eNews Archive Issue 30 - 6 October 2022

83% (93 out of the 112 Year 12 completers) completed the survey. Of those, 83.9% continued in some recognised form of education and training. The most common study destination was a bachelor degree. A further 15.1% transitioned directly into paid employment and no further study. 1% of respondents were not in the labour force, education or training.

The Year 12 completers from St Margaret's continued in education or training in 2022 in the following areas of study:Study field* number %

Management and Commerce (24.4%)

Society and Culture (21.8%)

Health (20.5%)

Natural and Physical Sciences (16.7%)

Creative Arts (10.3%)

Education (1%)

Engineering and Related Technologies (10.3%)

Architecture and Building (7.7%)

Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies (2.6%)Total (students) ** 77 —

23.7% or 22 Year 12 completers from St Margaret's were enrolled in a double degree, combining two bachelor degrees into a single course of study.

The University of Queensland and QUT remained the most popular institutions for tertiary studies with 65.4% of graduates choosing these universities. 12.8% of our students chose interstate universities.

This information came into the school from the state government during the September holidays. Even though this information relates to last year’s Year 12 graduates, it is interesting to note as most of the percentages in areas studied and choice of university have been remarkably similar since the government first gathered this data in 2018.

Ros Curtis

Speech Night

The 125^th Speech Night and Prize Giving Ceremony (11 October 2022) is fast approaching and excitement is building as students anticipate the end of the year and all that it brings.

This year, tickets for Speech Night can be booked online through the QPAC booking system. Prize winners, all Years 11 and 12 and all boarders will be attending the event. Some students will also be involved in the music presentations on the night. All non-prize winners are invited to watch the event via the following livestream link: https://www.stmargarets.qld.edu.au/speech-night-live-stream

Please note, each prize winner in Years 5-11 can only have two guests attend the evening. Parents may only require one ticket. If at any time you reserve a ticket and you no longer require it, please email Lisa Watson lwatson@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Bookings are now open for Years 5 – 11 parents (see link below) who have a daughter receiving a prize at Speech Night. Please note, students who will be receiving a prize received a letter at school.

Your daughters will receive their tickets at school (they will not be sitting with you) and therefore you do not need to book seats for them.

Please book your tickets as soon as possible and please choose the print@home option for collection. 

Link to book tickets: https://www.qpac.com.au/event/sn_st_margarets_22/

Year 12 Graduation and Special Awards Ceremony

Parents of Year 12 graduates, and parents of students in Years 5 – 11 who are receiving awards at this Special Awards Ceremony are invited to attend this event. Parents who wish to attend this event are asked to rsvp their attendance via email to Lisa Watson, lwatson@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Karen Gorrie

Over the break, I have been reading The Book of Joy, a book written in conversation between the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. It is a joy to read; you feel as if you are present at the table with the two friends enjoying one another’s company, sharing good food, laughter, and tears.

There are so many things that these two leaders have in common, and as you read the book their friendship is inspiring. One thing that has profoundly moved me, is the way they disagree with one another with graciousness and respect. For example, after listening to the other, one will affirm that they have heard what has been said, and complement the person’s thinking, and then gently share their own opinion – not to replace, challenge or convert the other person, but to enrich and strengthen the conversation.

I am taking this lesson into the term ahead, focusing on how I can value diverse opinions and live with difference in a way that enriches community and celebrates each person with their unique gifts and perspectives.

Rev’d Jazz Dow

In boarding, there is an expectation that all senior girls will lead students in younger year levels and provide support. Some of the girls will be reluctant, doubt their abilities, or not want the responsibility, while others may have put minimal thought into leadership and what it means. All of the boarding staff are focused on building the girls leadership skills and helping them recognise their potential to lead. It is important to create an understanding that, just like intelligence, leadership is a characteristic that can be built and developed and not simply something some students are born with and others are not. Leadership development needs to foster a culture of empowerment and development in the boarding house, and we look forward to assisting our new senior leaders on this journey.

Lesa Fowler

Determination of Honours Awards

Honours awards are given for excellent academic achievement based on results from Terms 1, 2 and 3 of a given year. In Years 7-10, students who achieve a Grade Point Average of 13 or above with no overall result lower than a B, will receive an Honours award. These awards are calculated using the results of all subjects which are studied for three or more lessons a week. In Year 7 where some subjects are studied on a rotational basis, only those subjects studied in the first rotation are used in the calculation of these awards. In Year 8, the Arts subjects that are studied for two lessons a week are included in the calculation for Honours Awards. In Years 11 and 12, Honours awards are based on the grades awarded using the provisional subject results for the internal summative assessments in each subject. The Years 11 and 12 Honours are calculated using the results of the students’ top five subjects.

Determination of Commendation Awards

Years 7 and 8

Commendation awards are given in recognition of excellent engagement in learning. They are based on the level of application demonstrated in class and at home, as well as the attitude displayed in all contexts. The Attitude to Learning result is recorded on the report card. These awards are calculated using the results of all Australian Curriculum subjects. To receive a Commendation Award, a student needs to receive an average score of 4.5 or higher over Terms 1, 2 and 3. Students who receive an Honours award are not eligible for a Commendation award.

Years 9 to 12

Commendation awards are given in recognition of excellent engagement in learning. They are based on the level of application demonstrated in class and at home, as well as the attitude displayed in all contexts. The Attitude to Learning result is recorded on the report card. These awards are calculated using the results of all graded subjects. To receive a Commendation a student needs to receive an average score of 4.5 or higher over Terms 1, 2 and 3. Students who receive an Honours award are not eligible for a Commendation award.

Determination of Year 10 Subject Prizes

A subject prize is awarded to a Year 10 student who receives the highest subject result based on three terms of work. If more than one student receives the highest subject result the decision is made by the Head of Faculty in consultation with the year level teachers to review the collection of assessment and make a judgement based on the quality of the assessment folio to deem who should receive the prize. To receive a subject prize all assessments must be completed.

Determination of Internal Year 12 Subject Prizes

A Year 12 Internal Assessment Subject Prize is awarded at Speech Night to the student who receives the highest provisional subject result based on the internal assessments. Note that percentage results are used in determining these awards for the Maths and Science Subjects. If more than one student receives the highest internal subject result from Unit 3 and 4, the cumulative result from Unit 1 and 2 in that subject will be used to determine the prize winner. To receive a subject prize all internal assessments must be completed.

Determination of the Internal Assessment Dux of the School and the Proxime Accessit to the Dux of the School

The Internal Assessment Dux of St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School will be awarded at Speech Night. This award is presented to the student in Year 12 who has attained the highest internal assessment subject results across five subjects. The Proxime Accessit to the Dux of the School is awarded to the student who has attained the next highest internal assessment subject results in that Year 12 cohort. The determination of these awards is based on students’ subject results at the completion of the summative internal assessment period for Unit 3 and 4. This subject result will be calculated by adding together the three internal assessment results for five subject results. To be considered for the awards, students must complete all three assessments for five subjects. Subjects are not weighted. In order to distinguish candidates for the final award results from Unit 1 and 2 may be considered. If it is not possible to distinguish between two students both shall be awarded the Internal Assessment Dux or Proxime Accessit to the Dux prize. The decision as to the Internal Assessment Dux and the Proxime Accessit to the Dux of the School shall remain confidential until the presentation at Speech Night.

Caitlin McCluskey

A reminder that SSS operate on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 5:00pm to 7:30pm. Parents do have the option of purchasing dinner ($11) for their daughters from the boarding house at the time of booking. Bookings close at 9:00am on the day, unless the maximum number (25) is reached prior to this point, so I do recommend parents book in early to avoid missing out. Also, please note that there will be no Supervised Study next Tuesday 11 October due to Speech Night.

The purpose of these sessions is to provide girls with a quiet and well-resourced space that is conducive to productive homework and study time. Each SSS will be staffed by up to two tutors, who offer advice and guidance on how to plan effectively for upcoming assessments. The SSS tutor group is made up of ten young women who are currently studying at university and have much to offer our girls in the way of study skills.

For students attending SSS after an afternoon of sport, transport is available to and from Windsor Park. For those staying on after school to attend SSS, the Eunice Centre is open until 5pm prior to the commencement of the study sessions.

Chris Dunn

Sony Camp

On the first weekend of the September holidays, Year 11 St Margaret’s and Year 11/12 Churchie students amalgamated to prepare for the annual Sony Foundation Children’s Holiday Camp. The camp saw 23 St Margaret’s students wholeheartedly dedicate their time to become the primary carers for approximately thirteen female intellectually and physically impaired children. The school also provided 11 helpers who prepared and served food and cleaned up and one media student who took invaluable photos over the three days for over 100 people.

Since 1999, the Camp Program has given Years 11 and 12 students the opportunity to care for a child with special needs over a four-day period in what is a unique and life-changing experience for all involved. Each camp is provided free of charge for the participants and the majority of the camps run in the September and December school holidays.

The students, supported by a team of dedicated teaching and medical staff, are responsible for the care of these children twenty-four hours a day over the course of the Camp. They quickly learn about the challenges and demands involved in caring for a child with special needs. Not only do the students have an enriching experience, but the children are treated to a weekend full of activities and interactions they would not normally have the opportunity to experience. The Camps also provide much needed respite for parents, siblings and primary carers in what may be their only break of the year.

The eager guests arrived on Saturday morning and their grateful families handed a challenging responsibility over to the students. In return, the parents received beautiful gift packs, which were donated and prepared by the generous St Margaret’s community. A range of activities were available throughout the camp, including; swimming, art activities, a disco and a trip to Lone Pine.

Through great acts of devotion, persistence and responsibility, each companion and helper ensured that their guest’s experience was one that they would never forget. When the students relinquished the responsibility of their guest back to the parents, it was clear that the students’ contribution to the camp had made a significant impact on not only the children, but their inspirational parents, many of whom were able to take a well-deserved break. The camp deeply broadens students’ understanding of the realities and complexities of life as they carefully consider the lives of those living with a disability and the impacts this can have on their families. It must also be noted that our St Margaret’s Year 11 students attended lunch time workshops prior to the camp learning how to assist high needs children under the guidance of these staff members.

Nikki Townsend

After Orientation Day we will begin developing class lists.  The process is as follows:

1. Each student completes a sociogram sheet. Students record two friends from each class. This includes a sociogram where students identify friends with whom they can work in a classroom setting.

   Teachers will make every effort to allocate at least one identified friend. All students also record names of new students they know.

2. Teacher records friends’ names on class master sheet.
3. Teacher reviews sociograms (based on social behaviour and academics) and creates form classes ensuring there is a balance between the classes.
4. Class Teacher discusses with specialist teachers and Learning Enhancement.
5. Parent applications are considered.
6. Class Teachers create list.
7. Parents are informed of the class and teacher of their daughter for 2023, at the beginning of the Christmas holidays.

This process is also outlined in the Parent Handbook on the POD. If you would like to provide information about your child that you believe would be valuable for teachers when creating classes, please complete this form (PDF 61.3KB) and return it to the Primary Office by Monday 10 October. Unfortunately, no late forms can be accepted beyond this date as teachers will create new class lists after the closing date and late changes will impact on all class arrangements. Whilst all applications will be considered, it is important to note that the submission does not provide a guarantee that your application will be granted. These applications, along with the professional judgement of the Primary staff and sociograms from the students, will be used to inform our decisions about class placement for 2023.

Angela Drysdale

To best support you in ensuring the messaging between the home and school context is aligned, we are hosting a Social Media Parent Information Session for parents of girls in Years 5 and 6 on Thursday, 20 October at 5.30 pm. The invite was posted on The POD last term, but you can find full details here (PDF 243.4KB). Please join us for this information session at which you will also be able to meet the Head of Year 7 for 2023, Mrs Ysabella Dawson.

We know that this ever-changing terrain can create confusion and conflict at both home and at school, so we hope that this will be a valuable opportunity to prepare for your daughter’s journey into her teen years and secondary school with confidence. The digital revolution continues to drive our lives, so we are eager to work together to create an understanding of how crucial it is to foster a safe, secure social presence for our girls.

Annette Box

Music Dinner

Tickets have now sold out for the upcoming Music Dinner. A reminder that the theme for the 2022 Music Dinner is ‘Iconic Songs’. Students (and parents!) are encouraged to choose an iconic song and dress in a costume that represents their chosen song. Music Dinner is an occasion for students and parents to celebrate a wonderful year of music-making at St Margaret’s with awards given, and presentations made to acknowledge the girls’ many achievements. We are very much looking forward to this special event.

Auditions for 2023 Music Ensembles

Auditions will be held in Week 3 for students wishing to participate in Music Ensembles in 2023, with audition music available from the Sister Margaret’s Music POD page. 2023 Music Ensembles will then commence from Week 4 of Term 4. (Primary ensembles will remain as they are for the remainder of the year. If a Primary student is accepted into a Secondary Ensemble, eg Stradivari Strings, they will have the option of attending their new ensemble whilst still participating in their current ensemble.) Audition times are as follows:

Monday 17 October

7:00 - 8:20am String Auditions (current Primary students), SHOR

3:30 - 5:00pm Volare Auditions (current Year 6 and 7), SHOR

3:30 - 5:00pm Rock Band Auditions for guitar, bass guitar, and keyboard, J002/003 (Rock Band Room)

Tuesday 18 October

7:00 - 8:20am String Auditions (current Primary students), SHOR

10:25 - 10:50am String Auditions (current Secondary students), SHOR

3:30 - 4:30pm Chorale - Primary Sing Along – Get to know your voice (current Years 3, 4 and 5), Primary Music Room

3:30 - 5:00pm Rock Band Auditions for Vocals (current Years 9-11), J002/003 (Rock Band Room)

3:30 - 5:30pm String Auditions (current Secondary students), SHOR

Wednesday 19 October

7:15 - 8:15am Band Auditions for current Primary students, SHOR

7:15 - 8:15am Stage Band Auditions (all instruments) for 2023 Secondary students, J101

1:05 - 1:50pm Drum kit Auditions for Rock Bands and Stage Band, J002/003 (Rock Band Room)

3:30 - 4:30pm Highly Strung Auditions (Primary) for guitar, bass guitar, keyboard and drumkit, J002/003 (Rock Band Room)

3:30 - 5:30pm Band Auditions for woodwind/brass (current Secondary students), SHOR

3:30 - 5:00pm Band Auditions for percussion/drums (current Primary and Secondary students), SHOR Percussion Room

Thursday 20 October

7:00 - 8:20am Band Auditions for woodwind/brass (Primary and Secondary), SHOR

3:30 - 5:30pm Exultate Auditions (it is preferable for younger students to have been in Volare to show rehearsal commitment), SHOR

Musical 2023

Thank you to all those who submitted audition videos for our 2023 musical, Strictly Ballroom! Call-backs will be held next week, and the cast finalised by the end of Week 3. We are looking forward to a wonderful production!

Music Support Group

The next Music Support Group meeting will be the AGM and will be held on Tuesday 8 November 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.

QGSSSA Athletics

On the last day of term 3 the Athletics team represented St Margaret’s at the 102^nd QGSSSA Track & Field Championships.

Our team performed extremely well finishing 5^th overall, with our 13 Year Old’s winning their age group pennant.

The day was packed full of spirit and many personal best performances. The following students achieved top 3 placings:

• Ebony Okonkwo (Year 9) 2^nd 15Yr Long Jump B – 4.62m
• Grace Turnbull (Year 10) 2^nd 16Yr Discus B – 25.89m
• Georgia Hopwood (Year 8) 1^st 14Yr Hurdles A – 13.76
• Ashley Blackman (Year 8) 1^st 13Yr High Jump A – 1.56m
• Annabell Spall (Year 7) 2^nd 12Yr Shot Put B – 7.70m
• Bless Daly (Year 8) 2^nd 14Yr Javelin A – 32.44m
• Charlize Heathcote (Year 7) 3^rd 13Yr 1500m – 4.54
• Ella Brown (Year 11) 3^rd Open 1500m – 4.54
• Hadassah Todd (Year 10) 2^nd 16Yr Shot Put B – 10.10m
• Emma Pickering (Year 12) 1^st Open Javelin B – 30.76m
• Scarlett Lahy (Year 7) 3^rd 12Yr 100m C – 14.18
• Ruby Gowns (Year 8) 2^nd 13Yr 100m D - 13.63
• Holly Williams (Year 8) 1^st 13Yr 100m C – 13.47
• Jelena Batty (Year 7) 3^rd 13Yr 100m B – 13.53
• Georgina Fitzgerald (Year 8) 3^rd 13Yr 100m A – 12.97
• Ebony Okonkwo (Year 9) 2^nd 15Yr 100m A – 12.45
• Lucy Bourke (Year 11) 3^rd Open 100m D - 13.47
• Caroline Williams (Year 12) 1^st Open 100m B – 12.76
• Emma Blanch (Year 8) 3^rd 14Yr Shot Put B – 9.17m
• Annabelle Spall (Year 7) 2^nd 12Yr Discus B – 24.10m
• Georgina Fitzgerald (Year 8) 3^rd 13Yr 400m A – 63.68
• Lily Hicks (Year 9) 1^st 15Yr 400m A – 60.90
• Holly Williams (Year 8) 3^rd 12Yr 200m A – 28.26
• Ebony Okonkwo (Year 9) 2^nd 15Yr 200m A – 25.59
• Jelena Batty (Year 7) 2^nd 13Yr Long Jump B – 4.26m
• Ella Welsh (Year 9) 3^rd 15Yr Shot Put B – 10.21m
• Ava Thompson (Year 8) 1^st 13Yr 800m B – 2.25
• Charlize Heathcote (Year 7) 2^nd 13Yr 800m A – 2.23
• Priya Madders (Year 9) 3^rd 14Yr 800m B – 2.34
• Sally Bambling (Year 11) 3^rd Open 800m B – 2.26
• Lily Hicks (Year 9) 3^rd 15Yr + Under Triple Jump A – 10.38m
• 13Yr A 4x100m Relay 3^rd  
  • (Jelena Batty, Georgina Fitzgerald, Ruby Gowns, Holly Williams)
• 13Yr B 4x100m Relay 2^nd
  • (Evie Smith, Emma Hicks, Cherry Lok, Kiara Pedroni)
• 15Yr A 4x100m Relay 3^rd
  • (Lily Hicks, Ebony Okonkwo, Steph Gerber, Kate Crossley)
• 17 Yr A 4x100m Relay 2^nd       
  • (Lucy Burke, Caroline Williams, Zara Caswell, Olivia Rees-Smith)

This year our team acknowledged Bridget Smith as our Spirit of the Dragon award winner. Bridget has had a remarkable athletics season. Having grown up in Normanton, a country town 22hrs away from St Margaret’s, she has applied herself to every opportunity that has been placed in front of her. As a result, she has gone from strength to strength, improving her 800m time by over 45 seconds and qualifying for the 1500m event at the State Championships in October. She has embodied every value that St Margaret’s holds dear. However, what stands out most is her humility. She is humble in her approach, and this is demonstrated through her support and care for others, her consistent effort towards training and racing and her relaxed, yet driven approach towards her performance and improvement. We congratulate Bridget on receiving this award and wish her and her teammates all the very best for the upcoming State Championships.

I would like to thank our Athletics captains Sophie Sorensen and Miyan Chia, Head Coach, Eric Brown and his team of coaches, as well as our teachers, Mr Tom Smithers, Ms Kirsty Krynaw, Miss Sarah Harre and Mr Ben Stuart for all their hard work across the season.

Finally, congratulations to all girls who represented St Margaret’s, you should be extremely proud of your efforts.  

GO MAGGIES!

Lloyd Knight 

Who: Our tutor, Jacinta Stewart is an established artist based in Brisbane. She paints both animals and portraits. Jacinta has been a finalist in the Brisbane Portrait prize in 2020 and 2021. You can view her work here www.artbyjacinta.com

What: The six-week course will include the completion of a pet (or favourite animal) and a self-portrait on canvas. The students will learn techniques in colour mixing and brush work, helping them to achieve a variety of textures from skin to feathers and fur. The atmosphere will be relaxed and fun. No experience is required.

When: Six-week course 

Every Wednesday from 12^th October

Finishes Wednesday 16^th November 

Open to all secondary year levels 7-12. Max class size only 12 students

 Where: The secondary art room - V103

Cost: $90 p/p.

Students can enrol by emailing CMazzotta002@stmargarets.qld.edu.au

While many people associate the P&F with fundraising activities, it also works to promote a spirit of genuine cooperation between parents, staff, and students alike and support a range of community endeavours for the general well-being of all members of the school community. 

The P&F Association meet once a term to share our views and ideas, and we encourage parents to join us at these meetings throughout the year. 

Our final meeting of 2022 is an informal evening where we will hopefully welcome some fresh faces and share our thoughts over some light refreshments.

Date: Monday 24 October 2022

Time: 6.30pm to 7.30pm (followed by light refreshments)

Location: Arts Centre Foyer, St Margaret's Anglican Girls School

Last chance to secure your tickets or table at the final Professional Women's Network Breakfast of 2022.

We welcome Amanda Johnston-Pell, Chief Digital Officer, Vice President Digital Sales Japan + APAC, IBM, who will share her inspiring journey from human movement studies into business leadership in-conversation with Sarah Clarke, Award-winning journalist and TV presenter.

This is a wonderful opportunity for you to attend with your daughter or to take a corporate table and host your colleagues or clients.

Amanda Johnston-Pell is global leader in the fields of Business Transformation, Digital Sales, Marketing, Brand and Entrepreneurship. Her career spans 25 years working across US, Canada, APAC and Japan markets in both Executive and Non-Executive roles. She currently serves as the Vice President Digital Sales, Chief Digital Officer for IBM Japan, Asia Pacific and Greater China.  Prior to this appointment, she held several executive positions within IBM, Telstra, where she was an Executive Director in the Brands + Marketing Communications Group, and BigPond, among others.

Amanda is a highly respected business leader and pioneer in her field, espousing an entrepreneurial spirit and an 'anything is possible' mantra. Her entrepreneurial credentials as Co-Founder and Founding Co-CEO of a New York City based start-up have helped drive agility, cohesion and a growth mind-set within the remits she has led.

She was the 2021 recipient of The University of Queensland Vice Chancellor’s Alumni Excellence Award and the inaugural Women’s College (at the University of Queensland) Alumna Award – awarded for outstanding leadership in business, and for services to community, education and private diplomatic initiatives.

Sarah Clarke is an award-winning journalist and TV presenter now based in Australia. She works for the international TV network, Al Jazeera English covering stories across the Asia Pacific region.

She returned to Australia in 2021 after 8 years living and working in Hong Kong covering the rise of the pro-democracy movement in 2014 and the more recent protests which saw hundreds of residents and journalists detained and jailed under China's national security law. Sarah began her career in Australia and spent 20 years with the ABC working out of Brisbane, the Canberra press Gallery and Sydney as the National Environment and Science Reporter.

Date: Wednesday 19 October 2022

Time: 6.45am arrival for 7.00am start. 8.45am finish.

Location: Arts Centre Foyer, St Margaret's Anglican Girls' School, 11 Petrie Street, Ascot

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.

Book now via Try Booking: https://www.trybooking.com/CBLHB

We thank our 2022 PWN Series Sponsors for their support.

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.

St Margaret’s Online Business Directory

Looking for an experienced real estate agent, solar installation services, healthcare or accounting and wealth management services? St Margaret’s Online Business Directory has you covered for all these providers and much more. As a community we are stronger together and we encourage you to support those who support our school. Many are providing special offers/discounts for St Margaret’s families.

View the full listing of services and providers online at: https://www.stmargarets.qld.edu.au/community/business-directory

Lara Pickering