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I take the opportunity to alert you to three events occurring in the first week of Term 2 term which will be of interest to parents:

• The Primary school is hosting Madonna King who is talking about her latest book, Ten-Ager on Tuesday 20 April at 6:30pm. Ten-Ager provides an interesting insight to parents helping their children navigate those tween years. There are more details on the POD and registrations close on 7 April.
• The School’s Anzac Day Service will be held in the Philip Harris Gym on Friday 23 April at 9:15am. Parents are welcome to attend.
• Another great evening is the St Margaret’s Past Student Awards Evening. At this event, we will hear from four past students about their achievements. From 6:30pm-8:30pm in the Arts Centre Foyer on Saturday 24 April, you and your daughter will have the opportunity to be inspired by the impact of these past students in their field and the community. Please RSVP via this link.

In Term 2, I will be taking sabbatical leave. I will be returning for the start of Term 3. I will, however, still be attending Beef Week in Rockhampton and ICPA in Cunnamulla and look forward to catching up with our parents during these events. While I am on leave, Ms Karen Gorrie will be Acting Principal; Mrs Nicole Devlin will be Acting Deputy Principal; Ms Nikki Townsend will be the Acting Dean of Academics; Mrs Nicole Walker will be the Acting Dean of Students and Ms Erin Buckingham will be the Acting Head of Year 10. While some staff are acting in higher positions there will be necessary changes for some classes to their timetabled teacher. Students will be advised of this detail on Monday 19 April. We are currently finalising these arrangements now.

I wish you all a holy Easter and a safe holiday break.

Ros Curtis

The POD is something that all our students are engaging with every day. The teachers have spent a lot of time building up their class pages or OneNote classes to ensure students remain connected with essential resources. Our staff have spent a lot of time learning about this online space, and certainly learnt many lessons when we were teaching online in 2020. This meant that we were quickly able to switch to online learning to begin immediately on Tuesday this week.

It is also helpful if parents are connected to our electronic means of communication and notices. We would like to recommend that all parents download the St Margaret’s App to their phones or devices, in order to be able to receive timely notifications from the school. The St Margaret’s App can be found in the App Store if you have an Apple device, or Google Play if you have an Android device. If you would like further information on how to use the App and set up their notifications, please go your POD dashboard, click on IT service and then on POD support. All information can be found in this area.

I’d like to thank our community for all their support throughout this time of quick change to online learning this week. I would also like to wish our students and their families all the very best for the Easter break.

Karen Gorrie

Within the Christian tradition change is a central part of our faith. And nowhere reveals this more clearly than Holy Week, the journey we are travelling at this moment. On Maundy Thursday, Jesus ate with his friends; they did not realise that soon, their dear friend and the one they believed to be the Messiah, would soon be crucified like a common thief. It was not long-ago, Palm Sunday, when they were calling Jesus the King of the Jews. However, their whole world was just about to be changed in ways they did not expect. They mourned the loss of Jesus and they were frightened. After Jesus was crucified on Good Friday, he was laid in the tomb. Holy Saturday, is a day of watching and waiting, not really being aware of the changes that were taking place deep within the dark tomb. Easter Day, Jesus was raised from the dead. However, while everything had changed, the disciples still wanted to hold on to the old ways. They feared change, then Jesus invited them to reach out and touch.

Change is real and can be challenging. But by now I believe we have become experts at change. And if we can take any comfort, our rich Christian tradition can show us the way. There will be times of fear, of wanting to go back to normal, but once again our world is being turned upside down. We have a choice to hold onto what has gone or to move forward and embrace the change, to enter once again into something new. May you have a Holy and Blessed Easter. I am praying for our school, staff, students and families. I am praying for our community, for our state, country and the world. Stay safe and well. Blessings.

Please see below the Family Services for Term 2:

23 April, 2:00pm Baptism Service Years 4-6

28 April, 6:00pm Years 4-6 Family Service

6 May, 6:00pm Year 11 Family Service (PDF 138KB)

11 May, 6:00pm Year 12 Family Service (PDF 142.4KB)

18 May, 6:00pm Year 8 Family Service (PDF 139.4KB)

8 June, 6:00pm Year 9 Family Service (PDF 117.3KB)

Please also see below the Easter services being held at our local churches. Please check to see if you need to register or if they have moved to online streaming.

Holy Week and Easter at St Mark’s Clayfield, 103 Bonney Ave

Maundy Thursday 1 April, 6:00pm Agape Meal in parish hall; 7:15pm Liturgy in Church

Good Friday 2 April, 8:00am Stations of the Cross for all ages

Easter Saturday 3 April, 6:00pm Lighting the New Easter Fire

Easter Day 4 April, 7:30am Traditional Eucharist; 9:15am Family Service

Holy Week Services at St Augustine’s, Hamilton

Thursday 1 April - Eucharist with foot washing, followed by the Watch, 7:30pm

Good Friday 2 April - Good Friday Service, 8:00am

Easter Day 4 April – Eucharist, followed by breakfast 5:30am; Eucharist 8:30am

Susan Crothers-Robertson

It was all hands-on deck as end of term arrangements were quickly made and changed in order for the girls to be able to get home for the holidays prior to the lockdown. The girls took it in their stride and did what needed to be done in order to depart the Boarding House. With most of the parents able to make alternative arrangements, the majority of our girls are now on their way, or have already made it to their holiday destination.

We would like to thank our Boarder families for what has been a lovely term with your daughters. We are looking forward to welcoming them back in Term 2, rested, revived and ready to go. We hope you all enjoy spending time together and have a wonderful Easter with family and friends.

Angela Crowe

In Term 2 there are a few things to note:

Year 12

The students will begin Unit 4 and the last of their Internal Assessments. In the first few weeks of term, we hope that the External Assessment Timetable will be released. Following this I will be able to provide you and your daughter with a full calendar of assessments and events leading up to and including the External Assessments in Term 4.

Year 11

As mentioned last week, all Year 11 students and their parents will have the opportunity to meet with me or the Acting Dean of Academics in Term 2, Nikki Townsend to discuss their Year 11 progress, including Unit 1 results, goals for 2021 and subjects. Bookings for these meetings will be open from Thursday 1 April at 3:00pm. Dates and times available are listed below:

• Thursday 22 April, 8:00am-3:00pm
• Thursday 22 April, 4:00pm-8:00pm
• Tuesday 27 April, 11:00am-1:00pm
• Wednesday 28 April, 4:30pm-7:00pm
• Friday 30 April, 8:00am-10:00am
• Friday 30 April, 11:30am-1:30pm
• Friday 30 April, 3:00pm-5:00pm
• Wednesday 5 May, 8:00am-8:00pm
• Thursday 6 May, 8:00am-8:00pm
• Friday 7 May, 8:00am-1:00pm

Year 10

This week, all parents have been emailed a letter with details of the Careers and Subject Selection process Year 10 students will participate in in Term 2.

For all girls, take some time to relax over the holidays. I certainly will be, 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, crack open a book and replenish 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

I take this opportunity to remind all students to check the updated Assessment Planners on the POD for the rescheduled assessment from this week. If students were scheduled to sit any in-class assessment during this week, it has been rescheduled for the beginning of next term. It is important that all students are aware of these dates and the need to be prepared for the assessment at the beginning of Term 2.

I wish everyone a relaxing, well deserved break and looking forward to seeing you back in person in Week 1 Term 2.

Caitlin McCluskey

Some quotes to consider… Francis Bacon said, ‘Silence is the sleep that nourishes wisdom’ and the Dalai Lama states, ‘Sometimes silence is the best answer’. I wish you and your family a happy and holy holiday.

Nikki Townsend

The many competitions (Andrews Cup, Interhouse Swimming and Chess) each provided the opportunity for students to train and aim for personal best results, develop the opportunity to bounce back from disappointment, to win gracefully, to share in others' success and be a team member.

In addition to making Andrews Cup Swimming history, we had many girls trial and make City District (CD) level. At the State Swimming competition, Sophie Hebron came first in 400m freestyle, Mena Bertinato came third in the 50m freestyle with Annabelle Crowe, Clementine Cooke and Chloe Nheu each making the finals. Congratulations to Scarlett Jones and Emily Boon who are in the CD Soccer team, as well as Isabela Coleman, Inès Vidot and Adelaide Bothwell who are in the CD Netball team.

Thank you to Ms Suzy Edwards, Ms Lauren Richards and Ms Morgan Rowe for their preparation of the Primary Interhouse Swimming Carnival and to the staff for their commitment throughout the day.

In the cultural arena, many students practised the skills of performing both as an individual and as members of a performance group. Twelve girls participated in the first Chess competition for the year.

Greater intercultural understanding was the outcome of the ‘online visit’ from Konan Elementary school.

Developing relationships with others was offered and tested during the first camp of the year. It presented a myriad of life experiences for all Year 4 girls as they learnt to get along with others, adapt to new situations and work together. The Year 6 leaders practised their leadership skills daily and this was very evident at the Swimming Carnival.

Thank you to the many families who donated eggs for children in Foster Care. We managed to load Ms Surtees’ car and deliver to the department before lockdown.

Together, all these experiences have gifted your child’s opportunities to develop attributes that will help them on their journey in life.

I wish everyone a healthy, safe and Holy Easter break.

Angela Drysdale

The concert will be presented from Munich and made available on 27 April by the Tate Memorial Trust. Once a ticket is purchased, the concert will be available for viewing for a further six months. To purchase tickets, please go to this link: https://www.taitmemorialtrust.org/product/ein-schoener-abend-with-annabelle-traves-april-27th/. For further information, Annabelle has provided this YouTube link where she discusses the upcoming performance: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tAwQpfv07DE&feature=youtu.be. I know Annabelle would greatly appreciate your support of this special performance!

Encorah/Volare Recommencing in Term 2

Our Secondary school choirs, Encorah and Volare, will recommence rehearsals from the start of Term 2. Encorah is an ‘all-comers’ choir for girls in Years 7-12. All who enjoy singing are welcome to attend with no audition required. The choir will sing a wide range of repertoire from a variety of genres. The choir will rehearse from 3:30-4:30pm on a Thursday afternoon in the Arts Centre Foyer, with the first rehearsal to commence in Week 1 of Term 2 (22 April).

Volare will also recommence in Term 2. Volare is an auditioned choir for girls in Years 7 and 8 who enjoy singing more challenging repertoire. Volare will rehearse immediately after Encorah from 4:30-5:00pm in the Arts Centre Foyer. (Exultate for students in Years 9-12 will also continue rehearsals at this time from 4:30-5:30pm in the Sister Helen Orchestra Room).

Music Support Group

The next Music Support Group meeting will be held on Tuesday 27 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

Water Polo Grand Finals

Congratulations to our four Water Polo teams, U13B, U14B, U16B and U18C who competed in the grand finals at the Valley Pool on Saturday 27 March. All games were tightly contested with the U16Bs winning and being crowned champions of their division, with all other teams becoming Runners Up. This is a great achievement and demonstrates the development each team has experienced over the 18-week season. Congratulations to all players for their dedication and energy throughout the season and a huge thank you to the coaches whose passion and knowledge in the sport of Water Polo is making the sport incredibly successful.

QGSSSA Artistic Gymnastics

Unfortunately, due to the 3-day lockdown, QGSSSA Artistic Gymnastics was unable to proceed on the scheduled date of Wednesday 31 March at Sleeman Sports Centre. We are currently waiting on further information from QGSSSA in regard to any rescheduling plans.

St Margaret’s Sport would like to thank all gymnasts, coaches, staff and parents for their efforts throughout the season in preparation for what was to be a fabulous competition.

Secondary Interhouse Cross Country Carnival

The Secondary Interhouse Cross Country Carnival will be held on the first day of Term 2 on Tuesday 20 April at Crosby Park. This is a great event for all girls to show their House spirit by participating in the 3km course, as well as the House ball games and tug-of-war competition. The order of the day will be as follows:

11:20am - Years 7 to 12 directed to Crosby Park

12:00pm - First event - 17 Years

12:20pm - 12 Years

12:40pm - 13 Years

1:00pm - 14 Years

1:20pm - 15 Years

1:40pm - 16 Years

2:00pm - Years 7-9 ball games - captain ball and tunnel ball (5 per year group)

2:20pm - Years 10-12 tug-of-war (4 x Year 10; 4 x Year 11, 6 x Year 12)

2:45pm - Presentations

2:55pm - Teachers and students to walk back to School

Cross Country holiday training will be available to all girls who are available with details found on the Cross Country POD page. A training program is also available for those not available to attend.

Autumn Fixtures

The fixtures scheduled for last Friday 26 March resulted in abandoned rounds for both Touch Football and Soccer due to field closures against Somerville House. Basketball continued with some very entertaining and competitive matches, with the 8A and 8B teams having convincing wins, 30-8 and 30-20 respectively.

We look forward to the fourth round of games when we return in Term 2 on Friday 23 April against Brisbane State High School at our home venues. Please note, all girls will recommence training for all Autumn sports on Thursday 22 April.

Old Girls Rowing Success

St Margaret’s old girls, Wallis Russell (’16) and Sophie Gerber (’19) teamed up to win gold in the Under 23 lightweight quad at the Australian Rowing Championships in Tasmania last week. They then wore the Qld colours to take silver in the Open women's lightweight quad in the Victoria Cup. It's fantastic to see our old girls continuing to shine beyond the school yard. Well done girls!

Helen Lobegeiger

A communication to all ticket holders has been sent out by the P&F Association. Cancellation of such a well-loved event at such short notice wasn’t something that the P&F anticipated, and they understand the feelings of disappointment resulting from this. However, as the St Margaret’s community has done so many times throughout this pandemic, we find a way to rally together, with an ongoing focus on ensuring the girls continue to receive everything they need in their last week of Term 1.

Thank you to everyone who supported this event and all P&F fundraising initiatives.

Many positive things have happened in Term 1, despite this late set back. The P&F have been able to hold all of their meetings face to face, welcoming many new members to the committee. The Mothers’ Luncheon was a sell-out event, raising a profit of over $40,000.

Additionally, the school held a successful first Professional Women’s Networking Breakfast, welcoming higher numbers than we were able to do in 2020.

Past Student Awards Dinner – Saturday 24 April 2021

Tickets are now available for the 2021 Past Student Awards Dinner. Join us for a special evening as we celebrate four inspirational St Margaret's women and hear about the impact they have made within their fields and communities.

The Past Student Awards Dinner is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow Old Girls and parents, and to hear from this year's amazing award recipients, while enjoying canapés on the Terraces, followed by a sit-down dinner and drinks.

Date: Saturday 24 April 2021

Time: 6:30pm for 7:00pm Dinner

Venue: Arts Centre Foyer, St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School

Tickets: $75 (adult) $55 (student)

Tickets can be purchased via Flexischools.

I wish everyone a very happy Easter and look forward to reconnecting in Term 2.

Lindsay Khushal

Are you considering studying Medicine or Dentistry at University? Simulated UCAT Day Workshop. Students can attend this same training via an online interactive Zoom platform. Brisbane (At the UQLD St Lucia Campus) - 11 April, 9:00am-4:30pm (Day 1)

Online (Day 1 and Day 2) - Various dates available

Day 2: Follow up session conducted via Zoom on 2 May 2021, 10:00am-1:00pm (AEDT).

Parents are invited to join as well. Day 2 date is flexible, and students can attend during another available date. ENROL

Sydney University Engineering Aid

Each year since 1997, Engineering Aid Australia has conducted Indigenous Australian Engineering Schools in Sydney. Students are invited to apply to participate in an online IAES hosted by Sydney University from 6-8 July 2021. Applications close Wednesday 5 May. Application Form.

RMIT

What's Next Webinar Series starts in the first week of Term 2. The series is an opportunity for students and parents to hear about the course options and interest areas available at RMIT. You can view the full schedule and register via this link.

Durack College Associate Program

Durack College is excited to announce its newest initiative: The Durack College Associate Program. Durack College Associate members live outside the College, but can call Durack ‘home’ while at university and enjoy the benefits of College life.

Becoming a Durack College Associate also provides social connections within the Durack College community. It is great for students who are commuting to university, new to Brisbane or living in accommodation where meeting like-minded women is difficult. Find out more here.

University of Sydney: Webinar Wednesdays

Sessions will be posted to our undergraduate events page as they become available.

NIDA acting on Screen Years 11-12 courses

Click here for more information and to apply.

Griffith Sports College

Griffith Sports College plays a vital role in fostering students who are also elite athletes, helping them devote time to training and competition while they complete their tertiary studies. As part of the Elite Athlete Friendly University Network, the Sports College integrates sporting and academic aspirations.

UQ Medicine Information Night

Learn about studying Medicine at UQ. Hear from leading medical experts, UQ alumni and current students on the changing medical climate, how to apply for medicine at UQ and tips for success. This event will be held on Wednesday 21 April and is open to Year 12 students and their parents/guardians. Places are limited so click here to receive updates on the event.

Liz Johnston