eNews Archive Issue 8 - 21 March 2019

• Teenagers worry about their career prospects, being successful and getting into their chosen course.
• Issues such as geopolitical tension, cost of living, climate change and discrimination are at the forefront of their minds.
• Young people want to be proactive.
• They describe themselves as hard working, determined, motivated, ambitious, tech savvy, innovative, creative, passionate, socially aware, connected, accepting, open minded and opinionated.
• On the negative side they see some of their peers as self-obsessed, self-absorbed, depressed, sad, stressed and troubled.
• The main cause of their stress is social media. Spending more than 2 hours per day on social media, they also see huge benefits, like keeping in touch with friends and staying informed.
• This is an entrepreneurial generation. Most want a part-time job and would like to start a business, even while at school. In fact, wherever they work they want it to reflect their passions and make a positive impact on the world.
• When they leave school, they plan to go to university.
• They also have high expectations about gender equality at work and home – believing that raising children is a shared responsibility and that there should be equal pay for men and women.
• They rate their physical health more highly than their mental health.
• When asked if they were Prime Minister and could do one thing to make Australia better they revealed many of the issues important to them, including:

* Have a more racially and gender diverse Parliament
* Have more incentives to help student create their own business
* Have a new department to protect minorities and discriminated groups
* Fixed terms for Prime Ministers to avoid political instability
* Better training for mental health specialists in how to assist LGBTQIA+ individuals
* Better protection of our ecosystems and habitats
* Strengthening Border Protection
* Universal Wi-Fi Access
* Greater investment in Public Transport
* Free tertiary education
* Lowering the Voting Age to 16

For full details of this report, which makes interesting reading, please access: https://business.nab.com.au/nab-independent-school-survey-2018-32442/.

Ros Curtis 

Students are urged to make sure they have breakfast each day. Eating a small amount before exercising is preferable, but if this is not possible students could pop a muesli bar and some fruit in their bag to eat when they get to school. Boarders have access to the dining room in the morning. The school tuckshop is also open of a morning from 7am to 9am and provides many healthy options for breakfast. Information about the menu for breakfast and lunch, the tuckshop ordering system and menu can be found here: https://www.stmargarets.qld.edu.au/tuckshop-menu.

One of the nurses explains it really well: we can’t expect our car to get up the hill without putting fuel in the tank, so we need to put food in our bodies when exercising as we need the fuel.

Eating breakfast also improves concentration, alertness, comprehension, memory and learning. Just like any other organ in the body, the brain needs energy to work properly. Our students certainly learn so much each day, both at school and with their families. With growing bodies and developing brains, it’s important for students to eat a good breakfast.

Karen Gorrie 

Last week, our world was shocked and saddened by the actions of one man. A man who felt threatened by difference. A man who believes his worldview is superior. A man who cast aside any respect or attempts to understand something other than himself.

St Margaret’s, as a Christian educational institution, proudly Anglican and fiercely devoted to the Ethos of The Sisters who founded the school, is also a community of great diversity. We enjoy a student body, and by extension a ‘school family body’, where a variety of Christian expressions of faith are followed. Our school, like society itself, has members who adhere to a range of other world religious traditions, and we have a high proportion of members who claim to follow no spiritual or religious system.

All who enter our gates are, however, welcome. There is no test of creed to be enrolled. There is no expectation of a specific paperwork to enter our space. St Margaret’s welcomes. St Margaret’s is a place where Christian spirituality is invitational, where all are honoured and respected for their own positions of faith. Our subject, Religious and Values Education, does not aim to indoctrinate or convert, but rather to open discussion, lines of communication and understanding.

We are a school where Hindu, Muslim, Jew and Buddhist may feel safe. Our Christian practices as a school aim to embrace all. The Dadirri prayer spaces are specifically available for “all faiths and none”.

Out of interest, using data on record for our current students in Years 4, 7 and 12 (a total of 265 students), we currently are represented by 39% Anglicans, 24% Roman Catholic, 17% Other Christian Denominations (bringing the Christian ‘on paper’ total to 80%). Of our students whose records specifically state “not applicable” or simply leave the religion question blank on the enrolment form, our statistics from this small cross section show 17% with no religious affiliation. 3% adhere to other World Religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism and Islam.

I am reminded of the beautiful hymn written by Marty Haugen, “All Are Welcome”. I plan on using this hymn in my Commissioning Service for St Mark’s Church in early May. My favourite verse includes:

Let us build a house where all are named,
their songs and visions heard
and loved and treasured, taught and claimed
as words within the Word.
Built of tears and cries and laughter,
prayers of faith and songs of grace,
let this house proclaim from floor to rafter.
All are welcome, all are welcome,
all are welcome in this place.

A Suggested Prayer at this time:
We pray for residents of all faiths in Christchurch. We remember our own exchange students at our partner school, St Margaret’s in Christchurch, and we hold them in our hearts.

I was touched by this prayer, shared on social media these past days: Source: MCC Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/mccsydney)

With every blessing on you and the week ahead,
The Reverend Canon Nicki Colledge 

This week, I spoke with some of our international students about making connections with their classmates when they first arrive in Australia. We spoke about how they have taken the first step onto ‘the bridge’ by making the decision to come and study in a foreign country. This is incredibly brave, and I admire their courage.

We also spoke about how they need to keep walking forward on the bridge towards their fellow boarders, class mates, teachers and other staff. They could do this by asking questions in class, sitting with a new friend during morning tea or trying a new sport.

However, this connection doesn’t rely on them alone. It takes two to connect. We, as adults, must role model reaching out to strangers and fostering friendships, connections and community. We must keep stepping onto the bridge too and encourage those around us to do the same.

This Thursday 21 March is ‘Harmony Day’. This day helps us to remember that everyone belongs and that diversity, in all its forms, is something to be celebrated. Perhaps this weekend, or over the holidays you can find a moment to talk with your family about building connections and focusing on what we have in common rather than our differences. After all, we all smile in the same language.

The Day/Boarder Weekend in Term 2 (Friday 3 May, 3pm to Tuesday 7 May) offers our day students an opportunity to visit the homes of Boarding families. It also offers an opportunity for families to welcome an international student (or two!) into their homes, perhaps for a simple barbecue or picnic lunch in the park.

Our school community is a richer place because of the diversity within it. We truly are a global school with a local outlook.

Emily Labinsky
International Pastoral Care Coordinator 

The girls are required to wear full school uniform to each exam. We are also ensuring that no electronic devices, including mobile phones and smart watches are brought into the exam room, so please remind your daughters to leave them at home or in their lockers.

Year 10 – Introduction to Year 11 and 12 Pathways
During Year Level assembly today, we presented the Year 10s with another snapshot of Year 11 and 12. We introduced the girls to the Year 11 and 12 pathway options they will be able to select from during the subject selection process next term. The following information was provided about the two pathway options, by myself and Naomi Holley, the Director of Careers and Portfolio Pathways:

1. The Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) pathway will provide students with an ATAR to seek entrance to tertiary study in Australian Universities. Students selecting this pathway must select six General subjects. All students must select at least one subject from the English discipline. The calculation of an ATAR will be based on a student’s best five General subject results. Results in General subjects also contribute to the award of a QCE.
2. The portfolio pathway gives students qualifications that allow access to work, apprenticeship and study options. Students selecting this pathway are not eligible for an ATAR. All students must select three General subjects, including one subject from the English discipline. Ms Naomi Holley and Ms Elizabeth Johnston (Careers Counsellor) will assist the girls in planning their additional study of a Diploma and TAFE courses. Students selecting the Portfolio pathway will be eligible for a QCE.

Jo Butterworth 

As educators, we spend our days talking to students about ways to learn and take in information, in this information rich world. To support this process throughout the year we offer Supervised Study Sessions (SSS). St Margaret's SSS Program provides the opportunity for day students in the Secondary school to stay within the safety of the school and complete their homework under the supervision of tutors, before being collected by parents. During these sessions girls work with tutors to organise a plan of study for the term. This involves the girls looking at their assessment calendar and planning how to ensure they are organised and ready for the next lesson and assessment. The main goal of SSS is to assist students to revise work covered so far and support and extend their understanding of learning from lessons so they are prepared for assessment. Bookings for Supervised Study Sessions can be made through Flexischools.

Jo Butterworth and I often get requests from day parents to assist them to find tutors to help on an individual basis. As a school we do not provide tutoring services or names of tutors outside the Supervised Study Session Program and subject based tutorials run by staff during break times or before and after school. The best option for parents looking for past students as tutors is to contact them directly.

Nicole Devlin 

"I believe that everybody has the right to live in a community where they feel safe, included, valued and accepted regardless of differences. I pledge to be respectful of others and stand up against bullying whenever and wherever I see it.”

Bullying is a very complex and widespread issue in our community and schools are continually working to educate and support students in relation to bullying behaviours. There are many and varied resources that we access to help provide this education and support. One such resource which I would recommend to parents is: www.safeschoolshub.edu.au.

Within this site there is a page for parents which contains very helpful advice in relation to children experiencing a safe school experience. One section worth highlighting is the emphasis on communication. The site encourages parents to establish good relationships between the child, parent and the school. “First and foremost, talk to your child. Conversations are critical… You know your child better than anyone and if you have a positive relationship with your child's school, this benefits your child both socially and academically. It shows them that you and their teachers are working together in partnership to achieve the best for them”.

At St Margaret’s we do not tolerate bullying. The school has a very clear Anti Bullying Policy which is outlined in the Student Handbook. Please take the time to read through this policy to be aware of how the school handles these situations. If you do have any concerns, please contact your Head of Year sooner rather than later.

Nikki Townsend 

For the past fortnight, Primary girls have competed in Andrews Cup Swimming, Touch Football and Tennis. We are very fortunate to belong to an association committed to primary-age girls sport. It shares our values of encouraging a healthy lifestyle, including fitness and exercise. Preparing for the competition allows for the provision of regular training with expert coaches.

Congratulations to the girls in the Swimming squad who began their training last year. Their efforts certainly paid off. Their enthusiasm contributed to the atmosphere and friendly rivalry with the other schools throughout the day. The eight-year squad won its division and the team achieved fourth in the Aggregate Cup.

On Tuesday, the Touch Football team headed to Toowoomba and the Tennis team headed to UQ. Each of the teams tried their best, with the Junior A Touch Football team placing second.

Thank you to Ms Morgan Rowe and Ms Lauren Richards for their organisation and the coaches for each of the sports. In preparation for next term the girls have now started training for Cross Country and Netball.

In addition to Andrews Cup, the girls can play netball regularly as a member of the St Margaret’s Club at Downey Park. Being part of a club competition provides students with an opportunity to participate weekly in sport. It is affirming to see the number of students and families who are keen to be part of this competition each year. As a school, we are very lucky to have a range of expert Netball coaches training our teams under the guidance of Head of Netball, Ms Gayle Coutts. I wish all the girls competing in Netball all the best for their games.

Angela Drysdale

Continuous Reporting
The following results will be available this week, through Parent Lounge:

• Year 5 Visual Arts: Painting/drawing, oral reflection task - 18 March
• Year 6 Literacy: Reading Comprehension – 22 March
• Year 6 Humanities: Australian Federation paragraph and short answer test

Cathy Cox
Assistant Head of Primary

Upcoming Events
Wednesday 27 March: Pre Prep-Year 3, Twilight Family Service, 6:00pm
Friday 29 March: Interhouse Swimming Carnival

Primary Chorale Performance
Primary Chorale have been invited to perform at Holy Trinity Church (141 Brookes Street, Fortitude Valley) for ‘Neighbour Day’ on Sunday 31 March 2019 from 2:45-3:15pm. This is a wonderful opportunity for our girls to perform at this special community event. There will be a variety of food and gift stalls, as well as other entertainment presented throughout the afternoon. Parents and friends are all welcome to attend.

Music Support Group
The next Music Support Group meeting will be held on Tuesday 30 April 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 

• 12 Years – Matilda Lee 1st and Annabel Bright 2nd
• 13 Years – Brogan Tomich 2nd
• 14 Years – Isabella Harte 1st
• 15 Years – Isla McWilliam 3rd
• 16 Years – Chloe Fenwicke 1st
• 17 Years – Bella Donaldson 1st

Cross Country Camp
To complement your daughter’s experience in the Cross Country Program, an invitation is extended to all girls to attend the annual St Margaret’s Cross Country Camp. The Camp will be held at the Runaway Bay Super Sports Complex on the Gold Coast, from Saturday 27 to Sunday 28 April 2019.

During the camp, runners will participate in cross training and interval activities, trail running as well as recreational activities such as team-building exercises and the movies at Harbour Town.

Information regarding the Cross Country Camp is now available on the Cross Country POD page.

Autumn Fixtures
Our Basketballers were the only teams able to play due to the wild weather last Friday 15 March. Our Open, 10A, 9B, and 8B teams remain undefeated. This week, we are up against tough opposition in Brisbane State High School at our home venues. The schedule for all teams is available here (PDF 356.6KB) and on the individual sport POD pages.

Touch Football Fundraising Barbecue
A barbecue will be held at Windsor Park for the next two rounds of competition on Friday 22 and 29 March to cater for all players and supporters. If you can assist at this event, either by volunteering your time or items, please contact the Support Group Secretary, Vicki Fenwicke via email fezandvic@bigpond.com.

Congratulations to…
Holly Marchant and Grace Marchant (shadow) for being selected in the Metropolitan North 13-15 Years Basketball Team and will contest the State Championships on 1-4 August.
Matilda Lee and Milla Roberts for being selected in the City District 10-12 Years Touch Football team.

Swimming Support Group AGM
When: Wednesday 27 March
Where: M’s Café
Time: 6:30pm

Helen Lobegeiger 

Current crossing time: 7:45am - 8:30am and 3pm - 3:45pm.

The current rate of pay is $30.34 per hour.

Commencement of work for the successful applicant is dependent on:

• The favourable outcome of a health assessment.
• A Positive Notice Blue Card (you do not need to have a blue card to apply for the position).

Those interested are encouraged to apply without delay as the position is to commence ASAP.

Completed applications should be returned via email to: employment@stmargarets.qld.edu.au or they may be dropped into the Primary Office. For enquiries, please contact Kate Curran, Director of Human Resources on 3862 0702.

Bookings for the St Margaret’s OSHC Easter School Holiday Program has opened. If you require care for the upcoming school holiday period, please return your booking form by 29 March 2019.

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?*
Early Bird Fees: $60 per day* Early Bird Bookings Close: 25 March 2019
Fees: $65 per day*
*Incursions and excursions incur additional costs. These are compulsory for all students and therefore you are able to claim CCS.

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

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, please feel free to contact me on 0423 547 653 or email: oshc@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Palu Ingram 

The Past Student Awards Dinner is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow parents and past students, and to hear from this year's amazing award recipients, while enjoying premium canapés, a sumptuous two course dinner and drinks.

Date: Friday 10 May 2019
Time: Pre-dinner drinks and canapés at 6:30pm, Dinner at 7:00pm (including awards presentation)
Venue: Arts Centre Foyer, St Margaret's Anglican Girls School
Tickets: $75 Adult/$55 Student
RSVP: Wednesday 8 May 2019 via Flexischools
Dress: Smart casual
Enquiries: Nicole Devlin on 3862 0873 or email: ndevlin@stmargarets.qld.edu.au

Initiated in 2015, the St Margaret's Past Student Awards were established to recognise and celebrate the many and diverse achievements of St Margaret's past students and to honour their legacy.

Two awards will be presented on the night; the Distinguished Past Student Award (for alumnae who have passed their 20th reunion) and the Young Past Student of Distinction Award (for alumnae in their 20th reunion year or younger).

Previous award recipients include Emma Sievwright ('11), Biomedical Science graduate and youngest baker on Season 3 of the television show “Great Australian Bake Off”; and Helen Meredith ('53) journalist, editor and commentator for news publications including “The Australian”, “The Financial Review”, “The Sydney Morning Herald” and the ABC.

We look forward to announcing our 2019 winners shortly.

Tickets for the 2019 Father Daughter Breakfast (Years 7-12) are on sale!
Join us for the 2019 P&F Father Daughter Breakfast for students in Years 7 to 12. An annual favourite on the last day of Term 1, this sell-out breakfast will be held in the Art Centre Foyer and on the Terraces.

Date: Thursday 4 April 2019
Time: 6:45am for a 7:00am start, 8:00am finish
Venue: Arts Centre Foyer and Terraces, St Margaret's Anglican Girls School
RSVP: Friday 29 March 2019 (unless SOLD OUT earlier)
Cost: $40 per adult /$30 per student (Years 7-12) Includes a selection of hot and cold foods, tea, coffee and orange juice

For all enquiries, please contact David Lisle on 0417 735 971 or email dlisle97@gmail.com.

Tickets are on sale via Flexischools. Please click here to purchase your ticket.

Lara Pickering 

Australian Defence Force
“Balance drives a better working world. Let’s all help create a #BalanceforBetter”.

In the theme of the 2019 International Women’s Day #BalanceforBetter, the Australian Defence Force Women in Defence team hosted an overnight adventure experience on Thursday 28 February to provide opportunities for female students to immerse themselves in the ADF lifestyle to understand whether a career in the ADF is something they would like to pursue after school. Year 11 student, Nadia Seriat was successful in her application to attend this amazing experience; below is her account of the YOU Experience:

Last Thursday, I was lucky enough to attend the Women in Defence, International Women’s Day YOU Session Experience at the Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera. The camp experience opened my mind to what life is like for women currently working in the ADF. At this camp, I completed an aptitude test, which gave me a list of several different job opportunities that I could do in the ADF. The camp also tested my physical fitness ability, as we had to compete in an aqua obstacle course. The obstacle course was challenging, yet fun at the same time. Women from the Army, Navy and Air Force also talked to us about opportunities available in the ADF, as well as giving practical advice on what you need to do to pursue a career in the armed forces. The camp offered me the opportunity to meet and make connections with other people my age who share similar interests. It was a Boarding experience with a difference, where I had to share a room with seven other girls, instead of having one roommate at St Margaret’s. It was a wonderful learning experience and I would highly recommend it to other girls to participate.

Congratulations Nadia, we wish you all the best as you continue to pursue your dream.

Naomi Holley
Director of Careers and Pathways

ANU
Ready to begin your undergraduate studies at ANU in 2020? You can start your application now by applying directly to ANU and receive an early conditional offer. Applications opened 4 March 2019 and close 31 May 2019. There is no application fee. You will be required to meet the co-curricular or service requirement. You will apply for admission, guaranteed accommodation and over 200 scholarships all in one application. For more information Apply Now.

Boston University Summer Journalism School
Now in its 10th year, the New England Center for Investigative Reporting will Boston University will host the Summer Journalism Institute two-week workshops beginning on 24 June, 8 July and 22 July. We accept applications on a rolling basis, but strongly encourage students to apply early to secure their seat. For more information about our program, visit our website and our FAQ section.

Griffith University
Griffith University recognises that starting university is an exciting milestone. It has developed a website to assist you to decide on a study pathway: https://www.griffith.edu.au/study.

Changes to UQ Doctor of Medicine
In March 2018, changes to the selection process for the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program were approved. The changes will be progressively introduced between 2019 and 2022, allowing prospective students ample time to prepare. For more information click here.

UQ: Future Experiences in Agriculture, Science and Technology (FEAST)
Students in Years 11 and 12 are invited to apply for FEAST, a five-day residential program inspiring high school students about rewarding science careers in the agriculture, animal, plant and food industries. The camp will be held at the UQ Gatton campus from Sunday 30 June - Thursday 4 July 2019. Applications close on Monday 1 April. Discover more here.

UQ: Experience Science is a free event which provides students in Years 10 -12 with the opportunity to discover what studying science is like at The University of Queensland (UQ). Programs will be held on 12 July (last week of the holidays) and in the first week of Term 3 (16, 17, 18 July). Discover more here.

Scholarships in Australia
No matter what you are intending to study and where, you will be sure to find some financial assistance on offer to help you pay for it. https://www.gooduniversitiesguide.com.au/scholarships

QTAC Year 12 Tertiary Applications
The Educational Access Scheme (EAS) https://www.qtac.edu.au/applying/educational-access-scheme can help you if you have experienced circumstances that negatively affected your most recent studies. If you are eligible for EAS, you may get OP or rank adjustments which improve your chances of getting an offer. Apply when you complete your QTAC application in August.

QUT Match My Skills
Looking for some inspiration on what to study? https://match-my-skills.qut.edu.au/

Open Days
Most tertiary providers hold open days in July and August each year for future students. If you can't make the open day, don't panic. Many universities, private colleges and TAFE Queensland also hold campus tours and information sessions throughout the year. More information is available here.

UCAT
Any Year 12 students who are seeking entry into medicine, dentistry and health science degree programs in 2020. Please note that some pathways to medicine/dentistry/clinical sciences will not require the UCAT. For more information about the new test, including price, testing dates, format visit and FAQs please visit: https://www.ucat.edu.au

Preparing for UCAT
You can find the official preparation materials at: https://www.ucat.edu.au/ucat-anz/practice-tests

MedEntry UCAT Preparation https://www.medentry.edu.au/our-services

NIE UCAT preparation https://www.nie.edu.au/ucat-courses/simulated-ucat-day-workshop

Crimson Education UCAT preparation https://www.crimsoneducation.org/sg/standardised-testing/ucat

QUT Parent Information Seminar
Come along and hear about the options available at QUT at the Gardens Point Campus.

Date: Wednesday 8 May 2019
Time: Campus tour 5:15–5:45pm, Seminar: 6–7:30pm

TSXPO
The 38th annual Tertiary Studies Expo (TSXPO) will be held on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 July 2019.

KEY DATES: 2019

17 May, 11:59pm: UCAT Registration closes

24/25 May: The National Careers and Employment EXPO (Brisbane Convention Centre)

1 July: UCAT testing begins

20/21 July: Tertiary Studies Expo (TSXPO) – Brisbane Showgrounds

31 July: UCAT testing finishes

Elizabeth Johnston
Careers Counsellor