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The annual Next Step survey provides comprehensive information about the employment, study, and life choices of Year 12 completers approximately six months after completing Year 12 in Queensland Government, Catholic and Independent schools. The survey, conducted by the Department of Education, is conducted six months after the end of each school year when students will have accepted tertiary education places.

80.3% (118 out of the 147 Year 12 completers) completed the survey. Of those, 84.7% continued in some recognised form of education and training. The most common study destination was bachelor’s degree. 25.4% of the Year 12 completers were enrolled in a double degree. A further 12.7% transitioned directly into paid employment and no further study. 2.5% of respondents were not in the labour force, education or training and/or were actively seeking employment.

The Year 12 completers from St Margaret's continued in education or training in 2024 in the following areas of study:

Management and Commerce (34%)

Society and Culture (18%)

Health (26%)

Natural and Physical Sciences (13%)

Creative Arts (10%)

Education (2%)

Engineering and Related Technologies (8%)

Architecture and Building (5%)

Information Technology (2%)

25.4% or 30 Year 12 completers from St Margaret's were enrolled in a double degree, combining two bachelor’s degrees into a single course of study.

The University of Queensland and QUT remained the most popular institutions for tertiary studies with 68% of graduates choosing these universities. 10% of our students, however, chose interstate universities.

This information came into the school from the state government during the September holidays. Even though this information relates to last year’s Year 12s graduates, it is interesting to note as most of the percentages in areas studied and choice of university have been remarkably similar since the government first gathered this data in 2018.

Ros Curtis

Speech Night

The 127^th Speech Night and Prize Giving Ceremony (8 October 2024) is fast approaching and excitement is building as students anticipate the end of the year and all that it brings.

This year we will again be booking tickets for Speech Night online through QPAC booking system.  Prize winners, all Years 11 and 12 and all boarders will be attending the event. Some students will also be involved in the music presentations on the night. It is compulsory attendance for all Years 11 and 12 students.

Anyone in our community is welcome to watch our livestream of the evening at the following link:

/speech-night-live-stream

Please note, each prize winner in Years 5 to 11 can only have 2 guests attend the evening. Parents may only require one ticket. If at any time you reserve a ticket and you no longer require it, please email Lisa Watson on lwatson@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Bookings are now open for Year 5 to 11 parents (see link below) who have a daughter receiving a prize at Speech Night. Please note, students who will be receiving a prize received a letter at school on Tuesday this week.

Your daughters will receive their tickets at school (they will not be sitting with you) and therefore you do not need to book seats for them.

Please book your tickets as soon as possible and please choose the print@home option for collection. 

Link to book tickets: 

Year 12 Graduation and Special Awards Ceremony

Parents of Year 12 graduates, and parents of students who are receiving awards at this Special Awards Ceremony are invited to attend this event. Parents who wish to attend this event are asked to rsvp their attendance to reception@stmargarets.qld.edu.au. 

Karen Gorrie

Gratitude and thanksgiving aren’t always easy to express, however. Especially when we are going through challenging moments. But when we manage to zoom out a little, and find at least one thing to be thankful for, we often generate more gratitude, more wellbeing, more peace. Gratitude multiplies gratitude, and takes us beyond ourselves, gifts us perspective when perspective seems imperceivable.

So, as we venture this term together, I give thanks for you – our St Margaret’s Community.

"A grateful mind is a great mind which eventually attracts to itself great things."

- Plato

Invitation

The monthly SSA Eucharist will take place in the Sisters' Chapel at 4:00pm this Sunday 6 October - All welcome.

Rev’d Jazz Dow

The High School Campdraft is an initiative of Old Girl Emily Curr (’20) who organised and started the event while a boarder at St Margaret’s. Emily has once again worked hard to ensure that this event continues for those interested in participating and our boarders are very grateful for her efforts.

The St Margaret’s team this year will be made up of ten girls who will participate in the Campdraft.  Regardless of how the day turns out, we are very proud of our St Margaret’s team and excited that they will be participating with such strong numbers this year. It requires a huge commitment from the girls and their families and often means that the girls’ horses have to be transported by families to Pittsworth. Thank you to all of the parents who will be attending the Campdraft and supporting their daughters in this competition – we are very grateful for your support and your commitment to your daughter’s passion.

I will be travelling to Pittsworth, along with Gracemere Mataia and Angela Crowe, to support the girls in this event. It will be a wonderful opportunity for the girls to compete as a St Margaret’s team and we look forward to sharing the outcome of the weekend with you.

Lesa Fowler

Determination of Honours Awards

Honours awards are given for excellent academic achievement based on results from Terms 1, 2 and 3 of a given year. In Years 5-10, students who achieve a Grade Point Average of 13 or above with no overall result lower than a B-, will receive an Honours award. The GPA is calculated by weighting assessed subjects relative to the number of curriculum hours allocated in the week. In Years 11 and 12, Honours awards are based on the grades awarded using the provisional subject results for the internal summative assessments in each subject. The Years 11 and 12 Honours are calculated using the results of the students’ top 5 subjects.

Determination of Commendation Awards

In Years 5 to 12, Commendation Awards are given in recognition of excellent engagement in learning. They are based on the level of application demonstrated in class and at home, as well as the attitude displayed in all subjects. The ‘Attitude to Learning’ result is recorded on the report card as a four-point scale that provides evidence for engagement in learning. To receive a Commendation Award, a student (from Years 5 to 12) must achieve an average ‘Attitude to Learning’ score of 3.9 or higher across Terms 1, 2 and 3. The average ‘Attitude to Learning’ score is calculated by weighting subjects relative to the number of curriculum hours allocated in the week. Students who receive an Honours Award are not eligible for a Commendation Award.

Determination of Year 10 Subject Prizes

A subject prize is awarded to a Year 10 student who receives the highest subject result based on three terms of work. If more than one student receives the highest subject result, the decision is made by the Head of Faculty in consultation with the year level teachers, to review the collection of assessment and make a judgement based on the quality of the assessment folio to deem who should receive the prize. To receive a subject prize all applicable assessments must be completed. In the case of school-approved absences causing missed assessment, the Dean of Academics will make a final decision. Students who attend the Global Exchange Program will be eligible for all academic prizes regardless of missing assessments due to their exchange.

Determination of Internal Year 12 Subject Prizes

A Year 12 Internal Assessment Subject Prize is awarded at Speech Night to the student who receives the highest provisional subject result based on the internal assessments. Note that percentage results are used in determining these awards for the Maths and Science Subjects. If more than one student receives the highest internal subject result from Unit 3 and 4, the cumulative result from Unit 1 and 2 in that subject will be used to determine the prize winner. To receive a subject prize all internal assessments must be completed.

Determination of the Internal Assessment Dux of the School and the Proxime Accessit to the Dux of the School

The Internal Assessment Dux of St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School will be awarded at Speech Night. This award is presented to the student in Year 12 who has attained the highest internal assessment subject results across 5 subjects. The Proxime Accessit to the Dux of the School is awarded to the student who has attained the next highest internal assessment subject results in that Year 12 cohort. The determination of these awards is based on students’ subject results at the completion of the summative internal assessment period for Unit 3 and 4. This subject result will be calculated by adding together the three internal assessment results for 5 subject results. To be considered for the awards, students must complete all three assessments for five subjects. Subjects are not weighted. In order to distinguish candidates for the final award results from Unit 1 and 2 may be considered. If it is not possible to distinguish between two students both shall be awarded the Internal Assessment Dux or Proxime Accessit to the Dux prize. The decision as to the Internal Assessment Dux and the Proxime Accessit to the Dux of the School shall remain confidential until the presentation at Speech Night.

Caitlin McCluskey

A reminder that SSS operates on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 5:00pm to 7:30pm. Parents do have the option of purchasing dinner ($12.50) for their daughters from the boarding house at the time of booking. Bookings close at 9:00am on the day, unless the maximum number (25) is reached prior to this point, so I do recommend parents book in early to avoid missing out.

The purpose of these sessions is to provide girls with a quiet and well-resourced space that is conducive to productive homework and study time. Each SSS will be staffed by up to two tutors, who offer advice and guidance on how to plan effectively for upcoming assessments. The SSS tutor group is made up of ten young women who are currently studying at university and have much to offer our girls in the way of study skills.

For students attending SSS after an afternoon of sport, transport is available to and from Windsor Park. For those staying on after school to attend SSS, the Eunice Centre is open until 5pm prior to the commencement of the study sessions.

Chris Dunn

Sony Camp

On the first weekend of the September holidays, Year 11 St Margaret’s and Years 11/12 Churchie students amalgamated to prepare for the annual Sony Foundation Children’s Holiday Camp. The camp saw 20 St Margaret’s students wholeheartedly dedicate their time to become the primary carers for approximately thirteen female intellectually and physically impaired children. The school also provided six helpers who prepared and served food and cleaned up and one media student who took photos over the three days for over 100 people.

Since 1999, the Camp Program has given Years 11 and 12 students the opportunity to care for a child with special needs over a four-day period in what is a unique and life-changing experience for all involved. Each camp is provided free of charge for the participants and the majority of the camps run in the September and December school holidays.

The students, supported by a team of dedicated teaching and medical staff, are responsible for the care of these children twenty-four hours a day over the course of the Camp. They quickly learn about the challenges and demands involved in caring for a child with special needs. Not only do the students have an enriching experience, but the children are treated to a weekend full of activities and interactions they would not normally have the opportunity to experience. The Camps also provide much needed respite for parents, siblings and primary carers in what may be their only break of the year.

The eager guests arrived on Saturday morning and their grateful families handed a challenging responsibility over to the students. In return, the parents received beautiful gift packs, which were donated and prepared by the generous St Margaret’s community. A range of activities were available throughout the camp, including; swimming, art activities, a disco and a trip to Lone Pine.

Through great acts of devotion, persistence and responsibility, each companion and helper ensured that their guest’s experience was one that they would never forget. When the students relinquished the responsibility of their guest back to the parents, it was clear that the students’ contribution to the camp had made a significant impact on not only the children, but their inspirational parents, many of whom were able to take a well-deserved break. The camp deeply broadens students’ understanding of the realities and complexities of life as they carefully consider the lives of those living with a disability and the impacts this can have on their families. It must also be noted that our St Margaret’s Year 11 students attended lunch time workshops prior to the camp learning how to assist high needs children under the guidance of staff members. A big thank you to Nikki Anderson and Katie Flanagan who assisted with coordination of this camp.

Nikki Townsend

This week the Prize Reading Assembly was held. Students in Years 5 and 6 who will receive an award at Speech Night were issued with a letter outlining the detail. Other students announced will receive their award at the Acknowledgement Assembly.

In addition to Speech Night, each year level will be involved in a celebration. Each celebration is an acknowledgement of the significant learning that occurs for each particular year level and provides an opportunity for the students to share their talents with an audience. Families and friends are invited to each of these celebrations. So, open your diaries and pencil in the dates relevant to your family.

Year 3 – Celebration of Achievement – 12 November 9.30am

Students share their key learning experiences and perform with their string instrument. The students are presented with their Key to Success Certificate that identifies their learning achievements.

Year 4 – Celebration of Achievement – 12 November 11.30am

Students share their key learning experiences and perform with their string instrument. The students are presented with their Key to Success Certificate that identifies their learning achievements.

Year 5 – Celebration of Leadership Preparation Journey – 13 November 9.30am

Each class shares their significant learning experience and musical skills as part of the Year 5 band.

Prep – Year 2 Nativity Play and Book Presentation – 15 November 12.00pm

Prep students retell the birth of Christ through performance and song. The Years 1 and 2 students provide an angelic choir. Each student will cross the stage and receive a book as acknowledgement of their school year.

Year 6 – Final Chapel Service and Morning Tea – 18 November 9.30am

This service celebrates the journey of our Year 6 students so far, as they move to the secondary school. Parents are invited to attend the Service with the girls, followed by morning tea. Students will present a performance, highlighting their primary years at St Margaret’s.

Prep – Year 6 - Acknowledgement Assembly – 19 November 11.00am

We present special prizes to Years 5 and 6 students and acknowledge the successes achieved throughout the year. We share with all members of the Primary School Community.

Pre-Prep Chapel Service – 20 November 9.30am

Chapel service to celebrate this significant year of learning.

I look forward to joining parents and families at these upcoming celebratory events.

Year 5 Scholarship Application for Year 7 (2026)

‘Per Volar Sunata’ Academic Scholarship application is now open for Year 6 students 2025.  The ‘Per Volar Sunata’ Academic Scholarship is an academic scholarship awarded to a Year 6 St Margaret’s student moving into Year 7. Students in Year 6 2025 must sit the ACER exam (22 February 2025) and complete the application form which are both available on the school website here.

Angela Drysdale

In Prep, students will create hybrid animals using the design thinking process. They’ll sketch, label, and build prototypes with make-do tools and recycled materials, which enhances their creativity and engineering skills. Working together, they’ll also develop problem-solving abilities and effective communication as they prepare for a showcase of their imaginative designs and the stories behind them.

Year 1 students will dive into coding with the iRobot, learning fundamental programming concepts like sequencing and logic through hands-on activities. As they work in small groups to tackle challenges, they will enhance their teamwork and collaboration skills, boosting their confidence in technology and logical thinking.

Year 2 will focus on digital literacy and citizenship, learning how to find, create, and manage information effectively while understanding online safety. Engaging in activities designed to build critical evaluation skills, they will learn to navigate the digital world responsibly and confidently.

Overall, these projects not only spark curiosity but also equip students with essential skills in creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and digital literacy, preparing them for future challenges and opportunities.

Kate Frewin

These programs are wonderful opportunities for our music students to further develop their musical capacity whilst also developing friendships with other young musicians from around the country. Congratulations to Amelie (Yr 10) and Tram (Yr 8) who participated in AHEP, and congratulations to Astrid (Yr 12), Hailey (Yr 11), Kate (Yr 11), Bronte (Yr 10), Francesca (Yr 10), Jessica (Yr 10), Philippa (Yr 10), Charlotte (Yr 9), Grace (Yr 9) Ellie (Yr 9), Emily (Yr 8), Greer (Yr 8), Lily (Yr 8) and Sofia (Yr 7) who participated in SHEP!

Speech Night

The Music Department is looking forward to presenting several music performances next week at our upcoming Speech Night. Please see the attached letter with details regarding the event (PDF 449.2KB). A reminder to students also that we will be conducting a rehearsal on the Monday afternoon next week for those students who are available. Details are posted on respective POD pages.

Auditions for 2025 Ensembles

Auditions for 2025 Secondary Music Ensembles will be held in Week 3 of Term 4 with audition excerpts available via the respective POD pages. Details regarding audition times are also available on the POD.

Music Support Group

The next Music Support Group meeting will be the AGM and will be held on Tuesday 22 November 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

Standout performances were littered throughout the day, with several athletes clinching top honours in their events. Erin G excelled in both the hurdles and the 200m, showcasing remarkable speed to take home first place in each while also breaking the 14 years age group school record in the 100m with a time of 12.51s. Georgia H also made a significant impact, dominating the hurdles and the 100m to secure victories in both events, breaking the 16 years age group school hurdles record in the process with a time of 14.80s.

In a remarkable display of skill, Annabelle S and Lucy R each won their divisions in the 14 years javelin, contributing a vital double victory for St Margaret's. Lucy equalled a 9-year-old record in the process throwing a massive 37.21m, while over in the discus Annabelle broke the 14 years school record with a throw of 29.79m.

Ashley B soared to victory in the high jump with a clearance at 1.58m, breaking the 15 years age group school record. Coco F's endurance and strategic racing earned her first place in the 1500m.

In the 17 years and over age group, Leah C's speed and tenacity secured her top honours in the 400m. Ebony O ran a blistering fast 200m in 25.14s to break the school record and Lily H jumped 11.10m in the triple jump to break her own school record.

Overall, the 2024 QGSSSA Championships were a testament to the talent and spirit of the St Margaret's team. With numerous event wins and personal bests, the athletes have laid a strong foundation for future seasons. Congratulations to all team members on their outstanding achievements!

Josh Partridge

Head of Athletics

Latest Sport News and Information

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

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

Parent Support Group AGM Notice

The Rowing Support Group (RSG) warmly invite all interested parents of the St Margaret’s community to attend their the RSG AGM. Those seeking to nominate for the 2025 committee should refer to the for further nomination information.

The AGM will be held on Tuesday 15 October from 6:30pm to 7:30pm in the HPE classrooms (above the swimming pool).

Lloyd Knight

Booklists 2025

Booklists for Pre-Prep to Year 11 2025 will be available online from 11 October 2024. To access the Campion Education Online booklists for 2025 please click on this link: and follow the instructions. Alternatively, the lists can be accessed via the and the St Margaret’s website.

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

Blazer Fittings – current Year 9 Cohort 2024

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

Uniform Fitting Appointments – Online booking system

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

Book your appointment online via the school website

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

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

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

Trading Hours (Term Time)

Monday               8am – 2pm
Tuesday         8am – 2pm
Wednesday        10am – 5pm
Thursday          8am – 2pm
Friday                   8am – 2pm

Public Holidays Closed

Helen is a commercially astute, passionate, people and business leader, with extensive experience growing businesses across the Food & Retail sectors. Helen currently leads a 14,000 strong team to operate 300 KFC restaurants across Australia from Busselton to Brisbane and everywhere in between!

Prior to joining Collins Foods, Helen was CEO of Oporto, leading 180 restaurants across Australia and New Zealand. Prior to that, Helen was General Manager – Convenience Development for Ampol (formerly Caltex Australia) creating the successful Foodary retail format. Helen has over 15 years’ experience in retail and consumer goods, commencing her career in investment banking with JPMorgan and Deutsche Bank before transitioning to senior leadership roles at Woolworths Group.

Event Details

Date:             Tuesday 15 October 2024
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  
Tickets:          $85 Adult, $40 Student (Years 10-12/Tertiary). 
Corporate tables: $850 (10 seats), includes company logo displayed on table and acknowledgement during event.
To purchase tickets: 

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

Past Student Awards Nominations are open

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

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

There are three award categories:

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

Nominations can be submitted by completing our  by Friday 8 November, 2024. Please note, when competing the form, if there are any details (i.e. alumni year, degree information or addresses) that you need assistance in completing, please leave these blank, and we here in the Development and Community Office are happy to fill in those gaps.  

For more information please visit:

Parents are warmly invited to the P&F Association General Meeting and End of Year Celebration

Would you like to know what we’ve been up to this year? Are you interested in finding out what’s being planned for 2025?

Our final meeting of 2024 is an informal evening where we welcome new people (including those new to the school in 2025) and where we can all share our thoughts over some light refreshments.

Come and hear from the school leadership, the Parents and Friends committee, Support Groups (including music, boarders and extra-curricular sports) and find out how to get involved in upcoming events. There is also an option to join this meeting remotely via Microsoft Teams for those unable to attend the meeting in person.

Date:              Monday 4 November 2024
Time:             6.30pm to 7.30pm (followed by light refreshments)
Location:       Arts Centre Foyer, St Margaret's Anglican Girls School

Please click here to

Georgia Mitchell