eNews Archive Issue 28 - 12 September 2019

These awards are designed to encourage and support educators through recognising those who are examples of excellence in their profession. It is a wonderful way to recognise the fantastic and important work of our teachers and is a great reflection on the quality of the whole school teaching and learning community.

From time to time, we hear from our neighbours about their frustration with the parking and driving around the school. I understand their angst and I can also appreciate the frustration of our parents about where to park when they come in for functions with a lot of attendees. However, I have promised our upset neighbours that we would remind everyone via the eNews to follow the road rules and the parking regulations around the school. Thank you for your assistance with this matter.

Thank you too to the P and F for a wonderful Race Day last Saturday, and to all the parents who supported the event. I realise many were torn between Netball finals (where 5 out of 7 teams were victorious on the day) and Race Day. It was a lovely opportunity for the school community to get together as well as being a successful fundraiser for the school.

Ros Curtis

Many may not realise that talent alone has little or nothing to do with success. In most things, people learn quickly at first, then more slowly and then stop developing completely. However, some people keep improving – how does that happen?

People who have achieved success in their chosen endeavour will mostly say that they have devoted time to effective practice. By effective practice I mean the type that gives you feedback on what you are doing well and on what you can improve. It often means doing the same things over and over again until understanding is reached, then moving onto the next step. Using feedback to tweak the practice to improve is also needed. All of this takes time and can be frustrating, but perseverance is the key.

I often urge the students that I see not to do a task with the goal of finishing it; do the task with the goal of doing it well, editing and refining the work along the way and only then is it ‘finished’. A piece of work is not truly finished until the end of the editing process.

It is possible to practise your school work, over and above assessment items that need to be completed. Here are some ways students can try to practise and improve:

• Approach each school task with the goal of getting much better at it
• As students do the task, focus on what’s happening and why you are doing it the way you are
• After the task, students should ask their teacher for feedback on their work. Truly digest this feedback – use it to make changes if necessary. Practise the changes.

Karen Gorrie

In the 2017 Harvard Business Review, there was an article about mindfulness written by Daniel Goleman. Goleman suggested that while there was a lot of hype about mindfulness; done well, mindfulness can be very helpful as it can assist with “focus and stress response.” Dadirri, or known around the world as Prayer Space in Schools, can be a place where students have an opportunity to be mindful, reflect or pray. Dadirri is offered to school students to enable them in the busyness of life, to take time to be mindful. Goleman’s article suggested that mindfulness can lead to students being more focussed, being able to work under pressure and have enhanced memory. Hence, creating Dadirri just before the exam period.

The bible talks about Jesus taking himself off to quiet places to pray. He needed that quiet, prayerful time. In the busyness of life, we all need to seek spaces where we can have a time of quiet reflection, and if we choose to be mindful or pray. As the research suggests, mindfulness can help with focus and memory. It’s incredible how one finds a way forward in a difficult situation when there has been time for mindfulness, reflection and prayer.

Luke 5:16 “Jesus would withdraw to deserted places and pray.” May we find our deserted place.

The Reverend Susan Crothers-Robertson

The four steps are:

1. Ask - it’s a simple question, but it can be a tough one to ask.
2. Listen - let them talk without interruption and listen with an open mind.
3. Encourage action - check in with them again soon to see how they’re going.
4. Check in - suggest they talk to someone who can provide further support; like their parents, trusted adult, teacher or housemother.

Trust the Signs, Trust your Gut and Ask R U OK?

Sandra Johnson

Trends in Education

On Wednesday 30 October, from 5:30-7:00pm we have our second Trends in Education seminar and the focus is ‘Building the resilient learner’. This presentation will provide parents and teachers with strategies to help keep your teens’ mindset healthy by assisting them to develop their own personal coping strategies. Through Academic Advising we hear the girls talk about juggling study, extra-curricular commitments, part-time jobs and family commitments and this can result in some busy times. Assisting the girls to develop their own positive ways to handle the busy and tough times can make them more resilient as a learner, develop their self-awareness and build their confidence. The seminar will be hosted in the St Margaret’s Arts Centre Foyer and you can RSVP to reception@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Jo Butterworth

Accessing Continuous Reporting (Years 5-11)

All parents with daughters in Years 5 to 11 can access results and feedback on assessments completed by their daughter. Currently, all assessment information and due dates for Years 5 to 11 is available in Parent Lounge. By logging into Parent Lounge and accessing Curricular Activities, parents are able to view assessment details.

Nicole Devlin

Parties are an important part of the life of a teenager, whether this be hosting a party or attending a party. Whilst teenagers are usually excited by the prospect of a forthcoming party, parents on the other hand can feel stressed and anxious.

So, why have parties?

• They are fun and a chance to spend time with current friends and make new friends
• They are an opportunity for parents to see their children growing up and socialising
• They provide an environment for the family to meet their child’s friends
• They may be celebrations of milestones in growing up

Some suggestions of what to do if your teenager is invited to a party:

• Speak to the parents holding the party to make sure they will be at home and there will be adequate adult supervision. Most parents expect this to happen. Your daughter, on the other hand, will tell you that nobody does it and you are so embarrassing. This is not true.
• Ask the parents holding the party if alcohol will be consumed and decide if your teenager will attend. Sometimes, as parents, we have to make unpopular decisions in the short term, but in the long term they are for our child’s protection. They may insist that you don’t trust them and, as adults, you may need to wear this.
• Pick up and deliver your teenager with some of their friends. Teenagers can be nervous about going to a party and having a friend/friends can give them support.
• Sometimes, despite planning, unexpected things can happen. Try and prepare your teenager by discussing what they would do if the party finished early or they were offered drugs or alcohol. This may include helping your teen resist peer pressure by giving them some techniques on how to say ‘no’ to drugs and alcohol. You should also discuss the effects of drugs and alcohol. Teach them to recognise the tell-tale signs indicating that it is time to leave.

Nikki Townsend

There is much research about the benefits of reading aloud. Firstly, and most importantly, ‘reading together strengthens the bonds of love’. I found these words in a book that I am currently reading, The Enchanted Hour by Meghan Cox Curdon (2019, p. 47). As she states, “the act of reading together secures people to one another, creating order and connection, as if we were quilt squares tacked together with threads made of stories”.

The research presented in the book also describes how reading impacts the brain development of a child. During the first five years, a period of intense formation, reading aloud can improve a child’s processing speed, language development and imagination. Beyond the first five years, reading aloud still has a wealth of benefits. Reading aloud helps the listener understand vocabulary, the patterns of language and the choices that writers make to engage their audience. During the act of reading together, the brain is flooded with neurochemicals when a parent and child cuddle together with a book. This brain activity is “synchronizing, creating literal order and connection in a process known as neural coupling” (2019, p. 47).

The message is clear: reading aloud to your child is a means of strengthening your relationship and helping them deepen their understanding of written language. A child is never too old to be read to, so seize the opportunity today.

We know Ms Richards will soon begin reading aloud to her new family member, Hugh, who was born last Friday. Congratulations!

Term’s notice of withdrawal

This is just another reminder to parents that if your child is not returning to St Margaret’s in 2020, 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. Currently, we are working on the 2020 timetable and staffing, and it is important that we have accurate enrolment numbers. 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 team via registrar@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Angela Drysdale

Choral Concert

Our annual Choral Concert will be held next week with all girls in the Choral program looking forward to performing. 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 join with Secondary students to sing together, 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 Saxophone Ensemble 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, it 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.

Student Congratulations

Congratulations to Akari Komoto (Year 10) who recently competed in the Enoggera Eisteddfod. Akari competed in two sections; the solo 15 years category and the 15-18 years section. Akari placed overall first in the 15-18 years section and won the Jan Lightbody Award having achieved the highest combined scores for the two sections for the whole competition. This is an absolutely outstanding achievement. Well done Akari!

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 results from the Grand Final games are below:

STM 13 12 Years - Premiers 28-11

STM 12 12 Years - Runners Up 17-22

STM 6 Cadets - Premiers 21-9

STM 5 Cadets - Premiers 36-32

STM 4 Cadets - Premiers 42-38

STM 2 Intermediate - Runners Up 38-36 in double extra time.

STM 1 Intermediate - Premiers 52-51

Gayle Coutts
Head of Netball

Winter Fixtures – Final Round

It is the final round of Winter fixtures for Hockey, Netball, Tennis and Volleyball against Brisbane Girls Grammar School on Saturday 14 September. We invite all family and friends of St Margaret’s to come along in the colours of brown, white and blue to show your support for our teams. To view the final fixture schedule please click here (PDF 145.3KB).

Sports Awards Gala Evening - Friday 18 October

This event is a highlight in the St Margaret’s sporting calendar, and we are pleased to announce three-time Olympian (Rowing), Sally Kehoe will be our special guest speaker. Sally will no doubt deliver an inspiring speech sharing her personal journey from a small country girl to a St Margaret’s girl and Olympian. Throughout the evening students, coaches and staff will be celebrated in the following categories:

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

Nominations are currently open for Captain and Coach of the Year through the Secondary Sport POD page. For further details, including payment, please click here (PDF 346.8KB).

Athletics

The Athletics season is in the final stages with the last practice Meet being held on Friday 13 September at the University of Queensland Athletics Centre before the big one - QGSSSA Championships on Thursday 19 September. The squad is 95 athletes strong and is aiming to better our 2018 performance. To support the team in this endeavour a number of key events will take place which are included below:

• Final Practice Meet - Friday 13 September at UQ, 4:00-8:00pm
• Compulsory Training - Monday 16 September at UQ, 4:00-6:00pm
• Compulsory Training - Wednesday 18 September at Windsor Park, 6:30-7:45am
• QGSSSA send-off: Wednesday 18 September on Circular Drive, 10:25am
• Pre-QGSSSA Lunch - Wednesday 18 September in the ACF, 1:10pm
• QGSSSA Championships - Thursday 19 September at QSAC, 6:30am-3:30pm
• QGSSSA Celebration - Thursday 19 September at QSAC, 3:30- 4:30pm

Swimming Squad

The St Margaret’s Swim Squad is ready to make a splash and is aiming to build on their 2018 performance. We are looking forward to welcoming returning and new members joining the squad for this season. Information regarding this season and the training program is available via the Swimming POD page.

Badminton Trials

All girls have an opportunity to trial for a Badminton team throughout Week 10, Term 3. All trial details can be found on the Secondary POD page and Badminton Page.

Congratulations…

A group of 23 students trialled for a position on the Met North Athletics team on Thursday 29 August and Friday 30 August. A phenomenal 18 girls qualified, making it the most successful regional trial yet. Well done to the following girls: Sally Bambling, Lucinda Bourke, Zara Caswell, Ryanne Coe, Samantha Cooper, Bella Donaldson, Chloe Fenwicke, Indiahna Frawley, Gabrielle Geldard, Isabella Harte, Ciana Jamieson, Maicey Lynch, Kayla Newberry, Tshia Nielsen, Tyla Proctor, Sophie Sorensen, Brogan Tomich and Tayden Tomich.

Helen Lobegeiger

• Orientation to personal wealth creation and management
• Careers in financial services, and
• Living responsibly in our financial world.

For further information, please click here (PDF 363.1KB).

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?*

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

Current Year 11 Students only

Booklists for Year 11 Term 4 are now available on the St Margaret’s website. Orders can be placed through Sequel School and Office Supplies at www.sequelbooks.com.

Current Year 11 students will be required to have textbooks and stationery for the commencement of Term 4 2019.

Delivery is free within Queensland. Only Boarders may have their book pack delivered to St Margaret’s for pick-up on their return to school in Term 4, by confirming in the delivery address: Boarder – Deliver to St Margaret’s AGS.

This booklist will replace the Year 12 2020 list that is normally ordered for Term 1 2020. All other year levels will have access to their 2020 booklists around mid-October 2019.

Terisa Arnold

We have also received further support for the new sports precinct with many new families donating to have their names added to the Donor Wall. The Donor Wall is important, as it is not only a tangible way in which we can recognise our donors for their generosity, but it also sends a powerful message to our girls; that is, it takes a community to create something special.

I am very proud to report that we were awarded the Queensland Excellence in Advancement Award in Fundraising at the Educate Plus Conference last week for the ‘Going for Bold’ sports precinct Capital Campaign; testament to the combined efforts of the Development Office, St Margaret’s Foundation and our generous donor community.

It has also been heart-warming to see support continue to grow for our boarding families by way of donations to boarding bursaries, which deliver much needed fee relief, via our Scholarship Fund.

With many more opportunities to engage in the life of the school coming up next term, we hope to see you at some of our events!

From the P&F President

The annual Race Day was held last Saturday in the Birdcage at a windy Eagle Farm Racecourse. Race Day is the largest event on the P&F social calendar, and by any measure it was a great success. An enormous amount of work went into organising this event, for many months before and on the day itself. Many members of the P&F put in a huge effort, wonderfully supported by Julie Gibbons and Lara Pickering in the Development Office.

Special mention must be made of two people, without whom the Race Day would not have happened. Lisa Brown put together a dazzling list of prizes for the raffle and organised the donation of the bar fridges and wine. As Race Day Co-ordinator, Angus Cameron oversaw the whole process and steered the committee to produce a truly marvellous outcome. Sincere thanks to everybody involved.

Thanks also to our wonderful sponsors and donors for their generosity and support. And finally, a big thank you to the school community for continuing to support the P&F. Thanks to you, our social functions are highly enjoyable and well attended, and we are achieving and exceeding our fundraising goals for the school.

David Lisle
P&F President

ST MARGARET’S COMMUNITY EVENTS

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.

Associate Sponsors: Pitcher Partners and McCullough Robertson.

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

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 placed on the waiting list for tickets, please email your name, contact details and number of tickets required to developmentandcommunity@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Old Girls’ Association ‘Sparkling Brunch’

More details to come… save the date!

Date: Sunday 27 October 2019

Time: 9:30am-12:30pm

Venue: Arts Centre Foyer, St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School

Tickets: $55 adult and $45 students (Years 10-12/tertiary)

Lara Pickering

QUT – Start QUT Program for Year 11 students

Read more about the program and a day in the life of a START QUT student. Students are first required to complete an application form from St Margaret’s if they are considering this study option. Please contact either Ms Johnston or Ms Holley for further details.

The University of Queensland – Enhanced Studies Program (ESP) for Year 11 students

ESP provides you with an opportunity to complete one university subject during Year 12 www.esp.uq.edu.au. Students are first required to complete an application form from St Margaret’s if they are considering this study option. Please contact either Ms Johnston or Ms Holley for further details.

QUT - Upcoming events

Check out the following events in September and October:

free lectures about QCE subjects for Year 11 students

school holiday design workshops

international high school

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. Discover more

Griffith University Early Start to Tertiary Studies (GUESTS)

Year 11 students can apply for the Griffith University Early Start to Tertiary Studies (GUESTS). For more information, visit griffith.edu.au/guests Students are first required to complete an application form from St Margaret’s if they are considering this study option. Please contact either Ms Johnston or Ms Holley for further details.

Griffith University Growing Tall Poppies

Registrations are now open for Growing Tall Poppies, a STEM hands-on experience two-day workshop for Years 9 and 10 students. Find more information, visit griffith.edu.au/griffith-sciences/stem-outreach/growing-tall-poppies

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. Discover more

Griffith Scholarships in 2020

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

The University of Queensland Scholarships

Discover more

QUT Scholarship opportunities

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. The online course information has the latest information.

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

QTAC’s admissions period runs from the beginning of August 2019 to the end of June 2021. The cost will be $44 which includes three changes of preferences.

20 September

Applications for QUT creative industries courses with auditions or portfolios close at 5pm.

28 September

Early closing date some courses

Scholarship Applications due

October

Submit EAS and supporting documents

15 November

First offer round Year 12

14 December

OP’s released

23 December

QTAC Offer Round

7 January

Last day to change preference

15 January

Offer Round

24 January

Top Up round

31 January

Top Up Round

The University of Queensland

The UQ situational judgement test for the Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours). tests are scheduled in October and November 2019. Discover more

UNE

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

Upcoming Events at UQ

Civil Engineering Experience Day: Saturday 14 September 2019, 1:00–4:00pm 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, 2:00–5:00pm Sir Llew Edwards Building

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

Griffith University: Explore your Options

Monday 16 December – Thursday 19 December. Find out about admissions pathways, entry requirements and changing preferences here.

Elizabeth Johnston