eNews Archive Issue 22 - 6 August 2020

WHOLE SCHOOL

From the Principal

This week saw the The Ponytail Project, where our students raise funds for the Cancer Council Queensland and the Amanda Minotti Trust. This event is an exciting one which illustrates the culture of student and community philanthropy in the school. We managed to have a COVID-19 safe version of this activity and, although distance from adults needed to be maintained and we could not have our traditional ‘bake sale’, it was still a celebratory activity and achieved its desired outcome. Approximately 80 girls and a team of 5 teachers had their hair cut to donate it to Real Fringe Hairbands who then sew the hair on to a band, which can be worn under headwear for both cancer and alopecia patents. In addition to this, thanks to the enormous support of the wider community. At the time of writing just over $80,000 has been raised. Thank you to everyone for your support.

As you will recall from earlier communications, we postponed the MAYO Arts Festival planned to take place in May to Friday 9 and Saturday 10 October 2020.

There are various protocols in place for staging COVID safe events and as a result the MAYO Arts Festival will look a little different this year. In light of this fact, we have rebranded the event MAYO A celebration of the arts to highlight the fact it will be very different to the MAYO many of our community know and love.

Our Arts Centre Foyer can accommodate very limited numbers when taking into account social distancing requirements. To maximise the chance for guests to attend the Gallery Exhibition we will host two MAYO Gallery Preview events on Friday 9 October with the work of several Queensland artists and some of our students on display and available for purchase.

On Saturday 10 October we will host a vibrant programme of music, instrumental and performing arts displays, as well as our Years 5 and 6 students parading their wearable art costumes. Some food and beverage options will be available as well as a handful of market stalls. Unfortunately, we will not have our ride zone or side show alley this year. Again, at this event, we are limited in the number of attendees we can have onsite throughout due to the requirement for social distancing. Families will need to pre-register their attendance and visitor numbers will be capped.

The wellbeing of our students, St Margaret’s families, staff and community remains paramount.

It is our intention to still create an opportunity for the community to come together (in a socially distant manner), celebrate our wonderful Arts program and the hard work of our St Margaret’s girls whilst also providing a forum to appreciate the talents of many local Queensland artists.

More information will be shared on this year’s MAYO A celebration of the arts soon.

Ros Curtis

From the Deputy Principal

Each year, so many of our girls take part in philanthropic activities, charitable causes and also volunteer their time and energies to those who need assistance or those who are less fortunate than us. Whilst this is part of the service component that each girl commits to every year, it has actually become part of what a St Margaret’s girl does, with the hope that these acts of kindness and giving back will be part of what they do throughout their lives when they finish school and beyond.

This week we saw an amazing whole school initiative in The Ponytail Project. From the Primary school students who came with Crazy Hair for the day (and didn’t they look great!), to the girls who cut their ponytails to give to the making of wigs for patients undergoing cancer treatment, to the over $80,000 (at the time of writing this article) they have raised for the Amanda Minotti Trust and the Cancer Council, and to the wonderful support of parents, families and friends, this day was a huge success.

It was wonderful to welcome representative from the Cancer Council, Chris McMillan, to our prefect assembly on Tuesday to talk about the real impact that raising funds and awareness has for people suffering with cancer. She particularly made mention of these tough COVID times and the gratitude she and the Cancer Council felt towards St Margaret’s. Congratulations to Nikki Townsend, Talia O’Callaghan, the Year 12 prefects and students for driving this initiative, all students who were involved in cutting their ponytails and supporting their peers, the teachers who also cut their ponytails, and all involved in a successful day.

In the school we also have the Toc H group and the Philanthropy group, both of which donate their time to those less fortunate, and hold awareness, fundraising and collections for various causes throughout the year. Students are invited to be part of these groups, and I urge students to consider joining.

There are many more causes that our students choose to support each year (too many to list!). Even in these unsettled times, it has been a great year of students giving their time to worthy causes, and we continue to appreciate our community’s support of all these and other initiatives.

Karen Gorrie

Feature photo Susan Crother Robertson 30 July 2019

Chaplain

Last week, we held an outdoor Prayer Space - Dadirri over two consecutive days. Fortunately, we were blessed with the beautiful warm, sunny Queensland winter days. I thank the many people who worked behind the scenes to make the Prayer Space happen.

The outdoor Prayer Space consisted of two stations. At ‘Peg-a-Prayer’, students were invited to think, reflect or pray and then write down their thoughts on a special card and peg it onto the plants. It was very special watching the students engage in this reflective, prayerful exercise. It was great to see some of the staff interacting as well. You will see below some of the prayers, reflections and thoughts that were written. Similarly, to what the girls wrote in our Prayer Space in Term 1, they once again voiced their concerns about the Coronavirus. They were thinking and praying for the world, our nation and families who are affected by the pandemic. It was very touching to read the prayers and thoughts of the students as they wrote about their concern for students in Melbourne.

At ‘Bubble Prayers’, the girls were invited to think, reflect or pray about their worries and concerns. They used their own bubble tube and, for just a little while, blew their worries away. We also had a bubble machine which meant the Barley Sugar Garden was full of bubbles. Girls of all ages played with the bubbles. I don’t think you are ever too old to play with bubbles. One staff member commented that her Year 3 students were very relaxed and some even skipped back to class.

Susan Crothers-Robertson

eNews_MATAIA Gracemere_AD8V5710VN_Low Res

Head of Senior House Boarding

A very warm hello from Boarding. This term has delivered a more settled rhythm, with all girls enjoying getting back into their routines, academic timetables and social activities. The seasonal change with winter is still here; the nights are longer, while the fresh mornings set in. The students are wearing their favourite knits, Ugg boots and fluffy pyjamas.

Our living spaces tend to change a little through every season. Home away from Home is our motto, and the staff strive each day to ensure our operations evolve and focus on our students’ wellbeing. ‘Making our home a personal sanctuary is about creating a space where one can relax, rest and feel a sense of belonging.’ We still remain proactive with hygiene and social distancing across the Boarding House, but that doesn’t stop the students gathering around a table of 3 with their hot chocolates talking for hours, racing up and down the stairs to get to dinner first, or the senior girls enjoying toasted banana bread before studying which sends an inviting aroma for others to come along to study. The staff share late night talks with those who just need that extra 5 minutes after bedtime. Gratitude is in the air and Boarding is still hanging on to its winter mood.

Gracemere Mataia

Acting Dean of Academic Performance

Senior Schooling Information Evening

This week, I had the pleasure of spending time with parents of students from Years 5-11 sharing my learnings about the new QCE system and the related topics, such as ATAR and subject scaling, along with how we as a school, help students to navigate this new system. Information provided on this night included an overview of the internal and external assessment requirements of the new QCE system and considerations for selecting subjects that will provide the best opportunity for your daughter to access further study or work opportunities post-schooling.

Thank you for all parents who joined me online, as well as those who attended in person (socially distant of course).

If you were unable to join us, the recording of the evening can be viewed here.

Year 12 QTAC Information

QTAC applications opened on 4 August (other states are also open) and timely applications are due by 30 September. The application process is online through the QTAC website: and a similar process in the other states.

Last week, the Year 12 students attended a presentation by Ms Liz Johnston (Careers Counsellor), about the application process. This week, individual meetings began to discuss students’ post school options; not just QTAC, but interstate applications and employment etc. Parents are welcome to attend these meetings or may arrange another meeting time.

QTAC Year 12 How to Apply Information Session

There will be a QTAC Year 12 How to Apply zoom presentation which will cover important dates, how to apply, how to order your preferences, pathways, responding to offers, EAS, ATAR release and access, as well as other general information.

Date: 13 August 2020

Time: 5:30pm-6:30pm

You will be able to access the link at least 5 minutes prior to the scheduled starting time. The presentation runs for approximately 45 minutes and the QTAC presenter will be staying on until 6:30pm for the Q and A section of the Zoom event. The link and passwords are below:

Link:

Meeting ID: 839 5792 2436

Password: 836429

Nicole Devlin

Acting Dean of Studies

Trends in Education

It’s important that we, as adults, have accurate insight concerning the issues young people face today. Like any relationship, those we share with our students and children rely on an authentic connection that takes time, interest and a willingness to engage in their lived experience without pretension or judgement. The next St Margaret’s Trends in Education presentation will be held on Thursday 20 August, covering the importance of this relationship and explore skills and strategies which can assist in developing a stronger, healthier relationship with the young people in our lives. It acknowledges the reality of young people’s experiences in 2020, including the influence of social media, heightened anxiety, substance abuse, among other topical issues.

If you wish to attend this presentation, please click here to RSVP by Thursday 13 August 2020.

The event will also be live-streamed, with the access link provided closer to the date.

Please note, under the COVID safe plan:

seating is strictly limited and available to only 50 guests
all attendees will be required to physical distance
no person should attend if they have, in the last 14 days, travelled from overseas or a COVID-19 hotspot or had close contact with a person who is positive for COVID-19
no person should attend if they have or recently experienced cough, fever, sore throat, fatigue or shortness of breath

Reporting

Reports for all students have now been uploaded to Parent Lounge. Some reports have had edits to:

GPA calculations
Co-curricular MET North representation activities
Maths results

Please contact me if you have any questions regarding these edits.

ICAS

Thank you to parents who registered their daughters for the ICAS competitions. Registrations are now closed, therefore no further applications can be accepted.

The tests will take place on the following dates:

Science - 20 August
English - 27 August
Maths - 3 September

All tests begin at 7:00am. All students should report to the Independent Learning Centre by 6:55am on the morning of each test.

Tom McCormick

Dean of Students

This week was a very big and busy week for our St Margaret’s community as we hosted The Ponytail Project. Over 80 St Margaret’s girls had their hair cut on Tuesday 4 August to raise funds for both the Cancer Council and the Amanda Minotti Trust. The girl’s hair has been sent to Real Fringe Hair Bands to be made into wigs for individuals who have medical conditions. Incredibly the girls and the wider school community have raised over $82,000.

You are still able to donate - Will you help St Margaret’s girls make a difference? Please visit the following link:

The Ponytail Project is such a big part of our community and the school would like to thank everyone who has been involved. We look forward to continuing our campaign in the future. The challenge for 2021 has been set!

Nikki Townsend

eNews new feature photo 11 June 2019 Angela Drysdale_HoP

Head of Primary

Reading for Pleasure

Over the past weeks, Literature Circles (LC) have been launched and the girls have engaged in them. During this time, I have had the privilege of sitting in with different groups. I have been so impressed by each of the group member’s engagement through meaningful conversations of sharing multiple perspectives and unique points of view. There are many benefits to this program with students working cooperatively in groups (effect size of .54; .4 is the base line for effective teaching) and in terms of reading, comprehension and developing a love of literature which becomes reading for pleasure.

Picking up a book of one’s own free will and anticipating the satisfaction of reading, is reading for pleasure, which is the aim of all Primary school reading programs. LC, combined with Accelerated Reading (AR) are platforms for achieving this goal and ultimately for students to become lifelong readers. There are growing studies that emphasise the importance of children reading for pleasure, for both educational, as well as personal development. “Adolescents entering the adult world in the 21st century will need to read and write more than at any other time in human history.” (International Reading Association, Moore et al. 1999. P.3 cited by Clark & Rumbold, 2006).

An important factor in fostering lifelong readers is choice. Tangible evidence of this was the joy expressed by the girls when they chose a book for LC. Research has found that children with books of their own read more, and more frequently. Don’t forget to use and contribute to our community library in the Atrium; please buy books from our mini Book Fair!

As the adults in the girls’ lives, we have an obligation to encourage reading for pleasure by modelling reading, signing up for membership at the local library and having a variety of books available at home.

“There is something very special about a book – the feel of it in your hands and the way it looks on the table by your bed or nestled in with others in the bookcase.” Jane Goodall, A Velocity of Being: Letters to a Young Reader 2018.

Angela Drysdale

Music Issue 17 Feature photo for website

Head of Performance

Classics in the Cathedral - Limited Seats Available

Tickets have now gone on sale for St Margaret’s upcoming Classics in the Cathedral to be held on Friday 21 August. The event will be held in strict compliance of the Qld Government’s Industry COVID Safe Plan and as such there will be some changes to the way in which the event is conducted. This year, a very limited number of seats will be available to allow for social distancing within the audience, with priority given to special guests and parents of Year 12 students. Please note tickets are limited to 1 (one) per family due to Cathedral COVID regulations. A letter with further details is available here (PDF 193KB).

Special Performance Event - Annabelle Traves (’14) Violin Recital

Thank you for your interest in the recital to be given by Old Girl, Annabelle Traves on 23 August. This event is now SOLD OUT.

St Margaret’s Spotlight

This week, features Year 5 student, Talia Segal who is performing a piece called Busybody on the violin. Talia is a member of Amati Strings and Belle Voci and is currently working towards her Grade 1 Violin exam. Thank you to Talia for her musical contribution this week!

Music Support Group Meeting

The next Music Support Group meeting will be held on Tuesday 11 August 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

Head of Sport

Winter Sports

It was a super Saturday of sport and whilst Brisbane State High School proved to be tough opposition, all teams stepped onto the court or fields with a great attitude and determination to win. This was reflected throughout the results with 5 Netball teams winning with the Open, 10B, 9B and 9C teams remaining undefeated. The Hockey and Volleyball teams gave it their very best shot with the 9A Volleyball team securing a 2-1 victory, whilst our Tennis teams were competitive with the Senior C team leading the charge also remaining undefeated.

Thank you to all our supporters, parents and caregivers for following the QGSSSA ruling of no spectators at the recent Winter Fixtures. Further guidance was released from QGSSSA on Tuesday 4 August whereby a cautious approach will continue with NO SPECTATORS being permitted for Rounds 4 and 5 (8 and 14 August). To read the full statement, please click here (PDF 563.9KB).

This weekend, we welcome Moreton Bay College to our fields and courts. For the playing schedule, please access your sport specific POD page.

REMINDER – Round 5 vs St Peter’s Lutheran College will be played on Friday 14 August which is now the Royal Queensland Show Holiday. This was organised to allow families to travel and enjoy a weekend away. Transport to all venues will be provided to and from venues with information to be released early next week.

Athletics

The Track and Field squad has been training hard and competing weekly at our very own mini Meets at Windsor Park. This Friday, the following events will be run:

100m
800m
Relays
Long Jump
Javelin, Shot Put and Discus

This is the final opportunity for students to trial for a position on a relay team and all girls are asked to register their attendance via the link on the Athletics POD page.

On Wednesday 12 August we will welcome Brisbane State High School’s Track and Field team to Windsor Park for a relay meet. Details regarding the afternoon will be released via the POD.

Netball Shoot-a-thon Fundraiser

Can St Margaret’s Netballers score 10,000 goals in 1 hour? The Netball Support Group are returning to old-school fundraising with the aim to raise $10,000 towards a new netball court at Windsor Park.

Over the weekend of Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August, St Margaret’s netballers have been set a challenge of how many goals they can score in one hour. Netballers can receive sponsorship in the form of $1 per goal scored or a fixed donation amount. The Guinness World Record for the most number of goals scored by an individual in one hour is 756 and was achieved by UK school student, Lydia Redman in 2017!

Prizes include:

Most goals scored in one hour by a team will win a coaching clinic with Australia Diamonds and Sunshine Coast Lightning Mid courter, Laura Scherian
Most goals scored in one hour by an individual will win signed Laura Scherian merchandise
Highest Donation by an individual will win a Land Rover Experience package
Team who demonstrates ‘Best Team Spirit’ will a win a netball

All players will receive further information over the weekend.

Cross Country

Best of luck to all girls competing this Saturday, 8 August at the All Schools Series #1 Cross Country (6 Years to 13 Years), CJ Greenfields Complex, Richlands. If you would like to nominate for any other of the upcoming events in the Brisbane Series, All Schools Series and State Championship events, entry forms and further information on how to enter can be found at: . Age groups covered are 6 Years to 19 Years.

If you have any questions, please contact staff member Mrs Susan Uhlmann via email: suhlmann@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Congratulations to…

Year 10 students, Mary Comiskey, Chelsea Johnson and Emma Pickering for being selected in the Queensland Youth squads to attend the Water Polo Australia ‘Launch to LA’ camp at Kawana in the September/October school holidays. Attendance at this camp allows these athletes to be considered for selection into the National squads. Well done girls!

Sports Awards Evening – Save the Date

The annual Sports Awards Evening will be held on Friday 16 October from 6:00pm-9:30pm. The evening honours and celebrates students, coaches and staff in the following categories:

Most Valuable Player/Athlete
Rising Stars
St Margaret’s Spirit
Summer and Winter Teams of the Year
Coach of the Year
Captain of the Year

Further details will follow over the coming weeks.

Helen Lobegeiger

Visual Art News

We congratulate Sophia Connor (Year 9) for her lovely design, selected as the ‘official’ MAYO A celebration of the arts image for 2020. Sophia’s design will look fantastic on T-shirts and aprons, which will be available for purchase at MAYO.

After School Studio Times

All Secondary students are welcome to attend one of our after-school sessions from 3:30-5:00pm on Level 1 of the Arts Centre. Days include Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, as well as Digital Art Club every Thursday during the term.

MAYO A celebration of the arts

The MAYO Gallery will once again feature the work of talented local artisans with ceramics, sculpture, glass work and jewellery for sale. The gallery event always enjoys huge support from our community. This year, in line with COVID rules, we will offer two preview sessions on Friday evening, 9 October. Watch this space for more details. We look forward to offering our guests the wonderful atmosphere of our gallery and perhaps refreshments (available for purchase prior to the event). Included below are images of some of the artwork by professional artists which will be on display for sale.

Duncan and Natalia Broadhead Anna Leyshon

Deb Mostert

Lisa Smith

Director of Philanthropy and Stakeholder Engagement

The Development Office was so pleased to see so many students engaged with The Ponytail Project this week, raising vital funds for Cancer Council Queensland. The fundraising success was a clear indication of the philanthropic outlook of so many of our amazing students.

Professional Women’s Network Breakfast – Tuesday 18 August

We are incredibly excited to be welcoming Annabelle Chaplain AM as we our guest speaker for the Term 3 Professional Women’s Network Breakfast. The event is fast approaching and despite restrictions on numbers, we still have some tickets left. Please be reassured, all COVID safe social distancing and catering requirements will be adhered to, so please do contact the Development Office if you are interested in purchasing a ticket to this much anticipated event: developmentandcommunity@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Tickets: $45 Adult, $35 Student (Tertiary, Years 10 -12)

Reunions – 18, 19 and 20 September

We are pleased to be proceeding with our Reunion events in September, and tickets will be sent out this week. Whilst the events may look a little different due to COVID requirements, we are still so excited to invite St Margaret’s alumni back to the school and host these special milestone occasions.

The Development Office is certainly missing our wonderful volunteers! Whilst we are still unsure as to when we can welcome them back, we are so grateful for the assistance they have provided over the years.

Lindsay Khushal

Jobs Board

Davis Accounting & Wealth Management

Role: Office Manager

Employment: Full-Time or 5 day Part-Time

Location: James Street, New Farm

Remuneration: Competitive package with attractive benefits (Final package determined based on experience)

Start date: Flexible, by mid-September 2020

The successful applicant will be a reliable, self-starter with strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

Minimum of three years experience in a small, mid-tier accounting firm, with MYOB AE experience. Book-keeping experience will be looked upon favourably. Must be happy to assist in all routine small firm tasks.

Please click here (PDF 250KB) to view the Position Description.

Please send application to: hr@davisaccountingandwealth.com.au.

If you would like to advertise on this Jobs Board, please email Wendy Johnston: wjohnston@stmargarets.qld.edu.au by COB Monday each week (term time only).

Careers

Visit the for the latest information on these topics and more.

Applications for USC's Early Offer Guarantee are now open!

An Early Offer Guarantee gives Year 12 students the opportunity to receive an early and guaranteed place at USC as early as August, before the release of their Year 12 results.

QTAC Year 12 How to Apply

There will be a QTAC Year 12 How to Apply zoom presentation that will cover important dates, how to apply, how to order your preferences, pathways, responding to offers, EAS, ATAR release and access, as well as other general information.

Date: 13 August 2020

Time: 5:30pm-6:30pm

You will be able to access the link at least 5mins prior to the scheduled start. The presentation runs for approximately 45 minutes and the QTAC presenter will be staying on until 6:30pm for the Q and A section of the Zoom event. The details are: Meeting ID: 839 5792 2436 Password: 836429

University of Sydney

Sydney Scholars Award - applications open early! Our flagship suite of scholarships have opened early for applications. Students can join us for a in early August or

Monash University Open Day

Monash Open Day 2020 will be an interactive digital experience held over three days: Saturday 29 August 10am-2pm, Sunday 30 August 10am-2pm and Monday 31 August 4-7pm

Conservatorium of Music Application Changes

The process for applying to study at Queensland Conservatorium in 2021 has changed. With the health and safety of applicants and staff in mind the audition process will now include a video audition component.

Applications Open: 4 August through QTAC

Application closing Dates: Bachelor of Acting and Bachelor of Musical Theatre: 31 August Bachelor of Music: 4 September

Audition requirements and helpful information on how to complete the application process are available at:

Opening Dates Tertiary Application 2021 for current Year 12 students

Queensland: QTAC - 4 August:

Victoria: VTAC - 3 August

New South Wales - 1 August

Elizabeth Johnston

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