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Last week, I reported on the post-school destinations of the 2019 Seniors. This week, I have been asked to put in our newsletter an alert for our 2020 Seniors about the Next Step, a state-wide post-school destination survey of all students who complete Year 12 in Queensland.

This year's students will be invited to complete the Next Step survey in March 2021. Support for the survey is critical, as a high response rate for this survey ensures that the results are representative of all Year 12 completers. Higher levels of response give schools better data for use in internal analysis. Graduating students are likely to be contacted by phone or mail using the data in your daughter’s QCAA learning account.

Further information about Next Step is available at: .

The recently published Headspace National Youth Mental Health Survey 2020 reports that young people’s mental health does not appear to have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic; however, their wellbeing does appear to be impacted. 12-14-year old’s wellbeing, in particular their ability to carry out daily activities, appears to have been impacted. Among 12-14-year-old girls, their ability to cope with stressors in their daily life has also shown a decline.

Psychological rates of distress, particularly amongst girls 15-17 old young women, continues to remain higher than young men. Stress associated with academic pressures, body image expectations and family conflict are known to have a greater impact on young women than men.

Reference:

Ros Curtis

I found this such an interesting concept and thought of the many and varied ways our teachers at St Margaret’s encourage our students to read right from Prep through to Year 12, with just a few ways included below.

In the Primary school, students are encouraged to read as many books as they can, and each book they read contributes to their personal word count. Once our students reach One Million words they are invited to a ‘Millionaires Morning Tea’ with Ms Curtis. Many of our students go on to read many millions of words!

This year, the Primary school also launched Literature Circles (LC) for Years 3 to 6 students. LC is a child-centred model of learning through sustained conversations about literary texts. LC occurs three times a week in reading cluster with mixed year level groups. Each fortnight, the group members elect to read the same text chosen from a book basket of different titles. The LC launch even included a mini bookfair!

This year, in both the Primary and Secondary libraries, we initiated a drive-by book lending program. When our school was locked down, our librarians were busy taking orders for books and families were able to drive by and pick up the packaged books for lending during this time.

So, with only a couple of weeks until school holidays, now is the time to start organising you and your daughters’ holiday reading!

Karen Gorrie

We had a very special assembly this week where we launched the book, Gidhal, which was created by our students and staff. Gidhal is an original creation representing the cultures of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

This week in the Advent wreath was the Candle of Peace. The flame of this candle reminded us of the peace that Jesus brings into this world and his presence with us. Jesus said “I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. It isn’t like the peace that this world can give. So don’t be worried or afraid.”

Let’s listen for a moment to the peace that Jesus has given us this week.

When have you felt the gift of peace?

When have you known God’s presence driving out fear in your life or life around you – in the big things or the small?

We thank you God of peace that you want to bring peace and freedom into every life. We thank you for the peace you have brought to us. We bring to you now prayers of peace for the people and places on our hearts this day. Trusting in your powerful name. Amen.

Susan Crothers-Robertson

In Boarding, we share so many moments with the girls; some are happy, some are sad. The staff guide them and help with friendships, school issues, homesickness, grief and moments of complete joy. Parents put their trust in us to work alongside their daughters and to help them navigate their way through their Boarding life.

With the new ATAR system we are now slowly seeing the girls leave at different times as they finish their final exams. All of the Year 12s adjusted to the changes and have shown how resilient they are and have supported each other on their journey through their final year of schooling. We are so lucky to share their journey and hope that we, along with parents, have prepared them for the next exciting step in their lives. All of the Boarding House wish each Year 12 Boarder all the best and we are so proud of each of them and their commitment to the Boarding House community.

Lesa Fowler

An invitation with RSVP information will be sent to all parents this week. Please note, this information evening will be livestreamed for parents who are unable to attend.

Year 11 Exam Block and End of Term Assessment

Year 11 Exam Block will begin on Tuesday 17 November with a Study Day and conclude on Monday 23 November. All Biology students have a compulsory excursion on Tuesday 24 November in preparation for their next Internal Assessment. Along with this, English, English as an Additional Language, Literature, Specialist Maths, General Maths and Physical Education all have assessment due after the Exam Block. Therefore, it is important that no Year 11 student should be leaving early for end of term holidays, as all lessons will continue to teach and assess Unit 3, which contributes to student results for their QCE and ATAR.

Nicole Devlin

They are developed by UNSW Global, a wholly-owned subsidiary of UNSW Sydney, with over 35 years’ experience in educational assessments.

Please see below those students who received Distinction Awards. Certificates will be presented at next week’s whole school assembly:

Caitlin Williams (Year 8): Distinction - Science

Ha-Vy Hoang (Year 9): Distinction - Science and English

Matisse Fennessy (Year 9): Distinction - English

Gabriella Henzell (Year 10): Distinction - Science

Ella Woods (Year 10): Distinction - English

Tom McCormick

Although often starting during adolescence, recent data shows that it is now becoming more common for children under the age of 12 to be diagnosed. Often, an eating disorder develops as a way for a young person to feel in control about what is happening in their life. It can be triggered by personal, environmental, psychological, biological or social factors.

Although the focus is on food, weight and shape, there is often an underlying issue being masked by the eating disorder. There are many things that parents can do in the prevention of an eating disorder, but they do need to be aware of the warning signs. For more information regarding this issue, please visit the POD, go to the tile Parent Resources then onto SchoolTV.

Nikki Townsend

When we reflect on the year we have had and the unknown of the future, it is timely that 16 Days of Kindness (Australian Kindness Movement) kicks off tomorrow with National Kindness Day. The aim of this national campaign is that by planning acts of kindness, the conscious response develops into a habit by the end of the 16 days. These 16 days incorporate special days with World Kindness Day, celebrated on 13 November. I think to acknowledge these days is to remind us to stop and remember to be kind to others.

Research has revealed that participating in regular small acts of kindness is beneficial to health, longevity and wellbeing. Making the decision to be a little kinder will bring more pleasure and direction to one’s life than ever before. For a child to perform acts of kindness, they need to see the adults in their lives model them. By modelling them, you encourage your child to do the same and together you will value others more and strengthen your relationships. Over the next 16 days and beyond, I set the challenge for the girls and families to perform random acts of kindness. By carrying them out, you will be rewarded with the satisfaction of helping others.

As part of our educational program, year level ‘Service to Others’ projects are a collective way to show kindness. This year, due to restrictions, the projects have taken on a different approach. It has been wonderful to hear about the individual Year 4 Gift of Giving projects, the Year 5 contracts and the Year 6 Cornerstone Project. In early childhood, children have been busy creating art gifts to send to others. Participation in these projects helps students experience the benefits of altruism.

I look forward to both demonstrating and witnessing acts of kindness as we commit to 16 days of kindness.

Angela Drysdale

Years 5 and 6 Awards Morning

Congratulations to the Chaseley Concert Band, Amati Strings, Year 6 Choir and Charlotte Fennessy who provided music performances at the recent Years 5 and 6 Awards Morning. Thank you also to our conductors, Dr Syntageros, Mr Ng and Ms Brennan. It was a special event with all musical contributions very much appreciated.

Auditions for 2021 Ensembles

Thank you to all students who auditioned for 2021 ensembles. Ensemble lists have now been placed on the POD.

2021 Private Music Tuition

If your daughter is currently undertaking private music tuition, she will automatically be placed on her current teachers’ roll for 2021. Parents do not need to fill in a new application form. However, if your daughter is wanting to discontinue lessons in 2021, we ask that you please email directly to the Music Department at music@stmargarets.qld.edu.au prior to the end of the school year.

Music Support Group

Last chance to purchase your tickets for The Music Support Group raffle!

First prize: a Day on Moreton Bay for 15 people ($2,000)

Second prize: a 2-night Gold Coast Getaway ($600)

Third prize: $200 QPAC voucher + $200 Runway Scout voucher

Fourth prize: $150 Rebel voucher

Purchase your tickets today! *Open to QLD residents only

Tickets $10 each - please .

Your purchase of tickets will greatly assist the Music Support Group as they continue to support the St Margaret’s Music Program through the purchase of a variety of resources.

Raffle drawn on Tuesday 10 November 2020

The next Music Support Group meeting will be the Annual General Meeting and will be held on Tuesday 10 November 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

Touch Football Carnival

On Saturday 31 October, the QGSSSA Touch Football Carnival for our 11A, 11B, 10A, 10B and 8A teams was held at the Labrador Touch Football Association. Initially, the day had perfect playing conditions; however, the competition was abandoned early due to the poor weather conditions.

Teams had fantastic results throughout the day, with the following results reached for the final playoff games before the storms:

• 11A vs St Hilda’s for 3rd or 4th
• 11B vs St M 10B for 3rd or 4th
• 10A vs St Hilda’s for 5th or 6th
• 10B vs St M 11B for 3rd or 4th
• 8A vs BSHS for 3rd or 4th

Well done to all girls, coaches and staff for a terrific morning of Touch Football where spirit, quality and enjoyment was in full force.

The carnival for the 7A, 7B, 8B, 9A and 9A teams has been rescheduled to Saturday 14 November. Details of this competition will be made available via the Touch Football POD page.

Knowles Cup Tennis

Congratulations to the Open A, Open B and Junior Tennis teams for progressing through to the Semi-finals of the Knowles Cup. Knowles Cup is a short tennis competition held in Term 4 involving Somerville House, All Hallows School, St Rita’s College, Stuartholme School, Lourdes Hill, Fairholme College and The Glennie School.

The Open A team will play Somerville House and the Junior team St Rita’s at Churchie Tennis Centre, while the Open B team will play The Glennie School at Morningside Tennis Centre on Saturday 7 November. The finals will then be contested in the afternoon. We wish our girls the best of luck for their semi-final.

Netball Clinic with Australian Netball Diamonds Player, Laura Scherian

On Wednesday 28 October, Australian Diamonds player and current member of the Sunshine Coast Lightning SSN team visited our new Philip Harris Gym to work with several of our students, conducting drills and game play activities to help hone our skills in a special Netball Clinic.

As part of this year’s Shoot-a-thon, Laura Scherian provided merchandise and held a coaching clinic for our best fundraisers. A big thank you to Karen Brown (parent and former Firebird) and the Netball Parent Support Group for organising this fundraiser.

Our highest Fundraiser – Georgia White received a signed Lightning training shirt

Our highest goal scorer – Sienna Small received a signed Lightning singlet

Our highest scoring team – Club Netball Team 6

We are incredibly grateful to host an incredible role model and well done to all girls who participated.

Helen Lobegeiger

On behalf of the MAYO Gallery committee, thank you to the St Margaret’s community for your support of our recent event. Our COVID affected gallery opening, whilst allowing only two sessions, of 45 visitors per session, was well supported. We were also most grateful for the visitors to the MAYO gallery and student artwork on Saturday. We look forward to seeing you at the next MAYO in two years’ time.

Lisa Smith

At St Margaret’s, the Private Speech and Drama Program offers a fun and supportive environment for students to gain skills in interpersonal communication, presentation, performance and public speaking. Enrolments for Private Speech and Drama lessons for 2021 are now open for students who will be in Years 2 to 12 next year.

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

If you would like to enrol your daughter in Speech and Drama for 2021, please complete and return the Application for Tuition form by . 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 23 November 2020.

Parents of current students – please remember to confirm or cancel your daughter’s place in the program for 2021 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 2021 will commence in Week 2 of Term 1. We are looking forward to another exciting year of cultivating confident, capable communicators.

Maria Chamberlain

St Margaret’s Outside School Hours Care will be operating for the upcoming December/January Vacation Care. The Service is open from 7am until 6pm daily on Friday 27 November to Monday 25 January 2021. School resumes 27 January 2021, with 26 January being the Australia Day public holiday. Please note, OSHC will be closed from Monday 21 December 2020 to 10 January 2021, reopening on Monday 11 January 2021.

Please refer to the attached Information Guide (PDF 668.3KB) for full booking terms and conditions. We are unable to accept bookings via email or text message. The OSHC registration and Debitsuccess form must be completed, signed and sent back to us to finalise your booking. Please read the information guide carefully as some information has changed. OSHC Registration and Debitsuccess can be completed via the My Family Lounge.

Please complete your vacation care booking form via the My Family Lounge APP.

We are very excited to inform you that St Margaret’s OSHC has subscribed to a fantastic online Booking and Waitlist management program called QK Enrol. This program will give you access to manage your own account information, where you will have the ability to make booking requests and allows you to complete and submit an online enrolment form for your child. You can do this and much more all within a parent portal called ‘My Family Lounge’.

How do I log in?

Please click on this link and either sign in with your existing My Family Lounge account or Register for an account if you do not already have one. Please note, all families who have previously submitted an enrolment form will have an account already set up; all you will need to do is click ‘forgotten password’ and use the email address you used to receive this form.

When making a Vacation Care booking, please select Casual bookings, not Permanent.

What is the cost?*

Early Bird Fees: $60 per day

Early Bird Bookings close: 13 November 2020

Fees: $65 per day*

Bookings close: 20 November 2020

*Incursions and excursions incur additional costs. These are compulsory for all students and therefore you are able to claim CCS.

What are the hours of operation?

The service is open from 7:00am until 6:00pm.

How can I obtain more information?

If you would like further information regarding our OSHC Program or if you would like to make a booking, feel free to contact me on 0423 547 653 or email: oshc@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Palu Ingram

St Margaret’s 2021 Women’s Luncheon – Save the Date!

The St Margaret's Women's Luncheon, hosted by the Parents and Friends Association, will be held on Friday 12 March 2021.

Tickets will be on sale in Term 1. Look out for further communications and mark this date in your diaries.

OGA Annual General Meeting

The Old Girls’ Association General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 24 November from 7:00pm-9:00pm in the Arts Centre Foyer. Past students of St Margaret’s are warmly invited to attend to share their views and ideas.

Lindsay Khushal

NIE UCAT Preparation

• Intensive UCAT Training Workshop - Summer Holidays - 23 January 2021 -

• UCAT Advanced Verbal Reasoning Training -

• For Teachers, Students and Parents - FREE Webinar "UCAT/Interviews/Pathways into Medicine" -

School Leavers Information Service

Know your opportunities in 2021. Find the information you need to help with your education, training and work options @

The Australian Defence Force Cyber Gap Program

This program is encouraging applications from students who have excelled in their motivation and innovation towards STEM studies and are intending to study for tertiary qualifications in an Information Technology related field in 2021.

To find out more and apply (closing deadline 10 Nov), visit:

Watch a video on YouTube:

QUT

QUT will be hosting live webinars to provide students with advice about admission pathways, ordering their preferences and getting in to QUT on Saturday 19 December.

QUT scholarships are now open. Closing dates vary, please check each scholarship for the application close date.

Griffith University GUESTS applications for Trimester 3 are closing soon

Year 11 students who wish to study in Trimester 1 next year (March 2021), are encouraged to apply by 13 November. For further information on admission criteria and available courses, visit

Free TAFE for Year 12 graduates

The Queensland Government offers free TAFE in high priority areas. Eligible Year 12 graduates must enrol and start training within 12 months of finishing school.

UQ College is offering an intensive short course over 4 weeks for students to obtain a prerequisite in Mathematical Methods, Biology or Chemistry. Documentation will be available for the 14 January 2021 offer round.

Elizabeth Johnston