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This year, NAPLAN will be sat in March (as opposed to May). When the report is released to families, those who have seen a NAPLAN report before, will note a marked difference. The bands and the national minimum standards will be replaced by the following four levels of achievement, each with their own descriptor:

• Exceeding

• Strong

• Developing

• Needs additional support.

With this change, it is important to note that the proficiency standards are now reflecting a requirement of higher expectations for student achievement. This change also means that we are now in a new era with NAPLAN, beginning a new results time series from 2023. Results from 2023 on will not be directly compared with results from 2008 to 2022.

Ros Curtis

In Term 1 we have also had Water Polo and AFL competitions and our students have represented the school well in these sports too. Sport at St Margaret’s is such a great way for students to become involved in the school, make friends across year levels and learn new skills along the way.

On Tuesday it was also lovely to gather on the Sunshine Coast with our Head of Boarding and some of our families of students in our boarding house or soon to be enrolled at the school. We truly value the relationships we have with all our families, and so it was lovely to be able to connect with some of our families living further away from the school. Although these families miss seeing their children each day, they told me how grateful they were for the opportunities their girls have at the school, and how appreciative they are of the friendships they have been able to make with both their day and boarding classmates.

Karen Gorrie

The Chapel has been restructured (with thanks to our Facilities team) into eight stations, which allow the students to explore each of the St Margaret’s values; Spirit, Inclusivity, Integrity, Courage, Respect and Passion, and what these mean in our everyday lives, both personally and communally. There is also a free space for meditation and rest, and a Per Volar Sunata station that invites students to give thanks for the people in their lives who help them to soar and flourish.

Secondary students attend prayer space during their Religious and Values Education class. After each session we hold a debrief where we talk about what their favourite activity was and why, and what stood out to them. During this debrief it is always inspiring to hear the students’ depth of reflection and honesty. Several students have fed back their gratitude for space to “just be”, for “time to stop and rest”, and “time to slow down”.

At the Spirit station, students are invited to reflect and pray about the different parts of our school community. They also have the opportunity to explore old copies of St Margaret’s publications. Students have loved exploring the history of St Margaret’s and seeing how students lived in decades past.

  

Prayer Space will be open during Open Day this weekend, feel free to pop-in and say hello.

Invitation

The monthly Society of the Sacred Advent communion service will take place this Sunday, 5 March, in the Sisters’ Chapel at 4pm. All are welcome. Sister Gillian will be leading the service with The Rev’d Jan Crombie.

Rev’d Jazz Dow

Friday Afternoon:

Each week, our Boarding Activities Coordinator Lilly, hosts a trip to DFO or Westfield Chermside. This allows boarders to purchase essential items or partake in a little retail therapy. Anywhere between 30 – 80 girls attend each week.

Friday night dinner is a highlight of the week, with fish, chips, steak and salad typically on offer. Friday – Sunday night the girls are allowed to eat their dinner either in the dining hall or out in Eton Courtyard, in a more relaxed setting than our ‘dinner sittings’ which occur Monday - Thursday. Each year level dorm often watch a movie after dinner and the girls always enjoy the special treat of chocolate for supper.

Saturday:

Some girls enjoy a sleep in on Saturday morning, while others are up and out to sport. Waterpolo, AFL and Club netball trials were the main activities last weekend. Boarders were also given the opportunity to attend a pool party and BBQ hosted by another boarding school.

For most who choose to stay in and not go on leave, they can fill their time by cooking in Eton Kitchen or using the gym in Eton Hall. Our House Mothers also work hard to ensure no one is ever bored, with board games and group activities always on offer.

Sunday:

A few Years 9 and 10 girls joined me for a run along the river on Sunday morning, with breakfast at a local café afterwards. The girls also had the opportunity to go roller skating with other boarding schools on Sunday. Sunday afternoon we had touch football training in preparation for an inter-boarding school competition in a few weeks.

Every fortnight, our catering staff go above and beyond and cook a BBQ dinner for us on Circular Drive. Often a game of cricket is played and the girls capitalise on the last of the weekend.

Sunday night includes cleaning rooms, organising uniforms for the week, and completing homework. The girls are all in bed early on a Sunday night, ready for the week ahead.

Hannah Calcino

Extension Forms

On each Year Level POD page, there is a link to the extension procedures page. This page contains two forms, one for an unexpectedly missed exam (when sick) and another for planned absences or extended sickness in the lead up to a due date. Both the page and the relevant forms contain the procedures for applying for these extensions.

Please note that in Years 7-9, requests for an extension must be accompanied by a parent letter or a medical certificate. In Years 10-12, requests for an extension must be accompanied by a medical certificate or, if absent for commitments such as Representative Sport, formal documentation outlining these dates.

When an exam is unexpectedly missed, the procedure in Years 7-11 is for the student to complete this exam in the library in lesson 1a/b on the day of their return to school. In the event that the student has been absent for a period of time and has multiple exams to catch up on, this schedule will be managed by the Academic Studies Office: Dean of Studies (Years 7-9) and Dean of Academics (Years 10-11). All adjustments to Year 12 assessment are managed by the Dean of Academics.

Special Provisions or Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments

Students with a disability, medical condition or other circumstances may require reasonable adjustments to assessment conditions. Special provision involves making reasonable adjustments, such as providing alternative arrangements for seating, equipment or time. If your daughter requires special provisions, Margot Johnston, the Learning Enhancement Coordinator, will have communicated with you about a learning plan. If you have any questions about these provisions, please contact us prior to exams.

Caitlin McCluskey

1. Exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function, including memory, attention, and decision-making skills. This is because exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which helps to nourish brain cells and promote the growth of new ones. Below are two brain images representing the average amount of neural activity in students following sitting and walking for 20 minutes. The blue colour denotes lower neural activity, while the red denotes higher neural activity in particular regions (Hillman, 2009).
2. Stress and anxiety are major obstacles that can hinder academic performance. Exercise has been shown to reduce the symptoms of stress and anxiety, allowing for greater focus and concentration. This is because exercise releases endorphins, which help to promote feelings of calm and relaxation. Additionally, exercise can provide a sense of accomplishment and control, which can help to alleviate feelings of anxiety and stress.
3. Sleep is essential for academic performance, as it is during sleep that the brain consolidates and processes new information. Exercise has been shown to improve sleep quality, allowing for better retention of information, and improved cognitive function. Exercise helps to regulate circadian rhythms, which are the body's internal clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles.

Chris Dunn

We would very much appreciate your support in publicising the event to friends and colleagues who may be interested in seeking a St Margaret’s education for their daughter.

Furthermore, Saturday 4 March is a day when we require all of our students to be present at school, in full uniform and either participating in curricular, co-curricular or community activities. Students should arrive no later than 9.15 am for the activities.

If, due to extenuating circumstances, a student is unable to be at school on Open Day, we require a written note or email requesting absence to studentleave@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Nikki Townsend

It has been said that successful daily habits equal success. Starting the day with making your bed might be a small accomplishment, but it starts the day off right and sets the tone for the entire day.  It is a habit that kickstarts a chain of good decisions throughout the day. The virtues of making the bed each morning was given worldwide attention when it was extolled by Admiral William McRaven in 2014, as part of an inspiring speech where he shared his thoughts on this matter. He said: “If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another," he said. "By the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed. Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that little things in life matter.” He also shares some other powerful life lessons, so it is worth watching his speech on YouTube.

Achieving learning goals can, at times, seem overwhelming for students. I know many students in Years 3 to 6 aspire to become a millionaire reader but often this seems unattainable. However, each girl can break this goal down by starting with her set personal reading goal, then break that down into several books to read and then a smaller number of books to read, then smaller goals for each book she reads with each smaller goal becoming an accomplishment.  When a person appreciates a small accomplishment, it helps keep track of how far the person has come or is a step closer to achieving a bigger goal.  Making mistakes is also a part of accomplishments as it is proof that the person is learning - another small accomplishment!

In terms of personal growth, I don’t think there are any small accomplishments because to grow as a person is a huge accomplishment. Recently, at Year 4 camp, [thank you to (Mrs Kate Frewin, Mrs Katie Court, Mis Melissa Garbutt, Mrs Danielle Patterson, Miss Morgan Rowe and Miss Rommy Beckinsale)], I witnessed different facets of personal growth from each of the girls. The most significant, however, was the way the girls demonstrated the school value, ‘inclusivity’ as they cared for and supported each other. These girls were testament to the adage you achieve great things by doing the small things right.  

Angela Drysdale

In the primary school, we focus on the demonstration of values in several different ways and ensure that they are being explicitly taught. This includes in the classroom through regular lessons and especially in Pastoral Care and Religious Values Education, through our Values Stickers, in Chapel and at assembly. Girls take great joy in being issued with a Values Sticker which sees their teacher acknowledging them for their demonstration of a specific value in the classroom or at lunch. This sticker then earns them a ‘ticket’ in the Values Sticker Raffle, drawn at our assemblies towards the end of the term. Winners get to select a book from a range in the library and all value sticker awardees are also celebrated publicly in our regular House Chapels. In the past, students have also been acknowledged at our primary school ‘St Margaret’s Way’ assemblies at which we celebrate the achievements of the students across multiple facets of their schooling.

This year, we are replacing these individual awards with a whole class award, in recognition of the significance of teamwork and the value of achieving together. This award will celebrate ‘Achieving Great Things by Doing the Small Things Right’. Our first recipients of this award will be announced at our first St Margaret’s Way assembly for the year, on Tuesday 21 March at 9.50am in the Philip Harris Gym. Parents are welcome to attend this assembly to enjoy performances and presentations from our Years 4 to 6 students and to hear about the many activities and accolades of our students this year thus far. We hope to see you there!

Annette Box

Circular Drive Stage

9:30am            Sculthorpe String Quartet

9:50am            Stradivari Strings

10:05am          Strictly Ballroom Preview

10:25am          Exultate

10:35am          Chamber Strings

10:45am          Amati Strings

11:45am          Music Extension Performances

11:55am          Volare

12:05pm         Highly Strung

12:15pm         Secondary Rock Band

Eton Hall

9:30am            Chorale

9:40am            Speech & Drama Performances

9:50am            Elayne Jones Percussion Ensemble

10:05am          Serenata

10:15am          Belle Voci

10:40am          Jackson Wind Ensemble

10:50am          Sister Helen Wind Symphony

11:45am          Chaseley Concert Band

12:05pm         Stage Band

Toorak Courtyard

11:00am          Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone & Brass Ensembles

Primary Atrium

9:30am            Tutti Strings

11:20am          Beath String Quartet

Music Camp

The Music Department is very excited to invite Secondary students involved in music ensembles to a music camp that will take place on the weekend of Friday 5 to Sunday 7 May 2023 at Sunshine Coast Recreation Centre, 80 Currimundi Road, Currimundi QLD 4551 (1800 753 732). The camp will be open to students in Volare, Exultate, Jackson Wind Ensemble, Sister Helen Wind Symphony, Stradivari Strings and Chamber Strings, and it is an expectation that students in these ensembles attend. Time will be spent rehearsing in music ensembles improving musical skills and participating in other fun activities. This will be an excellent opportunity for girls to not only learn new music repertoire within music ensembles but also build relationships with other students in the music program. The cost for the weekend will be $230 for each student, which includes bus travel, t-shirt, meals, accommodation, tuition and activities. Registration and payment for the Music Camp can only be made via Parent Lounge. To assist in the organisation of the camp, please register as soon as possible, and no later than Friday 31 March 2023. A letter with further details is attached here. (PDF 261.5KB)

Camerata Concert

On Saturday night last weekend, many of our students had the pleasure of attending a concert at QPAC’s Concert Hall provided by Camerata, Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra, of which two of our string teachers are members (Mr Ng and Mr Tong). The concert, entitled Heartstrings, was the 2023 season opener for Camerata and was thoroughly enjoyed by our St Margaret’s students.

Music Support Group – Musical Donations

With the school musical Strictly Ballroom fast approaching, the Music Support Group will be running a series of raffles over the three performances to raise funds for the Music Department. They are seeking donations to place in hampers, such as champagne, dried fruit, nuts, confectionery, teas, small containers of fruit pastes, gourmet biscuits, crackers, chocolates, and other condiments or even a gift voucher would be appreciated. (Please avoid large tins of canned food, as these are difficult to pack into a hamper and are very heavy to transport, and please ensure that items do not require refrigeration.) If items can be delivered to Ms McLean in the Sister Helen Orchestra Room (SHOR) no later than Friday 3 March that would be very much appreciated. Thank you in advance for your support.

Music Support Group – Next Meeting

The next Music Support Group meeting will be held on Tuesday 18 April 2023 at 5:00pm in M’s Cafe. We encourage parents from both Primary and Secondary schools to become involved.

Brad King

The carnival saw students from all eight houses come together to compete in a variety of swimming events, relay races and the spirited House March On. The mood was high as each student cheered and supported their housemates, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and enthusiasm.

Despite the heat, the students quickly jumped into the pool and showed off their swimming skills. The competition was fierce and there were some close finishes, with the final results coming down to the wire. In the end, it was Herrick House that emerged victorious, taking home the trophy for 2023. Milton House took out the spirit and war cry award.

Congratulations to the swimmers of Herrick House and to all who participated in the carnival. A big thank you also to our House Captains and staff that contributed to making the day an overwhelming success.

  

  

The final results are below:

1st	Herrick
2nd	Lawson
3rd	Kendall
4th	Milton
5th	Tennyson
6th	Bede
7th	Chaucer
8th	Spenser

 

Staff vs Student Cricket

At the St Margaret's Staff vs Student Cricket Match last week, the teachers emerged victorious, despite the gallant efforts of our students.

The match began with the students batting first and scoring steady runs. However, the teachers proved too strong, with some strong battings and solid communication across the crease.

The teachers were elated with their win and praised the students for their strong performance. "The students put up a great fight… They really gave us a run for our money" said Mr Hand, Cricket Coordinator.

The match was a great opportunity for the teachers and students to bond and have fun. The next Staff vs Student sport event will be a Basketball match.

  

  

Latest Sport News and Information

For the latest sport news and information please check out the following Secondary School Sport POD Pages:

• Basketball (Autumn Sport) -
• Soccer (Autumn Sport) -
• Touch Football (Autumn Sport) -
• Swimming -
• Cross Country -
• Artistic Gymnastic –
• Cricket -
• AFL (Yr 10,11&12)) -
• Club Water Polo -
• Club Netball -

Lloyd Knight

Blazer Pocket Embroidery

Blazers must be submitted by morning tea on Wednesday and take approximately two weeks from collection.

Making purchases at the Supplies Shop

In Store – Parents/Students can visit the Uniform Shop in person. We accept Visa, MasterCard and Amex.

Student Card Purchases – Students can also visit the Supplies Shop and make payment using their Student Card. This allows parents to budget a pre-loaded amount on their student's ID card for spending at the Supplies Shop. Students can make purchases at the Supplies Shop by swiping their card at the register. Parents can view their student’s purchases online and can set daily spending limits on the student’s card.

Important Note:

Please ensure the daily limit is set high enough to cover the uniform items being purchased. We will not be able to complete the purchase if there are insufficient funds available on the Student Card and will no longer be calling parents to secure payment.

Student Card top ups - please allow up to 24 hours for funds to be clear, as depositing funds onto student cards may not be instantaneous and varies from bank to bank.

Order Online via  - Parents/Students can place an order online via Flexischools (). Please click on 'Register' and follow the prompts. Payment can be made via credit card, paypal or direct debit. 

Delivery and Collection Details – Please allow a 24 hour turnaround time for all online orders:

Delivery - Prep-Prep to Year 3 orders will be delivered to the Primary Reception, available for collection by the student or parent. 

Collection - Year 4 - 12 orders are available for collection at the Supplies Shop by the student or parent. Mixed orders can be collected at the Supplies Shop by the senior student

We have fun-filled and exciting activities planned for our April School Holiday Program. Further details of the program can be found here (PDF 298.8KB). Boys and girls, siblings, friends and family welcome!

Please refer to the attached Information Guide 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 bookings requests and allows you to complete and submit an online enrolment form for your child. You can do this and much, much more all within a parent portal called ’My Family Lounge’.

How do I log in?

Please navigate to the link below 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: $63 per day

Early Bird Bookings close: 10 March 2023

Fees: $68 per day*

Bookings close: 24 March 2023

*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

We encourage you to stop by for a coffee, pick up something home baked, and have a chat to learn more about the upcoming social events for our parent community, our fundraising priorities for the school and how our connection with our past student community is enriching the experience for our current students.

Fathers’ Dinner online auction and raffle

This Friday night the St Margaret’s Fathers’ Dinner will be hosted at the Queensland Cricketers’ Club and we thank and acknowledge our event sponsors for their support. Thank you to Supporting Sponsors; Morgans and Maserati; and Maggie’s Supporters; Belbaker and Wheelchair Vehicle Sales.

Whether you are attending the event or unable to join us this year, you can start your bidding on a range of exciting auction items and purchase raffle tickets to win some amazing prizes via Galabid. The auction and raffle are open to all in our community.

Prizes and auction items include a signed Dolphin's Jersey, a staycation courtesy of Maserati and the Emporium Hotel, weekends away at Qualia and Spicers, a golfing experience, and much more.

To access Galabid on your device please visit the website or text stmfathers2023 followed by your full name to 0458 678 678 (remembering to leave a space between 2023 and your name).

Thank you to our Prize Donors: Queensland Cricketers' Club, 5 Boroughs, ARB Capalaba, B Select – Bridgestone Hendra, Breakfast Creek Hotel, City Cave, Dixon Estate Agents, Dolphins NRL Football Club, Go Boat, Golf Central, Granddad Jacks, Harrisons Menswear, Herves Restaurant Albion, Kalio Wellness Medispa, Mitchell Ogilvie, One Fifty Racecourse Road, Police Medal Frames, St Margaret’s P&F Association, Wayne Bennett AM, River to Bay, Sign Artist, Fuller Family, Nash Family, McDonnell Family and the Reddacliff Family.

2023 Past Student Awards Dinner

Tickets are on sale for the 2023 Past Student Awards Dinner. This year’s award winners will be announced shortly and we look forward to celebrating them with the St Margaret’s community at the Past Student Awards Dinner on Saturday 25 March 2023.

This is a wonderful evening to attend with your daughters where they will hear from two very inspirational Old Girls.

Event Details

Date:    Saturday 25 March 2023

Time:    Pre-dinner drinks and canapes at 6:30pm

Venue: Arts Centre Foyer, St Margaret's

Cost:    $90 Adults | $60 Students

            Adult ticket includes canapes, two course meal and drinks package

            Student ticket includes canapes, two course meal and non-alcoholic drinks package

Tickets: Available online via  until Thursday 16 March, 2023 (unless sold out prior)

Lara Pickering