eNews Archive Issue 27 - 5 September 2019

This week is National Child Protection Week and I will take this opportunity to encourage parents of older girls to remind their daughters about your family plan if your daughter feels threatened in some way. In the Primary school, student safety issues are discussed as part of the Pastoral Care Program; in the Secondary school they are often referred to in the specialist and age appropriate pastoral care days we run.

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?’

Ros Curtis

To all our rowing students, their coaches and staff, Head of Rowing Jared Bidwell, rowing captains Lily and Sophie, parents and supporters, I’d like to begin by congratulating you all on and incredible season. What an incredible result you all gained on Saturday. Winners of the Head of the River Percentage Cup – congratulations to you all. There is so much you should all be proud of.

As I mentioned last year, let us always remember the whole team, those who won their races and those who did not, you have all shown commitment and perseverance and it is those characteristics of the whole St Margaret’s rowing team that won the Head of the River and the Percentage Cup. It was so good to see so many podium finishes and those crews who didn’t make the podium dug deep and did us so proud too. I really do have to mention, simply because I think my heart is still racing, the incredible hat trick at the end of the day with our 1st, 2nd and 3rd VIIIs all coming home with wins – what a way to finish girls and congratulations again from us all.

What an amazing sight it was yesterday, we were a sea of brown, white and blue – and fluoro orange. That fluoro orange I’m sure is attached to so many thoughts and emotions for all of us here, it signifies the rowing community and I hope brings you happiness and pushes you when you see your many supporters on the headland when you get closer to the finish line. For us as spectators we certainly look for those orange caps and that is the signal to us to cheer loudly and proudly for you and with you.

We have such a strong club and can I say to everyone a very happy 30th anniversary of rowing at St Margaret’s. How amazing that in our 30th year, from very humble beginnings when Mr Elliot’s daughter begged him to start a rowing crew for and of girls, that from 5 girls 30 years ago we now in 2019 have 160 members of our rowing team and saw the incredible strength in school girls’ rowing on Saturday. I wonder if Mr Elliot ever imagined that.

Last week, I was thinking about what the symbol is for a 30th anniversary, as there are symbols for wedding anniversaries. Traditionally if a couple were to be married for 30 years, the symbol is Pearl and so everyone would buy Pearls for them.

Whilst I can’t afford to buy you all pearls, I would like to talk about the symbol of a pearl for a moment.

Pearls have been valued as gemstones for thousands of years, in fact dating back to about 6000 years BC. However, the difference between pearls and other well-known gems like diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires are that they don’t form as minerals underground, pearls have organic origins. They form within various species of freshwater and saltwater molluscs or oysters.

Not surprisingly, many cultures have made lunar associations with pearls. These connections are further reinforced by the moon’s association with the watery domain where pearls are born. Many legends have been formed around pearls and few gems are as varied in shape and colour as pearls.

I feel that like the pearl, the St Margaret’s rowing program has grown organically over the past 30 years to such strength today. Like pearls, rowing has a very obvious watery connection, and I feel that the diversity of girls within the program are varied just like a pearl. And just as legends have been born of pearls, the legacy that you girls are leaving for our shed feels so strong and people will be talking about it, emulating it, in years to come.

So just like a pearl, think of how you as students and participants in rowing crews over the season have grown as people. Think of skills you have learnt both on and off the water, think of the friendships and connections you have made within your crews and across the year levels, think of how each of you as varied individuals just like unique and different pearls have contributed to rowing at St Margaret’s.

To the coaches, parent supporters and of course, Jared Bidwell, thank you for contributing your time and energy too to our program, to help shape our little pearls and guide them throughout the season. Thank you to Lily and Sophie in leading the girls as rowing captains this year, for taking the time to spend time with the girls and for being there to help guide all crews and girls each week.

And now that we are at the end of that season, it has all paid off girls. You have won the Head of the River and the Percentage Cup. You have done the school proud, you have done your families and friends proud, and I hope you have done yourselves proud. We all wish for you all to continue to do your best, on and off the water, use those skills that you have as a team member at school with your academics as well, and with all other aspects of your lives.

Congratulations to you all, the competitors and their supporters, on a fabulous season. Well done.

Karen Gorrie

Why do we hold Pet Blessings?

The custom of the Blessing of the Pets came about to honour St Francis of Assisi who is said to have loved all God’s creation, particularly animals.

St Francis lived in the 12th century. Within the Anglican Church, St Francis is commemorated on the 4th October; hence the pet blessing is usually around this time.

For animal lovers, and those who have pets, they are an important part of our lives. There is a lot of positive research about how important it is for children to learn how to look after a pet. Many nursing homes now have resident pets or have people who bring in pets to visit. I have watched the elderly in nursing homes find great comfort in patting dog or a cat. For me personally I love going home each night to my cats who are waiting for me at the door. I know it is usually because they want to be fed; however, it is lovely having them sit on my lap and pat them and feel my heart rate start so slow as I stroke their silky-smooth fur. As we approach the feast of St Francis, we remember our pets large and small and we give thanks to God for our faithful companions who love us unconditionally, even when they wake us up early in the morning to be fed.

For those who are not able to make it to a pet blessing, here is a prayer that is often used at pet blessings: “Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land. You inspired Saint Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters. We ask you to bless this pet. By the power of your love, enable it to live according to your plan. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures! Amen.”

The Reverend Susan Crothers-Robertson

Teenage girls spend a great deal of time comparing themselves to others, which can often lead to constant discontent. This often comes from them fearing that they are not good enough compared to others. There is a need to redirect them to focusing on their own goals and being comfortable with who they are. As Theodore Roosevelt stated, “Comparison is the thief of joy”. Everyone has their own core values and we must encourage the girls to remember these values when making important decisions and not to focus on what others will think.

Lesa Fowler

Now, the best preparation for external assessment is building the foundational knowledge and skills in each of these subjects from day one Year 11. For some subjects, such as the Languages and Maths, the building begins in the earlier years; however, many of our senior subjects do not require pre-requisites. In this context, I often talk to the girls about not ‘kicking the can down the road’ when I hear talk about needing to improve study habits, completing homework, drafting assignments, going to tutorials to name just a few strategies that are directly linked to academic success. The time to start building, you could almost say, was yesterday but now is a much better time than never – that is to say, stop kicking the can and pick it up. As the Year 10, 11 and 12s near exam block and study hall, please encourage your daughters to use their time productively, put their phone away from the study area and plan an approach to their exams and assignment completion. Also, use all available resources such as revision sheets, tutorials, the teachers and OneNote to give themselves the best chance to do as well as they can.

Jo Butterworth

Therefore, we need to encourage all our students to plan ahead, which includes dividing material into ‘chunks’ to cover across the lead-up to the exam. When studying, use time to develop and make study resources, but then most importantly, use study time to practice, recite and rewrite the content being covered. I have included below some specific strategies I shared with the girls about ‘preparation and review’ techniques and the difference, so you can also discuss these with your daughters if they need some extra guidance.

Preparation Strategies

• Develop study notes/concept maps
• Make word, formula, question cards
• Do revision quizzes or redo class activities
• Answer questions from textbooks

Review Strategies

• Recite study notes/concept maps
• Practice word, formula and question cards
• Practice writing main points
• Recite out loud content to be remembered like formulas and definitions

Individual NAPLAN Reports

Individual student reports have been sent home in this week. If you do not receive your daughters NAPLAN report, please contact Rosie Parisi on 3862 0862. Information about these reports and other information about NAPLAN results can be found at the following link http://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/parent-carer-support/.

Nicole Devlin

When your child faces exams they may feel they are under incredible pressure. They’ll need our understanding and support.

Please see below suggestions from the website Parent line: https://www.parentline.com.au/older-kids/issues/helping-kids-cope-exam-stress

When dealing with exam stress, consider:

• The words 'pressure' and 'stress' are used interchangeably, but are actually quite different
• Pressure can be challenging, but positive and motivating overall
• Stress feels negative and can get in the way of performing well
• Each child responds differently to exam stress and pressure

What is exam stress? What causes it?

Stress is a negative reaction to excessive pressure or other demands. Exam stress can be caused by:

• Fear of ‘failure’
• Pessimism and thinking the worst
• Unrealistic expectations
• Feeling unprepared
• Ending or starting a new school year or term
• Performance anxiety

What to expect when exam stress hits

• Your child may openly express how stressed they’re feeling. Or they may hold it in and try to cope on their own. These are some signs they may be under stress:
• Increased smoking, drinking or drug use
• Problems going to sleep or waking up
• Teeth grinding, nail biting and fidgeting
• Feeling or thinking negatively about the future
• Feeling cranky and irritable (increased yelling, crying, swearing, lashing out)

Nikki Townsend

The key to unlocking these results has been a combination of a dedicated staff, explicit teaching and confident students. Since 2010, we have undertaken school-based research which has informed our curriculum planning and assessment and teaching and learning programs. The outcome has been differentiated planning and more recently, the introduction of rigorous numeracy and literacy programs including the introduction of Prime Maths and VCOP (Vocabulary, Connectives, Openers, Punctuation). This year, guided reading has been the focus of literacy cluster. Aligned with these programs has been the inclusion of a maths specialist teacher and literacy coaches. It is these staff members, teachers of all year levels and the girls’ dispositions and attitudes that have contributed to these fine results. Thank you also to you, the parents, for working in partnership with us as you support the girls in their learning.

Thank you to the many special men in the girls’ lives, for joining us for breakfast last week. Father’s Day also marked the beginning of National Child Protection Week and National eSmart Week. Please check the Primary POD page for more information about this week and what we are doing to acknowledge it.

Planning for 2020

We are beginning to prepare for 2020 and this includes planning classes. The process we use is outlined in the Primary Parent Handbook (page 37) which includes a sociogram where students identify friends who they can work with in a classroom setting. If you would like to provide information about your child which you believe would be valuable for teachers when creating classes, please complete the attached form (PDF 77.3KB) and return it to Primary Office by 16 September. Unfortunately, no late forms can be accepted beyond this date as teachers will create new class lists at the end of term and changes will impact on all class arrangements. Please note, the submission of an application provides no guarantee that requests will be granted.

Angela Drysdale

Choral Concert

Our annual whole of school Choral Concert is an opportunity for all girls involved in choirs to perform to a wider audience. It is an evening of fun, dynamic performances from all choirs across the Primary and Secondary Schools. A wide variety of repertoire will be performed, with pieces ranging from musical theatre numbers to classical pieces to pop songs. Once again, our Year 2 students will perform with Exultate, and we will of course finish the evening with our combined choirs’ finale performance. This year we are also very excited to include a dance performance by Ballare, one of St Margaret’s dance groups.

The concert will be held on Tuesday 17 September in Eton Hall starting at 6:30pm and finishing at approximately 8pm, with refreshments available for purchase in Eton Courtyard from 6:00pm. The cost is $5 for adults, no charge for students/children. Please see attached letter (PDF 159.7KB) with more information.

Please note that a sausage sizzle, provided by the Music Support Group, will be available for choral students prior to the concert (after rehearsals), from 5pm on Tuesday 17 September in Eton Courtyard. For catering purposes, students are requested to write their name on the sign-up sheet in the Sister Helen Orchestra Room by Friday 13 September.

Barley Sugar Garden Morning Tea Performances

Thank you to the Clarinet and Flute Ensembles for their entertaining performances provided during morning tea last Friday in the Barley Sugar Gardens. They were very much enjoyed by all in attendance!

Music Newsletter Information

Please note that from Term 4 2019 the Music Newsletter will no longer be emailed each week to parents; however, will be available via The POD - St Margaret's Music page. Please ensure you sign up as a member of this page to receive future Music Newsletters.

Old Girl News

All the very best to Old Girl Nicky McGath (’06) who will be performing next week in New Orleans as part of an a capella quartet called Obsession, singing primarily in the barbershop style. Obsession recently competed at the Sweet Adelines Region competition and qualified to compete at the Sweet Adelines International Annual Convention in New Orleans. They were also awarded Most Improved quartet at the Sweet Adeline's Australia contest and won the Women's Invitational category at the men's regional competition. They have since featured on several podcasts, ABC radio and been invited to perform in Denver while in the States. Obsession is the first ever Queensland quartet to attend a Sweet Adelines International convention. We wish Nicky and the other members of the quartet all the very best as they compete in the USA next week!

Music Support Group Meeting

The next Music Support Group meeting will be held on Tuesday 15 October 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

The Head of the River started with strong momentum in the single sculls first up and continued to build throughout the day. Of the 31 events on offer, St Margaret’s achieved podium finishes in 23 of those events to take home the Percentage Cup for 2019.

The final 3 races of the day saw what we refer to in rowing as a “clean sweep” winning the 3rd, 2nd and 1st VIIIs. A win for the 1st VIII is an incredible achievement. To have success in the 1st VIII takes far more than just the 9 girls. A 1st VIII win is years in the making. You need to have an entire senior age group heading in the same direction, a Year 10 age group pushing to break into the senior ranks, Year 9s breaking records and Year 8s to witness the regatta and for just one or two of them in any crew to dream big and say “I want to do that one day”.

Well done to all girls who competed in the Head of the River for St Margaret’s over the weekend and thank you to the incredible community who works behind the scenes to make it all happen.

Jared Bidwell

Athletics Success

On Saturday 31 August, a select group of junior and senior athletes competed at the Nitro Schools Challenge against some of the strongest schools from across Queensland. The junior team won their division with the Senior team placing third. The Junior team, consisting of Maicey Lynch, Kayla Newberry, Tayden Tomich, Tshia Nielsen and Genevieve Heather now have the opportunity to contest the National Nitro Schools Final in Perth on 9 December. Congratulations girls!!

Club Netball Grand Finals

It has been a successful season for our Club Netball program and we are delighted to have seven teams competing in the Grand Finals this Saturday 7 September. Congratulations to the following teams: St M 12, St M 13, St M 4, St M 6, St M 2, St M 5 and St M 1. We invite as many supporters as possible to Downey Park and wear the brown, white and blue. Please view the game schedule via the Club Netball POD page.

Winter Fixtures

The majority of our teams experienced success in our winter fixtures against Clayfield College. Our Tennis teams won all but one game. In Netball, the Open team remains in third place with a commanding win. Meanwhile, our volleyballer’s had competitive games in all grades with the Year 10 team experiencing a mammoth third set which eventually led to the team going down 29-31. This week, we welcome St Aidan’s to our final home game of the season. We invite all family and friends of St Margaret’s to come and support the brown, white and blue this weekend. To view this week’s game schedule, please click here (PDF 140.2KB).

Save the Date - Sports Awards Gala Dinner - Friday 18 October

The annual Sports Awards Gala Dinner will be held on Friday 18 October. This event is a highlight in the St Margaret’s Sporting calendar, and we are pleased to announce that three-time Olympian and Old Girl, Sally Kehoe (’03) will be our special guest. Sally will share her journey about being a girl from a small country town, to a St Margaret’s girl and an Olympian. The evening will also be honouring students and coaches in the following categories:

• Most Valuable Player/Athlete
• Rising Stars
• Summer, Winter and Autumn Team of the Year
• Coach of the Year
• Captain of the Year
• St Margaret’s Contribution to Sport Award

Tickets can be purchased online via the Flexischools link on the St Margaret’s website.

Please click here (PDF 346.8KB) to view the invitation to the Sports Awards evening.

Helen Lobegeiger

After the recent and very successful MAYO Long Lunch, our gallery is currently rather bare, but all is not lost! From Week 9 this term beautiful Year 9 lino block mandalas and challenging Year 12 works around the theme, ‘Artist in Revolt’, will grace our gallery space. Please pop down to have a look.

Lisa Smith

Monday 7 October 2019

1:00pm-5:00pm

Normal trading hours recommence Tuesday 8 October 2019

Terisa Arnold

Bookings for the St Margaret’s OSHC September/October School Holiday Program has opened. If you require care for the upcoming school holiday period, please return your booking form by 16 September 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: 9 September 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

The raffle will be drawn on Saturday 7 September, so get in now for your chance to win one of these items and experiences:

• 1st Prize - The Derm Lab EMSCULPT Body Treatment
• 2nd Prize - Getaway at The Beach Ranch Luxury Accommodation, Angourie
• 3rd Prize - Golden Hamper by Racecourse Road Dental
• 4th Prize - Total Fusion Gym Membership
• 5th Prize - Bottle of Penfold's Grange, 2012 vintage
• 6th Prize - The Standard Market Company Hamper and Gift Voucher
• 7th Prize - The Standard Market Company Hamper and Gift Voucher
• 8th Prize - Highgate House Ceramic Ginger Jar
• 9th Prize - Black Toyota Homewares Gift Basket
• 10th Prize - Brisbane Racing Club Experience
• 11th Prize - Julie Whitehead Artist Pack
• 12th Prize - Lillypilly Estate Wines
• 13th Prize - Calico Pony Print by Katie Cowlishaw
• 14th Prize - Golf Central Experience
• 15th Prize - Lovestar Vase
• 16th Prize - Hello Gorgeous Bar Voucher
• 17th Prize - Athlete's Foot Store Voucher

You can purchase your tickets here.

The St Margaret's Raffle will close at 2:30pm on Saturday 7 September. Draw will take place at 3pm Saturday 7 September 2019 at The Birdcage, Eagle Farm. Winners will be notified in person or by email or telephone.

Secondary Mother Daughter High Tea – Years 7-12

Due to high demand for this event, tickets are now SOLD OUT. If you would like to be put on the waiting list for tickets, please email your name, contact details and number of tickets required to developmentandcommunity@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Professional Women’s Network Cocktail Event with guest speaker, Trish Jackson (’79)

Date: Thursday 17 October 2019

Time: 5:30pm start, 7:30pm finish

Venue: McCullough Robertson, Level 11, 66 Eagle Street, Brisbane

Tickets: Corporate groups $800 for 10, $80 adult and $40 students (Years 10-12/tertiary)

Surviving against all odds, Trish Jackson uses her disability to educate the next generation; the key to ending bullying and discrimination. Trish is one of 10,000 babies born with several birth defects because her mother was given a sample packet of the drug Thalidomide, a supposedly ‘safe’ drug, during her pregnancy.

After graduating, Trish’s second job was ironically in the health department in the pharmaceutical section – ironic for two reasons: she was the result of the greatest pharmaceutical disaster in the world and the government who had told her she ‘could not work’ ended up being her employer for over a decade.

Today, she is a guest speaker and agent for change – she is still campaigning for compensation after 57 years for the harm caused by the drug Thalidomide.

Join us for our PWN Cocktail event as Trish will share how, in the face of adversity, she has chartered her own professional path and how corporate workplaces can create a more inclusive culture.

Tickets are available via Flexischools. Please click here to purchase your ticket.

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

Supporting Partners: Downer, NAB, Programmed Property Services, Clear Insurance and QBI (Queensland Brain Institute)

Lara Pickering

The University of Queensland

The Diploma of Agribusiness Management is a one-year, full-time, face-to-face trimester program offered at the University of Queensland Gatton Campus via blended modes (lectures, tutorials, practical classes). The next program will commence on Monday 24 February 2020. Discover more

Griffith University

The Queensland Conservatorium has opened auditions for undergraduate places in its acting, musical theatre and music degrees, commencing in Trimester 1 2020. More information is available at www.griffith.edu.au/conservatorium-auditions.

Griffith Scholarships in 2020

Find out more and apply online at www.griffith.edu.au/scholarships.

Griffith University Early Start to Tertiary Studies (GUESTS)

Year 11 students can apply for the Griffith University Early Start to Tertiary Studies (GUESTS) program in October 2019. For more information, visit www.griffith.edu.au/guests.

Griffith University Growing Tall Poppies

Designed for female students in Years 9 and 10 interested in STEM. Griffith University Gold Coast campus 2-3 October. Visit www.griffith.edu.au/griffith-sciences/stem-outreach/growing-tall-poppies.

Griffith Honours College

Griffith Honours College provides experiences and opportunities which help high-achieving undergraduate students (those with an OP of 1-3) reach their full potential. Apply by Monday 16 December. Visit https://www.griffith.edu.au/griffith-honours-college for more information.

Queensland School of Film and Television's (QSFT). YOU ARE INVITED!

OPEN DAY on Saturday 7 September 2019.Your journey starts HERE!

Durack College

Applications for Durack College are now open for 2020. Durack College offers a boutique residential experience, with a personalised focus on educational success. We work hard to create a culture and environment based on academic excellence. The small but vibrant community of female learners is offered a tailored living environment, making the transition to new routines easier and more rewarding. There are only 25 residency places, allowing Durack College to be both a private sanctuary and a busy and exciting community. Discover more

The University of Queensland Scholarships

Discover more

QUT Scholarship opportunities

Explore QUT Excellence Scholarships (academic and creative industries), Sport Scholarships and Law Founders’ Scholarships, or check out the full range.

QUT Creative industries course updates

Applications for creative industries courses with auditions or portfolios close at 5pm on Friday 20 September. Discover more at the online course information site.

QUT Meeting assumed knowledge and prerequisites

QUT offers a bridging program in Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics.

UQ College is offering University Prerequisite Courses in Mathematics B, Chemistry or Biology. Discover more

QTAC Key Dates and Fees https://www.qtac.edu.au/key-dates---fees/fixed-closing-dates

The University of Queensland

The UQ situational judgement test for the Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours). Discover more

UNE

Year 12 students are invited to participate in our Early Entry Program for admission in 2020.

QTAC Year 12 Tertiary Applications

The Educational Access Scheme (EAS)  https://www.qtac.edu.au/applying/educational-access-scheme

Griffith University: Explore your Options

Monday 16 December – Thursday 19 December. More information is available here.

Upcoming Events at UQ

Marine Science Experience Day Saturday 7 September 2019, 12:30pm-4:30pm St Lucia campus

Nursing and Midwifery Experience Day Sunday 8 September 2019, 10:00am-2:00pm Whitty Building, Mater Hospital Brisbane

Business, Commerce and Tourism Experience Day Sunday 8 September 2019, 10:00am-1:00pm Sir Llew Edwards Building

Civil Engineering Experience Day Saturday 14 September 2019, 1:00pm-4:00pm Advanced Engineering Building

Public Health Hackathon Monday 30 September 2019, 9:00am-3:00pm St Lucia campus

International High School Student Showcase Wednesday 2 October 2019, 9:00am-3:30pm St Lucia campus

Marine Science Experience Day Saturday 12 October 2019, 12:30pm-4:30pm Room 216, Prentice Building (42)

Business, Commerce and Tourism Experience Day Saturday 19 October 2019, 2:00pm-5:00pm Sir Llew Edwards Building

OP Results Advice Monday 16 December 2019, 3:00pm-6:00pm UQ Centre, St Lucia campus

Elizabeth Johnston