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Applications are now open for Durack College for the 2023 academic year. If your daughter, or someone you know, is interested in enjoying their independence and freedom as a young adult, while being surrounded by a range of support mechanisms that allows them to focus on their studies, then I urge you to consider Durack College.

Nestled in a quiet corner on the St Margaret’s campus, Durack College is a unique tertiary residence for young women offering accommodation and full board and combines this with its distinctive Student Success program, tailored to young under-graduate and post-graduate students.

I encourage you to book a tour or find out more by visiting the or contacting the College Director, Kelly Alford on kalford@durackcollege.com.au

Term’s notice of withdrawal

Currently, we are working on the 2023 timetable and staffing, and it is important that we have accurate enrolment numbers. This is just a reminder to parents that if your child is not returning to St Margaret’s in 2023, we require one full school term’s written notice (or one school term’s fees in lieu of notice) when withdrawing a student from the school. In some year levels, we have waiting lists and we need to be able to contact those on the list who are hoping to secure a place at the school. To meet the requirement of a term’s notice, advice can be received up to the last Friday of the September school holidays. Advice may be emailed directly to me or to our admissions team via admissions@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Ros Curtis

The St Margaret’s Way is an example of how we embrace joy each and every day through our interactions with others. The key focus area of Appreciation fits well with the theme with the key aspects below:

Self:

• We appreciate our strengths, acknowledge the good that we bring to our community and offer these unique qualities to others.
• We acknowledge our areas requiring development and embrace a mindset for continual improvement.
• We demonstrate respect for, and appreciation of, ourselves by always acting with integrity, consideration and compassion.

Community:

• We genuinely appreciate and acknowledge others in order to strengthen and support our community to be the best we can each day and to boost our relationships with peers, students, staff and parents.
• We acknowledge each other with respect and ensure that all communication is based on this value, with no preconceptions regarding intent of behaviour.
• We appreciate those with whom we share the responsibility for creating a dynamic learning environment.

When new students, staff and families join our school, we are excited to share St Margaret’s Way with them as a way of explaining how our interactions with each other count and what our responsibilities are in ensuring that others feel the way that we wish to feel here at school. It is just one way that our community is Embracing Joy.

Karen Gorrie

The Festival is a student-run conference that equips and empowers young people to lead for the common good. We had the privilege of hearing various keynote speakers and student speakers, including one of our own St Margaret’s students, who shared what it was like moving from her remote community into boarding school in the city. Her message to her listeners was how important it is to know where you come from. Duku Foré, author and inspirational speaker, inspired us by sharing his story of how he overcame many challenges to achieve his dreams. He was a powerful storyteller and used narrative to emphasise how important it is to know our story, share it, and listen to the stories of others. We returned to school energised to explore how we can incorporate some of our learning into the year ahead (before the next Goodji Festival).

Next week, we will continue our Anglican collaborations as St Margaret’s hosts the Anglican Schools Australia conference – Brisbane hub. Principals, senior staff, educators, and chaplains will gather to reflect on education and theology, particularly in the face of the challenges the last few years have presented.

Rev’d Jazz Dow

On Monday, our new leaders for 2023 were announced. We would like to congratulate Hadassah Todd and Lucy Edwards, who will be our 2023 Boarder Captains and they will be supported by Boarder Prefects Kitty Behrend, Rosemary Boyce, Jordana Dowling, Alicia Goh, Elle Gordon, Cleo Hardcastle, Dimity Hunter, Lucy Leonard, Maggie Slack, Gabby Sypher and Helaina Williams. These leaders will be responsible for building on the sense of belonging that exists in the boarding house, to continue to build high quality connections with all girls, and to be authentic in all their interactions with staff and peers. These girls take on the responsibility of leading the boarding house in all they do and say, and we know that they will represent the boarding house by being fully engaged in the mission and values of St Margaret’s.

Lesa Fowler

This week, I met with both the Year 10 students and the Year 11 students on their year level assemblies. With the Year 10s, we set up their QCAA Student Portal logins and I introduced them to the platform they will use to monitor their QCE points and access their final results. With both year levels, we discussed the QCAA Academic Integrity course that all students will have finalised by the end of the year. The purpose of this course is to ensure that students understand exactly what academic integrity is and the role they play in maintaining their own academic integrity. In particular, I spoke to students about appropriately referencing others’ work, ensuring that, even if working together, students submit their own words and not those of their partner, self-plagiarism and the use of tutors. I encourage you to continue this conversation with your own daughter to ensure she understands her responsibility in this important aspect of her education.

Caitlin McCluskey

While at St Margaret’s, these pre-service teachers will be teaching classes under the supervision of a St Margaret’s teacher; receiving feedback on their pedagogical practice, and ways to develop it in new and innovative ways; observing lessons across a diverse range of subject disciplines; and taking part in the school’s professional development days and afternoons. Further, St Margaret’s runs pre-service teacher-specific professional development sessions to assist them prepare for their first year of full-time teaching.

For all the following pre-service teachers, this is their final university placement, and on behalf of the school community, I warmly welcome them to St Margaret’s this semester, and wish them every success in their time with us:

• Josephine Cranny – Mathematics, Geography and Humanities
• Kathryn Veitch – Biology, Science and Mathematics
• Annaliese Martin – Drama
• Abby Lavin – Mathematics
• Brodie McIntosh – Mathematics, Geography and Humanities

ICAS

The ICAS Assessments have commenced this week in the secondary school, with the Writing Test held on Monday morning.

Below are the dates and times for the remaining ICAS Assessments for students in Years 7 to 12:

• English Test – Tuesday 16 August
• Science Test – Monday 22 August
• Mathematics Test – Monday 29 August

All tests commence at 7:00am in the Demountable Classroom #1 (between the Science Building and Chapel).

Chris Dunn

Interestingly, themes emerged among the applications for positions of student leadership this year. Applicants refer to the strong example set by the Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Advent (SSA). Since its inception, the SSA has been responsible for the establishment and nurturing of several schools and children's homes throughout Queensland. We are fortunate to be able to have ongoing contact with the Sisters through special functions held at St Margaret's. Our students look to the Sisters for their example of servant leadership and the care and compassion with which they lead.

Previous student leaders have also served as strong role models to our current student leaders.

From those examples and experiences, the current students have an enhanced understanding of leadership. Their personal observation helps them to understand that leadership entails duty and a sense of service, as well as involvement with younger students. As a consequence of watching those who have previously held leadership positions, the 2022 senior cohort have noted the benefits of leading students in younger year levels. Discussions have highlighted the need to balance study commitments with leadership responsibilities and the demands of having to be a role model "all the time".

Real women in positions of leadership have featured in a number of conversations during the leadership process. It was a pleasure to meet with each of the fine young women who have put themselves forward to be considered for a student leader position in 2023. The interview process allows the interview panel to learn more about the outstanding personal qualities of the students making application for School Captains. These students show such confidence, energy, wisdom, along with other personal qualities, providing me with the assurance that there is great capacity in our Year 11 cohort.

Our current student leaders show us that leadership is the ability to bring a group of people together and work toward a common goal. We watch them motivate and guide others, bringing the best qualities out in each person and using their talents for the betterment of the group.

Nikki Townsend

The aim of teaching and practising the big six literacy skills in isolation is for developing readers to automatically integrate them as they read. The automaticity of these skills also leads to a child 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. We encourage reading for pleasure through library borrowing and visual literacy. This term, each year level has been unpacking the shortlisted picture books CBCA (Children’s Book Council of Australia) by evaluating the visual elements. In Years 3 to 6, the Accelerated Reading (AR) program, novel study, and Literature Circle are all platforms that ultimately help students to become lifelong learners.

In August, we really celebrate books as this is the month in which Book Week occurs. Book Week runs from 20 to 26 August and this year’s theme is Dreaming with eyes open…. Our celebration is designed to encourage a love of reading and will include a book character parade, special lunchtime activities and an exploration of the short-listed books. Watch this space for more information. 

As adults, we have an obligation to encourage the young people in our lives to read for pleasure. As it has been said, “A child who reads will be an adult who thinks."

Angela Drysdale

This term, there have been ample opportunities for the primary school students to demonstrate our values, with definite evidence of courage, compassion, and creativity. Tuesday’s Athletics Carnival saw our girls running, jumping, and throwing with great courage. The students are drawing on their creativity as they design their costumes, create their wearable art, and rehearse their songs and routines ahead of the Book Week Character Parade and Arts Spectacular. And as always, our community demonstrated compassion in their fundraising and philanthropic pursuits, donating goods for Anglicare for St Margaret’s Day, immersing themselves in all things MAYO Festival and their support of Crazy Hair Day for the Ponytail Project. I was proud to be an ambassador for St Margaret’s while in Adelaide and to share our school values with the Saints Girls community, who this week, may just be starting their day asking themselves, ‘how do I want to feel every day when I come to school? What am I doing to ensure others feel this way?’

Annette Box

Viking Run – Rock Band Performances

Thank you to the Monday and Tuesday Rock Bands for the performances given at the recent Viking Run fundraiser held at Churchie last Friday afternoon. The performances, provided by both St Margaret’s and Churchie Rock Bands, assisted in providing a wonderful atmosphere for all those who participated in the event.

Student Congratulations

Congratulations to Nadia Charoensuk (Year 9) who recently was awarded first place in the Solo Performance section of the Gold Coast Festival with her performance of The House of the Rising Sun. Nadia also received the National Guild Award for achieving the highest score possible after completing her Grade 8 Australian Guild of Music examination. A link to her performance is available here:   Congratulations Nadia on these wonderful results!

Music Support Group

Thank you to all those who attended the last Music Support Group meeting. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 6 September at 5.00pm in M’s Cafe. Parents from both the primary and secondary schools are welcome to attend.

Brad King

On Friday 5 August, I had the pleasure of heading out to the QGSSSA Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships. Being a newbie to the sport of rhythmic gymnastics, I was blown away by the sense of teamwork and composure of girls on the floor. Our Maggies gymnasts were outstanding, performing with grace and enjoying the experience of putting their best routines forward. Congratulations must be given to all involved, particularly our Year 8 (I) team (Bronte Kinloch, Alika Conroy, Kenzie Carter, Emily Kernick & Marcia Noble) who won the QGSSSA pennant for their respective division. Thank you to our captains, Taylor Duncan and Brooke Lane, our coaches, Heather Lane, Alexis Lane and Zoe Ormrod, and our coordinator, Ms Nikki Anderson.

For a full list of QGSSSA results please check out the following and for future information regarding fixtures please see our

Further QGSSSA sport information can be found on the following POD pages:

Rhythmic Gymnastics Report

On Friday 5 August, St Margaret's competed in the annual QGSSSA Rhythmic Gymnastics competition. 

After weeks of hard work at training we had a very successful day, with every team performing to the best of their ability. Our Year 8 Division placed 1st, our B Grade Division placed 2nd and our Opens 3rd. Despite not placing in the top three, our Year 7 teams displayed amazing performances and really enjoyed the experience. All girls should be immensely proud of what they achieved and of the support they showed the other Maggie's girls on the day and across the season.

A big thank you to our coaches Heather, Alexis and Zoe, as well as our coordinator Ms Anderson. The season wouldn't have been possible without all of your hard work and support. A final thanks to all the girls who competed on the day. The support you showed your teammates was amazing and you should all be proud of your performance! Good luck for next season girls.

Taylor Duncan & Brooke Lane

Rhythmic Gymnastic Captains

Hockey Report

What a season it’s been so far. Our Maggies hockey players have impressed us with their skills and teamwork, coming away with some unexpected and well-deserved wins. Over the weekend we played Somerville House and our Opens had a 0-0 draw, with an early goal disallowed. Some game time was also lost towards the end of the match when the field was invaded by a bush turkey during one of our attacking penalty corners. Nevertheless, the Opens remain undefeated and are to be congratulated on their efforts thus far. 

The Senior As are also dominating their competition and had another big win over the weekend, defeating Somerville House 7-1. Well done to all goal-scorers, especially Kirsty Wilde (Year 10) who converted the team’s first penalty stroke and Ebony Black (Year 12) for her determination in the attacking circle. 

Our Junior As have faced some incredibly difficult opponents so far and unfortunately lost 0-1 in their friendly match against Somerville House. This was their first turf game and they showed great enthusiasm. 

Next week’s game against  Brisbane State High School will certainly be our biggest challenge yet and we look forward to seeing how the girls go.

Annabel Lauder and Grace Shearer

Hockey Captains

QGSSSA Athletics Practice Meets

In the lead up to the QGSSSA Track & Field Championships set to take place on Thursday 15 September, our Maggies team will be participating in several practice meets this term.

All students participating in the QGSSSA Athletics Program are encouraged to participate in these practice meets. They are lots of fun, with an exciting atmosphere under lights at the track.

For further information please see the .

Sporting Achievements – Sport Awards Evening

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, could you please notify the Activities Office by Friday 9 September with the suitable details to assist. Please email myself lknight@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

GO MAGGIES!

Lloyd Knight

She uses rich and warm red colours paired with darker tones of black and grey to make the audience feel unsettled with her imagery. Her work is very aesthetically engaging with both small details, text and large looming shapes. Well done, Grace!

To end the week at OSHC, on Friday afternoon we took the students outside to enjoy the beautiful winter’s afternoon and celebrate the last day of the Commonwealth Games. We did relay races, red rover and a long jump competition – what a way to end the week. Not only did the students have a bundle of fun, so did we!

Palu Ingram

Heidi is the first female CEO in the 150-year history of CCIQ and has her sights set on the future, including the extraordinary opportunity for Queensland over the next decade. Heidi is a passionate advocate for business, education and community and will share her experience of working across some of the most significant issues that have impacted business in Australia in recent times.

About Heidi Cooper

Heidi Cooper is the CEO of CCIQ and is passionate about driving Queensland’s strategic growth. Throughout her career, Heidi has worked extensively for the advancement of business in Queensland. With over 20 years’ experience in law, corporate affairs and policy making, Heidi has successfully driven strategies for major ASX companies. She has specialised in leading sustainable business initiatives with a key focus on economic growth, job creation, education, sustainability and community engagement. Heidi is currently a member of the Jobs Queensland Board and Brisbane Festival Giving Committee. She also has a longstanding commitment to community and not-for-profit initiatives and is a member of the St Margaret’s Foundation Board and the St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace School Advisory Council. 

Date: Thursday 18 August 2022

Time: 6.45am arrival for 7.00am - 8.45am

Location: Arts Centre Foyer, St Margaret's Anglican Girls' School, 11 Petrie Street, Ascot

Format: Sit down breakfast 

We also invite you to enjoy Barista Coffee from the Wolff Coffee Roasters cart, before and after the event!

Tickets: $85 Adult, $40 Student (Years 10-12/Tertiary).

Corporate tables: $850 (10 seats), includes company logo displayed on table and acknowledgement during event.

Book now via the Try Booking link:      

We thank our series sponsors for their support. Major Sponsor: Pitcher Partners, Associate Sponsors: Programmed Property Services and Wolff Coffee Roasters, and Supporting Sponsors: Downer, Clear Insurance, Westpac, O’Reilly Shaw Lawyers, Uniform Link and Move Recruitment Solutions.

Calling all Old Girls! Join us for the inaugural Cocktail Event, an 'Evening on the Green' hosted by St Margaret’s Old Girls’ Association.

Enjoy a cocktail on arrival, three-hour drinks package, gourmet food truck delights, live music, and a chance to catch up underneath the stars. This event provides a great opportunity for past students to reconnect beyond their reunion years.

Date: Saturday 24 September 2022

Time: 6.00pm – 9.00pm

Venue: Circular Drive, St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School

Tickets: $110 per person or $165 per person with a bottle of Mumm champagne.

Book now via Try Booking:

Lara Pickering