Spring Summer Flyer 2017

flyer

Issue 15 Spring/Summer 2017

St Margaret’s

Flyer Issue 15 Spring/Summer 2017 Principal: Ros Curtis Editor: Wendy Johnston Journalists: Pru Reed; Wendy Johnston;

Victoria Nikolova Graphic Designer: Pam Smiles Photography: Victoria Nikolova; Michael Marston;

Thomas Oliver; Wendy Johnston;

Marc Pricop; msp Photography Printing: Screen Offset Printing

SPORT

Contents From the Principal

03

From the Chair of School Council

04

The Language of Learning (LOL…) A hands-on approach to STEM learning Students take to the skies to build STEM skills Students encouraged to write BIG Punctuation that Packs a Punch Characters come to life during Book Week

05 06 07 08 09 10

SCHOOL COUNCIL LEARNING

ST MARGARET’S COLLEGE

11

See My Difference, See My Worth Boarder Parents’ Cocktail Party

12 13

Study Brisbane Ambassador Study Tours Global Citizens

14 14 15

Aiming for the perfect lesson Staff Spirit

16 17

Years 5 and 6 Arts Spectacular Classics in the Cathedral

18 19

GOING GLOBAL

STAFF

THE ARTS

20

Rowing championship Just keep running The drive to go far

22 23 23

Doing Things The St Margaret’s Way

24

Protecting the Planet Ponytail Project Students help create better future for children in need

25 26

Take a seat to say “I was here” Thank you

28 29

THE ST MARGARET’S WAY SERVICE

FOUNDATION

COMMUNITY

Networking nights offer St Margaret’s College students unique opportunities BOARDING

Sports Snippets

27

You shall go to the ball 30 A day at the races 31 Networking events go from strength to strength 32 FRIENDS OF MAYO 2017 Long Lunch Our ‘Heritage’

34 35

St Margaret’s past students appointed to Order of Australia Past student’s shining success Rising Star Parting Gift Reunion Weekend A source of inspiration

36 37 37 37 38 39

OLD GIRLS NEWS

Vale Alex Crawford We recently lost a beloved member of the extended St Margaret’s community.

Alex Crawford – husband of Old Girl Penelope (nee Perrins, ’71) and father of three (son James, and two daughters Sally (’06) and Emily (’08) who each attended the school for eight years) – passed away on Saturday 23 September 2017, aged 65 years.

Alex was a very active and supportive member of the school community, who served on School Council for four years from 2002 to 2005, the last three as Chair.

Alex is remembered as a ‘steady hand’ – careful and thorough, while being forward looking. Just some of the advances under his stewardship included: the completion of Stage 1 of the Arts Centre in 2003; the

relocation of Years 1 to 3 from the Jackson Wing to the Primary School; the ongoing air-conditioning of the school; the construction of three new netball courts at Windsor Park; and the approval of the Development Application for the St Margaret’s rowing facility.

Long before The St Margaret’s Way was enunciated, Alex was a man who embodied this philosophy with every thought and every action. Among many memories shared at his funeral, he was remembered for being generous, humble, joyful, and determined.

Alex was highly regarded in his profession as a barrister and was a committed Christian, serving as a Synod member for his church, Clayfield Anglican, was on many diocesan committees and other boards, and was founder and secretary of the Mathew Hale Public Library, which aims to provide resources and ministries that will strengthen leadership in churches in Brisbane and beyond.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Alex’s family.

From the Principal

If the stars should appear one night in a thousand years, how would men (sic) believe and adore; and preserve for many generations the remembrance of the city of God which had been shown! But every night come out these envoys of beauty, and light the universe with their admonishing smile.

Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nature and Selected Essays

Ralph Waldo Emerson is famous for asking us how we would respond if ‘the stars that come out every night’ were a 1000 year phenomenon. One commentator believes that if this was indeed the case ‘no one would sleep that night, of course. The world would become religious overnight.

We would be ecstatic, delirious, made rapturous by the glory of God. Instead the stars come out every night, and we watch television’.

I sometimes feel like that when we watch the growth and the activity of the students in our care at school. Of course, it is what we do every day and every year – we teach, coach, guide, advise, mentor, facilitate, support and encourage this growth. Our young students are joyous, active and learning.

Watching this growth is a miracle and a privilege, and every six months the Flyer attempts to capture some of that beauty. Our students are like our stars – envoys of beauty – providing us hope for the future of our nation and our world.

St Margaret’s is a busy place and sometimes I don’t take the time to reflect on the privilege it is to lead this wonderful school with its active community of students, staff and parents. Having the opportunity to read the Flyer, allows me to review events in our school calendar and take the time to appreciate the great things about my role as Principal.

The year has been exciting for the school as we have further developed and introduced some significant changes and signature programs. These include, in no particular order, the: • introduction of the Supervised Study Program as a value-added service for parents and teachers • introduction of the Accelerated Reader Program, the Spelling Mastering Program and the VCOP and Big Write Program in the Primary School • development of the new Strategic Plan – ‘A Local School with a Global Outlook‘ • development of the Toorak Gardens and the opening of M’s Café • independent review of the Secondary Curriculum and the affirmation of our academic strategic intent • extension of the Continuous Reporting program for Years 5 – 11 • academic mentoring portal in the Secondary School • commencement of the construction of the Collaborative Lecture Space – The Loft.

In addition to these initiatives, we have added a Frenchspeaking school in Montreal to our Year 10 Global Exchange Program; further developed our Prayer Space, Dadirri; showcased the work of our own teachers in our Trends in Education series and developed a timeline detailing the history of the school, which is currently hanging on the south wall of M’s Café.

There is a lot to be celebrated at St Margaret’s, including the many successes of both individual students and groups of students. I hope you enjoy reading this edition of the Flyer and take time to reflect on the enriching experiences which feature in these pages.

Per Volar Sunata Ros Curtis Principal

B.A.(Hons), DipEd, M.Lit.St, M.Ed, ASDA, FACE, FACEL, FIML, GAICD

03

SCHOOL COUNCIL

From the Chair of School Council In Term 2, St Margaret’s commissioned the Australian Council of Educational Research (ACER) to conduct a review of the secondary curriculum using its National School Improvement Tool (NSIT). With the school’s focus on the pursuit of academic excellence, St Margaret’s School Council was very encouraging of this review, given the reputation of the ACER and the body of research which sits behind the NSIT. This tool assesses the school’s teaching and learning programs and processes against nine domains that are the hallmarks of a high-performing school. Over the course of the review, teachers, Heads of Faculty, members of the Senior Leadership Team, parents, past students and current students were all interviewed.

Six recommendations were returned to the school, which pleasingly affirmed the direction in which the school is heading, as outlined in the new Strategic Plan (2017 – 2021) unveiled this year. This plan carries forward much of the work already being done in previous years, but with a heightened and focused pursuit of academic excellence as its number one priority.

Academic success, of course, has always been at the heart of school’s programs, as has the education of the whole child.

What the review recommended, in particular, was to ‘narrow and sharpen’ the focus on pedagogical practices and teaching and learning initiatives. St Margaret’s has always had an agenda of continuous improvement; from an academic perspective, this year our strong NAPLAN results across the board and, in 2016, our highest ever percentage of students gaining an OP 1 – 15 (98.88%) were pleasing evidence of our work in these areas.

However, there is always more work to be done, and school’s leadership has embraced the ACER recommendations and has already developed an implementation plan in response to the review that will drive teaching and learning initiatives over the next 18 months.

04

The School Council plays an important role in governance, risk, financial viability and long-term strategy and was very pleased to approve the resources to undertake this most valuable review. The council was aware the school had been on a trajectory of improvement across NAPLAN and OP 1 – 15 results in recent times, yet at the same time believed the most responsible path as a Council was to seek external validation that the strategic intent of the school, as enunciated in the new Strategic Plan, was one that would best serve the school.

As stated previously, pleasingly, the five key objectives of the Strategic Plan fully aligned with the ACER recommendations, the first being “Pursuing Academic Excellence”: St Margaret’s aspires to be a leader in the provision of intellectual pursuits and diverse learning pathways; therefore, St Margaret’s is relentlessly focused on advancing its teaching and learning practices.

The new Strategic Plan, “A Local School with a Global Outlook”, is available on the St Margaret’s website, and I invite you all to learn more about the school’s strategic priorities for the next five years.

I commend the school’s leadership team for the professional and enthusiastic manner in which they worked with the ACER review team, and their eagerness to identify paths to further improvement. What the review also did was to validate the excellent work staff had already been undertaking with great diligence across many areas of the school. The community only needs to look at the high achievements of our past students to see the evidence of the strength of a St Margaret’s education, which provides our students with solid foundations for future success.

Alison Quinn Chair of School Council

LEARNING

The Language of Learning (LOL…) Learning is a big concept. It is triggered by experience. The experience may be in a classroom or on a sporting field. It may be through conversation or text, visual stimulation or movement. Despite these diverse contexts, all learning has a common element – it happens in the head of the learner.

The most powerful determinant of learning success is the learner. This means that schools need to educate students to be effective learners.

Identifying is the process of recognising, locating, choosing or naming.

While schools do not hold a monopoly on learning, they play a vital role in ensuring that it is accessible to all. Accessibility in terms of learning means that students have the beliefs, the behaviours and the opportunities they require to engage and consequently make progress. At St Margaret’s, we are proud of how we have deepened and refined our learning culture. In the April Flyer last year, I wrote about our newly launched Framework of Quality Teaching and Learning. This document has provided the foundation for our professional learning strategies and pedagogical growth since that time.

It articulates what constitutes exceptional education by targeting the environment, the process and the pedagogy.

Throughout 2017, we have introduced a range of initiatives which form part of our plan to consistently strengthen the accessibility of learning for all our students. One of these centres on the Language of Learning Committee, which has been meeting throughout the year to investigate ways to improve students’ understanding of aspects of learning. The idea of having a common language consisting of words that are used in the same way and have the same meaning, regardless of the subject or class they are used in, has significant import according to much of the recent research relating to high quality learning (Ritchhart 2015; Stobart 2014; Wiliam 2011).

The changes to the Queensland Certificate of Education, which are scheduled to be implemented with Year 11s in 2019, provided a valuable focal point for the work of the committee. The newly written senior syllabus documents have a glossary containing a set of cognitive verbs deemed to be relevant regardless of the discipline. These verbs are fundamental to the objectives of the syllabi and the assessment they mandate, so it is imperative that students have a complete understanding of what they mean and consequently what actions they entail.

Throughout Term 4, all teachers are embracing our quest for a common language by focusing on three cognitions – identifying, analysing and justifying. Posters created to assist in this process are in every classroom and these cognitions will be targeted in lessons in all subjects and year levels. Writing explanations which are accessible to both primary and secondary students proved challenging, but we are pleased with the outcomes. We have deemed IDENTIFYING as the process of recognising, locating, choosing or naming; ANALYSING as reading or looking closely, breaking something down or pulling it apart, to create meaning or to understand more deeply; and JUSTIFYING as providing evidence to support an answer, a comment or a conclusion.

Justifying is providing evidence to support an answer, a comment or a conclusion.

Analysing is reading or looking closely, breaking something down or pulling it apart, to create meaning or to understand more deeply.

Students will be given these explanations, but more importantly they will be engaged in learning experiences that will assist them to understand and apply the concepts to a range of situations. We want them to understand what analysing is in Science and what it is in History. We want them to understand when they are justifying and what they need to do when they are asked to justify. Making the language commonly used in classrooms familiar to our students gives them access to deeper learning. Throughout 2018, we will continue our LOL initiatives by adding new verbs each term. The ultimate aim of this work is to provide students with a bank of “learning terms” which they understand and can apply irrespective of context.

Samantha Bolton Dean of Pedagogy References

Ritchhart R 2015, Creating Cultures of Thinking, Jossey-Bass, San Francisco.

Stobart G 2014, The Expert Learner, McGraw-Hill, Berkshire.

Wiliam D 2011, Embedded Formative Assessment, Hawker Brownlow, Melbourne.

05

LEARNING

A hands-on approach to STEM learning

Students in the Year 9 STEM elective subject have been learning how to design, build and program a prosthetic hand in a cross-disciplinary approach involving the application of science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills.

St Margaret’s Manager – STEM Enrichment Programs Mr Chris Farrelly says the STEM elective offers students a STEM experience with a difference, providing a genuine interdisciplinary and applied approach.

“The dedicated stand-alone STEM subject facilitates a class focused on delivering a STEM project, rather than subject-silos like science, maths or technology working to a STEM theme.

“Our aim is to ensure there is equal emphasis on subject disciplines rather than any dominance in one or two subject areas. The STEM elective project becomes the key theme that links all lessons together in a cohesive learning framework based on realworld applications.

“The learning pathway is dictated by the project challenge and its context. The prosthetic hand project is a tool to teach STEM, which involves learning biology, technology, engineering and a large amount of text-based coding, which is a derivative of C plus, a high-level coding language.

“The relevant disciplinary skills are taught as the project evolves and scaffolding is provided to support students with any unfamiliar concepts they may not yet have covered in their traditional science and maths subjects,” said Mr Farrelly.

At the beginning of the project, the students investigated the structure and function of a human hand, giving consideration as to whether they wished

06

to pursue an improved functional design or an aesthetically pleasing design. They also established a design assessment task for their finished product; for example, picking up a water bottle or holding a pen to write.

The design steps involved sketching their own hand and obtaining measurements and data before starting to design the prosthetic in 3D using the Autodesk software, Fusion 360.

A finger with joints was test-printed to check size, functionality and effectiveness of the joint for movement.

Printing a single finger can take approximately one to two hours depending on its complexity.

The students were then required to revisit their design based on learnings from the test printing. A palm was then designed to carry the fingers and provide a housing for small Servo’s, which provide animation for the fingers.

Mr Farrelly said students documented each step of the project in a journal, outlining current thoughts, and changes to the original concept.

“This is a key part of the STEM philosophy here at St Margaret’s. It is a way for students to acknowledge changes in their plans, to see redesign as a healthy and necessary thing, and not as a failure. It helps them view the task as a process, which is, to some degree, circular,” he said.

The fingers and palms were printed on the 3D printer during the September school holidays. Students commenced learning circuit design and computer coding to program their hands in Term 4.

Mr Farrelly, who has a background in geostatistics, is constantly extending and developing his knowledge and skills to remain at the forefront of STEM learning. During his year as STEM Teacher in Residence at QUT, he was instrumental in establishing a number of the university’s STEM programs for high school students. This secondment also highlighted opportunities for future STEM projects at St Margaret’s.

From next year, the St Margaret’s STEM elective will expand to also be accessible to students in Year 10. Students taking part in next year’s elective will learn to design, engineer and build their own drone from scratch, which they will control from their own mobile phone app; an app they will build themselves.

Mr Farrelly said engagement is key to enabling student learning, and engagement flows from a project-based learning approach, where the context is current, real, and relevant to young women.

“The students are engaged when the project has a point to it. As a general rule, girls don’t want to build a hovercraft and aren’t necessarily driven to build a computer game. They are driven by their social conscious and a project that has a reason behind it, such as building a drone to carry a defibrillator along the beach to lifesavers or to fly in the treetops to assess nesting birds. When you start to put a reason around the STEM project that makes sense to them, they get very, very passionate about it,” said Mr Farrelly.

Mr Farrelly says: “The pride shown by students in their achievements in STEM class was marked; there was a real sense of empowerment for the girls, and an appreciation of possible STEM pathways in their futures.”

LEARNING

Earlier this year, St Margaret’s established a Drone Academy to empower students to experiment and lead the way in drone technology.

The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones) is revolutionising a broad range of industries, including real estate, mining, engineering, agriculture, media, film and television, retail and postal delivery services, and is expected to create more Australian jobs, in the future.

Despite this growing sector and the increasing demand for people to both design and operate drones, there are fewer than 50 Australian women who are certified commercial drone pilots.

As part of St Margaret’s focus to prepare students for the future workforce, the Drone Academy is giving our girls a leading edge to take advantage of this growing sector by providing students with an introduction to the world of drones and unique opportunities to explore and engage with this emerging technology.

Manager – STEM Enrichment Programs Mr Chris Farrelly says the Drone Academy is providing a unique opportunity for girls in upper primary through to the secondary year levels to be immersed in the engineering and science behind flying drones, as well as highlighting future career pathways through showcasing the wide range of drone uses.

“Students in primary are applying mathematical principles to solve questions about speed and distance while challenging hand and eye

coordination. The principals of aeronautics have been explored by Year 10 Science Extension students and a number of Years 9 and 10 girls have embarked on a CASA approved course of study, which will see them gain their Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) before the end of the year. These students really are learning to fly upwards.

“The students are not only learning skills specific to drone technology but broader skills such as problem solving and the art of critical and creative thinking, which can be applied across any discipline and in any future pathway,” says Mr Farrelly.

On Sunday 13 August, St Margaret’s held its first Drone Workshop open to students in Year 6. Eleven students participated in the program including three from Wilston State School.

The workshop gave students the opportunity to apply mathematical techniques to gather data such as flight and climb speeds and measure the geometry of an obstacle course.

Using JavaScript computer coding on their Windows-based laptops, the students constructed a program to control their drones.

“Drones combine technology with science in such a way that it is quintessentially engaging, falling neatly within that space where art and science intersect. Drones embody principles of physics, aeronautics, geographical information systems (GIS), and provide a platform for collecting lens-based media, which is unequalled for its emotive impact,” said Mr Farrelly.

DRONE ACADEMY

Students take to the skies to build STEM skills

07

LEARNING

Students encouraged to write BIG The lights are dimmed and the soothing sounds of Mozart play softly in the background. The stage is set with an atmosphere that supports both concentration and creativity. The Year 1 students are about to embark on their Big Write process; a dedicated weekly session in which the students are encouraged to write at length, applying the grammatical skills they’ve learned during the week, and throughout the year.

Classrooms feature a colourful display prompting students with examples of words, punctuation, opening phrases and conjunctions appropriate to their learning goals.

Teachers utilise a comprehensive, assessment tool, linked to the Australian National Curriculum, to track students’ writing and identify areas for improvement.

St Margaret’s Primary School has adopted VCOP and Big Write in line with the Framework for Quality Teaching and Learning, to support the teaching of grammar and to improve writing achievement across all year levels from Prep to Year 6. VCOP and Big Write is an evidence-based approach to teaching writing developed

by British educator Ros Wilson.

During the week, students are set “talk homework”, whereby they are given a writing stimulus which they are encouraged to discuss and share with family members at home, mentally preparing themselves for the weekly Big Write.

A ‘Cold Write’ is held once a term, during which all year levels are given the same writing prompt. The Cold Write enables students and teachers to track development of writing skills and set learning goals for continual improvement.

The Big Write provides an opportunity for students to dive into their deepest level learning; applying the grammatical and spelling skills learnt, revising and re-crafting their writing and improving their writing endurance.

Mrs Edwards says the consistent approach to the teaching of grammar and writing means students will be able to progress quickly, building on their learning year on year without having to adopt a different method.

Throughout the Big Write session, students work individually and in silence in an atmosphere that supports concentration and creativity. ‘Brain breaks’ and revision during the writing process is encouraged at certain timed intervals to encourage students to reread their own writing and find ways to make it better. For example, students might be asked to re-read what they have written and improve it by focusing on vocabulary. The sentence ‘She entered the room’ might be improved with the use of a ‘wow word’ to then read ‘Cautiously, she entered the room’.

“We’ve already seen differences in the girls’ writing, in their ability to generate ideas, the amount they are writing, and in their understanding of how to improve writing through ‘up-levelling’ the vocabulary they include and the complexity of sentence structure and punctuation they use. They can explain how to improve their writing and have the tools to do so,” said Mrs Edwards.

Assistant Head of Primary Trudi Edwards says the main premise behind the Big Write framework is “if they can say it, they can write it”.

“Oracy before writing is really important. Engaging in active discussion about their writing task helps the students with idea generation, development of rich vocabulary and planning,” said Mrs Edwards.

So, what is VCOP? VCOP stands for vocabulary, connectives, openers and punctuation.

Each week, students in all year levels engage in learning these fundamental aspects of grammar, providing them with the essentials to help them continually improve and ‘up level’ their writing.

08

Mrs Edwards says the focus for the weekly Big Write session is for students to ‘write less but write best’.

“Big Write gives the students a routine for continually improving their writing and encourages editing as they go, rather than once their writing task is complete,” she said.

LEARNING

Punctuation that Packs a Punch

On any day of the week, students in the Year 4 classroom can be seen throwing a few air punches and shouting out strange sounds in chorus, as they master the art of punctuation through the practice of kung fu style actions and associated sounds.

St Margaret’s Primary teacher Michael Crowe says getting physical with full stops, commas, apostrophes, brackets and colons has been a great way for the Year 4 girls to learn about how to use punctuation in sentences.

“The series of kung fu style moves and sounds provide kinaesthetic awareness of what punctuation feels like. The children get excited when relating the marks on a page to physical movements. It helps the children to learn new, more complex punctuation marks in a fun and engaging way,” said Mr Crowe.

It works like this: all the punctuation marks are given corresponding kung fu style actions, accompanied by noises.

Here are some examples:

Ha!

Capital Letter: bow Full stop: throw a short, right handed punch at the air in front of you. Make the noise, Ha! Comma: with your right arm bent so that your hand is in front of your face, make a short twisting motion at the wrist to represent the comma shape. Make the noise, Shi! Question mark: separate the curly bit into three cutting movements with the hand: one horizontal left to right, one curved around, and one vertical coming from the bottom of the curved one. Then at the bottom of the shape you have just drawn in the air, bung in a full-stop punch. Make the noises, Shi! Shi! Shi! Ha! Semi-colon: do the full-stop punch, then the comma shape directly underneath it. Make the noises, Ha! Shi! Mr Crowe said Kung Fu Punctuation reflects the VCOP and Big Write philosophy that “if a child can’t say it… a child can’t write it”.

“The students learn through short tasks and games related to the punctuation marks. The strategy enables students to become aware of all the different ways they can provide variety in their writing to enhance the effect they have on a reader,” said Mr Crowe.

A game of Kung Fu Punctuation involves three people - two players and a referee. The players face each other.

The referee says the words “capital letter”, and the opponents bow to each other while repeating the phrase.

The referee then calls out three punctuation marks and the players try to put the moves and sounds for these together, in sequence, as quickly as they can. The winner is the one who puts together all three moves and their accompanying sounds correctly in the quickest time.

The girls also practice Kung Fu Punctuation by looking at a piece of text with missing punctuation marks.

As the class reads through the piece together they practise the relevant Kung Fu Punctuation move at the appropriate places in the text.

09

LEARNING

Characters come to life during Book Week The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more things that you learn, the more places you’ll go.

Dr Seuss

St Margaret’s primary students joined in national Book Week festivities in August, rejoicing in their love of books and reading through dramatic interpretations, adorned reading spaces and a colourful Book Character Parade. The parade is always a highly anticipated aspect of Book Week, with the students relishing in the opportunity to dress as their favourite book character and display their costume in front of an audience of teachers, parents, grandparents and friends.

This year, Book Week celebrations centred around the theme ‘Escape to Everywhere’, reminding students that books can take the reader on many different journeys and to many different places. In the wise words of Dr Seuss: The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more things that you learn, the more places you’ll go.

Students also took the opportunity to consider the impact of books in the lives of others, participating in the Great Book Swap which raised muchneeded funds for Indigenous literacy.

“Millionaires” celebrate At St Margaret’s, the celebration of books and reading is not simply confined to one week a year. The introduction of the new Accelerated Reader (AR) program and Millionaires Club has ensured a consistent and measured approach to instilling a love of literature among the primary students.

10

Several students in Years 3 to 6 became the inaugural inductees into the Millionaires Club in August.

The students, who had each read anywhere from 1 million to an extraordinary 3 million words, were presented a certificate at the Book Character Parade and were celebrated at a morning tea with Ms Curtis, the Principal, and through the unveiling of a Millionaires Honour Board in the Primary Library.

At the Millionaires Morning Tea, Ms Curtis shared with the students her love of literature, reading a poem titled Waiting at the Window from one of her treasured childhood books, Now We Are Six by A.A. Milne.

Ms Curtis told the Millionaire readers that one of the reasons she liked reading was that it broadened horizons and it took you into worlds that you may never go, a fitting sentiment given this year’s ‘Escape to Everywhere’ Book Week theme.

Head of Primary Angela Drysdale said the AR program is providing students with personalised learning where teachers can develop and monitor strategies that will assist and support each individual child.

“Some girls might have read over 50 books to achieve their goal, while others might have read 10.

“That is the beauty of the AR program; it is tailored to the individual student so they are reading at their level,” she said.

The students are each working towards their individual reading goals and collectively hope to read 100 million words by the end of Term 4.

“We know that reading matters and developing a daily habit of reading is proven to have significant impact on student attainment and life-long learning. It is our goal to instil a love of reading within the girls that will pay dividends not just for their education but for every aspect of their lives,” Mrs Drysdale said.

Madeline Swan – Year 6 “I like the creativity of reading and love how you get stuck into the story.

I can never put a good book down. I’d recommend the Harry Potter series of books. I like all genres but I enjoy fantasy the most. I’m really proud of myself for reading three million words.”

Lucy Williamson – Year 6 “I like biographies. The book I’d recommend would be How to Kill a Mocking Bird. I love reading because I like going back in time.”

Emily Smith – Year 4 “My favourite books are the Harry Potter series. I enjoy reading fantasy books. I love reading because I can relax and escape to places I can’t go in the real world.”

ST MARGARET’S COLLEGE

Networking nights offer St Margaret’s College students unique opportunities St Margaret’s College, a boutique accommodation residence adjacent to the school, is focused on supporting, mentoring and empowering women as they strive for educational success in their tertiary studies.

Kim Bramble, Channel Seven publicist Deb Turner and radio host Loretta Ryan. Each of the women shared her career experiences and sage advice for the students, including the importance of establishing a personal brand.

Part of this mission includes an innovative Student Success Program, creating opportunities to network with industry leaders and the business community, as well as academic support from a team of professional and peer tutors.

St Margaret’s College student Abigail Tucker, who is studying a Bachelor of Creative Industries majoring in Fashion Communications and Interactive and Visual Design, said the College’s industry networking dinners provided valuable insights into how to formulate and establish her own career pathway.

Each year the College hosts a number of unique networking dinners and events designed to provide students with the opportunity to mingle with industry high flyers, building the students’ skills and contacts to give them a leading edge upon graduation.

In August, the College hosted a Creative Industries Networking Dinner for 30 guests, including St Margaret’s College students and friends of the college girls who are studying in a communications field.

A panel of five industry experts was facilitated by made4media Managing Director Rebecca Pinni and included marketing and social media professional and St Margaret’s Old Girl (’02) Amanda Goddard, TV and production specialist

“Hearing the personal career journeys of these successful industry leaders has given me insights into the industry and practical information including tips on applying for internships, work experience and jobs. Sometimes its these little tips that are so invaluable to students about to embark on their career journey,” said Abigail.

The dinners provide residents with real world opportunities to develop their leadership skills, build industry networks and establish pathways before graduation.

“One of the things I like most about the dinners is the opportunity to practise networking in a comfortable environment - our home. Uni is always advocating the importance of networking, but we don’t necessarily

have the opportunities or learn how to do this. At College, I have developed and practised skills, including how to start up a conversation with a stranger, prepare and ask intelligent questions, listen to what they share about their experience and take their advice on board.

“I have also had the opportunity to emcee two networking dinners, allowing me to develop and practise my public speaking skills in a professional setting.

“What always surprises me at the networking dinners is just how approachable all the professionals are.

They are always so easy to talk to and are enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge. I’ve made a number of contacts who I can reach out to for advice and direction with my career,” said Abigail.

The College mentoring program has a strong business and industry linkage, with leading experts in the fields mentoring residents.

“For me, the support and mentoring of College Director Dr Kylie Armstrong has been incredibly valuable during my university journey so far,” said Abigail.

11

BOARDING

See My Difference, See My Worth You would be forgiven for thinking that ‘intolerance’ was a movement sweeping the world; for every inroad made in recent decades towards inclusivity and multiculturalism, there are people intent on burning the bridges that have been built across our differences.

Ms Fowler said, “Importantly, the older girls were able to demonstrate their leadership skills in keeping their teams together, and showed the younger girls how to use public transport. For many of them, this was a valuable experience in learning how to use public transport with a Go Card.”

Within the St Margaret’s boarding community, we are so fortunate to have such a broad cross-section of cultures and students from all walks of life from regional, rural and remote Australia and overseas.

The festival gave boarders the chance to forge new friendships with the goal of celebrating difference; to understand that celebrating difference means responding positively to other people; to be open to learning and asking for clarification when needed; to celebrate the difference of others as strengths and see this as a reason to get to know one another; and to be challenged to participate with a sense of belonging.

This year the boarding community has been focusing on this rich diversity; one such expression of this theme was a collaborative festival involving boarding students and staff to celebrate the value of diversity. The See My Difference, See My Worth festival was borne of the conscious effort to contribute to developing a culturally safe boarding community and set the standard that all difference is valuable and appreciated.

Head of Boarding Ms Lesa Fowler explains the developmental benefits for students to be growing and learning within a culturally rich community, saying, “Celebrating difference and understanding where we all come from is important for the girls to broaden their horizons.”

Ms Fowler emphasised it was not just about understanding different cultures, but understanding the values of each girls’ family.

“It is about accepting that we are not all the same and that being unique is a great quality,” she said.

The weekend long festival included a wide variety of activities that highlighted the expertise and interests of a broad selection of the students. The girls shared in classes for cooking, crafts and fitness, such as hip hop and yoga, and were enthralled by a spectacular whip-cracking demonstration. Different cultural songs and dances were shared and there were activities such as the ‘Amazing Race’, designed to encourage the girls to work together in teams to complete different challenges.

12

The festival was held across the Term 3 closed weekend, on the first weekend back from the holidays, where boarding students are encouraged to spend time together. Ms Fowler believes closed weekends are vital to community building and developing the girls’ sense of belonging within St Margaret’s and the boarding house.

“This is their ‘home away from home’ and developing a deeper sense of acceptance is important to their growth and their ability to live together now and beyond the school gates,” said Ms Fowler.

St Margaret’s students will be the ones who build the bridges across our differences.

BOARDING

Boarder Parents’ Cocktail Party Even with chilly winter temperatures, the Boarder Parents’ Cocktail Party was an evening of warmth, hearty conversation and hot nibbles as the boarding community came together to show their appreciation to the day girl parents who helped their daughters in various ways throughout the year. Held in the newly landscaped Toorak Garden, the cool coloured lights and glowing Chinese lanterns added to the ambience of this annual event, which celebrates the tremendous partnerships and friendships formed within St Margaret’s community as we care for and educate our girls.

13

GOING GLOBAL

Study Brisbane Ambassador The St Margaret’s experience will find a voice through Taiwan’s social media, following Year 10 international boarder Annita Lu’s appointment to the role of Study Brisbane Ambassador.

“The local students and teachers are warm and very nice.

St Margaret’s has assisted me a lot. My ‘buddy’ has guided me around the school and the teachers have been helpful too.

The Brisbane City Council led program engages students from all over the world to tell their real-life Brisbane stories to their home country networks via social media. While it has operated for over seven years, with 40 students from around the world selected each year to become official Brisbane Student Ambassadors, 2017 marks the first year students under the age of 18 years have been able to participate in the program.

“I really appreciate St Margaret’s for giving me such a great experience in Australia,” said Annita.

Annita, along with fellow Years 9 and 10 St Margaret’s international students, attended an International Friendship Ceremony on 18 May, where they each received a signed friendship certificate and had their photo taken with Lord Mayor Graham Quirk. The occasion recognised Annita’s appointment to the role of Student Ambassador. The students also experienced traditional Indigenous Australian culture with a live performance by Aboriginal dancers.

Since starting at St Margaret’s at the beginning of this year, Annita is really enjoying the relaxed, warm, friendly nature of our Australian culture.

Study Tours

Throughout the year, St Margaret’s welcomes select groups of international students as part of its study group program, giving participants the opportunity to immerse themselves in an Australian classroom, and experience the culture through homestays with local families and excursions near and far, while also enhancing their English language ability.

14

For Annita, life at St Margaret’s is very different to attending school in her home country of Taiwan. At home, students attend school, complete their homework and study until sometimes as late as 1am in the morning. Annita’s St Margaret’s experience has allowed her to not only work hard and expand her knowledge, but enjoy free time to spend with friends, play sports and contemplate her future pathways.

“This is the part I like most about studying in Australia,” she says.

Annita hopes that through her role as a Study Brisbane Ambassador she can share the highlights of studying at St Margaret’s and the uniqueness of the Australian culture, as well as guide and motivate prospective international students with helpful information around embarking on their own Brisbane study experience.

In 2017, we welcomed several Japanese study groups from schools in the Tokyo and Yokohama area, and their feedback was extremely positive. The benefits of hosting these study groups are twofold. Not only do visiting students experience direct teaching methods unique to Australia and St Margaret’s, our staff and students can use these opportunities to enhance their own cultural understanding, develop skills in communication and social interaction, as well as having the chance to showcase their community to the world.

GOING GLOBAL

Global Citizens St Margaret’s is proud to be ‘A Local School with a Global Outlook’ where students are encouraged to contribute to the wider community, explore opportunities and develop a deep understanding of their responsibilities within local, national and international contexts. The Global Exchange Program is an integral part of our intention to strengthen the international focus of school activities by providing enriching experiences for both inbound and outbound exchange students. These opportunities encourage adolescents to grow in confidence and knowledge, build resilience by teaching them the rewards of embracing new challenges, and help them understand the value of cultural uniqueness and diversity.

Year 9 St Margaret’s students are invited to apply for international exchange opportunities and undergo a comprehensive selection process with successful applicants participating in the program in Year 10 for one term.

This is a reciprocal hosting program with 10 schools in seven countries across the globe: Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa and USA. Feedback and stories enthusiastically shared by St Margaret’s students and visiting international students are testimony to the value of such programs.

Whether it be taking part in activities at school, sightseeing adventures or the time students share with their fellow St Margaret’s friends and exchange partners, our partner schools and host families are instrumental in providing unique opportunities which both enlighten and challenge all participants.

Xanthe Lowe-Brown (Year 11) wrote regularly of her exchange to Ursulinenschule Hersel in Bornheim, Germany, during her Year 10 exchange in Term 4 last year.

I have been having a wonderful time in Germany, embracing the different culture, food and lifestyle. Travelling with fellow St Margaret’s girls Hannah O’Brien and Natasha Licina to Germany was such a great adventure; I think I have already become more independent and self-sufficient.

I have really enjoyed spending time with my exchange partner, Antonia, who I met when she visited in Term 3 last year. Together, we visited Schloss Brühl, a beautiful castle with surrounding gardens. We walked through the picturesque forest and through the castle, admiring the incredible architecture and grand furnishings. I have also enjoyed many peaceful and serene walks through luscious forests.

After our two-week Autumn holiday, Hannah, Natasha and I returned to our host school, Ursulinenschule Hersel, where we received our timetables, tailored to our interests and learning levels. My timetable consists of many English classes, BusinessEnglish, Art, private German tuition and sport, as well as spares to complete my St Margaret’s work. I am particularly enjoying sport because we are doing acrobatics, which is very fun. I am going to join the Ursulinenschule Orchestra, which is very exciting! Hannah, Natasha and I are particularly looking forward to giving a presentation to different year levels about Australia.

I feel so grateful for this incredible opportunity and learning experience. I believe I’ve become more independent, confident, self-sufficient and tolerant of others. Living away from my family in a foreign country and having been able to adapt and make new friends from around the globe encouraged me to be even more resilient and mature. I had the opportunity to engage with another culture, broaden my outlook and develop my language skills.

Tessa Sprott visited Crofton House in Canada and speaks of her experience.

In Term 2 this year, I embarked on the best two-month journey of my life. I flew to Vancouver in Canada to attend Crofton House School and live with my lovely exchange partner, Maddie, and her beautiful family. I experienced an entirely new school environment and participated in new extra-curricular activities such as track and field and the school band. I also took classes such as foods and nutrition and textiles. The weekends were filled with activities such as shopping, spending time with friends and my exchange family, visiting many beautiful sites around the city and even going to a concert. As well as experiencing a new school life and having an amazing time with friends

in Vancouver, I visited places such as Kelowna, Whistler and Vancouver Island, where I did everything from snow-boarding to sunbathing and swimming. Exchange was hugely beneficial for me in many ways.

I gained greater independence, broadened my knowledge of the world and developed lifelong friendships.

Students visiting St Margaret’s have experienced Australia’s unique cultural, geographic and economic diversity. The warm hospitality of the St Margaret’s school community has largely contributed to continued success of the program. Our visiting students have offered heartfelt thanks to their St Margaret’s host families, expressing their gratitude for the wonderful support and care they have felt throughout their stay.

Visiting exchange students Christina Herridge, Georgia Lupton-Smith and Catherine Rich from St Anne’s, South Africa, shared their St Margaret’s experiences at a recent school assembly: On behalf of the South African girls from St Anne’s, I would like to thank the girls and the staff at St Margaret’s and our host families for such an amazing, unforgettable experience in Australia. We would like to thank everybody for being so welcoming and kind to us and for always making sure we were having the best time possible. The people we met have made such an impact on our lives and we will never forget all the special memories we have made with the St Margaret’s community. We would also like to thank our host families for taking us on incredible adventures and showing us different parts of your beautiful country, and Ms Achari and Ms Labinsky for our amazing trip to Sydney. It was such a privilege to come to St Margaret’s and immerse ourselves in the Australian culture and it is definitely an experience we will cherish forever.

Students apply for a place on the Global Exchange Program in Term 2 of the previous year (when in Year 9). An information night is held each year for interested students and their parents.

More information on the program is available on the St Margaret’s website or by contacting international exchange coordinator Ms Angelin Achari on (07) 3862 0861.

15

STAFF

Aiming for the perfect lesson

St Margaret’s new Head of Faculty – Global Studies Mathew Stein says he always looks forward to work because he knows over the course of the day there will be many things that will surprise and delight him and make him laugh.

“I never know what it’s going to be, but a day never passes where there is not joy to be found in this profession,” says Mathew.

Mathew says for as long as he can remember he has never wanted to be anything else.

“Even when my Year 12 careers advisor urged me to do a business degree – which I did – it was always with a view to being a teacher.

“While I was keen to go straight into a teaching degree, I have never regretted these additional studies; over the years they have served me and therefore, I hope, my students very well.”

Mathew says his area of economics and legal studies can change rapidly; his degree which covered these disciplines has been invaluable in providing firm foundations on which to build a comprehensive knowledge of his subject area and keep abreast of the rapid global changes in these fields.

Mathew’s career has taken him to the other side of the world to East London and north to Cairns and south to the Gold Coast.

The Flyer asked Mathew if anything particularly stood out about his St Margaret’s experience.

“The boarders,” Mathew says, “certainly do bring a unique perspective to the school.

“Their diverse backgrounds truly enrich the school’s culture, but they also bring very different perspectives into the classroom, particularly when we are talking economics.

“For example, if home is an outback cattle station, they can be very knowledgeable about the whole economic and political landscape impacting rural Australia – so the discussion is wide-ranging and insightful.”

Mathew said the other thing that stood out for him was the very warm and inviting St Margaret’s community.

“You do wonder, when you constantly hear the media always refer to certain private schools as ‘elite’, what that is going to mean; will it translate to ‘elitist’?”

“I can confirm this is not the case at all. In fact, what I see constantly is that the girls are acutely aware that they are fortunate, even to the point where they can acknowledge that it can sometimes be difficult for them to look at issues from standpoints they have had no exposure to and from which they are far removed.

“That they are aware of this is a real credit to themselves, their parents and the school, and I think it’s why you see such an embracing of our service initiatives by the girls; they ‘get’ that with privilege comes responsibility.

16

“I am confident they will carry that with them well beyond the school gates.”

When asked about the challenges in education today, Mathew said of course the changes around the new system were a challenge, but he was very confident the school was preparing well to meet those challenges.

“The best place for students to be, to cope with the new form of assessment, which will be more knowledge-based, will be in front of the teacher for as long as possible, and the school will be providing additional time each week in the senior years, which will be invaluable in the long run.”

Mathew added that student engagement is always a constant challenge, but it is the first step in good outcomes for our learners.

“You can’t make students learn; they have to buy into it themselves. To do that, they have to be engaged and engagement has to start with the teacher.

In 2008, physics teacher Derek Muller said the following: The most important thing a teacher does is make every student feel like they are important, to make them feel accountable for doing the work of learning. The foundation of education is based on the social interaction of teachers and students. Transformative as each new iteration of technology seems to be … radio or computers or smartboards or tablets… what really matters is what happens inside a learner’s head and making a learner think seems best achieved in a social environment with other learners and a caring teacher.

“When you can build those relationships with students and encourage them to take intellectual leaps with you, to try something different … and you can only try something different with someone you trust … that’s one of the keys to student engagement.

“As teachers, we constantly review how we teach in the classroom; how we can best engage the students; how to best impart the knowledge and skills they will require, not only for assessment, but to lay for them a solid foundation for all their future learning.

“I am always tinkering. I am never quite settled; never quite happy; I am always convinced that my best lesson is ahead of me.

“I’m convinced that the day I retire, I will finally work out how to teach price elasticity just right,” laughs Mathew.

For those readers interested to learn more from this passionate educator, Mathew presented at St Margaret’s second 2017 Trend in Education evening, the video recording of which is on the St Margaret’s website www.stmargarets.qld.edu.au/ community/trends-in-education

STAFF

Staff Spirit

A team of St Margaret’s runners were hard to miss at this year’s Gold Coast Airport Marathon. Sporting specially designed, brightly coloured running shirts, emblazoned with “We run to keep up with our students”, the team competed in the 5.7km, 10km, half-marathon and marathon in the last weekend of the June holidays.

Whether walking, jogging or running, the notion of setting sights on and diligently working towards an end goal perfectly summed up the mentality of St Margaret’s staff.

Seasoned runners and beginners alike shared excited banter and stories of their experiences with colleagues at the whole staff meeting held in the first week of Term 3. Claudia Mazzotta, teacher aide, set herself a personal goal to compete for the first time, saying, “When l was lining up at the start line, l thought to myself, ‘what on earth have l committed myself to?’, but the nerves disappeared when l saw my teammates on the sideline waving me on; l had a smile from ear to ear, thinking ‘ok, l can do this!’.”

Suzy Edwards, primary health and physical education teacher, represented St Margaret’s in the full marathon event held on Sunday. She summed up the two-day experience: “The whole weekend for me was just amazing!

Being there on the side, cheering on the brilliant 10km and 5.7km runners on the Saturday almost brought me to tears. I was so proud! I thought all the runners ran incredibly well!”

Running, walking or jogging is typically thought of as an individual sport, and while each competitor brought with them the spirit to step out of their own comfort zone and conquer new personal challenges, it was wonderful to witness the warmth of the St Margaret’s community as team mates across all professions within the school rallied together to support and encourage one another. Each teammate exemplified the characteristics that make St Margaret’s such a remarkable environment in which to grow, learn and achieve, as they happily shared pep talks and advice, offering pearls of race wisdom and pre-race nervous chatter.

Congratulations to the runners for making St Margaret’s first team in this event. Each runner came back to school with more than their personal bests and finisher medals; they brought home the pride of participation made possible by the support and encouragement of the St Margaret’s community.

With around 250 days to the 2018 Gold Coast Airport Marathon, St Margaret’s runners have set their sights on recruiting another team for next year.

17

THE ARTS

ESCAPE to the sea Years 5 and 6 Arts Spectacular The Arts Spectacular offered audiences an “Escape to the Sea”, reminding all to enjoy nature and notice the beauty in life around us, particularly the wonder of the sea in our own backyard, the Great Barrier Reef.

The hours of hard work and dedication by the girls, staff and many of the St Margaret’s community culminated in a dazzling night of dance, drama, music and visual art. The production’s powerful message to look after the planet and care for our environment inspired the students to great heights, creating the truly amazing art pieces that reflected the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.

The outfits also had an outing at the Nundah Village Festival when some Year 6 students and their parents generously volunteered to take St Margaret’s ‘to the streets’. Not surprisingly, they stopped crowds, with the girls being asked to tell people all about their magnificent costumes as they strolled through the festival.

18

THE ARTS

Classics in the Cathedral Once again, one of St Margaret’s night of nights – the annual Classics in the Cathedral – offered audiences a compelling repertoire of musical highlights, including the memorable finale performance of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, involving all ensembles and the Community Choir. It was an unforgettable finish to a most memorable evening, evoking goosebumps and the odd tear as this classic song echoed through the grand interior of St John’s Cathedral.

All performances, featuring both primary and secondary music students, provided an evening of entertainment of the highest calibre, as this signature event continued to enthral and provide a showcase for the wonderful talent and dedication of both staff and students in the school’s music program.

IN THE CATHEDRAL 19

SPORT

Sports Snippets

You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take Don’t go through life without goals! This year’s Hockey Captain Hannah Polovich (Year 12) certainly isn’t. Hannah was selected in the Queensland School Sport / Queensland Schoolgirls Hockey team that has just returned from New Zealand’s North Island, where the team played eight games in 12 days with six wins, one draw and one defeat. Hannah has been playing hockey at Valley Women’s Hockey Club for seven years and has been a state representative since she was 12 years old. She was named Most Promising Junior Player at the club in 2016, and not surprisingly has been on the St Margaret’s Opens hockey team for the past four years. Hannah has been selected in the Queensland squad for the U18s national team, with selection trials to be held early next year. Good luck, Hannah!

Born to Swim

Kicking goals

If you were ever in trouble in the water, you could only hope that Summer Short (Year 11) was close by.

Year 11 boarder Victoria Franklin has been selected to play football (soccer) in the Pacific School Games in Adelaide in December, but not before she heads to San Diego for the Surf College Cup, where college coaches from across the USA come and scout players. Victoria will bring a wealth of experience to these challenges. She has been playing futsal for Queensland since Year 8 and is currently trialling for U17 girls Queensland futsal team.

This year Victoria has captained both the Souths United team which won the National Premier League and also the Met North Team, prior to being selected for Queensland. Victoria has also been a keen rower for the school, this year making the First VIII and bringing home a bronze medal, which contributed to the school’s overall aggregate cup win. Victoria is hoping she might have a college career in the USA either on the land or on the water in her two favoured sports of football or rowing. We wish this indomitable sportswoman well!

Since Summer arrived at St Margaret’s in Year 8 in 2014, she has been making waves in the pool as both a swimmer and lifesaver, and has been part of the team which has brought home the Sheena Dyason Lifesaving Perpetual Trophy for the past four years. In 2016, Summer was also crowned Intermediate Swimming Champion.

This year, Summer has continued to make a splash in both water sports, well beyond the school gates. She recently raced at the New Zealand Short Course Swimming Championships in Auckland, winning a silver medal in the women’s 16 years 200m backstroke, finishing 6th in the open women’s 200m backstroke, and making the finals of several more races (in butterfly, backstroke and freestyle).

As the Flyer went to print, Summer was competing in the New Zealand Pool Rescue Championships in Auckland, having been selected in her first national team, the Australian Youth Life Saving Team.

20

SPORT

Primary Sport

California Dreaming

Our primary athletes have enjoyed much success across the year. In swimming, St Margaret’s placed third place in percentage cup at the Andrews Cup competition which included strong performances from the 10 years (2nd) and 11 years (3rd) age groups.

In other Andrews Cup competitions, the 8 years won their division in cross country and 10 years came second.

Our Junior A grade netballers placed second; and both the 10 and 11 years age groups placed third in Andrews Cup Athletics.

In the September school holidays, gymnast Emi Watterson was doing something just a little bit different; she was checking out her what her digs will be like next year on campus at the University of California (UC Berkley).

A total of 22 primary students have represented St Margaret’s at City District level and seven of those went on to make Met North teams: Swimming - Evangeline Phillips and Olivia Peck (Year 6), Portia Creevey and Anna Lincoln (Year 5); Track and Field – Lani McWilliam (Year 6), Milla Roberts and Portia Creevey (Year 5); Hockey - Kaya Agnew (Year 6); Netball - Lani McWilliam (Year 6).

At the recent Queensland 10 to 12 Years State Track and Field Championships, Lani placed first in the 11 years 800m; Milla placed first in the 10 years multievent; and Maicey Lynch (Year 7) placed third in the 800m.

Emi has been accepted into the university next year, based on her gymnastics ability, and had a 48 hour NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) sanctioned official visit to Berkeley, where she got better acquainted with her future coaches, had a taste of campus life – even sleeping in the dorms, and attending one of their football games.

The Americans get very excited about their new college freshmen, and Emi has already been introduced to the community via a story about new ‘Cal Bears’ recruits, all of whom hail from the USA, apart from Emi. Emi has been a gymnast since she was four years old and currently trains out of Delta’s new facility at Kedron.

She made her senior debut in 2016, competing at the 2016 Elite Gym Massilia in France, where she was the second-highest Australian finisher with a 17th-place performance in the all-around. She picked up seventh in the uneven bars final and fifth in the vault final. She competed at the 2016 Australian championships where she finished 10th in the all-around.

Got her head in the game In the June/July holidays, Alice O’Driscoll (Year 9) travelled to Los Angeles as part of the Basketball Queensland Emerging program. In total, there were five girls’ teams (three U15 and two U17) representing both North and South Queensland.

The teams competed in two tournaments, trained at shoot360 (a basketball training facility which uses interactive technology to test, train, and track athletes), attended a college training session, and toured the campus of two different universities – Pepperdine University (Malibu) and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Along with developing their basketball skills, the teams didn’t miss out on seeing the sights, visiting Santa Monica Pier, Disneyland, Universal Studios and, one of Alice’s favourite experiences, the 4th July baseball game.

Alice said while the flight to Los Angeles was extremely long, the wait was certainly worth it, as she immensely enjoyed this fantastic opportunity.

Alice was part of this year’s 9A basketball team, which finished in first place in their division, having lost only one match the entire season.

Unsure of her career direction, the broad liberal subjects offered at UC Berkley will suit Emi perfectly as she explores where her passions lie beyond gymnastics.

Emi is part of the St Margaret’s Flyers Program, which helps her coordinate her academic studies with her 30 hour a week training commitments and competition schedule.

21

SPORT

Photo credit: Gary Lynagh

Photo caption: Left to right: St Margaret’s CoCaptains of Rowing Allison King and Katie Hill celebrate St Margaret’s third consecutive win of the Aggregate Cup for champion school at the 2017 Head of the River at Lake Wyaralong.

Rowing championship lands on St Margaret’s shores once more Mr Bidwell said this result was indicative of a strong and cohesive shed and a supportive rowing community.

The St Margaret’s rowing shed secured an historic third consecutive win as overall champion school at last weekend’s BSRA Head of the River.

Held for the first time at Lake Wyaralong near Beaudesert, windy conditions made for a rough start for some of the younger crews, battling a strong southerly and contending with white caps, but ended with near perfect conditions for the First VIII race.

Head of St Margaret’s Rowing Jared Bidwell said while the season had its challenges, with flu and injury marring preparations, the girls produced some of their best performances when it counted most to bring home the Aggregate Cup. Mr Bidwell said the coveted First VIII race was won by St Hilda’s, who set a blistering pace with an experienced crew, with St Margaret’s placing third in their best race of the season.

“With six new girls in the First VIII boat this year, they rowed extremely well to medal in the final race; we were very proud of them,” Mr Bidwell said.

With six gold, four silver and two bronze medals being awarded to its crews, St Margaret’s took out the Aggregate Cup by 34 points over Somerville House.

22

St Margaret’s Old Girl and Olympic rower Maddie Edmunds was on hand to present medals to the crews, serving as a reminder of the school’s rich representative rowing tradition.

First VIII: Cox: Clare Adcock (Year 12) Stroke: Maddy Wightman (Year 12) 7: Holly Gall (Year 12) 6: Genevieve Whitehead (Year 11) 5: Victoria Franklin (Year 11) 4: Zara Hepple (Year 12) 3: Charlotte Lisle (Year 12) 2: Allison King (Year 12) – Co-Captain Bow: Elizabeth Gooden (Year 11) St Margaret’s Australian Representative Rowers 2017 Rower

Competitions

Crew

Maddie Edmunds (’11)

World Cups 2 and 3, World Championships

Women’s Double Sculls

Wallis Russell (’16)

Under 23 World Championships

Lightweight Women’s Quadruple Sculls

Lily Alton (’15)

Under 21 Trans Tasman Regatta

Single, Quad, Eight

SPORT

Just keep running I

In her first outing in the green and gold running at the 2016 World Schools Cross Country Championships in Budapest, Hungary, Lara Crouch (Year 11) said she was aiming for a top 20 finish. After 100m she found herself in the top five and thought, “okay, just keep going”.

Keep going she did, finishing third behind older sister Lucinda who secured first place, both helping St Margaret’s over the line to be crowned world champions.

It’s this sisterly rivalry which may have just spurred the pair on to the heights of world championship honours.

“As the younger sister, I am always trying to outrun my older sibling; likewise, Lucinda of course aims not to be beaten by her baby sister,” laughs Lara.

Lara donned the green and gold for a second time earlier this year at the Oceania Athletics Championships

where she placed second in the U18 1500m. She also has her sights set on qualifying for the 3km at the International Association of Athletics Federations World U20 Championships in Finland in July 2018.

Both Lara and Lucinda are part of the St Margaret’s Flyers Program, which allows them flexibility in their studies to accommodate training and competition schedules.

Keeping her studies up is important to Lara who aims to become a surgeon, and is grateful that the Flyers Program has helped to balance both her academic and sporting ambitions. Despite a seven-day training schedule for running and school sport commitments across cross country, hockey and athletics, Lara has excelled academically, receiving an Honours Prize for the three years of her secondary schooling.

Lucinda’s final year at St Margaret’s has been a busy one with her dual leadership roles of Prefect and Sports Captain. Next year, she is hoping to continue her running career in the American college system while studying, saying they offer so much support and have excellent facilities.

Like her sister, Lucinda is also hoping to gain selection in the Australian team

in the World U20 Championships in Finland next year, competing in the 300m steeplechase.

Lucinda says being involved in the St Margaret’s cross country and athletics programs has been one of her most memorable experiences while at the school.

“The community built within these sports encourages and motivates each girl to try their best, which is essential for a school with smaller numbers like ours.

“It is so much fun to be able to compete with all our friends and watch everyone achieve their goals,” said Lucinda.

In the QGSSSA cross country event in May, St Margaret’s just missed out on a podium finish in the QGSSSA Aggregate Cup, placing fourth, but came second in the Joan Benson Percentage Shield behind sister school St Aidan’s. Lara came first in the 16 years’ race, winning by the length of the straight, while Lucinda ran in the Open event with the very talented group of St Margaret’s senior runners, who together clinched a win in this age group for the school.

As the Flyer goes to print, the girls will be preparing for the QG Athletics carnival in late October.

years. Some highly Team for the past two t ins aga tch ma r this team have won the deciding ancho prestigious members of e. titl al ion nat the d d Jason Day. ure Victoria which sec included Adam Scott an the in le also played n the 91st Earlier this year, Isabel Isabelle also recently wo ips in Port nsh pio am Ladies Ch b ior Clu lf Jun n Go Australia Indooroopilly eensland Junior Qu tely the 117th the ara of sep t d par an as ip la nsh mb Ke Champio . nd Championship. s sla die een Squad, Golf Qu Brisbane Golf Club La of each of those r ne win the ed est represent She is the young Also this year, Isabelle only person to hold nts team for the championships and the A Grade Ladies penna , b. As lead player both trophies.

Indooroopilly Gold Clu nant won pen the ded en an Australia Women’s def m Isabelle’s tea This year Isabelle had ed eat def un ed and is looking last year and she remain High Ranking of 17th ly on the o als s wa e d to push that into in the competition. Sh forward to working har de gra A y pla to d ite ing of 2018. inv inn interstate player the top 10 by the beg The drive to go far stigious pre e’s urn lbo Me in pennants St Margaret’s young golfers on Isabelle is a part of the Yarra Yarra Golf ed fam the for There are not too many t bel d san allows her to rgaret’s student Flyers Program, which ted on some of a par with Year 11 St Ma Club, where she compe her golfing ce very successfully balan s and finished as Isabelle Simpson. ic work, which Melbourne’s best course dem aca d s ng player. commitments an ha mi le for bel per Isa t , bes row a ra’s in r Yar Yarra with Honours Prizes For the second yea has seen her awarded Girls nd s sla wa een she Qu s say the le in bel h Nights. been chosen Closer to home, Isa at the past three Speec l captain the golf l’s wil d oo an , sch am the Te lf ent Go res l rep Schoo , Isabelle! delighted to c Games in ollegiate Golf May the course be with you team as part of the Pacifi the Queensland Interc in m tea be l wil . Isabelle ships and to have December in Adelaide Association champion m can repeat tea nd sla -Collegiate een All Qu ir the the g hopin been named in mance, where she last year’ winning perfor

23

ST MARGARET’S WAY

Doing Things The St Margaret’s Way The St Margaret’s Way is nothing new to the school, says prefect Phoebe Coates.

“We feel that it’s always been here; but now it has been formalised and we have some words around it which help explain the kind of great community we have always had,” says Phoebe, who has been at the school since Year 8.

The Flyer is talking with Phoebe and Gi-Young Seo – prefects who have been student representatives on the St Margaret’s Way Committee this year.

“We believe it sums up what’s already existing in the school,” says Gi- Young, who has been educated at St Margaret’s since 2009, “but it has been really helpful to extrapolate that intangible feeling into words.”

Gi-Young says she recognises how helpful this will be as she prepares to graduate.

“Putting words and a language around that feeling assists us in being very mindful of the types of behaviour that have led to the great sense of community that exists at St Margaret’s; it’s a language we can take with us and try to emulate in other communities we will become a part of when we leave school.

“It will also help us identify what’s not okay, as we won’t always be operating in an environment like St Margaret’s.”

Phoebe said The St Margaret’s Way had been effortlessly assimilated into the school community.

“We have posters in all our form rooms and the teachers refer to The St Margaret’s Way or aspects of ‘The Way’ quite frequently.

“It truly is the way we are,” Phoebe emphasised.

The girls agreed that the document was helpful to new students coming into the school.

“I think that’s one of the reasons that people choose St Margaret’s over other schools because of the warm and welcoming community and how supportive we are of one another, which is what ‘The Way’ is all about,” explains Phoebe.

24

“We are what we need to be for each other, whether it’s going to support the rowing girls, or the theatresports team, or being accountable to one another for things like the QCS preparation; it’s a part of the school’s culture.”

Year 6 students and Primary Captains Isabella Bluett and Evangeline Phillips, who are also student representatives on The St Margaret’s Way Committee, have spent this year coming up with engaging ways to keep The St Margaret’s Way uppermost in the minds of the primary students.

They have put an element of The St Margaret’s Way into every primary assembly.

Isabella explains that St Margaret’s Way Awards have become an important part of each assembly; the awardees are identified by teachers and nominated to Miss Surtees and winners are presented with a certificate describing how they have demonstrated The St Margaret’s Way. “It’s a big deal to get an award and everyone is really supportive,” enthuses Evangeline.

Isabella says they try to make the activities around the promotion of The St Margaret’s Way entertaining.

“We don’t want repetition to dull the importance of this initiative, so we try to break it down and highlight different aspects of it so the students continue to be enthusiastic about it.”

Head of Primary Angela Drysdale said Evangeline and Isabella had worked very hard to promote this new initiative in the primary school.

“They can be proud of the legacy they will leave in helping to embed all aspects of The St Margaret’s Way throughout the primary school community, and have truly led by example,” she said.

SERVICE UR

SAVE O

AS BAN PL !

N A E OC

TICS!

Protecting the Planet Each year, the Year 6 students take part in the Cornerstone Project as part of their service learning. The aim of the project is for students to plan and conduct a fundraising or awareness raising venture based on a real-world problem that will create impact among their local, national or international communities.

At the commencement of the school year, Archbishop Phillip Aspinall set a challenge to students to “look after our planet” as part of his message to primary schools.

“This year I’d like you to do something special to care for our environment; perhaps through a project at school or a project in the local community.

“Christians believe God made it all and that God wants us to help look after and care for the world and all that’s in it.

Let’s think up a special project to do that,” he said.

Inspired by the Archbishop’s challenge, the Year 6 students chose the Great Barrier Reef as their special project.

After analysing and researching the environmental situation of the Great Barrier Reef, the students are now working on an awareness raising campaign which champions solutions to the threats faced by the reef.

At the heart of the project is the message ‘the future of the reef is in our hands’.

There are steps we should all be taking to reduce the environmental impact on the reef and help protect it for future generations.

It is hoped the St Margaret’s community will embrace the girls’ environmental messages so that together we can look after our planet and protect one of God’s natural wonders.

SAVE T HE G REAT BARR IER RE EF CORA L

THE G REEF REAT BARR IE

BLEAC HING

LITTER ING

R

CROW N OF THOR NS

WHY IT IS DYIN G The G reat B arrier selfis Reef h acts is in d . The litteri ange anim ng an r bec als a d coral ause re dy bleac is dyin of ou ing b hing, ecau r g bec globa Crow se of ause l warm n of T o f cora ing a horns n l d the starfis effec h. ts of the

SAVE T HE G REAT BARR IER RE EF

THE FU TUR IS IN O E OF THE RE EF UR HA NDS!

FROM THIS MOME NT ON, IT IS TIME TO HELP THE ENVIRONMENT!

How could you he lp? Limit your use

n of Crow The fis h a t s r rns per Tho 4 d 2 kille oral c has the t of n e c ars 0 ye in 3 ─ ───

of plastics!

can ales fem e 65 g o r t La up r uce s pe prod g g e ion mill n o seas

OF N ROW C E TH RNS O H H g the predators T S I F R p over fishin STneA st o ed to

─ ───

n of Crow h The arfis t s rns o t Tho w gro can m35c een w t e b m 80c ─ ───

We : h are whic

r Fish Pu f f e arry sh t S • fi Snail sse igger iton • Tr Giant Tr ario Wra e M • Th p Head m • Hu

25

SERVICE

Ponytail Project The third annual Ponytail Project gathered a momentous groundswell of community support and attention this year, with an unprecedented number of students cutting their ponytails, funds raised that exceeded all expectations and the attention of national television.

The courage and motivation of the students attracted national media attention from Channel Nine’s Today Show with the Principal, Ms Curtis, and several students appearing on the show during a live cross with Karl Stefanovic and Lisa Wilkinson.

Over sixty St Margaret’s girls cut off their ponytails in August to donate to those who have lost their hair due to a medical condition, while also raising funds for Queenslanders affected by cancer. Hairdressers from Clayfield’s Boston Salon cut the girls ponytails, supporting the event for the third consecutive year.

ABC Radio National, 96.5 radio, City North News and The Huffington Post also covered news of the girls’ service project, while Year 12 students Hannah Lane and Chelsea Walker, together with Head of Year 12 Mrs Lishman, eloquently represented St Margaret’s on ABC 612 radio’s morning program with Craig Zonca.

An extraordinary $51,000 was raised, to be shared by the Cancer Council Queensland and the Minotti Trust (established to support the young family of St Margaret’s staff member Amanda Minotti, who lost her life to cancer last year).

Ms Curtis said the students’ unwavering determination to make a difference in the lives of others was admirable.

“We are very proud of the students’ generosity and their motivation to this cause. The Ponytail Project, which is an entirely student-led initiative, wholly symbolises the school’s core value of faith, with the impetus of the project focused on providing assistance to others in need.

“We are grateful to all of our St Margaret’s community, and the wider public, who supported the girls in their efforts,” said Ms Curtis.

26

SERVICE

Students help create better future for children in need St Margaret’s aims to inspire and empower students to make a positive impact within the communities in which they live and will, one day, work. Service learning is an important facet of educating the whole child, with students in all year levels participating in service learning projects that provide assistance to community members in need while also developing their leadership, organisational and team building skills.

Twenty Year 9 students this year chose to be involved in The Smith Family’s student2student program, which works by matching students in the community who need to improve their reading with peer buddies who can help and encourage them on this journey.

The St Margaret’s reading buddies received training by The Smith Family to help their students develop reading confidence and skills.

The girls then spend two to three twenty minute sessions each week, providing telephone peer tutoring with their student. The program takes place over 18 weeks with the girls documenting each phone call and reporting progress to a program supervisor on a fortnightly basis.

St Margaret’s Head of Year 9 and Service Learning Coordinator Kelly Alford said the program provides a truly hands-on service learning opportunity that is ongoing, as distinct from a stand-alone fundraising or awareness raising opportunity.

“The program requires a really sustained level of commitment from the girls across almost five months and puts them totally in charge. It’s been wonderful to receive positive feedback about the girls’ involvement and to see them making a real difference to the lives of these children,” said Ms Alford.

Year 9 student Margot Davis is passionate about her involvement in the student2student program and says she enjoys the opportunity to share her reading enjoyment with her buddy.

“I enjoy the feeling I get when my buddy says they enjoyed the book or appreciated my help. To me, that feeling cannot be had anywhere else. I know that I’m making a difference in someone’s life, no matter how small or big.

“I am learning a lot about myself through student2student, including effective communication skills. I’ve quickly learnt that if you can make a connection, you can help someone even just by being there. I have also learnt how to be patient and to help students work out things on their own,” said Margot.

The Smith Family’s student2student program was established to bridge a reading gap in primary school students, which is reported to be equivalent to almost three years of schooling between the lowest and highest socio-economic students.

27

FOUNDATION Sectional Perspective - Natural Lighting

4

Chair“I Options Take a seat to say was here” St Margaret’s five year Enhancing Excellence Annual Giving Campaign is into its second year.

St Margaret’s

Collaborative Learning Space 10.07.2017

Please consider taking a seat

Have you ever looked down and pondered over the names etched into terracotta tiles on the Arts Centre Terraces or inspected the colourful, named tiles in the entrance to the Eunice Resource Centre and thought what a wonderful way to be an indelible part of St Margaret’s history.

We have already witnessed the transformation of the space bordered by Toorak, Avoca and the boarding house. It is now a well-used outdoor social area, which every morning tea and lunchtime is filled with girls enjoying the fresh air and surrounding greenery. In addition, the transformation of the old biology lab into M’s Café is complete. Its concertina doors are frequently opened, bringing the outside in, and again, is a space regularly enjoyed by many students and staff.

Together with funds from this year’s campaign, and a generous donation from the P&F following a successful Race Day, a start has been made on the second project within this campaign – the collaborative lecture space in the old business rooms in Jackson.

As the Flyer went to print, perimeter building fences were being erected to enable work to commence.

This large ‘lectorial’ space will have the flexibility to enable team teaching, lecture style presentations and group work – all in one lesson. It is these changes to the physical environment such as a clever combination of fixed and swivel seating, tiered levels and advanced technology fit-out that will foster a true 21st century learning environment.

Students will be able to move fluidly and spontaneously, from hearing the expert/teacher to a discussion of the concept with peers or to complete group work for reporting back. Furniture will not have to be moved and the teacher can move smoothly from one phase of the lesson to the other. It will allow lecture style sessions to include opportunities for student collaboration and keep sessions lively with student discussion and interaction. This flexibility is important in a space that can be used for curriculum purposes as well as for student meetings, performances and parent and staff meetings.

Opportunities to become a part of eternal fabric of the school only come around once every few years; and now there is another way to become, quite literally, part of the furniture.

People donating $1000 or more to this year’s Annual Giving OPTION A Campaign will be invited to ‘take a seat’ in the lecture theatre WORKSHOP 28 in the form of a named plaque on the back of the seat.

Being a 120-seat lecture theatre, there are only 120 opportunities to record your place in St Margaret’s history in this fashion – or perhaps it is in memory of a past student or community member.

Donors who contribute $1000 or more will be contacted by the Development Office to see if they wish to ‘take a seat’ in this wonderful learning space and to confirm the wording on the plaque. If you have any enquiries regarding any aspect of the annual giving campaign or giving in general to St Margaret’s, including bequests, please contact the St Margaret’s Foundation on (07) 3862 0884 or email foundation@stmargarets.qld.edu.au

If you have not already donated to this campaign, there is still the opportunity to help optimise this theatre’s fit-out with your generous donation.

You can make a tax-deductible donation online at www.foundation.stmargarets.qld.edu.au or use the giving envelope enclosed with this Flyer.

28

OPTION C COMAX AUSTRALIA St Margaret’s

Collaborative Learning Space 10.07.2017

FOUNDATION

Thank you

On behalf of St Margaret’s, the Foundation gratefully acknowledges all those who have participated in the 2017* Enhancing Excellence Annual Giving Campaign. We also extend our thanks to those donors who wish to remain anonymous.

LUMINARY $10k + Anonymous (1) Carla and Tim Caro Helene Jones Est for Nora Baird The Lisle Family Professional Women’s Network The Solomon Family The Whyte Family VISIONARY $5,000-$9,999 Anonymous (2) CHAMPION $2,500 -$4,999 Shirley Bale Ms Ros Curtis The Dines Muntaner Family AMBASSADOR $1,000-2,499 Anonymous (2) 25 Year St Margaret’s Reunion (1992 Seniors) The Baldwin Family Julie, Frances, Alexandra and Sarah Becker Mrs Libby Black Mrs Diana Caie H and R Campbell Dr Scott and Mrs Louise Campbell The Crouch Family Margot and Ron Finn Kate, Eliza and Bella Gray Brian Hirschfeld Amanda Lacaze The Lane Family Dr Paul and Mrs Tanya Licina Margot Love Mr and Mrs R Quinn Mia Reinhardt Cameron and Anna Sorensen The Tsien Family Gary and Katherine Wilson

ADVOCATE $500-$999 Anonymous (4) Ms Lee Beanland Zoe Connolly The Ellis Family Ms Wendy Johnston Wendy and Warwick King Mr and Mrs Pugliese Dr Robyn E Wilson

SUPPORTER $2-$499 Anonymous (18) Greg Anderson Ms Samantha Bolton Ms Glen Cameron Margaret Cameron Judy Carne Rebecca Castley Mr Sai Man Chan Mrs Glennie Clarke Mrs Anne Clarke Sophia and Naomi Colledge Ms Desiree Coroneo Mrs Joan Cowie Ms Kate Curran Mrs Jean Davies Ms Nicole Devlin Vivienne and Tony Dodd Robert and Gayle Donaldson Ms Angela Drysdale Mrs J Duncan Miss Sheena Dyason Trudi Edwards Ms Lesa Fowler Laurel Fraser Mrs Elizabeth Fyfe Ms Karen Gorrie Mr Matthew Goudge Lynn Grantham Mrs Marilyn Gratwick RD and AJ Grieve Dr MA and Mrs LM Harvey Mrs Prue Haussman Mrs Janice Hewitt Sandra Humphries Susan Jarmer Mrs Anne Jobbins Vicki Law Winnie Law Madeleine Leggatt Tony and Tina Lordi Mrs Donagh Lytras Mrs Joyce Marjason The McGilvray Family

Margot McNee Mrs Janice Moody Mrs Beverley Mort Mrs Anne Muggleton Selwa and Blanche Muller The Pieterse Family Dr Annette Quayle Mrs Pett Rayner Margot Roberts Mr David Schwennesen Mrs Janette Snewin Mrs Natalie Snide Mrs Pam Somerset Ms Heather Stephenson Mrs Allison Thorpe Ms Nikki Townsend Jill Viney Toni Williams Ms Luanne Wishart

*This list includes donations made up until 5 October 2017, and includes those made in late 2016, after the publication of the 2016 Spring/Summer edition of the Flyer.

Every year, in addition to donations to the Foundation’s building, scholarship and endowment funds, the school receives support from many areas, from within the school, from the wider school community and from local businesses and corporate sponsors. We would like to gratefully acknowledge all our sponsors this year; whether it is in valuable time given to school through volunteering; the donating of raffle and auction prizes for our events; sponsoring an event; or through in-kind gifts to the school, these contributions are invaluable to the school now and into the future. We also wish to sincerely thank everyone who supported the school by attending an event, purchasing a raffle ticket or bidding for an auction item. Your generosity is truly appreciated.

29

COMMUNITY Lasting friendships and memories formed throughout school are not just the domain of the students; parents, too, form indelible connections that prevail long after their children have graduated.

Part of the wonderful work of the St Margaret’s P&F Association is to facilitate these connections, providing opportunities for parents to come together throughout the year. Whether for onsite functions like the Father Daughter Breakfast, the coordination of year group representatives, or the orchestration of grand occasions like the biannual Community Ball, chances for friends, old and new, to connect are plentiful and memorable.

In 2017, the P&F held their second biannual Community Ball, which was well attended by parents, staff and community members. This black-tie affair was held within the shimmering walls of Cloudland in May, with guests adding to the glitz in their glamorous attire. The evening included a delicious three-course dinner and drinks, accompanied by live music, a silent auction and raffle prizes for some lucky attendees.

Proceeds from the event go towards the P&F’s invaluable fundraising efforts.

You shall go to the ball

30

COMMUNITY MAJOR RACE SPONSOR

A day at the races

This year’s St Margaret’s P&F Race Day was again a sell-out event. Held track-side at Doomben, there was a terrific buzz underneath the giant white marquee, as guests watched the horses thunder past while enjoying convivial company, food and refreshments, and a flutter on not only the races, but the fabulous raffle prizes and lucky envelopes on offer.

Perhaps the biggest race day winners were our students, with all monies raised from the day going towards the construction and fit-out of The Loft – the new lecture theatre currently taking shape in former classrooms in Jackson Wing. Just over $29,000 was raised, which is a huge tribute to all involved.

The St Margaret’s community extend their gratitude to all sponsors and prize donors, as well as the P&F Race Day committee members, who got the event past the post, all those who attended, purchased raffle tickets and lucky envelopes, and the group of Year 11 students who provided invaluable assistance on the day.

Thank you to major race sponsor DHL, and race sponsors Barambah Organics, Kennedy’s reclaimed and sustainable architectural timbers, Madison Cleaning and Printing Services, Programmed Property Services, QScan Radiology Clinics, Strathmores Advisory Capital Collections, and UMS (Uniform Management Services).

31

COMMUNITY

Networking events go from strength to strength lectern, sharing intelligent insights and amusing anecdotes.

A common theme was these women’s tenacity of spirit to see their peers fill positions in even the most challenging of careers, while also advocating for the change needed to make such opportunities more accessible to women in the future.

We were privileged to have four powerhouse professional women addressing sell-out audiences this year: CEO of Energy Skills Queensland, Penelope Twemlow (‘00); Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Pathways and Partnerships at Bond University, Catherine O’Sullivan; Gender Advisor to Chief of the Defence Force and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer of PwC, Julie McKay; and Head of Investment Research and Governance at BT Financial Group, Marnie McLaren (’91).

One definition of networking is to create a group of acquaintances and associates and keep it active through regular communication for mutual benefit.

Every year since 2014, St Margaret’s has been providing a valuable networking vehicle through its Professional Women’s Network (PWN) events. Held four times a year, these events have given women (and men) from a wide range of professions and backgrounds the opportunity to network, both socially and professionally, and come together to Share, Support and Inspire. They have offered a vibrant and uplifting forum where an inspiring female guest speaker has shared her story and lessons learned on her personal and professional journey.

At each event in 2017, guests relished the occasion to mingle in the early morning sunshine amidst a backdrop of magnificent city views, before convening over a delicious breakfast in the Arts Centre Foyer to hear from the guest speaker. Hailing from diverse careers and organisations, each speaker brought her own special message to the

32

Increasingly in 2017, the breakfasts have provided business and industry with an avenue to offer their teams valuable networking and in-service opportunities, by taking corporate tables of ten. The presentations also inspired groups of students from St Margaret’s across Years 10 to 12 and young university residents from St Margaret’s College, who made the most of these networking events to seek encouragement and advice from women forging paths they may one day tread.

It has been the ongoing support of major sponsor Bond University, associate sponsor Pitcher Partners, and supporting partners Downer, Optus, de Groots and Gardior, together with the generous donations of much anticipated raffle prizes, that have allowed these events to flourish. All proceeds go to the St Margaret’s Endowment Fund to help further the education of our students well into the future.

St Margaret’s would like to thank our community for their attendance and involvement in these events and we encourage you to share the upcoming Professional Women’s networking events with your connections in 2018.

COMMUNITY

Father’s Dinner Friday 28 July 2017

Mother’s Day Breakfast Friday 12 May 2017

Father’s Day Breakfast Friday 1 September 2017

33

FRIENDS OF MAYO

2017 Long Lunch Without fail there is always a scene at a MAYO Long Lunch – one that is an assault on the senses, as art, design and the sights and smells of delicious cuisine all come together in the long hall of the Arts Centre Gallery. Add to the menu the chatter of guests in animated conversation and you have a recipe for a delightful lunch where guests do indeed linger longer.

Who can blame them, of course, when the food just keeps on coming; in 2017, it came in the form of indulgent French cuisine – scallops, snails, pates, terrines, soups, pissaladiere, beef cheeks, pork, duck, sole, crepes suzette – courtesy of the inimitable Scott Johnson and his talented team.

Some of this fare was donated by some of Scott’s trusted suppliers: we thank Hillman Meats, Quality Food Services and Richards Brothers Seafoods for their quality produce.

A first-time attendee summed up the occasion, saying: “We are a new family to the school and were impressed with the celebration of art at St Margaret’s as part of the cultural life of the school. It was a truly beautiful afternoon; lovely company and a delicious lunch.”

Over ninety guests graced the tables at the Long Lunch, spending some of their time presupposing their good luck in the Postcard Project draw. More than 100 postcards featuring the stunning work of artists connected to the school community, as well as from further afield, were available for purchase prior to the lunch; the anticipation and excitement was in not knowing which postcard/s collectors would take home with them.

Not only did the postcards add an artistic backdrop to the lunch, this year’s event saw another new initiative – the inclusion of a guest gallery. Brisbane’s Edwina Corlette Gallery in Brunswick St was invited to hang artworks in the gallery bays, providing a second magnificent backdrop to the lunch, as well as commissions on any sales – a most gracious and generous offering from Edwina.

The proceeds from these two initiatives and the lunch will enable the Friends of MAYO to continue to strengthen the school’s art collection, which is used to promote students’ appreciation of art, as well as their critical and creative thinking skills.

The school is grateful to the Friends of MAYO Committee for ensuring the continued success of this well patronised and highly enjoyable community event, and to all those who supported it.

34

FRIENDS OF MAYO

Our ‘Heritage’

It was serendipitous that a commissioned sculptural work, inspired by the Celtic origins of the Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Advent, could be promptly installed on a plinth in the water feature of the Barley Sugar Gardens just two days before our community came together to celebrate our school heritage in the annual St Margaret’s Day festivities.

Sculptor Graham Radcliffe carved the distinctive feature from magnificent Roman Travertine marble as a response to the site, with elements of the surrounding gardens and the proximity to the chapel informing the design. Roman Travertine is one of the most long-standing and celebrated marbles. Used since the times of the Roman Empire, the stone has been used in masterpieces such as the Colosseum, the Theatre of Marcellus and St Peter’s Basilica. Now, standing within the grounds of St Margaret’s, we believe the work will be a very special part of the story of St Margaret’s for generations to come.

Titled ‘Heritage’, the sculpture resembles a blend of references to the infinity symbol with spired ends, flanked on either side with gently twisted horizontal curves of stone that give the work a cross-like appearance. The sculpture, with gradual curves and strong positive edges, casts both soft and hard shadows in the daylight, offering different visual compositions depending on the aspect of the viewer.

Both form and substance of the work allude to an endless possibility of symbolic meanings and invites contemplative interpretation from the students as they circle the work on their journey through the gardens.

The commissioning of this feature for the Barley Sugar Gardens is a project of Friends of MAYO, with funds being raised from the activities of the last year, including the 2016 MAYO Festival. Production of this piece lasted twelve months from start to finish and was warmly received by Mayo committee members, Principal Ros Curtis and Deputy Principal Karen Gorrie on the day of installation.

Many students commented excitedly on the marvellous addition to their green space as they observed the structure emerge from the crowd of installers who helped position the work in place. Students playfully gave their approval of the new addition to Graham, Ros and the Mayo Committee, offering comments, genuine exclamations of delight and ‘high-fives’ for the artist.

This work is a beautiful addition to the water feature, which was a gift from the P&F in memory of St Margaret’s mother Margie Finlay, who sadly passed away in 2013. Margie and husband Brent were very active and supportive boarder parents, who educated their three daughters – Sophie (’09), Georgia (’11) and Alice (’13) – at St Margaret’s.

Graham and his wife Margit live and work on a beautiful property at Mt Glorious called ‘Phoenix Sculpture Garden’, open to the public each Sunday. It is a very special day out and might offer the opportunity to meet Graham and Margit.

35

OLD GIRLS NEWS

St Margaret’s past students appointed to Order of Australia

Keri Craig-Lee (nee Craig ’75) OAM

Merilyn Luck (nee Beak ’51) OAM

St Margaret’s Old Girls Keri Craig-Lee (nee Craig ’75), Merilyn Luck (nee Beak ’51) and Justice Michelle May (’72) were named among other Australians in the Queen’s Birthday honour roll in June.

$14m and housing more than 1200 works. In 2016, Merilyn was recognised for her longstanding dedication and leadership of the Rockhampton Art Gallery, which included the naming of a wing of the gallery in her honour.

The Order of Australia formally recognises Australians across the country for their outstanding achievements and contribution to society.

In addition to her passion for the arts, Merilyn has devoted much of her life to her faith, and has been an active member of the Anglican Church serving as Lay Minister, Dean’s Warden and Parish Councillor, coordinating finance and planning between 1985 to early 2000.

Fashion designer Keri Craig-Lee was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her service to the clothing manufacturing sector, business and the community.

Born into a fashion family, Keri tried her hand at her first fashion line at just 19 and so began the Keri Craig empire.

Earning her place as one of Queensland’s most iconic business women, Keri has received several accolades. Today, the Keri Craig brand has evolved to focus on the Keri Craig Emporium, a fashion, café and homewares boutique in the Brisbane Arcade.

Keri was the inaugural winner of the St Margaret’s Distinguished Past Student award in 2015.

Merilyn Luck has devoted much of her life to her local community. It was for her service to the Rockhampton community that Merilyn was awarded a Medal (OAM) in the General Division.

One of the inaugural donors to the Rockhampton Art Gallery in the late 1970s, Merilyn’s generosity and commitment helped to establish the founding art collection.

She later became a Trustee (in 1994) and in 2007 was appointed chairwoman. Under her ambitious leadership, the gallery experienced tremendous growth, including the introduction of two biennial art prizes, the Gold and Baynton awards. The gallery’s collection is one of the most revered in regional Queensland, valued at more than

36

Justice Michelle May (’72) AM

Merilyn also became a Director of Central Queensland University’s Foundation in the late 1990s. In 2013 her contribution was recognised when the university bestowed on her an Honorary Award of Companion of the University.

Merilyn’s unwavering commitment to the Rockhampton region was acknowledged publicly in 2012 when she became the recipient of the Rockhampton City Council Australia Day Cultural Award.

The Honourable Justice Michelle May is judge of the Family Court of Australia, Appeal Division and President of the Australasian Institute of Judicial Administration. Justice May was awarded a Member (AM) in the General Division for significant service to the law, particularly to the Family Court of Australia, to judicial administration and to professional associations.

Commencing legal practice in 1979, Justice May was admitted to the Queensland Bar in 1978 and appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1993. In 1995, she was appointed as Judge of the Family Court of Australia, the first female appointment to that court from Queensland.

Congratulations to each of these St Margaret’s Old Girls aptly recognised for their stellar achievements and commitment; they are outstanding and aspirational role models for the St Margaret’s community.

OLD GIRLS NEWS

Past student’s shining success Earlier this year Pip Harvey Ross (’10) was named a finalist in The Australian Women’s Weekly Qantas Women of the Future Awards.

The awards celebrate women aged 18 to 34 years with a great business idea, charity or venture – amazing women pursuing a dream to help others.

Pip was nominated for her work founding Many Shades, a not-for-profit organisation established to offer housing to orphaned children in Tanzania.

Having been to South Africa as part of the St Margaret’s Year 10 Global Exchange Program, Pip had read about volunteer programs and so in her second year out of school, chose to visit Tanzania.

What she witnessed during the time she spent at a primary school in Arusha, immediately stirred an empathy inside her.

Wanting to do more, Pip established Many Shades. The organisation’s immediate goal is to open a children’s home for seven underprivileged children under the age of seven. Construction on the home began in March on an acre of land in Tanzania.

Run by Tanzanian women, the children residing in the home will attend English Medium Schools and will have access to the support and facilities that will allow them to attend secondary school, and maybe one day university. Each child will also be appointed a sponsor family, who will provide funds for education, food and the daily costs of running the home.

In addition to the children’s home project, Many Shades is focused on other community projects including the Arusha Readers Program and the Many Shades Community and Women’s Centre.

Pip’s journey in Tanzania has since led her to study law and she now juggles a busy study schedule with her Many Shades commitments.

It is Pip’s dream that through the work of Many Shades she can transform the lives of Tanzanian children so that they may “become healthy, happy and intelligent young adults with dreams and plans for the future”.

For more information and how you can help, visit manyshades.org.

Parting Gift

dition that Each year it is tra niors raise se g tin the gradua ute towards a funds to contrib school. The e lasting gift to th any and varied m en gifts have be have become in nature, but all s in the re permanent fixtu e seniors’ gift th , 16 school. In 20 touches on the put the finishing oolumburram, renovations of M e stain glass with custom mad on either side panels mounted d entrance of the rather gran grand er th stairs to this ra e design Th g. in ild historic bu sta the in glass was inspired by rnal doors. panels on the inte s of 2016. or ni se Thank you,

Rising Star It’s been a year of celebration for Old Girl Penelope Twemlow (’00) who is a shining example of success, with a string of diverse professional and personal accomplishments.

We first heard from the 2016 Queensland Telstra Business Woman of the Year (Social Enterprise and Not for Profit Category) at the Professional Women’s Network breakfast in March where she delivered an inspiring message about facing the challenges of gender bias in the workforce.

In April, the accomplished CEO and Chairwoman was presented the St Margaret’s Young Past Student of Distinction award in recognition of her many achievements.

Penelope’s career success was celebrated at the Women in Industry Awards gala in June, where she received both the Industry Advocacy and Mentor of the Year awards for her work as CEO of Energy Skills Queensland.

Later that same month, she was one of the rising stars named in this year’s Queensland Business Monthly Top 20 Under 40; a pick of the state’s most exciting young entrepreneurs and corporate leaders.

She was also a finalist in three categories for the 2017 Women in Business Awards of Australia which honour women who possess vision, innovation, entrepreneurial drive, leadership, individuality and tenacity with the ultimate goal being to present role models for other women to aspire to. In addition, Penelope is a finalist in the 2017 Lord Mayors Business Awards with the winner to be announced on 27 October.

Penelope says her greatest reward is being a proud St Margaret’s Old Girl and forging new paths for the amazing, bright, intelligent young St Margaret’s girls who are our future.

37

Reunion Weekend

OLD GIRLS NEWS

Almost 300 past students gathered for their milestone reunions this year, commencing on Friday 21 July, following the traditional St Margarets’ Day celebrations. We were delighted to welcome Sisters Gillian, Eunice and Sandra to the St Margaret’s Day service, where we acknowledged Sister Gillian’s 20th and Sister Eunice’s 50th anniversaries into the profession. Mother Eunice very quietly retired as Mother of the SSA in June, with Sister Gillian now leading the order, but not taking the title of Mother.

After a weekend of reunions, a record number of past students also gathered together on Sunday for the Old Girls’ Chapel Service and Morning Tea, which is open to all past students – not just those attending reunions – with the final 60+ VIP Reunion Lunch held on the Monday, topping off a long weekend filled with fond reminiscence.

50 Years

10 Years

60 Years

20 Years

60+ Years

30 Years

e Chapel Servic

38

40 Years

OLD GIRLS NEWS

A source of inspiration

promotes and improves the electrical and electro-technology industry by the advancement of women within it. (Read more about Penelope on page 37)

In late April, St Margaret’s announced the recipients of its third Past Students Awards, at a dinner in the Arts Centre Foyer.

Principal Ros Curtis said that while these awards have a short history at St Margaret’s and are not common in schools, alumni awards are quite routine at universities.

“As places of learning and of opportunity for growth and development, it is fitting we acknowledge the efforts and contributions of our past students as we are very proud of them; their relationship with the school should not cease once they walk out of the gates at the end of Year 12,” said Ms Curtis.

The Past Student Awards were established in 2015 to recognise the many achievements of St Margaret’s past students, both professionally and personally, with the aim to: • celebrate the diverse achievements of past students and provide an opportunity to share stories of success with our current students • increase connections between the school and past students to honour their legacy.

The Young Past Student Award goes to a past student in her 20th reunion year or younger. The 2017 winner was Penelope Twemlow (’00), making it a trifecta for the graduates of 2000 who have won these awards every year for the past three years (since the awards’ inception).

The Distinguished Past Students Award is for alumnae who have passed their 20th reunion. The 2017 winner was Associate Professor Louise Gustafsson (’87). Associate Professor Gustafsson (nee Bender) graduated from The University of Queensland (UQ) in 1991, and worked as a hospital-based occupational therapist before transitioning to an academic career at UQ in 2002. She completed her PhD in 2006 and is now Head and Undergraduate Program Director of Occupational Therapy in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS).

Associate Professor Gustaffson has made significant contributions to teaching and learning, receiving a School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences teaching award. She is a national expert in stroke rehabilitation and recovery, conducting research to improve outcomes and community participation for people living with stroke. Her work has been recognised with research awards and the Mary Rankine Wilson Memorial Award for Professional Excellence.

Nominations for the 2018 Past Student Awards are now open, with nomination forms available on the school’s website. Nominations close on Monday 12 March, 2018, at 5pm (AEST) and winners will be announced at a dinner on Friday 20 April, 2018. www.stmargarets.qld.edu.au/community/past-students/ past-student-awards

Penelope Twemlow’s career started in the Australian Defence Force, where she was involved in projects and deployments around Australia and Southeast Asia. She then went on to hold senior positions in the mining, oil, construction and gas sectors. In 2015, Penelope was appointed CEO of Energy Skills Queensland, an independent, not-for-profit organisation providing innovative solutions to enable a skilled and safe energy industry. She is currently the Chair of the Queensland Electrical Safety Education Committee, and founder and Chair of Women in Power, a not-for-profit organisation that

39

St Margaret's Open Day 9.30am - 12.30pm SATURDAY 10 MARCH 2018 For all enrolment enquiries, call our Admissions team (07) 3862 0777 or email admissions@stmargarets.qld.edu.au Enrol online at www.stmargarets.qld.edu.au St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School 11 Petrie Street Ascot QLD 4007 Australia Telephone: +61 7 3862 0777 Facsimile: +61 7 3862 0701 mail@stmargarets.qld.edu.au www.stmargarets.qld.edu.au St Margaret’s School Council Ltd ABN: 69069684019 CRICOS Code: 00511K A School of the Society of the Sacred Advent

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps