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This term, Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ) is again conducting the survey for the sixth time, to understand the decision-making processes of independent school parents. This survey examines cultural influences, information sourced, and the relative importance of a myriad of factors that can guide parents' choice of school.

All schools, by Term 3 will be able to access the full report which will provide overarching insights into factors that influence parental choice in Queensland’s independent schooling sector.

The What Parents Want survey was launched on 10 February 2025 and remains open until 24 March 2025. 

Survey respondents should be parents of Prep, Year 7, and new students to the school in 2025. It should take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. Please note the link below:

If ten or more of our parents respond to this survey, we will receive a School Specific Report outlining what parents want from our school. The summary of findings from the survey will provide a framework for us to continue to meet the needs of our parent body and give our leadership team a strong foundation to formulate future strategy and decision-making.

It is of great importance that we as a school understand how and why parents make such an important decision. We want to know why you chose to send your child to an independent school, how you came to that decision, and how St Margaret’s is different from the other schools.

St Margaret’s is committed to listening to our community and we appreciate your participation in this valuable survey over the next month.

The ISQ Parents Network is also running a free parent webinar called ‘Screens, Social Media and Our Kids.’ It is on Thursday 13 March from 7.00pm – 8.30pm. In order to register for this event, please click on this link .

Ros Curtis

Essentially, it is a pastoral approach designed to provide a language for the way we are, and strive to be, in our interactions with each other. It is a focused energy on wellbeing, noting that everyone within the St Margaret’s community has a role to play in the wellbeing of all.

This framework is focused on two questions:

How do I want to feel every day when I come to school?
What am I doing to ensure others can feel this way?

There are two key focus areas: firstly we appreciate and acknowledge (each other, students, parents), and secondly, we are aligned and accountable (to ourselves, to each other, to the vision of the school). This week’s launch of Stymie in the secondary school certainly encourages our students to be accountable and kind, and I know that in the primary school, the girls understand the importance of following the St Margaret’s Way.

While the culture of belonging in our St Margaret’s community is tangible and steadfast, the messaging from social media platforms such as SnapChat, Instagram and TikTok are coming through thick and fast for our young people. Some messages are light-hearted, while others are more serious and can have a lasting impact. There are also a variety of ‘characters’ who deliver these messages, and the sheer volume and range of content can be overwhelming, confusing and, in some cases, damaging.

The challenge for us, as adults, lies in finding a balance between allowing our students to freely explore and digest the information available to them, while also providing a safe space for discussion around these issues and listen to other perspectives. It is important to note that not all information sharing comes from the digital sphere. Information comes from a range of sources and people.

As a school we have programs such as On Being Human (OBH) and the Pastoral Care programs, that run across the whole school and approach such conversations in an inviting and non-judgemental way. Building inclusive, safe and healthy social relationships is a key part of what these programs do.

I know from experience, particularly in teaching and taking my Year 7 OBH class, that students sometimes ask difficult questions or express views that may challenge the perspectives of others. In my classes, we agree, as a group that we cannot and should not dismiss the views of anyone in our community.

Our school values, the St Margaret’s Way, and intentional teaching programs all help to guide our young people in challenging the expectations and messages they encounter in their digital and social circles.

Nicole Devlin

He emphasised that being a part of an Anglican School is about inclusivity, diversity and having a common story. We have a story that is about welcome. We value and celebrate everyone in our school community. Being an Anglican school also connects us to a larger community, the global Anglican Church.

In addition to the uniqueness of being Anglican, every Anglican school has its own ethos and personality. St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School is a school of the Society of the Sacred Advent, in the Anglican tradition. We are part of the diverse global Anglican Communion, but we also have our own unique ethos and philosophy embedded in the faith and work of Society of the Sacred Advent. Our school values are derived from this faith story – Spirit, Inclusivity, Respect, Passion, Courage, Integrity.  Nurturing and building community is a central part of our identity, being a place where every person is known and encouraged to reach their potential. As we continue to explore our school theme of “Connection and Community” this year, I wonder what being a part of this community of St Margaret’s means to you?

Rev’d Jazz Dow

I am delighted to announce that our Boarder Representatives for Semester 1 2025 are ready to take on their leadership responsibilities. Boarder Representatives act as leaders for their cohort, working with the boarding leadership team to bring forward new ideas, suggestions or issues.

The Years 6 and 7 Boarder Representatives are Lucy K and Olivia C. As our newest members of the boarding house, we are excited for them to step into this leadership role and help make the transition to boarding and secondary school as smooth as possible for their peers.

In Year 8, Hadassah and Sophie will be our Boarder Representatives for Semester 1. Having now both completed their first year of boarding in 2024, Hadassah and Sophie will lead their cohort confidently this year.

In Year 9, Paige McV and Molly S, both of whom joined the boarding house in Year 7 in 2024, will bring a vibrant and positive attitude to the Year 9 cohort and lead them with conviction.

In Year 10, the cohort will be led by Elle B and Olivia B, and I am confident that this will be a great semester for the Year 10 boarding cohort under their leadership.

In Year 11, Lucy L and Isabel P will relish in the opportunity to develop their leadership skills in preparation for next year, when they become Seniors of the school.

The Boarder Representatives will be supported by the Boarder Prefects assigned to each cohort. These Prefects will ensure that our Boarder Representatives are feeling confident in their leadership abilities and will guide them through the trials and tribulations that they may face. It is important for our older boarders to support our younger boarders in leadership, but also in the everyday boarding and the wider school environment.

I am excited to work with all of our Semester 1 Boarder Representatives over Terms 1 and 2 and can’t wait to see what they bring to their cohorts and the wider boarding community.

Lesa Fowler

• Prioritise tasks. Identify the most important and urgent tasks and allocate time accordingly. Ideally, if tasks are prioritised correctly then important tasks will end up being completed BEFORE they become urgent. This helps to reduce the potential for late nights before exams or assignment submissions.
• Minimise distractions. Social media is the number one distraction for adolescents. If having the phone out of the room for homework and study sessions isn’t an option, try downloading an app like Flora or Forest to block access to your phone for periods of time to help you focus.
• Take regular breaks. Short, regular breaks are so important to maintaining effective focus. During a break, students should get up from their desk and move. A few star jumps or squats are all it takes to get the blood moving and oxygen into the brain. Drinking plenty of water is also beneficial.

Implementation of the above strategies can help students to optimise their productivity, reduce stress and achieve academic success.

“Years 11 and 12 are a marathon, not a sprint. Make sure to balance school, extracurriculars and rest!” – Skye Clifford, ’24.

Caitlin McCluskey

For the tests, girls are reminded that they must bring:

• wired headphones (no Bluetooth earphones or AirPods)
• fully charged laptops
• pens/pencils

If any parents have any questions or concerns about the NAPLAN testing process, please feel free to contact my office on 07 3862 0703.

Years 9 and 10 Study Hall

In Years 9 and 10, students will have Study Hall days scheduled into every term. During these days, normal classes are suspended for these year levels, and students may have examination and performance assessments scheduled (please refer to your daughter’s Assessment Calendar on the POD).

When girls are not sitting assessment during Study Hall, they are afforded time to undertake independent study, where they can continue with other schoolwork and assessments.

Term 1 Study Hall dates are as follows:

Study Hall schedules will be made available to students next week through the Years 9 and 10 POD pages.

Kelly Alford

We would very much appreciate your support in publicising the event to friends and colleagues who may be interested in seeking a St Margaret’s education for their daughter. A free program of events and activities is now available here (PDF 1010.7KB). 

Furthermore, Saturday 8 March is a day when we require all of our students to be present at school, in full uniform and either participate in curricular, cocurricular or community activities. Students should arrive no later than 9.15am for the activities.

If, due to extenuating circumstances, a student is unable to be at school on Open Day, we require a written note or email requesting absence to studentleave@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

OGs Adventure Camp: A Special Opportunity for Fathers and Daughters

The Fathers of Only Girls (FOGs) charity is celebrating its 10th year with an exciting new event—the Fathers Of Girls & Beautiful Minds® Adventure Camp at Coolum Beach from 4-6 April, 2025. Designed to strengthen the father-daughter bond, this unique experience is open to all dads and their daughters (even those with a son), providing valuable tools to help girls thrive. With only 20 spots remaining, don’t miss this chance—contact Luke Whistler and Sean Lowry at hello@fathersofgirls.org to secure your place!

Nikki Townsend

The joy of reading for pleasure—the anticipation of diving into a book of one’s own choosing—is the goal of the reading programs we offer in the primary school. This sense of excitement and satisfaction is what we aim to cultivate in every student. Studies consistently show that reading for pleasure has a significant impact on both academic success and personal growth. When children read for enjoyment, they develop stronger reading comprehension skills and a deeper understanding of the world around them. Therefore, our primary goal is to ensure that reading becomes something students want to do, and in turn helps build lifelong readers.

One of the key factors in fostering a lifelong love of reading is offering children the freedom to choose the books they read. There is clear evidence that when children have access to books, they’ve selected themselves, they are more likely to read more often and with greater enthusiasm. This is why we encourage students to choose books from the library that interest them and support their learning journey.

Developing a love for books is a key focus of our library lessons, where students are introduced to new books, explore the work of various authors, and engage in book discussions. This week, the girls in Years 2 to 6 were fortunate enough to meet and hear from international bestselling author David Walliams. The girls were captivated as Walliams shared stories from his own life, discussed the inspiration behind his beloved characters and storylines, and read excerpts from two of his books.

A standout moment of the visit was when Walliams asked the girls for creative inspiration for his next book, World’s Worst Teachers. The girls also eagerly asked insightful questions, offering a glimpse into the life of a world-renowned author. Thank you to Mrs Fiona Spooner for making this event possible. Without a doubt, this experience will be remembered as a major highlight of 2025—and possibly one of the most memorable moments of the girls’ primary school years! 

Following David Walliams' visit, his books have been in high demand at the library. This surge in interest highlights the importance of regular book borrowing, as research consistently shows a strong link between frequent borrowing and improved reading performance.

For our younger students, we encourage reading together with an adult. This not only models fluent reading but also promotes deeper understanding through shared discussions. For students in Years 3 to 6, our Accelerated Reader (AR) program plays a crucial role in supporting their reading journey. It helps track progress and ensures that students are choosing books that match their reading level, which is essential for developing fluency, comprehension, and a love of reading. More information about this program will be shared in Mrs Frewin's newsletter item below. 

To reinforce what they learn at school, it’s essential that students read regularly at home. Encouraging your child to read each night, and reading aloud to them, is one of the best ways to develop their fluency, expression, and love for books. As they explore new stories, take the time to discuss the content together, ask questions, and share your thoughts. These conversations will help deepen their understanding and strengthen their connection to the text. Your example as a reader plays a crucial role in reinforcing the importance of reading for pleasure.

By working together, we can help our students become confident, lifelong readers. Thank you for your continued support in fostering a love of reading within our school community.

If you wish to purchase David Walliams’ books, you can do so via the QR code on this flyer.  (PDF 917.3KB)

Angela Drysdale

Each student completes assessments called STAR Reader testing to determine their best-fit reading level. Once identified, students can choose from a selection of levelled, colour-coded books in the library. After reading, they take a quiz on the AR platform, providing teachers with data to monitor comprehension and track progress.

The Process of Accelerated Reader at St Margaret's

Book Selection:

• Students select books from a levelled and colour-coded library, ensuring they choose books that match their reading abilities. With over 162,000 AR quizzes available, students can find books that align with their interests and abilities.

Reading and Quizzing:

• After finishing a book, students take a short quiz on the AR platform. Books are assigned points based on length, and students earn points depending on their quiz performance.

Earning Points:

• As students’ complete quizzes, they accumulate points. This system motivates students to read more and challenges them with a variety of books. The total points reflect the amount of reading completed and track progress over time.

Millionaires’ Morning Tea:

• To celebrate reading achievements, students who reach significant milestones are invited to Millionaires’ Morning Tea. Students who read one million words receive a certificate, and those who reach higher milestones are recognised at assemblies or with special morning teas. Their achievements are displayed on the Honour Board in the library.

Reading Beyond the Level:

• While students are encouraged to read within their assigned level, they are also encouraged to explore books across genres. As students master one level, they are guided to progress to the next, continually challenging themselves and expanding their literacy skills.

At St Margaret's, the Accelerated Reader program is a vital tool in nurturing a love for reading and supporting students in becoming confident, skilled readers. By selecting books at the right level, tracking progress, and offering motivating incentives like Millionaires' Morning Tea, we ensure that each student can thrive as a reader.

Kate Frewin

Welcome to new teachers

The Music Department is very pleased to welcome two new staff members to the St Margaret’s music community. Ms Jennifer Vandenberg will join the Strings Program teaching violin and viola. Ms Vandenberg has much experience in schools, and most recently has been teaching at The Lakes College. She also has a wealth of performing experience and is currently a member of the Queensland Pops Orchestra and the Sinfonia of St Andrew’s. Ms Vandenberg is also an Old Girl of the school and was Music Captain in her senior year. Mr Sacha Gibbs-McPhee will join the Band Program teaching clarinet. Mr Gibbs-McPhee completed his Master’s on the clarinet at the Royal Academy of Music in London and currently teaches at both Mt Maria College and Immanuel College. He is also the Director of a chamber music concert series in Noosa which hosts Australia’s most prestigious musicians. We know that both Ms Vandenberg and Mr Gibbs-McPhee will make a wonderful contribution to the St Margaret’s Music Program, and we look forward to welcoming them to the school community.

Open Day Times

The St Margaret’s Music Department is very much looking forward to presenting music performances at the upcoming Open Day to be held on Saturday 8 March. Performance times are listed below (please note the changes to Clarinet and Saxophone Ensemble performance times):

Circular Drive Stage

9:30am             Sculthorpe String Quartet                                

9:45am             Amati Strings                           

10:00am           Stradivari Strings                                              

10:15am           Chamber Strings                      

10:30am           Exultate                                                           

10:45am           Mary Poppins Preview                                                               

11:45am           Stage Band

12:00pm           Highly Strung                                       

12:10pm           Tuesday Rock Band                                          

12:20pm           Monday Rock Band

Eton Hall

9:30am             Chaseley Concert Band                                               

9:45am             Sister Helen Wind Symphony                                       

10:00am           Elayne Jones Percussion Ensemble                                

10:15am           Jackson Wind Ensemble                                    

10:30am           Belle Voci                                                        

10:45am           Primary Chorale                                              

11:45am           Speech & Drama Performances                                                

12:00pm           Serenata

12:15pm           Volare 

Toorak Courtyard

11:00am           Brass Ensemble                                                           

11:10am           Flute Ensemble

11:20am           Saxophone Ensemble                           

11:30am           Clarinet Ensemble

11:40am           Beath String Quartet    

Primary Atrium

10:00am           Tutti Strings

Performance Uniforms

Students are required to wear a performance uniform for some senior auditioned music ensembles. Students are encouraged to purchase the uniform as soon as possible at the School Supplies Shop in preparation for Open Day (8 March). Please check the Music Cocurricular POD page for further details regarding uniforms.

Music Support Group

The St Margaret’s Music Support Group is a committee of dedicated parents who meet regularly to support the girls who participate in the school’s Music Program. The Music Support Group fundraises to purchase a range of instruments/equipment to enhance the department’s resources and organises and assists with refreshments at school concerts. The next Music Support Group meeting will be held on Tuesday 4 March 2025 at 5:00pm in the Circular Drive Classroom 01 (in front of the Arts Centre Foyer). We encourage parents from both primary and secondary schools to become involved.

Brad King

In addition to varied distance events in butterfly, backstroke, freestyle, breastroke and relay, students also had the opportunity to compete in novelty pool and water polo relays which were popular events for those supporting in the grandstands. These types of events provide all students with the opportunity to participate and experience the spirit of the St Margaret’s community.

One of the most memorable aspects of the carnival was undoubtedly the traditional House March On with each House showcasing their unity, energy, and creativity.

Thank you to our House Captains and Coordinators for their hard work in preparing their houses as well as the teachers and support staff involved in the coordination of the day. We look forward to the next Interhouse event - Cross Country on the first day of Term 2.

The 2025 winning House of the swimming carnival will be announced at an upcoming school assembly… Stay tuned. 

Swimming Support Group Pie Drive

Looking to fill your freezer with something sweet or savoury? To support our St Margaret’s swimmers, the Swimming Support Group has organised a fundraising pie drive. Both sweet and savoury pies can be ordered from now until Tuesday 18 March. All pie orders will be delivered to M's Café on 2 April for afternoon pickup between 3:20pm and 6:00pm.

Click here (PDF 181KB) to place your order.

Anne Louise Williams

Join us for an inspirational evening to hear the journeys of this year's Past Student Award winners, Prue Galley (’61), Ria Bhagat (’12), and Annabelle Brayley (’72) as we celebrate their outstanding achievements.

Event Details

Date:               Wednesday 26 March 2025
Time:              Pre-dinner drinks and canapes at 6.30pm
                        Dinner at 7.00pm (including Awards presentation)
Venue:            Arts Centre Foyer, St Margaret's AGS
Tickets:          $99 adult, $69 student

Please purchase your tickets .

For enquiries please contact the Development and Community Office on (07) 3862 0767 or email developmentandcommunity@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Professional Women’s Network Breakfast

What impact will the 2025 Federal Budget have on you, your business and your family? Join us on Friday 28 March for our first Professional Women's Network Breakfast of 2025 and find out.

Heidi Cooper, CEO of Business Chamber Queensland, will host a panel of industry leaders, Debbie McNamara - CEO Economic Development Queensland, Heidi Breen - RACQ General Manager, Home Solutions, and Fran Becker (’02) - Partner at Hamilton Locke, for an insightful discussion on the latest federal budget and its implications.

Join us to gain strategic insights to navigate the changing economic landscape, network with industry leaders, and enjoy a gourmet breakfast.

Time:              6:45am arrival for 7:00am-8:45am 
Venue:            Arts Centre Foyer, St Margaret's Anglican Girls School
Format:          Sit down breakfast with grab and go barista coffee on arrival 
Tickets:          $85 adults, $40 students (Years 10 to 12/tertiary)
Corporate tables: $850 (10 seats), includes company logo displayed on table and acknowledgement during event. 

To purchase tickets:, or call the Development and Community Office to book your Corporate Table on (07) 3862 0768.

We thank our series sponsors, Major Sponsor: Pitcher Partners. Supporting Sponsors: Wolff Coffee Roasters, Clear Insurance and Move Recruitment Solutions.

Parents & Friends Association Annual General Meeting and Welcome Evening

The P&F Association warmly invite the St Margaret’s community to the Parents and Friends' Association Annual General Meeting and Welcome Evening on Monday 17 March 2025.

The first meeting of 2025 is an informal evening where the P&F welcomes new and current parents, introduce the P&F Executive and Committee, and share updates over light refreshments.

Date:               Monday 17 March 2025
Time:              6.30pm to 8.00pm (followed by light refreshments)
Location:        Arts Centre Foyer, St Margaret's 

RSVP:            

There is also an option to join this meeting remotely via Microsoft Teams for those unable to attend the meeting in person.

The P&F warmly welcomes new volunteers to join the committee. If you would like to formally join the P&F please complete a  by Monday 3 March.

Last call for Wine tree raffle donations

The wine tree is back for the 2025 Fathers’ Dinner and the P&F need your help!

Do you have a nice bottle of wine sitting at home looking for a great cause to be donated to? Don’t have a bottle to donate but would like to help with a gift voucher? If so, the P&F Association would love to hear from you.

You can choose to donate anonymously or have your name displayed with your contribution. On the night of the Fathers’ Dinner, all the wine will be offered via a live auction.

Donations can be delivered to the Development and Community Office by a parent or guardian between the hours of 9am and 4pm by Friday 28 February. Please note that students are not permitted to deliver wine tree donations.

If you would like to support the wine tree, please contact the P&F Association via p&f@stmargarets.qld.edu.au or (07) 3862 0825.

Lara Pickering