eNews Archive Issue 7 - 8 March 2018

I think it is important in our own community to set the record straight about league tables and the 2017 results.

It would be no surprise to you all that I am not fond of league tables. The reason for this is that I know that in a highly competitive environment for enrolment of students, some schools feel compelled to engage in a variety of practices to ensure they rise to the top of the league table or to inflate the reports on their own website. These practices can vary from not accepting students with learning difficulties at the time of enrolment, to asking students to stay home on the days of the Queensland Core Skills Test or to exclude them from the OP and not provide an alternative, valid pathway. I never know the truth of the stories I hear, but what I do know is that comparisons of statistics are not always like for like.

My other issue concerns the fact that league tables offer a very simplistic definition of an academic school. Is an academic school one filled with high flyers or is it one that shows academic care to each student, so that she has the best opportunity to access tertiary studies should she wish to?

My other issue is this: why is the OP1 – 5 statistic the one always reported? Why not OP 1 – 7 – it appears to be equally valid or perhaps, as I said in the newspaper article, OP 1 – 15 is the more valid because that statistic at least gives access to tertiary studies. It is such an arbitrary choice. If it was about academic excellence, then why not just limit it to the number of OP 1s? (In 2017, St Margaret’s received 6 OP 1s). If it is about being able to enter university, a more interesting report would be how many students applied and received offers for tertiary studies, whether they were OP eligible or not.

The disturbing thing about the OP 1 – 5 league table published is that it does not report on visa students, as they are regarded as OP equivalent. As I said in the news article, our visa students do everything that a domestic student does (and sometimes more because they are not studying in their native language) and they should be considered in any numbers reported. How fantastic is it that St Margaret’s could provide the support and the environment which encouraged these students to achieve highly? 6 of our 16 visa students received an OP 1 – 5. Therefore, 23 of our 84 OP eligible students received an OP 1 – 5. This exclusion of our international students in The Courier Mail report affected our position in the league table, but their results provide evidence of a highly supportive academic environment. As a school, we always report on our visa students because, in our view, our international students should be treated the same as all other students. The good news is that in the new ATAR system their data will be treated the same as all others.

What the reporting in league tables has also done is that it has influenced how some schools are reporting their academic results on their websites.

Some schools are adding students to their statistics if they have earned a Diploma level certification as this provides an OP equivalent score of 9. Also, some are adding the extra bonus points for studying Mathematics C and Languages. These are all practices which can make results look better than they are as one trawls school websites for comparisons.

At St Margaret’s, we are concerned with the outcomes for students, working to achieve the best possible results for graduating students. So, what are the relevant statistics here for our graduating class of 2017? Let’s talk about outcomes and where they ended up outside the school gates:

• In 2017, we had 113 Year 12 students (16 International and 97 Domestic)
• 84 students were OP Eligible
• 29 students were non-OP (5 International and 24 Domestic) as it was unlikely that their OP would have been strong enough to secure, without doubt, a university place.
• Of these 29 students, 22 received a Diploma of Business and/or Diploma of Project Management thereby securing an OP equivalent of 9.
• 4 other students received other VET qualifications which were not at Diploma level
• 100% of our students received a QCE (Queensland Certificate of Education)
• 100 students were accepted into university courses in Queensland for 2018
• 8 students are studying at Universities overseas and interstate in 2018
• 1 is attending a College – Higher Education Provider, completing a degree
• 3 students decided to go to work
• 1 student is having a Gap year

Therefore, in total 109 out of 113 students entered tertiary studies post school due to careful academic management.

In 2016, St Margaret’s launched its Quality Teaching and Learning Framework. In 2017, we commissioned an independent inquiry into our academic program by the Australian Council of Educational Research. Using the 9 domains of the National School Improvement Tool, we were rated high to outstanding in 7 out of 9 categories. The areas we needed to work on in our teaching and learning (where we scored medium to high) and in the use of data (medium to high) related to using assessment instruments to identify where the curriculum needs to be further differentiated. The AAS Testing of students we introduced in 2017 so that we had more usable data, the Academic Advisor initiative in 2018 and the greater use by students and teachers of all the data in our learning analytics program have moved us in the right direction in these areas.

The Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Advent founded our school in 1895 and this is their philosophy which we must pursue:

‘To nurture the individual within a caring community so that each will realise his or her full potential, to engender Christian values, encourage high academic standards and service to others so that all will have not only one goal, but also the inner strength “to love one another as I have loved you” [John 13:34]’

In addition to this there are two key aims of the 8 aims of their philosophy which are relevant here:

• To produce people of fine character and scholarship and to develop each to their fullest potential
• To have each student take part in as many aspects of school life as possible thus making all students better persons and the School a richer place

We remain focussed on this philosophy and to achieving these aims.

As an interesting aside, the ACER review assessed the school in the quality and nature of School-Community Partnerships. We were rated unequivocally outstanding in this area. Thank you for being contributing members of such a supportive and committed community which only wants the best for all St Margaret’s students.

Ros Curtis 

The POD has, in a short space of time, become the go-to place for a lot of information. We are committed to providing you, as parents, an easy to use platform to support your daughter's learning journey at St Margaret's and although much of the feedback we've received thus far has been positive, we endeavour to continuously improve the platform. The survey can be found on the dashboard of The POD when you login or by clicking here. We thank you in advance for taking part in the survey, and ask you to complete the survey by Friday 23 March.

This week, I was so excited to attend the QGSSSA Swimming event at Chandler. Congratulations to all students participating on the evening and all those students who have been involved in the swimming program and who have attended training sessions and warm-up meets. Thank you also to the parents who have driven the girls to their early morning and afternoon training sessions for the season. We have a very strong, dedicated and cohesive team and it was lovely to see many of our students and staff attend the event as spectators and cheer our girls on.

In Term 1 we have also had Water Polo and Softball competitions and our students have represented the school well in these sports too. Sport at St Margaret’s is such a great way for students to become involved in the school, make friends across year levels and learn new skills along the way.

Karen Gorrie

The themes for this Term’s Dadirri are inner deep listening and quiet still awareness:

Be Still – in the foyer you will find a pop-up tent encouraging the simple art of being… being still, being silent.

Magnadoodle Forgiveness – an opportunity to consider an action, a thought or words that we regret. The Magnadoodles allow the chance to write or draw this ‘sorry’, then wiping it clean. For those who wish, a time of conversation with God allows for a deep sense of forgiveness and new hope.

Letting Go – we often hang on to past hurts and pains, sometimes for years to our detriment. Visitors are invited to take a rock or a pebble and hold onto it as they consider what hard and hurtful thing is being ‘held’ inside. IF and WHEN one is ready, they may place the rock into the water, letting go of the pain. Moving forward is possible. Not all rocks go into the water! If you are not yet ready to release the hurt, it can be returned to the basket … Prayer Spaces are open for future visits if needs be!

Teapot Time – I am both amazed and amused that the big fat orange teapot is so appreciated! The comfy couch allows for relaxation. Pondering the teapot itself is a reminder of moments of hospitality and community. Reflecting on such moments reminds us of the sacred and holy that can be found in everyday actions.

Garden of Help – Christians may be reminded that before Jesus was arrested and crucified, he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. He prayed for help. You are invited to write something that you need help for on a paddle pop stick and then ‘plant’ it in the garden of soil.

All members of the school community are invited to visit the Prayer Spaces. Come along this Saturday morning at Open Day, we’d love to see you!

Reflection
Holy God, as Jesus dared to speak and connect with the un-named Samaritan woman at the well, may we also dare to reach out to those who are marginalised and in need. As we move ever closer to Holy Week and reflect on your love for us all, show us those who struggle around us each day. Show us those who despair. Show us those who are weary. Open our hearts that we may dare to connect with their humanity. May we connect with grace.
Amen.

With every blessing on you all in this coming week,

The Reverend Nicki Colledge 

Firstly, they have the option to study in their room independently; secondly, the Independent Learning Centre is open until 10pm for the girls to use, particularly if they need a bigger space and thirdly, they can now utilise the Dining Room to work in groups which is also available until 10pm.

Research into collaborative learning shows that educational experiences that are active, social, contextual, engaged and student owned leads to better learning. There are many reasons for promoting collaborative learning which include:

• The development of high level learning, oral communication, self-management and leadership skills
• Increases student’s retention, self-esteem and responsibility
• Exposure to and an increase in understanding diverse perspectives
• Promotes a positive attitude towards subject matter
• Creates an environment of active, involved and exploratory learning
• Uses a team approach to problem solving, while maintaining accountability
• Encourages student responsibility for learning
• Allows students to explore alternate solutions to problems in a safe environment
• Stimulates critical thinking and helps students clarify ideas through discussion and debate
• Collaboration increases subject matter comprehension, efficiency and productivity

 
Promoting the girls to work effectively together can be the key to further engaging them in the learning process. They will be able to help each other understand content, solve problems and discuss and debate their ideas. The three dedicated areas of study for the boarders in the Senior House will therefore cater to different learning styles and promote better learning habits.

Lesa Fowler 

For our girls, the purpose for reading is most often driven by the focus of the class or assessment task. So, there is a need to understand the words on a page and translate this understanding to the context of the task. Really good reading requires close reading. Close reading describes the thoughtful interpretation of a text that focuses on the details or patterns to develop an accurate and deep understanding of the text and its meaning. There are some key questions that the girls can ask themselves while reading their notes and texts to become reflective readers and connect ideas to already learned ideas. For example:

Can I paraphrase or explain the words in this text in my own words?
Can I give examples to support my understanding of what the text is saying?
Can I generate metaphors and diagrams to illustrate what the text is saying?
Can I connect the core ideas in this text to other core ideas I understand?

It is also important to make notes about the information that is unclear and talk to teachers. For many girls, this has probably been a learning goal they have discussed with their Academic Advisor. So, as the girls read they should ask themselves, what is clear to me and what do I need clarified? These essential questions will help the girls to monitor and assess their own thinking while processing the text.

Achieving a good OP
A frequently asked question about OP calculations is, how do the other students in my year level influence my result? In all school contexts, there will be a range of achievement and essentially a student who wants a good OP must consistently demonstrate outstanding achievement in all subjects. When that range of achievement is wide, high achievers are not disadvantaged provided they demonstrate considerably better achievement compared to the other students in their subjects. In a low-achieving subject-group, this would be reflected in a large gap between one student’s SAI and the SAIs of other students. OP calculations take into consideration both the average and the spread of the subject-group’s QCS Test performance. Low achievers may reduce the average but having a much higher achiever in the group increases the spread, therefore ensuring there is no disadvantage.

The calculation of the OP begins with the results the girls get in the subjects they study in Year 12. In most cases, Year 11 does not count towards your OP. Year 11 focuses mainly on formative assessment which aims to provide feedback on your progress as you develop skills and knowledge in your subjects. At St Margaret’s, there is one Year 11 assessment in Biology that counts towards the OP calculation. However, if you exit a subject in Year 11, these semester results might still be used as one of your 20 best semesters in the calculation of the OP.

Jo Butterworth 

As Secondary school staff we are all too aware of the research with regards to teenagers and reading. In fact, in some preliminary data collection with regards to the reading habits of our girls found that the majority of girls seldom read for pleasure. This is concerning as reading has been revealed as the most important indicator of the future success of the child. This was the finding of research carried out by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Research suggests those who read for pleasure demonstrate an intrinsic desire to engage with stories, texts and learning. Reading for pleasure therefore reveals a predisposition not just to literature, but to the process of lifelong learning.

Reading for pleasure has been associated with a range of benefits, including achievement across a range of literacy outcomes, with literacy levels linked to advantages for academic and vocational prospects. Regular recreational reading also offers benefits for cognitive stamina and resistance to cognitive decline, the development of empathy, and even achievement in other subjects, including mathematics.

Children are heartily encouraged to read in their early years of school. However, once students have mastered this skill and they move from learning to read, to reading to learn, the role of pleasure in the activity can be forgotten.

If reading is just seen as a tool for learning and no purpose is found, then the will to read may not be fostered. They can, of course, read on a screen, but we read in different ways when reading different formats. Analysis so far of the impact of digital literature is that it can play an important role in building core literacy skills, but there is an ongoing debate about whether it conveys the same benefits as reading a physical book. Initial research would appear to suggest that it doesn’t.

In 2018, we have set ourselves a challenge in regard to reading and reading behaviours of our secondary students. This is to reconnect the girls with reading skills and recognising the role that reading for pleasure plays in fostering their reading skills. We are challenging the girls, not only to read widely for their subjects to find purpose and interest, but also to read for pleasure.

Some strategies we are beginning to embed in our curriculums and days include:

• Encouraging them to borrow a book and to take self-selected reading materials home
• Reading aloud to the girls — this practice is enjoyed by teens and adults
• Explicitly teach strategies for choosing books, and not assume that this has been learned in Primary school
• Be role models – read and show an interest in reading
• Talk about books in class, not limiting the discussion to course texts
• Allow and encourage an aesthetic response – love characters, loathe characters, give up on books halfway through, re-read favourite books. Share what it means to be a passionate reader
• Communicating the value of the practice of reading by putting aside time to read books for pleasure
• And reminding the girls that reading is not just about learning for content and analysis, reading is about joy, passion and letting your imagination run wild in the moment.

 

Remember, “Some books should be tasted, some devoured, but only a few should be chewed and digested thoroughly." Inkheart by Cornelia Funke

Nicole Devlin 

We would very much appreciate your support in publicising the event to friends and colleagues who may be interested in seeking a St Margaret’s education for their daughter.

Furthermore, this is a day when we require all of our students to be present at school, in full uniform and either participating in curricular, co-curricular or community activities. Students are to arrive at 9:15 am for a 9:30 am start. Each student has received an individualised program electronically for the day’s program.

If due to extenuating circumstances a student is unable to be at school on Open Day, we will require a written note or email requesting absence to Studentleave@stmargarets.qld.edu.au. 

International Women’s Day Celebrations
This week, the school celebrated International Women’s Day, the theme being ‘Leave no women behind’. The prefects were given the brief for the assembly, where they had to educate our students regarding local, national and global gender issues. Charlotte Caro and Jordan Small delivered an excellent educational address and are commended on their efforts, research and presentation. Please see below:

We stand before you girls, not with a dream but with a proposition. And that proposition is that one day we will live in a world where gender equality between men and women really does exist. But it is not going to happen on its own. And that brings us here before you, on behalf of the St Margaret’s Sisterhood, to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Raise your hand if you know what gender inequality is. Well for those of you who didn’t put their hand up…

Gender inequality refers to unequal treatment or perceptions of individuals wholly or partly due to their gender, and arises from differences in gender roles. To put that in simpler terms, it is the idea that women and men are not equal. But it is not just an idea – it is a fact.

On average, women are earning $253.70 less each week than their male counterparts, simply because they are female. 1 in 2 mothers have reported workplace discrimination as a result of their pregnancy or parental leave, and one quarter of women were sexually harassed in the workplace between 2007 and 2012. Girls, we cannot think for one second that this is an issue that doesn’t need to be addressed.

International Women’s Day is a day that commemorates the movement for women’s rights. It is a celebration of how far we’ve come. As a society, Australia has worked towards offering equal opportunity to women, whether it be in the workplace, in politics or in the home for the last 100 years, and there is a multitude of research and statistics that prove this. But it is not only a celebration of how far we’ve come, it is a reminder of how far we still have to go. It is a reminder that there are girls like you, and women like your mothers, aunts and grandmothers who are struggling to be heard. Struggling to be seen as strong, capable people with incredible potential.

The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is ‘leave no woman behind’, and frankly, we don’t think it could be more fitting. It goes without saying that if we are not moving forward together then we are not moving forward at all. The fact is that we are in this together; not just as students of the school but as members of society. We’re bound together by the awesome reality that we are all women, and that is truly something worth embracing. The other women in our lives have experienced similar adversities to us, and long for the same positive change.

International Women’s Day encourages everyone – not just other women, but everyone – to make a change. Whether it be as small as telling your brother when he says “you kick like a girl” he is actually complimenting you, or as big as leading a women’s rights protest. It is a day for change and a day to make a difference.

Remember girls, that together we make up half of the world’s population and therefore half of the world’s potential. So, let’s get to work and keep pushing for equality.

International Women’s Day Breakfast – UN Women
The Year 10 Student Representatives and Year Level Leaders had the honour of attending the UN International Women's Day Breakfast at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre with Mrs Kelly Alford, Head of Year 10. MC for the breakfast was Tracey Spicer - author, journalist and television presenter. During this prestigious and well-attended event, the students had the privilege of listening to a variety of speakers, including Queensland's Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. There was also a panellist discussion involving Hiba Qasas, Chief Crisis Prevention, Preparedness and Response, UN Women, which was truly insightful. These speakers covered several issues pertinent to the event’s theme, ‘leave no woman behind’ which shines a spotlight on the vital role that women play in humanitarian and disaster planning and response. Accompanying these eye-opening discussions, was a delicious breakfast. The students are very thankful to attend this reputable event.

Nikki Townsend 

This week, the first Andrews Cup event occurred for the year. On Tuesday, the swimming team headed to Chandler for the competition. It was an exciting event with all the girls committed to achieving their personal best. It was wonderful for the school to take out the final event, the elite Open Freestyle Relay (The Springfield Cup). The last time the school won this event was in 2003.

Congratulations to Portia Creevey, Lucy Dunning, Emma Fahy and Anna Lincoln who were the members of this winning team; a wonderful achievement. As a school, the girls also achieved 3rd in the Percentage Cup (calculated on enrolment numbers and results), 4th in the Aggregate (overall results) and the eleven-year-old girls achieved 2nd place. Thank you to Morgan Rowe for her organisation and dedication, Kevin Sargent and the coaches. Congratulations to the squad members who began their training last year; their efforts certainly paid off. The girls’ enthusiasm contributed to the atmosphere and friendly rivalry with the other schools throughout the day.

     

As a school, we are very fortunate to belong to an association committed to primary-age girls sport. Andrews Cup has a long history, started in 1938 by Miss Jessie Andrews, and it is wonderful to be part of the competition. The full title of the competition is Queensland Girls Primary Independent School’s Andrews Cup Association and initially commenced with eight member schools. In 2012, two additional schools (Ipswich Girls’ Grammar and Fairholme College) were invited to be part of the competition. All of the schools in the competition share similar values and traditions with respect to the active participation of primary girls in healthy sporting pursuits, in a carnival style competition.

Member schools are committed to the Association, its values and guiding principles, are willing to embrace change and are cognisant and respectful of the ethos of the Association.

The Andrews Cup Association values:

• Its past and its founders
• Current leaders and sportspersons in the Association
• The culture, values and traditions of member schools
• Sportsmanship and friendly participation
• Sport, physical well-being and primary girls
• Commitment and ethical behaviour from all members of the Andrews Cup community
• Strategic futures thinking

St Margaret’s is committed to encouraging a healthy lifestyle with fitness and exercise, which are important aspects of the Andrews Cup competition. A bonus for our students is the provision of regular training with expert coaches in most sports. Whilst the competition originated predominately for Years 5-7, it changed to Years 4-6 when Year 7 moved to Secondary school. There are also some sports available for the younger year levels. Girls aged 8 years can participate in Athletics, Cross Country, Gymnastics and Swimming.

This year is a very significant year for Andrews Cup as we celebrate 80 years since its inception. A celebration will take place in the upcoming weeks where key people, both past and present, will meet to share this celebration and reflect on the past and look forward to the future and what the next 80 years will bring for Andrews Cup and girls’ sport.

The girls are in the final stages of training and preparation for Touch Football and Tennis as they will compete next Tuesday 13 March. In preparation for next term teams have started training for Cross Country and Netball.

In addition to Andrews Cup, the girls also have the opportunity to play netball regularly as part of St Margaret’s Club at Downey Park. Being part of a Club competition provides the Primary school with an opportunity for many girls to participate weekly in sport. It is pleasing to see the number of students and families who are keen to be part of this competition each year. We are very fortunate to have a range of expert netball coaches training our teams under the guidance of Head of Netball, Mrs Gayle Coutts. We wish all the girls competing in Touch Football, Tennis and Netball all the best for their games.

MAYO Arts Festival Update
Planning for the MAYO Arts Festival (25 and 26 May) has been underway for many months, with many hardworking staff and volunteers behind the scenes preparing. For this event to be successful, we invite the whole school community to get behind it. Over the past weeks many families and community members have offered support to this event through sponsorship. There are naming rights and three levels of sponsorship: support, stall and raffle sponsorship and you may be interested or know someone in the community who would like to help sponsor this event. Please click here (PDF 81.6KB) for further sponsorship information.

Thank you to our Silver sponsor: Barambah Organics

 

 

Thank you to our Bronze sponsors: Racecourse Road Dental and Vanilla Pod

     

Thank you also to our stall sponsors – Golf Central and Strathmores

Thank you to our raffle prize sponsors - Brisbane Racing Club, Brisbane Airport Hotel Group and Datacom

Many parents run stalls on the day, which are very successful because of the donations from the school community. Next term, we will be asking for donations for these stalls. We thank you in anticipation of your support for donations for the MAYO Arts Festival.

Angela Drysdale

ICAS Competitions
The annual International Competitions and Assessment for Schools (ICAS) are being conducted again by the University of New South Wales. These competitions take place throughout Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific region.

This year, we would like to offer students in Years 3 - 6 the opportunity to nominate and pay to participate in these competitions. Each competition will be run during the school day under strict timed conditions on the following dates: 

Tuesday 29 May - Science, $10.20
Tuesday 14 June - Writing, $20.40
Tuesday 31 July - English, $10.20
Tuesday 14 August - Maths, $10.20

If you wish to enter your child in any or all the competitions, please pay via Flexishools, available through the POD by 5:00pm Friday 27 April 2018. The booking system will close at this time and no late bookings will be able to be placed.

We are looking forward to organising this opportunity for students wishing to participate.

Cathy Cox
Assistant Head of Primary

     

 

The seniors, led by our very capable Music Captains, Penelope Crothers and Gabriella Reynolds Campbell, also organised many different activities ranging from trivia games to scavenger hunts and dance routines to assist in building community throughout the weekend. We also managed to fit in a swim in the beautiful Tallebudgera Creek which was a wonderful break from the hot weather.

 

 

 

 

Thank you very much to our conductors; Dr Olin, Mr Ng, Ms Brennan, Ms Stephan and Mr Gillespie who worked very hard in taking many hours of rehearsals. Thank you also to Miss Bloomer and Mrs Lishman for their wonderful support and care for all of the music girls throughout the weekend.

 

Anglican Schools Music Festival

 

This year once again, Anglican schools from South East Queensland will combine musical forces to present the Anglican Schools Music Festival at QPAC on 18 May. In its third biennial, this Festival is a wonderful celebration of music in the Anglican sector and will see the coming together of like-minded students and music educators from fifteen Anglican schools, culminating with a Gala Concert in the QPAC Concert Hall. Four ensembles will be formed for the Festival including a Symphonic Band, String Orchestra, Choir and massed 350 strong Symphony Orchestra/Choir. This year, for the first time, a work has been specially commissioned by renowned Australian composer Sean O’Boyle to be presented as the finale at the event’s concert.

 

A number of St Margaret’s music students will have received Letters of Offer this week. To accept the offer, students are required to register as per instructions provided in the letter.

 

Tickets to attend the Gala Concert may be purchased from Monday 19 March via QPAC Ticketing (www.qpac.com.au or call 136 246). Tickets will be available at a flat rate of $20 (plus GST).

 

We look forward to this being a very special musical experience for our students!

 

 

 

Open Day

The St Margaret’s Music Department is looking forward to presenting many musical performances at our upcoming Open Day (Saturday 10 March). Parents, family and friends are warmly invited to attend. Below is the program of the music performances for the day.

 

 

Performance Uniforms

For many of the music ensembles at St Margaret’s, students are required to wear a performance uniform. With Open Day fast approaching, students are encouraged to purchase the uniform as soon as possible from the School Supplies Shop. Please refer to the St Margaret’s Music POD page for uniform requirements.

 

Encorah Performance - Queensland Law Society’s International Women’s Day event

Encorah will be performing at the Queensland Law Society’s International Women’s Day event to be held at QLS House this evening, Thursday 8 March. The girls are looking forward to participating in this special event!

 

Music Support Group

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 13 March at 5:00pm in the Primary Music Room (second floor of Chaseley). Parents from both the Primary and Secondary Schools are welcome to attend.

 

Brad King 

Highlights from the evening included:

• Tiffany Mackay – 1st 15 Years 50m Breaststroke
• Evangeline Phillips – 1st 12 Years and Under 50m Butterfly
• Charlize Fahrensohn – 1st 12 Years and Under 100m Freestyle

 

Whilst these are outstanding results, the entire swim team should be congratulated on their commitment, participation and performance throughout the season and at QGSSSA.

     

A big thank you to Head Coach, Kevin Sargent, Swimming Coordinator, Kelly Alford, assistant coaches, staff and families who supported St Margaret’s Swimming this season. 

     

 

Autumn Sports

Our autumn season will get underway this Friday afternoon, 9 March for the sports of Touch Football, Basketball and Football (Soccer) against Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School at their home grounds. All girls will be departing school at 2:20pm and will return to St Margaret’s between 7:00pm and 7:30pm. All students are to travel to and from the venue in their representative uniform which consists of the white representative polo shirt, physical education skirt, competition white socks and brown leather shoes. To view the weekly fixture schedule please click here (PDF 238.2KB).

 

Cross Country

The first Invitational QGSSSA Cross Country Meet will be held on Monday 12 March. This meet will give all girls an opportunity to race, many for the first time this season, in a friendly competition. Details of the Meet can be found below:

 

Where: University of Queensland – Athletic Centre

Times: 4:15pm – 12 and 13 years, 3km; 4:25pm – 14 and 15 years, 3km; 4:50pm – 16 and 17+ years, 3km

 

All members of the Cross Country team are expected to attend and are to sign on via link provided: XC Meet 1 - UQ - Monday 12 March - Sign on

Water Polo

Well done to all our water polo players, coaches and staff members for their involvement in the Brisbane Water Polo Junior competition. The season officially ended last weekend with two teams progressing to the semi-finals on Saturday 10 March. The final standings for the teams are as follows:

U13 Blue – 5th Place

U15 Blue – 3rd Place

U15 Brown – 4th Place

U18 Blue – 3rd Place

U18 Brown – 9th Place

 

The semi-finals for the U15 Blue and U18 Blue teams will be played at the following times and venues:

U15 Blue at Somerville House – 11:45am

U18 Blue at Somerville House – 1:15pm

 

Congratulations to…

Teneille Allen, Charlize Fahrensohn, Hayley Forster, Olivia Peck, Emma Pickering, Evangeline Phillips, Abigail Shearer-Smith, Brooke Siebenhausen and Sienna Timms for being selected in the Metropolitan North Swimming Team.

 

Elizabeth Ekeledo-Smith for being selected in the 15 Years and Under Metropolitan North Netball team.

 

Success at the Queensland Junior Athletics Championships

Ciana Jamieson – 2nd in the U17 800m

Maicey Lynch – 2nd in the U14 800m

Lara Crouch – 3rd in the U20 800m

 

Upcoming Events:

 

• QGSSSA Autumn Fixtures: Friday 9 March at Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School venues against IGGS
• QGSSSA Softball Fixtures: Saturday 10 March at Downey Park against Brisbane State High School, 7:30am
• BWPI Water Polo Semi-Finals: Saturday 10 March at Somerville House, 11:45am and 1:15pm
• Brisbane State High School Cross Country Invitational Meet: Monday 12 March at University of Queensland Athletic Centre
• QGSSSA Cricket Fixtures: Wednesday 14 March at Windsor Park and Tingalpa against Somerville House

 

Helen Lobegeiger 

 

The contrast of multi layered, collaged coloured eyes against the central black and white eye makes for an interesting and cool composition. Well done Annabelle!

Charlotte Caro, Luca Masnata and Isabel Haqqani
Visual Art Captains 2018 

 

 

 

St Margaret’s students currently on Exchange

Margot Lisle and Olivia Magnay are currently on their Rowing Exchange to St Margaret’s College in Christchurch, NZ. We recently heard from Margot regarding their experience so far:

 

Olivia and I both have very intense and busy schedules with rowing, boarding, school and other activities. We are having the greatest fun over here in NZ! We have made many friends and seen a lot of Christchurch. Last weekend, we had the Canterbury Championships Regatta where I took home the gold for my octuple race! We love boarding so much and school here is different to home; it's such a great experience. Olivia and I are learning and experiencing so much every day and we are having the most memorable adventure. I hope that the exchange girls are having the best time in Brisbane and that everything is going well! I will be sure to be in contact shortly! Thank you very much for everything Ms Achari! 

Exchange Meetings

Last week, we had a successful planning meeting with Ms Labinsky and the International Captains in preparation for our Open Day display this weekend. In our meetings this week, the girls engaged in scenario-based group activities discussing potential situations that may occur while on exchange and what strategies to utilise to tackle them. These will occur throughout the year as we prepare the girls for their exchanges.

 

      

 

Upcoming Events:

 

• 10 March – Exchange Stall at Open Day
• 13 March - 2017 students who were away on their exchanges in Terms 3 and 4 last year will be presenting at the whole school assembly
• 15 March - Visiting Exchange Students have a ‘meet and greet’ lunch with Ms Curtis, Principal and Ms Gorrie, Deputy Principal
• Feedback sessions with students from the 2017 Exchange Program continue with Ms Gorrie and Ms Achari
• 22 March - Presentation of Certificates at the Year 11 Assembly to the 2017 Exchange Students who were away on their exchange in Term 4 last year.

 

Angelin Achari 

Bookings for the St Margaret’s OSHC April School Holiday Program opened on Monday 26 February. If you require care for the upcoming school holiday period, please return your booking form before 16 March 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 

CASE Space School is a once in a lifetime opportunity where students will take part in immersive and exclusive STEAM and space science activities. Students undergo simulated astronaut training at the US Space and Rocket Centre in Huntsville, Alabama and explore NASA’s hub of human spaceflight activity, the Johnson Space Centre in Houston, Texas. Underpinned by a strong focus on leadership, personal growth and development, CASE Space School is a highly experiential and enriching experience that inspires and equips students for future success.

Secure your seat at our upcoming Information Evening and receive a complete information kit, please RSVP at: actura.com.au/agsa. For further details, please click here (PDF 10.3MB).

Chris Dunn 

Mothers’ Luncheon wrap up!
It was indeed a grand occasion last Friday, when 337 fabulous Mothers’ and friends of St Margaret’s gathered at Hotel Grand Chancellor for the Annual P&F Mothers’ Luncheon. This record sell-out event had everyone in great spirits, with a fashion parade from Blue Bungalow adding an element of flair and fun.

We encourage you to support the generous businesses that donated to the Mothers’ Luncheon Raffle. Their generosity to the school community ensures its projects and events are successful. Thank you to the following businesses for giving so generously to our event:

• McKinney’s Jewellers
• Wallace Bishop
• Hotel Grand Chancellor
• The Palace Supper Club
• Libertine Perfumerie
• Realskin Clinic
• Chemist Warehouse
• Blue Bungalow
• Boston Salon
• Wolff Coffee
• Jocelyn’s Provision
• The Golden Pig
• Achieve
• The Defiant Duck
• Dance Barre
• Blow Inn
• Byblos
• Il Verde
• Platinum Travel Corporate
• Mammojo
• Vogelhaus
• Smart Candles
• Belle Property
• I Hate Cooking

 
An extended thank you to everyone that helped make this event such a success, the P&F Event Organisers – Angela Pratt and Anthea Damman – who worked tirelessly to ensure that everyone had a truly wonderful time.

We look forward to doing it again in 2019!

Father Daughter Breakfast – Wednesday 28 March
LIMITED TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILALE BUT ARE SELLING FAST!

Date: Wednesday 28 March
Time: 6:45am for a 7:00am start, 8:00am finish
Cost:  $35 per adult, $25 per student (Years 7 to 12)
RSVP: Wednesday 21 March 2018 (or unless SOLD OUT earlier)
Purchase your tickets via Flexischools today.

Nominations for the 2018 Past Students Awards – CLOSING SOON
Do you know an Old Girl deserving of recognition? The Past Student Awards have been established to recognise the many achievements of St Margaret’s Past Students, both professionally and personally and to celebrate the diverse achievements of Past Students more broadly.

They also provide an opportunity to share stories of success and increase connections between the School and Past Students to honour their legacy.

The two award categories are:

1. Distinguished Past Student
2. Young Past Student of Distinction

 

Nominations close on Monday 12 March 2018 at 5pm (AEST) and winners will be announced at the Awards Dinner on Friday 20 April 2018.

The nomination form can be downloaded from the St Margaret’s website.

St Margaret’s is coming to Hong Kong!
A lunch reception will be hosted in Hong Kong by the Principal, Ms Ros Curtis on Saturday 24 March 2018. All past and future students, and parents living in Hong Kong are warmly invited to attend.

Date: Saturday 24 March 2018
Time: 11:30am - 2:00pm
Venue: Renaissance Harbour View Hotel Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong

An email invitation has been sent with details on how to register. Please contact us by emailing: developmentandcommunity@stmargarets.qld.edu.au if you have not received your invitation.

Old Girls' Events 2018
OGA Annual Brunch – Sunday 3 June
10 Year Reunion – Class of 2008 – Friday 27 July
20 Year Reunion – Class of 1998 – Friday 27 July
30 Year Reunion – Class of 1988 – Friday 27 July
40 Year Reunion – Class of 1978 – Saturday 28 July
50 Year Reunion – Class of 1968 – Saturday 28 July
60 Year Reunion – Class of 1958 – Saturday 28 July
Chapel Service and Morning Tea – Sunday 29 July
60+ Year Reunion – Monday 30 July
AGM – Tuesday 27 November

Lara Pickering 

Letz Live/Tutors Worldwide information evenings are a great way for likeminded travellers to learn about the multiple programs and opportunities available to you. The information evening includes a quirky presentation, which will surely induce the travel bug once again. After the presentation, the team will answer any questions or queries you may have and also meet and chat with some of the team from Letz Live/Tutors Worldwide. So, if you are interested in learning more about what Letz Live/Tutors Worldwide has to offer then please come along. Parents and friends are more than welcome to attend.

To attend, please be sure to register yourself and any other family or friends that want to attend, as there are a limited number of tickets available. Tickets are free!
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/letz-livetutors-worldwide-gap-year-information-evening-brisbane-tickets-43577659954

Date and Time: Thursday 15 March 2018, 7:00pm – 8:00pm AEST
Location: Indooroopilly Library, Level 4, 322 Moggill Rd, Indooroopilly, QLD 4068

UQ’s 2019 Undergraduate Guide is now available from the Careers Display in the Library.

UQ New in 2018: Bachelor of Computer Science
UQ's new three-year Bachelor of Computer Science offers exciting opportunities for students to specialise in emerging technologies such as cyber security, data science and artificial intelligence.

Students will develop an innovative skillset to take their place at the forefront of the digital technology revolution by combining the study of algorithms and data structures, with practical challenges of implementing them in hardware and software systems.

Coursework explores programming, databases, operating systems, networks and algorithms. Students will exit this program with strong analytical, logical and development skills necessary to advance computing, its applications and beyond.

Computer Science is available as a dual program with Arts, Science, Engineering (Honours) and Mathematics. Majors in this program include: 

• Cyber Security
• Data Science
• Machine Learning
• Programming Languages
• Scientific Computing

 

More information is available at: https://future-students.uq.edu.au/study/program/Bachelor-of-Computer-Science-2425.

UQ Experience Science - register now
Experience Science is a free event, providing students in Years 10-12 the opportunity to discover what studying Science is like at UQ. With programs occurring across Thursday 12 July - Tuesday 17 July, this event is facilitated by experts from UQ and industry, and provides hands-on, interactive Science workshops. More information is available from: http://www.science.uq.edu.au/expsci.

UMAT
UMAT is developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) on behalf of the UMAT Consortium universities. The test is used specifically to assist with the selection of students into the medicine, dentistry and health science degree programs at undergraduate level at the universities listed on this website: https://umat.acer.edu.au/. Registrations for UMAT 2018 are now open. Copies of the Information Booklet can be downloaded from the UMAT website. Please note that before registering for the test students are required to carefully read the UMAT 2018 Information Booklet, which will only be available online from the UMAT website.

UMAT 2018 Key Dates:
Registrations opened first week in December 2017
Registrations close Friday 1 June 2018, 5pm AEST
Late registrations close Friday 15 June 2018, 5pm AEST
Applications for Special Testing Conditions close Friday 15 June 2018
UMAT test date Wednesday 25 July 2018
Results released Mid-September 2018

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

UMAT Preparation
Your Path to Medical School: Brisbane – 24 March 2018 by MedView
Are you considering studying Medicine in Australia? We're inviting you to come along to our free information session. We'll provide you with the insights, tips and hints into everything there is to know about applying for and attending Medical School in Australia.

This is an event for the whole family, so we'd highly recommend both students and parents coming along together to make sure everyone has the same information.

Date: Saturday 24 March 2018
Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm
Location: TBC, Brisbane, Australia
Cost: FREE
Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/your-path-to-medical-school-brisbane-march-2018-tickets-43113277975

If tickets have sold out and you would like to be put on the registration list for our next expo, please contact Djenna at: d.rowling@crimsoneducation.org.

MedEntry: If you are interested in studying Medicine or a career in health that requires sitting the UMAT test, visit the MedEntry website for assistance in your preparation: www.MedEntry.edu.au. MedEntry is the only government accredited training organisation for UMAT preparation.

MedStart: is an organisation that assists students to prepare for UMAT. Courses are available in Brisbane. Check the MedStart website: http://www.medstart.com.au/#home for more details.

The University of Queensland
Changes to the Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours)
In 2018, The University of Queensland will be introducing an additional entry requirement for prospective students applying for the Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours). This change will impact current Year 12 students applying for study in 2019.

This new entry requirement, a Situational Judgement Test (SJT), is an on-line, video-scenario based test with 12 sections and open-ended questions. The University recognises that attributes such as resilience, critical thinking and communication skills that are essential for veterinarians are not reflected in academic performance alone. The SJT will be used to assist in the selection of a student cohort best equipped for the rigours of the profession.

The test will be held between July and September 2018 with multiple tests dates. Students need to have access to a computer with reliable internet connection, a web-cam and hold photo identification and can be completed at home or at a library/community centre or another suitable location. The cost to complete the test is approximately $80 and students should allow 90 minutes to complete the test.

Further details about how and when to complete the SJT will be available soon via: https://future-students.uq.edu.au/study/program/Bachelor-of-Veterinary-Science-Honours-2378.

Where can I go for more information?
Visit the CASPer website and view the FAQs: https://takecasper.com/faq/.

2018 FEAST Program
Expressions of Interest for the 2018 FEAST Program are now open. Future Experiences in Agriculture, Science and Technology (FEAST) is a five day residential program designed to inspire and inform high school students of the range of exciting and rewarding science careers in the agriculture, animal, plant and food sectors.

Why attend FEAST?

• test drive university and meet other students with similar interests
• explore science disciplines through hands on activities and workshops
• attend industry run sessions reinforcing the many exciting career outcomes on offer to graduates
• experience living in the Halls of Residence and take part in fun social and sporting activities
• chat with current university students and staff and have all your questions answered
• expand your knowledge of UQ study options and programs, careers and campus life

 

Cost: $450.00. Price includes 4 nights accommodation, all meals, program activities and bus tours.
Where: The University of Queensland
When: 1 July - 5 July 2018
Enquiries: science.events@uq.edu.au

FEAST is open to students in Years 10, 11 and 12; however, preference will be given to Years 11 and 12 students if numbers are limited.

Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
New opportunities in creative industries
Design degrees
From 2019, we will introduce a three-year Bachelor of Design, replacing the four-year Bachelor of Design (Honours), and offer many new double degrees. Further information about these new offerings for 2019 will be available on our study website from late March 2018.

QUT event date claimers
We offer many opportunities for students to talk to QUT and make sure they have all the information they need to make decisions about their future. Events for your students' calendars include Subject Selection for STEM Careers (9 May), Parent Information Seminar (15 May).

Students can gain assumed knowledge or prerequisites
Students who didn't select subjects to meet assumed knowledge or prerequisites for their preferred university courses can pick up this knowledge, while at school or during summer before they start university, by studying a QUT bridging course in Maths B, Chemistry or Physics.

Tertiary Open Days
There are many benefits to attending an Open Day: 

• See the facilities
• Collect information on courses
• Talk to current students
• Find out about the local area (if you are moving away from home)
• Investigate available funding
• Make new friends

 

Questions to ask yourself 

• Do you like the feel of the university?
• Are the courses right for you?
• Do you feel comfortable with the facilities and the lecturers?
• Can you see yourself studying here for the next few years?

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Southern Cross University (SCU)
29 July 2018 - Gold Coast Open Day, 10am-12pm

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

University of Southern Queensland (USQ)
19 August 2018 (Sunday) - USQ Toowoomba
1 September 2018 (Saturday) - USQ Ipswich
7 September 2018 (Friday) - USQ Springfield

KEY DATES:
Friday 11 and Saturday 12 May 2018
The National Careers and Employment EXPO (Brisbane Convention Centre)

Friday 1 June
UMAT Registrations close 5pm

Wednesday 25 July
UMAT Exam

Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 July 2018
The 37th annual Tertiary Studies Expo (TSXPO), Australia's largest tertiary studies expo, offers a unique opportunity for anyone interested in starting, changing or upgrading their career! Featuring many local, interstate and overseas education providers, student services and support agencies. Don't miss this great opportunity to map out your future, all in the one location! 8am – 4pm, RICC Brisbane Showgrounds. A great opportunity for students to collect information from a huge number of exhibitors.

Elizabeth Johnston