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The following events have been postponed for this week including the Fathers’ Dinner (this Friday, 7 March) and Open Day originally scheduled for Saturday, 8 March. Both of these events will be rescheduled to later in the year with the dates yet to be determined. We will communicate more information with those who have purchased tickets or registered to attend these events in due course. The QGSSSA also rescheduled the Swimming Championships to Wednesday 12 March, and Andrews Cup Swimming which was scheduled for Monday 10 March has been postponed until Tuesday 18 March.

Upcoming Events

There are a number of events to look forward to later this month.

The P&F AGM and Welcome drinks will be held on Monday 17 March at 6.30pm in the Arts Centre Foyer. All members of the community are invited to attend.

Our first Professional Women’s Network (PWN) breakfast will be held at the school in the Arts Centre Foyer on Thursday 27 March (7.00am – 8.45am). We hold four of these breakfasts every year and all parents are welcome to attend and to consider bringing their older daughter. We also encourage our parents to consider booking a corporate table to help build relationships with staff and clients within their own businesses. It is a great way to support your daughter’s school and your business at the same time!

Our first PWN presentation is a panel, facilitated by Heidi Cooper, CEO Business Chamber of Queensland. Panellists include Debbie McNamara, CEO Economic Development Queensland, Heidi Breen – RACQ General Manager, Home Solutions and Fran Becker (’02) – Partner at Hamilton Locke. The topic will be an insightful discussion on the federal budget and its implications. Tickets are now sold out for this event, but there is an opportunity to join the waitlist for this event by .

On Wednesday 26 March, we will hold our Past Student Awards event in the evening. This is a wonderful opportunity for our current students and their parents to hear from our alumni. It is a lovely celebratory dinner; in fact, it is one of my favourite events in the school calendar. This is just one of the occasions that we honour the achievements of our past students and put up in front of our current students those who donned the middy and walked the campus before them. We believe that this role modelling by our past students is especially important. As the saying goes when it comes to choosing future careers, ‘if you can’t see it, you can’t be it!’ Tickets may be

Three past students will receive awards on the evening: Distinguished Past Student Award - Prue Galley (’61); Young Past Student of Distinction Award - Ria Bhagat (’12); and the winner of the Spirit of Service Award - Annabelle Brayley (’72). I would encourage any parent to bring their daughter to be inspired by the achievements of our past students.

Please take care and stay safe.

Ros Curtis

I saw a Facebook post last night and it said, “Has someone tried turning off 2025 and turning it back on again!” Like when your computer doesn’t work, or you can’t the fix a problem, just turn it off and try again! If only it was that simple. However, some ‘glitches’ need much consideration and planning to amend.

I thought I would share with you some of the points my Academic Advising group discussed on Monday as we began to prepare for Cyclone Alfred.

First and foremost, it’s important to stay calm. Panicking or getting upset can make the situation feel even more overwhelming.

We discussed that unplanned events often force us to adapt quickly, and the ability to adjust is a valuable skill of flexibility.

Another key strategy we discussed is communication. The girls saw this as important to limit the overwhelm of unexpected situations. We decided that it is important to reach out to those around you as they can offer guidance, help you understand your options, and sometimes even adjust expectations.

In the end, unplanned events are a natural part of life, and how we deal with them can help shape our growth. By staying calm, being adaptable, and seeking help when needed, we can transform these unexpected moments into opportunities for learning and improvement.

Nicole Devlin

We read from the gospel of Matthew, Jesus’s words, “You are light”. In these words, Jesus invites us to be illuminators, people who live out hope in the world, who make others feel seen, people who are curious about others, who notice and call out the light in others.

Ash Wednesday invites us to remember that we are light, remember our connection to one another and the whole earth. It is a day when we are invited to lean into community. As we prepare for Cyclone Alfred, we know that at moments like this our connections and community become the light we need to weather the storm. The promise of the Christian story is that during life’s challenges, God is the light that nothing can extinguish.

Prayer

All things look to you, O Lord, to give them their food in due season.

Look in mercy on your people and hear our prayer for those whose lives and possessions are threatened by cyclone.

In your mercy restore your creation and heal our land.

So guide and bless your people, that they may enjoy the fruits of the earth, and live with peace and hope, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

Rev’d Jazz Dow

Many will make the trek home via public transport and others will be collected by parents. There is always much excitement leading up to the event regardless of the hours that will need to be travelled.

For some day girls, a visit to the bush will be the first time they get to experience life on the land. The country boarders love to show off their skills around a cattle yard, how well they can ride a motorbike or a horse, or the vastness of their properties – highlighting the difference between their home lives and the hustle and bustle of city living. We love to see pictures of the amazing adventures of our boarders and their friends.

The Boarder Day Girl weekend is not compulsory, and the boarding house does remain open for the weekend as we do recognise that, for various reasons, not all boarders are able to travel home. We do encourage students who are presented with the chance to experience this opportunity to take up the offer. Your daughter will be thankful for the opportunity to broaden their horizons and create life-long memories with their boarder friends.

Angela Crowe

Extension Forms

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

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

When an exam is unexpectedly missed, the procedure in Years 7-11 is for the student to complete this exam in the library in lesson 2A/B on the day of their return to school. In the event that the student has been absent for a period of time and has multiple exams to catch up on, this schedule will be managed by the Academic Studies Office: Dean of Studies (Years 7-9) and Dean of Academics (Years 10-11). All adjustments to Year 12 assessment are managed by the Dean of Academics.

Special Provisions or Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments

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

Caitlin McCluskey

“Make the most of drafts and planning earlier in the term to take the pressure off later in final weeks” – Miah Delardes ’24.

At St Margaret’s, we provide general guidelines for the amount of time students should dedicate to homework:

However, research consistently highlights that effective homework is not just about how much time is spent, but how students engage with the tasks (Hattie, 2009). Below are key strategies to maximise the impact of homework:

1. Plan Your Homework Sessions

Homework typically consists of two main components:

• Immediate class tasks
• Exam revision and assignment work

Research shows that students who plan their study sessions in advance tend to achieve better learning outcomes (Zimmerman & Schunk, 2011). Taking a few minutes at the start of each session to set realistic goals can significantly enhance productivity. Alongside completing daily tasks, students should schedule time to progressively work on revision and assignments to avoid last-minute stress.

2. Use Spaced Practice for Revision

Rather than dedicating long, intensive sessions to a single subject, research supports ‘spaced practice’—where students distribute their study across multiple days—to improve memory retention and long-term understanding (Roediger & Butler, 2011). Students should aim to revisit key concepts regularly throughout the term rather than cramming the night before an exam.

3. Set Assignment Checkpoints

Breaking assignments into smaller, manageable milestones helps students stay on track and reduces the stress of looming deadlines. Studies suggest that students who break work into smaller steps and set deadlines for each stage demonstrate better time management and higher academic performance (Boekaerts & Corno, 2005). Seeking feedback from teachers along the way also reinforces understanding and improvement.

4. Seek Guidance, But Stay in Control

Support from parents and siblings has been shown to positively impact student learning (Xu & Corno, 2022). However, it is essential that this support remains a guiding force rather than taking over the thinking process. Homework plays a crucial role in developing academic resilience and independent learning skills, and over-reliance on external help can diminish these benefits (Pomerantz et al., 2007).

By focusing on structured, meaningful study habits rather than just the number of hours spent, students can make their homework sessions more productive and effective.

References

• Boekaerts, M., & Corno, L. (2005). Self-regulation in the classroom: A perspective on assessment and intervention. Applied Psychology, 54(2), 199-231.
• Cooper, H., Robinson, J. C., & Patall, E. A. (2006). Does homework improve academic achievement? A synthesis of research, 1987–2003. Review of Educational Research, 76(1), 1-62.
• Hattie, J. (2009). Visible learning: A synthesis of over 800 meta-analyses relating to achievement. Routledge.
• Pomerantz, E. M., Moorman, E. A., & Litwack, S. D. (2007). The how, whom, and why of parents' involvement in children's academic lives: More is not always better. Review of Educational Research, 77(3), 373-410.
• Roediger, H. L., & Butler, A. C. (2011). The critical role of retrieval practice in long-term retention. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 15(1), 20-27.
• Xu, J., & Corno, L. (2022). Family support and student engagement in homework: A comprehensive review. Educational Psychology Review, 34, 1243–1268.
• Zimmerman, B. J., & Schunk, D. H. (2011). Self-regulated learning and academic achievement: Theoretical perspectives. Routledge.

Kelly Alford

Recognising bullying is the first step toward addressing it. If your daughter or someone she knows is being bullied, it is important to take action. Here are some effective ways to respond to a bully:

Stay Calm and Confident: Bullies often seek a reaction. Staying calm and composed can prevent the situation from escalating.

Speak Up: If you feel safe, assertively tell the bully to stop. Use clear and confident language without aggression.

Seek Support: Talk to a trusted adult and speak to the Head of Year about what is happening. Reporting bullying is a sign of strength, not weakness. The school will follow our Antibullying Policy.

Use Stymie: Our anonymous reporting platform allows you to report bullying confidentially, ensuring the situation is addressed quickly and sensitively.

Support Others: If you witness bullying, offer support to the victim and encourage them to seek help. Being an upstander helps create a safer school environment.

By understanding what bullying is and learning how to respond, we can all contribute to a safer, more respectful school community where everyone feels valued and supported.

Nikki Townsend

Small Accomplishments: The Building Blocks of Success

One of the easiest ways to start the day with success is by completing a small task—like making your bed, starting the day with making your bed might be a small accomplishment, but it starts the day off right and sets the tone for the entire day. Admiral William McRaven, in his famous 2014 speech, shared the virtues of making your bed every morning. He said, "If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another." He highlights that small accomplishments can build momentum for bigger successes and reinforce the importance of the little things in life.

Starting the day with a small accomplishment can create a ripple effect, setting the tone for a day full of productive decisions which then paves the way for more significant accomplishments.

One area where the idea of small accomplishments can be particularly valuable is in the pursuit of long-term goals, like becoming a “Millionaire Reader.” For many students, the goal of reading a million words can feel overwhelming; however, just like Admiral McRaven’s advice, breaking that goal down into smaller, manageable chunks can make it feel more achievable. For example, setting personal reading goals and then breaking those down into a set number of chapters. Each time a reader finishes a chapter, a small accomplishment is achieved, which builds toward the greater goal, a book, then five hundred thousand words and then a million words.

Paying Attention to Detail: The Key to Achieving Bigger Goals

The second daily habit that relates to small accomplishments is paying attention to detail. This could mean reviewing work carefully, checking reading for understanding, or paying attention to the instructions. These details contribute to the overall outcome. By focusing on the details, ensures that the little things are done right, which eventually contributes to your bigger goals.

Paying attention to detail not only ensures quality in work, but it also reinforces the learner’s ability to handle larger, more complex tasks. Each detail contributes to the larger picture, and it’s in these small moments of focus that success begins to unfold.

By focusing on small accomplishments, paying attention to the details, focusing on each step, the big picture will naturally fall into place. These daily habits set the foundation for success.

So, encourage your child to start the day by making her bed, setting small goals, and paying attention to the details. She will be amazed at how much you can achieve in the end.

“When you pay attention to detail, the big picture will take care of itself.” Georges St-Pierre

Angela Drysdale

There’s a particular kind of silence that comes when you step away from social media. Not just muting notifications but truly disconnecting. It’s unsettling at first, like walking into a room you forgot you left. The mind, accustomed to the constant hum of updates, arguments, and algorithmic suggestions, twitches for stimulation. But then, something profound happens… you begin to notice the world again. The rustling of leaves. The shadows. The colour of an apple. The weight of your thoughts settling in. The long-lost patience for a whole conversation without the impulse to check a screen.

In its current form, social media is more than a mere distraction. It’s a force eroding our ability to be present, think critically, and take meaningful action. It has not only reshaped how we communicate but also how we process reality itself.

But, how do we talk about this with young people? For those who have never known a world without social media, this conversation can be a challenging one. Young people are often the most immersed in these platforms, yet they are also the ones experiencing the highest levels of anxiety, loneliness, and burnout. The solution isn’t to scold or shame them for their screen time but to engage in honest, meaningful discussions about how social media shapes their lives:

• Ask, don’t lecture
  Instead of telling students and young people that social media is ruining their minds, ask them how it makes them feel. Do they feel more connected or more isolated? More informed or more overwhelmed?
• Help them see the design of the system
  Explain how algorithms work, how engagement is monetised, and why platforms are designed to be addictive. When young people understand that they are not the problem...the system is...they become more empowered to make conscious choices.
• Model presence 
  If we want young people to engage more deeply in the real world, we have to do it ourselves. That means putting our own phones down, prioritising face-to-face conversations, and showing them that there is life beyond the scroll. Challenge them (and yourself) to take breaks from social media, even if just for a weekend. Help them notice what changes—do they sleep better? Feel less stressed? Connect more deeply with friends?

The cost of staying plugged into this system is clear. But the reward of stepping away? Presence, depth and a return to what it truly means to be human.

Annette Box

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 29 April 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

Please see below, the final results.

QGSSSA Swimming Postponed

Due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred, QGSSSA has rescheduled the Swimming Championships until next Wednesday, 12 March. Nonetheless, with the team announced, our preparations will continue, and we are looking forward to the opportunity for a great day of racing and cheering on our swimmers at Chandler Aquatic Centre.

Sport Cancellations

Water polo training and Saturday and Sunday matches involving Ó£ÌÒ¸£ÀûÊÓƵ teams are cancelled.

AFL fixtures are cancelled (refer to the POD for details about the last day of the season - Saturday 15 March)

Rowing training is cancelled for the remainder of the week.

All other training this week has been cancelled.

For further news about training or fixtures early next week, the latest updates will be posted on the POD.

Staff v Student Cricket

Last Wednesday, staff and students took to the pristinely prepared cricket pitch on Circular Drive for the annual Staff v Student cricket match. Students came dressed ready to play thanks to the cricket wardrobe of Cricket Captain Fin Hoger who managed to kit out the whole student team from her own personal collection of gear. Unfortunately for the students, looking the part and playing the game didn’t quite match up with the staff making quick work of the students batting line up and then fulfilling the target in a very timely manner ready for lesson 4A. Thanks to all the students and staff who joined as players and spectators during this annual spectacle.

Swim Support Group Pie Drive

To support our St Margaret’s swimmers, the swim support group has organised a fundraising pie drive. Both sweet and savoury pies are available to order with orders now open until Tuesday 18 March. All pies ordered will be available for collection from M’s Café on 2 April between 3.20pm and 6.00pm. Please place your order via the attached flyer.

Latest Sport News and Information

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

• Basketball (Autumn Sport) -
• Soccer (Autumn Sport) -
• Touch Football (Autumn Sport) -
• Swimming - The POD - Secondary Swimming (stmargarets.qld.edu.au)
• Cross Country -
• Artistic Gymnastic –
• Cricket -
• AFL (Yr 10,11&12)) -
• Club Water Polo -
• Club Netball -

Anne Louise Williams

We have fun-filled and exciting activities planned for our Easter Vacation Care Program. Further details of the program can be found here. (PDF 492.9KB)

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

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

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

How do I log in?

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

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

What is the cost?*

Early Bird Fees: $63

Early Bird Bookings close: 14^th March 2025

Fees: $68 per day*

Bookings close: 28^th March 2025

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

What are the hours of operation?

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

How can I obtain more information?

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

Palu Ingram

We are working with Howard Smith Wharves to reschedule the Fathers’ Dinner to a new date later in the year. Tickets will automatically carry over to the new date and we will be back in touch with you with further information on the event shortly.

While we will be in contact with ticket holders shortly, attendees are welcome to contact the P&F via p&f@smartgarets.qld.edu for further information. Thank you for your understanding.

Parents & Friends Association Annual General Meeting and Welcome Evening

The P&F Association warmly invites the St Margaret’s community to the Parents and Friends' Association Annual General Meeting and Welcome Evening on Monday 17 March 2025.

The first meeting of 2025 is an informal evening where the P&F welcome’s new and current parents, introduce the P&F Executive and Committee, and share updates over light refreshments.

Date:               Monday 17 March 2025
Time:              6.30pm to 8.00pm (followed by light refreshments)
Location:        Arts Centre Foyer, Ó£ÌÒ¸£ÀûÊÓƵ 
RSVP:            

There is also an option to join this meeting remotely via Microsoft Teams for those unable to attend the meeting in person.

Given the disruption due to Cyclone Alfred, if you had intended to submit a nomination but missed the deadline, please complete a  by Monday 10 March.

Secondary Mother Daughter Rooftop Soiree – wrap up

The P&F Association thanks all guests for their support of the 2025 Secondary Mother Rooftop Soiree.

On a sunny afternoon, around 350 guests gathered at Lina Rooftop to enjoy wonderful company, delicious food and fabulous entertainment including Samba dancing lessons!

Thank you to our 2025 Mother Daughter Soiree Major Sponsor: Elisa McMahon, McMahon Estate Agents, and the businesses and people within our community who kindly donated prizes to the raffle or supported the event: New Farm Seafood, Edito Boutique, Jimena Alejandra, Shingle Inn, La Patrona Restaurant, The Goodnight Co., Flowers from Moray, Harvey's Restaurant, Move Pilates Ascot, Fullerton Farms, and the Ó£ÌÒ¸£ÀûÊÓƵ P & F Association.

2025 Past Student Awards Dinner – Ticket sales closing soon

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 these inspirational Ó£ÌÒ¸£ÀûÊÓƵ 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, Ó£ÌÒ¸£ÀûÊÓƵ 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.

Our thoughts are with our community as the weather develops. Stay safe and take care.

Lara Pickering