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On Tuesday this week, we announced our student leaders for 2022. It was an opportunity to acknowledge the fine leadership of the Year 12 students and to say thank you to them for their service to the school community. Although they have not yet completed their school leadership journey, the 2021 leaders will be able to mentor the incoming leaders before they need to focus on the final external exams. Primary Captains will be announced later in the year.

Thank you to everyone for your support of the Ponytail project where our students raised funds for the Cancer Council Queensland and the Amanda Minotti Trust. This event on Monday saw exciting activity which illustrated the culture of student and community philanthropy in the school. Over 130 girls and staff members had their hair cut to donate it to Real Fringe Hairbands who then sew the hair on to a band, which can be worn under headwear for both cancer and alopecia patents. The primary students also participated with Crazy Hair Day. Thanks to the enormous support of the wider community, $118,743 was raised.

Ros Curtis

Last year due to COVID restrictions, our venue QPAC was only able to have a 50% audience capacity and we had to make some changes. This year we are planning for a larger audience capacity again. Prior to the latest restrictions we were able to move back to 100% audience capacity, and so are looking forward to welcoming our Year 5-12 students to this significant annual event in the school calendar. We will be closely monitoring the COVID restrictions and will keep our community informed about our arrangements over the coming weeks.

Other significant awards events to put in your calendar are:

• Sports Awards Evening (8^th of October)
• Year 12 Graduation and Special Awards Ceremony (9.50am 15^th of October)
• Music Dinner (15^th October)

Bookings for Speech Night tickets will open for Year 12 parents first, followed by the rest of the school community. Please look out for information about this process in future eNews articles and through POD notifications. 

Karen Gorrie

A book I have been enjoying recently, is “The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse” by Charlie Mackesy. Mackesy powerfully illustrates the highs and lows, wonder and despair, and beauty of the extraordinarily ordinary.  One of my favourite quotes in his book is, ‘“What is the bravest thing you’ve ever said? Asked the boy. “Help,” said the Horse.’ As we find ourselves landing at the end of week 7 of term 3 and, the fatigue, busyness, deadlines that it brings with it –Mackesy reminds us that it is ok to ask for help. The St Margaret’s Community is fast to support each other (I have learned this very quickly in the three weeks I have been here).

Let us also continue to pray for the people of Afghanistan.

Much peace,

Rev Jazz Dow

In boarding we encourage the girls to learn and practice important values and skills. Such as: self-respect, personal values, attitudes, social skills, tolerance, understanding, helpful and optimistic thinking and skills for getting things done. We cannot protect the girls from experiencing difficulties or tough times, but we can give them the skills to deal with difficult situations, take responsibility and move on in a positive manner. Accepting responsibility for their actions is an important step in their development and shows their growing maturity.

Self-respect grows out of setting standards for behaviour. If your daughter has self-respect, she believes that she matters and should be treated respectfully by others. She’s also more likely to protect herself by avoiding risky behaviour and situations. Empathy, respect for others, kindness, fairness, honesty and cooperation are also linked to resilience. This includes showing care and concern for people who need support, accepting people’s differences, being friendly and not mistreating others. The girls are faced with different situations daily in boarding and with self-respect and empathy they will become more resilient. We sometimes do need to let them sort it out for themselves and learn the skills to deal with difficult situations. This in the end will make them more resilient and able to deal with situations independently. In Boarding our goal is to help the girls on their journey to becoming more resilient which will in turn prepare them well for when they leave school.

Lesa Fowler

Year 12 SWOTVAC Week

SWOTVAC week is being held for all Year 12 students in the first week of the September Holidays (20-24 September). This week will begin with a breakfast provided by the P & F Association for the Year 12 girls and their teachers. Following this the girls have been sent a week-long program with Masterclasses, Tutorials, Exam Practice and study to support their continued preparation for their external exams. The week will conclude with a Pizza, Pyjama and Movie Party on Circular Drive. This is an opportunity for the Year 12 students to relax and enjoy the company of their friends in their cohort. Invitations with more details of these events will be emailed to the girls next week.

Year 11 Exam Block and Study Day

In Week 9 the Year 11 students will start their Term 3 Exam Block. This starts with a Study Day on Thursday 2 September and concludes on Wednesday 15 September. Only Year 11 students who have exams need to attend school. When coming to an exam all students need to be in full school uniform with the appropriate equipment for the exam.

Can I please remind all day students (Year 11 and 12) if they are attending school during the exam/mock block to complete an exam, study or meet with a teacher they need to be in full school uniform and all other school rules apply including the use of Mobile Phones. Boarding students also need to be in full school uniform if they are meeting with a teacher.

Nicole Devlin

Assessment

Most year levels will find that the next few weeks contain assessment for most subjects. I encourage each student to plan her time carefully over the next few weeks to ensure she is managing the workload of each assessment task along with her homework. Managing multiple assessment tasks, rather than focussing only on the one that is due next, is an important skill to develop. If any student is having difficulty with managing her time, I recommend she speak to her Form Teacher or Academic Advisor for some assistance and strategies.

Caitlin McCluskey

You are still able to donate - Will you help St Margaret’s girls make a difference? Please visit the following link:

The Ponytail Project is such a big part of our community and the school would like to thank everyone who has been involved. We look forward to continuing our campaign in the future. The challenge for 2022 has been set!

Nikki Townsend

So, I pose the question why do we love books?

Could it be that feeling of anticipation as you open the cover of a book for the first time to see what lies within?

Is it the characters you meet in the book? Characters can help the reader learn about life, the world around them and how these characters work through their problems.

As the reader learns more about the characters, they also learn about themselves. The characters each offer another person’s perspective - what they are going through, their thoughts, their emotions, their advice, how people in the world react to their circumstances and experiences.

Readers can bring all that they learn from these characters back to the world in which they live. The characters found in books are like friends waiting any time we want them - just open a book to find them.

Book Week was established in 1954 by the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) and presents annual awards to books of literary merit for outstanding contribution to Australian children’s literature.  The Australian Book Council encourages us to think about why we love books when it chooses a theme which becomes central to Book Week celebrations. The Council selects this theme to encourage readers to think about, search for, and find books that fit the theme. This year, we celebrate Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds.

This theme reminds us that books can take us on journeys to unknown places, different worlds, and different times. Books take you into people’s homes and even into people’s hearts. All that people have ever thought, experienced, or dreamed lies waiting to be discovered in a book. 

Books transport the reader to imaginary places that can bring so much joy.  Mostly, you can escape with books and go everywhere. Renowned children’s author, Roald Dahl, shares the power of the book with the main character in one of his most famous novels - Matilda.  ‘The book transported her into new worlds and introduced her to crazy people who lived exciting lives. She travelled all over the world while sitting in her little room in an English village.’

Thank you to everyone who contributed to Book Week celebrations - families for creating such amazing costumes and for being an appreciative audience, staff for getting into the spirit of the Week, Annette Box for her organisation of the event and Stephanie Gillan for creating three worlds in the library.

Angela Drysdale

Music Dinner

Given that the Soaring Upwards Music Festival will now be presented on Thursday 7 October, the Music Dinner date has been moved back a week to Friday 15 October. The annual Music Dinner is a fancy-dress occasion where students and parents celebrate the culmination of a wonderful year of music making. This year’s theme is ‘Thoroughly Modern Musicals’. Girls are encouraged to explore musicals from 2000 onwards to create their costume for the event. Music Dinner is open to students in Years 6-12 who have been involved in Co-curricular Music Ensembles for the year. Tickets will be made available soon via Flexischools.

Student Congratulations

Congratulations to Lily Song (Yr 8) who recently won the Intermediate Championship (13-15 Years) at the Gold Coast Eisteddfod. She was also awarded Most Promising Player from the entire Eisteddfod. This is an outstanding achievement!

Congratulations also to Nadia Charoensuk (Yr 8) who competed at the Gold Coast Eisteddfod. Nadia was awarded second place in the Contemporary Piano Section. She also attained a Highly Commended in the Junior Championship. Nadia performed an Olympics themed piece entitled “Spirit of the Flame”. She has recorded the piece and it can be viewed on the St Margaret’s .

These are wonderful achievements. Well done to both Lily and Nadia!

Ponytail Project

Thank you to the Rock Band who provided some wonderful entertainment for the Ponytail Project event which was held on Monday. The music assisted in providing a fantastic atmosphere for all those in attendance.

Open Mic Session

Congratulations to all girls who performed at the Open Mic Session held during lunchtime on Thursday in the Barley Sugar Gardens. All the performances given were thoroughly engaging and were enjoyed by all those who attended!

Classics in the Cathedral Video Performance

For those unable to attend this year’s Classics in the Cathedral, or for those who would like to re-watch any of the performances, a video recording of the concert had been made available on the St Margaret’s Music POD page for your viewing.

Music Support Group

The next Music Support Group meeting will be on Tuesday 5 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

Please ensure you are familiar with the below health directives.

• Stay at home if unwell or have a cough, fever, sore throat, fatigue or shortness of breath.
• While masks are not required when outdoors, you must carry your mask with you at all times.
• You are not permitted to enter any sports event venue if you:

• Are self-quarantining due to overseas travel, or travel to a designated COVID-19 ‘hotsport’.
• Have been in close contact with a confirmed active case of COVID-19 or awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test.
• Are currently an active COVID-19 case.

Additional reminders regarding spectators include:

• Adhere to the number of spectators allowed at each venue.See below:

• All spectators must check in via the Qld App when entering venues.
• Utilise the hand sanitising stations at all entry and exit points.

Rowing

A final regatta will be held this Saturday 28 August at Wyaralong Dam hosted by Stuartholme School prior to the Head of the River on Sunday 5 September. This regatta will run as “normal” with spectators allowed to be present. All rowers and spectators are asked to adhere to the below points:

• All athletes to travel via bus departing at 5:20am sharp from Butler St.
• Pride in school uniform – Students to travel in the STM tracksuit with rep shirt, orange rowing cap and running shoes. Row in the STM zootie and rowing cap.
• Spectator vehicles are not permitted prior to 7am - prepaid parking only see the link below.
• Masks must be carried at all times and worn when unable to socially distance (ie: in spectator tents, lining up for food/coffee etc)
• QR check in for all attendees: Check In Qld app code: 419457
• The competitors have their own headland, parents are to remain on the spectator headland unless they have been rostered on to assist with the set up or pack down at the being and end of the regatta.
• No dogs are permitted at Wyaralong.

A Prepaid parking link for this regatta on Saturday 28 August can be accessed below

Good luck to all crews!

Winter Fixtures

We welcome St Hilda’s on Saturday 28 August to Windsor Park for Netball and the Philip Harris Gym for Volleyball.  All tennis matches have been moved to St Hilda’s or Southport State High School whilst Hockey has a bye round. To access the draws please see the individual sport POD pages.

Athletics

The St Margaret’s Athletics squad has been participating in weekly internal mini meets and are now looking forward to the first QGSSSA warm-up competition on Friday 27 August at the University of Queensland Athletics track. All athletes are asked to register their attendance via the online form found on the Athletics POD page.

Water Polo Trials

The first water polo trial session for all ages will be held on Sunday 29 August with trials continuing over the next two weeks. To ensure you are aware of all times and dates, please access the Water Polo POD page. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Water Polo Coordinator, Talia O’Callaghan via email – tocallaghan@stmargarets.qld.edu.au

Water Polo Support Group Meeting

A Support group meeting for Water Polo will be held on Wednesday 1 September at 6.30pm in the HPE Classrooms, situated above the strength and conditioning room.  All interested parents are invited to attend.

Helen Lobegeiger

While it was many of our senior students who took part in the hair cutting, our primary students also had the opportunity to witness this very important cause and learn how as an individual or a collective community, they too can make a difference in the lives of others. The girls sported crazy hair styles and braids in a display of their support.

The Ponytail Project was born in 2015, when a member of the St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School parent community was diagnosed with breast cancer. Students Beth Flint, Meg Fraser, Maria Cobain and Annabelle Crossley were moved to help – and launched a student-led fundraising initiative they called ‘The Ponytail Project’, believing that chopping off their ponytails was a small price to pay to support those impacted by cancer.

The Ponytail Project received an outpouring of support in its inaugural year, fuelling the drive for an annual campaign.

Sadly in 2016, St Margaret’s students had even more reason to support the initiative - the loss of a beloved teacher and past student Amanda Minotti, who passed away from cancer. Each year, participation and funds raised have grown with the students setting a new record on both fronts.

So successful was the Ponytail Project concept, that in 2019 Cancer Council Queensland adopted the project encouraging schools across the state to join the cause. Through Ponytail Project, over 2,000 girls have raised over $800,000 for Australian families affected by cancer.

Rowing Support Group Raffle

The Rowing Support Group would like to thank all members of the school community who supported our major fundraiser for the year - a raffle for a brand-new Toyota Corolla Ascent!  We were thrilled to sell all tickets in the raffle and achieve our fundraising goal. We acknowledge that this was possible because of the generosity of the St Margaret’s community and we are very pleased to announce that the car was won by a Year 10 rowing family! The money raised from the raffle will go towards the construction of a much needed duplicate pontoon at the rowing sheds.

This raffle would not have been possible without the ongoing support of our major sponsor, Torque Toyota. Please remember that for every St Margaret’s family who purchase a car from Torque Toyota, $150 will be donated back to the rowing program. Simply mention that you are from St Margaret’s and email phudson@stradbrokecapital.com.au to take advantage of this offer.

Lara Pickering

ACU

The Bachelor of Arts (Western Civilisation)/Bachelor of Laws is a new degree that will commence at their North Sydney campus in semester 1, 2022. This degree also enables students to take advantage of scholarships valued at up to $30,000 per year. More information can be found

Bond University

A reminder that Bond University scholarship applications are closing soon!

JCU Virtual Open Day

Students are invited to join us at Virtual Open Day on Tuesday 14 September from 4:00pm-7:00pm. Explore JCU’s campuses and facilities, attend presentations, access course information, and chat to JCU staff and students, all from the comfort of your own home.

UQ Gatton Open Day new date 12 September

Register now for UQ Gatton Open Day on Sunday 12 September from 9:00am-3:00pm to meet teachers and current students of agricultural and veterinary science. . St Lucia Open Day sessions are also available to view online .

University of Sydney

With our virtual Open Day on Saturday 28 August, we have produced a variety of webinars related to a range of study areas, admission pathways and entry schemes.

Entry to Medicine 2022

This document outlines the possible entry methods into medicine courses throughout Australia in 2022. Click to access this information.

QUT |

Wednesday 13 October 2021, 6:00pm-7:30pm. Online. Join us for a live webinar to help you find the best pathway to your preferred course.

QTAC admissions open

QTAC applications will open on Tuesday 3 August for admission to courses for 2022. for more information.

Register to get your ATAR result

If you are a Year 12 student and you want to find out what your ATAR is, you must .

Queensland Conservatorium auditions have early closing dates

Auditions for students wishing to study the Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Acting, or Bachelor of Musical Theatre

Liz Johnston