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Each year, the students choose a charity to support with the proceeds of a raffle. This year, the students supported the school charity for the year, Zig Zag which was chosen for the school after extensive research by our Year 12 Philanthropy Leaders. 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, Lauren, Freya, and Marina 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.

Today, our lunch is in support of our 2023 School Charity, The Zig Zag Young Women’s Resource Centre. Zig Zag provides a place of healing, support, and social action and change for young women in Brisbane. Zig Zag work alongside young women, acknowledging that social, political, cultural, and economic contexts limit young women’s power, creating vulnerability and disadvantage. In particular, Zig Zag provides services to young women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Zig Zag was established in 1988, as an initiative of the Youth Advocacy Centre to provide a service that responded to the unique needs of young women in the Brisbane region; these identified needs included responding to issues relating to violence and harassment, accommodation, and the need to create a safe place for young women to obtain advice, support and information.

Established as a community-based organisation based on principles of feminism and community development, Zig Zag has facilitated many projects and workshops over the past 30 years. The organisation has also hosted many Young Women’s Forums where young women have been able to make recommendations to workers, organisations, and Government policy makers on how to best meet their needs.

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. We hope to raise as much money as possible today for Zig Zag….With generosity of spirit, we can seek to emulate the foundational intentions of the Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Advent.’

The school as a whole (in addition to many other philanthropy and service inspired projects this year) raised more than $10,000 for this locally based charity.

Should you wish to donate directly to Zig Zag in this Christmas season, I am sure they will appreciate your support.

As part of our Staff Giving this year, the staff of St Margaret’s will do a drive to support Zig Zag with pantry and personal hygiene items.

Our 2024 Philanthropy Leaders are currently deciding on the school charity for 2024 and I look forward to our student community supporting that charity next year.

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

Our service gave us the opportunity to pause and prepare a place for God, first in our hearts, and then in the world in which we live. We used Shaun Tan’s short story “Eric”, a story about welcome and expectations, to think about the theme of welcoming and making space for God and each other in the lead up to Christmas and its busyness and festivities.

Advent is about making space for the work of love. When we make space for God and therefore the people around us, we make space for who they are, we welcome them as they are (not as we want them to be), and in so doing, our own hearts are expanded, and we open ourselves to transformation. This Advent and Christmas season, let us remember our story, a story of welcome, and prepare a place for the love that God gifts us, and then gift that love to our community and the world around us - that we may be signs of healing in a hurting world.

Thank you to the choirs, Serenata and Piccolo, who performed at the service and to Mr King, Ms Brennan, Mr Ng and Ms Walker who facilitated the music, and to all who made the service a beautiful occasion and created a new tradition in our school calendar.

Rev’d Jazz Dow

On a daily basis, the staff demonstrate, and role model an appreciation for our community. What makes it special is the similarities and differences between people. We encourage the girls to value differences between people and demonstrate empathy and a willingness to learn about people different from themselves. Each girl in the boarding community is a unique individual and they learn to identify what is important to them and what they expect from themselves, taking into account, the beliefs and expectations that others have of them. Using dignity as the foundational element of our boarding culture gives young people and the staff that work with them, a common language, principles, and tactics to create and maintain a boarding climate where all can engage and be a part of this community.

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 1 December 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 a final End of Semester 2 report from the school as final results will be recorded on your daughters Queensland Certificate of Education that is sent from QCAA.

Chris Dunn

A child can form an opinion of their own body at a very young age. Research suggests that children as young as three years old can have body image issues, and there are many things that influence them. Parents play a critical role in helping children develop a positive body image.

Today’s media can negatively influence our young people on what is the “ideal” body shape and size. The problem is, a “perfect” body doesn’t really exist. Although body image issues are mostly associated with girls, boys are also affected. A negative body image can trigger eating disorders in some children and parents need to be aware of the signs. Their child’s eating habits and language around appearance can be an indicator. Parents and teachers need to help students understand that appearance does not equate to an individual’s health or success. For further information please go to School Box in the Parent Resource Sections to find more resources on the POD.

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.

Teachers and parents have a significant role in encouraging children, at any age, to say why they are grateful. Adults should model being grateful again and again and encourage children to think more deeply in terms of why they’re grateful for someone. Also, by sharing appreciation the giver will benefit as research has found that expressing gratitude contributes to the health and wellbeing of the giver.

Our students have much to be grateful for; living in a safe country, with a loving family who recognise the importance of a good education. Research shows the success of this education is impacted by firstly the student and secondly the teacher. Students, therefore, should be grateful and show appreciation for their passionate teachers and the role they play in their lives now and in the future. Each day, our teachers plan for each child’s learning and guide and build relationships with all children through listening, displaying empathy, 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 her teachers and make everyday world teachers’ day.  

Angela Drysdale

2024 Private Music Tuition

If your daughter is currently undertaking private music tuition, she will automatically be placed on her current teachers’ roll for 2024. Parents do not need to fill in a new application form. However, if your daughter wishes to discontinue lessons in 2024, we ask that you please email directly the Music Department at music@stmargarets.qld.edu.au prior to the end of the school year.

Return of hire instruments

Please note that all hired instruments are to be returned to the Sister Helen Orchestra Room Music Department no later than 3:00pm on Friday 17 November for cleaning and repairs. If students wish to hire an instrument over the Christmas holidays, they still must return their instrument by Friday 17 November for the music department to complete a full instrument audit. Students hiring an instrument over the holidays will be able to collect their instrument on Thursday 23 November (last day of term), provided the Holiday Instrument Hire Form has been completed (which may be found on the Music Cocurricular POD page).

Music Support Group

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

St Margaret’s competed across 8 rounds, determining the top four teams to play off at finals. In 2023 our Intermediate A team, consisting of Eva L (Year 8), Tayla M (Year 9), Scarlet K (Year 9) and Abby (Year 9), qualified through to finals and represented St Margaret’s proudly against All Hallows’. Despite falling just short in securing the victory, our team played extremely well and challenged each set.

Across the program our girls played with plenty of spirit and healthy sense of competitiveness. We are proud of the improvement and representation of all the girls involved in the Knowles Cup this year.

Mr Lloyd Knight

Director of Sport

Water Polo – QLD All Schools

Congratulations to the girls who represented St Margaret’s at the recent Queensland All Schools Water Polo Competition. The All Schools is the premier school-based Water Polo competition within Queensland and invites the top school teams from across the state to compete. Demonstrating the strong depth of water polo skills at our school, St Margaret’s entered two teams into the Middle Years Division (Years 7-9) of the competition.

Across two days of competition, our teams competed fiercely, challenging schools from across the state. Our St Margaret’s Blue Team built unity and confidence across the competition, with day two proving to be their highlight. The Blue’s won three of their four matches on day two, demonstrating the development and potential of their team.

1 St Margaret's Blue Team: Emma P (Coach) Michi M, Isabela C, Maddie P, Annabel C, Elize R, Katy C, Lexi D, Pepper S, Jemima G, Lola B, Rose J

The St Margaret’s Orange Team flexed their muscles throughout the duration of the competition. On day one they defeated competition favourites All Hallows’ and Brisbane State High, setting up a finals day play off on day two. After a convincing semi-final win against St Rita’s, the team progressed through to the grand final match against the Barbarians. The first half saw our girls get away to an early lead, built off the back of strong defence and pressure on the play. However, some quick goals in the second half saw the Barbarians put our girls under pressure. Our Maggies lifted in the final term securing St Margaret’s the title of champion schoolgirl team in 2023.

Final Score: St Margaret’s Orange 9 : Barbarians 6

Goal Scores: Bless D (5), Annabelle S (2), Lucy St (1) & Charlotte B (1).

2 St Margaret's Orange: Clementine C, Annabelle S, Annie L, Adelaide B, Lucy S, Charlotte B, Ruby C, Taylah N, Bless D, Georgie S (Coach), Danica G, Charlie P

The All Schools was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the talent and abilities of our water polo girls. The opportuntity brought together students in Years 7 to 9 to work together and learn from each other. We are extremely proud of all the girls invovled and wish to congratuatle them on their acheivements.

Mr Lloyd Knight

Director of Sport

The Junior Program, open to girls in Years 1-3, will run from Monday 27 November to Friday 1 December. Click here for more information. (PDF 1MB)

The Program, open to girls in Years 4-7, will run from Monday 4 December to Friday 8 December. Click here for more information. (PDF 1MB)

Please RSVP by 20 November to cmazzotta@stmargarets.qld.edu.au. 

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 – Delivery to St Margaret’s AGS Boarding House.

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. 

Uniform Fitting Appointments – Online booking system

Bookings for November and 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 Shops extended hours for October to December 2023 and January 2024 and hours are listed below:

Fittings

Students entering Year 10 in 2024 should consider coming into the Supplies Shop to be fitted for their blazer prior to the end of Term 4, 2023. This will ensure the best fit and will allow time for a custom make blazer for the students who require extra or shorter length through the body and arms. All orders will need to be placed by 24 November for a March 2024 delivery. Students can visit the Supplies Shop during our opening hours with a blazer fitting taking around 10 minutes per student.

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

The raffle will be drawn on Tuesday 21 November, with all proceeds donated to the St Margaret’s Foundation Scholarship Fund to support needs-based bursaries. 

Tickets are available via Raffletix:

Don’t forget to secure your ticket for the 2024 St Margaret’s Fathers’ Dinner

Hear from guest speaker, Australian Olympic Royalty Steven Bradbury OAM, while enjoying a meal and drinks package at the Rivershed at Howard Smith Wharves.

Date:     Friday 1 March 2024

Venue:  Rivershed at Howard Smith Wharves

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

RSVP:    5.00pm Thursday 15 February, unless sold out prior.

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

Purchase your ticket online via

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

Past Student Awards Nominations are closing soon

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