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At the Academic Assembly on Tuesday, I spoke to the students about the role motivation plays in determining academic outcomes. I referred to research which has been conducted in order to answer the questions - What distinguishes top students from others? Are they simply smarter? 

Some of this research included longitudinal students comparing the role of IQ (Innate ability) and Self-discipline in adolescents.

The researchers have found that it is motivation and self-discipline that determines academic achievement rather than innate ability. In fact, they also discovered that self-discipline will account for more variance in academic performance than will IQ. Simply put, students who achieve highly at school want to achieve higher grades and they are ready to work hard and get into good study routines in order to do so.

The research into what makes a good student identified specific strategies that successful students use to enhance their learning. Firstly, they rehearse their learning - that is they read, re-read, make lists and memorise important details. Secondly, they elaborate on their learning. They try to fit new knowledge into what they know already; they think about the information they are learning in order to make sense of it.

All this rehearsal and elaboration requires organisation and academically strong students are organised. Despite having effective learning processes, students never take their learning for granted - they test themselves with sample questions; they pay attention in class; they block out distractions when they are learning and when they encounter difficulties, they become flexible, changing strategies, asking the teacher, and seeking help when required.

Good students have commitment to their studies and they know that success is always about effort, and there are some simple ways a student can set themselves up for success and progress. They are:

• set high standards and work towards them
• find enjoyment in your learning - develop some curiosity, ask questions, seek answers. That is what learning is all about.
• don’t think ‘if only’… take responsibility for yourself and say ‘why not me?’
• stick to the goals you are setting
• work for yourself, not to please others
• learn from criticism and mistakes
• use the feedback you receive and aim for improvements. 

Please be assured that we are only a phone call or an email away if there are any issues or concerns. We also love hearing of your daughter’s achievements as well, so please feel free to let us know those as well.

In the Secondary school, the subject teacher or form teacher is your first port of call for questions or concerns. Curriculum related matters are managed by Heads of Faculty, whilst pastoral matters are overseen by the Heads of Year. In the Primary school, the classroom teacher is your first port of call for all curriculum or pastoral matters. If further assistance is needed, please contact our Educational Leadership Team.

All students will soon be learning of their assessment schedules for the semester. It is important that students diarise these important dates and share with their families. Having their families check in on them to ensure their daughters are progressing well is just as important as their teachers knowing how they are progressing towards their assessment.

Karen Gorrie

What do I mean by a ‘celebration mindset’? 
“We are so lucky to have you in our lives! You make me feel special!” (said to a child)
“Last semester my Maths result went from a B- to a B!”
“I just used a new word!”
“I woke up this morning in my bed, had breakfast and a nice cup of tea!”
“My belly-button is fascinating!”
“My tennis serve went in after trying for 5 minutes!”
“It’s good to give my mind a little rest. I’ve struggled with this assignment for an hour”.
“I wrote reminders in my diary and now I feel ready for tomorrow!”

I feel that a ‘celebration mindset’ is similar to recognising our everyday blessings. Perhaps it is a little more like Pollyanna’s ‘glad game’. I spoke on Assembly about achievement and not underestimating ourselves or others. A step forward is still a step forward. Those who came to receive certificates on assembly for academic achievement were ‘seen’ by those present. However, each member of our school is valued for their own academic journey and their own path of learning. Each one is ‘seen’ by their teachers. When one feels seen, not overlooked and not underestimated, there can be a real sense of value and purpose. God calls us to be refreshed and renewed. God calls us by name to be filled and overflowing with purpose and passion for life and living. We are called not to underestimate who we are, what we can do or achieve. We are called to celebrate each and every day. What small moments and experiences might you cherish and celebrate today?

Youth Group of Girls at St Mark’s Anglican Church, Clayfield
Youth group starts this Friday night at 7pm for girls aged in Years 7-10. Activities this week include diary making and decorating. Bring a friend and also check out the flyer for a visiting musician in 2 weeks’ time: http://stmarksclayfield.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Youth-Group-Dan-Warlow.pdf.

Years 7 and 8 Family Service - Monday 13 February 2017, 6:30pm, School Chapel
Each year, St Margaret’s holds a series of Family Services where students and their families are invited to join for a time of community and celebration. The 2017 Years 7 and 8 Combined Family Service will be on 13 February. A note with further details will be coming from Heads of Year soon. Students are strongly encouraged to attend, a roll will be taken by teachers, and if there is any reason your daughter and family are unable to attend, then a note to their Head of Year is required.

The theme for this Year’s 7 and 8 Family Service will be “At First Sight … Love?” Members of the Senior Leadership Team, Form teachers and others members of the St Margaret’s community will be joining with families to explore this idea through song, Scripture and drama. Traditionally, a retiring collection will be taken at the conclusion of the Service to support the Bush Ministry Fund.

For more information, please contact me on 3862 0716 or ncolledge@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Upcoming Services
Friday 10 February: 2:15pm, Primary Chapel, ALL are welcome!
Monday 13 February: 8:45am, Year 6 Leaders’ Induction, Chapel
Monday 13 February: 6:30pm, Years 7 and 8 Family Service, Chapel
Wednesday 22 February: 6pm, Boarders’ Eucharist with Baptisms, Chapel
Friday 24 February: 2pm, Primary School Eucharist, Chapel, ALL are welcome!

Prayer for the Week Ahead
God of Grace, God of Hope, this week may we find many small and unusual moments to cherish and celebrate! Even if we underestimate ourselves, help us to always remember that you anticipate great and amazing things from us and for us. No matter our strengths, no matter our challenges, may we celebrate that which sets us apart and makes us ‘new creations’ each and every day.
Amen.

The Reverend Nicki Colledge

The girls usually learn best when they keep a consistent study timetable and distribute their study time evenly across a number of days. Supervised prep in the Boarding House helps the girls to develop this skill. The routine of studying at the same time every night soon becomes habit. They will also often make trade-offs, sacrificing certain activities to make time for others. One of the greatest trade-offs among teenagers is sleep. Fuligni and Hardway (2006) argue that study time is the most significant determinant in high school student’s sleep time, more than time spent with friends, family or social media.

When students are sleep deprived they experience greater fatigue the following day and consequently find learning more difficult. Therefore, more study time at the expense of sleep may not benefit students as much as they think. The best strategy for students who juggle the demands of school is to pace their study consistently throughout the day, week and month. The Boarding staff work with the girls to ensure they are getting enough sleep so they are working at their optimum at school during the day. The rules and routines of Boarding teach them many good habits which they will use in the future.

Lesa Fowler 

Before we move onto the presentations I would like you to think about some ideas I am going to share with regarding your learning this term girls. I encourage you to ask yourself two questions consistently - when you are in your classes and when you are doing your homework.

1. What am I learning?
2. Why am I learning it?

Asking these questions and really thinking about them will help you to engage more deeply with the purpose of what you are doing. Sometimes we can get so caught up with what we are doing, with the task that we forget to really consider what we are meant to be learning. Remember that learning can only happen inside your own head - so that’s where the action should take place. The first step in good learning is understanding your purpose.

I have also included a summary of the pockets and certificates presented at the Assembly this week and how they are awarded.

As most of you are aware there are three types of awards being presented this morning. Progress Certificates are being presented to students who have improved their GPA by at least one whole point in recognition of the progress they have made in their learning. In many ways, these are the most difficult awards to achieve as they require a change in behaviour.

Academic Full pockets will be given to those students who have achieved a Grade Point Average of 13 or above with no grade lower than a B. This means that they have achieved at least an A- average. Such an average requires a consistent and dedicated effort across all subjects because it includes every subject that is studied for 3 or more lessons a week. Half pockets are being awarded to those students with a Grade Point average between 12 and 13, with no results lower than a B. Again, this is in recognition of very good academic results. 

At St Margaret’s there is an expectation that all students complete aspects of the school work at home. I believe that it is important for us to think about this type of work as an extension of the school day and the learning that has occurred. As educators we spend our days talking to the students about ways to learn and take in information, in this information rich world. Some research professes that homework takes away from student free time; therefore, I think it is important to change our thinking about homework and see it more as home learning. Home learning needs to be linked with student quiet time. It is a time to think, reflect and complete activities that are challenging and interesting.

While requirements may vary from time to time with subjects, as parents you can help your daughter develop sound study habits by establishing a predictable routine, encouraging effective use of time and helping them to be organised.

Establish a predictable routine. If homework is done at the same time each night, getting started is usually less of an issue.

Establish a good working environment for students. Make sure they have a quiet area (away from distractions) that is well lit and with good ventilation. A table or a desk makes a good work space.

Encourage children to work reasonably quickly and efficiently and adhere to a set time limit. A little work each night is more productive than packing it all into one weekly session.

Encourage children to become organised by planning homework around their extra-curricular activities. The Assessment Calendars and diary will help students to organise themselves.

Keep explanations simple and practical when helping a child. If they become upset or frustrated and the atmosphere becomes tense, stop helping.

If your child has a problem, talk about the best way to find a solution. Perhaps between the two of you it can be worked out.

Be realistic and don’t expect to solve all home learning difficulties. When in doubt, suggest to your daughter to talk to her teacher and let him / her know the problem.

Remember also, that you daughter can be assisted to develop these skills by attending the Supervised Study Sessions, which are held in the Eunice Library from 5pm to 7:30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

Nicole Devlin 

Outdoor education promotes active learning through direct personal experience and offers fun, excitement and adventure within a safe framework beyond the school classroom. Research shows that the outdoors impacts powerfully upon a young person’s intellectual, physical, spiritual, social and moral development. Building self-confidence and self-esteem is important to any young person’s development. Outdoor activities provide valuable alternatives, non-competitive avenues for achievement, as well as opportunities to develop independence and self-reliance. Through successfully facing up to the challenges, overcoming fears and apprehensions, the girls make major strides in confidence, with implications for all aspects of their development. All students are encouraged to assist each other and to celebrate their individual successes.

Awareness of the needs and contributions of others and the ability to sustain effective relationships, at work and in the family, are imperative. In order to lead and to lead well, students need to develop emotional intelligence. Experience in the outdoors provides rich chances for personal and social development through carefully structured programs focusing on group work in challenging situations. Belief, care, tolerance and the willingness to give and accept support are all encouraged. Opportunities are presented to develop effective inter-personal behaviour and to work cooperatively and effectively in teams.

Outdoor recreation introduces young people to a range of worthwhile leisure pursuits which enables them to develop the skills and knowledge essential for safe participation. Outdoor exercise contributes greatly to health and fitness and continuing participation in outdoor pursuits encourages the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle. Exposing students to these activities demonstrates the purposeful use of leisure time and is seen as making an important contribution to a fulfilling lifestyle.

The program also introduces young people to the environment developing understanding appreciation, wonder and respect. It nurtures care of the environment and aids young people to see themselves as global citizens with an awareness of the need for sustainable use of the world’s natural resources.

Resource:

I would like to thank the following staff members for their assistance with Year 7 Camp: Megan Gscheidle, Nan Dodd, Emily Labinsky, Dimity Harris, Brad King, Jenny Matheson, Brittany Graham, Desley Upton, Jayne Schinckel and Reverend Nicki Colledge.

Year 7 parents, please check next week’s eNews article for student reflections on the camp.

 

 

Catch-up Photo Day – MSP Photography
Please be advised that MSP Photography will be in Eton Hall between 7:30am until 10:30am on Friday 10 February 2017, to take individual photographs of students who missed out on having their photo taken last Friday 3 February 2017.

Nikki Townsend

Hannah Campbell (Year 8) and Lillian Campbell (Year 7)
In December, we attended the HASSE Space Camp in the US for two weeks. It was an incredibly busy time where we covered a lot of science. We had our first week in Huntsville, Alabama, at the US Space and Rocket Centre. Here we took part in astronaut training and a range of activities to simulate a real space mission. We launched our own rockets and built robots as well.

Our second week was in Houston, Texas, where we spent time in a Cell Lab solving mystery cases, dissecting sharks and hearing first-hand accounts from aeronautical engineers and past astronauts. Throughout the trip, the focus was on the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens. We are now hoping that many of those habits are ingrained in us. 

Justine Solomon (Year 10)
At the start of the Christmas holidays, a group of 26 girls from girls’ schools around Brisbane headed to America for space camp. The experience was fantastic. The first week, in Huntsville Alabama, ranged from new knowledge about space and rockets to space mission training and pretending you were on the moon. Our large group split into two to complete all the tasks with the senior group winning the mission patch prize at graduation. After that we went to Houston where we met with schools from around Australia to complete more science activities and building on public speaking and skills as teens. Some of the highlights were the robotics day as well as the shark dissection and crime scene investigation. We also went to an NBA game and enjoyed a shopping trip amongst all the adventure. All in all, it was a jam-packed experience of fun with new friendships made with girls who don’t attend St Margaret’s.

Phoebe Coates (Year 12)
In January 2017, I attended the National Youth Science Forum in Canberra. The two-week camp went above and beyond in compensating for a 22-hour bus ride. Along with 200 other like-minded students, I was able to experience the front line of medicine, innovation and scientific break-through. I was in Blackburn, a sub-group that focused on medicine; however, the interests varied, including engineering, maths, IT, physics and earth and environmental science. In our group, we could map and differentiate genetics, make ointments, test medication, dissect organs, discuss the routine and complications of being a paramedic, surgeon, doctor, researcher or specialist, visit the CERN Institute, Questacon, Parliament House, the Canberra and National Universities, the National Museum and Art Gallery, the pathology lab and mortuary of the Canberra Hospital and attend lectures and dinners by some of the most prestigious scientists from around the globe. To think that that wasn’t even half of it. 

For those reading thinking ‘wow, what a nerd,’ you’re absolutely right. However, this event was the most jam-packed, fascinating and social experience of my life. We swam, danced, dined, cheered and performed together, playing musical instruments and sport whenever we could. The friends in my table, floor and interest group are ones I’ll keep forever and the networking NYSF provided has connected me to places I didn’t know existed. Recruiters from the best Universities and institutes in Australia were present and I’m looking forward to attending a Next Step Program at the University of Melbourne in April. While the application process was long, it was worth the writing, waiting and interviews. None of this would have been possible without the support of Hamilton Rotary and all the staff and organisations that ran NYSF. It has redirected not only my passions and aspirations for the future, but also the way I view the world on microscopic and massive levels. Consider NYSF; it’ll blow your mind.

Science Opportunities
Oxbridge Academic Programs have been welcoming intellectually adventurous students to Europe and the USA for over 30 years. The programs are for students aged 13-18, with the goal of giving young people the opportunity to live and study in the historic and scholarly centres that are Oxford, Cambridge, St Andrews and Paris, to name a few. Their science classes offer a variety of in-depth and hands-on medical courses ranging from Medicine to Neuropsychology and Astronomy to Marine Biology. Please contact info@oxbridgeprograms.com for more information about the programs offered.

Robotics Club
On Wednesday 15 February, we will be joined in E102 at 3:45pm by Robogals from UQ. One of their missions is to demonstrate to school age students, through hands-on experience and being role models, what engineering is and that being a good engineer is not related to gender. This workshop is particularly aimed at girls in Years 5-8 and will run for approximately 45-60 minutes.

We would also like to encourage girls in these year levels to join our new Robotics Club. Our first meeting will be on Friday 10 February at lunchtime in E102.

Trish Kirkpatrick
Head of Faculty - Science and Technology

Incoming Exchange Students
Visiting exchange students began arriving on 20 January with the last to arrive on 3 February. We warmly welcome them to St Margaret’s: Chloe Storie-Soth (Shawnigan Lake, Canada), Madison Baxter and Lauren De Mello (Crofton House, Canada), and Helen Quinn and Phebe Perdue (Emma Willard, USA). They have excitedly transitioned into Years 10 and 11 and St Margaret’s school life.

  

Lily Devereaux and Isabelle Cox are currently on their Rowing Exchange at St Margaret’s College in Christchurch, New Zealand. They have already been to two rowing camps and are having a fantastic exchange experience so far. I have included a letter from them below:

So far, we are doing really well, prepared for everything except for these breezy below 20 days and cold nights! We think we should’ve taken the “girls it’s not like our summer” more seriously! But we are finally starting to adjust (either that or its just getting warmer!). After the initial meeting of our host family at the airport and a few days to settle in and get over the first wave of homesickness, we were taken on a brief tour around Christchurch. We soon discovered we’re not in Brisbane anymore! This was made clear by the absence of Woolies and Westfield. However, this earthquake shaken city is not lacking in character or beauty! For us, it was a cultural shock to see some major damage to buildings, like the city’s big church, still standing (just) from the unfortunate 2011 earthquake. The next few days were packed full of touristy things to do. We even found snow! Even if it was a little fake and man made in the Antarctic Centre, it still counts. Doesn’t it? 

We spent last week in a small town called Twizel, where we rowed for seven days straight! 6am wake ups in 6 degrees, to then bike 6km to the lake, where we would row in clear blue water (a nice change from the ‘brown snake’ which we proudly call the Brisbane river). However, unfortunately for us the phrase, “Happy Australia Day!!!” just really wasn’t catching on… and thus we spent a lot of our Australia Day living through our friends back home with the help of social media. This may have caused the very brief second wave of homesickness (so worth it though!). Although we soldiered on and continued to row, run, erg and bike our way through the camp. 

We thought we could row no longer… and then came the first of many ‘small’ regattas. These ‘small’ regattas weren’t as ‘small’ as we had thought. Once we saw the dozens of not only schools but clubs as well flooding through the Twizel campgrounds, it was clear that this was more than any Head of the River that the banks of Lake Kawana had ever seen.

Among the crowd of Kiwi’s, we saw a Maggies man at heart. Ross! This was a face we knew all too well from the St Margaret’s rowing shed, but the fluorescent brown we’re used to had been replaced with the Navy colours representing one of our new rival schools’. Luck for us, he still had time to share some tips with his old Aussie friends. Over the week, we met a lot of people and way too many names to remember, but with time we got there. 

Then came school. Another 60 names and hundreds, and we mean hundreds, of unfamiliar faces walking through unknown hallways. School has never seemed so big. A bit daunting at first but things slowly got better as the day progressed, until Izzy got sent home five hours in, with strep throat. This left Lily alone (all alone) in the Boarding House. As Lily settled into the daily life of an SMC girl, Izzy settled back into her queen-sized bed. But next week is a new beginning (with hopefully no more 2km or 30 minute ergs).
 
As the days dragged on we were more and more eager to see the beautiful beachside country of the South Island of New Zealand on this long weekend. So, if we are lucky enough to get a window seat (or just a seat in general) we might actually get to see it on the bus on our way to rowing camp. But who’s complaining? 

Looking back on the past two weeks, it’s scary how time flies and the fact that we are already a quarter of the way to Maardi. I wonder how much more we can fit in the next eight weeks! 
We are already thankful for this experience and know it will be extremely worthwhile. 

Kind Regards 
Izzy and Lily

Angelin Achari
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Cluster Program
The cluster program in the Primary School is a manifestation of our commitment to differentiation and providing targeted instruction at students’ level of development.  Cluster groups have begun and teachers are closely monitoring students. Groups are fluid and student movement will occur over coming weeks and throughout the year and according to student’s knowledge, skills and competency and will be informed by ongoing assessment.

In 2017, the Cluster programs focuses on the following:

Years 1 – 2 – Across Year Level Cluster - Reading focus. Students in Years 1 – 2 are clustered to provide texts of the right level of challenge and to address the comprehension strategies identified as needing reinforcement and targeted instruction. Aspects of reading such as fluency, vocabulary and expression are also addressed in order to build on the skills taught in core English classes in the Getting Reading Right Program. This program focuses on developing student’s accuracy and decoding skills. Ongoing assessment of students across all literacy domains will inform further cluster priorities throughout the year. 

Years 3-6 - Across Year Level Cluster - Grammar, Spelling, Writing focus. Students in Years 3-6 are all involved in daily Cluster lessons which focus on developing their spelling, grammar and writing knowledge, skills and understanding. Spelling Mastery, a direct instruction program (found to have a very high effect size on student achievement) is taught for 20 - 25 minutes each day. The program is levelled according to the complexity of spelling rules, spelling patterns and word difficulty. Some levels focus on reinforcing the spelling of high frequency words and mastering knowledge of basic suffixes, prefixes and base words, whilst other levels focus on applying knowledge of suffixes, prefixes and base words to decode more challenging multisyllabic words. Weekly spelling tests provide important feedback to teachers in relation to whether learned material has been mastered and ongoing revision enables students to ensure they fully understand the focus spelling patterns and rules taught. Cluster literacy lessons across Years 3-6 also focus on explicitly teaching elements of grammar, punctuation and vocabulary. Differentiation of grammar, punctuation and vocabulary enables students to apply learned skills to writing contexts. One cannot effectively use an adverbial phrase, until they have mastered adverbs. Students are grouped accordingly to their level of understanding and teaching objectives are targeted to develop a comprehensive understanding of the language conventions needed for effective writing. All students in Years 3-6 undertake a regular ‘Big Write’ (on demand timed writing) to enable them to transfer learned concepts to writing.

Year 3-6 - In-Year Level Cluster - Mathematics focus. Building upon a very successful trial of In-Year-Level Cluster in Mathematics in Year 6 last year, all students in Years 3-6 are clustered in their year level for Mathematics lessons each day. In doing so, teachers can differentiate instruction accordingly to students’ level of conceptual understanding across mathematical strands. All students in a year level will cover the same topics and content from the Australian Curriculum. Differentiation will occur through the level of problem-solving and logical reasoning students undertake. Students requiring enrichment and extension, work at a faster pace and apply their knowledge to more abstract and challenging problems requiring logical thinking.

Mathematical understandings develop very sequentially and mastery of foundational skills is essential to be able to move onto more complex mathematical concepts. To this end, girls who have gaps in their learning, or require further consolidation of foundational skills will undertake the Junior Elementary Maths Program. This Program (a direct instruction program) ensures mastery of knowledge and skills across all strands and mathematical concepts. Students answer questions across a wide range of concepts each day (15 - 20 questions). Any incorrect answers are dealt with on the spot (referred to as de-bugging) and student understanding is monitored daily.

The level of targeted differentiation enabled by the Cluster Program is highly advantageous for all learners, particularly in the targeted areas of spelling, grammar, punctuation, vocabulary and mathematics. Ensuring comprehensive mastery of these foundational literacy and numeracy skills is critical in the primary years of education and the programs implemented in the Primary school are informed by thorough research and are evidenced to support academic attainment. In saying this, I also recall some of the information discussed at Parent Information Evening which outlined that the student themselves has the greatest impact on their academic attainment.

“Teachers open the doors, but students must enter themselves.”
Independent Schools of Queensland - 2017

The best programs in the word can only achieve the best outcomes if students are motivated, driven and focused.

Photo Catch Up Day
Please be advised that MSP Photography will be in Eton Hall between 7:30am until 10:30am on Friday 10 February 2017, to take individual photographs of students who missed out on having their photo taken last Friday 3 February 2017.

Upcoming Events

Date	Event
Friday 10 February	Individual Photo Catch Up Day
Monday 13 February	Year 6 Leaders’ Induction Service and Morning Tea, 8:30am Chapel
Friday 17 February	Class Parent Representatives Morning Tea, 8:30am Primary Library
Wed 22 - Fri 24 February	Year 4 Camp - Alexandra Headland
Friday 24 February	Primary Eucharist, 2pm Chapel
Wednesday 1 March	Ash Wednesday Service
Friday 3 March	P&F Mothers’ Luncheon
Saturday 4 March	Open Day - Compulsory School Day, 9:30am - 12:30pm
Tuesday 7 March	Andrews Cup Swimming - Chandler
Friday 10 March	Primary Family Fun Night
Friday 24 March	Primary Swimming Carnival

Trudi Edwards

Sculthorpe String Quartet Performance
Congratulations to the Sculthorpe String Quartet who performed at the School Captains’ Dinner held last Saturday evening at QUT. The girls provided wonderful entertainment at the event and we very much appreciate their contribution.

Music Support Group
Thank you to those who attended the Music Support Group (MSG) this week. The next MSG meeting will be on Tuesday 7 March at 5:00pm in the Primary Music Room (second floor of Chaseley). Parents from both the Primary and Secondary schools are welcome to attend. 

Brad King

As one season begins another is heading towards the end. With only three weeks remaining of the Water Polo season we have some teams fighting for their place in the finals and others who have improved on their previous season’s performance. Heading towards the finals we have 15C Blue and 18C Blue both sitting in third position on the ladder. 

St Margaret’s Fastest 50m Freestylers – Meet 1

12 years	13 Years	14 Years	15 Years	16 Years	Open
Emma Pickering	Elena Kearns	Abigail Shearer-Smith	Olivia Trempus	Lauren Masters	Kirrily Siebenhausen

Sport Uniform Reminder
When training at Windsor Park, the girls wear their HPE uniforms, a sports cap and sports shoes. It is St Margaret’s school policy that bike pants are to be covered with the sports skirt or HPE shorts when travelling to and from Windsor Park. The bus company does not allow students to wear soccer or touch boots on the buses.

Girls attending swimming meets and Autumn fixtures wear their representative uniforms to travel to fixtures and change into their playing kit on arrival. The representative uniform is the St Margaret’s sports skirt, white representative polo shirt, white socks, brown shoes and panama. 

Autumn Sport teams will be announced this week. Please check the training schedule for any changes to training times. The draw will be posted in the next few weeks on your sports team app. Upcoming in Week 5, Tuesday 21 February, we will have the Interhouse Swimming Carnival, which is a fantastic day of house and St Margaret’s spirit at the Valley Pool. 

    

 Nicky Barrie

In addition to looking at the research that underpins the tablet program, you will also see how it is being used in classrooms as well as learn how to access Microsoft Office 2016 for FREE on your devices at home. If you would like to know more about the session please contact Peter Cottle, Head of E-Learning and Research Services: PCottle@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Peter Cottle
Head of E-Learning and Research Services

Kindergarten and Prep students are escorted to their classrooms in the mornings and to the OSHC room in the afternoon. The OSHC educators can escort the students to their after school extra-curricular activities when required in the afternoons.

Fees (as at 24 January 2017)
Before School Care: $12 per day
After School Care: $25 per day
Vacation Care: $60 per day (incursions and excursions may incur additional costs)

Late Collection
St Margaret’s OSHC are strictly licensed to run between the hours of 7am and 6pm. It is essential that all children be collected by 6pm. A late fee of $10 for the first 10 minutes or part thereof, and $1 per minute thereafter will apply if your child is collected after the closing time of the centre. Please note late fees are charged per child. 

Cancellation Policy
If your child is unable to attend OSHC as arranged, please advise as soon as possible. Fees will not be charged for non-attendance if 48 business hours or more notice is given. Cancellation should be made in writing to oshc@stmargarets.qld.edu.au or by phoning 0423 547 653. Notification is also important for safety reasons and to prevent time being spent looking for a child who is not present.

Bookings and Further Information
If you would like further information regarding our Outside School Hours Care program or if you would like to make a booking, feel free to contact me via mobile on 0423 547 653 or email on oshc@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

 

The students are female and usually around 15 to 17 years old and would love to enjoy the cultural experience of living with an Australian family.

They will attend normal school classes with our current students and will often have some excursion time included in their program. You will normally be asked to host two students at a time and will need to provide them with a comfortable room with bathroom facilities. You will also need to provide them with 3 meals per day, which will include a packed school lunch.
They will need you to bring them to and from school each day.

As a homestay host you will receive $40 - $43 per night, per student. This amount is considered as a voluntary payment for taxation purposes and not considered part of your income for up to three students!

Your family will enjoy a wonderful cultural experience and most often you may enjoy communicating with your students in the future.

If your family would like to welcome two students during these study tour times, please communicate with me, on behalf of St Margaret’s.

Margaret
Phone: 0408 429 542
daganme@hotmail.com
Australian International Student Tours

 

 

How do you purchase a valid bus pass? 

• Using your child’s student ID: the buses are fitted with Rovr - a Samsung mobile device - which will scan your child’s student ID card and this will charge your Flexischools account for an individual trip. Instructions on how to set this up can be found by clicking herehere (PDF 1.3MB) or by calling Flexischools on 1300 361 769 who will be able to assist you. Please make sure sufficient funds are available on the student card and that your daughter’s student ID card number has been linked to your account.
• Logon to Flexischools: to pay for a 10-trip ticket online and collect the bus pass from the Finance Office.
• Purchase a 10-trip ticket directly from the Finance Office with cash or credit card.

If you require assistance setting up your Flexischools account, please contact 1300 361 769, from 8am Monday to Friday. 

Nominations for the 2017 Past Student Awards are now open.

These awards have been established to:

• recognise the many achievements of St Margaret’s Past Students, both professionally and personally
• celebrate the diverse achievements of Past Students
• provide an opportunity to share stories of success and increase connections between the School and Past Students to honour their legacy.
•  

There are two award categories:

1. Distinguished Past Student
2. Young Past Student of Distinction

2017 nominations close on Monday 13 March 2017 at 5pm (AEST) and winners will be announced at a dinner on Friday 21 April 2017.

2017 Nomination Form

Listings for the 2017 Family Directory are  now CLOSED.
Thank you to all the families and business who have contributed to the success of this year’s P&F Family Directory. The A5 booklet will be distributed via your eldest daughter in the coming weeks.

Thank you for supporting this P&F Initiative.

P&F General Meetings 

The P&F invites the school community to share your views and ideas at the General Meetings, held in the Arts Centre Foyer from 6:30pm on the following dates:
Monday 27 February 2017
Monday 8 May 2017
Monday 31 July 2017
Monday 30 October 2017

P&F Event Dates 2017
Term 1
Friday 3 March - Mothers’ Luncheon
Thursday 30 March - Father Daughter Breakfast

Term 2
Saturday 27 May - Community Ball
Friday 9 June - Fathers’ Dinner

Term 3
Saturday 2 September - Race Day

ST MARGARET’S P&F ASSOCIATION INC
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
NOTICE is given that the Annual General Meeting of the St Margaret’s P & F Association Inc is to be held on Monday 27 February 2017 in the Arts Centre Foyer at 6:30pm.

NOMINATION FOR POSITION
 Any one member of the P&F shall be at liberty to nominate any other member to serve as an officer or other member of the Management Committee.

If you are interested in joining the P&F Association, all positions of the Management Committee will be declared vacant at the AGM and a new committee for 2017 will be elected.

Nominations can be made by downloading and completing a Nomination for Position form. All nomination forms must be returned to P&F@stmargarets.qld.edu.au or via School Reception by Friday 10 February 2017.

Old Girls' Events 

10 Year Reunion – Class of 2007 – Friday 21 July 2017
20 Year Reunion – Class of 1997 – Saturday 22 July 2017
30 Year Reunion – Class of 1987 – Friday 21 July 2017
40 Year Reunion – Class of 1977 – Saturday 22 July 2017
50 Year Reunion – Class of 1967 – Saturday 22 July 2017
60 Year Reunion – Class of 1957 – Saturday 22 July 2017
Chapel Service and Morning Tea – Sunday 23 July 2017
1938 – 1956 (60+) Year Reunion – Monday 24 July 2017
OGA Annual Brunch – Sunday 11 June 2017
AGM – Tuesday 28 November 2017

Luanne Wishart

ANU Tuckwell Scholarship
Receiving a Tuckwell Scholarship is not just about your intellect. It is about your desire and determination to use your natural abilities, if given the opportunity, to realise your full potential so that you can make a difference in the world.

An invitation to attend the ANU Scholarship Roadshow
The national , touring February and March 2017, is where you can learn about the Tuckwell Scholarship program and the opportunities that applying for the scholarship can open up. Hear from uniquely qualified individuals from ANU, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Marnie Hughes-Warrington, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Student Experience) Professor Richard Baker and our current  

Roadshow dates:
Brisbane - Thursday 23 February, 5:30 – 7:30pm,

SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) www.scad.edu
Attend a SCAD information session near you and discover more than 100 innovative programs of study, meet one-on-one with an admission representative and help start their journey at the university for creative careers.

Sydney - Saturday 4 March, 2 pm
117 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
Learn about SCAD's innovative academic programs, art and design career options, and admission requirements. Students also can participate in a Q-and-A session with admission representatives. Please register to attend. 

UMAT
Registrations for UMAT 2017 are open. Copies of the Information Booklet can be downloaded from the UMAT website: .  Please note that before registering for the test, students are required to carefully read the UMAT 2017 Information Booklet, which will only be available online from the UMAT website.

UMAT 2017 Key Dates: 
Registrations opened the first week in December 2016
Registrations close Friday 2 June 2017, 5pm AEST
Late registrations close Friday 16 June 2017, 5pm AEST
Applications for Special Testing Conditions close Friday 16 June 2017
UMAT Test date Wednesday 26 July 2017
Results released late September 2017

The only Identification documents accepted for UMAT 2017 are:
• Current passport
• Current photo-bearing driver's licence (full, probationary or learner's permit)
• Current photo-bearing Australian Keypass
• Current photo-bearing Australian Proof of Age Card

For further details, please refer to the UMAT website. Candidates without correct identification will not be permitted to sit UMAT2017 and will be turned away from the test centre. UMAT is only available once every year. If you do not register by 2 June 2017, you will have to wait until 2018 to sit the test.

UMAT Preparation
MedEntry: If you are interested in studying Medicine or a career in health that requires sitting the UMAT Test, visit the MedEntry website for assistance in your preparation: www.MedEntry.edu.au. MedEntry is the only government accredited training organisation for UMAT preparation. 

MedStart: is an organisation that assists students to prepare for UMAT. Courses are available in Brisbane. Check the MedStart website for more details.

NIE UMAT Workshops Australia
Along with the 8 or 10 UMAT books our Premium, Platinum and Concession courses include the intensive one-day UMAT preparation and training workshop. Our workshops are designed to cover every UMAT construct (previously known as UMAT sections), the various types of questions to be encountered and how to tackle them, and then to check where you are at with respect to UMAT-specific study, throwing a full-blown UMAT NIE practice test at you. How will you fare? How have you been going? Which UMAT style questions still need work?

Brisbane Workshops (during school holidays):
Wednesday 5 April 2017 at UQLD, St Lucia Campus
Wednesday 28 June 2017 at UQLD, St Lucia Campus
Sunday 23 July 2017 at UQLD, St Lucia Campus

KEY DATES:
Friday 27 and Saturday 28 May 2017
The National Careers and Employment EXPO (Brisbane Convention Centre).
All Year 10 students will attend this exciting event on the morning of Friday 27 May.

Friday 2 June
UMAT Registrations close 5pm

Wednesday 26 July
UMAT Exam

Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 July 2017
The 36th annual Tertiary Studies Expo (TSXPO), Australia's largest tertiary studies expo, offers a unique opportunity for anyone interested in starting, changing or upgrading their career! Featuring many local, interstate and overseas education providers, student services and support agencies. Don't miss this great opportunity to map out your future, all in the one location! 8am - 4pm, RICC Brisbane Showgrounds. A great opportunity for students to collect information from a huge number of exhibitors.

Elizabeth Johnston
Careers Counsellor