eNews Archive Issue 2 - 1 February 2024

Also, I remind parents and caregivers that student bags should not be in the boot of the car. It is our policy, due to the significant risk of students walking between moving vehicles, that students place their bags in the back seat of the car instead.

I always think it is interesting for the community to be aware of the dedication of our current staff members to their professional growth. The following staff across many departments in the school are currently studying in 2024 towards the Masters’ level (or higher) qualification. You will note the focus on leadership and management in education. It is heartening to see this demonstration, at a high level, of professional engagement and a commitment to lifelong learning.

• Michelle Alexander - Master of Education (Leadership/Inclusive Education at Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
• Rhea Barber - Master of Education (Educational Leadership) – QUT
• Kylie Briggs – Master of Education – USC
• Gary Bruce – Master of Counselling – University of Canberra
• Meg Cohen – Masters of Secondary Teaching (Drama and English) – Griffith University
• Alison Davis - Master of Education (Leadership/Management) – QUT
• Nadine Dunstone - Master of Educational 91ÇÑ×Óudies (Leadership) – University of Queensland (UQ)
• Georgi Eadie – Master of Education (Leadership) – QUT
• Kate Frewin – Master of Education (Leadership/Management) – QUT
• Adam Hand – Master of Educational 91ÇÑ×Óudies - Leadership – UQ
• Palu Ingram - Doctorate of International, Political and 91ÇÑ×Órategic 91ÇÑ×Óudies (Major in Asia and the Pacific) - Australian National University (ANU)
• Elena Katahanas - Master of Music (Performance 91ÇÑ×Óudies)- Elder Conservatorium, The University of Adelaide.
• Belinda Knowles – Master of Play Therapy – Deakin University
• Lara Montgomery - Master of Educational (Leadership/Management) – QUT
• Georgia O’Brien - Master of Education (Leadership/Management) - QUT
• Ellena Papas - Master of Creative Intelligence and 91ÇÑ×Órategic Innovation – The University of Sydney (UTS)
• Camille Poupardin - Master of Education (Leadership) – QUT
• Alison Ward - Master of Educational Leadership (Leading Learning) - Australian Catholic University (ACU)
• Janani Wijayathunga – Doctor of Philosophy (Accounting) - Charles Darwin University
• Crystal Wilson - Master of Teaching (Secondary) - QUT

is wholly owned by Independent Schools Queensland and advocates for families who choose an independent education for their child. An essential element of their advocacy work is the input received from a Consultative Committee of parents from a diverse range of independent schools. If you would like to join the Committee, please contact ISQ directly to complete an and one of the QIS Parents Network team will contact you if and when a vacancy becomes available.

Ros Curtis

The 91ÇÑ×Ó Margaret’s Way underpins our culture, demonstrating a respect for those around us and ensuring that we notice everyone here at school. The vision of 91ÇÑ×Ó Margaret’s Way is to ensure social and professional interactions between all within our community – students, staff, families - foster a sense of belonging, coherence and wellbeing. The 91ÇÑ×Ó Margaret’s Way is a set of values and behaviours to which all members of the 91ÇÑ×Ó Margaret’s community adhere. It grew out of questions put to the community: How do I want to feel every day when I come school? What am I doing to ensure that others feel this way? The vision of this plan is to ensure social and educational interactions that foster a sense of belonging, coherence, well-being and accountability amongst staff, students and parents. Essentially it is a pastoral approach that is designed to give a language to the way we are and strive to be in our interactions with each other. It is a focused energy on wellbeing, noting that all within the 91ÇÑ×Ó Margaret’s community have a role to play in the wellbeing of all in our community. There are two key focus areas – firstly we appreciate and acknowledge (each other, students, parents), and we are aligned and accountable (to ourselves, to each other, to the vision of the school.

All staff and students have information about 91ÇÑ×Ó Margaret’s Way on their computers when they log in each day. It is a daily reminder of how they are to treat each other and all members of the community with respect, and in return receive respect from them. It is underpinned by our values of Spirit, Inclusivity, Integrity, Courage, Respect and Passion.

I look forward to a year where our community can continue to embrace and foster the 91ÇÑ×Ó Margaret’s Way.

Karen Gorrie

I have been listening to the On Being podcast with Kristina Tippet and, in one episode she is interviewed on being human and her own spiritual journey. She interpreted the spiritual life as our “interior life” and the importance of nurturing and paying attention to what is going on in our inner lives – our emotions, coping mechanisms, resilience, big questions, etc. We spend so much time on shaping our exterior lives, often neglecting our interior lives, and the nurturing of that life through meditation, prayer, growing emotional intelligence, fostering joy and wellbeing. As Term 1 continues with its many wonderful activities, and events, how can you nurture your interior life?

You’re Invited

This Sunday 4 February at 4pm, the monthly Society of The Sacred Advent service of Holy Communion will take place in the Sisters’ Chapel (next to the Advent Centre – Pre-Prep building). All are welcome.

Important Dates for Term 1 and 2:

Rev’d Jazz Dow

Independence is a trademark of the boarding school experience as our students learn to manage their time effectively and handle personal responsibilities. Boarders gradually become experts at navigating the responsibilities of daily life away from home. The sense of independence grows in the early weeks of term as it lays the foundation for personal growth, resilience, and the ability to thrive in diverse and communal environments.

As the academic demands intensify, Week 2 also serves as a checkpoint for students to assess their study routines. The boarding environment provides a beneficial atmosphere for focused learning, with dedicated teaching staff assisting our boarders and resources readily available during prep time. Many students find that the collaborative nature of boarding fosters an environment where academic growth is encouraged but also celebrated as we study together in our boarding routines.

Week 2 is also the time we start our community building traditions. Dinner sittings, in particular, add a touch of formality to the evening routine, providing students with a unique opportunity to connect with peers from different year levels as they are assigned to a dinner table each term. This intentional seating arrangement not only facilitates social interaction but also contributes to a supportive and inclusive boarding environment. We also host a whole boarding house meeting together in week 2 with all year levels to discuss matters that only concern the boarding house and to share upcoming events and activities. The ‘closed weekend’ is a hot topic for this week as we plan to have all the boarders stay in this weekend. It is a weekend filled with joy and excitement as each day is planned by our Year 12 boarders and staff who host all the fun activities.

Week 2 in boarding has already proven the students have transitioned from the initial adjustments to a more settled and connected state. The cross-year interactions not only enrich the social fabric of the boarding community but contribute to the holistic growth that defines the boarding school experience. Building friendships, making academic strides, embracing their independence, and participating in community events, set the stage for a fulfilling and enriching academic year ahead.

Gracemere Mataia

Our current students received words of wisdom from those who have gone before them and are encouraged to implement this advice into their studies for the year. An electronic copy of this booklet is available on each Year Level page on the POD and a hardcopy will be provided to all Years 11 and 12 students. In addition, I will be including a piece of this advice in my eNews each week.

“Listen to your teachers. I know it isn’t easy to receive feedback on your work but trust me they are not trying to criticise you; they are trying to help you. They do want what is best for you and know exactly what to do for you to get the best results. So, speak to your teachers and ask questions in class. They really do give some of the best advice.” – Sienna Crockett ‘23

Assessment Calendars

Assessment calendars for Years 10 and 11 students were released earlier in the week. The Year 12 assessment calendar was released last year. 91ÇÑ×Óudents should be using the information in this calendar to plan out their term. Occasionally, there are adjustments to due dates so students are reminded to use the electronic copy on their Year Level POD pages.

Year 12 Meetings

This term, I am meeting with all Year 12 Portfolio Pathway students to discuss their progress so far and help them to plan their time moving forwards. All students will receive an appointment in their emails and parents are welcome to attend if they wish.

Caitlin McCluskey

91ÇÑ×Óudents were eligible for two awards at the Assembly:

• Progress Certificate – awarded to students who improved their GPA by at least 1 whole point.
• Academic Pocket – awarded to students who achieved a GPA of 13 or above.

My sincere congratulations to the following girls:

Year 7 2023

Progress Certificate: Merrick B., Chloe B., Alyssa B., Annabelle C., Chloe D., Freja F., Chelsea G., Kate H., Lata H., Sahra P., Harriet P., Yueming W.

Academic Pocket: Sasha B., Sienna B., Emily B., Erin B., Annabelle C., Ashleigh C., Emily C., Piper C., Greer C., Penelope C., Chloe D., Ritz F., Jade F., Zali F., Danica G., Chelsea G., Asher G., Sienna J., Phoebe J., Scarlett J., Danielle L., Ellish L., Neve M., Sophie M., Georgia M., 91ÇÑ×Óella M., Jasmine M., Lauren M., Chloe N., Sophia P., Valentina P., Charlotte-Grace P., Isabelle P., Allegra P., Ella P., Emily Q., Jiayu S., Pepper S., Isobel S., Angelica S., Lily T., Sophie W., Yueming W., Rose Y., Meiqi Z.

Year 8 2023

Progress Certificate: Elizabeth A., Abigail B., Holly B., Gloria F., Elka G., Maya H., Tia K., Jessica M., Ana-Belle M., Matilda O., Ezara P., Jessica R., Ellen R., Avalon S.

Academic Pocket: Elizabeth A., Edith B., Abigail B., Holly B., Abigail B., Hope C., Ruby C., Harriet C., Lucy D., Charlotte F., Clara F., Sophie F., Helena G., Charlize H., Georgina H., Ha Yuen K., Gina L., Xinyi L., Annabelle L., Cheuk Ning L., Ella M., Abigail M., Lily O., Estelle O., Madeline P., Lucinda R., Madeline R., Ellen R., Charlotte R., Talia S., Erin S., Ava T., Ines V., Bronte W., Siena W.

Year 9 2023

Progress Certificate: Hazel M., Sofie W., 91ÇÑ×Óella-Marie W.

Academic Pocket: Charlotte A., Madeline B., Matilda B., Sophia B., Teliah C., Hudson C., Esther D., Miller E., Coco F., Mana F., Ava F., Tia H., Amelia H., Olivia H., Sofia I., Lauren J., Jessica K., Adel K., Lucy L., Clara L., Vania L., Beatrice M., Abby M., Tayla M., Aila M., Matilda O., Ruby R., Milana S., Harper T., Bronte T., Charlotte T., Beatrice T., Choe W., Polly Y.

Year 10 2023

Progress Certificate: Lauren C., Elke C., Kate C., Charlotte D., Margot F., Isabella G., Bronte H., Sienna I., Esther L., Priya M., Grace O., Hanna P., Molly R., Sophie S., Ayla S.

Academic Pocket: Kate B., Charlotte B., Wing Chui C., Lauren C., Natasha D., Arnika D., Jiayin F., Silin H., Alyssa H., Charlotte K., Georgia L., Emily M., Neve M., Alexandra O., Ruby R., Sienna R., Sophie S., Amelia S., Phillipa S., Lucinda S., Charlotte S., Teresa S., Jiayue T., Ellouise T., Hei Yiu T., Kalejia T., Phoebe T., Georgia W., Ella W.

Year 11 2023

Progress Certificate: Georgia A., Arabella A., Aaliyah B., Matilda B., Georgia B., Pixie C., Miah D., Charlotte D., Emma F., Angelika L., Sum Yu L., Lily L., Millie M., Tiana S., Chantay T., Verity W., Molly W., Jingwen Z.

Academic Pocket: Lily A., Gardenia A., Ava B., Alice B., Matilda B., Rose B., Pixie C., Tiana C., Beijiao C., Siyu C., Michaela C., Skye C., Anastasia E., Olivia F., Maya F., 91ÇÑ×Óephanie G., Catherine G., Alexandra G., Arabella H., Brianna H., Charlotte J., Anna J., Lucinda K., Maddison K., Ho Yan L., Sum Yu L., Grace M., Camille M., Meg N., Lucy P., Eloise R., Imogen S., Emily S., Sarah S., Caitlin W., Jordan W., Hao Z.

Chris Dunn

1. Promote Belonging: We all need to feel connected. We can do this in our own relationships, with our communities through work, sporting groups and other clubs and organisations. Resilience is built on our sense of belonging.
2. Have some down time: We often find ourselves rushing from one structured activity or event to another. Find some time each week just to be at home without anything structured happening.
3. Rediscover Family Rituals: It doesn’t matter whether it’s a family walk after dinner, Sunday roast or Saturday morning clean-up, rituals are highly protective. The best rituals often cost nothing.
4. Spontaneity and Curiosity: Spontaneity and curiosity are the building blocks for good mental health.
5. Be a role model: Fuller’s message here is that if you want your child to have mentally healthy lives, you are going to have to have a good time yourselves. If you want your children to succeed, you have to show them that success is worth having.
6. Love Kids for their Differences: When families function well, people are allowed to be different and be loved for those differences.
7. It is Clear who is in Charge: Families do not work well as democracies. In fact they seem to work best as benevolent dictatorships in which the parents consult a lot with their children, but at the end of the day the parent has the final say.
8. Consistency: Consistency is the ideal. Having parents who agree on rules and standards and who convey the same sorts of messages, and who value compassion over coercion clearly has the best outcome in terms of children’s wellbeing.
9. Teach the Skills of Self-esteem: Families that work well seem to praise one another a lot. Complements are made and positive efforts are commented upon. Optimism is in the air.
10. Know How to Argue: Families that work well know how to argue. The family is where we really learn to resolve disputes fairly. The way in which parents teach children how to resolve differences of opinion with siblings provides the basis for sharing, negotiating and problem-solving in the world beyond family.
11. Parents are reliably Unpredictable: It is important to have structure and routine, but it is useful to act in ways that your children would not expect. This keeps them interested in learning from you or at least wondering what you are up to.

If you are interested in reading more of Andrew Fuller’s work, you can visit his site Kick 91ÇÑ×Óart your thinking with Andrew Fuller at .

Nikki Townsend

In relation to the club program, the benefits are not just shaping a student’s interest and hobby but also helping to develop a variety of skills. More specifically the benefits include:

• 91ÇÑ×Óudents develop social skills: they mix and work with other students and, at times, step out of their comfort zone.
• 91ÇÑ×Óudents develop talents and skills: they learn or hone skills relevant to club.
• 91ÇÑ×Óudents learn from each other: they gain insights into other’s ideas and learn the value of another’s point of view.
• 91ÇÑ×Óudents learn to value unity: clubs help build small communities of students with similar interests, working together to reach the same goals.
• 91ÇÑ×Óudents grow in their confidence and independence: clubs provide opportunities for students to be leaders, share talents and increase confidence.

We will regularly post information about the different clubs before they are made available to students. Our club program offers activities that cater for different interests and are offered at different times, before, during and after school. Please find the available and information. Some activities are user pay and some are in high demand with Homework Club being one. Homework Club encourages students in Years 4, 5 & 6 to seek advice and support for strategies to complete their homework.

Process:

• Commences Week 4 (five-week block)
• Groups split into Years 4/5 and 5/6 groups.
• Parents must register their interest via the link in the POD post.
• Parents will be notified via email if their daughter is registered or whether they go on the waiting list.
• Limited numbers selected on order of registration receipt. 91ÇÑ×Óudents who miss out will get first preference next term.
• New registrations will be required each term.

This week we launch Mindfulness Club, a club which encourages the three qualities of mindfulness (intention, attention, attitude). 91ÇÑ×Óudents choose from a mindful activity in quiet surroundings of the library every Thursday lunchtime. Membership is casual for Years 3 to 6 and invited students.

I look forward to watching the girls as they embrace the many opportunities on offer through clubs.

Angela Drysdale

If you are looking for ways to support your daughter in her mindset, behaviours and organisation, the school’s ‘Expectations of 91ÇÑ×Óudents’, otherwise known as the ‘Non-Negotiables’, is the perfect companion to ensuring that behaviours adopted for school can be continued into the home context, a crucial aspect of the home-school partnership we value at 91ÇÑ×Ó Margaret’s. These expectations can be found in the Primary Information Guide, on the walls of all the student classrooms and in the student diary. You will also have the opportunity to hear more about our approaches to learning and growing students who strive at the Primary Classroom Parent Information Night next Wednesday 7 February at 5.30pm, for which you will have received an invitation on the POD.

We have also revisited our ‘Manners Matter’ (PDF 156.8KB) approach to give further detail as to how these Non-Negotiables may translate into actions and behaviours. These are practical considerations for the girls that can easily be applied in the home context too. We look forward to supporting you and your daughters this year to make 2024 a success.

Annette Box

Boarder music

Last week a meeting was held with boarder musicians to discuss ways in which the Music Department can support them as they develop a consistent practice routine. Boarders are able to sign up for thirty-minute sessions of supervised practice from Monday to Thursday via the sign-up sheet on the . They are also more than welcome to use practice spaces before or after school. If requiring a space before or after school, please see Ms King (Music Dept Administration Assistant) who will be able to assist in opening rooms. A list of performance opportunities was also provided to boarder musicians with all dates listed on the Boarder Music POD page. An important date to pop into the diaries is the Boarder Music Recital which will occur in the Arts Centre Foyer on 8 August. We look forward to hearing lots of music-making in the boarding house this year!

Music ensemble expectations

Music Ensemble Expectations have been developed recently to make explicit expected student behaviour within music ensembles. 91ÇÑ×Óudents will see the poster below in all our music rehearsal spaces. The Music Ensemble Expectations are as follows:

1. Be on time and prepared for rehearsals with instrument, sheet music and pencil. If music has been misplaced, it is your responsibility to organise replacements in advance.
2. Assist with set-up and set-down of rehearsal space and keep the physical environment tidy. This includes the SHOR instrument storage area. No food or gum to be consumed during rehearsals.
3. Be positive and actively engaged during rehearsals. Listen and revise your part quietly while another part is rehearsing. Mobile phones must be kept in school bags or lockers. Use the bathroom prior to rehearsals rather than during.
4. Practice your part in advance of rehearsals. Be ready to perform your part individually or in small groups if asked by your conductor. Check the POD for resources to assist with practice.
5. Be inclusive and build positive relationships. Sign up for mentoring when required. Communicate respectfully with staff, captains and other students in ensembles.
6. Consistently attend all rehearsals and performances. Be responsible for checking the POD regularly for ensemble notices. Avoid making appointments during rehearsal times where possible. Discuss sport clashes with your ensemble conductor. Please note students in top-tier ensembles, the ensemble rehearsal needs to take priority. If unable to attend, an email must be sent from parents, or if from students, parents (or boarding house) must be cc’d on the email.
7. Always be kind. Practice the 91ÇÑ×Ó Margaret’s Way. Think about how you want to feel in music rehearsals and think about what you are doing to help others feel that way.
8. 

Music Day Camp

On Sunday 11 February, the Music Department will be holding a Day Camp for students involved in the following Secondary Music Ensembles: 91ÇÑ×Óradivari 91ÇÑ×Órings, Chamber 91ÇÑ×Órings, Jackson Wind Ensemble, Sister Helen Wind Symphony, Exultate and Volare. The focus of the Day Camp is two-fold; the day is an opportunity for students to spend time rehearsing new repertoire in the lead up to Open Day, and it will also allow students to further build friendships with others in the Music Program. The day will run from 8:30am - 4:00pm.A letter with further information is attached here (PDF 141.4KB). We look forward to having all girls involved!

91ÇÑ×Óudent congratulations

Congratulations to Hilary (Yr 12) who participated in the Qld Youth Symphony tour to Singapore, Austria and Germany over the Christmas break. Hilary had the amazing opportunity of performing diverse repertoire in spectacular venues within these countries. One of the highlights of the tour was performing in the world famous Musikverein in Vienna (home to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra) to a full house and a standing ovation. Another fantastic experience was performing with 91ÇÑ×Ó Margaret’s old girl Nina Korbe who was the guest soprano travelling with the orchestra as part of the tour. The tour was no doubt an experience that Hilary will remember for the rest of her life.

Congratulations also to Nadia (Yr 11) who was recently awarded her AMUS Associate Diploma with a High Distinction. This is an absolutely outstanding achievement. Nadia also participated in the AGMS Visual Festival last year in five events and was awarded a Platinum award in all five events. Nadia is currently studying at AGMS to become a piano teacher as she works toward her C.T.Mus.AGMS qualification. Congratulations Nadia on these wonderful accomplishments!

Music Support Group

The next Music Support Group meeting will be held on Tuesday 5 March 2024 at 5:00pm in the Circular Drive Classroom 01 (in front of the Arts Centre Foyer). We encourage parents from both primary and secondary schools to become involved.

Brad King

Our swimmers were fortunate to learn from special guest coach Michael Bohl, leading world class swimming coach and personal swim coach of current Olympians Emma McKeon and Kaylee McKeown. “Bohly” highlighted his 10 simple rules for athlete success in the pool, drilling home the swimming basics of streamline, breathing and kick, while also highlighting the need for team buy in and selflessness in contribution to other.  

Our camp finished up with a friendly ‘Dual in the Pool’ against competitor Moreton Bay. Our team got to race some relays and get in the spirit of QG competition.

Coming up our QG swim team has three important practice meets as they prepare for the QGSSSA Championships. These meets include:

•            The Brisbane Girls Grammar Meet – Friday 3 Feb at Centenary Pool

•            The 91ÇÑ×Ó Margaret’s Clayfield Meet – Friday 16 Feb at The Valley Pool

•            The 91ÇÑ×Ó Peter’s Meet – Friday 23 Feb at 91ÇÑ×Ó Peter’s

Our season will culminate in the QGSSSA Championships taking place on Wednesday 28 February at Chandler.

We wish Matt Brown, Head of Swimming and our Swim Captains Inde, Emma and 91ÇÑ×Óella all the very best for the season ahead. 

Australian All School Athletics Challenge

At the conclusion of 2023, 91ÇÑ×Ó Margaret’s was selected to send a representative team to contest the Athletics Australia All Schools Challenge. This event draws together the very best athletics schools from all over the country including the likes of Pymble and Meriden in New South Wales, Caulfield Grammar in Victoria and Moreton Bay in Queensland.

The 91ÇÑ×Ó Margaret’s team consisting of Charlotte F, Ebony O, Leah C, Zara F, Ruby E, Ashley B, Lily H and Lucy R drew together girls across multiple year levels to contest a range of different events. Our team performed extremely well, finishing third overall in the country.

We are extremely proud of this team’s performance and look forward to contesting the event again in 2024.

Sporting Achievement

It’s with great pleasure that we can recognise the outstanding sport performances and representation of 91ÇÑ×Ó Margaret’s students at a national and international level. I would like to highlight and congratulate the follow students on their recent achievements:

•            Congratulations to Ebony O, Ashley B and Zara F who competed at the 2023 Australian All Schools Athletics Championship, achieving medal winning performances representing Queensland. Ebony won bronze in the U17 100m, Zara won bronze in the U14 400m and Ashley was crowned the Australian Championship in the U15 High Jump. We congratulate these girls on their outstanding achievements. 

•            Congratulations to Sophie H who recently finished 2nd overall in the 15 Years 5km event at the Australian Open Water Swimming Championships in Busselton. We look forwards to seeing Sophie hit the pool in the upcoming QG season.

•            Congratulations to Ava T who has been selected to represent the U15 Queensland Beach Volleyball team, which will contest the Australian Youth Beach Volleyball Championships in March this year. We wish Ava all the very best. 

We would like to continue to recognise the outstanding achievements and representation of students’ participating at a national level, outside of the school sport pathway. I look forward to continuing to hear from our community regarding such outstanding achievement. Please email me at lknight@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Lloyd Knight

When not sharing her knowledge and skills with students at 91ÇÑ×Ó Margaret's, Ms Cameron enjoys continuing to practice as an artist. Her mixed media artwork 'Bluebottles' is currently on show as part of the 'Hidden Gems' exhibition at the Royal Queensland Art Society (Petrie Terrace Gallery).

There will also be a post-presentation Q&A. We look forward to you joining us for this invaluable opportunity to hear from one of Australia’s leading voices in the area of cybersafety, and to ensure that you are best equipped to support and protect your daughter’s online safety. 

Please RSVP at this by Friday 16 February. For any queries, please contact reception@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Like all milestones, 91ÇÑ×Ó Margaret’s wants to make its mark - by moving the overall fundraising needle to the million-dollar mark! It’s a bold target, so we are calling in the cavalry. We have raised more than $700,000, in nine years, so our goal is to raise close to $300,000 this year to reach our target.

To achieve this, we are calling for the involvement not only of students to cut their hair and donate, but also any other family members and alumni who’d like to #rockthechop – whether they live locally or outside of Brisbane.

If you are an Old Girl or past or current parent and would like to help us reach our target, we are asking you to register your interest so we can keep you up to date with the 2024 event. And some of you might need to start growing your mane now!

Can’t get to Brisbane? You can still be involved wherever you are by joining the fundraising page and getting your local hairdresser or a trusted friend to lop off your ponytail or consider holding your own event in a regional area or international city!

We’d love to connect our boarding families keen to be involved from afar – perhaps to even host a morning tea on the day.  

If you are interested in becoming involved, we have set up an Expression of Interest form where you can indicate what type of involvement you are interested in, and if you are in another town, we could connect you with other’s keen to be involved.

Note, the actual donation page will be open soon. The EOI form will help us keep you in touch with all things Ponytail Project, including letting you know when you can jump on and sign up to either cut your hair or donate.

If you have any enquiries, please email Wendy Johnston, Director of Marketing and Communications, on wjohnston@stmargarets.qld.edu.au or call (07) 3862 0837.

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2024 91ÇÑ×Ó Margaret’s Past 91ÇÑ×Óudent Awards: Dr Alex Markwell ('95) and Michelle May AM QC (’72) are recognised as Distinguished Past 91ÇÑ×Óudents, Caitlin McConnel (’07) as the Young Past 91ÇÑ×Óudent of Distinction, and Trudi Mitchell ('87) the inaugural recipient of the Spirit of Service Past 91ÇÑ×Óudent Award.

We invite you to join us for the Past 91ÇÑ×Óudent Awards Dinner on Thursday 21 March to hear from and celebrate these four inspirational 91ÇÑ×Ó Margaret's women who have made outstanding contributions to our society and achieved great success in their chosen field.

Event Details

Date:        Thursday 21 March 2024
Time:        Pre-dinner drinks and canapes at 6.30pm
                  Dinner at 7.00pm (including Awards presentation)
Venue:      Arts Centre Foyer, 91ÇÑ×Ó Margaret's Anglican Girls School
Cost:         $95 Adults | $65 91ÇÑ×Óudents 
                  Adult ticket includes canapes, two course meal and drinks package
                  91ÇÑ×Óudent ticket includes canapes, two course meal and non-alcoholic drinks package
Tickets:   
RSVP:        Friday 8 March 2023
Enquiries: Development and Community Office, (07) 3862 0768 or           
                  oga&alumni@stmargarets.qld.edu.au

Don’t forget to secure your ticket for the 2024 91ÇÑ×Ó Margaret’s Fathers’ Dinner

Hear from Guest Speaker, Australian Olympic Royalty, 91ÇÑ×Óeven Bradbury OAM, while enjoying a meal and drinks package at the Rivershed at Howard Smith Wharves.

Date:     Friday 1 March 2024

Venue:  Rivershed at Howard Smith Wharves

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

RSVP:    5.00pm Thursday 15 February, unless sold out prior.

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

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

Purchase your ticket online via

This event is proudly supported by Supporting Sponsor, Morgans and Maggies Supporter’s, Belbaker Bus Charter and Oscar Hunt.

Professional Women’s Network Breakfast – Featuring guest speaker Rhyll Gardner

Join us on Tuesday 19 March for our first Professional Women's Network Breakfast of 2024 with guest speaker Rhyll Gardner (’81). 

Rhyll is a non-executive director, chair, mentor and coach following a 40-year career as a financial services executive with 91ÇÑ×Ó George, Westpac, Bank of Queensland and Suncorp in Brisbane and Sydney. During her executive career, she led teams of up to 1000 people across retail, business and corporate banking, product and marketing, strategy and M&A, risk and compliance, and business and corporate development. Her current board roles include Chair of Nucrush, Non-Executive Director of BankVic, Non-Executive Director of Identitii, Non-Executive Director of InterFinancial, and Non-Executive Director of Foodbank. Rhyll also chairs and mentors a peer advisory group for CEOs and business owners. She is an avid supporter of the arts and is always drawn to opportunities to support young women.

Date:                   Tuesday 19 March 2024
Time:                   6.45am arrival for 7.00am - 8.45am
Location:            Arts Centre Foyer, 91ÇÑ×Ó Margaret's Anglican Girls' School, 11 Petrie 91ÇÑ×Óreet, Ascot
Format:              Sit down breakfast  

Tickets:               $85 Adult, $40 91ÇÑ×Óudent (Years 10-12/Tertiary). 
Corporate tables: $850 (10 seats), includes company logo displayed on table and acknowledgement during event.

To purchase tickets or a corporate table:

We thank our Professional Women’s Network series sponsors, Major Sponsor: Pitcher Partners, Supporting Sponsors: Wolff Coffee Roasters, Downer, Clear Insurance and Move Recruitment Solutions.