eNews Archive Issue 9 - 25 March 2021

According to a series of reports by Harvard University’s Centre on the Developing Child, including its 2020 paper, Connecting the brain to the rest of the body, many children develop resilience - the ability to overcome serious hardship - while others do not. For children who possess resilience, their health and development tips towards positive outcomes even when they face adversity or a serious threat. In contrast, under the same circumstances, children without resilience experience negative outcomes. Why is it that some children and adolescents are resilient despite great adversity while others appear to be stuck in a permanent state of heightened or “toxic” stress?

Research has identified four factors that predispose children to positive outcomes in the face of adversity:

• having at least one stable, caring and supportive child-adult relationship,
• feeling a sense of mastery (self-efficacy and perceived control) over life circumstances, including a belief that they can overcome hardships,
• possessing strong executive function and self-regulation skills which enable them to execute adaptive skills to cope effectively with difficult circumstances and manage their own behaviour and emotions, and
• the support of faith hope or cultural traditions to ground them when challenged by a major stressor or severely disruptive event.

Fundamental to this is the recognition that not all stress is harmful. In fact, learning to cope with stress is critical for the development of resilience. “Positive stress” - where children experience manageable levels of stress with the help of supportive adults - can be growth-promoting. From coping with a minor infection like a cold to failing an examination, children and adolescents regularly experience stresses that help them to grow and become stronger. “Over time, both our bodies and our brains begin to perceive these kinds of threats as increasingly manageable,” write the Harvard researchers, “and we become better able to cope with life’s obstacles and hardships, both physically and mentally.”

In fact, it is never too late to build resilience. Studies show that we can develop and strengthen resilience at any stage of life through regular physical exercise, stress-reduction practices, and programs that build executive function and self-regulation skills

Reference: National Scientific Council on the Developing Child [US]. (2020). Connecting the brain to the rest of the body: Early childhood development and lifelong health are deeply intertwined. Working Paper 15. Cambridge, MA, US: Centre on the Developing Child, Harvard University. Retrieved from: https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resourcecategory/reports-and-working-papers/

Ros Curtis

This is just one of the initiatives our staff, students and school is implementing to help us with our environmental sustainability. Next term, we are also excited about introducing paper recycling across all classrooms and office spaces in the Primary and Secondary areas, as well as a more robust recycling program to the school in general. I look forward to letting you know more about these programs and others next term.

This year, we excited to have two students, Leah Webb and Osinachi Ngini, become part of the Lord Mayor's Young Environmental Leadership Network (LMYELN). They are currently planning a number of different projects around the school, and this week invited a guest from the Brisbane City Council to come and talk to the girls in the Enviro Club.

I wanted to take this opportunity to congratulate girls in the Enviro Club for all their great ideas and initiatives they are looking to introduce to students across the school. Facilitated by Ms Buckingham and Ms O’Brien, this group has a number of members across both the Primary and Secondary schools who attend meetings each Tuesday lunchtime. I personally have enjoyed attending some of their meetings and listening to their great ideas. If your daughter is interested in joining the Enviro Club, please ask her to email Ms Buckingham for details.

Karen Gorrie

On the last day of school, we will come together as a school community to worship in Holy Week. At the service, we will also light our new paschal candle, which represents the light of Christ coming into the world. It will be very special to come together to celebrate, as last year we could not celebrate as a community because our Easter service was cancelled, and our students did not come to school in the last week of Term 1. So, this year it will be extra special coming together as a school community.

For those who are thinking about attending a church service during Holy Week, please see below Easter Services in our local community:

Holy Week and Easter at St Mark’s Clayfield, 103 Bonney Ave

Palm Sunday, 28 March, 9:15am Family Celebration, including Palm Procession and kids Activities

Maundy Thursday, 1 April, 6:00pm Agape Meal in parish hall; 7:15pm Liturgy in Church

Good Friday, 2 April, 8:00am Stations of the Cross for all ages

Easter Saturday, 3 April, 6:00pm Lighting the New Easter Fire

Easter Day, 4 April, 7:30am Traditional Eucharist; 9:15am Family Service

Holy Week Services at St Augustine’s, Hamilton

Saturday 27 March - Children’s Easter celebration, 3:00pm, followed by Easter egg hunt

Wednesday 31 March - A Celebration of the Women who anointed Jesus, 7:30pm

Thursday 1 April – Eucharist with foot washing, followed by the Watch, 7:30pm

Good Friday, 2 April – Good Friday Service, 8:00am

Easter Day, 4 April – Eucharist, followed by breakfast, 5:30am, Eucharist 8:30am

Susan Crothers-Robertson

Culture is not just about food, dance, dress, music, language and art. It is also about the most subtle and deep ways culture impacts how individuals see the world and engage in it. At St Margaret’s, having a culturally diverse Boarding House brings with it many benefits which can weave its way into every aspect of Boarding life. All students are equal beneficiaries of the cultural experience generated by a range of different cultures living in a close-knit community. Students from different cultural backgrounds share common experiences growing up, working together as a team and dealing with some stressful issues. They read the same novels, dance and listen to music and complain about dining room food. To truly prepare our students for a global world, we need to ensure that when they leave the safety and security of the Boarding House, they are globally competent.

Harmony Week has been a great way for us to reinforce the importance of being accepting of all cultures.

“A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and soul of its people.”

Mahatma Gandhi

Lesa Fowler

All current Year 11 students have completed this course and I have emailed all Year 12 students this week to ask them to complete this course prior to the start of Term 2. The course is designed to develop their knowledge of academic integrity, academic misconduct, submitting work that is their own and improving their work. The course is interactive, offers scenarios to respond to and case studies to answer. By completing the course, they will be able to define academic integrity, explain why it is important, identify acts of academic misconduct and understand how to avoid them, as well as understand how to make sure the work they submit is their own and understand how to improve their work. Universities have been encouraging and promoting academic integrity for many years to ensure students produce their own work, have worked hard to earn their qualification and are prepared for the opportunities and challenges in the workplace.

We will continue to promote academic integrity in our Academic Policy and, most importantly, through our teaching about effective academic practices. These include using appropriate processes and materials in academic work, drafting practices to improve work and identifying when referencing is needed to acknowledge others’ work.

Year 11 Academic Progress Meetings

Next week, all Year 11 students will receive an email from me inviting them to sign up for an academic progress meeting to discuss their Year 11 progress, including Unit 1 results, goals for 2021 and subjects. Meeting times will be available before, during and after school and you are most welcome to attend these meetings with your daughter. Your daughter will have access to the booking system through the POD to book in a time to meet. Dates and times available are listed below:

• Thursday 22 April, 8:00am-3:00pm
• Thursday 22 April, 4:00pm-8:00pm
• Tuesday 27 April, 11:00am-1:00pm
• Wednesday 28 April, 4:30pm-7:00pm
• Friday 30 April, 8:00am-10:00am
• Friday 30 April, 11:30am-1:30pm
• Friday 30 April, 3:00pm-5:00pm
• Wednesday 5 May, 8:00am-8:00pm
• Thursday 6 May, 8:00am-8:00pm
• Friday 7 May, 8:00am-1:00pm

Nicole Devlin

It can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of holidays; perhaps of going away with family, returning home to family or spending time with friends. However, while the end of term is an exciting time of anticipation, it is also an opportunity to tie up loose ends (concepts), organise yourself (clear out your locker/desk space) and reflect on the term that has been. I encourage all students to make the most of their final week; in particular, to make the most of time in class. Use this time to discuss feedback or clarify knowledge with your teachers, to really focus on those last few concepts that you don’t quite understand.

So, over the next week, instead of focussing your energy on what might happen ahead, stay committed to the present and finish Term 1 well.

Caitlin McCluskey

The National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence provides a focus for all schools to say Bullying - No Way! It is a timely reminder to reinforce our existing everyday messages that bullying and violence at St Margaret’s school are not acceptable at any time. The school strictly adheres to our Anti-Bullying Policy which you can find on the year level POD pages.

Student behaviour must always reflect the core values of St Margaret’s and students who display unacceptable behaviour will be asked to explain their behaviour and will face consequences. If you are aware of any bullying situations, please inform your Head of Year to follow up.

End of Term

Students and parents are reminded that school concludes on Thursday 1 April 2021 at 3pm,  and 1pm for our Year 11 students who will be attending the much-anticipated Dinner Dance at the Greek Club.

Student Leave

Parents are strongly encouraged to assist the school by ensuring that students are at school up until the last day of term. If, due to extenuating circumstances, students have to leave before the end of term, requests for leave should be made well in advance through: studentleave@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Nikki Townsend

“A privilege of being a Year 6 student is sitting in the wonderful Maggie’s Garden. The 71 girls in Year 6 have ‘adopted’ a new friend, Maggie the Magpie. Have you noticed anything special about Maggie? Yes, she only has one leg.

Every day in Maggie’s Garden, as we sit and eat our lunch, we observe Maggie’s behaviour and learn lots of lessons. A lesson we have all learned is to be grateful for what we have, such as having two legs and plenty of food and shelter to keep us safe. Even if we face challenges or problems, we can turn them into strengths.

Another lesson we have learned from Maggie the Magpie is to be resilient and courageous. Maggie always has a growth mindset. She is constantly persistent when those other magpies swoop in to steal her food. If she falls in the learning pit, she always gets back on her foot and adapts to changes.

Maggie is living her life to her full potential and we all strive to be like her. Like Maggie, we are all born to fly upwards, Per Volar Sunata!”

I know all girls loved hearing the story of Maggie. The messages the girls identified were gratefulness, positive mindset and persistence. These are dispositions we address regularly with the girls as part of our Religious and Values Education and Pastoral Care Program. The key points we unpack in these dispositions are:

Gratefulness - Gratitude is defined as ‘affirming that there are good things in the world – gifts and benefits that we’ve received – and reorganizing that these sources of goodness come from outside ourselves’ (Zakrzewski, 2013). Research also suggests that practising gratitude at a young age promotes later development of self-control and self-regulation, both qualities that contribute to lifelong success.

Positive Mindset - is regarded as a growth mindset (Dweck, 2012). It is not just abilities and talent that bring success, but it is the way students approach their goals with a fixed or growth mindset. With a growth mindset we support students to achieve personal success.

Persistence - is taught through using the analogy of the ‘learning pit’ as deep learning that is like going into a pit or chasm of the unknown – where the learner ends up in the bottom in a cognitive conflict state. It helps students see learning as a process and is a way to build their capacity as a learner.

It is wonderful to know that there are lessons to be learnt from Maggie the Magpie.

PP-3 Family Service - Thank you to all families who were able to attend our Twilight Service. Despite our plans to hold it outside, Mother Nature had other ideas. A special thanks to Reverend Susan for her organisation and to the teachers who attended on the night to assist.

A reminder to all parents about the Madonna King parent information seminar on Tuesday 20 April at 6:30pm. Her new book, ‘Ten-ager’ provides a guide for parents helping tween daughters into adolescence. Because of COVID, you must register to attend. Please refer to the POD for more details and the registration link. Registrations close on Wednesday 7 April.

Angela Drysdale

Professional Women’s Networking Breakfast Performances

Thank you very much to Meleia Richardson (Year 12) and Akari Komoto (Year 12) for their performance at the Professional Women’s Networking Breakfast held last Thursday morning. The girls entertained the audience with a preview from Matilda the Musical which opened that night. Thank you also to Lily Song (Year 8) and Mr Ng for their performances as guests arrived. All in attendance very much appreciated these musical contributions.

Encorah/Volare recommencing in Term 2

Our Secondary school choirs, Encorah and Volare, will recommence rehearsals from the start of Term 2. Encorah is an ‘all-comers’ choir for girls in Years 7-12. All who enjoy singing are welcome to attend with no audition required. The choir will sing a wide range of repertoire from a variety of genres. The choir will rehearse from 3:30-4:30pm on a Thursday afternoon in the Arts Centre Foyer with the first rehearsal to commence in Week 1 of Term 2 (22 April).

Volare will also recommence in Term 2. Volare is an auditioned choir for girls in Years 7 and 8 who enjoy singing more challenging repertoire. Volare will rehearse immediately after Encorah from 4:30-5:00pm in the Arts Centre Foyer. (Exultate for students in Years 9-12 will also continue rehearsals at this time from 4:30-5:30pm in the Sister Helen Orchestra Room).

Music Support Group

The next Music Support Group meeting will be held on Tuesday 27 April 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

Autumn Fixtures

On Friday 19 March, the Autumn sports competed in their second round of games against Brisbane Girls Grammar School. Girls Grammar are notorious for being a strong competitor; however, many of our teams experienced success. Whilst it was not raining, it did rain tries at Touch Football with 10 out of 12 teams winning. Meanwhile, the 10B Basketball team won and our Soccer teams are developing and experiencing improvement. This week, we look forward to games against our main opponent, Somerville House at their home grounds. Details of this week’s draw is available via each individual POD page. If cancellations do occur for either Touch Football or Soccer, notifications will occur via the POD on Friday 26 March.

Cross Country Holiday Training

Cross Country training will continue throughout Weeks 1 and 2 of the school holidays. We welcome all parents and carers to also become involved by running as well. Details of these sessions are available on the Cross Country POD page within the files section. A training program for our Boarding community and those who may be away, will also be posted to ensure fitness is not lost.

Cross Country High Performance Day – Save the Date

A Cross Country High Performance Day will be held in lieu of our annual camp on Saturday 24 April. Events planned for throughout the day include:

• An adventure forest trail run in the morning and an afternoon speed and surge session.
• Mindfulness and yoga hosted by Urban Bliss – and how learned mindfulness strategies can assist you in endurance sport.
• Optimum nutrition for endurance sports and teenage athletes – session run by accredited Sports Dietician.
• Motivational speaker and team strategy discussion.
• Pizza and movie night.

For more information please refer to the Cross Country POD page.

Secondary Interhouse Cross Country

The Secondary Interhouse Cross Country Carnival will be held on the first day of Term 2, Tuesday 20 April at Crosby Park. This is a great event for all girls to show their House spirit by participating in the 3km course. Further details of the event will be released next week.

Helen Lobegeiger

Fewer than 20 tickets remaining for the 2021 Father Daughter Breakfast (Years 7-12) next week!

Join us for the 2021 P&F Father Daughter Breakfast for students in Years 7 to 12. An annual favourite on the last day of Term 1, this sell-out event will be held this year on Circular Drive and the Arts Centre Terraces.

Date: Thursday 1 April 2021

Time: 6:45am for a 7:00am start, 8:00am finish

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

Cost: $40 per adult /$30 per student (Years 7-12) - includes a selection of individual hot breakfast boxes, fruit and yoghurt cups, tea, coffee and orange juice.

For all enquiries, please contact Chris Brown on 0400 319 545 or email: christopherjohnbrown.74@gmail.com

Tickets are on sale via Trybooking: www.trybooking.com/BPFGG

Past Student Awards – Saturday 24 April 2021

Tickets are now available for the 2021 Past Student Awards. Join us for a special evening as we celebrate two inspirational St Margaret's women and hear about the impact they have made within their field and community.

The Past Student Awards Dinner is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow Old Girls and parents, and to hear from this year's amazing award recipients, while enjoying canapés on the Terraces, followed by a sit-down dinner and drinks.

Date: Saturday 24 April 2021

Time: 6:30pm for 7:00pm Dinner

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

Tickets: $75 (Adult) $55 (Student)

Tickets can be purchased via Flexischools.

This is the final week for NOMINATIONS for the 2020/2021 Distinguished Past Student Award and the Young Past Student of Distinction Award. To submit your nomination, please follow this link. Please note, due to the cancellation of the 2020 Past Student Awards, all nominations from 2019 onwards will be valid.

Lindsay Khushal

University of Sydney - Webinar Wednesdays

Sessions will cover a wide variety of topics, including admission pathways, scholarships, HSC study tips and more. Admission Pathways | 4pm, 31 March

Sessions will be posted to our undergraduate events page as they become available.

Considering Career in Medicine or Dentistry?

Starting Year 10, 11 or 12? Do your research EARLY. Find out what is required for medical entry in Australia and New Zealand. Coming up on 27 March 2021 Intensive UCAT Training Workshop - LIVE ONLINE INTERACTIVE. ENROL

University of Newcastle – Surveying

Surveying is at the heart of the world’s infrastructure and built environments. It is also a building block that many other disciplines rely on - including engineering. This video from the University of Newcastle features Bachelor of Surveying (Honours) student, Elizabeth Evans and highlights the connection between surveying and engineering.

USA Sports Scholarships and University Placements

• Study and Play in the USA - Visit the website for more information.
• Aus Recruit - Read about the services provided by Aus Recruit on its website.
• Internationally Educated - More information on the website.
• Student Placement Australia New Zealand - Find out more on the website.

Crimson Education entry into US and UK webinars

• How To Get Into Stanford, Cambridge and Beyond | Insights From A Harvard, Stanford & Oxford Graduate | Mar 31

NIDA acting on Screen - Grades 11-12 courses: Click here for more information and to apply.

Griffith Sports College

Griffith Sports College plays a vital role in fostering students who are also elite athletes, helping them devote time to training and competition while they complete their tertiary studies. As part of the Elite Athlete Friendly University Network, the Sports College integrates sporting and academic aspirations.

UQ Medicine Information Night

Learn about studying Medicine at UQ. Hear from leading medical experts, UQ alumni and current students on the changing medical climate, how to apply for medicine at UQ and tips for success. This event will be held on Wednesday 21 April and is open to Year 12s and their parents/guardians. Places are limited so click here to receive updates on the event.

Liz Johnston