus is our epic camp for those in Years 7-9 during the September/October School Holidays. This is a great week of fun, fellowship and a chance to explore their faith. This is also a great opportunity to invite friends along to have a great week of fun, even if they don't go to church but might be interested in learning just a little more about this person called Jesus.

We have some great things lined up for the week including a fun day out, campfire night and some seriously messy games. So, there will be something for everyone! Find out all the details at: www.aycf.org.au or simply go ahead and register! Chat with Rev Nicki, too, if you have any questions.

Date: Tuesday 2 - Sunday 7 October
Venue: Mt Tamborine Conference Centre
Available to: Years 7-9
Cost: $275

With every blessing on you all,
The Reverend Canon Nicki Colledge 

Living in a community always has its challenges and putting strategies in place to encourage harmony is very important. Firstly, the girls need to accept that there is no such thing as perfection and yet so many of them exhaust themselves and erode their confidence in the pursuit of it. When they accept that, like everyone else, they have many positive qualities but that they also have other, less positive ones, they are able to be kinder to themselves.

Secondly, never judge someone as better or worse than you. We encourage the girls to be generous in their assessment. They never know what someone is going through, what challenges they are facing or what heartache and difficulties they are hiding behind the scenes.

Thirdly, reminding the girls to not focus on what everyone else thinks and have confidence in their own ability gives them strength to make significant decisions for themselves. It is always important to remind the girls that canvassing other people for their opinion can undermine their own confidence and often when they ask a question, they already know the answer. We continue to guide the girls to focus on their values and the values of the school, and if they follow these closely everything else will eventually fall into place. At the heart of all of these strategies is to always remember to be kind to yourself and others.

Lesa Fowler 

In an article I recently read about the treatment of anxiety, the opening lines were "regular physical exercise is a simple and effective means of reducing stress. Exercise releases the natural chemicals - such as adrenalin - that accumulate during stress. Exercise relieves chronic muscle tension, reduces insomnia and decreases depression and anxiety" (Anxiety Treatment – Australia, 2018).

A simple walk in the morning before an exam can help to increase your alertness and concentration, reduce the tension in your body and help you to feel more relaxed during the day. Taking time out for a walk may seem like a low priority at this time; however, if your daughter is struggling to sleep or expressing some concern about her ability to concentrate then it might be a perfect time for a walk or simply just lie down and stretch for 10 minutes. Within the school and home, it is important that we promote healthy eating, exercise and regular sleep. At home, talk about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Provide your daughter with knowledge on how to create healthy habits and encourage her to break bad habits.

Why eat well? We've all heard it before, but it's true. Eating well is really good for you. When you eat a well-balanced diet, your energy levels are optimised, you feel healthier and stronger and your immune system is better. As well as this, you think more clearly and handle tough situations better. It’s all about balance. A balanced diet is one where you eat a wide variety of mostly healthy foods. There’s a big difference between eating well and becoming obsessive about calories, portion size and “clean eating”. Sometimes we can forget that being healthy isn’t just about the way you look or how much you weigh. No food is off-limits when you maintain a healthy diet. It’s just a question of how often you eat it and how much of it you eat.

This is a great little diagram that brings together all of these tips into a simple message about healthy living:

Jo Butterworth 

As a school, St Margaret’s has performed well with our school means for all tests being significantly higher than the state and national means and being listed in the top 20 for Year 3, 5, 7 and 9. The girls at St Margaret’s should be very proud of the results they received and remember that NAPLAN is a point in time measurement of a student, not an outcome of all learning.

As a staff, we are continually monitoring and adjusting learning for all students so they get the most out of their time at school. Our Prep to Year 10 curriculum is directed by the Australian Curriculum, which is guided by the Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians. The Melbourne Declaration emphasises the importance of knowledge, understanding, skills and values a range of cross-disciplinary skills that will support all young Australians to become successful learners, confident and creative individuals and active and informed citizens. Therefore, it is important to note NAPLAN does not test for these global aims and learning is a lifelong process not gauged by a point in time test. The real trouble in education is the current system allowing students to avoid the discomfort of learning and the complications of error. Education is seen as preparation for a test and students have become too reliant on teachers and parents to tell them what to do.

"Every effort must be made in childhood to teach the young to use their minds. For one thing is for sure, if they don't make up their minds, someone will do it for them" (JA Beane "A reason to teach").

As an educator, this is one quote that sticks in my mind. It reminds me of the challenge we face to provide a personally significant learning program for all our students, so they prepare them for their future in the 21st century and not the 20th century. As a school we value teaching opportunities to find ways to allow the students to use their minds to make decisions and not just to store facts for tests.

NAPLAN 2018 Student Report Update
We are still waiting for the delivery of individual student reports for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 and will send these home as soon as we receive them. Information about these reports and other NAPLAN results can be found at the following link: http://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/parent-carer-support/.

Nicole Devlin 

Working consistently during the term will usually place girls in the best place for coping with the demands of a heavy assessment load at this time of term. It is also important to encourage girls to eat well, get enough sleep and factor in some relaxation time to counter balance their study commitments.

Next Wednesday afternoon, 12 September, the Year 7s will showcase their learning in the Toorak Precinct, where many of their lessons have been conducted throughout the year. The girls have chosen examples of work which demonstrate their learning journey and will display a range of pieces from different Faculties. The focus of the afternoon is to allow students to proudly present their efforts and engagement in learning opportunities. Each girl will have the chance to discuss or demonstrate a piece of work to the visiting Year 7 parents and staff. It is extremely important for the girls to be able to share their learning experiences and achievements. The afternoon is about presenting authentic learning that has occurred, with an emphasis on the process i.e. “how we learn”, not just the polished end product.

Also next week, our Year 9 cohort are attending their camping expedition at the Sunshine Coast. The girls and staff are hiking, kayaking, surfing and camping from Bribie Island to Caloundra. Our outdoor education program provides valuable personal growth opportunities for girls as it develops their autonomy, confidence, teamwork and problem-solving skills while strengthening friendships amongst the year level. The camp is expected to be both challenging and rewarding for our students.

Reducing #QCStress with Therapy Dogs
On 4 and 5 September, our Year 12s completed a major milestone in their education: The QCS Test. QCS assesses common curriculum elements, or knowledge and skills that students have learned in all subjects and across their time in Secondary School, and it contributes significantly to each student’s OP.  Students can therefore feel quite a lot of pressure when sitting QCS, and we at St Margaret’s aim to provide our students with the best possible preparation leading up to the Test, as well as support during the Test to help them achieve to their potential. QCS requires critical, analytical and creative thinking, and we all think more clearly when we can remain calm. This year, we introduced a new initiative to assist our students with stress management during QCS: Therapy Dogs!

Many of our students are animal lovers, and our Boarders, in particular, may miss their pets, so we knew the girls would enjoy interacting with the therapy dogs between testing sessions. However, the benefits of spending time with animals reach far beyond simple enjoyment. Research indicates that playing with or petting dogs increases oxytocin, a stress-reducing hormone, and decreases cortisol, a hormone associated with stress. By giving students the chance to visit with dogs between testing sessions, we hoped to send them into the test with calm, positive mindsets that would enable clear thinking.

A team of five dogs and their handlers was provided by the Delta Society as part of a program called Paws the Pressure, which is specifically intended to assist organisations and schools with managing stress during high-pressure periods. The dogs spent time with students on Circular Drive during their lunch break on the first testing day, and the students and dogs both very much enjoyed each other’s company. The atmosphere was very relaxed and positive, and students were visibly calm and confident heading into their second testing session.

Prefect, Genevieve Whitehead shared her experience: “I was talking to the owners who said that petting the dogs releases oxytocin and other feel-good hormones, and I’m finding it genuinely works. The dogs are amazing, and you can see everyone is so relaxed and calm now, ready for the afternoon exam period.”

Overall, the therapy dog visit was an uplifting and calming experience that helped support our students in achieving success in QCS.

Nikki Townsend 

It was wonderful to see so many special men attend the Primary Breakfast. Each girl relished the opportunity to give a tie, which was created from their heart, to their special guest. I loved viewing the father portraits created by the students and was impressed by how many portraits shared similarities with the real man. I hope all fathers enjoyed their celebrations last Sunday.

Fundraising is an important way to develop philanthropy; a concept closely aligned with the School’s mission and culture. For the first time, the Primary school got behind the Secondary school fundraiser, The Ponytail Project, to raise funds for the Cancer Council. The Primary girls certainly went crazy with their hair!

Thank you to families for participating in the Father’s Day raffle. This year, we raised $2,713.00, the first part of the Primary school donation to the Anglican Church Drought Relief. Later in the year we will share the money raised from the spell-a-thon between this fundraiser and our African school.

Our Extra-curricular program is also a learning opportunity for personal growth and physical development. Being a team member is a significant learning outcome of extra-curricular activities. As a team member, students learn to work together, follow the leader and support other members as they pursue the activity. Last week, the Andrews Cup Athletics team competed in the competition with the 10-year-old age group coming third.

Last Saturday, we had one team compete in the Downey Park Netball finals. Congratulations to Alice Baxby, Rose Brown, Gabrielle Butcher, Greta Campbell, Lucy Dunning, Sarah Greenwood, Arabella Harris, Emma Kerr, Ha Phuong Nhu (Sarah) Le, Olivia McDouall and Brigid Sweeney on their efforts and for winning the Grand Final.

Our Extra-curricular program also includes activities that enhance academic growth such as Chess, OptiMinds, Public Speaking (Year 5) and Debating (Year 6). Many girls chose to participate in these two-round friendly competitions with St Aidan’s earlier in the term. A Year 6 team (Lilly Young, Haina Xiong, Brianna Higgins, Alice Baxby, Mokhyada Nanda and Skye Clifford) recently competed in the OptiMinds competition. The girls in each of these activities loved the opportunity to challenge their thinking as they worked together as a team.

In terms of academic development, every classroom learning experience contributes to a child’s cognitive growth and its development was confirmed this week when we received the NAPLAN results with Year 3 ranking 2nd and Year 5 15th in the State. It was an impressive result and in the upcoming weeks we will share how we use the data to inform our classroom practices.

The variety of different book characters at the parade last week highlighted how characters are important to stories. The library introduced ARIA (Accelerated Reader I Adore) our Maggie’s girl who will mind our Accelerated Reading tally bookshelf. More information will be provided next week.

The Years 5 and 6 girls’ cultural development was most evident last week at Arts Spectacular; which was once again an incredible evening. Some parents expressed concern about the visibility within Eton Hall. As a school, we worked hard to address these concerns and we will continue to do so next year. However, I feel to truly appreciate the visual spectacle, it is best experienced by all senses and viewed as a whole. Whilst it is amazing to see the individual detail of the art pieces, it is the combination of the colour and embellishments that make the whole so impressive. As a member of the audience it is the detail of movement, voice, music and visual arts that makes the performance whole and spectacular.

Thank you to Kerry Rider for inspiring the girls to great heights and to create such truly amazing art pieces. Thank you to Tanya Ryall, Jo Wade and the many parent helpers for their support of the girls.

The script, written by Maree Clancy was ably performed, thanks to the Private Speech and Drama students Alice Spink, Bella-Mia Watson, Sophia Manique, Arabella Harris, Alayna Howells, Sophie Ellis, Skye Clifford and Caitlin Williams. Under the direction of Maria Chamberlain and Maree Clancy, the script linked perfectly the songs, performances and the heartfelt message.

The singing and music were brilliant. Congratulations to Highly Strung members; Lily Alford, Grace Marchant, Ruby George, Hilary Davis, Mia Easton and Sienna Kendall for their ABBA rendition. Thank you to Regina Brennan for overseeing all the musical items, particularly the moving finale song. Thank you to Suzy Edwards for inspiring the Year 5s and their brilliant dance and to Mary Surtees for overseeing the lead-up and stage management of the evening. Thank you also to all the staff who worked in the courtyard and backstage.

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. Everyone’s contribution made the evening the success that it was.

Queueing over the children’s crossing
The safe operation and efficiency of the children’s crossing on Butler Street at St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School is dependent on the movement of vehicles within this area.

The school crossing supervisors are unable to allow pedestrians to cross the road when vehicles are queued within the children’s crossing area. A children’s crossing is an area of a road – at a place with stop lines marked on the road and children crossing flags. Any vehicles standing within the children’s crossing area will stop the operation of the crossing.

When traffic is queueing to gain access to either the carpark or the pickup area within the school grounds, parents are asked to ensure their vehicle will fully clear the crossing environment before moving up in the queue.

Your support and cooperation are sought in this matter for the continued safety of the students and all pedestrians of St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School.

Term’s notice of withdrawal
As we are approaching the end of Term 3, I remind parents that if your child is not returning to St Margaret’s in 2019 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 2019 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. Thank you for advising Elizabeth Hook, Admissions and Community Relations – Primary at: ehook@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Upcoming Events
Saturday 8 September: St Margaret’s Race Day
Sunday 16 September: Young Families’ Service, 9am
Tuesday 18 September: Choral Concert, 6:30pm

Angela Drysdale 

Please note that a sausage sizzle, provided by the Music Support Group, will be available for students after rehearsals, from 5pm on Tuesday 18 September in Eton Courtyard. For catering purposes, students are requested to write their name on the sign-up sheet in the Sister Helen Orchestra Room by Friday 14 September.

Student Congratulations
Congratulations to Akari Komoto (Year 9) and Yinghong (Holly) Xu (Year 5) who both recently competed at the Enoggera Eisteddfod. Akari placed first in the Intermediate Piano Championship (Age 12-14 Years) and was also awarded the Jan Lightbody Award for the most outstanding piano performance of the eisteddfod (Age 12-18 Years). Holly placed first in the 10 Years and Under Stringed Instrument section. Both girls performed at the special prize-winners’ concert held on Saturday evening. Congratulations to Akari and Holly on their successes!

Music Support Group
The next Music Support Group meeting will be held on 23 October at 5pm in the Primary Music Room (second floor of Chaseley). Parents from both the Primary and Secondary schools are welcome to attend. Please also note that the Music Support Group Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 27 November at 5pm in the Primary Music Room.

Brad King 

Winter Fixtures
Our teams experienced sibling rivalry on the weekend as they competed against our sister school, St Aidan’s. In Netball, it was St Margaret’s coming out on top with 5 wins out of 9 games. Our Senior A, B and C Tennis teams won their games convincedly, while the Hockey and Volleyball teams played well only recording one win in the Junior B competition and two wins in the Year 10 and Year 9 divisions respectively.

Please click here (PDF 258.5KB) to view this week’s fixtures against Brisbane Girls Grammar School.

Winter Sports end of season celebrations
Over the next two weeks, all winter sports will be conducting their own end of season celebrations. It is expected that all girls will attend these celebrations to reflect and share their experiences over the season. A list of celebrations are as follows:

• Saturday 8 September – Post game celebrations for Hockey and Volleyball at playing venues
• Friday 14 September – Post game celebration for Tennis at an external venue
• Wednesday 19 September – Post season celebration for Netball

110 Years QGSSSA Celebrations
To commemorate 110 Years of QGSSSA all girls in the final round of winter fixtures will be given a purple QGSSSA ribbon to wear proudly during their final matches. In addition to this, the Year 7A teams in both Netball and Hockey with the Open teams in all winter sports will be played at central venues to help celebrate this historical year in QGSSSA. Details of this round will be available from Monday 10 September.

Athletics
The St Margaret’s Athletics squad competed in the fourth QGSSSA warm-up competition on Friday 31 August at the University of Queensland. This year, the Athletics squad is aiming to better their performance from 2017 and whilst there have been many good performances, attendance at training and competitions is required in order for all girls to find their own greatness!! To assist with this, the Athletics Camp will be held at the conclusion of Term 3 on Thursday 20 September to Saturday 23 September. Please see attached letter (PDF 265.2KB) or contact the Athletics Coordinator, Mr Tom Smithers at TSmithers@stmargarets.qld.edu.au for further details.

Water Polo
The Water Polo season is just around the corner and trials for the 2018/19 season will commence on Thursday 6 September, between 4-6pm (depending on age group) for our 12–15 year olds at the Valley Pool. If you require further information, please email Head of Sport, Helen Lobegeiger via email: hlobegeiger@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Save the Date - Sports Awards Gala Dinner - Friday 19 October
The annual Sports Awards Gala Dinner will be held on Friday 19 October. This event is a highlight in the St Margaret’s Sporting calendar and I am pleased to announce that Alyssa Azar, the youngest person to summit Everest will be our special guest speaker and will no doubt be awe-inspiring by sharing her personal journey. The evening will be honouring students and coaches in the following categories:

• Most Valuable Player/Athlete
• Rising Stars
• Summer, Winter and Autumn Team of the Year
• Coach of the Year
• Captain of the Year

For further details, please see the attached invitation (PDF 346.1KB).

Congratulations
Sarah Stephenson (Year 7) for placing 1st at the Brisbane North Regional Gymnastics Championships. Sarah will now compete in the regional team at the Queensland State Competition at Chandler during the September holidays.

Helen Lobegeiger 

Guest theatre artists from the industry attend the camp to share their skills, with past participants and guest artists including Deborah Mailman and Paul Bishop. I was fortunate enough to win the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation Regional and Remote Area Scholarship to attend the Theatre Residency Week. Tim Fairfax is an Australian philanthropist and pastoralist. In 2008, he founded the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation, a foundation that aids people in rural and remote communities all over Queensland. As a boarder, I was able to qualify for this scholarship and I am extremely fortunate and excited to have been granted this opportunity.

Olivia Garland
Year 10 Drama Student

Olivia Garland (centre) in action during her performance as part of the La Boite Young Actors Company earlier this year.

Annette Box

'Artwork of the Month' - September 2018
Congratulations to Leilani Chia (Year 10) for 'Artwork of the Month'. Please click here (PDF 656.4KB) for further details.

Lisa Smith

If you are interested in finding out more information, please contact the Ski Trip coordinator, Ms Phoebe Mawer as soon as possible: email: pmawer@stmargarets.qld.edu.au or phone: 3862 0736.

Phoebe Mawer 

Bookings for the St Margaret’s OSHC September School Holiday Program opened on Monday 20 August. If you require care for the upcoming school holiday period, please return your booking form before 14 September 2018.

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

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

What are the hours of operation?
The service is open from 7:00am until 6pm in the OSHC Room (under the Primary School Office).

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

Palu Ingram 

Delivery and Collection Details

• Orders made by 5pm Monday will be available Wednesday Lunchtime
• Orders made by 5pm Wednesday will be available Friday Lunchtime

   

  Delivery

• Pre-Prep orders will be delivered to the Pre-Prep Room
• Prep to Year 3 orders will be delivered to Primary Reception, available for collection by the student or parent.

   

  Collection

• Years 4 - 12 orders are available for collection at the School Supplies Shop by the student or parent.
• Mixed orders can be collected at the Supplies Shop by the Senior student.

Please email: suppliesshop@stmargarets.qld.edu.au or phone 3862 0776 if you require assistance.

Terisa Arnold 

As part of her cognitive recovery, Dr Codd resumed her Bachelor of Science degree, before completing her PhD at Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) in 2015. In 2018, Dr Codd was appointed as the Advancement Manager at QBI. She also established the QBI Stroke Advisory Board to raise awareness of, and funds to support, vital research into stroke.

We hope that you will join us for our final exciting cocktail event in 2018 and hear Dr Codd’s inspiring story of her determination to improve the chances of recovery for the almost 50,000 Australians who suffer a stroke each year.

When: Thursday 18 October 2018, 5:30pm–7:30pm (Cocktail)
Where: Price Waterhouse Coopers, Brisbane CBD
Tickets: Corporate groups $800 (for 10 people), $60 adult and $40 students (Years 10-12/tertiary)

Race Day
St Margaret’s P&F Race Day is this Saturday!

In past years, each student has been asked to sell a book of raffle tickets. This year we are conducting the raffle by sale of tickets online via a dedicated raffle tickets site. The success of the raffle depends on parents buying their tickets online.

Please click here to buy your raffle tickets.

Prizes include:

1st Prize - PandaPearls

2nd Prize - Getaway at The Beach Ranch Luxury Accommodation, Angourie

3rd Prize - Noosa Family Break at The French Quarter

4th Prize - Golden Hamper, by Racecourse Road Dental

5th Prize - Bottle of Penfolds Grange, 2012 Vintage

6th Prize - BRC Members Tour + $250 Palace Supper Club voucher

7th Prize - Bridgestone Voucher, Nundah or Hendra location

8th Prize - Puma Fuel Voucher

9th Prize - Keri Craig Emporium Pack + Bottle of Pink Moet & Chandon

Whether you are attending the 2018 St Margaret’s Race Day or not, please support this important fundraising initiative by purchasing tickets in the 2018 St Margaret’s Race Day Raffle.

2018 Sydney Alumni Reception
The Principal of St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School, Ms Ros Curtis, warmly invites past students and members of the St Margaret’s community, living in or visiting Sydney and surrounds to attend this special reunion event.

Join us for a special cocktail style reception at The Harbour Room at the InterContinental Sydney with stunning 200-degree views over the Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Watsons Bay and the Botanical Gardens.

Date: Friday 5 October 2018
Time: 6:30pm–8:30pm
Venue: The Harbour Room, Intercontinental Sydney, 117 Macquarie Street, Sydney
Dress: Business attire
RSVP: Friday 28 September 2018 by registering here. 

The event is complimentary, and a selection of canapes and beverages will be provided.

Any enquiries can be directed to the Development and Community Office: Phone 07 3862 0884 or email: developmentandcommunity@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Please note, as we may not have updated contact details for all past students of St Margaret’s living in the Sydney area, we would be most grateful if you could forward this invitation on to other past students of St Margaret’s.

Lara Pickering 

Choosing the right course and institution
Choosing the right course and institution can be difficult, especially when there are so many options. More information is available at: https://www.qtac.edu.au/for-parents/choosing-the-right-course-and-institution.

Griffith University – Queensland Conservatorium
The closing date for audition and application to the Queensland Conservatorium, to commence study in 2019, has now been extended to Friday 7 September. Auditions will be held in early October and study will commence in late February, 2019. Domestic students apply for audition and admission via Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) and will need to pay their audition fee/s through GriffithPAY. All applications and audition fees must be finalised and submitted by 7 September 2018. For all details, visit: griffith.edu.au/arts-education-law/queensland-conservatorium.

Griffith University
2019 scholarship applications are open! Explore scholarship options and apply online at griffith.edu.au/scholarships.

The University of Queensland
Make your university experience easier and more affordable with the support of a scholarship: https://scholarships.uq.edu.au/.

QUT
Find the scholarship that takes your success to the next level: https://www.qut.edu.au/study/fees-and-scholarships/scholarships.

Australian Catholic University (ACU)
Elite Athlete and Performer Program (EAPP) applications – open now. Applications close on 4 December to receive early timetabling support for Semester 1 2019. Head here for more information.

Reminder: Non-Academic Requirements for Teaching Entrance (NARTE)
Teaching suitability assessments have been introduced to Queensland for all initial teacher education courses to assess if future students possess the desired qualities to become effective teachers. Further information is available at: https://www.qtac.edu.au/courses---institutions/teacher-entry.

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

Australian National University
ANU is changing how we do admissions, making it easier for students to apply to Australia's National University. Students wishing to commence at ANU in 2020 will apply directly to ANU in a single application that covers admissions, scholarships and accommodation.

A pathway to medicine at ANU
The Bachelor of Health Science offers a pathway to the postgraduate Doctor of Medicine and Surgery (MChD) at ANU without having to sit the GAMSAT. QLD OP: 6 and other prerequisites apply. For further details on admission, fees and program requirements, visit the ANU Programs & courses website.

QTAC www.qtac.edu.au
QTAC applications are open for current Year 12 students. All applications are submitted online via the QTAC website. Some courses have earlier closing dates and extra requirements. Please check the website for details.

The 2019 VTAC App is now available for download (or update) from your App Store
The free VTAC App offers offline access to CourseSearch and the Prerequisite and Course Explorer. To download the App for the first time – visit your App store; Search for VTAC and select Download.

KEY DATES:

Friday 28 September 2018
QTAC suggested closing date for 2019 applications
UNE closing date Early Entry application

October 2018
QTAC supporting documentation should be completed (while at school)

16 November 2018
QTAC 1st round offer Year 12

15 December 2018
OP released

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

Tuesday 18 December 2018
QUT Real Decisions, Gardens Point campus

20 December 2018
QTAC offer round

2019:
7 January
Last day to change preferences for 16 January offer round

16 January
QTAC offer round

25 January
QTAC ‘top up’ offer round

31 January
QTAC ‘top up’ offer round

5 February onwards
QTAC ongoing offer rounds

Other dates are available: https://www.qtac.edu.au/key-dates-fees.

 Elizabeth Johnston