eNews Archive Issue 23 - 13 August 2020

There is always a balance between keeping your daughters fully informed and causing them to be anxious. However, open discussion in the home between parents and their daughters/children is often the most effective way of communicating difficult information. One particularly effective way is to seize a ‘teachable moment’ and explore ‘What if’ Scenarios, providing appropriate strategies. Teachable moments could include a conversation about what a child would do if they were stuck somewhere without transport and their mobile phone was not charged. Another teachable moment could occur when watching a television program where there is an opportunity to comment on the ‘safety choices’ made by the character. The ‘What if’ Scenarios encourage parents to have conversations about unsafe moments such as ‘what would you do if someone approached you on the street as you are walking home from school?’, ‘what would you do if you became separated from a friend in the city, and she had your mobile phone in her bag’ or ‘what would you do if friends were daring you to do something unsafe?’ or ‘what would you do if you kept receiving inappropriate texts from a stranger?’

On Monday this week, we announced our student leaders for 2021. It was an opportunity to acknowledge the fine leadership of the Year 12 students under difficult circumstances and to say thank you to them for their service to the school community. Although they have not yet completed their school leadership journey, the 2020 leaders will be able to mentor the incoming leaders before they need to focus on the final external exams. Primary Captains will be announced later in the year.

To our incoming leaders, I spoke about the importance of focusing on these aspects of leadership:

• Leadership is service to others
• Leaders understand the importance of rules and the need to follow them
• Selection is based on context, includes time, needs and relationships with others
• Universal popularity is not an acceptable criterion for leadership
• Leaders need to be able to do the hard stuff not just the fun stuff
• Leadership is about change
• Leadership is about listening
• Leadership is both a privilege and a responsibility

Ros Curtis

The report “Dream jobs: Teenagers’ career aspirations and the future of work” says 47% of boys and 53% of girls surveyed in 41 countries expect to work in one of just 10 popular jobs by the age of 30. OECD Education Director, Andreas Schleicher said that too many teenagers are ignoring or are unaware of new types of jobs that are emerging, particularly as a result of digitalisation.

Also, according to the report, gender and background continue to exert a strong influence. Among high achievers in tests such as PISA tests, overwhelmingly it is boys that expect to work in science and engineering rather than girls.

Last year, St Margaret’s held the inaugural Year 10 Broadening Horizons Conference, designed to increase our students’ exposure to a range of career pathways and opportunities. We are pleased that we are again able to hold this conference (in a COVID safe way) for our Year 10 students this year.

Experienced career professionals, a lively Old Girls’ panel and tertiary institutions will present to the students throughout the day and encourage them to discover their passion.

Year 10s have already started their careers education, with Careers Avenue testing done in Term 1, with meetings held with a consultant. Academic Advisors also went through career related activities with the students, and the girls have been guided through career activities on the POD. Parents are welcome to access this material on the POD at: https://pod.stmargarets.qld.edu.au/homepage/70/.

Karen Gorrie

I recently read a meditation by Richard Rohr, who indicated that change is inevitable, and this is no surprise. I doubt we were prepared for the changes we are currently facing. Rohr implied that transformation can occur in times of acute change. We are very aware that our brothers and sisters are facing acute change in Victoria with the severe restrictions in place to try and stop the spread of the pandemic. Sadly, many people will be affected by these much-needed restrictions. When things start falling apart, life can be chaotic. Rohr suggested that it is at this stage we are invited to stop and listen to our hearts and souls. Or, may I suggest, opening our imaginations. For within the chaos new life can come. No matter how uncomfortable, no matter how much we want to run away from the chaos that change can bring, if we can bear to sit with it, to be adaptable and flexible, we may notice glimmers of new life.

Jesus said, “It is a narrow gate and a hard road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:14). While there will be change, and we feel we have no choice, perhaps moving along the narrow road we may find an unexpected treasure. I pray that we allow ourselves to sit with the challenges that change brings and listen to our heart and soul as it calls us onto the narrow road of transformation.

O Great Love, thank you for living and loving in us and through us. May all that we do flow from our deep connection with you and all beings. Help us become a community that vulnerably shares each other’s burdens and the weight of glory. Listen to our hearts’ longings for the healing of our world. (Please add your own intentions) Knowing you are hearing us better than we are speaking, we offer these prayers in all the holy names of God, amen.

Susan Crothers-Robertson

In Boarding, we encourage the girls to learn and practice important values and skills, such as self-respect and other personal values and attitudes, social skills, tolerance and understanding, helpful and optimistic thinking and skills for getting things done. We cannot protect the girls from experiencing difficulties or tough times, but we can give them the skills to deal with difficult situations, take responsibility and move on in a positive manner. Accepting responsibility for their actions is an important step in their development and shows their growing maturity.

Self-respect grows out of setting standards for behaviour. If your daughter has self-respect, she believes she matters and should be treated respectfully by others. She’s also more likely to protect herself by avoiding risky behaviour and situations. Empathy, respect for others, kindness, fairness, honesty and cooperation are also linked to resilience. This includes showing care and concern for people who need support, accepting people’s differences, being friendly and not mistreating others. The girls are faced with different situations daily in Boarding and with self-respect and empathy they will become more resilient. We sometimes do need to let them sort it out for themselves and learn the skills to deal with difficult situations. This, in the end, will make them more resilient and able to deal with situations independently.

In Boarding, our goal is to help the girls on their journey to becoming more resilient, which will in turn prepare them well for when they leave school.

Lesa Fowler

Over the past week, our Secondary teachers have been finalising their assessment for Unit 3 for submission by Friday 14 August to QCAA for the next round of endorsement.

This is an important process as it allows schools and students to be confident that their internal assessment is assessing what it needs to assess based on the requirements of the syllabus. Additionally, the assessment is reviewed to ensure that it provides a suitable context, is accessible to learners and is comparable across schools. Over this week I have worked with our teachers to prepare their assessment and it has highlighted to me how lucky our girls are to have teachers who are experts in their subject area and to have the opportunity to study such a diverse range of subjects.

Nicole Devlin

Academic Pockets

As you are aware, due to interruptions to assessment as a result of COVID-19 throughout Semester 1, the Academic Assembly was cancelled. This was because many students had significant disruption to their assessment, which made calculating accurate GPAs in a fair way, difficult. As we continue to gather data, we will be reassessing what we will do regarding Academic Pockets for 2020. Further information will be provided in the coming weeks.

Tom McCormick

Whilst there are several parenting styles, children benefit most when parents are warm and loving, providing clear guidance and support. Understanding more about different parenting styles and their affects on children, will help you decide what kind of style you may want to adopt.

To help you determine which style of parenting you use, you can complete a quiz. This quiz can be found on the POD please go to Parent Resources then to School TV. Once you complete the quiz, a report can be emailed to you with your results.

Nikki Townsend

Two-Minute Drop-off Zones (loading and drop off zones on map)

The 2-Minute Zone is a set down and collection point only.

Do not park here or in the bus zone.

It is illegal to leave your car in these areas.

Importantly, please respect our neighbours and do not park across or in their driveways.

Morning Drop Off

Staff are on duty in the Atrium from 8:00am every morning.

Parents are requested to drop their child in the loading or drop off zone (see map).

Children need to walk from the car to the Atrium and wait until the bell at 8:15am.

Afternoon Pick Up

A teacher is on gate duty in Butler Street from Monday to Thursday until 3:40pm, please arrive after 3:20pm to pick up your daughter/s, and Friday after 3:00pm.

Pick Up/Drop Off Process:

1. Do not arrive before 3:20pm (Monday-Thursday) or 3:00pm (Friday). It is illegal to park in the pick-up zone for longer than 2 minutes.
2. Please have your family name label on display in your car.
3. Students will be assisted in the first three cars in the zone, when these cars move the next cars assume these positions.
4. It is illegal and dangerous to do a U-turn from the pick-up zone into oncoming traffic at the bend in the road.
5. Please observe the crossing zone, for students and adults crossing.

Pre-Prep Parking

Four parking bays are allocated to Pre-Prep parents for drop off and pick up for a maximum of 10 minutes. Pre-Prep parents parking permit signs needs to be displayed. If Pre-Prep parents need to stay longer in the centre, please make an appointment time or park outside the school grounds.

If you wish to enter the Primary school from the Advent Centre, please use the pedestrian crossing at the mosaic Pre-Prep sign.

Lapraik Street

If you are dropping off your child in Lapraik Street, please be aware that there are no staff members on duty in that street. If you need to drop your child off on the opposite side of the road, please ensure that you cross with your child. Cars travel at speed along Lapraik Street and with the sharp bends, drivers are not able to see people crossing.

Entry road to the Chapel

For everyone’s safety please be aware that you are not permitted to drive up to the chapel. The area beside the chapel is the parking area for the school buses and cars so there are vehicles constantly coming and going.

If you wish to park, please consider parking on Kidston Street or Upper Lancaster Road and walking the short distance to St Margaret’s.

Angela Drysdale

Online Band Olympics

During online learning in Term 2 and continuing throughout Term 3, the Secondary Band girls were given the opportunity to compete in an online Band Olympics. With over 12 events, including a compulsory scale event, students recorded clips using the video platform, Flipgrid to enter a range of categories such as the highest/lowest note, loudest/softest note, the longest note, most unusual sound and unique location, just to name a few. In Jackson Wind Ensemble and Sister Helen Wind Symphony rehearsals last week, the girls were awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze ribbons for each category. A big congratulations goes to Teresa Sweeney in Year 7, who was awarded the major prize of a handcrafted music stand after entering a total of 9 events.

Barley Sugar Garden Performances

The Music Department is pleased to recommence Barley Sugar Garden morning tea performances. Thank you to the Flute Ensemble and Dr Syntageros for their performance last Friday which was enjoyed by everyone in attendance.

Drum Circle

This week, we offered our first Drum Circle sessions to Primary students. It was very popular amongst the girls with multiple sessions given to enable maximum participation. These will continue for the remainder of the year and will be open to all girls across the Primary and Secondary schools.

St Margaret’s Spotlight

This week, St Margaret’s Spotlight features Year 11 student Meleia Richardson who recently composed and recorded a multi-track vocal piece entitled ‘Give Me Some Time’ as part of her Year 11 Music course. Meleia is a member of Encorah, Exultate and Rock Band and was recently announced as one of our 2021 Choral Captains. Thank you to Meleia for her musical contribution this week!

Music Support Group

The next Music Support Group meeting will be held on Tuesday 8 September 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

This week, we are travelling to St Peter’s Lutheran College and will play games on Friday 14 August (RNA Show holiday). Please ensure you have viewed the game schedule for drop off/pick up times and/or bus departure/arrival times through the Secondary Sport POD page or the sport specific POD pages.

Rowing Report by Jared Bidwell

Regatta 1 produced outstanding results for St Margaret’s Rowing on the weekend. In the first round of racing there were 18 events. St Margaret’s finished in the top 3 in 12 of these events. As the wind picked up over the course of the morning it provided challenging conditions for the second round of racing. The Maggies rowers stepped up, placing in the top 3 in 13 of the 14 events with 7 firsts, 3 seconds and 3 thirds.

Well done to the senior rowers who led the charge with back to back wins in the Senior Four, Second and First Eights.

Stepping up in the second round of racing is a great demonstration of the hard work the rowers have put in to achieve their fitness. Handling the challenging conditions is what Maggies rowers do best as we control the ‘controllables’ and do the best job we can. As we move into the next few regattas, it is important to work on our ‘race day recipe’.

This Friday 14 August is the annual EKKA Race Day Regatta. An internal St Margaret’s Regatta when crew and shed photos will be taken. It is a great opportunity to refine a crew and individual ‘race day recipe’.

Who: All Rowers in Years 8-12; all Crews need to be in correct racing uniform.

When: Friday 14 August

Time: Arrive at 6:20am to depart from Butler Street at 6:30am sharp. Rowers will be transported to and from Wyaralong Dam. Breakfast and lunch will be provided for the rowers. Rowers should ensure they pack enough water and have a snack prior to boarding the bus.

Rowers should return to school and ready for collection by parents/guardians from Butler Street at 2:00pm.

Parents are able to watch the EKKA Day Regatta providing they complete the Race Day Parent Register; a COVID restriction requirement. If attending, please note that transport and food is NOT provided for spectating parents.

Water Polo – Come n Try morning

St Margaret’s is inviting all girls from 10 years to 17 Years who have limited experience in playing Water Polo to attend a ‘Come n Try Morning’ this Sunday 16 August, prior to registering for the upcoming 2020/21 Summer season. For more details on how to register, please click here (PDF 352.4KB).

Last season, 120 students represented St Margaret’s in the Brisbane Water Polo Club Summer Competition. Registrations for the upcoming season in Term 4 2020 and Term 1 2021 are now open. Information about the trial dates/times, competition dates and season fees are available via the Water Polo POD page.

Netball – Shoot-a-thon

The Netball Support Group is fundraising towards a new Netball Court at Windsor Park through an old school Shoot-a-thon!

Over the weekend of Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August, St Margaret’s netballers have been set a challenge of how many goals they can score in one hour. Girls can receive sponsorship in the form of $1 per goal scored or a fixed donation amount. Great prizes are up for grabs (see below)! All netballers will be recording their goal shots via the Shoot-a-thon form (PDF 281.9KB).

Prizes include:

• Most goals scored in one hour by a team will win a coaching clinic with Australia Diamonds and Sunshine Coast Lightning Mid-courter, Laura Scherian
• Most goals scored in one hour by an individual will win signed Laura Scherian merchandise
• Highest donation by an individual will win a Landrover Experience package
• The team who demonstrates Best Team Spirit will a win a netball

Players will receive more information over the weekend.

All Schools Cross Country – Series #1

A group of students from 7 Years – 13 Years represented St Margaret’s at the first Cross Country race for the year at the Queensland Athletics All Schools Series #1 race. All wore their St Margaret’s singlets with pride and competed well. Well done to the following girls:

Estella Uhlmann (Year 2), Ruby East (Year 7), Priya Madders (Year 7), Charli Spies (Year 7), Annabel Bright (Year 8), Matilda Lee (Year 8) and Milla Roberts (Year 8).

Sports Awards Evening – Save the Date

Helen Lobegeiger

Vessels by Peter Biddulph

Sculpture by Mela Cooke

Lisa Smith

The 2020 event, MAYO A celebration of the Arts, will be held on a much smaller scale to previous events and will not be advertised to the wider community. It will be an event for our current community to get together, appreciate the artwork of Queensland creatives and our students, shop at school stalls and enjoy performances of our music and performing arts students.

More information will be shared on this year’s MAYO A celebration of the arts soon. In the meanwhile, we will be hosting some workshops in the lead up to and at MAYO.

Details of each of the workshops are listed below and bookings can be made through Flexischools.

Macrame – Students will choose from a range of beautifully coloured recycled t-shirt material before learning the basic techniques of this tactile art form to create a pot holder. All materials included.

Date: Wednesday 7 October

Time: 3:30pm-5:00pm

Price: $55 per student

Suitable for 12 years and up

Maximum 10 in this workshop

Pinch a Pot – Participants will make a Pinch a Pot bell or small hanging or standing pot by working with sandy coloured clay and decorating with a royal blue slip. Pieces will be fired, glazed and available for collection two weeks after the workshop. All materials included.

Date: Thursday 8 October

Time: 3:30pm-5:00pm

Price: $35 per student

Suitable for 8 years and up

Maximum 10 in this workshop

Please note: Tickets will be available on sale through Flexischools within the next week for this workshop.

Terrarium Log – Students will create their own Terrarium Log with all materials provided.

Date: Saturday 10 October

Times: 12pm, 1pm and 2pm

Price: $30 per student

Maximum 15 in each workshop

Resin Jewellery – In this workshop, students can make their own resin jewellery piece, either a bangle, a pendant or a ring. All materials included.

Date: Saturday 10 October

Time: 1:30pm-2:30pm

Price: $50 per student

Suitable for 12 years and up

Maximum 15 in this workshop

There is great anticipation amongst the school community regarding the opening of the sports precinct. In a few weeks we will take possession of the tennis courts, Philip Harris Gym, strength and conditioning gym and HPE building (mid-August), with the pool to follow around mid-September (and open to students at the start of Term 4). We are forever grateful to our generous donors who have made this all possible.

The Development Office is well aware that, unfortunately, COVID has meant a lot of support groups haven’t been able to hold their usual events this year. Whilst we realise this does bring some disappointment, we are tirelessly dedicated to ensuring the safety of our staff, parents, students, past parents and Old Girls. If the Development Office can provide any support or guidance on how we navigate these restrictions, please do not hesitate to contact me on 07 3862 0884 or developmentandcommunity@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Lindsay Khushal

The successful applicant will be a reliable, self-starter with strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

Minimum of three years experience in a small, mid-tier accounting firm, with MYOB AE experience. Book-keeping experience will be looked upon favourably. Must be happy to assist in all routine small firm tasks.

Please click here (PDF 250KB) to view the Position Description.

Please send application to: hr@davisaccountingandwealth.com.au.

If you would like to advertise on this Jobs Board, please email Wendy Johnston: wjohnston@stmargarets.qld.edu.au by COB Monday each week (term time only).

Date: Saturday 5 September 2020

Time: 11am AEST/1pm NZST

Register to attend

QTAC Year 12 How to Apply

There will be a QTAC Year 12 How to Apply zoom presentation that will cover important dates, how to apply, how to order your preferences, pathways, responding to offers, EAS, ATAR release and access, as well as other general information.

Date: 13 August 2020

Time: 5:30pm-6:30pm

You will be able to access the link at least 5 minutes prior to the scheduled start. The presentation runs for approximately 45 minutes and the QTAC presenter will be staying on until 6:30pm for the Q and A section of the Zoom event.

The details are: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83957922436?pwd=ajdORUYvbXpsWEJZVDRDYzZFVmFTQT09 Meeting ID: 839 5792 2436 Password: 836429

QTAC EAS

The Educational Access Scheme (EAS) can help you if you have experienced circumstances that negatively affected your most recent studies. If you are assessed as eligible for an adjustment to your ATAR or QTAC selection rank under EAS, it will be combined with other adjustments you may be eligible for. You apply for EAS when you are applying for tertiary study through QTAC. You must complete a cover sheet for each category that you feel you are eligible for and provide written evidence to support your application.

How to get your ATAR result

To get your ATAR you need to register with QTAC who will notify you of your ATAR on 19 December 2020. This registration is COMPLETELY SEPARATE to your QTAC course application for study in 2021. If you are ATAR eligible you need to apply/register for BOTH. To register to receive your ATAR you need to go to the QTAC website, scroll down the home page and click on ATAR PORTAL. Registering for your ATAR is FREE. You will need to have the following information ready: QTAC have developed a helpful video showing you the process and there is an ATAR FAQs section towards the bottom of the page. REMEMBER, you STILL need to do a separate QTAC application if you are wanting to apply for course entry in 2021 and this will cost you $45.

Elizabeth Johnston