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School returns on Tuesday 15 July for all students; with secondary parent teacher interviews on Monday 14 July.

We will welcome back either at the beginning or at some point in Term 3 the staff from leave: Margot Shave (Secondary English), Cassandra Pincott (Secondary English); Georgia Hopkins (Economics/Maths), and Lucardia Moulton (Primary Learning Enhancement).

Part-way through Term 3 the following staff will be leaving us: Emma Gubb (Secondary English) and Zerlina Cheng (Mathematics). We wish Ms Gubb all the best on her parental leave and look forward to her return in Term 2, 2026. Ms Cheng is leaving us to take up a position in an International School in Myanmar and she leaves us with our gratitude for her work and our best wishes for her future.

At the start of term, we welcome Daniel Moes (Secondary Maths/HPE).

Over the three-week break, our facilities team will be hard at work with all the usual rolling maintenance of the campus. In addition, a new car park being built behind the houses in Petrie Street will be completed, taking more than 20 staff cars off the road and Eton Hall will be air-conditioned.

All the best for those on our camps or school sponsored activities in the June/July break – QISSN, Rowing Camp and Athletics Camp.

I am off to the International Coalition of Girls Schools (ICGS) Conference in Philadelphia where I will participate in sessions about the future trends for schooling for girls and young women and receive a Leadership award for contributions to girls’ education. Kerry Daud, our Head of Faculty - Digital Innovation and Design, has been invited to present at the same conference, after receiving an ICGS Fellowship last year to enable her to conduct further research and work in the area of navigating the role of AI technology in girls’ schools.

Our Year 12 students can now see the huge light at the end of the tunnel, but I encourage them to stay focussed on the present, finishing strong and revising well for their external exams.

We have already started some of our preliminary planning for the 2026 academic year. In this process, our current Gifted and Talented Coordinator, Erin Buckingham, has been appointed as the 2026 Year 7 Head of Year.

Term 3 will be upon shortly and promises to also see a flurry of student activity so, enjoy the temporary change of routine.

Ros Curtis

For many of the girls, the initial days were marked by homesickness and uncertainty. Yet, through the warmth of host families and the support of our school community, these students found a second home. From adapting to uniforms and new timetables to navigating unfamiliar routines, they embraced the differences with resilience and curiosity.

The Sydney excursion emerged as a highlight for nearly every student. Iconic landmarks like Bondi Beach, the Opera House, and Taronga Zoo offered not just sightseeing opportunities, but moments of bonding and joy. The Vivid light show, ferry rides, and shared meals created lasting memories and deepened friendships among the exchange cohort.

Academically, students appreciated the welcoming nature of St Margaret’s teachers and the chance to explore new subjects. Many noted the contrast in school culture as both surprising and refreshing.

Most importantly, the exchange experience fostered independence, adaptability, and self-confidence. Students discovered their strength in unfamiliar settings, learned to communicate across cultures, and developed a broader worldview. As one student beautifully put it, “You will miss home, and that’s normal. But you’ll also gain a second home, new perspectives, and memories that will stay with you forever.”

We thank all our exchange students for their courage and spirit, and we look forward to continuing this enriching program that connects hearts and minds across the globe.

Nicole Devlin

As part of this year’s St Margaret’s Day celebrations, our school community is invited to support Anglicare Southern Queensland by donating new warm winter clothing for adults in need.

You can choose an item or any combination of the following new items in adult sizes (S–XXL):

• Warm jumper or hoodie
• Trackpants
• Socks
• Beanie
• Scarf

Please ensure all clothing items are new with tags, unwashed, and suitable for winter. We are unable to accept used clothing or additional items.

For primary students: please drop your donations to the primary office.

Secondary students will receive information on the POD or can place their donations in the School Chapel.

Please email me if you if you have any questions, jdow@stmargarets.qld.edu.au

Rev’d Jazz Dow

We kicked off with plentiful celebrations for National Boarding Week, full of fun and appreciative moments for all that encompasses our boarding community. Throughout the term, we had many weekend activities that showcased just how fun it is to be a boarder including an open-air cinema on Circular Drive, attending many NRL games at Suncorp Stadium, trips to markets, Eat Street, socials with other boarding schools, and many more exciting experiences.

It is also wonderful to see such a high attendance of boarders at key professional networking events such as the Professional Women’s Network (PWN) and Aspiring Young Women’s Network (AYWN) series. This term, the girls were lucky enough to hear from Amanda Lacaze (’76) at PWN, and former boarder Elise Gane (’04) at AYWN. I am very proud to see our senior students taking their networking skills to the next level by attending these events, and it is very exciting to work with them as they begin to think about their next steps after St Margaret’s.

It was wonderful to be joined by Boarder Captains, Tilly and Izzy, at the dedication and blessing of the Canopy Café and Community House. These spaces are important in our school community, but particularly for our boarders who live on campus during term time. These spaces epitomise the community and connection inherent to the St Margaret’s community, and provide sanctuaries of quiet, reflection and gathering for our students, whether that be during the day-school hours or after hours for our boarders when the business of the school day winds down, and the grounds become their second home.

Throughout the term, I had the privilege of travelling to many of the homes of our boarders in places including Goondiwindi, St George, Toowoomba, Muttaburra and many more. Thank you to all the parents who came along and said hello or so graciously welcomed myself and other staff into your homes. It is always so wonderful to venture out to where our girls hail from to see families and learn more about home for each of our girls.

Thank you all, students, parents, and staff alike, for another wonderful term of boarding. I look forward to seeing you all next term for another successful, eventful, and exciting term.

Lesa Fowler

Term 3 is a busy term and one of transition in the senior secondary school. Year 12 students are finishing their last internal pieces of assessment. They have their last Chapel Service, the Knot Service, and move into mock exams. Year 11 students are going through the process to become leaders of the school, as well as finishing up their last formative pieces of assessment. I will hold a Parent Information Evening in Term 3 to explain what school will look like for Year 11 students moving forward.

Year 10 students have their final semester before they start their selected senior subjects. Sometimes this can be challenging as they may be studying a subject they know they will not continue with. I encourage parents to have a conversation with their daughter(s) about how to manage this change in motivation. While not all students will continue with their current subjects, they still have another semester to continue developing skills that will be relevant for future endeavours. A student’s role in school is to be an engaged and proactive learner, which means committing to the end of the year regardless of what next year looks like.

I look forward to seeing everyone on the other side of the June/July holidays, relaxed and refreshed!

“Embrace the challenges of assessments, leadership roles, and future planning. Struggles are a part of every student’s high school journey, but it is your attitude towards them which counts.” – Brianna Higgins, ’24.

Caitlin McCluskey

For each subject there is a list of the course content, marks for the criteria assessed, a table showing the distribution of achievement levels within the subject, an assessment of your daughter’s attitude to her learning. The academic ratings are based on the assessment completed throughout Semester 1.

As girls from Years 7 to 12 have been part of the Continuous Reporting process, there are no comments for each subject. For specific comments, please refer back to Continuous Reporting via the Learning Analytics Parent Portal. Girls in all year levels are encouraged to read their comments carefully. These remarks contain advice designed to assist the girls to develop their skills and improve their future outcomes. Ideally, students should review their reports with their parents just prior to beginning Semester 2. In this way, they can use them to set some specific learning goals.

The GPA graph contains a number which is rounded down to the nearest 0.2 increment. It is also important to be mindful of the fact that curriculum becomes more demanding from year to year and that a decline in outcomes in Semester 1 can be quite usual. This is particularly the case from Year 10 to Year 11. The most significant information about a student’s learning progress can be gained by comparing outcomes from Semester 1 to Semester 2, within a calendar year.

Should you have any questions regarding your daughter’s report, please contact the Dean of Studies’ office on 3862 0703 when school resumes in Term 3.

Chris Dunn

For students in Year 7 to 12, this term has been filled with growth, challenges, and achievements across all year levels. As we head into the holidays, it is a time for reflection, rejuvenation, and spending quality time with family and friends. We encourage all students to take the opportunity to relax, recharge, and return in Term 3 with renewed energy and focus. We look forward to the exciting opportunities that the next term will bring as we continue to support our students in their academic and personal development.

Nikki Townsend

The Interhouse Verse Speaking Competition was a highlight, with our staff and students embracing the challenge of interpreting, memorising, and performing poetry in unison. This unique learning opportunity pushes both students and teachers beyond the usual classroom experience. The dedication of our house teachers in preparing the girls for such a polished performance was evident and deeply appreciated. Congratulations to Chaucer House, who won first place with their expressive rendition of Big Win. Special thanks to renowned performer Tim Carroll, who generously volunteered his time to adjudicate this event. Thank you also to Serenata for their fabulous performance under the guidance of Mrs Brennan.

Thank you too, to everyone who stayed to enjoy the spirited Interhouse Ball Games. Congratulations to Milton House and thank you to Mrs Mace for presenting the Mace Cup to the winning team. We also acknowledge the organisation by our HPE staff who brought this event to life.

Our Book Fair was another success, thanks to the support of our community. We appreciate the efforts of Nicole Weinert, Morgan Rowe, and teacher aides for managing the fair. A portion of the sales will go towards expanding our school library, so your purchases are helping both at home and at school.

This week we’ve continued celebrating with a range of activities as part of our special Community, Camp, and Care Week. Thank you to all staff involved in making this week a success, particularly the Years 5 and 6 teachers who supported the girls on a chilly, wintry camp. Their care and commitment are just a snapshot of the dedication our staff show every day.

As we head into the holidays, we hope your break includes time to enjoy the books you’ve purchased, play board games, visit the library or a gallery, take in a movie and most importantly, enjoy time together without the pressures of routine. You’ll find more ideas in our holiday POD post.

End of Semester 1 report cards will be available over the break. As you read through your child’s report, we encourage you to reflect together on her learning journey. At school, students are supported to regularly consider:

• What they are learning
• How they are learning
• What they are achieving
• How they see themselves as learners

This process of reflection builds ownership, engagement, and self-regulation. It’s also a valuable way for your child’s teacher to gain insight into her thinking. When reading the report, consider starting a conversation around these questions—it can be a powerful way to celebrate growth and set goals together.

Wishing all families a safe, restful and joy-filled holiday. I look forward to sharing Term 3 with you all.

“Kids want to know they matter—you communicate that through the gift of time and attention.”
—Julie Morgenstern

Angela Drysdale

At our school, from Prep to Year 6, we take a photo album approach to assessment—building a rich, ongoing collection of evidence that captures each student’s learning journey. Rather than relying solely on one summative assessment, we use a range of assessments to identify what students know and what they are ready to learn next. This broader, more holistic view of student progress informs our planning for teaching and learning in Term 3.

Explanation of the Report

Prep to Year 2: Progress is indicated using five levels of achievement:

•            Extending: Extending with depth beyond the achievement standard

•            Advancing: Working beyond the achievement standard

•            Demonstrating: Demonstrating the achievement standard

•            Developing: Working toward the achievement standard

•            Emerging: Beginning to work towards the achievement standard

Years 3 to 6: Progress is indicated using five levels of achievement A-E.

No Result (NR): Insufficient evidence to make a judgment due to absence or another reason

Attitude to Learning

The Primary Attitude to Learning - Effort is graded on a four-point scale

•            Excellent

•            Good

•            Satisfactory

•            Needs Improvement

Accessing Your Daughter’s Semester Report

To access the report, please follow these steps:

1.           Go to The POD

2.           Select Parent Lounge

3.           Click on Student Details

4.           Choose Academic Report

While we take utmost care with data entry and report checking, if you have any questions about the results, please contact the classroom teacher or myself.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement in your daughter’s academic journey.

Kate Frewin

Soaring Upwards Festival

All larger music ensembles will perform at this special performance event on Circular Drive on Saturday 2 August. A special stage will be brought onto Circular Drive along with professional audio. Parents and friends are encouraged to come and support the girls as they showcase their musical talents. The afternoon will also include some wonderful, combined ensemble performances. Seating will be provided or feel free to bring your own picnic rugs/chairs. The Music Support Group will be selling baked goods, chips, juice, soft drink and also provide a sausage sizzle. Please see the draft performance program below:

CONCERT BANDS

12:30pm           Chaseley Concert Band           

12:45pm           Jackson Wind Ensemble           

1.00pm             Sister Helen Wind Symphony               

1:15pm             COMBINED BANDS PERFORMANCE

ROCK/STAGEBANDS

1:30pm             Stage Band                   

1:45pm             Highly Strung               

1:55pm             Monday Rock Band                  

2:10pm             Tuesday Rock Band                  

CHOIRS

2:30pm             Belle Voci                    

2:40pm             Chorale                       

2:50pm             Encorah                      

3:00pm             Volare

3:10pm             Exultate

3:20pm             COMBINED CHORAL PERFORMANCE

STRINGS

3:40pm             Amati Strings               

3:55pm             Stradivari Strings                      

4:10pm             Chamber Strings                      

4:25pm             COMBINED STRINGS PERFORMANCE          

Music Support Group

The next Music Support Group meeting will be held on Tuesday 22 July 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

For some of our students, sport commitments will continue over the coming weeks with various camps and competitions. St Margaret’s students will be taking part in the following school-based activities.

• Rowing Camps – to be held across the holidays at various locations including Pine Rivers, Maclean and St Margaret’s Rowing Shed. These camps are part of the preparation for the upcoming regatta season in Term 3.

• Athletics Camp – to be held over the next few days at Runaway Bay in preparation for the upcoming athletics season culminating in the QGSSSA Championships on Friday 18 September.

• QISSN Netball – as mentioned in last weeks newsletter, St Margaret’s will be represented at the Bundaberg tournament taking place in the second week of the school holidays.

Some St Margaret’s students will also be taking part in other club based representative sporting competitions and camps over the holidays, both interstate and internationally, and we wish them all the very best in these opportunities.

What’s happening in Term 3

Please find below a quick snapshot of Term 3 sport:

• Interhouse Athletics Carnival – Tuesday 15 July at Windsor Park. Students have now completed nominations, and we are looking forward to celebrating the last of the big three Interhouse events for 2025. This year will see the introduction of a new event to the carnival - an all-ages relay involving the top runner in each year group

• QGSSSA Winter Fixtures in tennis, hockey, netball and volleyball. Training will recommence in Week 1 with our first fixture against IGGS on Saturday, 19 July. Please keep an eye on the POD pages for fixture details and venues.

• QGSSSA Athletics – girls are already training hard with practice commencing on Friday nights from 8 August culminating in the QG Championships on Friday 18 September.

• Rhythmic Gymnastics – training is in full swing. This year St Margaret’s will be hosting a practice competition on Friday 25 July in the Philip Harris Gym. The QGSSSA Championships will be held on Friday 8 August.

• Ballare – Our premier dance troupe will be competing in its first competition on 9 and 10 August. This is an exciting development for our students. The Dance X competition has been sepecifically designed as a platform for primary and secondary schools across the State and provides the opportunity for students to exchange their creative talents with one another in an encouraging, and friendly competitive environment. In Term 3, Verso Ballare, our second dance troupe, will also commence.

We are happy 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:

• Hockey
• Tennis
• Volleyball
• Club Netball -
• Rhythmic Gymnastics –
• Rowing -

Anne Louise Williams

Student Free Day – Friday 20 June

We wish to advise that the School Supplies Shop will only be opening between the hours of 12pm and 2pm due to compulsory staff training.

Winter items

Winter stock has now arrived so please call in to avoid missing out on your preferred sizes. 

• Formal jumper – both poly/cotton and wool/nylon
• Pre-Prep/Prep fleecy tracksuit
• School tracksuit jacket and pants
• Winter tights – St Margaret’s Brown

Blazer Pocket Embroidery

Blazers that require pocket embroidery must be submitted by morning tea on a Thursday. Pocket embroidery takes approximately two to three weeks prior to being returned to the Supplies Shop for collection. 

Student Card Purchases - Flexischools daily limit

Please ensure the daily limit is set high enough to cover the cost of the uniform item(s) being purchased. We will not be able to complete the purchase if there are insufficient funds available on the Student Card.

Congratulations to Madeleine J (Year 6), Charlotte F (Year 10) Ava F (Year 11) and Polly Y (Year 11) who achieved the highest results in Queensland for their respective AMEB Speech and Performance exams in 2024. Outstanding achievements!

On Saturday night, Madeleine, Charlotte, Ava and Polly joined other very talented students from throughout Queensland in performing at Parliament House to a captivated audience of approximately 200 guests at the 79^th anniversary of the event.

The Communication, Speech and Performance Teachers Inc. first established the Barbara Sisley Awards in 1947 to honour the outstanding contribution Miss Sisley made to teaching and the Arts in Queensland over many years. Barbara Sisley was a creative and dynamic actor, director, producer and teacher of Speech and Drama who taught here at St Margaret’s for some time during her early career.

Maria Chamberlain

Your ticket includes a four-course grazing menu, designed by our fabulous Head Chef Scott Johnson.  

All event profits will support the Friends of MAYO fund, which is used to enrich the art education experience of St Margaret’s students through the acquisition of new artwork and the maintenance and restoration of the school’s existing art collection.

Date:           Sunday 10 August 2025
Time:           Long Lunch from 12:30 – 3:30pm on the Terraces
Price:           $180 per person
Inclusions:   Four-course grazing menu and two-hour drinks package
RSVP:           Friday 25 July, 4pm (unless sold out prior). Tickets are limited and non-refundable.
Enquires:     Lucy Hulme, lhulme@stmargarets.qld.edu.au

Tickets are available here:

St Margaret’s Friends of MAYO Committee is named in honour of prominent sculptor and St Margaret’s Old Girl Daphne Mayo, one of Australia's finest sculptors and, throughout her life, an energetic and tenacious advocate of the Arts in Queensland. The Friends of MAYO Committee host events designed to bring those in the community together who share confidence in the strength of the Arts at St Margaret's.

Mothers' Luncheon – Tickets selling fast

This year, our much-loved St Margaret’s Mothers’ Luncheon embraces a vibrant Greek theme!

Book now for a wonderful celebration inspired by the rich culture, flavours, and spirit of Greece. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect, unwind, and enjoy time with our incredible community.

Prepare for an afternoon filled with Greek charm, delicious food, and great company. We expect tickets to sell quickly, so be sure to secure yours early.

Date:              Friday 12 September 2025

Time:              11.30am – 2.30pm

Location:       Grand Ballroom, The Greek Club, 29 Edmondstone Street, South Brisbane

Price:              $199 per person and include a two-course lunch paired with a three-hour deluxe drinks package featuring Australian sparkling wine.

Tables:            Maximum table capacity is 10 people. Seating requests can be made by nominating a Table Captain or Year Group at the time of booking. Best efforts will be made to meet any requests.

Enquiries:       Please contact: P&F@stmargarets.qld.edu.au

Tickets are available here: 

We thank St Margaret’s P&F Mothers’ Lunch sponsors, Maggies Supporter:

Lara Pickering