eNews Archive Issue 13 - 8 May 2025

WHOLE SCHOOL

From the Principal

In a few weeks, we are holding our annual Giving Day. As you are aware, we have great plans for the development of the school campus. Last year, your generosity helped us complete the restoration of Community House as a Student Wellbeing Centre and that is now open for all staff and students. Your donations also helped the school support a number of financial needs-based bursaries for students who would otherwise not be able to access a St Margaret’s education.

Our Giving Day is how we operate our annual giving program in the school and your participation with a donation of any size (last year they ranged from $5 to $20,000) is always most appreciated. Again, this year, you will be able to provide a tax-deductible donation to the Building Fund or The Panama Fund (to support bursaries for students).

Excitedly, another of the recipients of funds from a previous Giving Day, The Canopy Café, will be open to view on the upcoming Open Morning on 20 May. We receive no government assistance for our capital investment in the school and we are most grateful for your engagement with the school in this way as it benefits your current daughters and future granddaughters.

Therefore, I encourage you to participate and donate to your daughter’s house through the site If you wish to be a Matching Donor at $5000 or more (i.e., your funds are used to double the donations on the day), please contact Lara Pickering, Director of Philanthropy and Stakeholder Engagement in the Development and Community office by emailing lpickering@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

We also need volunteers on the day to ring members of our community to ask for donations. If you have an hour or two to spare, please sign up on the Volunteer Registration section of the Giving Day web site. Volunteers help us spread the word on the day by making phone calls to members of our community from the Operations Room in the Arts Centre Foyer. If you can spare time to volunteer, we would be grateful. The sign-up form can be accessed via this link:

Thank you to our Matching Donors and those within our community who have already generously given in support of our annual giving. Participation is the key to a successful Giving Day and all donations contribute to a collective which can be applied to improve the experience of all students.

Ros Curtis

From the Deputy Principal

At the end of last week and into the weekend, members of the Leadership team attended the Biennial ASCENT Conference. The conference theme was ‘Walk Gently” and was attended by all Anglican Schools in Queensland along with Archbishop Jeremy Greaves, Bishop Sarah Plowman and members of leadership teams from Anglican Schools.

At the conference, we were given time to reflect as a team about the importance of our Anglican foundations. We were challenged by the Archbishop and other speakers to look for ways our Anglican faith can further encourage a sense of community and belonging among students, staff and parents fostering an environment where everyone is valued and respected.

St Margaret's places significant importance on its Anglican faith base which is profoundly influenced by the life and mission of the Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Advent. This faith base promotes ethical behaviour, integrity, and a strong moral compass, preparing students to be compassionate and capable women who can contribute positively to the global community.

This faith base underpins the school's mission to provide excellence in teaching and learning within a supportive Christian environment. The core values of spirit, inclusivity, integrity, courage, respect, and passion are derived from this faith and are embedded in every aspect of school life each week from On Being Human and Religion and Values Education to our school assemblies, chapels and the St Margaret’s Way.

In essence, this weekend reflection has solidified that the Anglican faith at St Margaret's is a cornerstone that shapes the school's identity, guiding its educational practices and nurturing the holistic development of our students, staff and the wider community.

Nicole Devlin

Chaplain

Last night we gathered at St John’s Cathedral to celebrate our annual joint St Margaret’s and Churchie Primary Baptism and Admission to Holy Communion service. It was a special celebration of community and connection, where we reflected on our lives and how we live them being a symbol of what we believe, thinking about how we live out, and display the love that is at the centre of our Christian faith.

Fourteen students were baptised and over 50 students admitted to Holy Communion. Congratulations to you all. If you were unable to attend the service or would like to discuss baptism, admission to holy communion, confirmation, or being received in the Anglican church, please email me: jdow@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

This Sunday is Mother’s Day. Mother’s Day is a call to gratitude for the women who lead, nurture, and love us. These women may be our mothers, but they may also be mentors, friends, aunts, grandmothers, or women who have influenced our lives, and shaped the people we are today.

God is love, the One who loves us into being and inspires us to live from this love. I give thanks to God for the Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Advent. Particularly, their courage and determination in living out God’s love in Queensland by working to found schools and hospitals for women and children who found themselves in challenging circumstances.

This week, let us give thanks for mothers and the mother-like, for the strong women who have shaped us, who nurture us, challenge, and inspire us, and particularly who have loved us into the people we are today.

“God, we thank you now for love, love that stirs and soothes us, love that gathers us into all joy and delivers us from all brokenness. Love that hears the soundless language, love that imagines and dreams, that can conquer all and willingly surrenders everything. Love that brought us into our lives and love that will carry us home. Amen.”

– Daphne Rose Kingma

Rev’d Jazz Dow

Student Wellbeing Coordinator - Boarding

National Boarding Week

National Boarding Week, celebrated annually across Australia from 11–17 May, is a time to recognise and honour the incredible contribution of boarding schools and the unique experiences of boarding students, staff, and families. It is a celebration of community, culture, and resilience—an opportunity to share stories, deepen understanding, and express gratitude for a lifestyle that shapes character, fosters independence, and builds lifelong friendships.

At St Margaret’s, National Boarding Week is more than just a calendar event. It is a heartfelt celebration of the vibrant and diverse community that gives our boarding house its unique spirit and strength. With students from all walks of life and diverse areas our boarding house is a home of shared stories, cultures, and traditions. This week gives us the chance to acknowledge the strength, leadership, and spirit of our boarders and to involve the broader school community in better understanding and appreciating the boarding experience.

This year’s theme, Threads of Connection, captures the essence of what makes boarding life so meaningful. Much like the threads in a woven fabric, the relationships formed among students, staff, and families create a strong and colourful tapestry of support and belonging. Each boarder brings their own story, personality, and background, contributing to a community that thrives on diversity, shared experiences, and mutual care. These connections go beyond the boarding house—they shape a home where every individual feels valued, supported, and part of something greater. Our events this week are designed to celebrate and nurture these threads.

11 May – Threads of Connection (Bonfire Night)

We begin the week with a beautiful gathering under the stars. On Sunday evening, boarders will meet on the terraces for a bonfire evening designed to celebrate the cultural diversity within our community. Students are warmly encouraged to share a part of their heritage—through music, dance, or words of grace. S’mores, laughter, and stories around the fire will mark the start of a week grounded in connection and belonging.

12 May – National Boarders' Day

To shine a light on the everyday lives of our boarders, we’ll be launching a special video blog: A Day in the Life of a St Margaret’s Boarder. Students and staff will also enjoy a whip-cracking demonstration on Circular Drive at lunchtime, celebrating rural roots and the unique backgrounds of many of our boarders.

13 May – Social Justice Day

With a focus on belonging and inclusivity, our Year 12 students will gift each boarder a token and a handwritten note, reinforcing the message that everyone matters, everyone belongs, and everyone is loved. It’s a simple but powerful act that captures the essence of what it means to live in community.

14 May – Wellbeing Wednesday

We prioritise physical and mental wellbeing midweek. Boarders will begin the day with a calming yoga session led by Pip Moran, and in the afternoon, senior prefects will host a community walk, offering a relaxed time to connect, chat, and reset together.

15 May – Boarder Parent Day

A heartfelt video message compiled by our boarders will be sent to all boarding parents as a gesture of appreciation for their support, love, and the trust they place in our school community.

16 May – Boarding Staff Day

On Friday, teachers are invited to visit the dorms at lunchtime to see the living spaces and gain a deeper understanding of the day-to-day life of our boarders during the school term. In the evening, during prep time, students will take a quiet moment to present handwritten cards as tokens of appreciation to both our boarding staff and the teachers who support them each night.

17 May – Boarding Principal Day

We conclude the week by acknowledging our Principal, Ms Ros Curtis, with a special token of appreciation for her unwavering support and leadership of the St Margaret's community.

As we celebrate National Boarding Week at St Margaret’s, we are reminded that boarding is not just about living away from home—it’s about building another kind of home, where students are known, supported, and encouraged to grow into their full potential. Rooted in our school theme of community and connection, this week is a reflection of the strong bonds, shared values, and collective spirit that define life in our boarding house. We honour every boarders' journey, the support and commitment of their families, and the school community who guide them along the way.

Happy National Boarding Week!

Kelli Boucaut

Dean of Academics

In Week 6, we will be holding information evenings regarding subject selection for next year. Sessions for Year 9 2026 and Year 11 2026 will be held on Tuesday 27 May while a session for Year 10 2026 will be held on Thursday 29 May. The purpose of these evenings is to give parents and students information about the structure of their learning in the upcoming year and beyond as well as more specific information about the subjects offered. There will also be an opportunity for parents to ask questions of the Heads of Faculty.

Year 10 SET planning

Following the subject selection evening, each Year 10 student will attend a SET planning meeting with an allocated staff member. Parents are encouraged to attend these meetings either in person or via Teams. These meetings are the final step in the process to prepare and support our students in selecting their pathway and subjects for success in Years 11 and 12.

“Don’t avoid the things you enjoy. It’s these little things that motivate you to do everything else” – Imogen Simpson, ’24.

Caitlin McCluskey

Dean of Studies

Learning in the final week of term

The final weeks of term bring with them many assessment deadlines that are the culmination of units being studied. At St Margaret’s, it is important to note that despite a term’s assessment having been completed, new and meaningful learning, often associated with the next assessable piece of work, commences immediately afterwards in each subject, and continues right through until the final day of term.

Thus, it is very important that, where possible, students remain at school up until the final day of term. Understandably, individual circumstances may prevent this from happening for every student, however, in these instances, it is strongly recommended students speak with their teachers in advance to discuss how they can catch up on any learning they will miss.

A reminder also to parents, that all student leave must be sent to studentleave@stmargarets.qld.edu.au for approval.

Many thanks for your support with this matter.

Chris Dunn

Dean of Students

Strength of character is a fundamental trait that shapes how we navigate life’s challenges, build relationships, and contribute to our communities. It encompasses qualities such as resilience, integrity, perseverance, and compassion—traits that allow individuals to stand firm in their values and make ethical choices, even in difficult situations. As psychologist Angela Duckworth highlights in her research on grit, success is not just about intelligence or talent but about persistence and passion for long-term goals (Duckworth, 2016).

Character strength is also deeply connected to emotional intelligence. Daniel Goleman (1995) emphasizes that self-awareness, self-regulation, and empathy are crucial for making wise decisions and forming meaningful relationships. In a world that often values quick success, true strength of character ensures that individuals remain grounded, act with kindness, and uphold their principles.

In schools and workplaces, fostering strength of character creates environments built on trust and respect. When individuals demonstrate honesty, accountability, and resilience, they inspire others to do the same. As former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt once said, "Character, in the long run, is the decisive factor in the life of an individual and of nations alike." By developing strong character, we not only improve ourselves but also positively impact those around us.

References

Duckworth, A. (2016). Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. Scribner.
Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Bantam Books.

Nikki Townsend

eNews new feature photo 11 June 2019 Angela Drysdale_HoP

Head of Primary

Finding joy in connection: celebrating the special women in our lives

In last week’s newsletter, I shared how finding joy isn’t just about feeling happy in the moment – it’s also an important part of building a strong, resilient brain and a healthy, positive life. Joy helps our brains grow in ways that support emotional regulation, wellbeing, and meaningful social connections. When we train our brains to focus on joyful moments, we build mental resilience and create a sense of gratitude that strengthens both our inner world and our relationships with others.

At St Margaret’s, we are proud to be a nurturing school community, where everyone is connected through shared values, kindness, and faith. This strong sense of relatedness is central to St Margaret’s Way and is one of the reasons our students thrive socially and emotionally. We know that many joyful experiences come from the relationships built in our community.

Today, we had the joy of celebrating Mother’s Day, a special moment in our school calendar. It’s a day to honour not only mothers, but all the remarkable women who shape the girls’ lives with love — grandmothers, aunties, godmothers, carers, our teachers and any woman who plays a guiding and supportive role. These women are often the quiet heroes in our everyday lives — offering encouragement, wisdom, and comfort.

Celebrating these special women is more than a tradition — it’s a way of reinforcing the joyful and life-giving connections that are so important for our students’ development. Social relationships that are rich in love and trust help to release oxytocin, the ‘bonding hormone’, which plays a powerful role in building a child’s sense of safety and belonging.

Today’s celebrations were a chance to show appreciation, say thank you, and simply spend time together — all things that feed into a positive mindset and a strong sense of community. Whether it was through the beautiful handmade gifts, shared smiles, or special breakfast, we were reminded again of how joy and gratitude create lasting emotional strength. Thank you to Annette Box for her organisation of the event, Donna Langford for conducting Bella Voci’s beautiful performance and Donna Free and Yvonne Grieve who guided the girls in the creation of their beautiful gift.

As we continue nurturing our joyful, faith-filled school environment, let us keep looking for those small but powerful moments of connection, celebrating the people who make our lives truly special.

Angela Drysdale

St Margaret's Assistant Head of Primary Kate Frewin

Assistant Head of Primary - Curriculum

At St Margaret’s, professional learning is a reflection of our commitment to student success, genuine care, and a shared belief in lifelong learning. In early April, a group of our educators attended the Matthew Flinders Science of Learning Conference, engaging with current research and practical strategies to strengthen teaching and learning.

A highlight of the event was hearing from Professor John Sweller, the founder of Cognitive Load Theory, whose work continues to shape how we understand and support student learning. A further standout session was delivered by Dr Jared Cooney Horvath whose energetic and highly engaging presentation explored the Transfer Learning Process—how students move from acquiring surface knowledge to developing deep understanding and ultimately applying their learning adaptively in new contexts. Dr Cooney Horvath challenged educators to rethink the sequencing of learning experiences and provided powerful strategies for designing instruction that truly sticks. Additionally, Dr Nathaniel Swain presented practical strategies for retrieval and rehearsal and Bronwyn Ryrie Jones offered valuable insights into responsive teaching and how evidence can meaningfully inform classroom practice.

The conference provided a rich mix of research and classroom strategies, empowering staff to bring fresh thinking and effective tools back to their students. We thank St Margaret’s for continuing to invest in these valuable opportunities. Through experiences like this, our staff grow not only as educators, but as thoughtful, caring professionals committed to ongoing growth and excellence in learning.

Kate Frewin

Head of Performance

Classics in the Cathedral

The St Margaret’s Music Department is excited to announce that Classics in the Cathedral will be held in St John’s Anglican Cathedral on Friday 23 May. This is an evening of beautiful music, performed by St Margaret’s music ensembles within a spectacular setting and is one of the school’s very special performance events. Tickets are now on sale and must be purchased online via . The cost for an adult ticket is $30, with no charge for children/students. Please print your ticket or download on your mobile phone to present upon entrance at the concert. All tickets must be pre-purchased as tickets will not be available at the door. A letter with more details is attached (PDF 454.5KB) We look forward to having many in attendance at this special event.

Combined St Margaret’s/Churchie Music Workshop and Performance

Congratulations to all students in Stradivari Strings and Jackson Wind Ensemble who participated in the combined St Margaret’s/Churchie Music rehearsal and performance held last Thursday afternoon. Students from both schools rehearsed during the afternoon before providing an informal performance for parents. It was a wonderful afternoon where musical skills were further developed, and new friendships forged. Thank you to all staff and students involved, with a special thank you to the Churchie Music Support Group who provided dinner to all students.

2026 Music Tour Opportunity - Rhapsody Rotorua Music Festival

The St Margaret’s Music Department is pleased to offer a special opportunity to students in our top ensembles (Exultate, Chamber Strings & Sister Helen Wind Symphony) to travel to New Zealand to participate in the Rhapsody Rotorua Music Festival. This festival brings together students from across Australia and New Zealand for seven days of musical interaction, performances and workshops. Students will get to finesse their music skills, be adjudicated by professional musicians, perform on stage and in public as well as immerse themselves in the vibrant culture and history of New Zealand. There will also be the opportunity to participate in fun adventure activities, creating memories that will last a lifetime. A proposed itinerary is attached here with further details (PDF 285.4KB)If your daughter is currently not in one of the listed ensembles, she is more than welcome to talk with her respective conductor to discuss potential eligibility for 2026 ensemble inclusion.)

The cost will be approximately $4600 (this cost may alter slightly dependent on student numbers involved).

At this point we are seeking an expression of interest regarding involvement in this special opportunity. This information will assist the music department in assessing whether it will be viable to move ahead with planning for the festival. Should there be enough interest in the trip to New Zealand, an information evening will be held, and further details provided regarding payment to secure a place on the tour.

Student Congratulations

Congratulations to Yuna (Yr 7) who recently competed in the Redlands Eisteddfod. Yuna was awarded the Brass/Woodwind Championship Trophy for her performance on the flute. Yuna also received 2^nd place in the Brass/Woodwind Solo own choice section and 2^nd place in the Brass/Woodwind Solos Diploma Levels section. Along with these results, Yuna achieved Highly Commended results for her performances on the violin and the piano. Congratulations to Yuna on these outstanding results.

Music Support Group

The next Music Support Group meeting will be held on Tuesday 3 June 2025 at 5:00pm in the Circular Drive Classroom 01 (in front of the Arts Centre Foyer). Parents from both the Primary and Secondary school are welcome to attend.

Brad King

Director of Sport

QGSSSA Winter Sport Season (Hockey, Netball, Tennis, Volleyball)

Registrations are now open for the 2025 QGSSSA Winter Sports which are played during Term 3. The options available for students include Hockey, Netball, Tennis, Volleyball.

Student sign-up is essential to ensure the effective planning and preparation of each sport.

Sign-up ensures that all students will receive the most up-to-date information regarding the trials and training for the commencement of the new season.

Failure to sign-up may result in a student being unable to participate in their chosen sport/s.

Students can go to the following POD pages to sign up:

Important notes:

Students may only select to participate in one QG Winter Sport. This is a QGSSSA Association rule.
Students participating in rowing are unable to participate in QG Winter Sports due to a clash in Saturday fixtures.
Club Netball players should consider their prior Netball commitments before signing up for a QG Winter Sport. QG Winter Fixtures are played on Saturday morning across Term 3.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the respective Sports Coordinator, or Ms Williams, Director of Sport.

Water Polo Queensland Development Squads

Water Polo QLD has recently announced the 13 & under and the 14 & under development squads who will train over the winter season. A number of St Margaret’s students have been named in these squads and we congratulate them on this success.

13&U Queensland Development Squad

Molly D
Edie J
Minti B
Annie A

14&U Queensland Development Squad

Alice S

We would like to continue to recognise the outstanding achievements and representation of students’ participating at a national level, outside of the school sport pathway. I look forward to continuing to hear from our community regarding such outstanding achievement. Please email me at awilliams@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Latest Sport News and Information

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

Basketball (Autumn Sport) - (
Soccer (Autumn Sport) - (
Touch Football (Autumn Sport) - (
Cross Country - (

Club Netball - (
Rhythmic Gymnastics – (
Rowing - (

Anne Louise Williams

Lara Pickering Development and Community 2018

Director of Philanthropy and Stakeholder Engagement

Professional Women's Network Breakfast - with guest speaker Amanda Lacaze ('76), CEO and MD of Lynas Rare Earths

Join us for a thought-provoking breakfast with Amanda Lacaze (’76), a trailblazing executive at the forefront of critical minerals and future technologies. Named as one of The Australian Financial Review’s Business People of the Year, and recognised as 2018 CEO of the Year by MiningNews.Net, Amanda leads one of the world’s most strategically significant resources companies—Lynas Rare Earths.

With rare earths at the heart of the global shift toward electric vehicles, renewable energy and defence technology, Amanda will share how Lynas is positioning itself as a leading player in the critical minerals market, as well as lessons in leadership and resilience from her rise to the helm of a global company.

Date:         Wednesday 11 June 2025
Time:         6.45am arrival for 7.00am - 8.45am
Location:   Arts Centre Foyer, St Margaret's Anglican Girls School, 11 Petrie Street, Ascot
Format:     Sit down breakfast with grab-and-go barista coffee on arrival.
Tickets:     $85 Adult, $45 Student (Years 10-12/Tertiary)
Corporate tables: $850 (10 seats), includes company logo displayed on table and acknowledgement during event.

Tickets are available here:

We thank our series sponsors, Major Sponsor: . Supporting Sponsors: , , and .

St Margaret’s Secondary Father Daughter Breakfast

Students in Years 7-12 and their fathers are warmly invited to join us for the St Margaret’s Secondary Father Daughter Breakfast, hosted by the P&F Association.

We understand that it is not possible for all girls to invite their fathers. Girls are welcome to invite a relative or family friend. Boarders are welcome to 'adopt a dad' for the event.

Date:     Thursday 19 June 2025
Time:    6.45am for 7am- 8am
Venue: Circular Drive and Arts Centre Terraces
Cost:    $49 per adult /$39 per student (Years 7-12).

Tickets are available here:

Aspiring Young Women’s Network Breakfast - with guest speaker, Elise Gane (’04)

Is your daughter considering a career in allied health or academia, or contemplating her subject selections for Years 11 and 12?

We invite parents and senior students to join us at the first Aspiring Young Women’s Network Breakfast event of 2025 to hear from Elise Gane (’04), a physiotherapist with 16 years of clinical experience.

Elise will share her journey, from completing a PhD in cancer rehabilitation to her current role as a Principal Project Officer at Queensland Health where she works in digital health projects.

Elise’s experience across the public health service as a clinician, researcher, and project officer, give her a unique insight into the current challenges facing the public health system in Queensland and the critical role allied health professionals play in the delivery of quality healthcare services to Queenslanders.

Date: Thursday 29 May 2025

Time: 6.45am arrival for 7.00am - 8.45am

Location: Eton Hall, St Margaret's Anglican Girls' School, 11 Petrie Street, Ascot
Format: Continental style breakfast

Tickets: $38 Adults/Student

To purchase tickets please

We thank our series sponsors and the

Lara Pickering

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