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As we approach Term 4, we are gearing up for our 2020 celebration of St Margaret’s educating girls for 125 years. You will note we have now added to our eNews information about our 125^-year events. As part of the celebrations, the school has launched an Art Competition for members of the community (parents, grandparents, staff, students, past students). For those of you who are artists, I would encourage you to enter the ‘Something St Margaret’s’ Art competition. Details may be found in this newsletter within that new section.

Parents of a tween (somewhere between 10-13 years of age, but could be ages 8-14) might be interested in the following information as it can explain a lot of behaviours. As the prefrontal cortex of tweens develops, they’re malleable, impulsive and impressionable. They’re capable of reasoning intellectually, interpreting emotions and taking a stand, but they lack perspective or life experience. Sorting out social drama can consume large chunks of their time, and they tend to experience emotions in polarities. Any mishap can register as a catastrophe, and they have little understanding that negative feelings are temporary. Tweens are trying to figure out what coping skills work for them and where their strengths and interests align. They’re hyper-aware of an invisible audience judging their every move and picking up on their shortcomings and limits. It’s a time of insecurity, hormonal changes and contradictions. The only other time a child experiences so much development is between birth and age two!

Acknowledgement: ‘How Childhood Has Changed for Tweens’ by Phyllis Fagell in Phi Delta Kappan, April 2019.

Term’s notice of withdrawal

This is just another reminder to parents that if your child is not returning to St Margaret’s in 2020, 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. Currently, we are working on the 2020 timetable and staffing, and it is important that we have accurate enrolment numbers. 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 registrar@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Ros Curtis

We have a number of camps and tours happening over the holidays, including three international tours. A group of 29 Year 5 and 6 students will be travelling to Japan and visiting our sister school in Kobe, Konan Elementary School. They will also be travelling around Japan, from Tokyo to Hiroshima (and lots of places in between). We also have students travelling to China. These language students will be no doubt relishing the chance to use their Mandarin skills. Our French tour also sees a group of our French language students in Years 10-12 joining Churchie on a tour of France. We wish all our travellers a safe journey and lots of opportunities to experience parts of the culture of the countries they are visiting.

The annual Sony Children’s Holiday Camp is on again this year, and a number of girls in Year 11 have been preparing for this. Run in conjunction with Churchie, the weekend-long camp brings together students from St Margaret’s and Churchie along with doctors and nurses from across Brisbane to partake in activities with guests with disabilities and special needs in order to give their families respite. It is a life-changing camp for our students and we wish them well.

Good luck also to the rowers attending the State Rowing Championships at Wyaralong Dam this coming weekend. There are many schools competing in this event, and we wish all the rowers and supporters who are going with them best wishes for a safe and successful regatta.

To all families, I wish you a wonderful holiday, and I look forward to welcoming our students back again for Term 4.

Karen Gorrie

Genesis 2: 2-3

“And on the seventh day, God finished the work that God had done, and God rested on the seventh day from all the work that God had done. So, God blessed the seventh day and made it holy.”

In some ways, this models to all that it is essential to stand back from our work, take a good look at what we have achieved and rest. As one person put it, “to rest is not an optional extra, but rather an essential part of life.” God blessed the seventh day, and through that blessing, it becomes a holy day, the sabbath day. Through the busyness of life, the seventh day, the Sabbath day, Sunday, the day of rest, is slowly disappearing. Again, this is not to say it is bad, but instead, we need to be more intentional in how we find time for rest and how we model that to our children. It could be as simple as sharing a picnic, a few days away, finding time at home to rest. Life moves by so fast, treasure those special times to relax as a family.

As we move into the holidays may you find time for rest, re-creation and holy days. May you find time for those things that quench the dry places in your lives. Water the garden, go for a walk, listen to music, exercise, have a picnic together, or make time for sport, whatever brings joy.

The Reverend Susan Crothers-Robertson

What is not generally found when researching community is that it is a psychological need. In context with our school, community is creating a sense of belonging for our students. We all need to feel emotionally and physically safe, we need to have supportive relationships and we need to feel that we are connected. The feeling of togetherness and cooperation - all these help in establishing a healthy atmosphere filled with unity, harmony and friendship. We also need to ensure our students feel that they are capable and able to learn. These fundamental needs shape motivation and have major implications for our students’ learning and development.

When a school meets students' psychological needs, students become increasingly committed to the school's goals, ethos and values. Our students are more likely to be academically motivated, to act ethically and selflessly, to develop social and emotional competencies. By having the students committed to maintaining a sense of community, schools almost intuitively begin to provide opportunities for students to develop habits and learn skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

In Boarding, community is our beating heart as it is also about growing with others. Actively cultivating respectful, supportive relationships between students, teachers and parents. St Margaret’s spends a lot of time and energy on building and maintaining our community. Our term “Home away from Home” is often said as it is the pillar of what we strive to be for our students and more. To enable students from different backgrounds to bring their personal thoughts, feelings and experiences into the classroom or Boarding House, sharing stories and family or cultural traditions. Our community is diverse, growing and inviting. We have families from Goondiwindi, Papua New Guinea and Hong Kong to name just a few, the St Margaret’s community is global!

We are very fortunate to say we are at the forefront of today’s innovative education; empowering tomorrow's leaders today. And with that, our mission is to develop informed, active, resilient and compassionate citizens within our St Margaret’s community.

Gracemere Mataia

In Term 4 there are a few events coming up:

Year 12 2020 Parent Information night

The current Year 11s begin their Unit 3 study next term, so there will be an Information Evening on Monday 21 October, from 6:30-7:30pm to take a closer look at Units 3 and 4 course of study, including our preparation for External Assessment. Please refer to the letter emailed to all Year 11 parents for more details.

Year 12 Term 4

As the Year 12s move into their last term of Year 12, I will recall one little piece of information I included in a letter you received in February, “… understand that every piece of assessment in Year 12 matters, including the very final piece of assessment in Term 4. I have heard students say that Term 4, Year 12 ‘does not count’…” but this is incorrect and can actually make a significant difference to the end result.

Year 10 Subject Selection

This week, the Year 10 students received confirmation of their subject selection for Year 11 2020. At this stage of the process there are always some second thoughts, so you are most welcome to call or make an appointment with Rosie Parisi: RParisi@stmargarets.qld.edu.au to discuss your selection.

Jo Butterworth

It was against this growing call for wider recognition and development of skills beyond academic assessment that the St Margaret’s Plus (StM+) program will commence a trial with Year 11s in Term 4 2019.

Broadly, the purpose of StM+ is to identify and document the essential skills students develop outside of the classroom through participating in extra-curricular activities.

The intention of StM+ is to provide a summary of activities that maps the skills they have learnt outside/alongside the academic program. It will provide each student with a Spider Graph of the skills they have developed and areas that need to be developed. An online platform draws together the activities and the associated skills to create the overview, which is drawn predominately from the school’s extra-curricular and philanthropic programs. Students can also add activities they have completed as individuals.

The resulting schedule outlines and maps students against six skills:

• Critical and creative thinking
• Community Engagement
• Inclusion and awareness of diversity
• Communication
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Initiative

By focusing on and developing these skills gained through activities outside the classroom, it is planned that StM+ will provide a future focused program that will benefit students as they enter tertiary study or workforce. Rather than just having on their resume they held a leadership position in school or were involved in philanthropy, the skills they gained through this involvement are demonstrable and comprehensively mapped and can be presented to their desired university or employer.

Nicole Devlin

It is so seldom that we can take a while to enjoy a moment in this bustling world, and yet it is so important that we do. All too often we have the TV blaring in the background, our children reach for the radio/CD/IPad the minute they climb into the car and of course the incessant bleeps, pings, rings and chirps that emanate from our phones and computers reminding us that we are on call 24/7. Is it any wonder that they, and we, are frazzled at the end of the day – only to have sleep interrupted by vibrations and buzzes from our ‘silenced’ technology? We seem to constantly feel the need to be in touch, to be stimulated and engaged mentally.

It would be wonderful if during the holidays our daughters could take 5 minutes every day to immerse themselves in silence – no music, no phone, no computer. Understandably this may be uncomfortable for them and would require a certain amount of willpower. Susan Leigh of Lifestyle Therapy understands that this can be difficult, she says ‘Silence requires us to become more confident, confident in our ability to be quiet and still, to find an inner peace that can enable us to sit and enjoy the silence. Being confident and at one with ourselves means that we can enjoy being on our own or in company and not need to fidget and be constantly active or occupied. It is enough to just be there, in a relaxed, comfortable state of mind’. For those who cannot bear the thought of doing nothing for a few minutes they could fill this time with silent prayer, learn to meditate or read a passage that requires some contemplation.

Embracing silence and being comfortable with one’s own company can be a wonderful way to reduce stress at the same time as being very therapeutic. The Dalai Lama states, ‘Sometimes silence is the best answer’.

Wishing you a blessed and peaceful holiday.

References:

Nikki Townsend

Last week was the final one for the term and it was our holistic education in action! The academic growth of our early years students was certainly on display when they shared their writing. Year 1 presented VCOP. It was impressive to hear the vocabulary and openings they use in their sentences. Year 2 also shared their writing using the strategy “show not tell”. Ask your child about it.

On the social and emotional side, through the dramatisation of a story, Year 3 shared a valuable lesson.

“Life might have its failures, but the only true failure can come if you quit.”

Rosie Revere

Leadership in Year 6 is an important component of their social and emotional growth. Year 6 girls display their leadership not just through their positions but also within Cornerstone. Cornerstone is an enquiry project undertaken every year. This year, the girls are helping a worthwhile cause, Zephyr. This self-funded charity helps children in refuges by supplying necessities for life. As part of the project, students need to design a marketing strategy. Through costumes and dancing, 6R promoted their request for toiletries. This week, 6G sent a plea for underwear and next term 6B will be requesting water bottles and lunchboxes. Through the Year 6 stewardship of this project the girls are hoping that all students in the school community will take responsibility to source these donations.

Once again, the Spirit Captains rallied the school, and through their own initiative identified and rewarded Athletics Carnival spectators who showed real spirit.

In the physical development sphere, the Andrews Cup athletics team members were presented with their place ribbons. Congratulations to the team.

This example of an Assembly not only highlights the opportunities that are afforded to the girls, but also identifies how their experiences address all aspects (social/emotional, academic and physical) of a child’s growth which we will continue to watch next term.

I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday and I am looking forward to accompanying some Years 5 and 6 girls as we head to Japan today.

Angela Drysdale

Special thanks to Ms Brennan for the wonderful work she did in preparing many of the choirs for the concert and for doing much of the behind the scenes work. Thank you also to Ms Taylor for her work in preparing Elevarsi Voices and Encorah. Ongoing thanks must go to the Music Support Group who put on a sausage sizzle for the girls and provided refreshments and raffles in support of the Music Program at St Margaret’s. Their support is very much appreciated.

Music Newsletter Information

Please note that from Term 4 2019, the Music Newsletter will no longer be emailed each week to parents; however, it will be available via The POD - St Margaret's Music page. Please ensure you sign up as a member of this page to receive future Music Newsletters.

Music Support Group Meeting

The next Music Support Group meeting will be held on Tuesday 15 October 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

Sports Awards Evening - Friday 18 October

This event is a highlight in the St Margaret’s sporting calendar, and I am pleased to announce that three-time Olympian (Rowing), Sally Kehoe will be our special guest speaker. Sally will no doubt deliver an inspiring speech, sharing her personal journey from a small country town to a St Margaret’s girl and Olympian. Throughout the evening students, coaches and staff will be celebrated in the following categories:

• Most Valuable Player/Athlete
• Rising Stars
• Summer, Winter and Autumn Team of the Year
• Captain of the Year
• Coach of the Year
• St Margaret’s Contribution to Sport Award

Nominations are currently open for Captain and Coach of the Year through the Secondary Sport POD page. For further details, including payment, please click here (PDF 346.8KB).

Premiership Success

Congratulations to the Senior C Tennis team who were awarded Premiers of their division within the QGSSSA competition. This team remained undefeated throughout the entire season which is a tremendous effort. Well done to the following team members: Chloe Bloomfield, Milla Dwyer, Chloe Lepelletier, Sarah Kennedy and Caitlin Nankivell.

Water Polo Day Camp

This year, St Margaret’s is launching a two-day Water Polo day camp. The camp will be held on Sunday 6 October, 1:00pm-4:00pm and Monday 7 October, 9:00am-12noon at Yeronga Park Swimming Pool, Yeronga. All players are invited to attend the camp with the aim of preparing all teams for their first game of the season on Saturday 12 October. For further details, please click here (PDF 147.3KB).

QGSSSA Athletics

QGSSSA Athletics took place today, Thursday 19 September. The Athletics squad commenced their journey in Term 2 by attending numerous training sessions, competition Meets and a camp under the guidance of Head Coach, Eric Brown. We wished all our athletes well and look forward to reporting their success next Term.

Helen Lobegeiger

We are very excited about the Something St Margaret’s competition which was launched this week. Students are strongly encouraged to create a work which can be a painting, pencil sketch, photography, lino Block, watercolour or stencil. The square format should provide a nice challenge and all work must be submitted by Friday 22 November 2019. Art teachers have further details about this lovely opportunity for girls to celebrate 125 years of St Margaret’s in a creative way. For members of the St Margaret’s community, there is a special section for you too! Please refer to the “Celebrating 125 Years” section of the eNews below for full details.

smART Club finished this week and the Term 4 activity will be Christmas decorations. This fun activity will begin on Wednesday 16 October, 3:30-5:00pm.

Lisa Smith

These girls leave us with wonderful memories and take with them life-long friendships.

Term 4

Next term is another big term for our St Margaret’s students. We wish the following 14 girls a wonderful Exchange experience:

Ursulinenschule in Germany: Arabella O’Neill, Casandra Mantis, Chloe Ziegenfuss, Ciel McKay, Ella Blanck, Olivia Donoghue and Samantha Cooper;

Konan in Japan: Ella Bacon and Isabella Shepherd;

Emma Willard in USA: Georgia Ditchfield; and

St Anne’s in South Africa: Ashleigh Witenden, Ellen Tracey, Isobella Macfarlane and Meleia Richardson.

In Term 4, we also welcome back Alice Boughey, Elizabeth Kettle, Greta Kasprowicz, Charlotte Russell, Priscilla Russell and Georgina Winter from their Exchange in South Africa.

Important:

• The outcome of the 2020 Global Exchange Applications was announced via email to the respective students on Tuesday 17 September.
• Students who have been offered a 2020 Exchange placement must return their Acceptance of Offer form to Ms Angelin Achari via Main Reception by Morning Tea on Thursday 19 September.
• Global Exchange Information Evening for the 2020 Exchange students and their families will be held on Tuesday 8 October in the Arts Centre Foyer, 5pm-6:30pm.

Angelin Achari

Subject: The works must recognisably reflect 'something St Margaret's' - whether it be architecture, place, people or events. For example - the panama, Middy, house colours, Mooloomburram, the view, the Sisters, students and teachers, Eton Hall, or iconic events such as the MAYO Arts Festival, Classics in the Cathedral, Arts Spectacular, the Ponytail Project, or learning in the classroom, a sporting event etc, or a piece that captures the spirit of St Margaret's.

Medium: Painting, Pencil Sketch, Photography, Lino Block, Watercolour, Stencil

Size: 60cm x 60cm or 30cm x 30cm

Sections and prizes:

Open (must have a demonstrable connection to the St Margaret's community):  $1000 (acquisitive prize)

St Margaret's Secondary School Students: $500 (acquisitive prize)

St Margaret's Primary School Students: $250 (acquisitive prize)

Up to 10 Highly Commended pieces will be recognised with a certificate and the winner of each category, plus the Highly Commended pieces will feature in the St Margaret's 2020 calendar. Selected pieces may appear on various memorabilia produced to celebrate 125 years. Prizewinners' works are acquisitive and all Highly Commended artworks chosen for the calendar will be on loan for the duration of the 125 year anniversary celebrations throughout 2020.

Entries Close: Friday 22 November 2019 | Winners announced Thursday 28 November 2019

All entries will be displayed in the Arts Centre Foyer for the final week of school.

Open entries to be delivered to St Margaret's Reception, 11 Petrie Street, Ascot, 4007.

School entries to be delivered to the Secondary Art Staff Room or Secondary Art classes.

Download the competition flyer (PDF 164.4KB)

Download the entry form (PDF 830.6KB)

Current Year 11 Students only

Booklists for Year 11 Term 4 are now available on the St Margaret’s website. Orders can be placed through Sequel School and Office Supplies at .

Current Year 11 students will be required to have textbooks and stationery for the commencement of Term 4 2019.

Delivery is free within Queensland. Only Boarders may have their book pack delivered to St Margaret’s for pick-up on their return to school in Term 4, by confirming in the delivery address: Boarder – Deliver to St Margaret’s AGS.

This booklist will replace the Year 12 2020 list that is normally ordered for Term 1 2020. All other year levels will have access to their 2020 booklists around mid-October 2019.

New online bookings for uniform fitting appointments

We are excited to announce that our Supplies Shop now offers an online booking system for uniform fitting appointments.

We understand how busy life gets and this new booking system will make it quicker and easier for parents to make a uniform fitting appointment for their child. Parents can now view and book available appointment times, receive instant confirmation, reschedule if necessary, and receive email and text reminders closer to the time of your appointment – all whilst on the go and from any mobile device.

Bookings for October and November 2019 and January 2020 are available online now!

We would encourage all families to book an appointment as soon as possible to avoid missing your preferred day and time.

When booking your appointment please consider the following:

• All uniform fittings are by appointment only.
• 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 Circular Drive through Gate 1, Petrie Street, Ascot.

For more information, including book lists for 2020, please refer to the School website or contact the Supplies Shop on Telephone: +61 7 3862 0776 or Email: suppliesshop@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Our experienced staff look forward to helping with all your school uniform needs.

Terisa Arnold

Congratulations to all the winners on the day - we hope that everyone enjoyed the event.

If you would like to view images from the Race Day, please .

Thank you to the parents and students who gave their time to volunteer at the event and thank you to our Race Sponsors and prize donors who helped support our fundraising efforts! Please support those businesses who support us.

Thank you to our Major Sponsor – Qscan

Thank you to our Race Sponsors – Madisons, Brisbane Neurosurgery, UMS, Programmed Property Sevices, Ascot Plumbing and Clear Insurance.

And lastly, thank you to our prize donors:

• The Derm Lab
• The Alford Family
• Racecourse Road Dental
• TotalFusion Gym
• The Lisle Family
• The Standard Market Company
• Highgate House
• Black Toyota
• Brisbane Racing Club
• Julie Whitehead - floral artist
• LillyPilly Estate Wines
• The Mort Family
• Golf Central
• LoveStar Vases
• Hello Gorgeous!
• Athlete's Foot
• The Calile Hotel

St Margaret’s Community Upcoming Events

Professional Women’s Network Cocktail Event with guest speaker, Trish Jackson (’79)

Date: Thursday 17 October 2019

Time: 5:30pm start, 7:30pm finish

Venue: McCullough Robertson, Level 11, 66 Eagle Street, Brisbane

Tickets: Corporate groups $800 for 10, $80 adult and $40 students (Years 10-12/tertiary)

Surviving against all odds, Trish Jackson uses her disability to educate the next generation; the key to ending bullying and discrimination. Trish is one of 10,000 babies born with several birth defects because her mother was given a sample packet of the drug Thalidomide, a supposedly ‘safe’ drug, during her pregnancy.

After graduating, Trish’s second job was ironically in the health department in the pharmaceutical section – ironic for two reasons: she was the result of the greatest pharmaceutical disaster in the world and the government who had told her she ‘could not work’ ended up being her employer for over a decade.

Today she is a guest speaker and agent for change – she is still campaigning for compensation after 57 years for the harm caused by the drug Thalidomide.

Join us for our PWN Cocktail event as Trish will share how, in the face of adversity, she has chartered her own professional path and how corporate workplaces can create a more inclusive culture.

Tickets are available via Flexischools. Please to purchase your ticket.

We sincerely thank our corporate sponsors for their generous support of the Series.

Associate Sponsors: Pitcher Partners and McCullough Robertson.

Supporting Partners: Downer, NAB, Programmed Property Services, Clear Insurance and QBI (Queensland Brain Institute).

Old Girls’ Association ‘Sparkling Brunch’

More details to come… save the date!

Date: Sunday 27 October 2019

Time: 9:30am–12:30pm

Venue: Arts Centre Foyer, St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School

Tickets: $55 adult and $45 students (Years 10-12/tertiary)

Lara Pickering

QUT – Start QUT Program for Year 11 students

. Students are first required to complete an application form from St Margaret’s if they are considering this study option. Please contact either Ms Johnston or Ms Holley for further details.

The University of Queensland – Enhanced Studies Program (ESP) for Year 11 students.

ESP provides you with an opportunity to complete one university subject during Year 12 . Students are first required to complete an application form from St Margaret’s if they are considering this study option. Please contact either Ms Johnston or Ms Holley for further details.

QUT - Upcoming events

Check out the following events in September and October:

The University of Queensland

The Diploma of Agribusiness Management is a one-year, full-time, face-to-face trimester program offered at the University of Queensland Gatton Campus.

Griffith University Early Start to Tertiary Studies (GUESTS)

Year 11 students can apply for the Griffith University Early Start to Tertiary Studies (GUESTS). For more information, visit . Students are first required to complete an application form from St Margaret’s if they are considering this study option. Please contact either Ms Johnston or Ms Holley for further details.

Durack College

Applications for Durack College are now open for 2020. Durack College offers a boutique residential experience, with a personalised focus on educational success.

Griffith Scholarships in 2020

Find out more and apply online at:

The University of Queensland Scholarships

QUT Scholarship opportunities

QUT Creative industries course updates

Applications for creative industries courses with auditions or portfolios close at 5pm on Friday 20 September. The has the latest information.

QUT Meeting assumed knowledge and prerequisites

QUT offers a in Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics.

UQ College is offering University Prerequisite Courses in Mathematics B, Chemistry or Biology.

QTAC Key Dates

QTAC’s admissions period runs from the beginning of August 2019 to the end of June 2021. The cost will be $44 which includes three changes of preferences.

20 September: Applications for QUT creative industries courses with auditions or portfolios close at 5pm.

28 September: Early closing date some courses

28 September: Scholarship Applications due

October: Submit EAS and supporting documents

15 November: First offer round Year 12

14 December: OP’s released

23 December: QTAC Offer Round

7 January: Last day to change preference

15 January: Offer Round

Upcoming Events at UQ:

Monday 30 September 2019, 9:00am–3:00pm St Lucia campus

Wednesday 2 October 2019, 9:00am–3:30pm St Lucia campus

Saturday 12 October 2019, 12:30pm–4:30pm Room 216, Prentice Building (42)

Saturday 19 October 2019, 2:00pm–5:00pm Sir Llew Edwards Building

Monday 16 December 2019, 3:00pm–6:00pm UQ Centre, St Lucia campus

Griffith University: Explore your Options

Monday 16 December – Thursday 19 December. Find out about admissions pathways, entry requirements and changing preferences .

Elizabeth Johnston