eNews Archive Issue 25 - 18 August 2022

I was reading a thought-provoking article, called ‘Future-Proofing Students’, about the seven traits that help student thrive, both at school and in the life after school. I agree with the author that these attributes are very important for success in life: Self-Confidence, Empathy, Self-control, Integrity, Curiosity, Perseverance and Optimism.

I was really interested in how we teach for Optimism.

Optimistic people see challenges and obstacles as temporary and able to be overcome; the ability to think this way augurs well for current and future success.

How do we as parents and teachers help young people develop optimistic thinking? Some of the best ways include to provide inspiration, talk positively about the world and the future (sometimes a little difficult) and provide role models for them, whenever possible.

Teaching young people to have this more positive mindset or outlook on life is vital as evidence suggests this type of thinking protects people from persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness and increases their life satisfaction and resilience. Highly optimistic people are also more likely to be more productive and engaged in their school or work.

Pessimistic thinking, on the other hand, reduces students’ engagement and commitment. Pessimists tend to look at life’s challenges as permanent and blockages as unable to be moved.

Optimistic thinking along with putting in the hard yards with work and preparation are definitely the way to go!

Ros Curtis

This year the following students will be required to attend Speech Night:

• All Year 11 and 12 students. All students in Year 12 will be required to wear a Church dress. Only prize winners in Year 11 will be required to wear a Church dress. Students in Year 11 who are not prize winners will wear their school middy.
• All boarders will be attending. Boarders who are not prize winners or in Year 12 will wear their school middy.
• All additional prize winners in Years 5-10.

The Church dress is available for purchase or hire from our Supplies Shop.

All non-prize winners in Years 5-10 are not required to attend. However, please be advised that we will continue to livestream our event and we encourage these students and their families to watch the event online.

Tickets will be released to Year 12 families first, then opened to the rest of the families of prize winners. We are currently in the process of finalising these details and will be in touch via email and eNews about these arrangement in the near future.

Karen Gorrie

I am often asked about the relationship between faith and science; whether it be in questions about evolution, or ethical questions and how to make decisions. These questions open great conversations that demonstrate the natural synergy that exists between faith and science. It is a myth that faith and science are in opposition.

Holistic education is one of the key tenets of the spirituality of the Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Advent, in particular, empowering young women to actualise their potential. This education incorporates the insights of the sciences with spiritual inquiry. This reflects Anglican identity and Richard Hooker’s model of the three-legged stool, which is held up by its three legs: scripture, tradition, and reason. Our Anglican faith takes all three legs of the faith stool seriously.

Our Religious and Values Education program at St Margaret’s celebrates the contribution that science (and reason) makes to our faith and spirituality, and vice versa. Both science and faith allow us to explore existential questions and deepen our understanding of the world and our humanity.

Rev’d Jazz Dow

The boarders always come back full of treats and with fun stories of their outing. Keeping track of so many girls over a vast area can be challenging however Lilly has come up with a novel way to keep stock of them all. Prior to their departure they are all given certain times throughout the day when they must check in via a “selfie”. The picture must show all the girls who are in the group together. The background must indicate where they are located, such as a ride at side show alley or a cow in the cattle pavilion. As you can imagine some creative thought is put into some of these pictures to see who can come up with the most interesting “selfie”. It really is a great way to keep an eye on them all while allowing them the freedom to have fun.

Angela Crowe

As we approach the pointy end of the term, all students in Years 10 – 12 should be upping the ante on their study and review at home. Ensuring sufficient time to prepare for upcoming assessment can help students to avoid cramming for exams, which in turn leads to longer retention of their knowledge. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the support available to them at school, including attending faculty tutorials and Supervised Study Sessions in the library.

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.

Caitlin McCluskey

We are coming to the end of another National Science Week, which, thanks to the hard work from Ms Alison Davis and the Science Faculty, has again, been a wonderful success. There were many activities and workshops to entertain and inspire our girls in the disciplines of science and technology. Next week, Ms Alina Layton and the English Faculty are leading the celebrations for Book Week, and again, I invite girls to engage themselves in the initiatives that will be made available.

Assessment and the End of Term

Many of our students are not only busy with school work and assessment, but they also particpate in a variety of extra-curricular activities in and out of school. Trying to balance our commitments as adults sometimes can be difficult, however, we have had the life and learning experiences that have taught us how to balance our commitments and be organised. As we move towards a traditionally busy part of the term, I encourage parents and carers to assist their daughters to continue to balance their commitments and help them realise that as demands increase they need to be mindful of not trying to fit too much in.

All students have copies of assessment calendars for this semester and they are available on the Year Level POD Pages for parents. It is important to note that assessment is held, and new material is covered, in the last week of school, and all girls are required to attend school until the last day to ensure they don’t miss any valuable learning experience.

Chris Dunn

As adults we are all aware that life will have its fair share of disappointments and frustrations. At home reacting to these stressful situations might start with shouting, hiding or feeling sorry for oneself. At school and in the students’ future careers these types of behaviours could in fact harm their reputation.

We must remember that decisions will be made but, it is the individual’s final decision and choice on how they behave and react. Individuals are encouraged to do the following if they find themselves disappointed:

• Have a positive mindset – realise that not all things will go your way all of the time, look for something positive
• Adjust your goal – if you are disappointed that you did not reach your goal, that does not mean a similar goal is unreachable in the future
• Record your thoughts – writing allows your negative feelings to be expressed and released
• Smile and support those who have been successful – this shows a lot more about your character if you can rise above your disappointment and continue to be the best person you can be.

“Disappointments are just God’s way of saying: “I’ve got something better! Be patient, Live Life and Have Faith” Anonymous

Nikki Townsend

In the physical arena there has been something for everyone as the girls have participated in interschool sporting competitions (Andrews Cup) and interhouse competitions. Andrews Cup netball held recently saw C Grade and Junior B – STM 1 both achieve a first, D Grade and STM 2 both achieve second, and B Grade achieve third. 

Last week the girls participated in the Interhouse Athletics Carnival. This day is so much more than the track and field events, it was filled with so many learning experiences. It started with the girls proudly displaying their House spirit as they chanted war cries with great enthusiasm and beamed with pride.

Special mention to the Pre-Prep and Prep students who, for some of them, it was their first time competing in a whole school competition. It was evident from their joy, excitement, and enthusiasm that they relished the day from lining up at the starting line, collecting a ribbon after they stepped across that finish line, interacting with the ‘big’ girls and just being ‘amongst it’.

At the other end of the spectrum, the Year 6 girls displayed their leadership skills and abilities as they helped organise the younger students in their team into their events. The carnival provided an authentic experience for the girls to practise the art of winning and losing graciously and all the girls were winners as they happily accepted the outcome of their events and the results. As a team member, girls share successes and failures, the support provided by the group after loss is just as important as the shared joy from a win.

Thank you to Lauren Richards, Morgan Rowe and Suzy Edwards for their organisation. Thank you to all Primary school staff for supporting their girls and their events.  Thank you also to the Year 5 and 6 parents who worked tirelessly to provide lunch on the day. It was wonderful to see so many parents, relatives and friends of the girls attend and support them. Both the staff and girls appreciated your attendance. Check out the POD tomorrw for the results.

This event was a great warm up for our Andrews Cup Athletics team who represented the school today at this interschool competition. Results will be shared next week.

After school pick up congestion

Cars have been ‘parking’ on the street as they line up along Butler Street and around into Kidston Road for afternoon pick up. It is illegal to wait on a road and the city council can fine cars ‘parking’ in the middle of the road. We have received many complaints from neighbours on Kidston Street and Upper Lancaster Road. One of the greatest issues for our students is that afternoon buses cannot turn the corner and head to the bus zone to pick up students, as parents are causing congestion on these two streets from 2:30pm. Could we please ask parents to ensure you are not blocking the road and stopping our buses getting through.

Term’s notice of withdrawal

Currently, we are working on the 2023 timetable and staffing, and it is important that we have accurate enrolment numbers. This is just a reminder to parents that if your child is not returning to St Margaret’s in 2023, we require one full school term’s written notice (or one school term’s fees in lieu of notice) when withdrawing a student from the school. In some year levels, we have waiting lists and we need to be able to contact those on the list who are hoping to secure a place at the school. To meet the requirement of a term’s notice, advice can be received up to the last Friday of the September school holidays. Advice may be emailed directly to me or to our admissions via admissions@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Angela Drysdale

Pre-Prep and Prep welcomed Mrs Dunstone who shared how to light bulbs with lemons. We will finish the week with a visit from our own Science Ambassadors, who will generously give up their time to present a spectacular science show. Along with this they have launched a new initiative called iWonder. iWonder invites Primary students to submit their science questions for the ambassadors to answer. Thank you to Mrs Dunstone and the Senior Science Ambassadors for helping the Primary School celebrate Science Week.

Kate Frewin

Bernborough Ascot Performance

Thank you to the Sculthorpe String Quartet for their performance given at Bernborough Ascot Retirement Living on Wednesday afternoon this week. The performance was very much appreciated by all in attendance!

Music Support Group

The next Music Support Group meeting will be held on Tuesday 6 September at 5.00pm in M’s Cafe. Parents from both the Primary and Secondary Schools are welcome to attend.

Brad King

For a full list of QGSSSA results please check out the following POD News post and for future information regarding fixtures please see our Sport POD Page.

Further QGSSSA sport information can be found on the following POD pages:

• QGSSSA Hockey POD Page
• QGSSSA Tennis POD Page
• QGSSSA Netball POD PAGE
• QGSSSA Volleyball POD Page

Volleyball Report (Round 4 – Saturday 6 August)

It was a tough weekend for Volleyball as we went up against Somerville House. All teams were enthusiastic, determined and tried their hardest. Although we only came back with one win, it was still an enjoyable weekend of games, and a great chance for all teams to learn and focus on what we can improve on. All teams showed the Maggie's spirit and played extremely well!

Our Year 7A team have had an outstanding season thus far, winning their game and remaining undefeated for the season. Despite being only their first season of volleyball, this group have worked hard to develop their skills and bond as a team. We are excited for the season ahead.

Our opens team have had a competitive season. Early wins against Clayfield and St Aidan’s provided a sense of confidence and belief within the group. With a large crowd of supporters, the team rallied it out against Somerville. Unfortunately, they missed the win but tried their hardest with the support of a big crowd behind them. Thank you to all the girls who came along to support our opens team, it was a great afternoon!

Similarly, our Senior A and B team, 9A and 10A lost against Somerville. However, all these girls were enthusiastic and supported one another through the difficult games. All teams are showing improvement week to week and we are excited to see what comes their way in the following weeks.  

Congratulations to all the girls who played over the weekend. Although it was a tough round every team showed incredible teamwork and enthusiasm. We look forward to our upcoming rounds and wish all teams the best of luck!

Maya Porras & Olivia Rasheed

Volleyball Captains

QGSSSA Athletics Practice Meets

In the lead up to the QGSSSA Track & Field Championships set to take place on Thursday 15 September, our Maggies team will be participating in several practice meets this term.

All students participating within the QGSSSA Athletics Program are encouraged to participate within these practice meets. They are lots of fun, with an exciting atmosphere under lights at the track.

For further information please see the Athletics POD PAGE.

Sporting Achievement

It’s with great pleasure that we recognise the outstanding sport performances and representation of St Margaret’s students at a national and international level. Congratulations to the following students on their recent achievements:

Daisy Brown (Year 10) for her selection and achievements with the Junior Matilda’s (Football). Daisy most recently competed at the AFF U18 Women’s Championships, where the Australian team battled it out against nine other countries at the tournament in Indonesia. Daisy and her team shared the ultimate success winning the tournament overall. Further to Daisy’s successes on the pitch, she is also training with the Queensland Academy of Sport Football program and is a Future Matildas Scholarship recipient. Well done and congratulations Daisy.

Sophie Hebron (Year 7) for her participation and performances at the 2022 Australian Pool Rescue Championships. Individually she placed in two events and in the relay events she placed in three events alongside her Maroochydore team mates. Well done and congratulations Sophie.

We would like to continue to recognise the outstanding achievements and representation of students’ participating at a national level, outside of the school sport pathway. I look forward to continuing to hear from our community regarding such outstanding achievement. Please contact me directly via lknight@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

GO MAGGIES!

Lloyd Knight

Current Year 11 students will be required to have textbooks and stationery for the commencement of Term 4 2022.

Delivery is free within Queensland. Boarders can only have their book pack delivered to St Margaret’s for pickup on their return to school in Term 4 by confirming in the delivery address: Boarder – Deliver to St Margaret’s AGS.

All other year levels will have access to the 2023 booklists around mid-October 2022.

The Maggie’s Garden compost bin has offered a holistic approach to teaching the children;

• life cycles through a fun hands-on experience
• sustainability and ways they can reduce their waste, and
• fostering an appreciation for the environment and nature

Palu Ingram

Other prizes include a $500 Health and Beauty Hamper from Terry White Chemmart, Studio Pilates, Athletes Foot Chermside, Vanilla Pod, Boardwalk Tavern, Revolution Hairdressing, The Tea Trip and more! 

Click here to purchase your tickets: https://www.raffletix.com.au?ref=39vtu

Calling all Old Girls! Join us for the inaugural Cocktail Event, an 'Evening on the Green' hosted by St Margaret’s Old Girls’ Association.

Enjoy a cocktail on arrival, three-hour drinks package, gourmet food truck delights, live music, and a chance to catch up underneath the stars. This event provides a great opportunity for past students to reconnect beyond their reunion years.

Date: Saturday 24 September 2022

Time: 6.00pm – 9.00pm

Venue: Circular Drive, St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School

Tickets: $110 per person or $165 per person with a bottle of Mumm champagne.

Book now via Try Booking: www.trybooking.com/BZOVT

Lara Pickering