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I wish you all a Merry Christmas, a restful holiday and a Happy New Year and I look forward to welcoming you all back here at school for the start of Term One, 2021 on Wednesday 27 January 2021. Please note that the school closes over Christmas/New Year from 3:00pm Tuesday 21 December 2021 to 8:00am Wednesday 5 January 2022.

Over the holiday period we will have a large amount of work occurring to refurbish some areas for future use and others to improve facilities offered to our staff and students.

Projects will include:

• Refurbishing the Senior Staff Room in Toorak
• Updating Secondary student toilets in Avoca (ground floor) and West Wing (outside the Health Centre)
• Relocating the printing component of School Support to under Mooloomburram (as there is still the School Support Window to be staffed in Toorak, it is now being moved to the Toorak deck)
• Expanding the Facilities Workshop basement Toorak and incorporating a new Facilities Office
• Creating some additional onsite carparking next to Cairnmore off Petrie Street
• Converting E201 into a Science Lab
• Relocating the Learning Enhancement Office to WW01 (the old activities office)
• Repurposing the current Learning Enhancement room into a new primary classroom
• Expanding the Primary Toilets near Churchill Lawn
• Repurposing the original Primary Toilets in Dalhousie
• Updating the Music Staff Area
• Improving the flooring throughout common areas in Primary and the bottom floor of Avoca
• Updating the IT Office area
• Creating a new Senior Classroom in the Arts Building
• Completing the two new classrooms currently being built on Circular Drive, including landscaping

St Margaret’s will be a busy place over the holidays and much of the school campus will be a building site.  Building crews will be on site Monday 29 November to commence demolition of the listed areas with an intensive program schedule through to the middle of January.

As work is occurring in the secondary teachers’ staffroom, the senior library will be used for staff and students will not be able to access the library in the last week of term.

This is an ambitious program of work in a time when there are shortages of materials and building crews. However, it is important that we continue to improve the student and staff facilities and take advantage of the weeks when students are on holiday.

Have a safe and joyful holiday break everyone!

Ros Curtis

I encourage all students to reflect on the year that has been, celebrate where they have been successful in reaching their goals and make new goals or revisions to current goals if necessary. It is strange to think now that in less that two months they will all be in the next year level at school, and as they progress through the year levels, they will have more experiences but also continue to build on their skills.

Holidays are a time to rest, recalibrate, and get ready for the next school year ahead. It is important for students to have some down time, but also important to keep their brains active and ready to learn. I encourage the students to read lots of books during the holidays. Consistent reading is so important for students in their literacy and language development. Students often say to me that they don’t have time to read as much as they would like to during the school term so I hope they have already started a list of books they would like to read.

It has been wonderful to share another year with the St Margaret’s community and I wish you all a safe and enjoyable Christmas holiday. I look forward to seeing everyone again in 2022.

Karen Gorrie

As you would be aware, Rev Jazz Dow joined the chaplaincy team in Term 3, and it has been a delight working with Jazz, as she settled into the community. At Speech Night, Ms Curtis announced that I am taking long service leave from early 2022, then I will move into a new phase of life. It is not something I take lightly as I have loved my time at St Margaret’s. I want to say thank you to the community of St Margaret’s in particularly Ms Curtis and the SLT team, for your support and love. It has been an incredibly memorable few years working at St Margaret’s particularly when COVID hit, and we had to make changes to the way we did things. I believe this revealed the resilience of the community. The SSA means a lot to me, as I said when I first started, the Sisters were a part of my journey to ordination. I am grateful for their support and I stand in awe of all they have done and continue to do.

As we move into the Christmas season, Jazz and I wish you and your families, many blessings for the Christmas season.

May the love that made the stars be your guiding light.

May the love revealed in Jesus be your hope and inspiration.

May the love of the ever-present Spirit give you courage joy and hope. Amen.

Christmas services at St Augustine’s Hamilton

Christmas Eve –            6:00pm Family Service - Children invited to dress as shepherds, angels and take part

                                    11:00pm Carols

11:30pm Midnight Mass

Christmas Day –           8:00am Eucharist – Preacher and Celebrant Archbishop Phillip Aspinall

St Mark’ Clayfield 103 Bonney Ave

Saturday 4 December:  3:30pm Christmas Markets

                                    5:30pm Carols and Nativity

Sunday 19 December:   5:00pm Blue Christmas Service

Christmas Eve:             6:00pm Family Christmas Service

                                    8:30pm Contemplative Eucharist

Christmas Day:             8:30am Christmas Eucharist

Rev Susan Crothers-Robertson

In 2021, optimistic attitude of the Year 12’s their burning desire to make a difference and to take every opportunity provided for them has resulted in each of the girls playing a vital role in the atmosphere of the Boarding House. These girls have kept the sense of ‘family spirit’ alive and well in the Boarding House. Valuing each girls’ uniqueness is one of qualities that makes Boarding such a fulfilling experience. The girls have been encouraged to believe in their strengths and abilities and accept their individuality.

The African proverb, ‘It takes a village to raise a child’, certainly sums up our Boarding community in 2021. There as many people in the St Margaret’s school community who contribute to the well-being of the girls. Our wonderful Boarding Staff have been dedicated to ensuring the health and safety of each of the girls and encouraging on going connections to continue throughout the year. We thank the staff for their hard work, for the routine and structures that allow the Boarding House to function at its best. The standards that they set in honesty, mutual respect, and tolerance, for their belief in everyone’s innate sense of goodness. Most Importantly their ability to be able to trust, forgive and reconcile.

From the Boarding Staff, the Health Centre nurses, the laundry staff, facilities, cleaning staff to each person connected to the Boarding House our thanks goes out to you all.

We wish everyone in the Boarding Community and very safe and Merry Christmas and look forward to seeing everyone in 2022.

Lesa Fowler

As mentioned in last week’s newsletter, I will be experiencing my own change. Next year I will be taking on the role of Deputy Principal at St Hilda’s and am farewelling St Margaret’s as a staff member at the end of this year. Thank you for all the support and care you all have shown me during my time, and I will miss working at St Margaret’s. I would like to draw some words from Winne when he said

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard”.

St Margaret’s has taught me many things and I have loved getting to know the girls, teachers, leadership team and parents. However, I would not be a very good role model of lifelong learning if I did not take up a new challenge in 2022. Therefore, this week I would like to share some lessons and wisdom I have learnt about teaching, education and life from AA Milne through Winnie the Pooh and his friends.

“Pay attention to the little things”

“It’s important to have days when you do nothing”

“You can’t stay in your corner of the forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes”

“The things that make me different are the things that make me”

“Don’t rush, take time to think, think, think”

“It’s ok to feel gloomy now and then…but try to look at the bright side of life”

So as we move towards the holidays, enjoy the break and I wish you all a very happy, and holy Christmas and I will still be kept up to date about St Margaret’s through my continuing role as President of the Old Girls Association.

Nicole Devlin

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 Two report from the school.

Reflections on my first year at St Margaret’s

As the school term draws to a close, I find it difficult to believe that the year is over already. It feels like my very first days at St Margaret’s were simultaneously yesterday while also many years ago. At the beginning of the year, I was nervously anticipating my start at a new school in a new role, coming from a school where I was well established. As everyone embarking on a new adventure is prone to do, I was worried about being out of my comfort zone and forging new bonds with students, staff and parents. Having made it to the end of the year, I can confidently say that my nerves were unwarranted.

At St Margaret’s, I have found a community that is welcoming, caring, and respectful. I have found students who are eager to learn but also keen to have a fun time and a giggle. I have found teachers who are passionate about learning, push their students to challenge themselves and work collaboratively in teams. I have found support staff who are friendly and helpful and who go out of their way to make our lives easier. I have found a parent body who are engaged, warm and generous with their time. I have found a leadership team who are supportive, wise and also hilarious.

To say that my year has not involved challenges and hurdles would not be accurate. However, I have loved every minute of this new adventure and that is largely due to the St Margaret’s School Community. So, thank you for your welcome and I look forward to new adventures and experiences in the Dean of Academics role next year.

Caitlin McCluskey

Vaping is the act of inhaling a vapour created by an electronic cigarette, or e-cigarette. Although vaping is often marketed as being the “healthy” alternative to smoking, doctors advise that if you do not smoke, then you should not start vaping. Although vaping products are infused with enticing flavours, many contain high levels of nicotine as well as other chemicals and additives, that when inhaled, can cause severe damage to the lungs.

Australia has strict regulations in place for nicotine-containing products and despite it being illegal to use, sell or buy nicotine for use in e-cigarettes, users are purchasing these products through other avenues. A recent Australian study of chemically flavoured liquids used in e-cigarettes which are available here for purchase over the counter, has confirmed concerns about their safety and respiratory health impact. Under the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act 1998 (the Act), electronic cigarettes (regardless of whether they contain nicotine or not) and related products are smoking products and subject to the Queensland smoking laws.

This includes that electronic cigarettes cannot be:

• used in no-smoking indoor and outdoor places
• sold to children under 18 years of age
• advertised, promoted or displayed at retail outlets

Parents please be aware that younger students are gaining access to e-cigarettes from older peers and siblings over the age of 18 years.

For more information, please go to School TV found in Parent Resources on the POD. Alternatively support in relation to some of the issues raised in this Special Report, please contact your medical practitioner or one of the following services:

Lung Foundation Australia 1800 654 301 • Quitline 13 78 48
Poisons Information Line 13 11 26 • Alcohol and Drug Foundation 1300 85 85 84

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas holiday with your family and friends.

Nikki Townsend

This week, the school year concluded with students from each end of the Primary School participating in special celebratory events. The Year 6 girls celebrated the end of their primary years with a Chapel Service and disco. The Pre Prep students shared a special Chapel service. I thank all teachers involved in these events and a special mention to Ms Annette Box and Ms Kate Frewin for their contribution to the success of all events.

This week we introduced a new event, Acknowledgement Assembly. At this assembly, we acknowledged the sporting and academic achievements of individuals and classes.  The Spell-a-Thon results were announced and congratulations to the winning class 4G who received The Lawrence Cup, 1B for raising the most money and to 5G for the highest student participation and Isabel Page and Jasmine Moody who raised the most money.

A new trophy was unveiled by both our guest speaker and trophy name sake. The Stephanie Rice Trophy for Andrews Cup Record Breakers. Congratulations to the six girls who broke swimming records this year in the A & B divisions and are the first to have their names on the trophy. Thank you to Stephanie Rice for her inspirational speech, as I know her message will have true meaning for our 2022 Swim Team.

At this assembly, Ms Curtis announced our 2022 Primary Captains, Congratulations to Allegra Pople and Isobel Stobie.

I thank all the parents for attending these events and their support throughout the year. Thank you to the classroom and specialist teachers for their work and dedication. Within the boundaries of our curriculum, each teacher has taken his/her students on a journey to discover their talent and potential.  As the staff have been on this journey, our students have changed both our lives and our world by sharing their happiness for life and learning - so thank you to all students.  

I wish everyone a safe and joyous Christmas and I look forward to seeing everyone in 2022.

Angela Drysdale

We wish the following Primary musicians all the very best for the coming weekend!

Elizabeth Astill (Voice), Edith Barber (Alto Saxophone), Emily Carrick (Voice), Piper Chalmers (Cello), Asher Grant-Taylor (Double Bass), Elizabeth Jin (Violin), Abigail Kho (Viola), Zike Lin (Violin), Coco Liu (Violin), Cherry Lok (Flute), Christy Lok (Violin), India McConnell (Bass Clarinet), Anjelica Owen (Voice), Charlotte Rhode (Violin), Ellen Robinson (Cello), Astrid Sawers (Voice), Michi Severa (Violin), Lily Tribe (Oboe), Verity Walker (Voice), Ella Yu (Violin)

Thank you to the Brass Ensemble

Thank you to the Brass Ensemble, Mr Mackenzie and Ms Jones for their entertaining performance provided during lunch last Monday in the Primary Atrium. The performance was very much enjoyed by all in attendance!

Music Staff News

We were informed recently that Ms Laura Jones (Upper Brass teacher) will be leaving St Margaret’s at the end of the year to pursue further studies in Tasmania in 2022. Ms Jones has worked at St Margaret’s since the start of the year and made a wonderful contribution to the St Margaret’s Music Program, not only through her private teaching studio but also through performing with students in Matilda the Musical and assisting with ensembles and the Year 5 Band Program. We thank Ms Jones and wish her all the best in her move to Tasmania!

Music Dinner Photos

Photos from our 2021 Music Dinner have now been uploaded to the St Margaret’s Music POD page. Feel free to check out the amazing costumes worn by students, staff and parents at this wonderful celebration of musical achievements!

2022 Music Camp - Save the Date

Music Camp will be held at the end of Week 4 in Term 1 of 2022 from Friday afternoon 18 February through to Sunday afternoon 20 February at the Sunshine Coast Recreation Centre, Currimundi Beach. All girls in Years 7-12 who are involved in auditioned secondary music ensembles are invited and encouraged to attend. Further details will be provided at the start of the school year.

2022 Private Music Tuition

If your daughter is currently undertaking private music tuition, she will automatically be placed on her current teachers’ roll for 2022. Parents do not need to fill in a new application form. However, if your daughter is wanting to discontinue lessons in 2022, we ask that you please email directly to the Music Department at music@stmargarets.qld.edu.au prior to the end of the school year.

Music Support Group

The next Music Support Group meeting will be held on Tuesday 1 February 2022 at 5:00pm in the Primary Music Room (second floor of Chaseley). We encourage parents from both the Primary and Secondary schools to become involved. We are very pleased to announce that we now have a Music Support Group POD page. Relevant notices will be made via this page so please feel free to check it out on a regular basis.

Thank You and Merry Christmas!

A very big thank you to all in the St Margaret’s Music Community for another fantastic year. It has been filled with many special musical experiences and I believe that the girls will end the school year with wonderful memories of their involvement in the St Margaret’s Music Program. I wish you all a happy and safe Christmas break and will look forward to seeing everyone in 2022, refreshed and ready for another school year!

Brad King

Highlights from the year include the following:

• QGSSSA Swimming – Third place in the aggregate
• Artistic Gymnastics – four premierships include the Open Grade
• Touch Football – Three premierships
• Rowing – First place in the aggregate
• Netball – Four Club premierships and one QGSSSA premiership
• Lifesaving – Female State Champions
• Cross Country – Fourth place in the aggregate
• Rhythmic Gymnastics – Year 7 premiership
• Tennis – Senior A Tennis premiership
• Athletics – 3^rd place in the aggregate

In 2022, St Margaret’s Sport will introduce MV Lloyd Knight as the Director of Sport.  We look forward to seeing St Margaret’s Sport go from strength to strength in 2022. 

Term 1 Sport Registrations:

All sport information for Term 1 including registration links and the trial and training schedules are now available via the and individual sport POD pages.  All registration links can be found below.

Water Polo

The first half of the Club Water Polo season will conclude at the end of matches on Saturday 27 November.  I would like to thank all coaches, managers, parents and Coordinator, Ms O’Callaghan who have aided in the running of a successful half of the season. In the competition eight of the thirteen teams are placed forth or better with the 13C and 18C teams in 1st place.  All other teams are experiencing success making great gains in skill development and knowledge of the game. Please note, the season will recommence on Saturday 29 January. 

Water Polo Presentation Evening – Save the Date

On Saturday 5 March 2022, the Water Polo Support Group will be hosting a presentation evening for all players, coaches, and families and friends at Golf Central.  Further details regarding this evening will be communicated in the new year.

Swimming Holiday Training

St Margaret's will be offering swimming training over the holiday period at the St Margaret’s Swimming Pool for the first two weeks of the holidays.  These sessions are ideal for girls to continue to develop their swimming fitness and technique prior to a complete break over Christmas.  Registration for all dates and times can be accessed through the .

Virtual Holiday Fit Club

St Margaret’s Sport is delighted to announce the launch of the STM Fit Club via Strava for the holidays. This Virtual Club is available to all students, staff and St M family members tracking members activity times when they run, swim, ride or walk.  This is a great way to remain connected to St Margaret’s Sport over the holiday period between Monday 29 November 2021 to Monday 24 January 2022.

A leaderboard each week is published to keep you motivated and is a great way to remain active, be challenged and get ready for the 2022 sporting year.

For instructions on how to join, visit the .

Helen Lobegeiger

Throughout the four days of performances, students demonstrated their developing skills in storytelling, mime, poetry recital, prose reading, impromptu speaking and drama. External adjudicators provided invaluable feedback to performers and commented on the very high standard of presentation.

In 2016, the Jacqueline Noyes Encouragement Award was introduced to the Year 5 Eisteddfod to honour Jacqui who passed away that year. Jacqui made a significant contribution to the life of Speech and Drama at St Margaret’s. She taught Private Speech and Drama here for 21 years from 1980 to 2001. During that time, she inspired students with her love of literature and passion for performing. Jacqui later adjudicated our end-of-year Eisteddfods from 2009 to 2015, allowing many more students to benefit from her experience and expertise. As a teacher and adjudicator at St Margaret’s, Jacqui provided warm encouragement and inspiration to many Speech and Drama students.

The Jacqueline Noyes Encouragement Award is now presented each year to a Year 5 student who the adjudicator believes demonstrates note-worthy potential through their Eisteddfod performances. Congratulations to Ivy George who is the 2021 recipient of this Award.

Maria Chamberlain

When booking your appointment please consider the following:

• Appointment times are either 30 minutes or 60 minutes depending on your appointment type.
• Available appointment types include:
  • New Student – for students who are about to start at St Margaret’s and require a full uniform fit out (60-minute fitting).
  • Existing Student – for existing students who require a uniform 'top up' (30-minute fitting).
  • Boarder Only - several times a year we offer Boarder Only fitting days for students who are or will be boarding at St Margaret’s. Their families have often travelled long distances and are only at the school on select days when the students are returning from or departing for school holidays (60-minute fitting).
  • Pre-Prep / Prep – for little ones who will be starting in Pre-Prep or Prep at St Margaret’s (30-minute fitting).
  • School Blazer Fitting – for any student who requires a new school blazer, compulsory for students in years 10, 11 and 12 (30-minute fitting).
• 1 appointment = 1 student fitting
  If you are booking for two or more students, please book separate fitting appointments for each child. 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 the Circular Drive through Gate 1, Petrie Street, Ascot.
• Book your appointment online via the school website

EXTENDED TRADING HOURS **

2021 – ** APPOINTMENTS ONLY

Monday 29 Nov            8:00am – 2:00pm

Tuesday 30 Nov           8:00am – 2:00pm

Wednesday 1 Dec        11:00am – 5:00pm

Thursday 2 Dec            8:00am – 2:00pm

Friday 3 Dec                 8:00am – 2:00pm

Monday 6 Dec              8:00am – 2:00pm

Tuesday 7 Dec              8:00am – 2:00pm

Wednesday 8 Dec        11:00am – 5:00pm

Thursday 9 Dec            8:00am – 2:00pm

Friday 10 Dec               8:00am – 2:00pm

2022

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

Wednesday 12 Jan        8am – 2:00pm

Thursday 13 Jan            1pm – 6:00pm

Friday 14 Jan                 8am – 2:00pm

Monday 17 Jan              8:00am – 2:00pm

Tuesday 18 Jan             8:00am – 2:00pm

Wednesday 19 Jan        8:00am – 2:00pm

Thursday 20 Jan            1:00pm – 6:00pm

Friday 21 Jan                 8:00am – 2:00pm

Saturday 22 Jan             9:00am – 11:00am

                                       1:00pm – 3:00pm – BOARDERS ONLY

Sunday 23 Jan               1:00pm – 3:00pm - BOARDERS ONLY

Monday 24 January    Regular trading hours resume

TRADING HOURS (Term Time)

Monday                        8:00am – 2:00pm

Tuesday                       8:00am – 2:00pm

Wednesday                 10:00am – 5:00pm

Thursday                      8:00am – 2:00pm

Friday                           8:00am – 2:00pm

Public Holidays Closed                      

PURCHASING LIMITS 

The global pandemic has resulted in supply chain disruption around the world and unfortunately we are starting to feel the impact of this in our Supplies Shop. Overseas production and freight delays, means we are currently experiencing difficulty in replenishing stock levels.

Due to these extenuating circumstances which are beyond our control, purchasing limits will be in place for all new and existing families throughout Nov 2021 to Feb 2022.

For in stock uniform items:

• Day students will only be permitted to purchase two of the same item, and
• Boarding students will only be permitted to purchase three of the same item (due to shared washing facilities).
• For uniform items that are out of stock at the time of fitting, parents will be able to order and pre-pay for these items with collection from the school scheduled from the 12th Jan 2022.

Kielee Alcantara

St Margaret’s Outside School Hours Care will be operating for the upcoming December/January Vacation Care. The Service is open from 7am until 6pm daily on Friday 26^th November to Friday 21 January 2022, school resumes 24 January 2022, with 26^th January being the Australia Day public Holiday. Please note OSHC will be closed from Monday 20 December 2021 to 7 January 2022, reopening on Monday 10 January 2022.

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: $66 per day*

Bookings close: 22 November 2021

*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

This year St Margaret’s Foundation launched a new Annual Giving appeal called 'Every Girl Every Opportunity' on Giving Day and building on last year’s success, we raised a total of $254,954 from 468 donations on Giving Day for bursaries and buildings, exceeding our goal.

Bursaries have supported girls who may not have otherwise had the opportunity to access or complete a St Margaret’s education while donations to the Building Fund supported the completion of the Senior Study Centre and a new secondary classroom building with views of Circular Drive and the city.

Once again, our students demonstrated that philanthropy is engrained in our culture and DNA in their efforts on Giving Day and for this year’s Ponytail Project where they raised over $120,000 to support the Cancer Council and Minotti Trust.

We also saw record participation from our Old Girls in giving across our Reunion Weekend with almost 25% of past students in attendance donating to support bursaries. We were fortunate to be able to host our Reunion Weekend this year. This year’s Reunion Weekend was one of ‘double reunions’ as we also hosted those that we had to cancel due to COVID last year. This meant 12 reunion events across four days where we welcomed just over 380 Old Girls back through the school gates. Our Old Girls enjoyed hearing how well their school is doing, seeing the new facilities, and reconnecting and reminiscing with their classmates.

While we did have to cancel one of our four Professional Women’s Network events this year, we were fortunate to hear from three fantastic keynote speakers at the networking breakfasts hosted. We are so grateful for the support of our sponsors, with a profit of just over $40,000 being made from this year’s PWN series being donated to our Endowment Fund, which supports several bursaries and scholarships based on financial need.

Parent engagement at our P&F Association events continues to grow with new attendance and fundraising records set for the annual Mothers’ Luncheon and Fathers’ Dinner events.

In the Development and Community Office we are proud to continue to support St Margaret’s Foundation, Old Girls’ Association, Parents and Friends Association (P&F) and Friends of MAYO.

Thank you once again to our donors, sponsors, volunteers and all those in our community who engaged in this year’s fundraising and friend raising activities.

We thank you for your continued passion and generosity and we look forward to working with you all again in 2022.

Wishing you a safe and happy Christmas break.

Lara Pickering

Bond University – Student for a Semester

Calling all ambitious Year 11 and 12 students!

Bond University’s Student for a Semester program gives high achieving year 11 and 12 students the opportunity to gain an authentic university experience before they finish high school.

Student for a Semester enrol in a Bond University subject, attend lectures and tutorial on campus, complete assignments and sit their subject exams.

You’ll be mixing with uni students, meeting academics and getting involved in university life. You’re welcome to use the Main and Law Libraries, Multimedia Learning Centre, Sports Centre and can socialise in the on-campus cafes and restaurants.

You’ll receive plenty of support from Bond, including access to Bond's and your own  to help you enjoy every minute of your semester at Bond.

Students who successfully pass their Student for a Semester subject may also be able to credit this towards your Bond University undergraduate degree (conditions apply). 

Applications for the January 2022 semester are now open and close on Friday, 10 December. Learn more about the program and application process .

NIE Medical Interviews Preparation Workshop, Online

Saturday 4 December 2021, 10:00 am - Sunday 5 December 2021, 4:00 pm, Online

An intensive Medical Interviews Preparation Workshop for students who received or expecting to receive an interview offer for the Undergraduate Medical Schools in Australia.

The unique NIE workshop program aims for students to gain an in-depth understanding and required knowledge of the medical interview processes for specific universities, including Multi-station Mini Interview (MMI), Structured, and Semi-structured panel interviews.

The workshop is structured and based on the models that are taught during our proven one-on-one personalised medical interview sessions. The workshop will allow each and every attendee to learn the required skills and practical understanding for the university from which they received an interview offer from.

Find out more:

Whitehouse Institute of Design / Intro to SketchUp for Interior Designers

Saturday 4 December 2021, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, Online

Have you ever wanted to learn how to bring your interior ideas to life? Well, this interiors course is for you!

This online mini course is for aspiring interior designers and recommended as a starting point for those wishing to develop their digital skills and create a portfolio for application to the Bachelor of Design program. In this 2-hour workshop, you will gain an understanding of how to turn your ideas from the sketchpad into 3D working models using the industry software SketchUp.

This workshop focuses on the following areas of skill development including:

• Generating ideas using digital design methods
• Navigating a 3D environment
• Using 2D and 3D tools
• Contextualising interior ideas
• Exploring basic rendering techniques for output options

Find out more:

QSFT School Holiday Filmmakers Bootcamp

Wednesday 1 December 2021, 9:30 am - Thursday 2 December 2021, 4:30 pm

Queensland School of Film & Television

QSFT’s School Holiday Filmmakers Bootcamp is designed for high school students from year 9 – 12 to learn basic photography, video & editing techniques. Within a fun and challenging environment. Participants will get on-set experience and collaborate within a small group on short film production.

Trained by an industry professional, this two-day workshop is perfect for those who want to explore what it is like to be a part of a film crew.

Topics to Cover:

• Storyboard and Rehearsal
• Script Breakdown
• Shotlisting
• Crew & Role Rehearsal
• Camera & Lighting
• Scene Setup
• Pre-production Tasks
• Videography
• Production Shoot
• Editing
• Post-production Techniques

Find out more .

BOM 2023 Australian Weather Calendar Photo Competition
Submit your vision of Australia’s diverse weather to the Australian Weather Calendar photo competition, and your image could feature in Australia’s bestselling weather calendar! If your photo is selected it will be hanging in around 60,000 homes and offices around Australia and across the world. We welcome all photographs showcasing the drama and beauty of Australian weather.

Little Stories Big Ideas Flash Fiction Competition for Secondary School Students
Little Stories Big Ideas is a writing competition for Australian Secondary School Students. As part of the comp, students write a story in 100 words or less to a specific themed prompt, in any literary style they like – prose, poetry, haiku or song. There are two entry categories, Year 7 to 9 (Junior) and Year 10 to 12 (Senior). The comp runs every school term with great prizes on offer and is free to enter.

Space Travels MQ / Cosmic Nurseries and Graveyards

Friday 3 December 2021, 8:30 pm - 10:00 pm, Online

The Macquarie University Astronomical Observatory is back with Episode 4 of Space Travels – a gateway to explore our magnificent Universe.

For Episode 4, we bring to you “Cosmic Nurseries and Graveyards” with astrophysicist Prof. Orsola De Marco, from the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Macquarie University; and hosted by Macquarie University’s Association for Astronomy (AfA) Administrator Gabriella Quattropani.

Join us as we wander through the stellar birthplaces and graveyards, exploring the life and death of stars.

Find out more:

Naomi Holley