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Upcoming Term 3 events

The beginning of Term 3 is always a busy time for students. The secondary students opened the term with the Interhouse Athletics carnival; Week 2 sees the St Margaret’s Day assembly and run for both secondary and primary school students. Excitement is building for the Winter Wonders Concert and the Soaring Upwards Festival in Week 3. This is all followed by the Ponytail Project early in Week 4; where the students will raise close to $100,000 for the Queensland Cancer Council. Of course, all these special events occur while we are still managing our normal daily commitments to teaching and learning, training, and rehearsal.

Parents have opportunities for further engagement with the school through an invitation to the Boaders Support Group Cocktail party (8 August) and the Friends of MAYO Long Lunch which is being held on Sunday 10 August. More details about the Long Lunch, catered by our wonderful chef Scott Johnson, can be found further down in this eNews. It promises to be a very pleasant Sunday afternoon.

There is, of course, more to come later in the term. I look forward to seeing our parents at one of these events, on the sidelines at sport or in the audience for some of our student performances.

Ros Curtis

Last week the Year 9 cohort completed their applications for Global Exchange in 2026. In their applications they were asked to reflect on the following and demonstrate how they display:

• Cultural empathy: Understanding and respecting different perspectives.
• Critical thinking: Evaluating global challenges like climate change, inequality, and technological disruption.
• Adaptability: Thriving in unfamiliar environments and embracing change.
• Communication skills: Engaging with people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

These competencies are vital not only for the Global Exchange Program, but also for future careers by shaping compassionate, informed citizens who contribute meaningfully to society.

Alongside the Year 9s, the Year 10 Cohort has welcomed 29 students from across the world for Term 3 and farewelled five friends who have made their way to South Africa for the term.

We have also welcomed a teacher from The Girls Preparatory School in Chattanooga for a teacher exchange for two weeks.

I look forward to working with the students who are here on exchange and hearing about all the South African experiences when our girls return. I also am looking forward to meeting with the Year 9 students who have applied for the 2026 Global Exchange Program.

Nicole Devlin

Dr Beth-Sarah Wright is an Atlanta-based author and speaker, who currently serves as the Acting Executive Director of the Absalom Jones Episcopal Centre for Racial Healing and as Adjunct Assistant Professor in Psychiatry at Emory University School of Medicine. Dr Wright’s DIGNITY lens provides 7 strategies for building community and achieving our goals/purpose as a community:

DIVERSITY: Everyone is different and this difference brings strength to a community.

IDENTITY: Each of us has a story and who we are drives what we do.

GROWTH: How can we continually grow and learn new things and ways of doing things?

NURTURE: Become “imagineers”. Imagining a future and making it happen.

INTEGRITY: Are our words and actions aligned with who we are?

TRANSPARENCY: Know the purpose, where we are going, and tell others about it.

YIELD: How do we know we have achieved our goals, what fruit do we want our lives and actions to bear?

I am looking forward to further exploring this model when Dr Wright visits St Margaret’s next month. I was struck with the synergy our SSA story has with the model and how our community story is lived out in the actions of our community through the St Margareet’s Way and the daily application of our School Values. You can learn more about her work here: .

As Term 3 continues, be assured of my prayers and support. I wish the year 11 cohort all the best with their leadership journey.

Rev’d Jazz Dow

Being a Boarder Captain and Prefect at St Margaret’s is a unique honour. It represents the voice of the boarding house and provides an opportunity to influence positive change, uplift others, and build a strong sense of unity and pride among our boarding community. These students are not only role models for their peers but also demonstrate our boarding spirit for our younger boarders who look up to them each day.

Our boarding leaders are responsible for helping to uphold the values of our school and boarding community. They assist with routines, support boarding staff, and help lead house meetings and events. Most importantly, they are there to encourage, inspire, and support their fellow boarders.

Leadership in the boarding house involves:

• Welcoming and mentoring younger boarders, helping them feel at home and included.
• Promoting positive behaviour and standards, such as assisting with uniform checks at the dining hall and encouraging adherence to expectations.
• Planning and hosting events, such as closed weekends, cultural celebrations, and fun social nights that build community spirit and allow every girl to feel seen and celebrated.
• Listening and advocating, being a point of contact when boarders need someone to talk to.
• Leading by example, showing initiative, empathy, and consistency in all areas of boarding life.

These positions demand commitment, emotional intelligence, and a passion for community, but the rewards are many. Boarder Prefects and Captains often say it’s the most fulfilling role they’ve held at school, offering personal growth, confidence, and life-long memories of service and friendship.

As our current Year 11 boarders courageously share their hopes and vision for the year ahead, we acknowledge their willingness to step into leadership with open hearts and open minds. To each applicant we are proud of you already. Your desire to serve your boarding community speaks volumes about your character.

We wish you the very best in your applications. May you find joy in the process, pride in your effort, and strength in knowing you’re already making a difference.

Gracemere Mataia

Year 12 Academic Progress Meetings

This week I started meeting with Year 12 students to do a final check in on their progress and to discuss their plans moving forwards. ATAR eligible students will receive an updated ATAR prediction based on their first two internal results. Students are to book these meetings via the POD and Parents are welcome to attend these meetings either in person or via phone/Teams.

Year 12 2026 Parent Information Evening

In Week 4, we will be holding the Year 12 2026 Parent Information Evening. The purpose of this evening is to explain the QCE system in more detail and to provide more information regarding the girls’ final year of school. This event will be held via Teams and also recorded for any parents unable to make the evening in person. Please keep an eye out on the POD for more information.

“Do things gradually and in balanced small amounts so studying doesn’t take over your life” – Rheanna Kirby, ’24.

Caitlin McCluskey

Students were eligible for two awards:

• Progress Certificate – awarded to students whose GPA improved by at least one whole point from the previous semester.
• Academic Pocket – awarded to students who achieved a GPA of 13 or above.

It is with great pleasure that I extend my warmest congratulations to the following students:

Year 7

Academic Pocket Awards:
Sofia B, Florence B, Georgina B, Olivia B, Arabella B, Yujiao C, Yuna C, Holly C, Melissa C, Imogen D, Molly D, Esme D, Charlotte D, Bonnie E, Camilla F, Madison H, Eloise H, Ha Eun K, Alice K, Haeun L, Florence L, Jialiyu L, Sarah L, Dain P, Harriet P, Amelia R, Charlotte R, Harriet R, Jiayi X, Francesca Y

Year 8

Academic Pocket Awards:
Thamanna A, Annabel B, Sofia B, Thea B, Sophie B, Cassandra C, Jiwon C, Gia C, Maya D, Chloe D, Grace E, Hanna F, Agnes F, Juniper F, Isabella G, Allegra H, Ashley J, Chloe J, Alekhya K, Harang L, Cheuk Yi L, Lanarita L, Anabelle M, Mia M, Amelia M, Millicent M, Sienna M, Clara O, Zara P, Lila S, Zara S, Eva S, Jessica S, Isabella S, Arabella T, Uyen Bao Dang T, Grace W, Tilly W, Elkie W

Progress Awards:
Rosie B, Amelia C, Sarah C, Alessandra C, Juliet F, Milla J, Iona M, Alice S

Academic Pocket and Progress Awards:
Rosanna R

Year 9

Academic Pocket Awards:
Sienna B, Zara B, Emily B, Lucy B, Sophie B, Ashleigh C, Emily C, Piper C, Greer C, Penelope C, Chloe D, Chloe D, Zoe E, Ritz F, Jade F, Zali F, Chelsea G, Danica G, Emma H, Lata H, Phoebe J, Scarlett J, Emma K, Isla K, Ella K, Danielle L, Eilish L, Lauren L, Neve M, Sophie M, Danielle M, Stella M, Lauren M, Chloe N, Sophia P, Valentina P, Charlotte-Grace P, Isabelle P, Allegra P, Ella P, Emily Q, Jiayu S, Isobel S, Angelica S, Lily T, Sophie W, Scarlett Y, Natascha Z

Progress Awards:
Lucinda A, Lexie A, Leah C, Isabel D, Ivy G, Jessica K, Charlotte K, Séana K, Harriet P, Isabella R, Josie S, Rachel W, Ruoling Z

Academic Pocket and Progress Awards:
Eva V, Yueming W, Evie W

Year 10

Academic Pocket Awards:
Olivia B, Abigail B, Hope C, Emily C, Ruby C, Elyettine H, Ha Yeun K, Gina L, Ysabella M, Ella M, Estelle O, Madeline R, Charlotte R, Talia S, Ava T, Inès V, Emma W, Bronte W

Progress Awards:
Elle B, Mena B, Gloria F, Phoebe M, Rose-Ethel O, Nahlia P, Fhistina P, Tilly P, Yuqi S, Madison S, Ava T

Academic Pocket and Progress Awards:
Abigail B

Year 11

Academic Pocket Awards:
Charlotte A, Claire B, Madeline B, Francesca B, Sophia B, Teliah C, Esther D, Elspeth D, Coco F, Mana F, Amelia H, Amelie H, Olivia H, Sofia I, Lauren J, Poppy J, Jessica K, Adel K, Lucy L, Xinyi L, Vania L, Andie M, Abby M, Tayla M, Aila M, Matilda O, Annabelle R, Ruby R, Evie S, Charlotte T, Hiu Ching T, Chloe W, Polly Y

Progress Awards:
Emma B, Lola B, Maggie B, Sienna B, Bless D, Isabella F, Sofia G, Jemima G, Anika H, Lily J, Rose J, Emily K, Hannah M, Hazel M, Maggie M, Olivia P, Darcy P, Lucy S, Ivy Y

Academic Pocket and Progress Awards:
Charlotte B, Matilda B, Hannah B, Talia B, Katelyn C, Charlotte F, Georgina F, Ava F, Tia H, Bronte K, Gemma K, Annabel L, Taylah N, Annabelle R, Bronte T, Tallulah V, Phoebe W

Year 12

Academic Pocket Awards:
Matilda C, Lauren C, Arnika D, Jiayin F, Sophie F, Momo H, Silin H, Alyssa H, Yinan L, Samantha M, Emily N, Sasha P, Akira S, Philippa S, Lucinda S, Amelia S, Jiayue T, Hailey T, Georgia W

Progress Awards:
Abigail A, Taylor A, Charlotte A, Isabel B, Kyara B, Lulu B, Marnie B, Emelia B, Lucinda C, Millie C, Alexandra C, Sophie C, Leah C, Kate C, Charlotte D, Francesca E, Isla G, Isabella G, Ella H, Finley H, Tsz Yan H, Sophie H, Sienna I, Madeleine J, Phoebe K, Bronte L, Matilda L, Sacha M, Jemima M, Mary M, Sharlize M, Grace O, Shu P, Madeline P, Janis Q, Isabella R, Molly R, Zoe R, Kalista S, Charli S, Katie S, Charlotte T, Ember T, Maxine V, Zimo W, Lara W, Abbey W, Isabella W, Cheyanne Y, Chloe Y

Academic Pocket and Progress Awards:
Kate B, Charlotte B, Madison B, Nadia C, Annie C, Wing Chiu C, Maggie C, Elke C, Milly C, Lucinda C, Cosette C, Natasha D, Charlotte D, Freya E, Ava F, Scarlett F, Margot F, Gabriella F, Sophie G, Addison G, Lilly H, Zahra H, Lily H, Eve J, Audrey K, Charlotte K, Ruhaani L, Harper L, Georgia L, Elke L, Emily M, Neve M, Ella M, Kelly N, Ebony O, Alexandra O, Victoria O, Claire P, Ruby P, Arabella P, Caitlin P, Hanna P, Millicent Q, Chloe R, Chloe R, Ruby R, Sienna R, Elke S, Sophie S, Amelia S, Niah S, Ayla S, Charlotte S, Teresa S, Eliza T, Ellouise T, Kaleija T, Phoebe T, Emma W, Georgia W, Ella W, Yuen Yi W, Daisy Y, Mingyu Z

Chris Dunn

1. Broadening Perspectives and Support Networks

Teenagers often find it easier to open up to non-parental mentors about personal struggles, career aspirations, and social challenges. Studies show that adolescents with supportive adult mentors are more likely to develop strong problem-solving skills, resilience, and self-efficacy (Dubois et al., 2011). These mentors offer alternative perspectives and wisdom that complement parental guidance.

2. Positive Role Modelling and Skill Development

Mentors provide real-world knowledge, career advice, and life skills that shape a teen’s sense of identity and direction. Research by Zimmerman et al. (2002) found that mentorship helps adolescents build leadership skills and make healthier life choices, particularly in at-risk youth populations.

3. Increased Academic and Career Opportunities

A strong mentor can encourage academic success and open doors to career opportunities.

Adolescents who engage in mentoring programs show higher educational aspirations and greater motivation for future success (Herrera et al., 2013).

Encouraging teenagers to seek mentors outside the family strengthens their support system, fosters independence, and helps them navigate adolescence with confidence and resilience.

References

Dubois, D. L., Portillo, N., Rhodes, J. E., Silverthorn, N., & Valentine, J. C. (2011). How effective are mentoring programs for youth? A meta-analytic review. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 12(2), 57-91.

Herrera, C., Grossman, J. B., Kauh, T. J., Feldman, A. F., & McMaken, J. (2013). Mentoring in Schools: An Impact Study of Big Brothers Big Sisters School-Based Mentoring. MDRC.

Rhodes, J. E. (2005). A model of youth mentoring. In DuBois, D. L., & Karcher, M. J. (Eds.), Handbook of Youth Mentoring (pp. 30-43). SAGE Publications.

Zimmerman, M. A., Bingenheimer, J. B., & Notaro, P. C. (2002). Natural mentoring relationships and adolescent health: Evidence from a national study. American Journal of Public Health, 92(2), 222-227.

Nikki Townsend

Years 2–5 Cluster Program

This term, students in Years 2 to 5 have been introduced to Reciprocal Reading as part of the cluster program. This approach explicitly teaches students how to monitor their understanding of nonfiction texts and is often described as an interactive learning game. Students work collaboratively in small, student-led groups of four to process a text in manageable sections.

After each section, they pause to discuss and apply four key comprehension strategies:

• Questioning – asking both literal (text-explicit) and inferential (text-implicit) questions
• Clarifying – resolving misunderstandings through group discussion
• Summarising – identifying and sharing the main points of the text segment
• Predicting – discussing what might come next, based on the information already presented

This cycle is repeated throughout the text, promoting deep comprehension and collaborative learning. Reciprocal Reading is a high-impact strategy with an effect size of 0.74 (with 0.4 considered effective), making it a powerful tool for developing reading comprehension and encouraging student-led learning.

Accelerated Reading (AR)

To complement our comprehension strategies, we also support and monitor each girl’s independent reading through the Accelerated Reading program. AR helps students choose appropriate books, track their progress, and set personal reading goals. One of the most motivating aspects of this program is the opportunity to become a “Million Word Reader.”

This week, Primary Leadership and Ms Curtis celebrated 21 students who achieved this milestone with our first Millionaires’ Morning Tea of the term—a wonderful acknowledgment of their reading achievements.

Library

Choice plays a crucial role in fostering a love of reading. Each week, the girls eagerly select books during their library sessions, and the joy they express is a testament to the power of reading for pleasure.

Last week, the library was temporarily closed to allow for a collection refresh. As renowned librarian Megan Daley explains in her newly updated book Raising Readers (2025), maintaining a curated, up-to-date collection is essential in supporting young readers.

As the adults in the girls’ lives, we have an important role in encouraging reading at home. Modelling reading, visiting the local library, having a variety of books available, and reading together all contribute to developing lifelong reading habits. Research shows that children who have access to their own books read more frequently and with greater enjoyment.

If you're interested in learning more, Raising Readers is available at Bright and Early Books.

Angela Drysdale

The girls will participate in their first session with Judith via Zoom on Monday 4 August. Each year level will have a 90-minute session, with a follow up session on Friday 12 September.

The program covers the following topics over the three years; emotional & physical changes of puberty, self-respect, belonging, connection, body image and interpersonal relationships, anxiety management skills, shame resilience, communication and interacting for own and others wellbeing. The program is not designed to detract from the parents’ role in this area. We encourage you and your daughter to use this program as a springboard for your own discussions. The sessions are also closely linked with the Daniel Morcombe program and developed to reflect our Christian values.

To provide further information about the sessions that your daughter will undertake, I will be facilitating a Parent Information Session with Judith via Zoom. This will take place next Tuesday 29 July from 6.00 – 7.00pm. The Zoom link will be made available to you on the day. This session is offered to parents and carers of the Years 3, 4 and 5 students who will be participating in the program. This session is restricted to adults; children are specifically asked not to attend. You will have the opportunity to hear from Judith and, time permitting, to ask questions about the program prior to the in-class sessions.

Once again, we are looking forward to working with Judith, the girls and you on this area of education. We encourage all parents to attend the online information session. If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact your daughter’s classroom teacher.

Annette Box

The Practice-a-thon is open to students in the primary school who are undertaking private music lessons, involved in extracurricular music ensembles or are a part of the Years 3 & 4 Strings Program/Year 5 Band program.

Practice-a-thon forms have been delivered to all students this week (and is also attached). (PDF 292KB) Students (with the help of parents) are able to sign up via the QR code and seek sponsorship from friends and family to raise money based on the level of practice achieved during the period 17-30 August.

There will be prizes for the students who have raised the most money, shown the most practice as well as two random draws. Each prize will be a hamper that will consists of movie tickets, an Owala water bottle, a Jelly Cat toy, INSTAX camera along with music themed stationery. This is a wonderful initiative provided by the Music Support Group that will both assist in raising funds, as well as encourage students to develop a healthy, consistent practice routine. We look forward to many students signing up!

Beath String Quartet

Congratulations to Beath String Quartet who provided beautiful music at Friday’s Primary Chapel Service. The musicians played several pieces which enhanced the singing of the hymns and we congratulate them and their director, Mr Ng on their efforts in preparing the music and contributing in such a meaningful way to the service.

Soaring Upwards Festival

The Soaring Upwards Festival is fast approaching! All larger music ensembles will perform at this special performance event on Circular Drive on Saturday 2 August. A special stage will be set up on 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 drinks and will also provide a sausage sizzle. Please see the performance schedule 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/STAGE BANDS

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

Winter Wonders

As part of our Soaring Upwards Festival, we are very excited to invite a number of our primary beginner ensembles to perform at a special event called Winter Wonders. This will be held on Friday 1 August, with students in the following music programs and ensembles performing:

• Year 3 and Year 4 Strings (Primary Immersion Program)
• Year 5 Band (Primary Immersion Program)
• Archetti Strings (Early beginner strings ensemble)
• Tutti Strings (Advanced beginner strings ensemble)
• Serenata (Years 2 & 3 Choir)

The performance will begin at 8:45am and conclude at approximately 10:10am. All performances will be on the stage set up on Circular Drive with parents and friends warmly invited to attend. We are looking forward to hearing the wonderful performances and thank you in advance for your support of the event.

Music Support Group

The next Music Support Group meeting will be held on Tuesday 2 September 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

Training sessions are held each Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning at Windsor Park. Students are strongly encouraged to attend regularly and to take advantage of the specialist coaching available. Parents and caregivers are warmly invited to attend meets and support students as they strive for personal bests and contribute to the team effort.

Our first practice meet is in two weeks on Friday, 9 August at UQ Sport Athletics centre. Please look out for details for nominations on the POD.

For any questions about Athletics or to get involved, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Head of Athletics and Development, Josh Partridge at jpartridge@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

It was a great start to our QGSSSA Winter Fixtures last weekend with some solid results in tennis, hockey, netball and volleyball against Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School. (A clean sweep for our Netball teams!) This weekend is round 2 versus Brisbane State High School. Please keep an eye on the POD pages for fixture details and venues.

Following the St Margaret’s Run held on St Margaret’ Day tomorrow, we are co-hosting, with Moreton Bay College, our annual Rhythmic Gymnastics Practice Meet in the Philip Harris Gym. Our Rhythmic team will have the opportunity to practice routines in a competition format in readiness for the upcoming Championships on 8 August. The competition starts at 4pm so if you are interested in supporting our team, please come along.

This Saturday marks the official start of the BSRA Rowing regatta season with the first regatta taking place at Wyaralong Dam. Our squads have been training hard over the last few months with our dedicated team of coaches in preparation for the upcoming season. There is a lot of nervous excitement among the students and we wish them all the very best.

The sport team 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 news to myself 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

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:           3pm Thursday 31 July (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:

St Margaret’s Plus Mentoring Program now open for Year 11 applicants

The St Margaret’s Plus Mentoring Program is designed to connect current Year 11/12 students with St Margaret’s alumni who work in the field they are aspiring to enter upon graduation. These alumni serve as mentors to current students for the duration of their final year of schooling.

Across four virtual meetings throughout the academic year (one per term), students can gain industry insight, tips and tricks and advice from an Old Girl who has established themselves as an industry professional.

Applications are now open for Year 11 students. More information and the sign-on can be found on the St Margaret’s Plus Mentoring Program POD Page here:

Lara Pickering