eNews Archive Issue 25 - 17 August 2023

On Tuesday night was our Classics in the Cathedral event. In the beautiful setting of St John’s Cathedral, our music groups performed to a large audience. The music was wonderful, and it was an amazing showcase of our students’ music. Thank you to our Head of Performance Brad King, our coordinators of music including Regina Brennan, Jonny Ng, and Dr Camille Syntageros, as well as all our conductors and music staff for such a lovely event.

At the end of a very busy time, I thought it was interesting reading about teenager sleep patterns recently. According to the NAB Education Insights Special Report released in May 2023, adolescents are notorious for not getting enough sleep. There is ample research showing the teenage mind functions best when provided with between 9-9.5 hours sleep per night. However, NAB’s survey found that on average, student’s sleep just 7.3 hours per night. So perhaps it would be great for our students to plan how they can access more sleep per week!

Karen Gorrie

Money raised will contribute to the purchase of artworks for the school.  A special thanks to Graham and Judith Bell who have generously donated many artworks to the school over the years, and this year have donated four works by one of Australia’s most prominent abstract artist, Alun Leach-Jones.

MAYO is an act of giving - the act of giving time and goods, and it is a clear demonstration of the wonderful community that is our school.

Study Tips

Over the past term, Mr Dunn and Ms McCluskey have shared information about upcoming assessment and elements of preparation. To achieve the best results, it is important to establish healthy routines and study techniques:

1. Establish a study ritual

   Develop a specific ritual or routine that you follow here before each study session. It could involve a mindful activity, listening to music conducive to study, or doing a short meditation to signal your brain that it’s time to focus.

2. Practice the ‘Teaching’

   This involves explaining a concept or topic in simple terms, as if you were teaching it to someone else. By breaking down complex ideas into simpler language, you deepen your understanding and identify areas where you need further clarification.

3. Vary your study environments

   This will help your brain make unique associations with the material. For example, try studying in a library or outdoors. The change in surroundings can stimulate your brain and enhance memory recall.

4. Practice Retrieval

   Regularly test yourself on the material to reinforce your memory and understanding. Use practice questions, quizzes, or explain the concepts aloud.

5. Apply spaced practice

   Rather than cramming all at once, distribute your study sessions over a longer period.  Review the material at increasing intervals, focusing more on the topics that are difficult for you. Spaced practice helps reinforce long-term memory.

6. Effective use of resources

   They make use of textbooks, online resources, study guides, and supplementary materials to gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

7. Consistent review

   Regularly reviewing previously learned material, even after exams, helps them retain information in the long term.

I wish all girls great success in upcoming assessments.

Angela Drysdale

I have been inspired by the Matildas throughout the World Cup. They have displayed courage, generosity of spirit, integrity, and boundless strength and creativity throughout the competition. We can learn so much from them about the power of working together, wanting the best for each other, celebrating each other’s wins, and supporting each other in the low moments, and the strength that a strong sense of community can bring us as we journey through life.

Amid our busy lives and the Artificial Intelligence era, human connection and investment in our relationships is challenging, and it is easy to become too busy and exhausted to take the time necessary for nurturing connection. However, research shows that human connection and relationships are key elements of wellbeing and physical health.

Deep human connection is ... the purpose and the result of a meaningful life - and it will inspire the most amazing acts of love, generosity, and humanity.

Melinda Gates

As we arrive at the end of week 6, and assessment and exhaustion increase, remember you are part of a community that is here to support you and cheer you on.

Rev’d Jazz Dow

The Boarding House would like to extend its thanks to the Boarder Support Group for hosting the event, the catering and facilities teams and the group of Year 10 boarders who assisted with serving food throughout the night.

Congratulations Lucy Bourke!

In other news, Year 12 Boarder Lucy Bourke has been competing at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinbago as part of the Rugby 7s team. Lucy’s team played incredibly well throughout the tournament, eventually securing the Gold Medal. Congratulations Lucy – the entire Boarding House is immensely proud of you!

Hannah Calcino

If your daughter is unwell and is unable to attend school on the day of an exam, please ensure that she fills out the appropriate form (found via the Extension Form button on the Year Level POD pages) and sends the form, along with relevant evidence such as a medical certificate, to the Head of Faculty.

Year 12 students

The online QTAC Parent Information Evening will be held on 22 August. All students and parents are encouraged to engage in this evening. Any follow up questions can be directed to Michelle Carter at mcarter@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Caitlin McCluskey

Years 9 and 10 Study Hall

A reminder that during Years 9 & 10 Study Hall days, normal classes are suspended for these year levels, and students may have examination and performance assessments scheduled (please refer to your daughter’s Assessment Calendar on the POD).

When girls are not sitting assessment during Study Hall, they are afforded time to undertake independent study, where they can continue with other schoolwork and assessments.

Term 3 Study Hall dates are as follows:

Chris Dunn

Physical activity and exercise are not only vital to a child’s overall development, but they have so many other benefits. With children spending more time on computers being sedentary, it is even more important to get girls moving more. As well as maintaining a healthy weight, it also improves concentration by helping to establish connections between different parts of the brain. It helps students develop fundamental movement skills impacting positively on their confidence, self-esteem and ability to develop social skills. On an emotional level, it reduces stress and anxiety while improving posture and sleep.

Physical activity and exercise are good for your teenager’s health, now and in the future. Parents should encourage their daughters to move or play sport at every opportunity – in and out of school.

Nikki Townsend

Science Week

This week we have celebrated Science Week. Thank you to our Year 11 Science Ambassadors who have developed the iWonder Initiative, providing a question-answer session at morning tea on all things science. They have also worked with our Prep and Year 1 students supporting them to make their own Lava Lamps while exploring the concept of density. Thank you to Ms Dunstone and the Year 11 Science Ambassadors for their support of primary science.

Kate Frewin

The 2023 theme is ‘Read, Grow, Inspire’, and this year’s parade will no doubt inspire us to delve back into books we have forgotten, to discover new tales and to enjoy seeing the girls growing into their new favourite stories and embracing their future potential through their book character choices. The parade will also feature the highly anticipated debut of this year’s Piccolo Choir, our Prep and Year 1 ensemble who commence in Semester 2. Please see the Book Week Character Parade invite on The POD for all event details.

After we have had the chance to Read and Grow it will be time to Inspire and be inspired by the Primary Arts Spectacular on Friday 25 August. This year’s title builds on the theme of Book Week; ‘Inspire, Appreciate, Illuminate’. The Years 5 and 6 students will put the spotlight on some famous artists throughout time and place through a kaleidoscope of wearable art, an outdoor art gallery, singing, dancing and creative storytelling. The girls work towards this event over many months and this year they have had the privilege of creating alongside Mrs Rider, Ms Stewart, Mrs Erasmus and Mrs Brennan, a range of choreographers and many generous parents who have helped bring this event to life. It is always a magical and memorable evening, and we look forward to welcoming the Years 5 and 6 parents as the girls Inspire us to Appreciate art in its many forms, while they Illuminate Circular Drive. All event details including timings, food and beverages can be found on the invite on The POD as well as through information from your Class Parent Ambassadors.

We look forward to sharing this wonderful week with you all.

Annette Box

Boarders Music Recital

Congratulations to all boarders who performed at the Boarder Musician Recital held last Thursday evening in the Arts Centre Foyer. It was wonderful to hear a wide range of music performed by our boarders on many different instruments. Thank you very much to Dr Camille Syntageros for coordinating this event.

MAYO Long Lunch Performance 

Thank you to Sofie Gustafsson and Ruby Reynolds Campbell who both performed at the recent MAYO Long Lunch. Both Sofie and Ruby performed a number of jazz standards, accompanied by their singing teacher Ms Stephanie Taylor on piano. These performances were greatly appreciated by all in attendance and were a wonderful contribution to this special event.

Churchie/St Margaret's Viking Run Performance

Thank you to both the Monday and the Tuesday Rock Bands for providing wonderful entertainment at the Churchie/St Margaret’s Viking Run. This event fundraises for R U OK and is a fun afternoon of running followed by musical entertainment. The performances were very much enjoyed by both Churchie and St Margaret’s students in attendance. Thank you to Mr Michael Gillespie for his assistance at this event.

Music Support Group - Next Meeting

The next Music Support Group meeting will be held on Tuesday 5 September at 5:00pm in M’s Cafe. We encourage parents from both the primary and secondary schools to become involved. The following meeting will be the AGM and will be held on 24 October.

Brad King

The partnership shall provide St Margaret’s players with access to high-level coaching by Stephen and his team and also access to their six-court, purpose built facility at Nundah. With badminton participation continuing to grow at St Margaret’s, we are excited to offer this fantastic opportunity and look forward to the growth and development of our players.

In additional to school programs, Sam’s Badminton provides a great arrange of community programs including private coaching and group training. For further information. please check out the Sam’s Badminton online.

Mr Lloyd Knight
Director of Sport

Netball – Player Pathway

St Margaret’s are excited to announce that four senior players in 2023 have been selected to compete at the Queensland Netball State Titles, from Saturday 16 to Tuesday 19 September.

The purpose of the State Titles is to provide an opportunity for the best athletes, coaches and umpires from across Queensland to compete against each other in a high-quality competition.

The competition also provides athletes with a shared platform to compete for selection in the Queensland 17U and 19U squads who participate at the Netball Australia pathway event, the National Netball Championships (NNC), the following year.

St Margaret’s is extremely proud of the four students who will take to the court, recognising the effort and commitment they have each shown towards their personal and team development.

• Lauren Packer (Year 11), Sienna Small (Year 12) and Elle Gordon (training partner) (Year 12) will represent the U18 Cougars team.
• Jess Redmond (Year 11) will represent the U18 South Wildcats team.

This representation of four students is the highest number of representatives St Margaret’s has had at this level, highlighting the strength of talent and development being produced from within our program. We wish to thank and congratulate the St Margaret’s coaches and staff who have played a hand in assisting these players in their journey.

We wish our girls all the very best for the championships ahead and cannot wait to hear of their experiences.

Ms Gayle Coutts
Head of Netball

QGSSSA Winter Sport – Teams to watch

Congratulations to all the students who have been participating in QGSSSA Winter Sport so far this season. Already we have witnessed plenty of spirit in our teams' approach towards their matches and some great contests on the fields of hockey and courts of tennis, netball and volleyball.

As we move past the half way point of the 2023 QGSSSA Winter Sport Season, we wanted to take a moment to run our eye over some of the outstanding team performances played so far and look ahead to some of those teams that shall be vying for premierships later in the season.

Junior A Tennis Team – Scarlett Kennedy (Year 9), Eva Lewis (Year 8), Tayla McMillan (Year 9) and Margaret Zhang (Year 7). Some powerful forehands and strong teamwork in the doubles have seen this developing team go undefeated in 2023. Already they have beaten contenders St Peter’s and Brisbane Girls Grammar. However, they will be put to the test against Brisbane State High and St Hilda’s in coming rounds. We wish this team all the very best of luck and are sure that their fun energy and determination will put them in good stead.

Open Netball Team – Ella Antonie (Year 12), Lucinda Cameron (Year 10), Catherine Gillan (Year 11), Elle Gordon (Year 12), Lilly Hicks (Year 10), Neve Mattsson (Year 10), Lauren Packer (Year 11), Jess Redmond (Year 11), Sienna Small (Year 12) and Helaina Williams (Year 12). This team has grown in confidence each week and look set and poised to challenge the second half of the season. Despite a nail-biting, one-point loss to St Peters in Round 1, the evenness of this year’s competition shall line up key matches against Brisbane State High and Moreton Bay in the coming rounds. With the school behind them, we are sure this team can channel their spirit and determination and take it right up to the best in the QG and role model the St Margaret’s Way in all that they do.

Year 8A Volleyball Team – Monique Bindoraho, Nellie Copping, Ha Yeun Kim, Estelle Owen, Nahlia Pearson-Garnier, Tina Pearson-Nona, Emma Pomerenke, Ava Twomey. After a strong season in the 2022 Year 7 competition, which saw their season go down to the wire in a third set decider to St Hilda’s, our returning Year 8s look more determined and hungrier for excellence in 2023. With some power serving and silky ball control skills, this team looks set to challenge follow undefeated schools St Hilda’s and Moreton Bay to decide the 2023 premiership.

We wish all teams best of luck for the remaining five rounds of the season.

Mr Lloyd Knight
Director of Sport

Netball Parent Support Group

The Netball Parent Support group cordially invite the wider St Margaret’s school community to attend the 2023 Netball Trivia Night on Saturday 19 August.

The Netball Trivia evening is a great night on the school calendar, strengthening our community and raising funds to support our Netball program.

All members of the community are welcome. Please, grab a group of friends and book a table today.

St Margaret's 2023 Netball Support Group - Trivia Night Tickets, Eton Hall, Ascot | TryBooking Australia

Sport Awards Evening – Representative Achievements

Within our St Margaret’s Sport Awards Evening, we recognise and acknowledge the achievements of students who represent team Queensland and Australia within their respective School Sport and Club Sport Pathways.

Given club sport is external to St Margaret’s, we do appreciate students and/or parents/guardians notifying the Activities Office of student representation at this level. Recognition is acknowledged of those students who are selected and compete within a representative Queensland or Australian team.

If your daughter has represented at this level, could you please notify the Activities Office by Friday 8 September, with the suitable details to assist.

Please email Mr Lloyd Knight, Director of Sport (lknight@stmargarets.qld.edu.au) 

While not placing in the final, Tiffany-Rose engaged and entertained the audience with both her prepared and impromptu speeches. Adjudicators provided targeted feedback to all six finalists to help guide them in their future public speaking endeavours.

Well done to Tiffany-Rose for making it through to the final stage of the competition and delivering memorable talks with confidence and conviction. A wonderful achievement!

Maria Chamberlain

Orders placed after 9 September will be sent ASAP; however, Sequel cannot guarantee delivery prior to the commencement of Term 4.

Boarders are able to have their book pack delivered to the St Margaret’s Boarding House for pickup on return to school in Term 4. Boarders requiring their book pack delivered to the school must complete their delivery address as: Boarder – Deliver to St Margaret’s AGS.

Booklists for Pre-Prep to Year 11 2024 will be posted in early Term 4.

Blazer Fittings

Blazer fittings - Students entering Year 10 in 2024 should consider coming into the Supplies Shop to be fitted for their blazer prior to the end of Term 4 2023. This will ensure the best fit and will allow time for a custom make blazer for the students who require extra or shorter length through the body and arms. All orders will need to be placed by 24 November for a March 2024 delivery. Students can visit the Supplies Shop during our opening hours with a blazer fitting taking around 10 minutes per student. The cost of the blazer is $275 and is payable at the time of ordering.

Uniform Fitting Appointments - Online booking system

Bookings for October, November & December 2023 and January 2024 are available online. We encourage families to book a fitting appointment as soon as possible, as appointments are filling fast.

Book your appointment online via the school website: http://www.stmargarets.qld.edu.au/admissions/supplies-shop

Appointment times are either 30mins or 60mins depending on your fitting type. Fitting types include New Student, Existing Student, Boarder Only and Pre-Prep/Prep.

• One appointment = one student fitting
  If you are booking for two or more students, please book separate fitting appointments for each student. These can be at the same time if times are available.

• All fittings will take place in the School Supplies Shop which is located onsite, just off Circular Drive through Gate 1 at the top of Petrie Street.

Trading Hours (Term Time)

Monday               8am – 2pm
Tuesday         8am – 2pm
Wednesday        10am – 5pm
Thursday          8am – 2pm
Friday                   8am – 2pm

Public Holidays Closed

Event Details

Date Sunday 10 September 2023

Time 11:00am - 3:00pm

Venue Rivershed at Howard Smith Wharves

Cost 150 Adult (includes a glass of Chandon NV Brut on arrival)

            $130 Student (includes four hour soft drink package)

Your package includes:

• Equivalent three course Italian grazing luncheon with dessert, tea and coffee.
• Guest Speaker, Shea Morrison, co-founder of The Goodnight Co and host of successful podcast ‘Sleep with Shea’. With Q&A session hosted by Jo Stone, former ABC journalist.
• Live music
• Photo booth with unlimited prints
• Additional beverages are available for purchase.

Dress       Cocktail/garden party

Tickets     https://www.trybooking.com/CKNNI

Tables of 10 - please nominate a table captain or preferred year level. We will do our best to accommodate all requests.

Please note, no refunds will be provided after the RSVP date.

RSVP        5pm, Thursday 31 August 2023 (unless sold out prior)

Enquiries    p&f@stmargarets.qld.edu.au

This event is proudly supported by Major Sponsor; KLM Solicitors and Maggie’s Supporter; Shingle Inn.

Professional Women’s Network Breakfast with Jane Carland, General Manager, Castrol (Australia and New Zealand) – DATE CHANGE

Due to a change in circumstances for our Guest Speaker, our upcoming Professional Women's Network Breakfast will now be held on Tuesday 12 September 2023.

We hope that you can join us on the revised date for PWN 3 with Jane Carland, General Manager, Castrol (Australia and New Zealand).

Jane has over 25 years’ experience in the energy sector across ANZ and Asia Pacific having worked in most aspects of the energy value chain including Operations, Marketing, Sales, Strategy and Business Development. She also holds several Director roles.

Jane has had the opportunity to be at the forefront of innovation and energy transition initiatives, providing customers with alternate, lower emission energy options. Prior to her current role, she led the development of LNG as an alternative fuel across Asia Pacific which provided her and the family an amazing cultural experience. She is passionate about customers and seeing people achieve their potential.

Event Details

Date               Tuesday 12 September 2023
Time               6.45am arrival for 7.00am - 8.45am
Location         Arts Centre Foyer, St Margaret's Anglican Girls' School
Format           Sit down breakfast  

We also invite you to enjoy Barista Coffee from the Wolff Coffee Roasters cart, before and after the event!

Tickets           $85 Adult, $40 Student (Years 10-12/Tertiary).  
Corporate tables $850 (10 seats), includes company logo displayed on table and acknowledgement during event.

To purchase tickets or a corporate table: Click here

We thank our series sponsors, Major Sponsor: Pitcher Partners, Associate Sponsors: Programmed Property Services and Wolff Coffee Roasters, and Supporting Sponsors: Downer, Clear Insurance, Westpac, O’Reilly Shaw Lawyers, Uniform Link and Move Recruitment Solutions.

Aspiring Young Women’s Network Breakfast
Tickets are available for the third Aspiring Young Women's Network Breakfast (AYWN) for 2023 with Former Qld Firebird Netballer and Award Winning Pharmacist, Karen Brown (’98).

The AYWN series provides an opportunity for secondary school students, from Years 9-12, to hear firsthand from alumni who have transitioned to university or their chosen career at these networking breakfast events.  Parents are welcome to attend these events with their daughters.

Date:              Tuesday 29 August 2023

Time:             6:45am arrival for 7:00am start
Where:           Arts Centre Foyer, St Margaret’s AGS
Cost:               $38 Adults/Students
Book:              https://www.trybooking.com/CINSM

Karen Brown is an innovative, award winning pharmacy owner, pharmacist and entrepreneur. A teenage dream at St Margaret’s to become a pharmacist has culminated in a career spanning 15 years in pharmacy ownership across 4 pharmacies. Karen is the Managing Partner of TerryWhite Chemmart Arana Hills, a multi award winning pharmacy including both National and Queensland TerryWhite Chemmart Pharmacy of the Year titles.

In 2021, Karen was recognised with Australia Day Honours being awarded the Dickson Small Business Person of the Year. In 2018, Karen was awarded the prestigious TerryWhite Chemmart Pharmacist of the Year for her dedication to improving the health and wellbeing of her community. Karen is a member of the Advisory Boards for TerryWhite Chemmart, University of Queensland School of Pharmacy, Australasian College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Society of Australia.

In 2019, Karen, a former Queensland Firebird Netballer, founded Batch Tested – Australia’s only online platform guaranteeing athletes have simplified access to batch tested and certified sport supplement and nutritional ranges.

Karen is first and foremost a pharmacist and pharmacy owner but overall an entrepreneur making the most of opportunities and combining her passions for pharmacy, sport, business and people.

Lara Pickering