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Armed with photos of the school over time, Mary is certain that the terrazzo was the floor of an old cloakroom (as it was called) in Middle Block. At one time, cloakrooms were all over the school for each year level. Some contained toilets and all had an area for changing in to and out of the gym tunic. The population of the school was a lot smaller then and girls could leave their middy hanging up until they changed back into it at the end of the day.

We are not certain when Middle Block was built. Below is a photo of it from the 1940s. It was originally a wooden block. However, in the 1950s the block was refurbished, specifically bricked, thanks to the generosity of the P and F.

This is what our records say:

1954: In the School buildings, additions and improvements are continuing. A start has been made in modernising the middle block. The wooden foundations have been replaced partly by brick ones, with cloakroom and a Form room built on modern ideas of ventilation and lighting. In the future, as soon as possible, the middle block will be entirely rebuilt in brick. 1955: The whole School is deeply indebted to Sister Mary (the Headmistress) and the Parents' Association for the many School improvements undertaken and completed this year. Middle School block has now been completely reconstructed in brick, with modern attractive, well-ventilated classrooms.

The tennis courts, Commercial Room and Middle Block were all demolished to make way for Avoca. The first stage of Avoca was completed in 1975 and extended in 1981.

One of the great aspects of St Margaret’s is its connection to its history. When we built the circular drive classrooms, we found the old rubbish pit and incinerator of Mooloomburram. It is as if the past wants to make its presence felt. We are looking forward to seeing what other treasures the earthworks will reveal.

For those more interested in the present, the Forest is on track for completion by the start of the 2024 school year. However, the Canopy Café will take 12 months to complete.

Ros Curtis

Caroline Paul was the author of an article in the New York Times that went viral a few years ago now entitled “Why do we teach girls that it’s cute to be scared.” In it she points out that our culture seems to teach our girls to be afraid, they are constantly warned to be careful from a very young age. She points out that bravery is a quality that is learned just as much as being fearful and scared.

Paul points out that it is never too early or too late to raise girls to be adventuresome and fearless. It is also important to note though that all individuals are different. I have to admit I was always a little fearless. I was the first to ski the fastest I could or be the first to jump off the mountain and abseil, even jump out of a plane. Less risky pursuits have involved learning another language, travelling to far and away places and just giving anything a go. Adventurous doesn’t always need to mean death-defying.

The opportunities that the St Margaret’s community gives our students are incredible. This is an environment where girls can be brave. This is an environment where girls can be accepted for just being them. It is a community that celebrates and does not discriminate. We will continue to celebrate our girls and assist them to reach their potential. We will continue to encourage our girls to try and give things a go. Perhaps we can all be brave.

Karen Gorrie

At the service we were inspired by both, St Magnus and St Margaret, and the words of Jesus’ Beatitudes in the Sermon on The Mount, to reflect on peace making in a conflicted world. In the Beatitudes (Matthew 5. 1-11) we are reminded that life is full of both – beauty and violence, peace and conflict, love and hate… etc.

And, amid these realities, we are faced with the question: “what does it mean to be human?”

I think it means we have choices: to make war or to work for peace, to exclude or to include, to fight one another or to fight for justice, to follow the crowd or to make a stand for what we believe in (like Magnus and St Margaret).

In the age of generative AI, and rising individual entitlement, how do we make wise and loving choices? How do we foster the humane side of being human?

In an article, published in the New York Times a few weeks ago, , David Brooks outlines five important factors in being human well. I have framed them as modern-day beatitudes:

Blessed are they who notice and give attention to another.
Blessed are those who accompany and walk alongside another
Blessed are those who embrace the art of conversation and listening well
Blessed are those who ask the big questions and care about the response
Blessed are those who show empathy, and make an effort to stand in another person’s shoes.

Rev’d Jazz Dow

A highlight of November is the Boarding House Christmas Advent Calendar. Currently in it’s third year, for the month of November, boarders are treated to a range of Christmas themed activities almost every day of the week. The month begins with each cohort setting up the Christmas tree in their dorm and hanging as much tinsel as possible from the rafters.

The advent calendar includes a wide range of activities, from Christmas cooking, colouring in and dress up competitions, to writing a Christmas card to a staff member to thank them for a great year. Arguably the highlight of the advent calendar is our Christmas dinner held on Tuesday of Week 7. Our catering department do an incredible job of providing a tasty meal for the whole boarding house to enjoy.

Hannah Calcino

Year 11 Exam Block and End of Term Assessment

The Year 11 Exam block will begin on Monday 13 November with a Study Day and conclude on Monday 20 November. All Biology students have a compulsory excursion on Tuesday 21 November in preparation for their next Internal Assessment. Along with this, English, English as an Additional Language, Literature and Ancient History all have assessment due after the Exam Block. Therefore, it is important that no Year 11 student leave early for holidays as all lessons will continue to teach and assess Unit 3 which contributes to student results for their QCE and ATAR. A reminder that if students are unwell, they should get a medical certificate and let me know so that we can organise appropriate extensions.

Year 10 Study Hall

Year 10 Study Hall begins tomorrow, Friday 10 November and runs through to Tuesday 14 November. Following Study Hall, Engineering students will have two workshops to attend to finalise their certificate studies.

Caitlin McCluskey

Figure 1 - Time Taken to Reach One Million Users (Source: Statista, 2023)

Of course, ChatGPT is but one player in a field of generative AI applications that have flooded the cyber market in recent times, and the hype surrounding them is understandable. They are bringing amazing learning opportunities to the fingertips of our students. In a matter of seconds important concepts can be summarised and diagrammatised, and large quantities of data can be consolidated and interpreted. The technology will only continue to develop as time goes on, and likely at an exponential rate. It is important, therefore, for students to consider the very real risks that are also apparent with these emerging technologies. A recent article by George Lawton on TechTarget (November, 2023) presents an incisive examination of these dangers of AI in learning, which I have summarised below:

• Bias and discrimination are endemic throughout large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, and students must be conscious that information they obtain from generative AI applications could be directing their understanding in a particular direction.
• Transparency and accountability of information in LLMs are particularly problematic. There is no way of understanding why they generate certain outputs to a particular search as sources are obscured and thus, the validity of information may be unconfirmed. Importantly, students will lose the ability to be discerning about the sources they use, and thus the credibility of their conclusions could be jeopardised. Microsoft’s Bing Chat Enterprise does, however, provide source information in addition to its responses, which may be of assistance to students when researching particular topics.
• Privacy and security are major concerns with generative AI and one that every student must take seriously. ChatGPT and many other LLMs consume all the information that we feed into them. Any information that is sensitive or private must never be fed into an unprotected LLM, as once it is consumed it cannot be ‘unconsumed’, and may then fall into the wrong hands.

Next year, I look forward to speaking to students further about the responsible, practical, and ethical use of artificial intelligence in their studies.

Chris Dunn

References

Lawton, G. (2023, November 1). Generative AI ethics: 8 biggest concerns and risks. Retrieved from TechTarget: https://www.techtarget.com/searchenterpriseai/tip/Generative-AI-ethics-8-biggest-concerns

It is with excitement tinged with sadness that we farewell our Year 12s next week as the last exam is on 14 November. Speech Night, the Valedictory and the Year 12 Graduation and Special Awards Assembly have been important rites of passage. These events are wonderful times when the girls can reflect on the past six years with friends, teachers, student mentees and family. There has been much laughter and even more tears, and our graduates emerge from their exam weeks very tired and emotional, but happy and content that their secondary schooling is finally over.

It is important that mums and dads look after themselves too; after all your, daughters are growing up.  We need to step back, give them time to celebrate and grieve and maybe do a bit of the same. Enjoy watching them grow wings and discover the world beyond St Margaret’s. We believe that we have equipped them well for the world that lies beyond.

Congratulations and good luck to our 2023 Seniors. Farewell with fond regards and God’s richest blessing.

Per Volar Sunata.

Nikki Townsend

Brain development

There are two critical periods for brain development, first year of life and second, the outset of puberty (10 to 25 years). At the ages of 10 -12 years the development is in the ‘regions associated with craving for social rewards such as visibility, attention, and positive feedback from peers. In contrast, regions involved in our ability to inhibit our behaviour and resist temptations (the prefrontal lobe) do not develop until early adulthood (approximately 10-15 years later). Therefore, students are not fully capable of restraining themselves when they are motivated for social reward, or their lack of inhibition could present in aggressive interactions and/or use of derogatory language in group chats.

Impact on Sleep

Children being on screens right before bedtime will keep them from getting important sleep. They can be engaged in late night groups chats or might be lying awake all-night stressing about what is being said and refreshing over and over to see if more has been added to the chat. Notifications also interrupt sleep. “Inconscient sleep schedules are associated with changes in structural brain development in adolescent years. In other words, youths’ preoccupation with technology and social media may deleteriously affect the size of their brains” (Prinstein, 2023).

Extreme social media can be an addiction

Prinstein’s article cited below identifies a litany of research which highlights “excessive social media use in teens often manifests some of the same symptoms of more traditional addictions, in part because teen brains just don’t have the kind of self-control toolbox that adults do.” (Turner, 2023). Also, the regions of the brain activated by social media use overlaps with the regions involved in addictions.

Social media can distort reality

There are many websites and online accounts that promote behaviours that do not align with societal values. These sites can actively encourage users to engage and communicate inappropriately. They also socially sanction those who express a desire for less risky behaviour.

How can parents help

Promote open communication. Encourage honest communication allowing tweens to express their feelings, concerns and experiences related to online interactions. Be a lighthouse for your child, guide them. You are not their friend, you are their parent. See Lisa Damour bookmarks for suggestions for parents.

Device free Bedrooms   

This is the best rule you can make in your house by keeping mobile devices and computers out of the bedrooms during the night to minimise exposure to disruptive online interactions. It promotes healthy sleep hygiene as poor sleep can contribute to poor performance in school and trouble regulating stress.

Your child is navigating an online world that can have an impact on their physiological and psychological wellbeing. Together we need to educate about responsible and respectful online behaviour.

Angela Drysdale

Download a complete copy of Prinstein’s submission here:

Cory Turner’s detailed summary (16 February 2023):

Open Parachute is created by a team of clinical psychologists, program developers, educators, filmmakers and storytellers, led by Dr Hayley Watson. They have created a cutting-edge wellbeing program using short documentary-style episodes along with a suite of resources to guide the students through the different modules. The curriculum programs provide structured lessons featuring unique age-appropriate targeted content organised into units that allow students to delve deeper into each topic. Each lesson contains exercises that enable students to analyse the learning points and practice mental health and wellbeing skills-building exercises. The conversations that the program encourages can impact the way students interact in other contexts outside of class or school and will hopefully translate to the discussions you are having at home.

One of the benefits of the program is its capacity to evolve and develop as different trends or concerns emerge; it is responsive to the contemporary needs of young people thanks to being an entirely online platform. Some of the topics the Years 5 and 6 girls have been exploring include friendship challenges, bullying and empowerment, social media and body images, protecting ourselves and each other, learning abilities and building self-esteem, choosing kindness, and inclusion and respect. If you have not yet spoken to your Years 5 or 6 daughter about the Open Parachute program, I encourage you to do so.

Last week Angela Drysdale and I had the pleasure of attending a webinar with author and clinical psychologist Dr Lisa Damour, whose books I have previously written about in eNews. If you haven’t yet had the chance to look at Untangled, Under Pressure or The Emotional Lives of Teenagers I highly recommend them, but during the webinar, we were also introduced to Damour’s podcast available on her website. The podcast which is called features several very digestible episodes running at just 30 minutes each, in which she unpacks questions such as Should I kick my kid off TikTok? How and when do I give my kid a phone? How do I combat my kid’s perfectionism? and How Do I Stop Riding My Kid’s Emotional Roller Coaster? Given the pragmatic and no-nonsense approach Damour adopts in her writing, these podcast episodes will no doubt offer pearls of wisdom and practical strategies for helping to support your daughter. They may provide some extra support as we edge closer to the extended holiday period. Hopefully, both of these platforms set you and your daughters up for a positive end to the school year and into 2024.

Annette Box

2024 Private Music Tuition

If your daughter is currently undertaking private music tuition, she will automatically be placed on her current teachers’ roll for 2024. Parents do not need to fill in a new application form. However, if your daughter wishes to discontinue lessons in 2024, we ask that you please email directly the Music Department at music@stmargarets.qld.edu.au prior to the end of the school year.

Return of Hired Instruments

Please note that all hired instruments are to be returned to the Sister Helen Orchestra Room Music Department no later than 3:00pm on Friday 17 November for cleaning and repairs. If students wish to hire an instrument over the Christmas holidays, they still must return their instrument by Friday 17 November for the music department to complete a full instrument audit. Students hiring an instrument over the holidays will be able to collect their instrument on Thursday 23 November (last day of term), provided the Holiday Instrument Hire Form has been completed (which may be found on the Music Cocurricular POD page).

Music Support Group

The next Music Support Group meeting will be held on Tuesday 30 January 2024 at 5:00pm in M’s Café. We encourage parents from both primary and secondary schools to become involved.

Brad King

Year 9A – Coach Lucia

Year 9A AFL Team has showcased unwavering courage, determination, and confidence in their standout performances against all schools. Currently occupying the second spot on the QGSSSA ladder, their tenacity and skill were evident throughout the season. Daisy has shown exceptional abilities throughout the season, while Sadie's spirited contributions has made her an indispensable force on the team. Their remarkable teamwork put them in good stead for the concluding matches of the season.

Junior B – Coach Josh

The Junior B AFL Team has brought a competitive, inquisitive, and eager spirit to their games played this season. This team is currently in third place on the ladder and are extremely confident leading into the concluding matches, after their recent strong win against Moreton Bay. Cynthia’s exceptional skills and spin moves have stood out, while Maggie's spirited presence and enthusiasm has lifted team morale throughout the season. The Junior B AFL Team's inquisitive approach and unwavering competitive drive have been evident in every match this season, promising for an exciting end to the season.

Year 8A – Coach Scott

The Year 8A AFL Team has brought enthusiasm, competitiveness, and boundless energy to every game this season. Their unwavering spirit shone through, even in the face of challenging opponents. A memorable moment was their thrilling one-point victory over St Peters, which we hope will spur this team on for the reminder of the season. Ella has shown exceptional skills throughout the season, while Tilly's spirited contributions and unwavering support provided an invaluable boost to the team's morale. The Year 8A AFL Team's competitive edge and relentless determination has been evident in every match, we look forward to the remaining matches of the season.

Year 7A – Coach Travis

The Year 7A AFL Team has showcased remarkable resilience, fearlessness, and unwavering support throughout the season. Currently holding the third position on the ladder, their exceptional wins against St Peters and St Hilda's, along with a thrilling one-point victory over Brisbane Girls Grammar, exemplify their fighting spirit. Zali has been the standout player, consistently delivering stellar performances, while Asher's boundless enthusiasm has inspired the team. With their fearless determination, the Year 7A AFL Team has demonstrated their potential for success and puts them in great stead to finish the season strong.

Junior C – Coach Lou

The Junior C AFL Team showcased eagerness, resilience, and fierce competitiveness throughout this season. Currently tied for third place on the ladder, their standout moment was a spirited first win against St Aidan’s. Sofia's exceptional skills and dedication has steered her improvement, while India's unwavering spirit and support has fuelled her determination. The Junior C AFL Team's competitive spirit has been a driving force this season and we look forward to seeing them continue to improve in the concluding rounds.

We have been blown away by the interest in AFL this term. St Margaret’s is one of only three schools to enter a team in every division of the QGSSSA competition, highlighting the excitement around this new QGSSSA sport. Much of this interest and thanks goes to our knowledgeable team of coaches Lucia, Scott, Travis, Josh and Lou and passionate staff Mr Grant and AFL Coordinator Ms L.

Lloyd Knight

Congratulations to the Years 2, 3 and 4 Speech and Drama students who entertained and delighted their audience last Thursday as they took to the stage as reindeers, bugs, woodpeckers and a range of other colourful characters in their end-of-year plays.

Our Speech and Drama students in Years 5 to 10 are busily rehearsing for their performances at the upcoming Eisteddfods. Parents of performers in Years 5 to 9 are most welcome to join us for these events.

For more information about these events, please contact mchamberlain@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Tuition for 2024 – Enrolments Now Open

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, supportive environment for students to gain skills in interpersonal communication, presentation, performance and public speaking. Enrolments for Private Speech and Drama lessons for 2024 are now open for students who will be in Years 2 to 12 next year.

If you would like further information about the program, please contact myself via email mchamberlain@stmargarets.qld.edu.au or phone 3862 0750. Alternatively, you can refer to the Private Speech and Drama Handbook on the website or Private Speech and Drama POD page.

If you would like to enrol your daughter in Speech and Drama for 2024, please complete and return the Application for Tuition form by clicking .

Places in the Program are limited and are provided to continuing students and then to new students based on the order in which enrolment applications are received and according to availability of spaces in each year level. New enrolments are requested by Monday 20 November 2023.

Parents of current students – please remember to confirm or cancel your daughter’s place in the program for 2024 by completing and submitting the electronic form that was emailed to you by your daughter’s Speech and Drama teacher. Your consideration regarding this procedure is greatly appreciated. Accurate enrolment numbers are essential for ensuring successful timetabling, suitable staffing arrangements and a smooth start to the year for current and new students.

Lessons for 2024 will commence in week two of Term 1. We are looking forward to another exciting year of cultivating confident, capable communicators.

Maria Chamberlain

Orders placed by midnight 30 November 2023 will receive free delivery. Orders received after this date will incur a $9.95 delivery fee. Orders placed after 22 December will be sent ASAP, but there is no guarantee of delivery before school re-commences on 22 January 2024.

Boarders ONLY are able to have their book packs delivered to St Margaret’s for collection on return to school in January 2024. Boarders are to confirm their delivery address as:-  Boarder – Delivery to St Margaret’s AGS Boarding House.

Church Dress Hire – Year 6 Chapel Service

Hiring of the Church Dress for all Year 6 students for the end of year Chapel Service has now commenced. Church Dress Hire forms must be completed and signed by a parent or guardian. This form is available by clicking on the link below or from the Supply Shop page on the POD or from the School Supply Shop webpage. 

Uniform Fitting Appointments – Online booking system

Bookings for November and December 2023 and January 2024 are available online. We encourage families to book a fitting appointment as soon as possible, as appointments are filling fast. Book your appointment online via the school website

Appointment times are either 30mins or 60mins depending on your fitting type. Fitting types include New Student, Existing Student, Boarder Only and Pre-Prep/Prep.

• One appointment = one student fitting
  If you are booking for two or more students, please book separate fitting appointments for each student. These can be at the same time if times are available.

• All fittings will take place in the Supplies Shop, which is located onsite, just off Circular Drive through Gate 1, Petrie Street.

Trading Hours (Term Time)

Monday                  8am – 2pm
Tuesday                  8am – 2pm
Wednesday          10am – 5pm
Thursday                 8am – 2pm
Friday                       8am – 2pm

Public Holidays Closed

The Supplies Shops extended hours for October to December 2023 and January 2024 are listed below:

Fittings

Blazer fittings - Students entering Year 10 in 2024 should consider coming into the Supplies Shop to be fitted for their blazer prior to the end of Term 4, 2023. This will ensure the best fit and will allow time for a custom make blazer for the students who require extra or shorter length through the body and arms. All orders will need to be placed by 24 November for a March 2024 delivery. Students can visit the Supplies Shop during our opening hours with a blazer fitting taking around 10 minutes per student.

We have fun-filled and exciting activities planned for our December/ January School Holiday Program. Further details of the program can be found here (PDF 283KB). Boys and girls, siblings, friends and family welcome!

Please refer to the attached Information Guide for full booking terms and conditions. We are unable to accept bookings via email or text message. The OSHC registration and Debitsuccess form must be completed, signed and sent back to us to finalise your booking. Please read the information guide carefully as some information has changed. OSHC Registration and Debitsuccess can be completed via the My Family Lounge.

PLEASE COMPLETE YOUR VACATION CARE BOOKING FORM VIA THE MY FAMILY LOUNGE APP

We are very excited to inform you that St Margaret’s OSHC has subscribed to a fantastic online Booking and Waitlist management program called QK Enrol. This program will give you access to manage your own account information, where you will have the ability to make bookings requests and allows you to complete and submit an online enrolment form for your child. You can do this and much, much more all within a parent portal called ’My Family Lounge’.

How do I log in?

Please navigate to the link below and either sign in with your existing My Family Lounge account or Register for an account if you do not already have one. Please note all families who have previously submitted an enrolment form will have an account already set up; all you will need to do is click ‘forgotten password’ and use the email address you used to receive this form.

When making a Vacation Care booking please select Casual bookings, not Permanent.

What is the cost?*

Fees: $68 per day*

Bookings close: 20 November 2023

*Incursions and excursions incur additional costs. These are compulsory for all students and therefore you are able to claim CCS.

What are the hours of operation?

The service is open from 7:00am until 6:00pm.

How can I obtain more information?

If you would like further information regarding our OSHC Program or if you would like to make a booking, feel free to contact me on 0423 547 653 or email: oshc@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Palu Ingram

Duties of the P&F Treasurer include:

• Recording and actioning incoming and outgoing payments.
• Receiving and reconciling bank statements.
• Presenting and providing reports at each P&F meeting.
• Being aware of financial matters affecting the P&F Association and advising the President and Executive as needed.
• Creating invoices for sponsorship payments to the P&F in liaison with the Development and Community Office.
• Transferring relevant funds to P&F bank accounts from ticket sales and raffle platforms, after P&F events.
• Assisting fellow P&F volunteers with pre-event budgeting.
• Liaising with St Margaret’s Finance team to provide any relevant documentation ahead of the annual financial audit and as required on P&F payments to Support Groups.

We would love to hear from you. If you are interested, please email: P&F@stmargarets.qld.edu.au

Genevieve Fraser

President, St Margaret’s P&F Association

Get in the Christmas spirit with the 2023 P&F Bush and Beyond Christmas Raffle

There are over $4,600 in prizes on offer from across Australia including a $1,000 R.M. Williams voucher and prize pack, 20kg Manana Pastoral Organic Lamb packs, luxury Shingle Inn Christmas cakes, a premium XL CoolCabana and more.
 
The raffle will be drawn on Tuesday 21 November, with all proceeds donated to the St Margaret’s Foundation Scholarship Fund to support needs-based bursaries. 

Tickets are available via Raffletix:

Thank you to the families, Old Girls and businesses who have donated this selection of wonderful prizes: Manana Pastoral (Campbell family), R.M.Williams/OUTBACK, Aqua Door (Richardson family), Shingle Inn (Bellchambers family), Scenic Rim Farm Box, Tamarama Tea/Mt Henry Honey (Fraser family), Annabelle Brayley (‘72) and Horses Tale Distilling Co.

Tickets are selling fast for the 2024 St Margaret’s Fathers’ Dinner

Hear from guest speaker, Australian Olympic Royalty Steven Bradbury OAM, while enjoying a meal and drinks package at the Rivershed at Howard Smith Wharves.

Date:     Friday 1 March 2024

Venue:  Rivershed at Howard Smith Wharves

Cost:      $199 per person – includes a meal and drinks package.

RSVP:    5.00pm Thursday 15 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.

Enquiries: P&F@stmargarets.qld.edu.au

Purchase your ticket online via

This event is proudly supported by Supporting Sponsor, Morgans and Maggie’s Supporter, Belbaker.

Lara Pickering