eNews Archive Issue 17 - 6 June 2019

Recently we held a Year 10 Broadening Horizons Conference, and I would like to thank Mrs Naomi Holley, Ms Liz Johnston, Mrs Jo Butterworth, Ms Kate Montgomery and other staff involved in the organisation of this event. We were also fortunate to have some past students come to be part of a panel and speak with our students. After their session they stayed for morning tea and were very generous in talking with the Year 10s and passing on any advice they had learnt from their experience. We truly value the connections we continue to have with our Old Girls and I wish to pass on a very heartfelt thank you to the following people:

• Maggie Wu (2012 - 2016) – currently studying Law and Business at QUT.
• Prudence Edwards (2010 - 2012) – Completed studies in Business and International Hotel and Resort Management, Arts and Education. Currently teaching English and History in Brisbane.
• Amany Cummins (2002 - 2013) – In final semester of a Finance and Economics degree at UQ. Has accepted an offer from Merril Lynch to begin next year in an Analyst role within their investment banking team.
• Emily Wilks (2005 - 2012) – Bachelor of Urban Development (major: Construction Management with Honours). Currently working at Tomkins Commercial and Industrial Builders (the team who is developing the new sports precinct at St Margaret’s).
• Molly Duhig (2010 - 2015) – Currently studying Chemical and Environmental Engineering at UQ.
• Isabella Smith (2004 - 2014) – Currently studying Bachelor of Primary Education majoring in Mathematics and Physical Education at USQ.
• Isabella Lane (2008 - 2013) – Received first class honours in a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (UQ). Currently working in the ICU at Princess Alexandra Hospital.
• Madeleine Edmunds (2005 – 2009) –Australian rower. She is a five-time national champion and a 2016 Olympian and is currently taking a break from international rowing commitments. She is pursuing some business management opportunities and has ambitions to play in the AFLW competition.

Karen Gorrie 

St Margaret’s has a strong foundation of educational excellence and this is evident through the focus of the Strategic Plan, its reputation and the Sisters and their philosophy for educating girls. Therefore, it was reassuring to reflect on our progress in transitioning to the new system with peers from other schools to share ideas and processes from across the Independent School Sector.

This change, along with its challenges, is providing opportunities to enhance the learning experiences and strengthen the outcomes for students. Thanks must go to all teaching staff and the leadership of the Heads of Faculty who have assisted in ensuring that St Margaret’s is in a strong position with regards to transitioning to the new system due to the strong learning culture of the school and its ability to shape and reshape within the Queensland educational landscape, while maintaining its own mission and vision for all students.

Nicole Devlin 

It is common knowledge we all lead and role model differently. We attempt to lead by example and encourage the students to develop positively as individuals. This term, I have hosted workshops with the Year 11 students as they will soon be stepping into captaincy roles. Our first workshop was to help the students identify their character strengths and weaknesses. We encourage the students to cultivate these strengths and to use them to help develop their lower strengths. We have also discussed leadership in action, leadership style, boarding culture and identifying and understanding the ‘St Margaret’s Way’. The students understand the importance of learning these skills and the responsibilities to come. The current Year 12s continue to be an inspiration for the younger years and embed a positive culture for our community, especially in the Boarding House.

It is very rewarding as a staff member to be a part of this leadership journey with your daughters. It is only stepping stones, but an integral part to their learning as they become confident professional leaders for our future.

Gracemere Mataia 

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.

Update - Year 10 Subject selection
This week, Year 10s begin Senior Education and Training (SET) Plan meetings. The SET Plan interviews are with either Ms Lesa Fowler, Head of Boarding, Ms Naomi Holley, Director of Careers and Portfolio Pathways or me. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss your daughter’s subject selection for Years 11 and 12 so that we can prepare the timetable for next year. The girls have already signed up for their interview and you are most welcome to attend, or we can ring you at the time of the interview.

Year 12 English and Music Extension
Year 11 students have the option of studying English and Literature Extension or Music Extension. Extension subjects are only offered for Unit 3 and 4 and will commence in Term 4 this year. Music students and high performing English and Literature students will be invited to a meeting in Week 9 this term to learn more about the courses. If your daughter is interested in these subjects, please ask them to see Mrs Walker for Music Extension or Ms Layton for English and Literature Extension for more information. Students who choose to study an extension subject will be required to drop one of their existing subjects at the end of Unit 2.

Jo Butterworth 

If there is a valid reason for the non-submission of a response on the due date, such as illness, a student must apply for Special Provision by completing the Request for an Extension form located in the Academic Hub on the POD. A medical certificate must be supplied in Years 10-12 in the event of illness. The Dean of Pedagogy and the Head of Faculty will determine a reasonable adjustment for the submission of a response. For students in Years 7-9, a letter from parents or carers to the Head of Faculty outlining the reasons for the non-submission of assessment is required. The student will be required to submit the assessment on the day of her return to school, unless an extension is approved.

School of Life

It has been a very successful start to the School of Life club. The presentations kicked off earlier this term with budgeting, elections and voting and yesterday was the last presentation for Term 2 which focussed on curriculum vitaes and interview tips (including how to dress appropriately for interviews). The club will be back in Term 3 starting with a presentation on superannuation, followed by personal credit/credit cards, nutrition and the Australian tax system. All students in Years 10-12 are encouraged to attend these sessions. Also, a reminder that suggestion boxes are placed in the Senior Library and School Support. All suggestions are welcome.

Tom McCormick 

And then there is the internet: a place where our daughters roam and we often have no idea of where they are exploring or what image they are putting out there for billions the world over to see. Adolescents need boundaries; this is because of the stage of brain development they are at, which means they are not good at impulse control, prioritising or assessing risk. Often, they are unaware of which pictures or comments they post are inappropriate or even downright offensive. The boundaries and consequences need to be laid out clearly, as Carr-Gregg states, “We are our adolescent’s prefrontal cortex”.

It is important as parents that you frequently talk and re-emphasise the values held dear within our own families and communities. Within the School we continually refer to our values. There is unfortunately no manual on how best to parent our children, but there are a number of books and websites which can help us to navigate these often confusing adolescent years. Of note are authors such as Maggie Hamilton, Michael Carr-Gregg and Steven Biddulph. A website that I find particularly useful is www.parentingideas.com.au.

References:
Carr-Gregg, Michael (2007). Real Wired Child. Penguin Group: Australia
Hamilton, M (2008). What’s Happening to Our Girls? Penguin Group: Australia

Nikki Townsend 

Reading for 10 minutes a day shapes your child’s future by benefitting their performance in general knowledge, vocabulary, reading comprehension, verbal fluency and spelling which are linked to improved measures on a child’s academic success as illustrated in the infographic below:

A child’s empathy and emotional intelligence can be improved by frequent reading as it allows readers to better understand people and the world around them, which is especially important in today’s world.

It is critical that students spend time each day rehearsing fluent reading behaviours. Our AR (Accelerated Reader) Program assists students to identify books at their independent reading level. The girls continue to embrace AR with 85.5 million words read by the Year 3-6 girls thus far, six girls have read over 2 million words and fourteen girls have read over 1 million words.

The AR results provide evidence that our students are fervent readers. However, if you have a daughter who is not a regular reader, you can help to develop her reading habits by setting aside 10 minutes a day. It only takes ‘doing it’ 20 times to make it a habit. Reading challenging books with your child role models fluent expressive reading and instils a love of literature.

And in the words penned over 40 years ago by Dr Suess:

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more things that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

Angela Drysdale

Upcoming Events

6 June: Pre-Prep Excursion to QPAC

20 June: Grandparents, Godparents and Parents Morning

20 June: Interhouse Verse Speaking Competition

20 June: Last day of Term 2 

SHEP (Middle School)
A number of St Margaret’s students participated in the State Honours Ensemble Program (Middle School) at the Griffith University’s Conservatorium of Music over the last weekend. These programs bring together musical students from schools around South-East Queensland to rehearse and perform with special guest conductors in an intensive environment and are wonderful opportunities for our students to build their musical capacity. Congratulations to the following girls who participated: Lily Alford (Voice), Alice Baxby (Voice), Isabella Bluett (Viola), Mariana Breslin (Viola), Harriet Buckley (Voice), Naomi Colledge (Voice), Hilary Davis (Double Bass), Matisse Fennessy (Clarinet), Alexandra Holland (Flute), Se Yeon Kim (Cello), Emma Lotzvie (Voice), Mokhyada Nanda (Voice), Evangeline Phillips (Violin), Poppy Tritton (Voice) and Lucy Williams (Clarinet).

St Margaret’s Way Day Performance
Thank you to all three St Margaret’s Rock Bands for their performances at the St Margaret’s Way Day held last Thursday lunch time. The bands’ performances helped contribute to a great atmosphere at the event!

Encorah/Exultate Music Tour 2020 – France/Belgium
A reminder that deposits for the proposed Music Tour to France/Belgium are due by Friday 14 June and can be made via Flexischools: www.flexischools.com.au. A draft itinerary and letter with further details is attached below. The deposit is fully refundable if insufficient numbers sign up for the tour. The tour is open to all students currently in Years 8-11.

Music Tour 2020 Itinerary (PDF 1.2MB)

Music Tour 2020 Information and Initial Deposit Letter (PDF 287.9KB)

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

Brisbane All Schools Touch Football Carnival
Three teams (U13, U15 and Open) have been selected to compete at the Brisbane All Schools Touch Football Carnival at White’s Hill on Saturday 8 June. This tournament is one of the biggest Touch Football events for schools in Brisbane and allows girls to test their skills against a wide variety of schools from all over Brisbane. Good luck to all teams.

St Margaret’s Open Tennis Championships
The St Margaret’s Tennis Open Championships will be held this weekend, commencing on Friday 7 June for our Primary aged competitors and Sunday 8 June for all Secondary competitors. The Championships is open to all students and will be played in 4 divisions; Primary (Years 4-6), Junior (Years 7 and 8), Intermediate (Years 9 and 10) and Senior (Years 11 and 12). Girls will be able to nominate in either singles, doubles or both! A Boarder’s Cup will also be awarded. For more information, please click here (PDF 206.6KB).

World Swimming Trials
The biggest names in Australian Swimming will be in Brisbane this week at the World Swimming Trials. St Margaret’s have been invited to be a part of the trials by participating in a Schools 4 x 50m Medley Relay race on Tuesday 11 June at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre, Chandler. St Margaret’s has selected two teams to swim at this event and we invite all friends and family to come and support by securing their free tickets to this exciting session of swimming by clicking here.

Winter Sport Camps – Athletics/Hockey/Netball
This year, St Margaret’s is launching two new sports camps – a QGSSSA Netball and Hockey camp. These camps will run simultaneously, in conjunction with the annual Athletics camp which will be held on Friday 21 June to Sunday 23 June at the BLK Performance Centre at Runaway Bay on the Gold Coast. The Athletics, Hockey and Netball camps will involve skill and team development sessions which will assist all girls in their preparation for the QGSSSA competition season in all three sports. Each sport will run separate programs; however, any multi-sport athletes will be able to cross-over between sports. Further details can be found via the POD sports pages.

Congratulations…
Isabella Harte (Year 8) who stunned the road running world with her sensational victory at the Brisbane Marathon Festival on 2 June. Isabella, who is still only 13 years old, was the first female to cross the line in an all age event and was 7th overall in a 1,100 strong field.

Helen Lobegeiger

Indoor Rowing Championships
The Indoor Rowing Championships held at Sommerville House last week saw St Margaret’s achieve great results on the night and the promise of an exciting season ahead. Old Girl, Rowing Olympian and current St Margaret’s Rowing Coach, Madeleine Edmunds (’09) was on hand to present many of the placings from the event.

The St Margaret’s Indoor Rowing Team was made up of the following girls:

Year 8: Lucinda Bourke, Indiahna Frawley, Inge Mellor, Charlize Fahrensohn, Sally Bambling

Year 9: Holly Carrigan, Emma Pickering, Verity House, Abigail George, Poppy McPherson, Kate Bloomfield

Year 10: Primrose Carrigan, Sophia Wightman, Morgan Wright, Lucinda MacPherson, Emma Arnott, Chloe Fenwicke

Year 11: Shanelle Flute, Imogen Tsien, Lucy Scott, Pia Malouf, Margot Lisle, Annabelle Brown

Year 12: Sophie Gerber, Lily Devereaux, Mia Fahrensohn, Isabelle Cox, Emma House

Lucinda Bourke led the charge in the Year 8 individual ergo over 500m. Holly Carrigan in Year 9 finished 3rd with Primrose Carrigan in Year 10 charging home in the last 200 metres finishing 2nd in an incredibly tight finish, with only .01 of a second separating 1st and 2nd.

Shanelle Flute led from the front to win the Year 11 2000 metre individual with Lily Devereaux putting in a gutsy effort in her individual 2000 metre race.

The Year 8 relay team took to stage with Lucinda Bourke, Indiahna Frawley, Inge Mellor, Charlize Fahrensohn and Sally Bambling rowing 200 metres each. They experienced some challenges early on dropping back to midfield after a great start. Realising their position, the girls pulled together to rein in the leaders and finish 3rd in a tight finish for the placings.

Verity House, Emma Pickering, Abigail George, Poppy McPherson and Kate Bloomfield powered through to achieve a 3rd in the Year 9 relay. The Year 11 relay with Imogen Tsien, Lucy Scott, Pia Malouf, Margot Lisle and Annabelle Brown finished in 3rd as did Sophie Gerber, Lily Devereaux, Mia Fahrensohn, Isabelle Cox and Emma House in the Year 12 relay.

The All Age Relay consisting of 2 rowers from each year level saw the girls rise to the occasion as our Year 8s led the way. Well done to Lucinda Bourke, Indiahna Frawley, Emma Pickering, Holly Carrigan, Morgan Wright, Primrose Carrigan, Shanelle Flute, Imogen Tsien, Sophie Gerber and Mia Fahrensohn on taking out the win in the All Age Relay.

Well done to those who competed and supported the night and for the outstanding achievements both on and off the ergo.

Jared Bidwell
Head of Rowing

Artwork of the Month - June (PDF 207.2KB), selected by our Arts Captains, Lucy and Chloe goes to Wei Tong (Sylvia) Fan (Year 9) for her Still Life painting. This is one of many wonderful works recently created by our Year 9 classes. Well done Sylvia.

Lisa Smith 

Students currently away on their Exchange
We recently heard from the following students:

Teneille Allen, St Anne’s, South Africa:

It’s been hectic over here. I am having such an amazing time and went hot air ballooning this morning. What an incredible experience! Hope this term is going well.

Estella Caro (and Celia Quinn), Pensionnat du Saint Nom de Marie, Montreal, Canada

Once again, I have to say how quickly time is flying by. It is technically our last full week of normal classes because we have exam block next week. It feels as though each day just keeps getting better and better. On the 24th of May, my host family took me to the famous Montreal Schwartz Deli where we had the best smoked meat sandwiches ever. The Sunday of that weekend we went on a helicopter tour of Greater Montreal, piloted by one of Quebec’s finest; Julianne’s great uncle. Last week at school we had another amazing time; Wednesday celebrating the end of the year party, which was Coachella themed. On Friday, we did a mammoth 25km bike ride at night called ‘Tour la Nuit’ which was actually a lot more enjoyable than it may sound. It was a beautiful way to see the whole city, get some exercise and have a really fun Friday night. On Saturday, we visited the old port of Montreal where we did some shopping, tried the two famous bagel shops and experienced an escape room (we escaped with 3 minutes to spare!!). On Sunday, I went to the cinema with some friends to see the new “Rocketman” movie.

Celia and I are so incredibly grateful for this amazing opportunity, and although it has not ended we cannot thank you enough for everything. It has been the best 2 months of my life so far and frankly I don’t want it to end just yet. Amongst all these amazing activities and experiences, we are trying to keep on top of our Maths work. It must be a busy time at the moment at St Margaret’s. I hope everything is going very well.

Angelin Achari 

Bookings for the St Margaret’s OSHC June/July School Holiday Program has opened. If you require care for the upcoming school holiday period, please return your booking form by 17 June 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 10 June 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 (Level 1 Primary Atrium, St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School).

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 

Date: Friday 14 June 2019
Time: 6:30pm pre-dinner drinks on the Arts Centre Foyer Terraces, 7:00pm Dinner
Venue: Arts Centre Foyer (ACF)
Cost: $100.00 per person includes Southern American style barbecue dinner and drinks
This annual event is proudly sponsored by Morgans.

Professional Women’s Networking Breakfast
Join us for the Professional Women’s Networking Breakfast with special guest speaker, Julieanne Alroe, Chair of Infrastructure Australia and Inaugural President of the Queensland Futures Institute.

Julieanne is one of only a handful of women in the world to run a privatised airport, having retired as CEO and Managing Director from Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) in June 2018 after 10 years in the role. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a member of the Chief Executive Woman (CEW).

Join us for our third breakfast in 2019 as Julieanne shares highlights, challenges and the lessons learned from more than 40 years in the aviation industry!

Date: Tuesday 20 August 2019
Time: 7:00am arrival for a 7:15am start - 8:45am finish
Venue: Arts Centre Foyer, St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School
Tickets: Corporate tables $800 for 10, $80 adult and $40 students (Years 10-12/tertiary)
Please click here (PDF 579.4KB) for more information.

Limited tickets still available via Flexischools. Please click here to purchase your ticket.

We sincerely thank our corporate sponsors for their generous support of the Series:

Associate Sponsors: Pitcher Partners and McCullough Robertson.

Supporting Partners: Downer, NAB, Programmed Property Services, Clear Insurance and Red Oak.

Reunion Weekend 2019
We look forward to welcoming those celebrating a milestone reunion back to the campus in July. Reunion invitations have been sent via email and post for those that we have current addresses for. Please continue to contact the Development Office with any address updates you may have.

10 Year Reunion – Class of 2008 – Friday 26 July

20 Year Reunion – Class of 1998 – Friday 26 July

30 Year Reunion – Class of 1988 – Friday 26 July

40 Year Reunion – Class of 1978 – Saturday 27 July

50 Year Reunion – Class of 1968 – Saturday 27 July

60 Year Reunion – Class of 1958 – Saturday 27 July

Chapel Service and Morning Tea – Sunday 28 July

60+ Year Reunion – Monday 29 July

Lara Pickering 

Brisbane Defence Recruiting Information Sessions
If you would like to find out more about the opportunities in the Australian Defence Force, here is a list of upcoming events:
13 June: 6:00pm–8:30pm, Aviation Careers, DFRC Brisbane
17 June: 6:00pm–8:30pm, Trades Careers, DFRC Brisbane
24 June: 6:00pm–8:30pm, Health Careers, DFRC Brisbane
DFRC – Level 13, 295 Ann Street, Brisbane
RSVP: email cptqld@dfr.com.au or visit www.defencejobs.gov.au/events

The University of Queensland
In 2018, UQ introduced a situational judgement test for the Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours). All applicants applying for the Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours) will have to sit the test. Along with the test, students will still have to meet all other entry requirements for the program.

Tests are scheduled in August, October and November 2019. Exact dates will be available on the CASPer website. Registration will open shortly and will remain open until the day before the scheduled November exam date. Discover more

Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University
Tertiary Preparation Workshop 2019 is being held at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, South Bank campus, Brisbane. The workshop runs Monday 1 - Friday 5 July 2019. Places in Tertiary Preparation Workshop 2019 are limited. For more details and to register click here.

Tertiary Studies Expo
Royal International Convention Centre, Brisbane Showgrounds
Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 July 2019, 10:00am to 4:00pm on both days.
FREE ENTRY

Get expert advice at the Tertiary Studies Expo (TSXPO) incorporating the Queensland Work and Skills Expo for your transition from education to employment. TSXPO is a fantastic opportunity to find all the information you need to kick start your career and find information all under the one roof! Find more details here.

University Open Days:
Australian Catholic University Brisbane: Saturday 27 July
Bond University Gold Coast: Saturday 27 July
Griffith University Gold Coast, Nathan and Southbank: Sunday 11 August
University of the Sunshine Coast: Open Day Sippy Downs: Sunday 21 July
Queensland University of Technology Gardens Point: Sunday 28 July
The University of Queensland St Lucia: Sunday 4 August 2019, 9:00am–3:00pm; Gatton: Sunday 18 August 2019, 9:00am–3:00pm

QUT International high school day
Where: Gardens Point campus, Science and Engineering Centre, P Block, Room 419
When: Monday 21 October 2019 (student free day)
Time: 9:30am-3:00pm
Register here

UNE
Year 12 students are invited to participate in our Early Entry Program for admission in 2020. UNE's Early Entry application process is fully online, it’s free to apply and you can submit your Early Entry applications now.

Griffith University
Griffith university has developed a website to assist you to decide on a study pathway: https://www.griffith.edu.au/study.

UQ: Experience Science is a free event open to students in Years 10 -12. Programs will be held on 12 July (last week of the holidays) and in the first week of Term 3 (16, 17 and 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/

Elizabeth Johnston