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Each year, the students choose the school charity (in 2024 it is Eat Up Australia) and support it through selling of raffle tickets. Thank you to members of the community who donated to the raffle.

I was impressed with the students' understanding of the school charity and felt that at the lunch, our Year 10 students encapsulated perfectly why St Margaret’s engages in these philanthropic student activities. They said:

‘St Margaret’s is a school built on the dedication, passion, and service of the Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Advent. The values of our school, Spirit, Inclusivity, Integrity, Courage, Respect and Passion, equip each and every one of us with the inspiration to not only achieve our personal best, but to understand the importance of service and a collective commitment to making the world better for others. The vision of the Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Advent also evidences for us the power that women have, even in the face of historical barriers, to change the world…. We are so fortunate to be part of this caring and supportive community. St Margaret’s has equipped us with strong values that call on us to be part of something bigger than ourselves…. With generosity of spirit, we can seek to emulate the foundational intentions of the Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Advent.’

On another note, as we all know, reading out loud to children is a very significant activity for parents and one that has a great impact on their children. However, it usually stops around Years 3 or 4. This time, with respect to reading frequency, is referred to as the ‘Decline at Nine.’ Research has shown that reading out loud at home tends to decline around the age of nine, possibly because children can often read independently at that age. Interestingly though, it is about that age, that students start reading less. Reading out loud to your daughters still has a place, even if it may not be as often. Adult readers not only reinforce a love of reading, but they also assist children to develop their comprehension ability and vocabulary use, and they model fluency, correct pronunciation and expression. So, I encourage you all to hang in there reading out loud with your child as long as possible!

Ros Curtis

The Key aspects of Appreciation are:

 Self:

• We appreciate our strengths, acknowledge the good that we bring to our community and offer these unique qualities to others.
• We acknowledge our areas requiring development and embrace a mindset for continual improvement.
• We demonstrate respect for, and appreciation of, ourselves by always acting with integrity, consideration and compassion.

Community:

• We genuinely appreciate and acknowledge others in order to strengthen and support our community to be the best we can each day and to boost our relationships with peers, students, staff and parents.
• We acknowledge each other with respect and ensure that all communication is based on this value, with no preconceptions regarding intent of behaviour.
• We appreciate those with whom we share the responsibility for creating a dynamic learning environment.

Since the formation of the language around the St Margaret’s Way a number of years ago, it has truly been embedded into what we do, what we say and how we behave each day. When new students, staff and families join our school, we are excited to share St Margaret’s Way with them as a way of explaining how our interactions with each other count and what our responsibilities are in ensuring that others feel the way that we wish to feel here at school.

Karen Gorrie

As a school of the Society of the Sacred Advent, Advent is an important season in our story. One of the saints that we celebrate during Advent is John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus, and is also the patron Saint of the Society of the Sacred Advent and inspires the mission of the SSA to “prepare a place for God, first in our hearts, and then in the world in which we live.”

This year the theme of our service was making space and through paying attention to the ordinary beauty of our lives, we experience grace. Part of making space is noticing. Noticing and paying attention leads us to an inner freedom. Attentiveness allows us the gift of being present, present to this moment. Rather than thinking about the past, and what we may have said wrong, or not done perfectly, or… worrying about the future, what we will do, will everything be ok, “what ifs”.

Our minds get busy, we can get sucked into rabbit holes of anxiety and fear. Our brains can also trick us into faulty beliefs… beliefs that we might be alone, or that another person doesn’t like us, or that we aren’t good enough. The act of noticing is a gift of grace to our busy lives, and active minds. The ordinary things can become messengers of grace in our daily life. Messengers that remind us we are loved and known by the creator of the universe.

An Invitation

The monthly SSA service will take place in the Sisters’ Chapel this Sunday 3 November at 4pm. All are welcome.

Rev’d Jazz Dow

We cannot underestimate the impact that daily routines have on preparing the girls for life after boarding. Dr Jena Lee states that, “Daily structure is important for everyone, but particularly to children in their psychological and emotional development. The consistency of schedules, predictable rules and consequences, and set expectations teach children how to behave, develop self-discipline and impulse control and importantly, a sense of safety and control. (Gramigna, 2020).” 

Routines are repetitive actions. They create predictability and can make us feel safe and secure, which helps us to cope with stress and daily obstacles. Boarding is based on rules and schedules and although the girls often find them limiting, they are important skills that they will find themselves using in the future.

The capacity of the boarding house to foster enduring life skills required to succeed in a changing world and drive social change is one of the major benefits of boarding. 

Lesa Fowler

This week I started meeting with Year 11 students to provide them with an ATAR Indication based on their Units 1 and 2 results and discuss their goals and strategies moving forward. I enjoy meeting with all of these students; it’s a fantastic opportunity to get to know the cohort and help students identify potential areas for gain moving forward. Parents are encouraged to be involved in these meetings either in person or their daughter may bring their phone and call them. Year 11 students are able to book these meetings via the “Year 11 Academic Progress Meetings” tile on their Year Level POD Page.

Caitlin McCluskey

End of the Year Reporting Process (Years 7-11)

End of Semester Reports will be available to be accessed through Parent Lounge on Friday 29 November after 3:00pm. Please note also that all Continuous Reporting Information will be available from this date as well.

Each student’s report will consist of a comment from her Head of Year, as well as a summary for each subject. The final page of the report is the Grade Point Average (GPA) graph which records the student’s overall level of achievement and tracks this from semester to semester.

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, and an assessment of your daughter’s attitude to her learning. The academic results reflected in this report are based on the assessment completed throughout Semester 2.

Please note that Year 12 students do not receive an End of Semester 2 Report from the school as final results will be recorded on their Queensland Certificate of Education that is sent from QCAA.

Chris Dunn

The pervasive presence of media today can negatively influence young people by promoting unrealistic ideals of body shape and size. The concept of a “perfect” body, often glamorized in media, is misleading—such a body does not truly exist. While body image issues are frequently associated with girls, boys are not immune to these challenges. In fact, a negative body image can sometimes lead to eating disorders in both boys and girls.

It’s essential for parents and teachers to remain vigilant, paying close attention to a child’s eating habits and the language they use when discussing appearance. These can be early indicators of potential issues. By fostering a healthy understanding of body image, adults can help children realize that physical appearance does not define one’s health, success, or worth.

For further information, here are three credible resources:

As Dr Carr-Gregg points out, “Parents and teachers must work together to ensure children understand that appearance is only one small part of a person’s overall wellbeing."

Nikki Townsend

Appreciation is broad as it is inclusive of effort, values and behaviours as opposed to recognition which is a subset of appreciation and linked to a positive or successful outcome. When members of our school community feel more appreciated, they feel more motivated and engaged. Appreciation comes from expressions of gratitude and makes the recipient feel more confident and valued.

Each day, our teachers plan for each child’s learning and guide and build relationships with all children through listening, displaying empathy and care and making profound and positive effects. Each teacher takes the students on a learning journey, a learning journey which encourages academic and social growth and is filled with many experiences which makes learning exciting and challenging.  So, I would encourage parents and in turn your child to show appreciation for their teachers and to make everyday World Teachers’ Day.  

This time of the year is very hectic as the teachers plan for the end of the year and prepare for the new year. The teachers have almost finalised classes for 2025, and teachers have been allocated to year levels. Next year we will welcome two new experienced staff members to the primary teaching team - Mrs Bernadette Rees who is coming from Ormiston College and Mrs Adriana Garrett from St Peters. We look forward to formally welcoming them in the new year.

The staff allocation is as follows:

Pre-Prep          Mrs Belinda Knowles

Prep                 Ms Mary Komselis, Mrs Bernadette Rees

Year 1              Mrs Chloe Sellick, Mrs Thea Cowdroy-Ling

Year 2              Ms Georgi Eadie, Ms Nikita Uscinski

Year 3              Ms Camille Poupardin, Mrs Sarah Singleton, Ms Kate Porter

Year 4              Ms Melissa Garbutt, Mrs Danielle Patterson, Mrs Katie Court

 Year 5              Mrs Nicole Jonathan, Mr Clayton Howard, Mrs Adriana Garrett, Ms Katie Lewis

Year 6              Mrs Georgina Stevenson, Mr Evan Chia, Mrs Brooke Calcutt, Mrs Sophie Cameron

Next year Mrs Kylie Briggs will join Mr Jon Cox in the Learning Enhancement team.

Angela Drysdale

Our robust music program is tailored to different age groups. Beginning with our everyday music program in Prep to Year 2, we continue into Years 3 and 4 with our strings program, allowing students to learn the fundamentals of string instruments. Year 5 introduces band classes, where students play in an ensemble and further develop their musical teamwork. In Year 6, students focus on acoustic guitar, encouraging personal expression through this popular instrument. These musical experiences enhance cognitive skills, improve discipline, and promote social interaction.

This year, we have successfully introduced a drama program for Prep to Year 4, featuring a range of engaging activities such as improvisation, storytelling, and role-playing, which have helped our students develop confidence and communication skills. We are excited to share our plans to expand the program to Years 5 and 6 in 2025. This comprehensive arts curriculum offers numerous benefits, including enhanced emotional wellbeing and collaboration. We are committed to fostering a love for the arts and empowering our students to express themselves, ultimately enriching their education and cultivating a lifelong appreciation of creativity.

Kate Frewin

Music Support Group

The next Music Support Group meeting will be the AGM and will be held on Tuesday 4 February 2025 at 5:00pm in the Circular Drive Classroom 01 (in front of the Arts Centre Foyer). We encourage parents from both primary and secondary schools to become involved.

Brad King

It’s been fantastic to watch our players grow their skills and bring the energy each week, lifting the standard of AFL across the QGSSSA. With three rounds to go, we’re excited to see how they finish the season—go teams!

Full ladders can be found at (qgsssa.com.au/australian-football/)

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 -

Lloyd Knight

Please Note: Families are required to create an account by clicking on the "Parents Order Here" button located on the top right-hand corner of the Campion website. A four-character code is required to access the 2025 resource lists; the code for St Margaret's is VKTP.

Orders are required to be submitted by Wednesday 11 December and will receive free delivery. Orders received after the cut-off date will be packed ASAP, however Campion Education cannot guarantee delivery of these orders prior to the commencement of Term 1, 2025. A delivery fee will be applied to all late orders and the amount will vary depending on the lateness of the order.

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 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.

Church Dress Hire – Year 6 Chapel Service

Hiring of the Church Dress for all Year 6 students for the end of year Chapel Service has now commenced. The Hire form is available on the school’s website here. Plain white fold down ankle socks (not St Margaret’s competition socks), clean brown school shoes and a white ribbon are to be worn with the dress for the Year 6 Chapel Service. 

Uniform Fitting Appointments – Online booking system

Bookings for October, November and 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.

Extended Trading Hours

Appointments can be made online via the school website or POD.

2024

25 Nov to 29 Nov                  Appointments only

2 Dec to 4 Dec                      Appointments only

2025

Customers without an appointment in January will be required to take a number and will be served as soon as a staff member is available.

Trading Hours (Term Time)

Advertise in the Online Business Directory

The St Margaret's P&F Association is delighted to once again be offering the opportunity for those in our community to advertise their business on the Online Business Directory, located on the St Margaret's website and linked directly from the POD. It is a fantastic opportunity to ensure you reach our entire St Margaret’s community which includes current parents, students, staff, prospective parents and students, as well as all Old Girls (alumni).

The 2024 Business Directory can be viewed via this link: www.stmargarets.qld.edu.au/community/business-directory

Pricing for an advertisement in the 2025 Online Business Directory will be $500 per listing and this will include:

• Listing for the 2025 school year
• Company Logo with hyperlink to your website
• Summary of your business (max. 100 words)
• Contact details
• Opportunity to offer special discount to St Margaret’s community
• The ability to update the advertisement at any time
• Links to the directory from the POD, as well as promotional posts for the Online Business Directory via St Margaret’s social media channels once per quarter
• An advertisement promoting the Online Business Directory will appear in the St Margaret’s annual Flyer Magazine, distributed to over 8,000 contacts
• Directory promoted to St Margaret’s parent community twice annually via Electronic Direct Mail (EDM) (distribution between 800 – 1,200).
• Businesses listed offered first right of refusal on P&F event sponsorships.

To list your business in the 2025 Business Directory, please registerby Thursday 21 November 2024.

Share the Christmas spirit with the P&F 2024 Bush and Beyond Christmas Raffle.

Prizes include a $1000 RM Williams voucher, artisan gifts made by Maggie's families, local luxury food offerings and festive family experiences.
The raffle will be drawn on Tuesday 19 November with all proceeds donated to the St Margarets Foundation to help school families in need.

Tickets are available via Raffletix:

Georgia Mitchell