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“So, my challenge to you all is to ensure your leadership focuses on these three things – the school (which is the belief), the students and staff (which is the people) and the service (which is the responsibility). This focus will strengthen the St Margaret’s student experience in 2024. You could be the kind of leader who wears the badge and enjoys the pocket but really goes along for the ride; or you can be the authentic leader who takes seriously your commitment and who will try to the best of her ability, to be there for others, to be a role model and to lead with integrity, energy, and compassion.

Effective leaders bring people together, they use their influence to support others, they inspire their teams, accomplish great things and when they have finished their time as leaders, they have left a legacy, that is, have an influence that outlasts their time as leader.”

In the Graduation and Awards Ceremony on the final day of classes for Year 12, I spoke to the student body about the Former US President Theodore Roosevelt’s 1910 speech about the Man in the Arena. I encouraged all students, but particularly our graduating students, to be the Woman in the Arena. If you are not familiar with his famous words, please read on. (Apologies for the non- inclusive language but it was a different time.) 

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."

Ros Curtis

At the moment our Year 12s are undertaking their external exams, and many of our students are in the middle of writing assignments and studying for assessments.

At school the staff are continuing to support the students right until the end of term. As we are now embarking on our last pieces of assessment for the year, students are urged to persist and work to their potential.

It is important though that they look after themselves and each other. They must ensure they are getting enough sleep, eat nutritious meals each day, and work at maintaining positive relationships with their family and friends around them.

Tomorrow, we celebrate World Teachers’ Day with our staff. We are incredibly grateful to all staff, both teaching and support staff, for the contribution they make to the education of our students here at St Margaret’s.

Karen Gorrie

There are eight stations set up each providing a different lens to mindfulness, awe and wonder. Some activities include:

1. Mandala Mindfulness: here, students are invited to fill large wooden mandalas with rainbow rice, slowly and mindfully, as a way of being present to the moment.
2. Wonderfully Made: here, students are invited to reflect on the words of Psalm 139: “For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am wonderfully made.” Students are then encouraged to think about something they like about themselves. Students have found this a moment to block out the constancy and pressure of messaging from social media and think about the gift that each person is to our community and the world.
3. Fizzy prayers: In this space, students are invited to drop a fizzing tablet into water and remember a person or a community that might be having a challenging time right now and needs peace.

Please feel free to pop into the chapel and have a look.

“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” – Rachel Carson

Rev’d Jazz Dow

The BSG is also involved in fundraising activities which help to provide equipment for our boarders. Due to the fundraising efforts of the BSG, this term the boarders have been the lucky recipients of an inflatable screen and projection system. This equipment was put to the test over the weekend when we took advantage of the beautiful weather and held our first outdoor movie night.

The girls flocked to Circular Drive, inflatable bean bags in hand, and set themselves up for a movie viewing of Spy Kids. From all accounts the girls thoroughly enjoyed themselves and going forward, this will be a regular inclusion on our activity calendar. We hope to also have the opportunity to invite other boarding schools along to enjoy movie nights with us.

We would like to sincerely thank the BSG for their generosity in providing the projection system and screen. It will be the source of much enjoyment for a long time to come.

Angela Crowe

At times, some girls come out of the exams and feel unhappy with their perception of how they went, and some girls are just unsure, but when it is done it is done and they should feel proud of how they have approached these exams from the onset. So, if your daughter is coming home unhappy about the exam, the questions and the things they did not know please reassure them. Tell them you are proud and remind them that the windscreen is bigger than the rear vision mirror. You need to glance back, but it is important to keep looking forward and navigate to the next bend on the road.

Finally, thank you to all Year 12 parents who are supporting their child in this. I am sure you too are feeling all the emotions that I feel with your daughters!

Year 11

Next week, I am beginning the first round of ATAR indication meetings with the Year 11 ATAR eligible students. They will all be emailed a booking link which can also be found on the Year 11 POD page. The purpose of these meetings is to discuss the girls progress so far, give them an indication of where they are heading and help them to make a plan moving forward. Parents are encouraged to attend this meeting either in person or via Teams/phone call.

Year 10

Year 10 students are busy getting into their school assessment for the term. It is only two short weeks until Study Hall, so all Year 10s should be planning their time carefully and factoring in additional study and review in the coming weeks.

Caitlin McCluskey

English

Year 7

• Danielle L. – High Distinction
• Jiayu S. – High Distinction
• Isobel S. – High Distinction

Year 8

• Lily O. – High Distinction
• Madeline R. – Distinction

Year 9

• Tia H. – High Distinction
• Jessica K. – High Distinction
• Matilda O. – High Distinction
• Beatrice M. – Distinction
• Lauren J. – Distinction

Mathematics

Year 7

• Danielle L. – High Distinction
• Ritz F. – Distinction

Year 9

• Jessica K. – Distinction

Year 10

• Jiayin F. – Distinction

Science

Year 7

• Danielle L. – High Distinction
• Piper C. – Distinction
• Ritz F. – Distinction
• Chloe N. – Distinction
• Allegra P. – Distinction
• Jiayu S. – Distinction

Year 9

• Jessica K. – Distinction

Writing

Year 7

• Danielle L. – High Distinction
• Valentino P. – Distinction
• Allegra P. – Distinction
• Isobel S. - Distinction

Year 8

• Madeline R. – High Distinction
• Hope C. – Distinction
• Lilly O. - Distinction

Year 9

• Jessica K. – Distinction
• Beatrice M. – Distinction

Chris Dunn

The mental health of today’s young people is concerning. Depression, anxiety and self-harm are sadly on the rise. As a school we have found these concerns have increased since Covid. Unfortunately, there are more risk factors than protective factors, facing young people growing up. To parent effectively, it is simply not enough to avoid the obvious dangers like abuse, neglect and overindulgence.

Parents as well as educators, therefore, need to arm themselves with practical skills, knowledge and strategies when it comes to raising children. Numerous studies suggest that the best-adjusted children are reared by parents who find a way to combine warmth and sensitivity with clear behavioural expectations which encourage resilience. The schools pastoral care team are another support to your daughters, we work closely with parents and outside health professionals to support the students. If you are looking for more resources regarding these various issues facing your daughters, please visit School Box on the Parent Resource Page on the POD.

Nikki Townsend

The theme of the day is to wear Red and educate parents, carers and educators. These adults are asked to start a conversation with children and young people about personal safety. S.R.C started the conversation at Assembly this week, they talked about the key child safety message Recognise, React and Report.

The key elements: Recognise, React and Report when children recognise that they are in an unsafe situation, we encourage them to think about what they could do to be safe again. They are encouraged to think about ways to react using real-life scenarios. Our students will also learn that breaking the rules (eg saying no to an adult who is behaving inappropriately) is sometimes necessary so that they can become safe again. Report: this means telling an adult in your life who cares about your safety when there is a problem. It is an adult who can keep you safe from harm and who can make a situation safe again for you.

Personal safety and body awareness are important aspects of the Daniel Morcombe Child Safety Curriculum and is taught in Pastoral Care and Health and Physical Education. The overview of the safety lessons is as follows:

For more information, please refer to the Parent Guides using the links below.

I would encourage parents to always continue the safety message. Thank you to the S.R.C. for presenting this Assembly under Ms Box’s guidance. The school’s adoption of this program demonstrates our ongoing commitment to child safety.

Angela Drysdale

Last week Mrs Drysdale and I addressed the Year 5 cohort about what makes a good leader. We spoke about embodying the school values, the ability to communicate with confidence, being organised and possessing initiative. We also referenced the fact that this is a ‘selection’ not just an ‘election’ process. The first step for the girls was to choose five students in their cohort (including themselves if they wished) who they believe make outstanding primary school captains. From here, in consultation with the Year 5 teachers, the Primary Leadership Team and our School Principal Ms Curtis, a shortlist will be created. These girls go on to be interviewed by the Leadership Team, present a speech based on a quote they are given on the day to the primary school staff and students and have the chance to be emcees for the Prep to Year 2 Nativity Play. This allows the girls to present their skills as attributes across a range of contexts relevant to the role. Later in the term all Year 5 girls will receive a nomination form for other leadership roles which is followed by an interview later this year or early next year, to which they will also bring their Leadership Passport. The Primary School Captains are announced at our Acknowledgement Assembly on Tuesday 21 November, with the rest of the roles finalised next year.

As the outgoing Year 6 students will know, all students are appointed as leaders in their final year of primary school, being inducted as House Leaders at the start of the year. The Year 6 girls have led their houses across a range of competitions and charity events throughout the year and will continue to do so right until the last day when they compete in the Interhouse Choral Competition. The Year 6 students were recently given an overview of their final weeks of primary school which includes all events scheduled and indicates those at which parents are welcome to join us to celebrate and mark the end of the primary school journey and to celebrate their contributions as leaders throughout the year. Taking the time to mark and acknowledge the Year 6 Leaders is also an important part of the leadership process, as is the selection process, so we look forward to this exciting period ahead for these girls.

Annette Box

Singing Recital Congratulations

There was a great turnout for Ms Taylor’s student recital held last week in the Arts Centre Foyer. Students performed a wide range of styles ranging from jazz and pop to musical theatre and film songs. All students are to be congratulated on their performances!

Student Congratulations

Thank you to Grace (Year 11) who provided a wonderful vocal performance of ‘The Climb’ at the recent Aspiring Young Women’s Networking Breakfast. The performance was very much appreciated by all in attendance. It was also fantastic to welcome back Old Girl and past Choral Captain Etienne Steven, as guest speaker at the event.

Interhouse Solo Music Competition

Thank you to all students who have registered for the Interhouse Solo Music Competition to be held throughout next week. The schedule with venues will be published by the end of the coming week. We look forward to hearing lots of wonderful performances whilst also finding out which house at St Margaret’s is the most musical!

2024 Music Ensemble Auditions

Thank you to all students who have auditioned for 2024 ensembles. Most ensemble lists are now available on the POD. Rock Band results will be made available by the end of the week.  

Music Support Group – Annual General Meeting

The St Margaret’s Music Department would like to extend special thanks to our 2023 Music Support Group office holders, president Antoinette Aquilina, vice-president Charlotte Davis, treasurer Katrina Carrick and secretary Mandy Kennedy. We are very grateful for your support of the St Margaret’s Music Program. Thank you to all parents who attended meetings and offered support in a variety of capacities throughout 2023.

The Annual General Meeting was held last Tuesday evening and we are pleased to announce the 2024 office holders:

President                   Antoinette Aquilina

Vice President          Charlotte Davis

Treasurer                  Katrina Carrick

Secretary                   Miranda Robinson

The next Music Support Group meeting will be held on Tuesday 30 January 2024 at 5:00pm in M’s Café. We encourage parents from both primary and secondary schools to become involved.

Brad King

Throughout the evening our respective sport captains provided an insight into the season that was, sharing their sports successes, learnings, and award recipients. A full list of awardees will be published in our St Margaret’s Link publication distributed at the end of the year.

A key highlight of the night was listening to our guest speaker, three-time Olympian and track and field athlete, Genevieve Gregson. Gen shared with our girls the importance of seizing opportunities and not being afraid of learning through our mistakes. She spoke of the need for sport to be treated as a long game, rather than short and that perseverance, resilience and enjoyment would put athletes in good stead towards achieving their goals.

I wish to congratulate all of our 2023 sport awardees and thank our captains, staff and wider community for a great evening.

2023 Sport Captains Lucy B & Alice O'T with special guest Genevieve Gregson

Winter Sport Team of the Year - Open Netball Team

Genevieve H (Year 12) presented with the Twelve9teen Courage & Integrity Award

Karen Brown, Sascha H (Year 12), Ms Talia O'Callaghan presented with Coach of the Year, Captain of the Year and The Service & Contribution to Sport Award

Mr Lloyd Knight

Director of Sport

Athletics – School Sport Queensland Championships

The Queensland Representative School Sport Track & Field State Championships were held in Brisbane from 10-15 October. Fifteen St Margaret’s students ran, jumped and threw with the best athletes from across the state.

The girls represented themselves and the Metropolitan North Regional exceptionally well, with many achieving new personal bests and qualifying for finals. Congratulations to all girls. They gained valuable experience, and the experience will undoubtedly spur them on to new heights in the future.

Special mentions go to Ashley Blackman (High Jump) and Ebony Okonkwo (100m, 200m) for being crowned state champions in their respective events.

-           Audrey B (Year 5) – 100m

-           Lucy P (Year 6) – 800m, 1500m

-           Georgiana R (Year 7) – 1500m

-           Lucy R (Year 7) – Javelin

-           Zara F (Year 7) – 100m, 400m, 800m

-           Ashley B (Year 9) – High Jump, Triple Jump, Hurdles

-           Charlize H (Year 8) – 400m, 800m

-           Georgina F (Year 9) – 100m, 200m

-           Charlie S (Year 10) – 3000m

-           Charlotte F (Year 9) – 100m, 200m, 4 x 100m

-           Coco F (Year 9) – 1500m

-           Ebony O (Year 10) – 100m, 200m, 4 x 100m

-           Leah C (Year 10) – 200m, 400m

-           Ruby E (Year 10) – 1500m

-           Ginger C (Year 11) – 2000m Steeplechase, 3000m

Mr Josh Partridge

Head of Athletics & Development

At St Margaret’s, the Private Speech and Drama program offers a fun, supportive environment for students to gain skills in interpersonal communication, presentation, performance and public speaking. Enrolments for Private Speech and Drama lessons for 2024 are now open for students who will be in Years 2 to 12 next year.

If you would like further information about the program, please contact the Coordinator via email mchamberlain@stmargarets.qld.edu.au or phone 3862 0750 or refer to the Private Speech and Drama Handbook on the website or Private Speech and Drama POD Page.

If you would like to enrol your daughter in Speech and Drama for 2024, please complete and return the Application for Tuition form by clicking .

Places in the Program are limited and are provided to continuing students and then to new students based on the order in which enrolment applications are received and according to availability of spaces in each year level. New enrolments are requested by Monday 20 November 2023.

Parents of current students – please remember to confirm or cancel your daughter’s place in the program for 2024 by completing and submitting the electronic form that was emailed to you by your daughter’s Speech and Drama teacher. Your consideration regarding this procedure is greatly appreciated. Accurate enrolment numbers are essential for ensuring successful timetabling, suitable staffing arrangements and a smooth start to the year for current and new students.

Lessons for 2024 will commence in week two of Term One. We are looking forward to another exciting year of cultivating confident, capable communicators.

Maria Chamberlain

Orders placed by midnight 30 November 2023 will receive free delivery. Orders received after this date will incur a $9.95 delivery fee. Orders placed after 22 December will be sent ASAP, but there is no guarantee of delivery before school re-commences on 22 January 2024.

Boarders ONLY are able to have their book packs delivered to St Margaret’s for collection on return to school in January 2024. Boarders are to confirm their delivery address as - Boarder – Deliver to St Margaret’s AGS Boarding House.

The booklists for Pre-Prep to Year 6 will be released by the end of October.

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. Church Dress Hire forms must be completed and signed by a parent or guardian. This form is available by clicking on the link below or from the Supply Shop page on the POD or from the School Supply Shop webpage. 

Completed and signed forms are to be returned to the School Supplies Shop, along with a deposit of $115. 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 & December 2023 and January 2024 are 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.

Trading Hours (Term Time)

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

Public Holidays Closed

The Supplies Shop will operate extended hours for October to December 2023 and January 2024. Extended trading hours are listed below:

We have fun-filled and exciting activities planned for our December/ January School Holiday Program. Further details of the program can be found here (PDF 283KB). Boys and girls, siblings, friends and family welcome!

Please refer to the attached Information Guide for full booking terms and conditions. We are unable to accept bookings via email or text message. The OSHC registration and Debitsuccess form must be completed, signed and sent back to us to finalise your booking. Please read the information guide carefully as some information has changed. OSHC Registration and Debitsuccess can be completed via the My Family Lounge.

PLEASE COMPLETE YOUR VACATION CARE BOOKING FORM VIA THE MY FAMILY LOUNGE APP

We are very excited to inform you that St Margaret’s OSHC has subscribed to a fantastic online Booking and Waitlist management program called QK Enrol. This program will give you access to manage your own account information, where you will have the ability to make bookings requests and allows you to complete and submit an online enrolment form for your child. You can do this and much, much more all within a parent portal called ’My Family Lounge’.

How do I log in?

Please navigate to the link below and either sign in with your existing My Family Lounge account or Register for an account if you do not already have one. Please note all families who have previously submitted an enrolment form will have an account already set up; all you will need to do is click ‘forgotten password’ and use the email address you used to receive this form.

When making a Vacation Care booking please select Casual bookings, not Permanent.

What is the cost?*

Fees: $68 per day*

Bookings close: 20 November 2023

*Incursions and excursions incur additional costs. These are compulsory for all students and therefore you are able to claim CCS.

What are the hours of operation?

The service is open from 7:00am until 6:00pm.

How can I obtain more information?

If you would like further information regarding our OSHC Program or if you would like to make a booking, feel free to contact me on 0423 547 653 or email: oshc@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Palu Ingram

Date:     Friday 1 March 2024

Venue:  Rivershed at Howard Smith Wharves

Cost:     $199 per person – includes a meal and drinks package.

Tickets: Available on Try Booking

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.

RSVP:    Ticket sales close at 5.00pm Thursday 15 February, unless sold out prior.

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

This event is proudly supported by Supporting Sponsor, Morgans and Maggie’s Supporter, Belbaker.

Past Student Awards Nominations are closing soon. Don’t miss your opportunity to recognise an outstanding Old Girl.

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:

1. 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
2. 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.
3. 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 10 November, 2023. 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:

Lara Pickering