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At this stage Open Day is going ahead on Saturday 5 March.  Please note this date in your calendar as it is a compulsory day for all students. We understand that some students will have unavoidable clashes or significant reasons why they cannot attend on that day. If this is the case for your daughter, we require a letter indicating her inability to attend. Open Day is a great day for the students – where they engage in activities and/or performances to showcase the school to our visitors. We also welcome our current parents and their guests to come to the school to see the school in action from 9.30am to 12.30pm.

The COVID restrictions from the latest Back to School Plan cease on Friday 4 March. From that date, the school will resume its normal calendar of events unless we are advised otherwise.

Ros Curtis

Digital devices are increasingly replacing traditional note taking by hand. I’ve certainly read many articles that support findings of technology both helping and hindering student productivity, learning and performance.

One thing that we do find though is that our use of the POD (Place of Discovery) here at school ensures that our students are kept up to date with all the content and exercises that are covered in the classroom. Our teachers will constantly update their class pages to ensure students do have all the necessary lessons available to them. Particularly during this time where students may have to isolate due to COVID, they can be assured that they are able to access lessons that are missed. If any student is having trouble locating this information, I encourage them to contact their teachers.

Our teachers use both digital aides and more traditional note-taking techniques by hand in the classroom. Certainly, traditional examinations are also still done by hand, although NAPLAN will be changing to an online format this year. Striking a balance between the two is important, and students should also employ a balance of both techniques when doing homework and study at home.

Karen Gorrie

“My dad has a real gift for being on the right side of an issue, not from the point of the argument of right and wrong, but from the point of caring for the people on the margins. Who is the least powerful one in this configuration? What is the most loving thing in any situation? That generally leads him in the right direction.”

Let us pray that we, too, inspired by Tutu, may choose the most loving thing in any situation.

Family Chapel Dates Term 1:

Rev’d Jazz

If you take a moment to stop and observe, the ideals of a community-focused culture can be seen in many different ways. Just this week I’ve witnessed:

• A Year 8 student spending her free time making a cake for her roommate’s birthday. This will be the roommate’s first birthday away from family and this student wanted to make it special.
• Two senior students taking the time to hand wash the jumper of a Year 7 student, who had spilt her hot chocolate all over her clothes.
• A group of girls helping to paint 200 terracotta pots that will be used for our closed weekend in two weeks time.
• Chatter and laughter erupting from the dining hall during our formal dinner sittings each evening.Girls sit at ‘family tables’ where students from various year levels sit, eat and share conversations and a meal with one another.
• Numerous Years 10-12 students visiting the Year 7 dorm to show their new boarding sisters how to put on their collar and badges, to drop off some treats, or to spend time getting to know the youngest members of our boarding house.

I think what makes these moments so significant is the fact that they are witnessed in the mundane of everyday life. These acts of service didn’t require extra effort, nor were these students prompted to assist because of extrinsic motivation. They simply did it because these attitudes and behaviours are embedded in our culture – it’s who we are and what we do and it’s what makes St Margaret’s boarding so great. 

Hannah Calcino

Over the past two weeks, I have spoken to many students about focussing on what they can control and working on strategies to deal with what is outside their control. We all need to learn our strengths and weaknesses and become comfortable to be in ‘hard stuff’. By understanding and reflecting on these, we can learn ways to address our own needs and we are more likely to become self-starters and resilient.

As parents, you can meet with Academic Advisors and Form Teachers at the upcoming Parent Teacher Interviews to discuss your daughter’s goals and plans for learning. Form Teachers and Academic Advisors have been working with students to address their learning and look for ways to become more self-regulated learners. It is important to remember that young people who are self-starters, resilient and robust in terms of academic and social adjustment, are also likely to be on track for success in their learning journey.

Reminder to book in for an Academic Progress meeting – Year 12 (including ATAR Indications)

All Year 12 students have been invited to sign up for an academic progress meeting to discuss their Year 11 progress, goals for 2021 and ATAR indications if eligible. Many girls and parents have done this, however many are still to book in for a meeting.

Meeting times are available before, during and after school and parents are most welcome to attend these meetings. Your daughter has access to the booking system through the POD to book in a time to meet.

Chemistry Exam Morning

Monday of Week 5 is a Year 12 Exam Morning for Chemistry. Chemistry students have been sent the relevant information for their exam to be held at 8:20am. All other Year 12 students should attend school from 9:50am.

Caitlin McCluskey

A reminder that parents will only be able to book in to see their daughters’ Form Teacher (Years 7 and 8), Academic Advisor (Years 9-12), and Year 12 Subject Teachers.

Below is a summary of the important dates for parents:

• Parent Bookings Open: Friday 18 February 9:00am
• Parent Bookings Close: Wednesday 2 March 5:00pm
  
  
• Parent Teacher Interview Session #1 - Monday 7 March (online through MS Teams)
• Parent Teacher Interview Session #2 - Thursday 10 March (face-to-face in Eton Hall)

We look forward to meeting with parents and carers as we commence the 2022 learning journey with your daughters.

Years 9 and 10 Study Hall

In Years 9 and 10, students will have Study Hall days scheduled into every term. During these days, normal classes are suspended for these year levels, and students may have examination and performance assessments scheduled (please refer to your daughter’s Assessment Calendar on the POD).

When girls are not sitting assessment during Study Hall, they are afforded time to undertake independent study, where they can continue with other schoolwork and assessments.

Term 1 Study Hall dates are as follows:

Chris Dunn

On the weekend, prefects were given the opportunity to be involved in a ‘Prefect Retreat’ held on campus. They really enjoyed the weekend and learnt many skills that will assist them greatly in the future. The group learnt about different leadership styles, communication, teamwork and planning through seminars, activities and group discussions. The girls will now have the opportunity to put all of their newly learnt skills into action by starting to plan and run events throughout the school year. We would like to extend our gratitude and thanks to Ms Matheson and Ms Buckingham for organising and running this experience.

The challenges of COVID have prompted many of us to revisit and appreciate what is truly important in life, in particular, the importance and value of connection. Prefects learnt about the importance of having common values and goals. From these reflections, the prefect body captured this sentiment with their chosen theme, "Soar Together, Stronger than Ever".

In 2022, the girls want to revisit the importance of connection, reunite our school, reignite our spirit and soar upwards. These aspects are all integral to our special St Margaret’s community.

Also, on Monday the school enjoyed Valentine’s Day organised by our Prefects.

Nikki Townsend

Students in Years 4 to 6 formally prepare for leadership through our Leadership through Service-Learning program. These students, during pastoral care lessons and their own time, engage in activities to practise the skills of leadership.  

What is a good student leader?

The development of student leadership skills involves opportunities which encourage students to:

• act in roles of responsibility with integrity
• work with others to determine and achieve collective goals
• take on responsibilities and use decision-making skills
• be active, reflective listeners who respond effectively
• earn the respect of others through their actions.

Year 6 girls are preparing to be inducted as House Leaders on Friday 11 March. This is a Level 2 leadership role. There are three levels of leadership in the primary school. Level 1 is primary school captain, and Allegra Pople and Isobel Stobie have already commenced their duties as this year’s primary school captains.

The third level of leadership in the primary school includes sporting and cultural leaders. The leadership positions for sporting and cultural activities are still being finalised due to the late start for students returning to school. The number of positions available are limited and not all girls will be successful with their application for Level 3 leadership positions as there are often numerous applicants for the same position. When selecting students for these positions, their previous experience in the activity as well as their leadership interview and previously demonstrated leadership qualities will all be considered. New girls are also given an opportunity to apply. Level 3 leaders are awarded a certificate of acknowledgement at the end of the year if they carry out their duties successfully. 

All Year 5 girls considered for any level of leadership must complete their ‘I Can’ leadership accreditation as part of the development of their leadership capacity. The current Year 5 girls will begin this process at Year 5 camp between 8 and 10 June.

I know the Year 6 girls will make wonderful leaders and I look forward to working with them.

Angela Drysdale

Head of Primary

On Tuesday, February 8, our Year 3 to 6 students engaged in a variety of activities as part of National Safer Internet Day with the theme of ‘Together for a better internet’. This day is designed to call upon all stakeholders to come together to make the internet a safer and better place for all, especially for children and young people.

Our girls engaged in a live Virtual Classroom webinar facilitated by their class teacher to help them learn how to use their voice online to keep themselves and others safe. This webinar titled ‘Be an eSafe Kid: Your voice counts’ focused on the importance of developing respectful online relationships, workshopped refusal skills to make better choices online, explored setting safe boundaries in the virtual context, concepts of consent and choice and the importance of being am upstander, not a bystander. Through online audio-visual resources, worksheets and teacher facilitated discussions, students were given the opportunities to identify what is important when creating and sharing content, understand the impact that posts and comments can have on themselves and others, and most importantly, develop help-seeking and reporting strategies.

The students were invited to take their responses home to share with their parents and families. We encourage you to continue the conversation and to engage with the resources which we will continue to provide on The POD throughout the year to support your daughters.

Year 6B students in class participating in the National Safer Internet Day activities.

Ms Bachmann guiding 6B students through the National Safer Internet Day activities.

Annette Box

Assistant Head of Primary – Wellbeing and Operations

OPEN DAY

The St Margaret’s music ensembles are very much looking forward to performing at the upcoming Open Day on Saturday 5 March 9:30am – 12:30pm. The performance schedule will be published soon on the POD.

PERFORMANCE UNIFORMS

Students are required to wear a performance uniform for some senior auditioned music ensembles. Students are encouraged to purchase the uniform as soon as possible at the School Supply Shop in preparation for Open Day (5 March). Performance uniform requirements are as follows:

CHORAL ENSEMBLES

Serenata, Belle Voci, Chorale, Encorah: School middy

Volare, Exultate: Black performance uniform with black shoes (ballet flats)

BAND ENSEMBLES

Chaseley Concert Band, Jackson Wind Ensemble: School middy

Sister Helen Wind Symphony, Stage Band: Black performance uniform with black shoes (ballet flats)

Saxophone/Clarinet/Flute/Brass/Elayne Jones Percussion Ensembles: If students are in the Sister Helen Wind Symphony or Stage Band, they may perform in the black performance uniform; however, students who are not in those ensembles may perform in school middy.

STRING ENSEMBLES

Tutti Strings, Amati Strings, Stradivari Strings, Beath String Quartet: School middy

Chamber Strings, Sculthorpe String Quartet: Black performance uniform with black shoes (ballet flats)

ROCK BANDS

Highly Strung: School middy

Secondary Rock Bands: Smart blue jeans, sneakers and ‘M Factor’ polo shirt

BOARDER MUSIC PRACTICE

The Boarder Music Practice Program has re-commenced from this week. All boarders who are undertaking private music lessons now can sign up for supervised practice sessions in the Darnell music rooms. The sign-up sheet may be found in the Garden Room. It is an expectation that all boarder musicians will make the most of these practice opportunities.

THANK YOU TO MUSIC SUPPORT GROUP AND THE P&F ASSOCIATION

Thank you to the Music Support Group and the P&F Association for their very generous support allowing the St Margaret’s Music Department to purchase ten violins, ten violas, eight cellos and six double basses. This week the Year 3 and 4 classes began receiving their instruments for the year, which was a cause for great excitement! We look forward to supporting them in their strings journey!

MUSIC SUPPORT GROUP

The St Margaret’s Music Support Group is a committee of dedicated parents who meet regularly to support the girls who participate in the school’s Music Program. The Music Support Group organises and assists with refreshments at school concerts and fundraises to purchase a range of instruments/equipment to enhance the department’s resources. The first meeting for 2022 will be Tuesday 22 February at 5.00pm but will be held online via Teams. Parents from both the primary and secondary schools are welcome to attend. A link to the meeting is available on the .

Brad King - Head of Performance

MESSAGE FROM MUSIC SUPPORT GROUP PRESIDENT - VOLUNTEERS FOR SAUSAGE SIZZLE

The Music Support Group is proudly providing a BBQ lunch for the students on Saturday 19 February to be served at 1:00 pm on the Terraces outside the ACF. We are seeking volunteers from 12:00pm-2:00pm to assist with BBQ set up, cooking, serving and BBQ clean up. We understand that most parents are juggling multiple activities and children on a Saturday so may not be able to be commit for the whole time; however, any assistance at all would be appreciated, even if it’s for a shorter period of time.

Please find below the QR code below to sign up. Thank you in advance for being part of the Music Support Group and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.

Antoinette Aquilina (President – Music Support Group)

antoinetteaquilina@me.com

St Margaret’s Basketball Coordinator Ms Jess Galpin is excited by the partnership and is thrilled that it’s already seeing renewed interest in the sport at the school. Ms Galpin notes that over 100 girls have signed up to play school basketball, a new record for Maggies. We wish our basketball program all the best for their season ahead.

Please check out the for further information regarding this program.

Touch Football

Thank you to all students who participated in the Touch Football Trials over the weekend. With over 260 students signed up to trial for Touch Football this season, our coaches and coordinators were busy teaching new skills and putting all students through their paces.

Training will continue for all students over the coming weeks of the pre-season as we continue to finalise teams in preparation for the season proper.

Please check out the for further information regarding this program.

Swimming

Our swimmers hit the pool last Friday evening for their first QGSSSA Swimming Meet. In a friendly hit out, St Margaret’s hosted rival Brisbane Girls Grammar School in the sports precinct pool. Both schools were well represented and took on the competitive opportunity head-on. A special thanks must be given to our Swimming Parent Support Group for providing a BBQ for all students on the night.

This coming Friday the Maggies team will be heading to the Valley Pool for our second practice meet. Competition here will heat up with seven QGSSSA taking part.

With not many weeks to go until the QGSSSA Championships (Wednesday 2 March), please ensure you check out the for further information regarding the team’s preparation.

GO MAGGIES!

Lloyd Knight 

The students were inspired by the ensemble cast, remarkable puppetry, cinematic projections and an original score, which brought to life the uncharted landscape and incredible creatures of an extraordinary voyage.

We will continue to expose our students to live Arts throughout the year, and we are looking forward to the music students attending ‘Frozen – The Musical’ next week.

Adrian Walker - Head of Faculty - Art

Genevieve is passionate about empowering women to invest and believes that investing is not just about the money, it’s about investing in yourself and people. She will share her extensive experiences and expertise in the industry, and her knowledge and understanding on what makes a good financial investment.

Date: Tuesday 15 March 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 online via

St Margaret’s Eton Society - Changing young lives

The annual ‘Eton Society’ Morning Tea will be hosted by the Principal on Wednesday 30 March 2022 at 10.30am.

The Eton Society was established in 2015 to honour those people who have made or are considering making a bequest to the St Margaret’s Foundation in their Will.

This special event allows bequest donors to be acknowledged for their generosity and connect with other members of the school community who share the same passion and maintain an ongoing interest in what their legacy will help achieve.

If you are interested in attending and finding out more about leaving a gift in your Will, please contact me via email lpickering@stmargarets.qld.edu.au or phone 07 3862 0884.

St Margaret’s has a long history of philanthropy with many of the buildings on campus being a result of bequest donations. The legacy of these wonderful donors continues to this day.

John Darnell was an Anglican Philanthropist who left large sums of money for educational and charitable purposes. St Margaret’s was a beneficiary of the Darnell Estate with the creation of the Darnell Art and Music Rooms in 1933 and 1936.

Lorna Jackson attended St Margaret’s from 1942 – 1953 and after school went on to study Agricultural Science at The University of Queensland. Lorna sadly passed away in her late twenties and, in recognition of her time at St Margaret’s, her family left a generous donation to the school. The Jackson Wing was created in 1984 and the Archives holds a box of photos and Jackson family memorabilia.

Kathleen Campbell-Brown was a teacher of French at St Margaret’s from 1933-1945. After leaving St Margaret’s, she held numerous academic and administrative positions within the French department at The University of Queensland. She was strongly dedicated to the interests of her students and colleagues. She held soirees for her students and colleagues in her home, produced French plays and programs for schools, and took part in French broadcasts for the ABC. St Margaret’s was fortunate to be a beneficiary of her generosity, with her gift helping to establish the tuckshop that we have today.

More recently, the Barley Sugar Garden was created from the generosity of one of our St Margaret’s families and a bequest from the Helene Jones Trust supports several music scholarships for our students annually.

Lara Pickering

QUT | Advice Night

Wednesday 23 March 2022, 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm. Webinar

We understand transitioning from school to university is easier with the right information and support. Find out more:

Engineering Virtual Work Experiences

Engineers Australia has partnered with GradAustralia to develop a series of virtual work experience modules exclusively for our student members and to help bridge the gap between university theory and working practice for engineering students. Find out more information:

NIE | Simulated UCAT Day Workshop, Online

Sunday 20 February 2022, 10:00 am - 5:30 pm Online

If you are in Years 10, 11, 12, or you may be older and considering sitting the UCAT in the future, then this program is for you. The Simulated UCAT Workshop program is ideal and often a necessary step towards effective and efficient preparation for the UCAT. Find out more:

Bond | Year 12 Extension Program 2022

Monday 11 April 2022, 8:30 am - Saturday 7 May 2022, 3:00 pm

Bond University, Robina

The Bond Business School Year 12 Extension Program is a two day workshop where students gain an insight into university life to assist the transition from high school to university. Find out more:

The University of Queensland invites students and parents to attend this online event titled ‘Making an Impact with Engineering’, hosted by UQ’s Women in Engineering team. Date: Mon, 28 February 2022. Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM AEST. Location: Free online event – tickets via Eventbrite.