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If you have symptoms or have tested positive to COVID-19, Queensland Health strongly recommends you:
• stay home to isolate until you no longer have acute respiratory symptoms
• avoid entering hospitals, residential aged care facilities and disability accommodation services for at least 7 days and only when you no longer have any symptoms
• wear a face mask in an indoor setting and if you are unable to physically distance outside for at least 7 days after testing positive to COVID-19.

And for close contacts:
If you become a close contact, for at least 5 days following the person’s positive COVID-19 test, Queensland Health strongly recommends you:
• wear a face mask in an indoor setting and if you are unable to physically distance outside
• work or study from home, where feasible and with the agreement of your workplace
• avoid entering hospitals, residential aged care facilities and disability accommodation services
• avoid contact with people at risk of severe disease from COVID-19

The Non-State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme provides financial assistance for families transporting students to non-state schools in Queensland. Applications close 31 October 2022. To find out more about eligibility requirements and how to apply, please visit the website www.schooltransport.com.au. 

Ros Curtis

It is important though that they look after themselves and each other. They must ensure they are getting enough sleep, eat nutritious meals each day, and work at maintaining positive relationships with their family and friends around them.

Last week we celebrated HPE week in the school. It was so lovely to see students across both the primary and secondary schools engage in so many meaningful activities together. They were able to develop their movement and fitness skills, as well as have lots of fun together. There were meditation times, giggles and laughter with the St Margaret's biggest nutbush dance, fun at dodgeball, healthy eating and much more. Congratulations to all students and staff involved and for the coordination of this week by Ms Lobegeiger our Head of Faculty - Health & Physical Education (PP-12).

This week our Student Representative Council (SRC) arranged many activities for our students to partake in as part of Mental Health Week. Congratulations to all members of the SRC and our teacher coordinator Jenny Matheson for their leadership and organisation of some wonderful events this week.

Looking after our mental health is such an important thing for us all to do. I also urge our students to take the time to check in with their fellow classmates; it is amazing how a smile or a little bit of small talk (not in the middle of academic time though!) can really lift people when they are not feeling so great.

Karen Gorrie

Every first Sunday of the month (excluding January) an SSA Eucharist is held in the Sisters’ Chapel at St Margaret’s. Anyone is welcome to attend this service. The next Service will be held on Sunday 6 November at 4pm. You are warmly invited to attend. There will be an enquiry session prior to the service at 2pm for anyone interested in knowing more about Vowed Membership and Companionship of the SSA at the Sisters’ Chapel.

There will also be a quiet morning held on 8 December, 8:30am – 12pm led by the Rev’d Jan Crombie (cSSA). You can register for this retreat here:

In November, the Society of the Sacred Advent along with the Anglican Church of Australia, is marking the 30^th anniversary of the ordination of women in Australia. The SSA is hosting a long lunch on 19 November to honour this milestone. More details can be found on the SSA website.

As we arrive at the half-way point of Term 4, and Year 12 students begin their external examinations, please be assured of my prayer and support.

Rev’d Jazz Dow

Each term, big and little sisters participate in a boarding house organised event, and it is also the responsibility of the big sister to plan another activity throughout the term. On top of this, big sisters will frequently drop into the dorm to visit their little sister or have a quick check in during mealtimes in the dining hall. While the formal commitment is only 12 months, the relationship built often outlasts the year and the mentor and mentee relationship is an integral support system for the transition to Boarding.

This Friday, we have our final boarding big and little sister event for the year – a minute to win it games night. I’m looking forward to celebrating the friendships formed this year through some competitive rivalry. I would like to take the opportunity to thank our 2022 cohort of boarding big sisters for their commitment and dedication in supporting the new boarders and welcoming them with open arms into the St Margaret’s boarding house.

We are also in the process of inducting our new big sisters for 2023 and they are busy preparing for their little sister’s arrival. Lots of girls have taken up the opportunity to be a big sister next year and I’m optimistic about the impact that the incoming big sisters are going to have – the new boarders are in very good hands!

Hannah Calcino

At times, some girls come out of the exams and feel unhappy with their perception of how they went, and some girls are just unsure, but when it is done it is done and they should feel proud of how they have approached these exams from the onset. So, if your daughter is coming home unhappy about the exam, the questions and the things they did not know, please reassure them. Tell them you are proud and remind them that the windscreen is bigger than the rear vision mirror. You need to glance back, but it is important to keep looking forward and navigate to the next bend on the road.

Finally, thank you to all Year 12 parents who are supporting their child in this. I am sure you too are feeling all the emotions that I feel with your daughters!

Year 11

On Thursday 10 November, I am holding a Parent Information Evening for parents of students in Year 12 in 2023. This invitation went out in Week 1 of Term 4 and can also be found on the Year 11 POD page. The presentation will be recorded and the recording made available for those who are unable to make it in person.

This week, I am beginning the first round of ATAR indication meetings with the Year 11 ATAR eligible students. They have all been emailed a booking link which can also be found on the Year 11 POD page. The purpose of these meetings is to discuss the girls progress so far, give them an indication of where they are heading and help them to make a plan moving forward. Parents are more than welcome to attend this meeting either in person or via Teams/phone call.

Year 10

Year 10 students are busy keeping up to date on their Cert II work as well as getting into their school assessment for the term. It is only two short weeks until their Study Hall, so all Year 10s should be planning their time carefully and factoring in some additional study and review in the coming weeks.

Caitlin McCluskey

English

Year 7

• Sophie Fuller – Distinction
• Madeline Renwick – Distinction

Year 8

• Matilda O’Gorman – Distinction
• Lauren Jarrett – High Distinction
• Jessica Krook – High Distinction

Year 11

• Ha-Vy Hoang – Distinction

Mathematics

Year 7

• Helena Gill – Distinction

Year 8

• Lauren Jarrett – Distinction
• Jessica Krook – Distinction

Science

Year 8

• Lauren Jarrett – High Distinction

Writing

Year 7

• Edith Barber – Distinction
• Gina Lee – Distinction

Year 8

• Lauren Jarrett – High Distinction

Year 11

• Ha-Vy Hoang – Distinction

• Matisse Fennessy – Distinction

Chris Dunn

QMHW encourages all of us to think about our mental health and wellbeing, regardless of whether we may have a lived experience of mental illness or not, and encourages help seeking behaviours, when needed.

This week gave us the opportunity to understand the importance of mental health in our everyday lives. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.

Each year, people across Queensland come together during QMHW through local events, conversations and activities to raise awareness of the importance of positive mental health and wellbeing.

This week the students celebrated St Margaret’s Mental Health Week. The Student Representative Council organised the following lunch time initiatives which were enjoyed by all.

• Bath bomb making
• Colouring in/drawing
• Lunch with Luna (our school dog)
• Kahoot on mental health & wellbeing in M’s Café
• Dance party in the Gym
• Sausage sizzle

In addition to the lunch time activities, daily positive messages and quotes were sent via emails, on POD banners and laptop screens. Student-made posters were also displayed around the school.

Nikki Townsend

Recently, secondary students acted as science ambassadors and offered the primary girls a Q and A session. Not only did these senior girls share their science knowledge but they were also advocates for choosing Science as a secondary school subject. Social experiences such as camp and activities with Churchie (recently Year 6 and earlier in the year, Prep) provide opportunities to practice social skills.

Sport experiences offer not only physical skill development but also social experiences such as being a team member and participating in a competition. Last week, we saw many girls use these skills and apply them to cricket and gymnastics. It was wonderful to watch the B grade team achieve first place in the Andrews Cup competition and on Sunday our gymnastics team competed in the Megan Mitchell competition. Each grade achieved second place with the school being placed second place overall.

Competition is not just limited to sport. On the weekend a group of girls participated in the Opti-MINDS Challenge. This challenge is an opportunity for all those with a passion for learning and problem solving to showcase their skills and talents. Under the guidance of Louise Sands and Clayton Howard, students worked in two teams at school and competed in the first round of a weekend competition, the Social Science Team (Gia Comino, Emma Kardooni, Piper Chalmers, Christy Lok, Georgia Van Riel, Stella Rhode and Gigi Owens) achieved great results. However, the Language and Literature Team (Allegra Pople, Isabella Goodrick, Lily Tribe, Gigi Bissett, Isobel Stobie, Chloe Nheu and Ally Cowley) achieved results that allowed them to compete in the finals.

On the weekend, the Language Literature team competed in the State Finals. The first part of the competition required the team to share [at a market style event], a project they created, which was an app designed to support mental health. On Sunday, they were given a scenario and limited time to create a play based on the criteria. The girls worked collaboratively, creatively and presented their play to successfully achieve first place. They competed with teams from all over Queensland. It was such an amazing achievement. Many thanks to the parent helpers, Rebecca Bissett and Bridget Stobie, who supported the girls in their preparation and during the weekend competition.  

These are just a few examples of the learning experiences offered to the girls- experiences that fulfill our commitment to providing a well-rounded education.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Lucy Page on placing 2^nd in the 800m State Titles. Lucy has now been selected to participate in the National Team.  We are so proud of her efforts and wish her all the best representing Queensland.

Angela Drysdale

All students who have received a High Distinction or Distinction will be presented with their certificates at an upcoming assembly. All other certificates will be sent home when we receive them. Congratulations to the following students for their outstanding achievements.

• Top 1% of students receive a High Distinction

• The next 10% of students receive a Distinction

Kate Frewin

Congratulations also to Hilary Davis (Year 10) who has also been accepted into the AYO Young Symphonists Program and National Music Camp playing the double bass. It’s brilliant to have such wonderful representation from St Margaret’s at a national level.

Professional Women’s Networking Performance

Thank you to Jasmine Leung (Year 10) for her wonderful performance of Flute de Pan at last week’s Professional Women’s Networking Breakfast. Jasmine was accompanied by Mr Ng with the performance very much appreciated by all in attendance. Thank you also to the Sculthorpe String Quartet for entertaining guests as they arrived for the breakfast. Their contribution is always highly valued.

Interhouse Solo Music Competition

Thank you to all students who have entered our inaugural Interhouse Solo Music Competition. The schedule with venues will be published and emailed to students by the end of this week. We very much look forward to hearing some wonderful performances and also look forward to determining the most musical house for 2022!

Music Support Group

The next Music Support Group meeting will be the AGM and will be held on Tuesday 8 November at 5.00pm in M’s Cafe. Parents from both the primary and secondary schools are welcome to attend.

Brad King

Australian All School Championships

Congratulations to St Margaret’s students Ashley Blackman (Year 8), Georgia Hopwood (Year 8), Lily Hicks (Year 9) and Amber Norton (Year 11) who have been selected in the All-Schools team to represent Queensland at the upcoming Australian All Schools Championships in Adelaide.

All girls were selected after their strong performances at the recent Queensland School Sport Track & Field Championships.

• Ashley will compete in the U14 High Jump after winning the event in a clearance of 1.59m.
• Georgia will compete in the U15 90m & 200m hurdles after winning both events in personal best performances.
• Lily will compete in the U16 400m after breaking the 60 second barrier and finishing 2^nd overall in the event.
• Amber will compete in U18 5000m walk after achieving her goal of finishing on the podium at the championships. Amber finished second overall.

St Margaret’s, and by extension Met North Region were fortunate to be represented by many athletes at the Queensland School Sport Track & Field Championships. We are proud to acknowledge and recognise the following students who were selected to represent the Met North Team:

• Kaya Agnew - 3000m
• Ashley Blackman - High Jump / 80m Hurdles
• Millie Campbell – 1500m
• Bless Daly – Discus / Javelin
• Emma Blanch - Shot Put
• Isabella Harte – 3000m / 1500m / 2000m Steeple
• Charlize Heathcote – 800m / 1500m
• Lily Hicks – Long Jump / Triple Jump / 400m
• Gemma Hooper – 1500m
• Georgia Hopwood – 200m Hurdles / 100m / 90m Hurdles / 4x100m Relay
• Zara Maddern – High Jump
• Amber Norton – 800m, 3000m, 1500m, 5000m Walk
• Ebony Okonkwo – 100m, 200m, 4x100m Relay
• Bridget Smith – 1500m
• Charli Spies – 1500m
• Ava Thompson – 1500m

We congratulate all representatives and wish Ashley, Georgia, Lily and Amber all the very best for the Australian All Schools.

GO MAGGIES!

Lloyd Knight

In Visual Art, we recently received the news that Claire Crossley's work was selected for the annual Subject Report for QCAA. Claire's work was selected due to the high-quality demonstration of the criteria across all her bodies of work. This is an outstanding achievement. Congratulations Claire! 

Adrian Walker

Boarders ONLY are able to have their book pack delivered to St Margaret’s for pickup on their return to school in January 2023 by confirming in the delivery address: Boarder – Deliver to St Margaret’s AGS.

UNIFORM OUTFITTING APPOINTMENTS – online booking system

Bookings for October, November & December 2022 and January 2023 are available online now!

Book your appointment online here:

We encourage families to book a fitting appointment as soon as possible to avoid missing your preferred day and time.  Appointment times are either 30 minutes or 60 minutes depending on your fitting type. Fitting types include: New Student, Existing Student, Boarder Only and Pre-Prep/Prep.

The students have also been participating in mindfulness activities such as colouring in, yoga exercises, reading and practising relaxation techniques. The students also love to sing along to Disney songs and have a morning dance party. With the recent rain, during After School Care we have been exploring the students’ interest in art and craft. A favourite activity this week was creating ‘magic wands’.

Palu Ingram

If you would like further information about the Program, please contact the Coordinator via email mchamberlain@stmargarets.qld.edu.au or phone 3862 0750 or refer to the Private Speech and Drama Handbook on the website or .

If you would like to enrol your daughter in Speech and Drama for 2023, please complete and return the Application for Tuition form by clicking .

Places in the Program are limited and are provided to continuing students and then to new students based on the order in which enrolment applications are received and according to availability of spaces in each year level. New enrolments are requested by Monday 21 November 2022.

Parents of current students – please remember to confirm or cancel your daughter’s place in the program for 2023 by completing and submitting the electronic form that was emailed to you by your daughter’s Speech and Drama teacher. Your consideration regarding this procedure is greatly appreciated. Accurate enrolment numbers are essential for ensuring successful timetabling, suitable staffing arrangements and a smooth start to the year for current and new students.

Lessons for 2023 will commence in week two of Term 1. We are looking forward to another exciting year of cultivating confident, capable communicators.

Maria Chamberlain
Private Speech and Drama Coordinator

Date:       Friday 3 March 2023 (Term 1)

Venue:    Queensland Cricketers Club

RSVP:      9.30am Thursday 16 February, unless sold out prior.

Tables:    Maximum table capacity is 10 people. Seating requests can be made by nominating a Table    Captain or Year Group at the time of booking. Best efforts will be made to meet any requests.

Enquiries:  P&F@stmargarets.qld.edu.au

Purchase tickets via Try Booking: https://www.trybooking.com/CCIXW 

Thank you to our Supporting Sponsor, Morgans.

If your business is interested in supporting the Fathers’ Dinner or other upcoming P&F events, please contact us for a copy of the 2023 P&F Event Sponsorship Prospectus via email P&F@stmargarets.qld.edu.au. We would love to speak with you.

Last chance to purchase your raffle tickets in the Mother Daughter High Tea Raffle

Fantastic prizes are on offer including a 3-night Mooloolaba getaway, Verve Photography sessions, Design Consultation from Bella Vie Interiors, Hervé’s dining voucher, SKIN Beauty products, a handmade quilt, Keri Craig: The Label, the Lady, the Lifestyle book, Shingle Inn Hamper and a Nostimo dining voucher.

You do not need to attend the event to enter. Click on this link to purchase raffle tickets and to see all the amazing prizes on offer:

Thank you to our Prize Donors: The Martin/Jansen family, Verve Photography, Bella Vie Interiors, P&F Association, The Lyons family, SKIN Beauty, Dimity McDouall, Keri Craig-Lee OAM ('75), Shingle Inn and Nostimo.

Nominations are open for the 2023 St Margaret’s Past Student Awards

If you know of a St Margaret’s Old Girl deserving of recognition, we encourage you to nominate her today! Perhaps your daughter is being mentored by a past student who has achieved great things.

The annual Past Student Awards recognise the many and diverse achievements of St Margaret’s Past Students, both professionally and personally, providing an opportunity to share stories of success with our current student community.

There are two award categories:

1. Distinguished Past Student Award - for alumnae who have celebrated their 20th reunion. Recognises significant contribution or achievements in the profession, community or volunteer work; and
2. Young Past Student of Distinction Award - for alumnae in their 20th reunion year or younger. Recognises significant contribution or achievements in the profession, community or volunteer work.

Nominations can be submitted by completing our Online Nomination Form. Please note, when competing the Form, if there are any details (i.e. alumni year, degree information or addresses) that you need assistance in completing, please leave these blank, and we here in the Development and Community Office are happy to fill in those gaps.

Lara Pickering