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This year, the 2024 Philanthropy leaders chose Eat Up, which provides free lunches to school children, and at the Final Graduation Assembly for Year 12s, I was presented with the fruits of their fundraising. The student body (in addition to many other philanthropy and service inspired projects this year) raised more than $10,000 for Eat Up.

This fundraising effort sits alongside other causes which the students and parents contribute to throughout the year. The most celebrated is the Ponytail Project, which over the last 10 years has raised $944,000 for the Cancer Council Queensland. There are numerous other contributions to community service throughout the year, and the primary school supports both Zephyr and One Horizon.

Service to and fundraising for community charities is an important aspect of a St Margaret’s education. With the sisters of the Society of the Sacred Advent as our role models, a St Margaret’s student will be regularly exposed to the idea of supporting others and being a good citizen. The school’s emphasis on student-led philanthropy reflects our school values and the legacy of our founders. The concept of ‘giving to others’ is an important lesson to learn as we continue to help shape the future generations of leaders.

Ros Curtis

St Margaret's AGS is committed to:

- promoting and striving to provide a safe, supportive and ethical environment for the wellbeing and holistic development of students; and

- providing a safe, secure, nurturing environment in which all its students may grow and learn.

Student Protection Officers are persons designated as liaison people to whom students may refer if they are not feeling safe; or to whom they make complaints of harm, inappropriate behaviour or physical/sexual abuse. The St Margaret's Student Protection Officers are:

- Deputy Principal - Karen Gorrie

- Head of Boarding - Lesa Fowler

- Head of Primary School - Angela Drysdale

- Assistant Head of Primary – Curriculum (PP-6) – Kate Frewin

- Dean of Students - Nikki Townsend

- Dean of Studies – Caitlin McCluskey

- Senior Psychologist – Michelle Alexander

- School Psychologist – Emma Greensill

- Head of Year – Nicole Walker

All Student Protection documentation including all policies and procedures can be viewed on our website here: /discover-st-margaret-s/student-protection.

Our statement of commitment is as follows:

St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School supports the rights of children and young people and is committed to ensure the safety, welfare and wellbeing of students. St Margaret’s is therefore committed to responding to allegations of student harm resulting from the conduct or actions of any person including that of employees.

This commitment includes the provision of a safe and supportive living and learning environment for all students and requires all employees, volunteers and visitors to model and encourage behaviour that upholds the dignity and protection of students from harm.

In support of this commitment, St Margaret’s is dedicated to our Child and Youth Risk Management Strategy, which includes having relevant policies, procedures and training in place to effectively address the safety and wellbeing of students in our care.

Karen Gorrie

Prayer Space is an opportunity for students to slow down, enter a time of stillness and mindfulness, and is invitational and student-led time. Teachers overwhelmingly report that students, after visiting Prayer Space, are more calm, centred and ready to undertake work in the classroom.

Rest, mindfulness, prayer and recreation are not time wasted, rather time invested in order to improve our health, wellbeing and productivity.

“It takes courage to say yes to rest and play in a culture where exhaustion is seen as a status symbol.” — Brené Brown

As Term 4 continues and deadlines pile up, remember that rest and mindfulness is an investment, not only for your wellness but also for your productivity.

Rev’d Jazz Dow

From our cherished traditional advent calendar to the much-anticipated Christmas dinner in Eton Hall, we’re filled with creativity as we deck the halls and common rooms. This year, our wonderful Boarder Support Group generously donated funds to purchase beautiful decorations, ensuring that the dining hall, garden room, and each common area radiate the warmth and cheer creating a home away from home.

What makes our celebration even more special is the incredible diversity among our boarders, each bringing unique customs and traditions from their homes. As I spoke with them, I discovered a treasure trove of fascinating holiday practices that showcase how differently Christmas can be celebrated. Below is snapshot of the girls’ unique way of celebrating, highlighting the traditions that make this time of year so meaningful.

“Every Christmas Day, we play street cricket with the neighbours. After lunch, the whole family jumps in the pool for a game of submarine, sharks, and ships. Even Grandma and Grandpa join in, though they prefer to stick to the side of the pool for the best vantage point!”

“We head out to our property when all the kids are home from school to find a tree to cut down for decorating. It’s always a fun adventure!”

“I wake up early, before the adults, to find our presents in the stockings. Once everyone is awake, we exchange our Secret Santa gifts, and they all have to be homemade!”

“Even though we’re in senior school, our parents still sneak out while we’re asleep and draw sleigh tracks in the dirt to show where Santa’s sleigh landed during the night. It keeps the magic alive!”

“Our uncle always dresses up as Santa, and we rotate who gets to be elves. The elves are the ones who hand out the Christmas presents each year.”

“Every year on the farm, we have a pork Christmas. The whole family gathers for a pig on the spit, celebrating a year of hard work and togetherness.”

“We have a family-friendly tennis competition every year, known as the annual Waltzing Walkers Tennis Competition. It’s always a lot of fun!”

“Our family places a huge emphasis on our Christmas Eve dinner. During the day, we visit Statue Square in Hong Kong to soak up the holiday spirit, enjoying carol singing, beautiful decorations, and lights. We even watch the fireworks before heading home for dinner.”

“Every year, Dad invites anyone who doesn’t have a place to go for Christmas—whether they’re passing through town or just alone. We provide lunch; all they have to bring is drinks. Dad often forgets how many people he’s invited, leaving Mum to guess how much to cook!”

“On Boxing Day, our family heads to the Katherine Golf Course for a friendly family golf day. We’re still trying to beat Dad… but maybe this year will be our year!”

As the girls reminisced about their cherished family traditions, their faces lit up with excitement for the upcoming festivities. The diverse stories and customs shared by our boarders highlight a beautiful truth: regardless of our backgrounds, the spirit of Christmas brings us together. A common thread in their reflections is the deep sense of family and community that flourishes during this time. This festive season, we eagerly embrace these traditions, spread joy, and cultivate a sense of belonging that truly makes our boarding house feel like home.

Kelli Boucaut  

At times, some girls come out of the exams and feel unhappy with their perception of how they went, and some girls are just unsure, but when it is done, it is done and they should feel proud of how they have approached these exams from the outset. So, if your daughter is coming home unhappy about the exam, the questions and the things they did not know, please reassure them. Tell them you are proud and remind them that the windscreen is bigger than the rear vision mirror. You need to glance back, but it is important to keep looking forward and navigate to the next bend on the road.

Finally, thank you to all Year 12 parents who are supporting their child in this. I am sure you, too, are feeling all the emotions that I feel with your daughters!

Year 11

Next week, I am beginning the first round of ATAR indication meetings with the Year 11 ATAR eligible students. They will all be emailed a booking link which can also be found on the Year 11 POD page. The purpose of these meetings is to discuss the girls progress so far, give them an indication of where they are heading and help them to make a plan moving forward. Parents are encouraged to attend this meeting either in person or via Teams/phone call.

Year 10

Year 10 students are busy getting into their school assessment for the term. It is only two short weeks until Study Hall, so all Year 10s should be planning their time carefully and factoring in additional study and review in the coming weeks.

Caitlin McCluskey

English

Year 8

• Danielle L. – Distinction
• Jiayu S. – Distinction
• Isobel S. – High Distinction

Year 10

• Lauren J. – Distinction
• Jessica K. – High Distinction

Mathematics

Year 8

• Danielle L. – High Distinction
• Ritz F. – Distinction
• Isobel S. – Distinction
• Yueming W. – Distinction

Year 9

• Grace T. – Distinction

Year 10

• Jessica K. – Distinction

Science

Year 8

• Danielle L. –Distinction
• Ritz F. – Distinction
• Jiayu S. – Distinction

Year 9

• Grace T. – Distinction

Year 10

• Jessica K. – Distinction
• Lauren J. – Distinction

Writing

Year 8

• Jiayu S. – Distinction

Year 9

• Hope C. – Distinction

Year 10

• Lauren J. – High Distinction

Chris Dunn

Sadly, the number of risk factors seems to outweigh the protective factors in the lives of many adolescents. It’s clear that effective parenting today requires more than just avoiding the obvious dangers like abuse, neglect, and overindulgence. To truly support our children, parents, as well as educators, need to be proactive. They must equip themselves with practical skills, knowledge, and strategies that address the complexities of raising resilient children in today’s world.

Research consistently indicates that the best-adjusted children are those who grow up in environments where warmth and sensitivity are balanced with clear expectations for behaviour. This balance fosters both emotional security and resilience. At St Margaret’s, our pastoral care team plays a vital role in supporting your daughters. We work in close partnership with parents and collaborate with outside health professionals to provide holistic care for our students.

For additional resources on the challenges your daughters may face, I encourage you to explore the Parent Resource Page on the POD via School Box. These resources are designed to provide further guidance and support as we navigate these concerns together.

Below are suggested websites that provide valuable resources on the challenges teenage girls face:

1. Raising Children Network

   Website: raisingchildren.net.au

   Australia’s comprehensive parenting resource supported by the Australian Government. It covers a wide range of topics, including mental health, relationships, and puberty, focusing on the specific needs of teenage girls.

2. ReachOut

   Website: au.reachout.com

   Australia’s leading online mental health service for young people, providing support and resources on mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and bullying, specifically targeted at teens.

3. Kids Helpline

   Website: kidshelpline.com.au

   A 24/7 counselling service for young people in Australia, offering resources and advice on a variety of challenges, including body image, relationships, and self-esteem.

4. Maggie Dent

   Website: maggiedent.com

   Parenting expert Maggie Dent offers practical advice and resources focused on raising resilient and confident girls. Her work covers topics such as self-esteem, anxiety, and friendships.

5. YoungMinds

   Website: youngminds.org.uk

   A UK-based mental health charity that provides resources on the emotional wellbeing and mental health of young people, including specific resources for teenage girls and their parents.

These sites offer reliable advice, support, and information to help navigate the unique challenges faced by teenage girls.

Nikki Townsend

The primary school leadership program endeavours to give students the opportunities to be resourceful and develop their own personal leadership capabilities. Our leadership program is based on the philosophy of ‘leadership by service’; therefore, the most important aspect of leadership lies in serving others.

Year 4

The leadership preparation program commences with the issuing of the Leadership Passport (Years 4-6). These students conduct a ‘giving of time’ activity.

Year 5 

Commencement and completion of the Leadership Report Card component of the Leadership Passport.

Year 6

All Year 6 girls are the leaders of the primary school as House Leaders.

The development of student leadership skills involves opportunities which encourage students to:

• act in roles of responsibility with integrity and honesty
• foster a sense of vision and purpose
• work with others to determine and achieve collective goals
• take on responsibilities and use decision making skills to carry a project through to a successful conclusion
• be active, reflective listeners who respond effectively
• earn the respect of others through their actions.

Year 6 Levels of Leadership and Process

There are three levels to Year 6 leadership positions - Level 1 – Primary Captain, Level 2 – House Leaders and Level 3 – Cultural and Sporting Leaders. 

Level 1

Primary Captains are elected to this position.

1. Year 5 girls are spoken to about the role of Primary School Captain
2. All Year 5 girls nominate five girls they would like to see on the Primary School Captains Voting Slip – girls are nominated 1-5 (with one being first choice)
3. Votes from the Year 5 are tallied, and top candidates are identified
4. The candidates are informed and have the morning session to prepare the speech and presentation
5. Girls make their presentation to Years 3,4,5 and 6 on the same day as preparation.
6. Votes are tallied. (Votes are weighted; Teachers and Year 5 – 3 points, Year 6 - 2 points and Years 3 & 4 – 1 point).
7. Results are then ratified by the Head of Primary and Principal.

Level 2

House Leaders - All Year 6 students are appointed as House Leaders. Each Year 6 student will share in the responsibility of all House activities with girls negotiating with the House teachers to identify a particular area of responsibility.

Level 3

Cultural, Sporting, and Other Leadership Roles

These leadership positions are limited and offer students the chance to assist with a wide range of extra- and co-curricular activities. Students interested in these roles must complete an application form, followed by an interview process, which takes place in the final week of Term 4 and early in the new school year.

Positions such as SRC (Student Representative Council), Cultural Leaders, year-long activity leaders, and Semester 1 sport and activity leaders will be shared with Year 6 students during class time in the new school year. Semester 2 activities and sports leaders will be shared at the beginning of Term 3.

Level 3 leaders, who successfully fulfill the responsibilities of their roles, will be acknowledged and awarded a certificate as recognition for their commitment.

“Leadership is action, not position’ (Donald H. McGannon)

Angela Drysdale

The key elements of Recognise, React and Report are seen in action when children recognise that they are in an unsafe situation; we encourage them to think about what they could do to be safe again. They are encouraged to think about ways to react using real-life scenarios. Our students also learned that breaking the rules (for example saying no to an adult who is behaving inappropriately) is sometimes necessary so that they can become safe again. Report means telling an adult in their life who cares about their safety when there is a problem. This should be an adult who can keep them safe from harm and who can make a situation safe again.

Personal safety and body awareness are important aspects of the Daniel Morcombe Child Safety Curriculum, which is taught in Pastoral Care and Health and Physical Education. For more information, please refer to the Parent Guides using the links below:

The school’s adoption of this program demonstrates our ongoing commitment to child safety. I would encourage parents to continue to champion the safety message. The school-home partnership approach is the most effective way to ensure that the messages are absorbed and turned into action. Thank you to the SRC for presenting these key messages to the primary school, enhanced by insights from Mrs Drysdale.

Annette Box

Music Support Group - AGM

The St Margaret’s Music Department would like to extend special thanks to our 2024 Music Support Group office holders, president Antoinette Aquilina, vice-president Charlotte Davis, treasurer Katrina Carrick and secretary Miranda Robinson. We are very grateful for your support of the St Margaret’s Music Program. Thank you to all parents who attended meetings and offered support in a variety of capacities throughout 2024.

The Annual General Meeting was held this week and we are pleased to announce the 2025 office holders:

President                   Antoinette Aquilina

Vice President           Ceri McDonald

Treasurer                  Katrina Carrick

Secretary                   Miranda Robinson

The next Music Support Group meeting will be held on Tuesday 4 February 2025 at 5:00pm in CD01. We encourage parents from both primary and secondary schools to become involved.

Brad King

13 Years

• Olivia R: 400m
• Elkie W: 800m

14 Years

• Erin G: 100m, 200m (3rd place), 90m hurdles, 200m hurdles, 4 x 100m Relay
• Annabelle S: Shot Put, Discus, Javelin
• Zara F: 800m

15 Years

• Georgina F: 100m, 200m, 4 x 100m Relay
• Charlize H: 800m (3rd place), High Jump
• Ashley B: High Jump (1st place)

16 Years

• Abbey W: High Jump
• Charli S: 3000m (2nd place)
• Coco F: 3000m (1st place), 2000m Steeplechase (1st place)

17 Years

• Ebony O: 100m (2nd place), 200m (1st place), 4 x 100m Relay
• Lily H: Long Jump (2nd place), Triple Jump (1st place)

18 Years

• Ginger C: 3000m Steeplechase (1st place)

In the coming weeks, St Margaret’s athletes will take to the track again, competing in the prestigious Queensland All Schools Championships. This event offers our students the opportunity to compete both individually and as part of a team.

Alongside their individual events, St Margaret’s will be entering both a Junior and Intermediate team into the highly competitive Schools Challenge. These teams will be aiming to qualify for the National Championships, an incredible opportunity to showcase their talent on a bigger stage, against the best schools in the country.

We wish all the athletes and coaches involved the very best of luck and look forward to seeing their hard work and dedication in action!

Mr Josh Partridge

Head of Athletics & Development

QGSSSA Badminton Championships Wrap

Over the first two weekends of the term, St Margaret’s badminton players competed in the 2024 QGSSSA Badminton Championships, with an impressive 94 students representing the school across 16 teams from Years 7 to 12. This strong participation highlights the growing enthusiasm and passion for badminton within our community.

Our standout teams this year were the Year 9B team, who finished 3rd, featuring Cherry L, Bronte W, Annabel C, and Holly B. Our Year 7A team also performed exceptionally well, securing 5th place, with team members Thamanna A, Christy L, Belle L, and Anabelle MD.

One of the unique aspects of the QGSSSA competition is that all players are required to both play and umpire throughout the tournament. This umpiring experience provides students with valuable insight into the important role umpires play in sport, fostering respect for this position and offering a fresh perspective on the game. It also deepens students’ understanding of badminton while building a sense of community and collegiality among the QGSSSA schools.

This season, we witnessed remarkable development across all teams, thanks to our ongoing partnership with Sam’s Badminton Centre. Stephen and his team of coaches created an engaging training environment where players could enhance their skills and grow as athletes. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Stephen and his team for their support throughout the season.

A special thank you goes to our dedicated teachers, Ms Montgomery, Mr Zhang, Ms Wainwright, Ms Chappell, Ms Nealon, and our coordinator Ms Strid, for their guidance and encouragement. We are excited to build on this year’s success and look forward to another great season in 2025!

Latest Sport News and Information

For the latest sport news and information please check out the following Secondary School Sport POD Pages:

• Club Water Polo –
• QGSSSA AFL (Junior) -
• QGSSSA Swimming –
• Strength & Conditioning -

Mr Lloyd Knight

At St Margaret’s, the Private Speech and Drama program offers a fun, supportive environment for students to gain skills in interpersonal communication, presentation, performance and public speaking. Enrolments for Private Speech and Drama lessons for 2025 are now open for students who will be in Years 2 to 12 next year.

If you would like further information about the program, please contact myself via email mchamberlain@stmargarets.qld.edu.au or phone 3862 0750 or refer to the Private Speech and Drama Handbook on the website or Private Speech and Drama .

If you would like to enrol your daughter in Speech and Drama for 2025, please complete and return the Application for Tuition form by clicking .

Places in the program are limited and are provided to continuing students and then to new students based on the order in which enrolment applications are received and according to availability of spaces in each year level. New enrolments are requested by Monday 18 November 2024.

Parents of current students – please remember to confirm or cancel your daughter’s place in the program for 2025 by completing and submitting the electronic form that was emailed to you by your daughter’s Speech and Drama teacher. Your consideration regarding this procedure is greatly appreciated. Accurate enrolment numbers are essential for ensuring successful timetabling, suitable staffing arrangements and a smooth start to the year for current and new students.

Lessons for 2025 will commence in Week 2 of Term 1. We are looking forward to another exciting year of cultivating confident, capable communicators.

Maria Chamberlain

Please Note: Families are required to create an account by clicking on the "Parents Order Here" button located in the top right hand corner of the Campion website. A four-character code is required to access the 2025 resource lists; the code for St Margaret's is VKTP.

Orders are required to be submitted by 11 December and these orders will receive free delivery. Orders received after the cut-off date will be packed ASAP, however Campion Education cannot guarantee delivery of these orders prior to the commencement of Term 1, 2025.  A delivery fee will be applied to all late orders and the amount will vary depending on the lateness of the order.

Boarders ONLY are able to have their book pack delivered to the St Margaret’s boarding house for pickup on return to school in Term 1 2025. Boarders requiring their book pack delivered to the school, must complete their delivery address as: Boarder – Deliver to St Margaret’s AGS.

Blazer Fittings – current Year 9 Cohort 2024

Students entering Year 10 in 2025 are required to be fitted for their blazer prior to the end of Term 4, 2024. All orders will need to be placed by Friday 15 November 2024 for a March 2025 delivery. Students can visit the Supplies Shop during opening hours (no appointment required). A blazer fitting takes around 15 minutes. The cost of the blazer is $275 or $290 for custom make and is payable at the time of ordering.

Church Dress Hire – Year 6 Chapel Service

Hiring of the Church Dress for all Year 6 students for the end of year Chapel Service has now commenced. The Hire form is available on the school’s website here. Plain white fold down ankle socks (not St Margaret’s competition socks), clean brown school shoes and a white ribbon are to be worn with the dress for the Year 6 Chapel Service. 

Uniform Fitting Appointments – Online booking system

Bookings for October, November and December 2024 and January 2025 are now available online. We encourage families to book a fitting appointment as soon as possible, as appointments are filling fast. Book your appointment online via the school website

Appointment times are either 30mins or 60mins depending on your fitting type. Fitting types include New Student, Existing Student, Boarder Only and Pre-Prep/Prep.

• One appointment = one student fitting
  If you are booking for two or more students, please book separate fitting appointments for each student. These can be at the same time if times are available.

• All fittings will take place in the Supplies Shop, which is located onsite, just off Circular Drive through Gate 1, Petrie Street, Ascot.

Extended Trading Hours

Appointments can be made online via the school website or POD

2024

25 Nov to 29 Nov                  Appointments only

2 Dec to 4 Dec                       Appointments only

2025

Customers without an appointment in January will be required to take a number and will be served as soon as a staff member is available.

Trading Hours (Term Time)

The raffle will be drawn on Tuesday 19 November with all proceeds donated to the St Margarets Foundation to help school families in need.

Tickets are available via Raffletix:

Thank you to our Prize Donors: the Bellchambers family, The Running Cook, the Owens family, Tigerlamb, the Fraser family, Edito Boutique, the Richardson family, Karen McKinley, the Mumbleberry team, and Dimity McDouall.

Past Student Awards Nominations closing soon

If you know of a St Margaret’s Old Girl deserving of recognition, we encourage you to nominate her today! Perhaps your daughter is being mentored by a past student who has achieved great things.

The annual Past Student Awards recognise the many and diverse achievements of St Margaret’s Past Students, both professionally and personally, providing an opportunity to share stories of success with our current student community.

There are three award categories:

• Distinguished Past Student Award - for alumnae who have celebrated their 20th reunion. Recognises significant contribution or achievements in the profession, community or volunteer work; and
• Young Past Student of Distinction Award - for alumnae in their 20th reunion year or younger. Recognises significant contribution or achievements in the profession, community or volunteer work.
• Spirit of Service Past Student Award – open to all alumnae. Recognises and celebrates outstanding service to the community by a Past Student of St Margaret’s.

Nominations can be submitted by completing our  by Friday 8 November, 2024.

Please note, when competing the form, if there are any details (i.e. alumni year, degree information or addresses) that you need assistance in completing, please leave these blank, and we here in the Development and Community Office are happy to fill in those gaps.  

For more information please visit:

Georgia Mitchell