Latest eNews

Alison has been a director of School Council since 2011 and in the last 6 years has been Chair of the School Council. Alison is a past student of St Margaret’s as well as being a current parent. During her time on School Council, St Margaret’s has benefitted from Alison’s extensive development and investment experience in the property sector. She was a key player in the project which led to the complete redevelopment of just short of one-third of our campus, to become the current Sports Precinct. St Margaret’s has very much benefitted from her background which provided a balanced perspective between commercial drivers and risk, governance and corporate responsibility. I take the opportunity through this eNews to acknowledge Alison’s commitment and service to the school community.

We are very fortunate that our new Chair of School Council is Debbie Smith who has been a St Margaret’s School Council director since October 2014 and during this time she was Chair of the School Finance and Risk Committee. She formally took on the role of Chair of School Council today – the 17^th September. Debbie is currently the Managing Partner of PwC Brisbane. In this role, Debbie leads the strategic direction of the office which comprises more than 850 people who dedicate themselves to identifying and solving important problems, and realising the opportunities that are critical to our business and social communities. Debbie is also a senior Partner within PwC’s Assurance practice. She is a member of the Institute of Company Directors, a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, a CEDA Trustee and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the Australian National University.

One of the first tasks Debbie will oversee is a refresh of the school’s master plan. Debbie and her husband Glenn are current parents of the school.

We now are at the end of another busy term and I wish all students and families a restful and happy September holiday period.

Ros Curtis

We are finishing our term in a big way with a number of our students attending the QGSSSA Athletics Carnival. It was lovely to see so many of our students send our girls off in the middle of Circular Drive on Tuesday. Although there are no spectators, we will all be thinking of them and wishing them well.

Good luck also to the rowers attending the State Rowing Championships at Wyaralong Dam this coming weekend. There are many schools competing in this event, and we wish all the rowers best wishes for a safe and successful regatta.

The first day back at school is Tuesday 6 October, and on this day will be the Prize Reading Assembly. At this assembly we will announce those students who will receive awards and prizes at our Annual Speech Night on 13 October. Year 12 parents are now able to reserve their tickets through a link that was sent to them last week. Another link will be sent to families in Years 7-11 on 6 October.

We will also have some awards presented at our Special Awards Ceremony and Sports Awards Evening, both on 16 October. Unfortunately, we will be unable to have parents attend these events, so we will be livestreaming them. Details about this will be sent out early in Term 4.

Karen Gorrie

End of the school term prayer by Sophia Colledge, Year 12 prefect and sacristan

Gracious God, as we look towards the September holidays with excitement and possibly relief, I pray that we may reflect upon all the achievements, failures, milestones and moments of hardship Term 3 through our way. Help us to learn from our mistakes and grow in your image; returning to our final term with a renewed sense of spirit, engagement and a passion for learning. God, we also pray for the Grade 12s as they enter SWOTVAC week in readiness for external exams. May your wisdom guide their minds and your warmth fill their souls as they prepare for their final weeks at St Margaret’s. Amen.

Susan Crothers-Robertson

The Boarding House will be fully staffed during the holiday period, with activities planned for the girls each day. One of the outings planned is a trip to Australia Zoo during the second week of the holidays, which the girls are looking forward to.

I wish you all a happy and relaxing holiday wherever you may be. We are incredibly proud of our girls who have shown understanding and resilience during Term 3.

Fiona Spooner

In Term 4, there are a few things to note:

Year 12

A letter will be sent home to all families with updates to the Road to External Assessment. Please look for this in your email at the end of this week.

Year 11

The current Year 11s will begin their Unit 3 study next term. There will be an Information Evening for Year 11 Parents and students to take a closer look at the Year 12 course of study, including our preparation for External Assessment. A date for this event will be confirmed early in Term 4.

Year 10

The Year 10 girls have finished this term by participating in the Broadening Horizons Day. On this day, the girls continued to use their Careers Avenue profile to strengthen their Careers and Futures thoughts. They had an opportunity to attend an internal careers expo where Universities and Careers groups shared their courses and career opportunities, as well as interactive workshops to create their Career Action Plan with Ms Naomi Holley and Ms Liz Johnson. Next term, the students will receive confirmation of their subject selection for Year 11 2021/Year 12 2022. At this stage of the process there are always some second thoughts, so all students are most welcome to call or make an appointment with Rosie Parisi (RParisi@stmargarets.qld.edu.au) to meet with me to discuss their selection.

To all girls, over the holidays take some time to relax. I certainly will be, and I am looking forward to reading a book or two. There’s a reading genre for every literate person on the planet, and whether your tastes lie in classical literature, poetry, fashion magazines, biographies, religious texts, young adult books, self-help guides, street lit or romance novels, there’s something out there to capture your curiosity and imagination. I am looking forward to stepping away from my computer for a little while, opening a book, and replenishing my soul.

Have a relaxing holiday and I leave you with one of my favourite reading quotes:

“You know you’ve read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend.”

Paul Sweeney

Nicole Devlin

To assist with the planning for Term 4, all Assessment Planners have been uploaded to the POD. Students are encouraged to take some time to get organised over the holidays so that they can hit the ground running at the beginning of Term 4.

Holidays

I wish everyone in the community a restful holiday, and I look forward to working with you again in Term 4.

Tom McCormick

A child can form an opinion of their own body at a very young age. Research suggests that children as young as three years old can have body image issues, and there are many things that influence them. Parents play a critical role in helping children develop a positive body image.

Today’s media can negatively influence our young people on what is the ‘ideal’ body shape and size. The problem is a ‘perfect’ body doesn’t really exist. Although body image issues are mostly associated with girls, boys are also affected. A negative body image can trigger eating disorders in some children and parents need to be aware of the signs. Their child’s eating habits and language around appearance can be an indicator. Parents and teachers need to help students understand that appearance does not equate to an individual’s health or success.

Nikki Townsend

The term concluded with a sea of colour, enhanced by joy and excitement from both the students and teachers. Thank you to parents for supporting the girls through their sponsorship of the colour run. We will publish the final figures next term. The teachers’ ongoing professionalism is evident when they will turn around tomorrow and conduct parent teacher interviews. I thank them in anticipation for their preparation and a successful term.

The well-deserved break will be a perfect family time, building memories and creating learning experiences. Encourage your child to read and write. Children who read on their own improve their reading skills, have greater content knowledge and score higher on achievement tests than children who do not open a book outside of school; food for holiday thought!

Spend time reading aloud together, take time to share your love of reading. It sends a positive message. If your child is in Pre-Prep-Year 4, plan and create a costume for the Book Character Parade on Thursday 8 October.

While doing so, you engage in conversation, chat about the characters, the story, the words, the values and the ideas. Choose a book that is beyond their reading level, never underestimate what children can manage as listeners. Encourage your child to keep a holiday diary, write emails/letters.

Harness other learning opportunities. Visit galleries, museums, parks, go for a hike, get sand between your toes, make, create and TALK. Don’t forget to talk about the content of the upcoming writing competition, “What would you like to tell a St Margaret’s girl about life at St Margaret’s in 2020, in 2050”.

Have a restful holiday. Make the most of the time you share together with your child and I look forward to sharing a busy Term 4.

“Kids want to know they matter, you communicate that through the gift of time and attention.”

Julie Morgenstern

Angela Drysdale

Payment must be made by 4:00pm this Friday 18 September. Tickets are available only via Flexischools (www.flexischools.com.au), and will not be available after Friday. For catering purposes, it is imperative you include any dietary requirements. Please find attached a letter (PDF 120.4KB) from the President of the Music Support Group with further details. We are very much looking forward to celebrating the girls’ musical achievements at this event!

The Music Support Group (MSG) are calling out for parent helpers to assist with the setting up of Music Dinner. If you are able to assist in any capacity, please email Kerrith Matyear, MSG-President at: kmatyear@bigpond.net.au.

MAYO Festival – Music Performances

Due to ongoing COVID restrictions, the MAYO Festival performances originally planned to be given on Saturday 10 October will now be given as part of a ‘Soaring Upwards’ Festival to occur on Friday 9 October. The performances will be provided to students across all year levels throughout the day to allow all students within the school to enjoy. This will be a wonderful opportunity for girls in music ensembles to perform to a big audience. Unfortunately, due to Qld Health restrictions, parents will be unable to be on campus for those performances. Students who are performing in Music ensembles are encouraged to purchase a MAYO t-shirt at a cost of $20 via Flexischools or through the School Supplies Shop, which may be worn to school on Friday 9 October. We are looking forward to this special celebration of the Arts at St Margaret’s!

Morning Tea Performance

Congratulations to Amati Strings, Beath String Quartet, Mr Ng and Ms Rayner who provided a wonderful performance during morning tea to all Primary students in the Atrium last Friday. It was a very entertaining morning with the music enjoyed by all in attendance!

Auditions for Music Ensembles 2021

Auditions will be held in Week 4 for students wishing to participate in Music Ensembles in 2021. Audition music is available from the Sister Helen Orchestra Room and on the POD.

2021 Secondary Music Ensembles will then commence from Week 5 of Term 4. Primary ensembles will remain as they are for the remainder of the year. If a Primary student is accepted into a Secondary Ensemble (e.g Stradivari Strings), they will have the option of attending their new ensemble whilst still participating in their current ensemble.

Audition times are as follows:

Monday 26 October

7:00-8:20am String Auditions (current Primary students), SHOR

3:30-5:00pm Rock Band Auditions for drumkit, guitar, bass guitar and keyboard, J002/003 (Rock Band Room)

Tuesday 27 October

10:25-10:50am String Auditions (current Secondary students), SHOR

3:30-4:30pm Chorale - Primary Sing-along – Get to know your voice (current Years 3, 4 and 5),

Primary Music Room

3:30-5:00pm Rock Band Auditions for Vocals (current Years 9-11), J002/003 (Rock Band Room)

3:30-5:30pm String Auditions (current Secondary students), SHOR

Wednesday 28 October

7:00-8:20am String Auditions (current Primary students), Primary Music Room

1:05-1:50pm Band Auditions for percussion/drums (current Primary girls), SHOR Percussion Room

3:30-5:00pm Band Auditions for percussion/drums (current Secondary girls), SHOR Percussion Room

3:30-4:30pm Highly Strung Auditions (guitar, bass guitar, keyboard, drumkit, voice), J002/003 (Rock Band Room)

3:30-5:30pm Band Auditions for woodwind/brass (current Secondary girls), SHOR

Thursday 29 October

7:00-8:20am Band Auditions for woodwind/brass (current Primary), SHOR

4:30-5:30pm Exultate Auditions (younger students need to have been in Volare to show rehearsal commitment), SHOR

Friday 30 October

7:00-8:20am Band Auditions for woodwind/brass (current Primary/Secondary students), SHOR

St Margaret’s Spotlight

The Music Program at St Margaret’s has been continuing to connect students across both the Primary and Secondary schools. One of the ways in which this occurs has been through our mentoring program where students from the Secondary school ensembles participate in Primary school ensembles to both build relationships and assist students in developing their performance skills. This week, Nicola D’Abreton (Year 9) who is a member of Chamber Strings assisted in the Amati Strings rehearsal. At the end of the rehearsal, Nicola provided a short performance of Pachelbel’s Canon in D with ensemble conductor Mr Ng which was very much enjoyed by all the Amati Strings girls. Please click here to view the performance.

Music Support Group

The next Music Support Group meeting will be the Annual General Meeting and will be held on Tuesday 10 November 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

Winter Fixture Results

The quality of sport across the four winter sports has been outstanding, with some very good overall results on the QGSSSA ladder. Special mention must go to the 9B and 9C Netball teams for placing 1st in their competitions. To view all overall results for each sporting team, visit the QGSSSA website.

Sports Awards Evening - Friday 16 October

The annual Sports Awards evening will be held on Friday 16 October. This event has been reimagined and will be livestreamed for all parents as their attendance is unable to occur. Additionally, several Speech Night sporting awards will also be included during the evening. All award recipients will be notified over the coming week, with all required to register their attendance at the Sports Awards evening. St Margaret’s Sport look forward to continuing to recognise and celebrate the sporting achievements of our students and staff in the following categories:

• Most Valuable Players/Athletes
• Rising Stars
• Summer and Winter Teams of the Year
• Captain of the Year
• Coach of the Year
• St Margaret’s Contribution to Sport Award
• A variety of special sporting awards

Club Netball Success

Last weekend saw the final game for the 2020 Club Netball season. With great resilience, our players, coaches and families have registered/re-registered, trained and played under varying conditions all season. The ‘9 Week Blast Season’, played at Downey Park Netball Association, has been a huge success with training attendance and level of play being at an all-time high and the love of the game and being able to learn and thrive in a team environment, whilst making friends has been the biggest success of all. Many thanks to our Head of Netball, Mrs Gayle Coutts, the Netball Support Group and all coaches for their dedication to the continual improvement of the program.

Queensland Honorary Cross Country Team

With the recent cancellation of the Australian Cross Country Championships, the following girls were selected as part of the honorary State Cross Country team; Charli Spies (Year 7), Annabel Bright (Year 8), Matilda Lee (Year 8) and Isabella Harte (Year 9). Congratulations to all.

Rowing

This weekend, 57 St Margaret’s Rowers will take to Wyaralong Dam to compete in the South Queensland Schools Regatta. It will be the first opportunity our newly trained Year 8s will get to race other schools, and the final opportunity our Year 12 rowers will get to compete in the brown, white, blue, and of course, our safety orange.

Good luck to all girls competing this weekend! Go Maggies!

What’s on in Term 4:

• Cricket pre-season commences Monday 19 October
• Soccer pre-season training clinics commence Wednesday 21 October
• Badminton - Weeks 1 and 2 of Term 4
• Water Polo - weekly games commence 10 October
• Swimming training commences Tuesday 6 October
• Touch Football - QGSSSA Carnival - Saturday 31 October

Helen Lobegeiger

Ceramic Vessel - Anna Markey

Sculpture - Graham Radcliffe

Glasswork - Jarred Wright

Lisa Smith

By now, you will have likely received our latest update regarding this year’s MAYO Arts Festival. The plans for our re-imagined MAYO on Saturday 10 October are as follows:

Saturday 10 October: MAYO Gallery and Community Stalls (for St Margaret’s community)

The Gallery will be open on Saturday between the hours of 10am and 2pm. There will be no need to book, but there are limits to the number of people who can enter the Arts Centre Foyer at any given time, so there may be waiting periods.

Community market stalls will also operate between 10am and 2pm on Circular Drive, which will include:

• Christmas stall
• Monster Second-Hand Book stall (including MAYO branded calico bags to purchase)
• Plants
• Bees Wax
• Soaps

Between enjoying the Gallery and browsing the stalls, visitors will be able to purchase refreshments, including:

• Free coffee (10am-2pm) – seated (courtesy of Bernborough Ascot, Retirement Living - Lendlease)
• Morning tea (10am-12noon) - seated
• Bar (12noon-2pm) selling alcohol and packaged Barambah cheese platters - seated
• Takeaway Gelato

Under COVID-19 restrictions, it is a requirement that guests be seated while enjoying food and beverages. We will have some seating; however, you might like to purchase your food to takeaway.

Workshops

There will be some workshops running on the Saturday and bookings can be made via Flexischools.

• Resin Jewellery Workshop – 11:30am
• Terrarium Log Workshop – 1pm

For those who may not be able to make it on Saturday but would still like to participate in a creative workshop, we will be running some after school activities. Again, bookings for these can be made via Flexischools.

• Macrame Pot Holder - Wednesday 7 October, 3:30pm-5:00pm
• Pinch a Pot - Thursday 8 October, 3:30pm-5:00pm

Raffle

Our popular MAYO raffle will be run again with the choice to purchase tickets online or while attending the event (via iPad). Keep an eye out for more details on the incredible prizes up for grabs and details on how to purchase tickets.

Please note: The number of people we can have on site at any one time is limited. To monitor this, there will only be one entry and exit point, which will be via Gate 1, Petrie Street. This may result in a queue to enter.

All guests will need to sign in via the EVA Check-in App and must agree that they have not been to a COVID hotspot in the past 14 days; been in close contact of a COVID positive person; have COVID-19; or have any of the COVID-19 symptoms.

St Margaret’s Outside School Hours Care will be operating for the upcoming September Vacation Care. The Service is open from 7am until 6pm daily on Friday 18 September to Friday 2 October; school resumes 6 October 2020. Please note, OSHC will be closed Monday 5 October for the Public Holiday.

Please refer to the attached Information Guide (PDF 495.2KB) for full booking terms and conditions. We are unable to accept bookings via email or text message. The OSHC registration and Debitsuccess form must be completed, signed and sent back to us to finalise your booking. Please read the information guide carefully as some information has changed. OSHC Registration and Debitsuccess can be completed via the My Family Lounge.

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

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

How do I log in?

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

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

What is the cost?*

Fees: $65 per day*

Bookings closed 14 September 2020; however, spaces may still be available.

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

What are the hours of operation?

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

How can I obtain more information?

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

Palu Ingram

Caitlin is currently a Senior Associate in the commercial litigation, restructuring and insolvency, and agribusiness and food industry groups at Australian law firm, Clayton Utz. In March 2020, Caitlin was recognised as one of the top 50 early-career lawyers in Australia, as an Australasian Lawyer 2020 Rising Star.

Caitlin will share how she has successfully juggled her career, dividing her time equally between the city and her family’s land at Cressbrook Station. Mental health in rural areas has been a significant challenge for many, particularly due to the COVID pandemic, and Caitlin will talk about these issues, as well as insights into what she believes is to come for the next generation of agri professionals.

Date: Thursday 8 October

Time: 7:00am arrival for a 7:15am start - 8:45am finish

Location: St Margaret's Anglican Girls School, 11 Petrie Street, Ascot

Format: Sit-down breakfast (Covid safe and socially distanced)

Tickets: $80 Adult, $40 Student (Tertiary, Years 10 -12)

If you are interested in purchasing a ticket, please contact the Development and Community Office: developmentandcommunity@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

The Development and Community Office is delighted to be planning an exciting calendar of Professional Women’s Network events in 2021. Watch this space for dates and guest speaker details.

As we near the end of Term 3, I would like to sincerely thank the St Margaret’s Community for their ongoing support. We wish you all a wonderful holiday break and can’t wait to see the Sports Precinct being used in all its glory in Term 4!

Lindsay Khushal

UQ College is offering an intensive short course over 4 weeks for students to obtain a prerequisite in Mathematical Methods, Biology or Chemistry. Successful completion of an individual course will satisfy the prerequisite requirement for The University of Queensland or other universities. Results will be ready for the 2021 January QTAC Major Offer Round.

Dates: 24 November-19 December 2020 (4 weeks)

Cost: $1500

Attendance: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm Discover more

The University of Sydney: Upcoming webinars:

RMIT: Discover What's Next with RMIT Webinar Series. Join us and register now!

Monash University applying from interstate webinar:

Date: Wednesday 23 September

Time: 7:00-8:30pm AEST

Register using the link Here

QUT Year 12 Early Offer Scheme

The scheme applies to courses in the areas of business, creative industries, IT, justice, public health and science. Eligible students who include one of the specified courses in their top three QTAC preferences will be invited to apply for an early offer by uploading the Year 12 grades they have achieved so far this year, to their QTAC application by 4:30pm on Friday 6 November 2020. Eligible students will receive their QUT course offer via QTAC on Friday 20 November, the final day of school. Year 12 Early Offer Scheme

Durack College

Applications for Durack College are now open for 2021. Durack College offers a boutique residential experience, with a personalised focus on educational success. We work hard to create a culture and environment based on academic excellence. The small but vibrant community of female learners is offered a tailored living environment, making the transition to new routines easier and more rewarding. There are only 25 residency places, allowing Durack College to be both a private sanctuary and a busy and exciting community. Discover more

JCU: Early offers until 21 October. You must list JCU as your first QTAC preference to be eligible. Find out more information here.

Careers in Health: Watch the Careers in Health webinar

Elizabeth Johnston