Issue 34 – 3 November 2016
PRINCIPAL
An interesting study carried out in the United States notes a correlation between a student’s happiness and
grade point average. As parents and teachers, we want our children to be happy, of course. But how much
does happiness really matter when it comes to learning? According to a new study by Harvard Graduate
School of Education Lecturer Christina Hinton the answer is that it matters a lot.
Hinton examined the interplay of happiness, motivation and success in a K-12 setting, and she also looked
at the factors that support student happiness.
Using both quantitative and qualitative measures, she found that from primary to high school, happiness is
positively correlated with motivation and academic achievement. She also found that the culture of the
school and the relationships that the students form with their teachers and their peers play an influential
role in their happiness. Through her study, she found several key associations. They include:
 Happiness is positively associated with intrinsic motivation for all students and also with extrinsic
motivation for students in K-3.
 Happiness is also positively associated with grade point average (GPA) for students in grades 4-12.
 Happiness is predicted by students’ satisfaction with school culture and relationships with teachers
and peers.
 Happiness and standardized test scores did not seem to be related.
She also notes that “Students often reported that happiness, or positive feelings like enjoyment or fun,
promotes learning.” Students cited many reasons for their positive feelings, including feeling safe and
comfortable at school and having secure relationships with their teachers and their peers. The study
concludes that nurturing positive relationships among teachers and students is vital in the quest to support
student well-being and achievement.
(Reference – Because I’m Happy - www.gse.harvard.edu/faculty/christina-hinton)
Thursday this week saw the first of the lasts for the Year 12 Boarders. They attended their final chapel
service of their schooling. Reverend Nicki wished them well and celebrated with them for the last time as
students of the school. One of the most warming elements of the service is the PowerPoint which shows
photos of the girls when they were very young - sometimes they are babies, preschoolers or they are
starting their first day of school, either primary or secondary. It is interesting to see just how much they
have grown and the Chapel Service ends with the inevitable oohs and ahs and giggles of embarrassment. It
is always a joyful occasion.
Ros Curtis
Principal
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
After celebrating International Teachers’ Day on Friday, I spoke to friends outside of the profession to get
an idea of what they think teachers do. Very few realised the complexity of the job and that there are strict
standards to which we all adhere. Teaching is not an exact science, rather it is a combination of both an art
and a science. And then, of course, there is the human factor. According to Dr Ben Jensen of the Grattan
Institute, ‘The world’s highest-performing school systems provide time for teachers to be mentored,
research best practice, have their classes observed and receive constructive feedback on their performance’
(2014). At St Margaret’s teachers work collaboratively; researching and discussing pedagogy, observing each
other teach and giving constructive feedback. This is a powerful tool for collaborative professional
development and thus student learning.
What teachers do in the classroom is always student centred and we are guided by The Australian
Professional Standards for Teachers. These comprise seven Standards which between them are made up of
37 focus areas. These outline what teachers should know and be able to do. The Standards are
interconnected, interdependent and overlapping.
They are grouped into three domains of teaching: Professional Knowledge, Professional Practice and
Professional Engagement. The domains constitute agreed characteristics of the complex process of
teaching. AITSL (Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership) is supportive of a collaborative
learning culture to help teachers engage with the domains and support each other in ensuring that student
learning of the highest standard is occurring.
In practice, teaching draws on aspects of all three domains, keeping the student as the focus in each.
Domains of teaching
Professional Knowledge
Standards
1. Know students and how they learn
2. Know the content and how to teach it
Professional Practice
3. Plan for and implement effective teaching and learning
4. Create and maintain supportive and safe learning environments
5. Assess, provide feedback and report on student learning
Professional Engagement
6. Engage in professional learning
7. Engage professionally with colleagues, parents/carers and the
community
According to AITSL you will know your school’s professional learning culture is collaborative when:
• teachers engage in frequent, ongoing formal and informal conversations about pedagogy and
teaching practice
• teachers work together to research, plan and design effective teaching strategies and programs
• teachers engage in professional dialogue to evaluate and modify teaching strategies and programs
• teachers engage in regular classroom observation and feedback and can articulate how changes in
their practice impact on student outcomes
• there is collective ownership of learning goals and outcomes, for both the individual and wholeschool
• teachers undertake leadership roles that include initiating and leading professional discussions with
colleagues to evaluate practice
• collaboration is prioritised and sufficient time is given to investing in the practice
6.
8.
References:
http://www.aitsl.edu.au/australian-professional-standards-for-teachers/standards/list?s=4
http://grattan.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/808-making-time-for-great-teaching.pdf
Kim Cohen
Deputy Principal
CHAPLAIN
Wondering what to do with your Year 4-7 daughter in January??
Send them to the Primary Ichthus Camp, January 11-14 2017. Easy!
Each Year, the Anglican Diocese runs youth camping programs for Primary, Junior and Senior Secondary
students. For the past 4 years I have loved giving a little back to the Youth camping program that gave me
so much in the late 80s and 90s. The theme for next year’s Primary School Ichthus camp is ‘Endure’ which
is based upon the ‘Survivor’ reality show. We are planning on equipping our campers with a spiritual
survival kit to help them through life while also having lots of activities to challenge them and most
importantly, to have heaps of fun!
Where: APEX campsite, Mudjimba
When: Wednesday 11 to Saturday 14 January 2017
Cost: $199 which covers all food, accommodation and activity costs while on camp
Feel free to get in touch with me if you have any questions - [email protected] or phone
3862 0716, or you can register at www.trybooking.com/234731.
St Mark’s Anglican Church, Clayfield
St Mark’s annual Arts and Crafts Festival 2016 is this weekend.
Opening Night: Friday 4 November, 7:30pm
Join us for wine and light refreshments, Pre-ordered Tickets cost $20. Please call 3862 2221 to
purchase or purchase at the door for $25
Open All Weekend
$5 Admission includes Devonshire Tea
Saturday 5 November: 9:00am to 5:00pm (St Margaret’s Senior Choir will be performing)
Sunday 6 November: 10:15am to 1:00pm
Great raffle Prizes drawn at 1:00pm Sunday
Please see the attached flyer for further information.
Upcoming Services:
Sunday 6 November: 5pm, Eucharist
Monday 7 November: 9:30am, Years 3-6 Eucharist
Sunday 13 November: 9am, Young Families’ Service
Thursday 17 November: 10am, Thanksgiving Service, St John’s Cathedral, Years 6-12 attend, parents
welcome.
Tuesday 29 November: 8:30am, Year 6 Graduation, Chapel
Prayer for the Week:
I have included here last week’s prayer again. Our young people, at many times of their lives, are faced with
challenges of leadership and even ‘power struggles’ amongst their peers. As the USA continues to gear up
for the 2016 election, we pray for wisdom and courage from the voters and voices in government. Holy
God walk with us all.
God of Love and Compassion,
For all that has led us to this day and this moment, we are thankful.
For those called to leadership positions, we pray for their humble acceptance and gracious example.
For those called to support, we pray for understanding and grace.
For those called to tasks that yet remain unseen, we pray for patience and hope.
God of tenderness and peace, in our joys may we remember those who mourn;
In our blessings, we remember times of despair;
In our hope we remember those times and places where all hope seems lost.
Amongst the tragedies of the world, both near and far, we are called to keep on moving forward. May we
hear our names, spoken by you our God, calling us to be truly human, truly blessed and broken, called to
lead and to follow, called to bring hope and peace to our world.
Amen.
With every blessing on you and your week ahead,
The Reverend Nicki Colledge
Chaplain
BOARDING
Boarders are well and truly making the most of Prep and we continue to encourage phone-free time to
allow girls to concentrate without distraction. Amounts of homework vary each night and with assistance
on offer from House Supervisors, including academic support staff, boarders are adequately guided and
advised on how best to utilise this valuable time dedicated to study. Independent work habits continue to
develop; girls are reminded about the benefit of reading and understanding the criteria sheets for given
assessments and to ask their teachers to clarify any unknowns well in advance.
Reviewing and consolidating the day’s work is key, especially if any girl is without enough ‘set homework’.
Wide reading is always welcome, particularly suitable for Years 6 - 9, given they complete Boarders’ Prep in
the Library. Science and Maths teachers would undoubtedly welcome revision of content, related
terminology or checking past questions for deeper understanding. Whatever the subject, there is always a
place for questioning. Supervisors assist the girls to examine their work, figuring out what areas they need
help with. Sometimes the answers come independently from a fresh look upon their work, with the added
guidance from a staff member; however, if girls remain stuck, they can always prepare a series of questions
for their teacher the next day. Getting better at any sport requires regular practice and the same applies to
study. All students will indeed reap the rewards of their efforts and are encouraged to stay motivated, give
things a go and be willing to seek help when necessary.
Dimity Harris
Deputy Head of Boarding
DEAN OF PEDAGOGY
Prize Winning Assembly
As is customary at this time of year we had our Prize Reading Assembly this week. I include my remarks to
the girls below.
This morning is a very important assembly - it is the Prize Winners’ Assembly, which means that the lists of
people who are receiving awards at Speech Night are read. As you know we celebrate achievements of all
sorts at St Margaret’s. When you hear the lists read you will hear the names of girls who have been
awarded sporting prizes, prizes for the Arts and academic prizes. Among these academic prizes are the
Honours and Commendation awards. I wanted to make sure that you understand how these awards are
determined.
Academic Honours Prizes are awarded based on a student’s GPA. A minimum GPA of 13 is required to
be eligible. Only subjects which a student studies for 3 or more lessons a week are considered in this
calculation. Calculations are based on Terms 1, 2 and 3.
To calculate Commendation prizes teachers are asked to award an ‘A+ to E-’ for each student based
on the following three criteria:
1. Academic effort in class throughout the year
2. Application to study and homework or projects
3. Attitude to learning throughout the year
To receive a commendation award a student must attain an A- average.
On occasions like these there are always people who feel happy and excited and those who feel
disappointed. It is ok to feel disappointed if you don’t win a prize but it is really important to think about
how you manage that disappointment. It is often when things do not go your way that you get the
opportunity to show your strength of character - remember it is easy to behave well when things go your
way but not so easy when they don’t. I will let you in on a secret - I never won an academic prize at my
school speech night. I did well at school but I was never the person who was first. That’s ok!
If you think that you should have received a prize and you haven’t, I encourage you to come and speak to
me about it today. It is completely appropriate to inquire about this politely and respectfully. In fact it is a
very good checking mechanism for us.
Girls winning prizes you will receive a letter today that has a considerable amount of important information
in it. Please read it carefully and take it home to your parents. It has details of the prize you have won and
the expectations of you in terms of the speech night rehearsal and the actual evening.
Firstly Mrs Drysdale will read the list of prize winners from Years 5 and 6. She will be followed by
Mrs Devlin reading the list of girls who have won prizes from Years 7 to 9, I will then read the names of the
girls who have won prizes in Years 10, 11 and 12 and Mrs Cohen will announce the names of those girls
who are receiving special prizes. There are Awards of Distinction which are not announced until Speech
Night.
Samantha Bolton
Dean of Pedagogy
DEAN OF STUDIES
In last week’s eNews I wrote about the process of Continuous Reporting for 2017. In addition to this
program, we will be introducing a process of Academic Mentoring in 2017. This will involve the students
using ongoing data from their teachers and continuous reporting to inform their learning, assess their skills
development and ultimately develop themselves as learners. The students will be using both performance
orientation data (grades) and mastery orientation data (feedback) to allow them to gain a better
understanding of their strengths, weaknesses and how to improve.
This process will be supported by an academic mentoring portal in a program called Learning Analytics. It is
through this program the girls will reflect and set goals for their learning. The goals will be collated and
shared with their Form teachers, class teachers and Heads of Year who will check in on their progress
during the term. It is hoped that through this process the girls will create a strong base of skills for learning
through both the data and the mentoring provided by the staff.
This is an exciting new program that has been trialled, with great success, by some of our Year 9 girls this
year, and I look forward to sharing in this learning in 2017.
Years 9 and 10 Continuous Reporting
The following new subject areas are available for viewing, along with results already released:
Year 9
Maths - Fluency Quiz 1
Mandarin - Listening Test
French - Writing Test
Multi Media Studies - Folio
Year 10
Maths 1 - Quiz 1
Maths 2 - Quiz 1
If you need any assistance to access your daughter’s results please contact me and I will forward detailed
instructions. Likewise, if you are looking for your daughters’ results and they are not uploaded, please alert
me via email.
Supervised Study Sessions
Supervised Study Sessions have resumed and run on Monday and Thursday evenings from 5:00 - 7:30pm in
the Senior Library until Monday 21 November. All bookings can be made through Flexischools on the
School’s website.
If you have questions about this program please email [email protected].
Nicole Devlin
Dean of Studies
DEAN OF STUDENTS
Outdoor Education Program
St Margaret’s works in partnership with QCCC Expeditions for a unique sequential Years 7 to 10 outdoor
education program. The Year 10 camp was held in the northern New South Wales region, and students
had a choice between paddling or a coastal bushwalk journey. Each student was encouraged to take risks in
a supportive environment so she could learn more about her strengths and weaknesses. These challenges
aim to push the girls’ personal limitations and bring success physically, emotionally and socially. Most
importantly, outdoor education skills are transferrable. These programs assist students to apply what they
have learnt on their expeditions to other aspects of the lives. I would like to thank Jenny Matheson (Camp
Coordinator), Phoebe Mawer, Talia O’Callaghan, Kirsty Krynauw, Noel Peinke, Chris Forster and John
O’Sullivan Williams for their contributions to a very successful camp.
Year 10 Camp Reflections
2016 Year 10 camp was absolutely memorable and the experience was unforgettable, because it was our
very last year to go on camp at St Margaret’s.
I went canoeing and it was so much fun, although there were no showers at all! The whole experience of
canoeing 10km every day was great, because we got a good work-out and spent quality time with our
friends. I learnt so much on this trip, such as how to trust my canoeing partner, because going through the
rapids is a hard job and trust between us had to be strong.
During lunch and dinner times everyone needed to take turns and help out to prepare the meals for four
days. Everyone had the responsibility to clean up everything; as we are a group we have to do everything
together and work as a team.
Thinking back to the fun times we had, I had such a wonderful time. I know it’s only been a few days but I
already miss camp, since our instructors Trev, Kerry and Paul did such an amazing job and made our camp
so much easier.
Angel Lau
This past week was spent on Year 10 camp. This experience has reminded me that it is extremely
important to go outside and experience the sunlight every day without technology. Having no technology
and just enjoying the fresh air and sun let me have a positive attitude and enjoy the experience more. As I
was in the bushwalking group, the walks each day were full of laughs and songs to sing. I especially enjoyed
walking along the coast as our group saw many dolphins and even whales in the distance! The camping
experience let me connect with girls more and we all worked together as a team when required. I would
love to go on this camping trip again as I enjoyed it immensely.
Niamh Macfarlane
From the 25-28 October, the Year 10s went camping in Northern New South Wales. On Tuesday morning
we all had to arrive at school bright and early at 5:30am for a 4 hour bus ride. We had the choice to
participate either in a beach bush walking expedition or a white-water canoeing expedition. I participated in
bush/beach walking and we walked between Angourie and Minnie Water, camping at a different campsite
each night.
Over the 4 days and 3 nights we walked a total of approximately 27km, 5km on the first day, 10km on the
second and third day and 2km on the last day. During the walk everyone had to carry all of their belongings
along with group gear and food in their packs. There were many challenges that we had to overcome, such
as having limited amounts of water and using it wisely, cooking using tangiers, sleeping in tents, limited
showers and flushing toilets and walking with blisters and heavy packs.
Overall, we had an enjoyable time and we all gained many environmentally friendly camping, teamwork,
problem-solving and leadership skills that we would not have obtained without going on this camp. There
were many highlights such as seeing the sunset and sunrise everyday as we stayed near beaches and dolphin
and whale sightings while we were walking. On behalf of Year 10, I would like to thank
Ms Matheson, the teachers who came on this camp and QCCC for organising everything for us and
allowing us to participate in such a great experience.
Amy Tran
Nikki Townsend
Dean of Students
PRIMARY
Last Friday, the Primary School acknowledged Day for Daniel. In addition to this day, the program is also
embedded in our personal development program in order for the girls to have a deeper understanding and
knowledge of the important messages of this program. The key messages are:
Safety Rules
 We need rules to protect us, our homes, our friends and our community.
Things to Remember
 When visiting friends or playing sport, it is important to remember your personal safety.
Recognise - Body Clues
 Our bodies tell us when we don’t feel safe through our Body Clues e.g. butterflies in your
tummy, heart pounding and sweaty palms.
 We want you to recognise that there are dangers out there, but you can help to keep yourself
safe. Be alert for the clues that warn us when something is unsafe. These clues can be as simple
as smelling smoke which warns us there is a fire, a lock down alarm at school or your body
clues.
React
 If you feel scared, confused, sad or upset you need to React. This could even mean breaking a
rule, like smashing a window to escape a fire or screaming ‘NO’ to an adult.
 React by getting away from the danger. Remember to run to a safe location if you feel unsafe.
Report
 This means telling an adult in your life who cares about your safety when there is a problem.
It’s an adult who can keep you safe from harm and who can make a situation safe again for you.
The girls recorded safety messages and these are on display in the Atrium for everyone to read.
Speech Night
On Monday 31 October, the recipients of Speech Night awards were announced on Assembly. Previous to
this the teachers had undergone a thorough process to identify these girls. If you would like more details
about the process it is clearly explained in the girls’ diaries on page 5, under Academic Awards, and also
outlined in the eNews Issue 31.
The students will receive their awards at Speech Night on Tuesday 15 November. It is compulsory for all
Years 5 and 6 girls to attend. The prize recipients are required to wear the white church dress and other
girls in Years 5 and 6 may wear either their church dress or middy. Other Primary students in the audience
are required to wear their middy.
Student Involvement
I often write about the many cultural, sporting and academic opportunities offered to the girls. Over the
past week, the Primary girls have been involved in such endeavours with amazing results.
Cultural - Music Fest 2016
Music Fest 2016 presented by Prestige Music is an annual school competition held at several locations
across Brisbane, including Iona College, where schools from South East Queensland are able to compete.
There are a number of schools performing who travel from outside the Brisbane area to enter this
competition. Over 200 schools were competing this year.
The ensembles are awarded trophies for the standard of their performance, and it is a fantastic opportunity
for the girls to gain valuable playing experience and feedback, as well as having the chance to hear
ensembles from a variety of schools.
St Margaret’s entered ensembles from both the Primary and Secondary school. Primary girls played in the
following ensembles:
Wind Ensemble:
Amati Stings:
Year 5 Band:
Silver Award
Silver Award
Gold Award
Sporting - Andrews Cup Softball
Congratulations to the staff and students who have been involved in the Andrews Cup Softball Teams. On
Monday last week, the girls from Years 5 and 6 selected in the Andrews Cup teams competed in the annual
Andrews Cup Softball Carnival. All girls played well and showed resilience and perseverance in many of
their games.
Thank you to Morgan Rowe for her organisation and planning for the hosting of this event. Thank you to
Tahlia Butler for supporting the girls during the season and to Lauren Richards, Suzy Edwards and Sam
Coleman who coached and also to Georgina Stevenson who helped out on the day. Thank you to the
Years 5 and 6 girls who assisted on the day and were fabulous ambassadors for the School.
Academic - Gateways Challenge
In the past fortnight, 7 teams entered the Gateways Challenge. The Years 5-6 Challenge was held at
St Margaret’s and Years 3-4 was held at Churchie. Teams had to solve 4 very different problems. Each team
was given 30 minutes to solve each problem. One of the Year 6 teams was placed 1st and one of the Year
4 teams placed 2nd. Both teams have been offered places at the final to be held in Melbourne on 5
December 2016. We wish both of these teams the best of luck.
Primary School Applications for Class Placement in 2017
Reminder: Primary School Applications for Class Placement for 2017 are due Monday 7 November.
Unfortunately no late forms can be accepted beyond this date.
Upcoming Events
Date
Friday 4 November
Friday 4 November
Thursday 10 November
Tuesday 15 November
Friday 25 November
Tuesday 29 November
Wednesday 30 November
Wednesday 30 November
Thursday 1 December
Event
Andrews Cup Gymnastics Competition
Andrews Cup Basketball Competition
Primary School Helpers Morning Tea - Arts Centre Foyer
Speech Night for Years 5 - 12
Prep - Year 4 Celebration
Year 6 Final Chapel Service and Morning Tea
Primary Activities Day
Pre Prep Chapel Service
End of Term Assembly
Angela Drysdale
Head of Primary
PRIVATE SPEECH AND DRAMA TUITION FOR 2017
Would your daughter benefit from improved communication skills? Does she love to perform, or does she
lack confidence when presenting to an audience?
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 2017 are now open for students who will be in Years
2 to 12 next year.
If you would like to enrol your daughter in Speech and Drama or would like further information on the
program, please contact: [email protected] or phone 3862 0750.
Please note that students who are currently enrolled in the program will automatically be re-enrolled for
lessons next year. If your daughter is currently enrolled but is unable to continue lessons in 2017, please
email her teacher or [email protected].
New enrolments or cancellation of current enrolments are requested by Monday 28 November 2016.
Lessons for 2017 commence in Week 2 of Term 1. We are looking forward to another exciting year of
cultivating confident, capable communicators.
Maria Chamberlain
Private Speech and Drama Coordinator
2016/2017 SCHOOL SUPPLIES SHOP EXTENDED TRADING HOURS
All new enrolments requiring uniform fittings during Term 4 2016, please call the School Supplies Shop on
3862 0776 for an appointment.
Altered/Extended Trading Hours:
Friday 2 December 2016, 10am - 2pm
Open by appointment only:
Monday 5 December 2016
Tuesday 6 December 2016
Wednesday 7 December 2016
The School Supplies Shop closes on Friday 2 December 2016 (except for appointments) and re-opens
Monday 16 January 2017.
Monday 16 January 2017, 9am - 2pm
Tuesday 17 January 2017, 9am - 2pm
Wednesday 18 January 2017, 9am - 2pm
Thursday 19 January 2017, 9am - 2pm
Friday 20 January 2017, 9am - 2pm
Saturday 21 January 2017, CLOSED
Sunday 22 January 2017, CLOSED
Monday 23 January 2017, 1pm - 5pm Boarders Only
Tuesday 24 January 2017, 8am - 2pm
Wednesday 25 January 2017, 10am - 5pm
Thursday 26 January 2017, CLOSED
A numbering system for ALL purchases will operate during the January 2017 trading hours. All parents
and students wishing to purchase from the School Supplies Shop will be required to take a number and
wait to be attended to.
Normal Trading Hours Resume Wednesday 25 January 2017
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
8am - 2pm
Wednesday
10am - 5pm
Public Holidays Closed
Book Lists
The book lists for 2017 for all year levels are now available on the St Margaret’s website, via the School
Supplies Shop link. On-line ordering can be done through Sequel Bookstores. Instructions for on-line
ordering are available with the book lists.
Second Hand Textbooks
The Sustainable School Shop is an on-line website that gives St Margaret’s parents/students the opportunity
to buy and sell second hand textbooks. You can register at: www.sustainableschoolshop.com.au. The annual
subscription has been kindly provided by St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School. The helpline for the
Sustainable School Shop is 1300 683 337 should you need any further assistance.
Church Dress Hire for Speech Night
Hire forms are now available on the St Margaret’s website via the School Supplies Shop link. Church dress
hire will commence Wednesday 2 November 2016. A completed, signed hire form will be required before
any fitting can occur.
Students will also wear white fold down socks ($8.00) with polished brown school shoes and a white
ribbon for long hair tied back ($1). These are also available from the Supplies Shop.
For all enquiries, please contact the School Supplies Shop on 07 3862 0776 or email:
[email protected].
Terisa Arnold
Coordinator - School Supplies Shop
MUSIC
Music Dinner
The Music Dinner is fast approaching and is an exciting event for all girls involved in the co-curricular music
program and is to be held on Friday 11 November in Eton Hall. Please note that payments are due this
week. Tickets for this event are $65 adults, $55 students. Payment can be made via Flexischools
(www.flexischools.com.au). For catering purposes it is imperative that payments are made by the end of
this week. A letter is attached here with further details.
The theme is ‘Broadway’ and the girls are encouraged to come dressed according to the theme. Students in
Years 6 - 12 who participate in the School’s co-curricular music program are invited to attend. Parents are
also warmly invited to come and celebrate the girls’ musical achievements (and, of course, are welcome to
dress according to the theme). The event is always great fun with refreshments provided upon arrival, along
with a two-course dinner, presentations, prize-giving and a chance to say goodbye and thank you to the
Year 12 girls who will be leaving St Margaret’s. The Music Support Group always does an amazing job of
decorating the space according to the theme and provide an evening that is truly memorable for all in
attendance!
Music Support Group Annual General Meeting
The Music Support Group Annual General Meeting will be held on 22 November at 5:00pm in the
Primary Music Room (Chaseley). All welcome to attend!
Brad King
Head of Co-curricular Music
PRIMARY MUSIC
St Andrew’s Performance
Congratulations to our Primary Chorale who sang at St Andrew’s Anglican Church last Sunday to
celebrate their 150 years of mission in the parish of Lutwyche. The girls were fantastic ambassadors for
St Margaret’s and their singing was appreciated by all at the service. Together with Bishop Godfrey the girls
were invited to cut the special 150 year celebration cake. This service was a wonderful opportunity for the
students to not only perform, but to provide a service in the wider community. Thank you to the girls who
came along to sing, to the parents for bringing their daughters and to Mr Ng for accompanying the girls at
this event.
St Mark’s Arts and Craft Festival - Saturday 5 November, 1:00pm
On Saturday 5 November 2016, the Primary Senior Choir will be performing at the annual Arts and
Crafts Festival at St Mark’s Anglican Church. Parents are warmly invited to attend the Arts and Craft
Festival. The Rev. Dr Murray Harvey has advised that anyone coming with the girls will not be charged an
admission fee. When you get to the door, please say you are with the St Margaret’s Choir.
Junior and Senior Choirs
Junior and Senior Choirs have both finished for the year. Year 4 Choir will be rehearsing on Tuesday 1:20 1:50pm in preparation for the P - 4 Celebration afternoon. Year 6 Choir will be rehearsing on
Wednesdays/Thursdays 1:20 - 1:50pm in preparation for the Year 6 final functions at the end of the term.
Deb Cohen
Primary Music Teacher and Extra-Curricular Music Coordinator
SPORT
We have made it to the end of the QGSSSA sporting year! Participation is always very high in Badminton
and it is a fun way to finish the year. The girls enjoyed themselves across the numerous venues and our
highest ranked team was 5th.
Congratulations to all the girls who have participated in any of the sports programs offered throughout the
year. There are so many opportunities for our students and the vast majority took the opportunity to be
involved. I hope they have some time to take a breath before the Musical and Autumn Sport trials are in full
swing.
The 2017 Sports Captains, Isabella Burdon and Lucinda Crouch, made their first presentation this week on
assembly. The girls have decided on the mantra ‘#lacedup for 2017’. They drew on embodying support and
building community within St Margaret’s. Like the lace on the School uniform, the support of community is
what holds everything together. Holding everything together entails signing onto sports, attending training
and wearing the correct uniform with pride. Being ‘laced up’ is shaking your competitor’s hands after each
game, participating in send-offs and being dedicated, determined and focused to achieve great results in
2017.
Sporting Tour 2017
We are very excited to share with you this opportunity for your daughter to participate in the
St Margaret’s Netball and Hockey Tour France and UK 2017. We look forward to providing your daughter
with a broad experience, including opportunities to experience other cultures, sightsee and travel. The aims
of the Tour are to provide the students with developmental experiences within their sporting discipline
against complementary competition in preparation for the Winter QGSSSA season and to establish
relationships with our exchange schools anticipating reciprocating tours and other interschool and personal
sharing experiences. Netball will compete at the International Junior Netball Tournament in Paris, whilst
the Hockey will play exchange schools. This is a fabulous opportunity for students who have been on
exchange to re connect with Licensed Victuallars’ School and establish new connections with students from
Bradfield College.
Travel:
The departure date for the Tour is scheduled for Monday 3 April 2017 departing from Brisbane to Paris,
returning to Brisbane on Sunday 14 April after departing London.
Sign on: Expression of Interest Link
Nicky Barrie
Head of Sport
CHINESE CULTURAL IMMERSION TOUR 2017
Opened to 2017 students in Years 10, 11 and 12
The first St Margaret’s Chinese - Humanities - Business, Cultural Immersion
Tour (the China Tour) will be from 15-26 September 2017. It is an
exciting opportunity for your daughter to experience and learn more about
the Chinese culture, language and economy.
The highlights include:
Beijing: The Great Wall, The Forbidden City, The Summer Palace, Hutong visit and Peking Duck dinner
Xi’an: Terracotta Warriors, City Wall, Orphanage and school visit
Shanghai: The Bund, Pearl Tower, Interview and visit with Multi-National Company executives
The intention is to take a number of students in Years 10, 11 and 12 (2017) who have a desire to
extend their Chinese language, business, historical and geographical knowledge of China. The Tour costing
is based on 12 students participating and is priced at approximately $4,500. A second Parent Information
Evening will be held in Week 6 - Thursday 10 November, 6-7pm in the Arts Centre Foyer. Please click
here to view the flyer.
Should you require further information about any aspect of the tour please do not hesitate to contact
Mrs Lisa Chadwick: [email protected] or Mrs Faye Ryan: [email protected].
GLOBAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM
We would like to congratulate the following Year 9 students who have been selected for the 2017 Global
Exchange Program:
Crofton House, Canada: Claudia Bosworth and Tessa Sprott
Emma Willard School, USA: Charlotte Wala and Matilda Palmer
Konan Girls’ School, Japan: Amelia Stapley and Isabella Corby-Bakkelund
Licenced Victuallers’ School (LVS), England: Indira Laifoo, Megan Roxburgh and Nina Conomos
Nga Tawa Diocesan School, NZ: Bella Donaldson and Rosie Alexander
Shawnigan Lake School Canada: Chloe Bloomfield and Olivia Trempus
St Anne’s Diocesan College, South Africa:
Term 2
Term 3
Emily O’Neill
Imogen Morison
Lillyana Bowden
Letitia Paix
Skye Littlewood
Sophie Cosgrove
Term 4
Georgia Marshall
Rose Biddulph
Zoe Miles
St Margaret’s College, NZ: Isabelle Cox and Lily Devereaux
St Stephen’s College, Hong Kong: Gabriella Sedgwick and Laura Manly
Ursulinenschule Hersel, Germany: Amira Ryan, Bridie Hunter and Gabrielle McGann
We have had three very successful Exchange meetings where past exchange students have assisted in
answering questions and sharing their experiences. This input has been very beneficial for the girls. We
have also held the first of many workshops in preparation for Exchange next year. The broad topic was
Cultural Intelligence (CQ) which is defined as “a person's capability to function effectively in situations
characterised by cultural diversity” (Ang, van Dyne, & Koh, 2005; Earley & Ang, 2003; Earley & Mosakowski,
2005). Dr Linn van Dyne, a Professor at Michigan State University, in her research on CQ has identified 4
main factors that are integral to measuring Cultural Intelligence: Strategy, Knowledge, Motivation and
Behaviour. Our focus was on Cultural Strategy and Dr Linn van Dyne defines it as “how a person makes
sense of inter-cultural experiences. It reflects the processes individuals use to acquire and understand cultural
knowledge. It occurs when people make judgements about their own thought processes and those of others. This
includes strategising before an inter-cultural encounter, checking assumptions during an encounter, and adjusting
mental maps when actual experiences differ from expectations.” The workshop was a good thinking exercise in
raising awareness of self and what the girls may encounter during Exchange; it was lovely to see the girls
engaged in some great discussions.
Angelin Achari
Admissions and Community Relations - International
VISUAL ART NEWS
Last week we farewelled Mrs Charmaine Stevens, Secondary Art Aide, who has worked with us for 5 years.
We welcome Mrs Claudia Mazzotta and Ms Carly Kotynski who will assist the Secondary Art Department
for the remainder of Term 4.
smART Club is progressing with very enthusiastic girls every Wednesday afternoon. The girls are busy
creating Christmas decorations for the grounds of St Augustine’s Church and the Racecourse Road
Christmas Festival.
If you are heading down to the St Mark’s Anglican Church Art and Crafts Fair this weekend, 4-6
November, please look out for our Secondary Art work on display.
Congratulations to Mercedes Breslin (Year 8) who is the recipient of the ‘Artwork of the Month’ for
November. I would also like to congratulate Year 11 students Annabel Kennedy and Eliza Mc Kendry who
have been appointed the Visual Art Captains for 2017. The girls’ first role will be as MCs at our Year 12
Visual Art graduation on Monday 14 November, from 5:30-6:30pm in the Arts Centre Gallery. Annabel and
Eliza will also select the December artwork of the month.
The ‘Artwork of the Month’, chosen by our Visual Art Captains, Charlotte Bakker-Meyers and Via Lim, is
by Year 8 Visual Art student, Mercedes Breslin. “Mercedes’ painting demonstrates an authentic use of design
elements and also her ability to paint precisely, as well as gesturally. The blue patchy background allows a deeper
tone overall and helps to accentuate the organic and mystic atmosphere. With some great tonal work and detail,
Mercedes has created a beautiful and unique artwork.”
Lisa Smith
Secondary Visual Art Coordinator
YEAR 11 CHARITY ‘MANY SHADES’
The Year 11 cohort enthusiastically supports ‘Many Shades’, a charity which aims to provide housing for
children in Arusha, Tanzania. ‘Many Shades’ is run by Old Girl, Philippa Harvey Ross (2010) who inspired
the girls when she spoke with them earlier in the year. Please find attached an invitation to Pip’s next
function being held here at St Margaret’s on Saturday 26 November. It would be great to see this very
special Old Girl and the dreams of her ‘Many Shades’ project supported by the St Margaret’s community.
Jenny Lishman
Head of Year - 11
DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY OFFICE
Athlete’s Foot Chermside - School Reward Program
Did you know that every time you purchase a pair of shoes from The Athlete’s Foot, and you nominate
St Margaret’s at time of purchase, $5.00 will be donated to our school? This applies to the whole family and
across their entire range of footwear. There are no restrictions and it is unlimited so please spread the
word!
P&F Association
The St Margaret’s Parents and Friends Association has established a
strong tradition of giving back to the school through its social and
fundraising activities. The P&F is comprised of an active group of parents
within the school. The Association is responsible for organising an array
of events, which not only benefit the students (through fundraising) but
also lead to considerable camaraderie amongst parents and friends of
St Margaret’s.
P&F General Meetings
The P&F invites the school community to share your views and ideas, at
the General Meetings, held in the Arts Centre Foyer from 6:30pm on the
following dates:
Monday 27 February 2017
Monday 8 May 2017
Monday 31 July 2017
Monday 30 October 2017
Event Dates 2017
Term 1
Friday 3 March - Mothers’ Luncheon
Thursday 30 March - Father Daughter Breakfast
Term 2
Saturday 27 May - Community Ball
Friday 09 June - Fathers’ Dinner
Term 3
Saturday 02 September - Race Day
P&F 2017 Family Directory
The St Margaret’s P&F Association invites you to be part of the 2017 Family Directory. This is a convenient
resource containing school families’ and community contact details. You will treasure this A5 sized booklet
for all of its valuable information and dates.
If you would like your details to be included in the 2017 publication, please enter them via the online family
directory form. The deadline for these updates is Monday 28 November 2016. Please note that listings in the
2016 directory do not automatically roll over into the 2017 directory.
Lu Wishart
Director of Development and Community
CAREERS
What is an ATAR?
The ATAR allows the tertiary admissions centre to compare students from across Australia when they
apply for tertiary places. The ATAR is a number between 0 and 99.95, in increments of 0.05. ATARs below
30 are not reported. For more information, visit: www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/630.html.
Do I need to apply for my ATAR? No. The QCAA provides all Tertiary Entrance data (OP/FPs and
ATAR) to the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). If you are applying for tertiary entrance in
Australia, the tertiary admissions centre can obtain your ATAR directly from QTAC. If you want to know
what your ATAR is, use this application to apply for an ATAR statement.
https://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/downloads/senior/atar_app_form.pdf
QUT
When you defer: what happens the following year?
Many students choose to defer their QTAC offer and take up studies the following year. But how do they
go about enrolling and what if they want to change courses, or no longer want to study? Students who are
on deferment will receive an email from QUT in late October to advise them of their username and
password to enrol at QUT from mid-December for the following year. They just need to follow the
instructions in the email to work through the process to enrol.
If a student has changed their mind about what they want to study, they will need to apply back through
QTAC for a new offer. This is the case for all course changes, including changing campuses or to another
course at QUT, whether in the same or a different faculty. They don’t necessarily need to let QUT know
that they don’t want to take up the deferred offer, as it will lapse past the deadline for enrolment.
Sometimes students change email addresses in this time so they should advise QUT by emailing their new
details to [email protected]. For information about deferring offers visit the deferment page on
our website
Summer and Semester 1 bridging courses
QUT offers bridging courses in Chemistry, Physics and Maths B. Students can register for the Maths B
bridging (day course commencing 21 November) until 7 November, and students can commence the
online physics course at any time. Registration for bridging courses commencing in Semester 1, 2017 will
open soon. Students can register their interest and QUT staff will get in touch once class registration is
open.
Students who haven't studied the subjects as part of their senior studies can complete these courses to gain
the assumed knowledge subjects for QUT courses. Where possible, it is recommended that students
complete bridging courses prior to commencing university to gain assumed knowledge.
For details see the course pages:
 Maths B
 Chemistry
 Physics.
Scholarships:
QUT is proud to offer a broad range of scholarships to reward and support students. Our program
includes scholarships for: academic excellence, elite athletes, students facing financial hardship, Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander students and students studying in specific courses, faculties or industries. We
encourage you to investigate and apply for any scholarships for which you may be eligible:
https://www.qut.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/62642/scholarships.pdf
Upgrading programs at QUT
Many students are worried that they may not receive the OP or rank they need to get into their chosen
course. Now is the time for them to investigate entry programs that may provide bonus OPs/ranks, as well
as courses they can use to upgrade in case they miss out on their preferred course.
QUT International applications
International students studying Year 12 in Australia submit applications to QUT through QTAC. From late
October, international students will receive offers, conditional on meeting course requirements, from
QUT.
UQ College: Intensive Four Week Prerequisite Courses
UQ College will deliver prerequisite courses in Math B, Chemistry or Biology in intensive mode over a four
week period from Tuesday 22 November - Saturday 17 December 2016 at St Lucia Campus.
Successful completion of these courses will satisfy the prerequisite requirements in Maths B, Chemistry or
Biology at The University of Queensland and other universities. Results will be available to be used in
applications for the January 2017 QTAC Offer Round: http://www.uqcollege.edu.au/programs.php
UQ and QTAC offers for 2017
With recent changes to the QTAC process UQ may make offers of admissions to Year 12 applicants from
Wednesday 21 December 2016. The major offer round for Semester 1, 2017 remains as Monday 16
January 2017, however, UQ may make limited early offers in some programs. This will not include high
demand programs such as Medicine, Physiotherapy, Dentistry, Vet Science or Midwifery (or related dual
programs).
Applicants for the Bachelor of Music (Honours) may receive offers from Friday 18 November 2016 at the
earliest. Please check the QTAC website for more details:
http://www.qtac.edu.au/key-dates---fees/course-offer-dates.
Endeavour College of Natural Health
Endeavour College of Natural Health is offering up to five scholarships for Secondary school leavers who
are seeking a career in the natural health and wellness sector. This is for students that are looking to
commence full-time study in 2017 at any one of our six campuses around Australia. The recipients of these
scholarships will have the ability to act as a student role model and college ambassador to promote
Endeavour's courses to school leavers.
Successful applicants will have the first year of their tuition covered by Endeavour for their study in any of
Endeavour's Bachelor of Health Science degree programs in Naturopathy, Nutritional and Dietetic
Medicine, Acupuncture, Myotherapy and our online Bachelor of Complementary Medicine. Applications
close Monday 28 November 2016. To apply:
http://www.endeavour.edu.au/?mc_cid=6357ba0659&mc_eid=4f5f24f1fd.
After the release of OP results
UQ: OP Results Advice Night www.uq.edu.au/opresults
 Monday 19 December 2016
 4:00pm - 7:00pm
 UQ Centre (St Lucia)
QUT: Real Decisions https://www.qut.edu.au/study/events/real-decisions
 QUT Gardens Point
 Tuesday 20 December 2016
 9:00am - 1:00pm
Griffith: Know Your Options Change of Preference Event
 Saturday 17 December 2016 (tbc)
 10:00am - 5:00pm
 Nathan and Gold Coast campuses
ACU: Know your Options Evening www.yourfuture.acu.edu.au
 Monday 19 December 2016
 3:30pm - 6:00pm
 Brisbane Campus, 1100 Nudgee Road, Banyo
KEY DATES:
Friday 18 November
Some Year 12s may receive a QTAC offer from this date
http://www.qtac.edu.au/key-dates---fees/course-offer-dates
Friday 9 December
Due date to submit documentation for QTAC 16 January offer round
Saturday 17 December
Year 12 results mailed by QCAA
OP results available from Student Connect website: https://studentconnect.qcaa.qld.edu.au/
GRIFFITH: Change of Preference Event
Monday 19 December
UQ: OP Results Advice Night
ACU: Know Your Options Evening
Tuesday 20 December
QUT Real Decisions, Gardens Point and Caboolture
28 December 2016
Year 12 OP ineligible ranks available from QTAC
9 January 2017
Final date to change preferences for the QTAC January offer round
16 January 2017
QTAC January offer round
Elizabeth Johnston
Careers Counsellor