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Of course, we also had lots of sport on Saturday including the second rowing regatta and the QG winter fixtures of hockey, netball, tennis and volleyball. Results of these sports can be found in the Director of Sport’s section of this eNews.

On Tuesday, we then had our Ponytail Project, Crazy Hair Day and Soaring Upwards festival event for the students. Thank you to over 110 students and 4 staff members that ‘rocked the chop’ to raise funds for the Cancer Council and Amanda Minotti Trust. At the time of writing, we have now raised over $124 000, as well as donating the ponytails to Real Fringe Hairbands to be made into headwear and wigs for alopecia and cancer patients. Our students also loved taking part in the performances on Circular Drive.

Thank you to all who were involved in the organisation of these events. Our marketing team, facilities, Brad King and our music staff and conductors, Head of Year Nicole Walker, and many more staff, students and families enabled the success of these events.

At the end of this week we say goodbye to Ben Stuart, who has been teaching since the beginning of 2022 in the Mathematics and Health and Physical Education faculties. Ben is pursuing a career change and we wish him well.

We also say goodbye to Kerry Rider who has been teaching in our Primary Visual Arts department for over 20 years. There has been so much that Kerry has contributed to the school over this time, and I’m sure that our mums and dads in the primary school still have their collections of trinkets their daughters have given them at Mother’s Day and Father’s Day events. Of course, the Primary Arts Spectacular is incredibly notable as an event overseen by Kerry each year, and we have all seen and experienced the incredible wearable art that our students have produced as part of this event. We wish Kerry well in her future endeavours.

Karen Gorrie

As the adults in your child’s life, it is important to demonstrate optimism. So, what does optimism look like for a child? It means being brave when things look too hard. It means making the most of your intelligence and talents. It means trying out new things because there is always the chance of great discovery. It means always thinking you can do better, and things will get better. It means straightening up, throwing back your shoulders, and looking life in the eye.

For teens, optimism helps build success. When something good happens, optimists think about what abilities they used to achieve. They believe good things can lead to other good things. Optimists can bounce back from disappointments. Therefore, optimism builds resilience. On the other hand, a pessimistic attitude will exaggerate the negative aspect of a situation which can overshadow anything positive. However, optimism is not about looking at life through rose-coloured glasses but rather, it helps focus on the good in a situation and what can be done to make things better.

Optimists have true confidence because they are prepared. Preparation is about seeing every task as an opportunity to improve and build on feedback from others, for example, teachers, coaches. 

Here are some tips, you, as a parent, might like to share with your child to help her become more optimistic:

• Approach each sporting practice or school task with the goal of getting much better at it.
• Remind yourself, setbacks are temporary.
• As you do the task, focus on what’s happening and why you’re doing it the way you are.
• After the task, ask your teacher for feedback.
• Make changes in your work as necessary.
• Practise the changes.
• Do these things all the time, not just now and then.
• Think positively about your future and the jobs you will be able to do, the life you want to lead.
• When something good happens, give yourself credit.

The students probably didn’t think about optimism when some girls had their hair cut for Ponytail Project this week!! This action, however, was an excellent example of a positive action, that proved doing things for others can result in an optimistic mindset.  

Angela Drysdale

Some of the questions we are reflecting on are:

How can we prepare for individual and collective re-emergence?
What role do tradition, shared stories, and the wisdom of others play?
How can our school communities support individuals and groups to see hope and possibility?
What do we take forward with us, and what do we leave behind?
How do we respond to worry and fear?
How can we ensure that justice, equality, and sustainability are part of our re-emergence?

We have a great line-up of keynote speakers including Julia Baird (Journalist and Author), Thomas Mayo (Author), Dr Donna Cross (Behavioural Scientist), and Dr Brad Tucker (Astrophysicist).

I look forward to sharing some of the learnings from the conference with our school community.

Invitation: Monthly Society of the Sacred Advent Service

This Sunday 6 August, the monthly Society of The Sacred Advent service of Holy Communion will take place in the Sisters’ Chapel (next to the Advent Centre – Pre-Prep building). All are welcome.

Confirmation

On Friday 18 August at 6pm, we will celebrate our annual Confirmation Service in the St Margaret's Chapel with Bishop Jeremy Greaves. If you wish to participate in Confirmation, please complete . If you have any queries, please phone me on 07 3862 0716 or email jdow@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Rev’d Jazz Dow

One of the most heart-warming and enriching experiences I had at this year’s Katherine Show was meeting Old Girls who shared their stories with us. These former students, who once walked the same halls and learned under the same roof as our current boarders, provide a valuable connection between the past and the present, showcasing the lasting impact of the school’s values and education. They bring a sense of nostalgia and tradition, transporting us back in time and allowing us to imagine what life was like at the school in earlier years. This sense of continuity creates a strong bond among generations of St Margaret’s students, fostering a sense of belonging and pride in their alma mater. It is a testament to the profound impact the school’s culture and values has on its students, highlighting the school’s broad community and sisterhood and the endless possibilities that lie ahead for those who walk through its doors.

It has inspired us to create a ‘Boarders Diary’ dedicated for all of our former boarders. If there are any handwritten letters you would like to share with us that you used to write to your families while you were in boarding, we would love to include them in this sentimental piece. Please email me at gmataia@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Gracemere Mataia

In setting academic goals, students are empowered to prioritise their studies effectively and track their progress. By breaking larger objectives into smaller, manageable strategies, they can stay motivated and overcome challenges step by step. This process of striving for success (whatever that success looks like for the individual) not only enhances knowledge but also cultivates resilience and determination.

Your daughter will be discussing and refining her goals with her Academic Advisor and I encourage you to engage in this topic of discussion at home.

Year 12 2024 Parent Information Evening

A reminder that the Year 12 2024 Parent Information Evening is being held in The Loft from 6pm this evening. This session will be recorded and made available for those unable to attend.

Caitlin McCluskey

The tests will take place on the following dates:

Students must report to E201 no later than 6:50 am in preparation for the tests. All students must bring their school-issued laptop and ensure that it is fully charged. All enrolled students will also receive an email with further information on what they need to do to prepare for the tests.

Chris Dunn

You can still make a donation at this link: 

The Ponytail Project is such a big part of our community and the school would like to thank everyone who has been involved as well as our hairdressers from Rogue Hair, Hamilton. A special thank you must also go to our primary parents who donated items for our two draws for students raising over $500 and students raising over $1000.

Since the Ponytail Project was first started in 2015, St Margaret's has raised over $700,000. We look forward to continuing our campaign in the future. The challenge for 2024 has been set!

Sony Camp

Sony Camp will be held from 16 to 18 September and is an opportunity for children with disabilities to enjoy three days of fun activities while providing their parents and carers with some respite. Students and staff from St Margaret's and Churchie work together to care for the students and lead the activities, providing them with a challenging and immensely rewarding experience. 

Guests

If you know of any families with children who would benefit from being guests at Sony Camp, please contact Director of Service Clayton Kelly for further information via clayton.kelly@churchie.com.au or phone 3896 6343.

Nikki Townsend

Andrew’s Cup Netball

Last week St Margaret’s sent a record 122 Primary School girls to the Andrew’s Cup Netball at Downey Park. Our girls demonstrated Maggie’s spirit and remarkable displays of teamwork and effort. Thank you to Ms Rowe for her organisation of the event and to all the teachers who supported us on the day. Congratulations to the teams for their outstanding results, we are proud of your efforts.

Open A – 6^th

Open B – 3^rd

Open C – 3^rd and 5^th

Open D – Equal 1^st , Equal 3^rd and Equal 7^th

Junior A – 2^nd

Junior B – 3^rd and 5^th

Kate Frewin

Next Tuesday the School Captains for 2024 will be announced and this provides another opportunity for you to engage with your daughters about leadership. The girls might reflect on the speeches given by the elected students or qualities they observe in these girls as they cultivate and carve out a sense of what leadership might mean at St Margaret’s. In the coming weeks, the Year 5 girls will further unpack their Leadership Passports and be provided with the timeline for their leadership selection process and the associated tasks for those girls interested in nominating for the position of Primary Captain. All Year 6 students at St Margaret’s take on leadership in the form of House Leaders and are given the opportunity to demonstrate their capacity as leaders of the primary school and to develop as future leaders of the school. We look forward to hearing our Primary Captain candidates address the students next term and welcoming a new group of St Margaret’s leaders in the primary school for 2024.

Annette Box

Soaring Upwards -Primary Years 3 & 4 String/Year 5 Band Performance

On Tuesday morning, all students involved in the Years 3 & 4 Strings Program and the Year 5 Band Program provided wonderful performances on the Circular Drive stage as part of the Soaring Upwards Festival. This was a wonderful performance opportunity for these students. As part of the concert, the teachers involved in the Band and Strings Programs gave a special performance which was thoroughly enjoyed by both the students and staff in attendance. A special thank you to Dr Camille Syntageros and Mr Jonny Ng for coordinating the student and staff performances at this event.

Soaring Upwards -Student Event

Following the special Ponytail Project event during Tuesday lunchtime, the student Soaring Upwards Festival was held on Circular Drive. Both music and dance performances were presented to the entire student body and were thoroughly enjoyed by everyone there. It was impossible not to get caught up in the positive, infectious energy that was on display. Congratulations once again to all involved!

Singing Recital Congratulations

Congratulations to all students who performed at Ms Taylor’s vocal student showcase last Friday. It was a joy to watch them all share their music with a very supportive audience. All the students presented individualistic, polished pieces that crossed over numerous contemporary genres. Thank you to Ms Taylor for her work in putting this showcase together!

Classics in the Cathedral

The St Margaret’s Music Department is excited to announce that Classics in the Cathedral will be held in St John’s Anglican Cathedral on Tuesday 15 August. This is an evening of beautiful music, performed by St Margaret’s Music ensembles within a spectacular setting and is one of the school’s very special performance events. Tickets are now on sale and must be purchased online via TryBooking (). The cost for an adult ticket is $30 with no charge for children/students (all attending the concert however must be registered on TryBooking, including children/students). Please print your ticket or download on an electronic device (e.g. mobile phone) to present upon entrance at the concert. All tickets must be pre-purchased as tickets will not be available at the door. A letter with more details is attached. (PDF 450.9KB) We look forward to having many in attendance at this special event.

Music Support Group - Next Meeting

The next Music Support Group meeting will be held on Tuesday 8 August at 5:00pm in M’s Cafe. We encourage parents from both Primary and Secondary schools to become involved.

Brad King

Club Swimming - Brisbane Metro Winter Championships

Last weekend saw the St Margaret's Club swim team compete in the Brisbane Metro Winter Championships. We had 11 girls swim over the Saturday and Sunday competition, with all girls racing to "Personal Best times" in all of their events.

The club came first in the 3rd Division ladder and 15th in the overall point score.

The following swimmers finished with a podium position in their respective races:

• Phoebe Johnson (Year 7) 1 Bronze - 5 Top 10 finishes
• Lily Keenan (Year 7) 1 Bronze - 3 Top 10 finishes
• Indigo Kovac (Year 7) 3 Top 10 finishes
• Charlotte Roy (Year 6) 2 Top 20 finishes

A special mention must go to Charlotte Beirne (Year 6) [Nudgee Swim Club] for her 3 x Gold and 3 x Silver medal haul. Charlotte also broke the Brisbane record in the 50 Fly.

Matt Brown

Head of Swimming

Parent Support Group

This QG Winter Season our P&F Association, in collaboration with our respective Sporting Parent Support Groups are facilitating the St Margaret’s Winter Sport Pasta Drive.

This combined fundraiser has been set up to support the pursuit of our Tennis, Hockey, Volleyball, Athletics and Rhythmic Gymnastics programs. Profits will be split between these sporting groups.

We would greatly appreciate the support of our wider St Margaret's community to support this initiative. If willing, please stock up on healthy, fresh, locally made pasta products for your growing athlete, busy family and staff lunches. 

Angelo’s Fresh Pasta Products is a family-owned company that has been producing authentic quality pasta in Brisbane since 1968. Angelo’s uses only the freshest and finest of ingredients, the best quality Durum Semolina and farm fresh eggs in all their products.

There are lots of products to choose from to suit your family:

•           Individual meals, ready to heat;

•           Family pasta meals, ready to heat;

•           Dry pasta for your pantry;

•           Frozen filled pasta; and

•           Pasta sauces.

Purchase your pasta orders today:

Netball Parent Support Group

The Netball Parent Support group cordially invite the wider St Margaret’s school community to attend the 2023 Netball Trivia Night on Saturday 19 August.

The Netball Trivia evening is a great night on the school calendar, strengthening our community and raising funds to support our Netball program.

All members of the community are welcome. Please, grab a group of friends and book a table today: 

Sporting Achievement

It’s with great pleasure that we can recognise the outstanding sport performances and representation of St Margaret’s students at a national and international level. I would like to highlight and congratulate the follow student on her recent achievements:

Ashley Blackman (Year 9) has already had a busy start to the new term. Recently, Ashley was selected to join the Queensland Athletics Target Talent Program, recognising her performance and potential in High Jump. This will see Ashley join the squad for training and educational seminars to assist her development in the sport. Crossing codes, Ashley has also been selected within the Deadly Choices First Nations Netball squad to contest the Vicki Wilson Championships. We wish Ashley all the best and congratulate her on her achievements.  

Sport Awards Evening - Representative Achievements

At our St Margaret’s Sport Awards Evening, we recognise and acknowledge the achievements of students who represent team Queensland and Australia within their respective School Sport and Club Sport Pathways.

Given club sport is external to St Margaret’s we do appreciate students and/or parents/guardians notifying the Activities Office of student representation at this level. Recognition is acknowledged of those students who are selected and compete within a representative Queensland or Australian team.

If your daughter has represented at this level, please email further details by Friday 8th September to myself at lknight@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

GO MAGGIES!

Lloyd Knight

Tiffany-Rose joined other senior students from South East Queensland in her heat to speak on the topic: “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world” – Nelson Mandela.

Tiffany-Rose delivered an outstanding talk and was selected as one of two students from her heat to progress to the Grand Final on Thursday 10 August. Best of luck to Tiffany-Rose for the next stage of the competition where she will deliver a new prepared talk and an impromptu speech.

Maria Chamberlain

The Ponytail Project is a tradition for St Margaret’s students and was adopted by the Cancer Council Queensland and launched state-wide in a bid to gather a groundswell of support from schools across Queensland in 2018. If you would like to support a student or team for the Cancer Council’s Ponytail Project this year, the donation page will still be open over the weekend via this link:

P&F Secondary Mother Daughter Luncheon - Save the Date

St Margaret’s P&F Association invites all girls in Years 7 to 12 and their mothers or significant women in their lives to save the date for the St Margaret’s Secondary Mother Daughter Luncheon.

This new event on the St Margaret’s calendar is one not to miss – and will feature guest speaker, Shea Morrison (’96), co-founder, The Goodnight Co., music and a photo booth!

When: 11am – 3pm, Sunday 10 September

Venue: Rivershed at Howard Smith Wharves.

Tickets: Tickets will go on sale soon. Keep an eye on your inbox for further information.

This event is proudly supported by Major Sponsor, KLM Solicitors.

Lara Pickering