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Practical tips to help parents support their child’s schooling journey

The QCAA has partnered with clinical psychologist and registered teacher, Dr Judith Locke, on a series of short videos that offer parents and carers practical advice to support their child’s learning and wellbeing. These 2–3-minute videos provide practical advice on the following topics:

• Getting your child ready to start primary school
• Getting your child ready to start secondary school
• Establishing homework routines with your child
• Preparing for the tween and teen years
• Reconnecting at the end of a school day
• Helping your teen to be motivated and set the right goals
• Supporting your teen to have a balanced life
• Supporting your teen in senior schooling
• Preparing your child for work or study after they finish school.

I would encourage you to visit the to explore the full series.

On a related matter, St Margaret's has updated its Top 10 tips from 10 Top Educators which you can download here (PDF 3.2MB). You could also ask your daughters to see any of the information that we have on the Student Wellbeing Page on the POD.

Ros Curtis

Cultivating essential life skills and character traits in a child’s educational track is gaining more support as the business community is struggling to find qualified candidates who work well with others, are honest, respectful and communicate effectively. Research increasingly shows that students are leaving schools and universities without the essential social-emotional skills required to thrive in a workplace setting.

The latest research from The World Economic Forum and the “Future of Jobs” report lists the following as the important core skills for the workforce.

• Analytical thinking
• Resilience, Flexibility and Agility
• Leadership and Social Influence
• Creative thinking
• Motivation and Self Awareness.

Our school curriculum is directed by the Australian Curriculum, which is guided by the Alice Springs Declaration. The Alice Springs Declaration emphasises the importance of all young Australians becoming confident and creative individuals, successful lifelong learners, and active and informed members of the community. At St Margaret’s, it is acknowledged that academic knowledge is just one aspect of the foundation learners need to be successful in school. Essential life skills like collaboration, organisation, responsibility, compassion, patience, and communication are implicitly and explicitly taught through the St Margaret’s curricular, cocurricular and extracurricular programs.

By ensuring this whole-child approach to education, we can encourage and enhance the students’ cognitive and social-emotional development, helping them to become well-rounded individuals that will, along the way, become prepared for personal success in school, life, and the workforce.

Therefore, as parents we need to remember not to be tempted to jump in and save our child when hard learning and work is occurring. Think about the essential life skills they need to develop and assist them to look for ways that will assist them to develop these important skills.

Nicole Devlin

Wild Robot is a moving story of a robot named Roz, who is in search for her purpose when after being shipwrecked on a remote island, reboots and sets out to find her purpose. In the search for purpose, she learns what it means to nurture, build connection, and be in community. She learns the power of relationships.

Community is transformational. Through the interactions that we have with others, particularly those who are different to ourselves, our minds and hearts are expanded. Just like Roz learned empathy, these encounters deepen our empathy and grow compassion within us. This then has the power to transform our local connections and with enough practice, has broader effects on the common good.

Wild Robot conveys the power embracing difference has to make us better humans, better individually and collectively. Uniformity is for Robots. Even Roz finds herself returning to where she was made (albeit retaining what she has learned).  

Early next week we will gather to induct the 2025 Year 6 cohort as leaders of the primary school. As we do so, we celebrate their unique and varied talents and gifts and the vibrancy that everyone contributes to our collective identity.

Rev’d Jazz Dow

On the Friday evening, the outdoor cinema was set up and the girls enjoyed a movie night and ice cream bar. We are very thankful to our Boarder Support Group who purchased the outdoor cinema setup for the boarding house. The girls always enjoy an evening out under the stars watching a movie.

On the Saturday afternoon, our boarding leaders provided an afternoon of entertainment with games and activities taking place across the school grounds, culminating with a lively dance party after dinner. The girls put their all into choreographing a dance which they then performed for the other groups, providing much entertainment for those watching.  

On Sunday, the boarders enjoyed a day at Wet 'n' Wild. It was also a great opportunity for the girls to catch up with friends and siblings from other boarding schools who were also at the theme park. The girls were all fairly tired by Sunday night but thoroughly enjoyed the chance to make new memories to treasure of their boarding school years.

Angela Crowe

To set realistic goals, I encourage your daughters to read their Continuous Reporting comments from last year, think about their own study habits and consider the range of activities in their life they need to balance. You will have an opportunity to discuss your daughter’s goals with her Academic Advisor at the upcoming Parent Teacher Interviews.

Year 12 Portfolio Pathway Meetings

Year 12 Portfolio Pathway students will have received an appointment to meet with me to discuss their progress and track QCE points. It is important that all students attend these scheduled meetings or let me know in advance if they are unable to make it. Parents are also welcomed to attend these meetings with your daughter.

“Study hard when it’s time to study and have fun when it’s time to play” – Siyu (Maria) Chen (’24)

Caitlin McCluskey

We aim to provide students with their Assessment Calendars early in the year to give them the opportunity to practice and hone effective time management and organisational skills. Students can see from the outset that there will be some weeks that are more demanding than others. In turn, the girls can use this information to develop clear strategies to prepare for these times.

To identify and plan effectively for these busier weeks, I encourage all girls to reflect on the following advice to start this semester:

1. Firstly, over the next few days, input all assessment, extracurricular and out-of-school commitments into your diaries for the semester.
2. Identify your busier weeks of the term early.
3. Devise a study/homework timetable that provides you with realistic and sufficient times in the week to devote to schoolwork. This step could be done in consultation with your Academic Advisor or Form Teacher.
4. Discuss with your Academic Advisor or Form Teacher about how you can best plan your approach to the busier weeks of the term. Consider:
   • What other events or commitments are in close proximity to these weeks?
   • Are there aspects of some assessments that could be completed earlier in the term?
   • Can you chunk the assessment into mini-deadlines or checkpoints to ensure you are making continual progress?
   • For exam-based assessments, how much prior study (in hours) should you be factoring into your weekly routine to ensure you are adequately prepared?
5. Reflect on your progress regularly to ensure you fulfil all your obligations and deadlines.

I wish all students the very best as they navigate the demands of the upcoming semester.

Parent Teacher Interviews

In the secondary school, all parents have access to Parent Teacher Interviews twice a year (Terms 1 and 3). The Term 1 Interviews will be held with the student’s Form Teacher (Years 7 and 8) or Academic Advisor (Years 9-12). The focus of these interviews is to share with parents the goals that their daughter has set with either her Form Teacher or Academic Advisor. Parents of Year 12 students can also book times to see their daughter’s Year 12 subject teachers to discuss the progress of their learning. 

This year, we are pleased to be offering both online and face-to-face interview options. On Monday 10 March, there will be face-to-face interviews in Eton Hall and the Circular Drive Classrooms; and on Thursday 10 March, there will be online interviews conducted via Microsoft Teams. Both sessions will run from 3:30pm-6:00pm and further information regarding bookings will be emailed to parents next week.

Term 3 Parent Teacher Interviews for Years 7-12 will give parents the opportunity to meet with their daughters’ subject teachers. The Term 3 Interviews will be held on Monday 14 July from 10:00am to 8:00pm.

It is important to note, however, that you are welcome, at any time of the year, to contact your daughters’ subject teachers, Form Teacher or Academic Advisor, if you have any questions.

Kelly Alford

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 8 March is a day when we require all of our students to be present at school, in full uniform and either participate in curricular, cocurricular or community activities. Students should arrive no later than 9.15am 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

This week, I spoke with the Prep to Year 3 girls about one of our six values - ‘inclusivity’. The key message I shared was the importance of treating others with dignity and charity. One powerful way we can show inclusivity is through kindness.

Kindness is deeply aligned with our St Margaret’s Way statement, particularly the questions: “How do I want to feel every day when I come to school? What am I doing to ensure others can feel this way?” Research has shown that individuals who practice kindness and compassion tend to be more satisfied with their lives, experience better physical and mental health, and build stronger relationships. By choosing to be kinder and engaging in regular small acts of kindness, we can experience more joy and a deeper sense of purpose.

Additionally, studies have found that when people witness or benefit from acts of kindness, they are more likely to pay it forward. For children, seeing adults model kindness is essential. As parents, when you demonstrate kindness, you are setting an example that encourages your child to do the same. By practicing and promoting kindness together, we not only show greater respect for others but also strengthen the bonds between us.

Small acts of kindness can have an extraordinary impact on both the giver and the recipient. I would like to start with a small act of kindness by saying thank you to our teachers for preparing and presenting at our Parent Information Night this week and thank you to the parents who attended. Your attendance sends a positive message, to staff and your child, about your commitment to their education.

Eddie Jaku wisely says, “Kindness costs nothing, but it is the richest commodity that can last a lifetime.”

Angela Drysdale

Over the first two weeks of school, students from Years 1 to Year 6 have completed a range of assessments to inform these groups. One of those assessments is the MAP Growth Mathematics assessment. This piece of data evaluates student progress in three main strands of the Australian Curriculum: number and algebra, measurement and geometry, and statistics and probability. By carefully analysing the results of these assessments, groups are created. In addition, teachers use this data to tailor their instruction. This approach helps ensure that all students can develop their skills at an optimal pace.

In addition to Spelling Mastery, this year we will introduce PLD (Promoting Literacy Development), an Australian, evidence-based approach to Structured Synthetic Phonics (SSP). Aligned with the Science of Reading, PLD's SSP approach extends from the early years of primary through to the upper primary years, facilitating a whole-school approach. PLD focuses on building strong foundations in phonemic awareness, phonics, and vocabulary, ensuring that students develop both decoding and comprehension skills. By progressively advancing literacy development from early to upper primary, PLD supports students at all levels and complements our tailored approach to learning, leading to improved literacy outcomes across the school.

Kate Frewin

Stravidari Strings/Jackson Wind Ensemble Department

On Saturday 22 February, the Music Department will be holding rehearsals for students involved in Stradivari Strings and Jackson Wind Ensemble. The focus of the rehearsal is two-fold; it will be an opportunity for students to spend time rehearsing new repertoire in the lead up to Open Day, and it will also allow students to further build friendships with others in their respective ensembles. The day will run from 9:00am – 12:30pm. We understand that Mary Poppins rehearsals will also be occurring during the morning. For students who are involved in both, Mary Poppins rehearsals will take priority. Ms Bracken will provide a schedule in advance so that students can check if there may be an opportunity to attend some of the Stradivari Strings/Jackson Wind Ensemble rehearsals. A letter with further information is attached. (PDF 452.5KB)

Mary Poppins Props Request

Mary Poppins the Musical is nearly here.  Students look amazing in their costumes, the sets look spectacular and the songs sound beautiful. There is still a way you can be involved as we are still looking to the greater St Margaret’s community for some assistance with sourcing remaining props.  As the musical is set in 1910 London, in a middle-class home, pre-loved items will help to create the mise-en-scene. If you or a family member has one of the following items that you would like to donate to the musical, please email Mrs Lucy Hulme: lhulme@stmargarets.qld.edu.au. Thank you in advance for your help!

Please see the photos below for inspiration on what we need.  We are currently on the hunt for the following items that can be returned after the musical:

• Umbrella stand for the Banks household.
• Vintage and old looking toys for the Banks children bedroom – ideas include Jack in the Box, building blocks, trucks, dolls, tea sets, toy soldiers.
• Bobby Hat & Bobby Jacket.
• Puppet dog that barks.

We are also looking for a hat stand that can be modified for stage use, so will be unable to be returned.

Open Day Times

The St Margaret’s Music Department is very much looking forward to presenting music performances at the upcoming Open Day to be held on Saturday 8 March. Draft performance times are listed below (to be confirmed soon):

Circular Drive Stage

9:30am             Sculthorpe String Quartet                                

9:45am             Amati Strings                           

10:00am           Stradivari Strings                                              

10:15am           Chamber Strings                      

10:30am           Exultate                                                           

10:45am           Mary Poppins Preview                                                               

11:45am           Stage Band

12:00pm           Highly Strung                                       

12:10pm           Tuesday Rock Band                                          

12:20pm           Monday Rock Band

Eton Hall

9:30am             Chaseley Concert Band                                               

9:45am             Sister Helen Wind Symphony                                       

10:00am           Elayne Jones Percussion Ensemble                                

10:15am           Jackson Wind Ensemble                                    

10:30am           Belle Voci                                                        

10:45am           Primary Chorale                                              

11:45am           Speech & Drama Performances                                                

12:00pm           Serenata

12:15pm           Volare 

Toorak Courtyard

11:00am           Brass Ensemble                                                           

11:10am           Flute Ensemble

11:20am           Clarinet Ensemble                               

11:30am           Saxophone Ensemble

11:40am           Beath String Quartet    

Primary Atrium

10:00am           Tutti Strings

Performance Uniforms

Students are required to wear a performance uniform for some senior auditioned music ensembles. Students are encouraged to purchase the uniform as soon as possible at the School Supplies Shop in preparation for Open Day (8 March). Music ensemble uniform requirements are as follows:

Choral Ensembles:

Serenata, Belle Voci, Chorale, Encorah: School middy

Volare, Exultate: Black performance uniform with white ribbon and black shoes (ballet flats).

Band Ensembles:

Chaseley Concert Band, Jackson Wind Ensemble: School middy

Saxophone/Clarinet/Flute/Brass/Elayne Jones Percussion Ensembles and Stage Band: School middy

Sister Helen Wind Symphony: Black performance uniform with black shoes (ballet flats). (Sister Helen Wind Symphony students may remain in their black performance uniform when performing in Saxophone/Clarinet/Flute/Brass/Elayne Jones Percussion Ensembles and Stage Band).   

String Ensembles:

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

Chamber Strings, Sculthorpe String Quartet: Black performance uniform with white ribbon and black shoes (ballet flats). (Chamber Strings students may remain in their black performance uniform when performing in Stradivari Strings.)

Rock Bands:

Highly Strung: School middy

Secondary Rock Bands: Smart blue jeans, sneakers and ‘M Factor’ polo shirt, and hair tied back with school ribbon.

Music Support Group

The St Margaret’s Music Support Group is a committee of dedicated parents who meet regularly to support the girls who participate in the school’s Music Program. The Music Support Group fundraises to purchase a range of instruments/equipment to enhance the department’s resources and organises and assists with refreshments at school concerts. The next Music Support Group meeting will be held on Tuesday 4 March 2025 at 5:00pm in the Circular Drive Classroom 01 (in front of the Arts Centre Foyer). We encourage parents from both primary and secondary schools to become involved.

Brad King

QG Autumn Sports

Trials and training are getting underway for our QG Autumn Sports. Touch Football, Basketball and Soccer are either in the midst of these trials across all year levels or about to start in the next few weeks. All girls who have signed up, please ensure you attend all trials with times and dates all available on the respective POD pages.

Summer Sports continue…

Unfortunately, our opening QG Cricket games were abandoned due to wet weather last week. It's yet to be confirmed if we will have the opportunity to make up this missed game later in the season. This week, we play St Peters Lutheran College. Club Water Polo had some good results this week with highlights including Under 12 Blue 9-0, Under 15 Blue 11-6, Under 16 Orange 7–4 and Under 14 White 9-4. I enjoyed the opportunity to watch and support our Club coaches at Musgrave Pool on the weekend. We are very fortunate here at St Margaret's to have such an enthusiastic and knowledgeable group of coaches.

Interhouse Swimming Carnival

A reminder that our Interhouse Swimming carnival takes place next Tuesday, 18 February at The Valley Pool in Fortitude Valley. Students will be bused to and from the pool for the carnival within normal school hours. All girls should meet at the Philip Harris Gym by 8.20am. It will be a full schedule of events, and we would encourage all girls to participate, particularly in the All Comers 50m Freestyle for each year group.

Please don’t forget to keep any eye on The POD for the latest updates on trials and trainings for all our sports offered here at St Margarets.

Anne Louise Williams

Heidi Cooper, CEO of Business Chamber Queensland, will host a panel of industry leaders, Debbie McNamara - CEO Economic Development Queensland, Heidi Breen - RACQ General Manager, Home Solutions, and Fran Becker (’02) - Partner at Hamilton Locke, for an insightful discussion on the latest federal budget and its implications.

Join us to gain strategic insights to navigate the changing economic landscape, network with industry leaders, and enjoy a gourmet breakfast.

Time:              6:45am arrival for 7:00am-8:45am 
Venue:            Arts Centre Foyer, St Margaret's Anglican Girls School
Format:          Sit down breakfast with grab and go barista coffee on arrival 
Tickets:          $85 adults, $40 students (Years 10 to 12/tertiary)
Corporate tables: $850 (10 seats), includes company logo displayed on table and acknowledgement during event. 

To purchase tickets or a corporate table:

We thank our series sponsors, Major Sponsor: Pitcher Partners. Supporting Sponsors: Wolff Coffee Roasters, Downer, Clear Insurance, Move Recruitment Solutions.

Tickets for the 2025 Past Student Awards Dinner are on sale now

Join us for an inspirational evening to hear the journeys of this year's Past Student Award winners, Prue Galley (’61), Ria Bhagat (’12), and Annabelle Brayley (’72) as we celebrate their outstanding achievements.

We invite you to join us with your daughters to hear from and celebrate inspirational St Margaret's women who have made outstanding contributions to our society and achieved great success in their chosen field.

Event Details

Date:               Wednesday 26 March 2025
Time:              Pre-dinner drinks and canapes at 6.30pm
                        Dinner at 7.00pm (including Awards presentation)
Venue:            Arts Centre Foyer, St Margaret's AGS
Tickets:           $99 adult, $69 student

Please purchase your tickets .

For enquiries please contact the Development and Community Office on (07) 3862 0767 or email developmentandcommunity@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Fathers’ Dinner – Limited tickets remaining

A limited number of tickets remain for the St Margaret's Fathers’ Dinner. Join us to hear from Guest Speaker, funny man Luke Heggie, while enjoying a meal and beverage package at the Rivershed at Howard Smith Wharves.

Date:                Friday 7 March 2025

Time:                6:30pm arrival for a 7:00pm start

Venue:              Rivershed at Howard Smith Wharves

Tickets:             $219 per person - includes a meal and drinks package for the evening.

RSVP:               5.00pm Friday 21 February, unless sold out prior.

Tables:              Maximum table capacity is 10 people. Seating requests can be made by nominating a Table Captain or Year Group at the time of booking. Best efforts will be made to meet any requests.

Please purchase your tickets .

This event is proudly supported by Supporting Sponsors: and , and Maggies Supporter .

Wine tree raffle – can you help?

The wine tree is back for the 2025 Fathers’ Dinner and the P&F need your help!

Do you have a nice bottle of wine sitting at home looking for a great cause to be donated to? Don’t have a bottle to donate but would like to help with a gift voucher? If so, the P&F Association would love to hear from you.

You can choose to donate anonymously or have your name displayed with your contribution. On the night of the Fathers’ Dinner, all the wine will be offered via a live auction.

Donations can be delivered to the Development and Community Office by a parent or guardian between the hours of 9am and 4pm during the school week. Please note that students are not permitted to deliver wine tree donations.

If you would like to support the wine tree, please contact the P&F Association via p&f@stmargarets.qld.edu.au or (07) 3862 0825.

Lara Pickering