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A 168��������'s Mayo Committee is busily planning for this year’s Mayo Arts Festival, which will be held on Saturday 27 July. Please mark this date in your diary. Plans so far include:  

For children, Petrie Street will be a playground of fun with laser tag, a rock-climbing wall, and giant swings and, new to the festival’s activities this year, an animal farm.

Eton Hall and the adjoining courtyard will be for people wandering the market stalls selling everything from jewellery and clothing to homewares and plants. This year, we will be extending the market stalls into the Arts Centre Foyer where visitors will find special design pieces from artists including jewellery by Barbara Heath, sculptural works by Carly Scoufos, Shut Up and Relax Ceramics and more.

In and around the Arts Centre, we will be showcasing the work of our visual arts students, and you will be able to follow a trail past Eton Hall and through the Barley Sugar Garden to view small pop-up exhibits of artworks.

The Barley Sugar Garden as always, will be a hive of activity with putt putt run by Golf Central and activities including lob a choc, lucky dip, and face painting.

There will also be a range of food trucks and areas for socialising and listening to a full program of music performances.

All proceeds from the Mayo Arts Festival will go towards enriching the art education experience of 168��������’s students through the acquisition of new artwork and the maintenance and restoration of the school’s existing art collection.

The theme for this year’s Mayo Arts Festival is ‘vibrant’ and the day promises to be an entertaining one for students and parents.

Ros Curtis

As parents it is natural that we wish to make that journey to womanhood as smooth and painless as possible. But are we doing them any favours when our desire to protect our children may result in them never experiencing disappointment or even failure in their young lives? This could possibly result in them having to deal with far harsher realities when they are older with no previous experience in dealing with letdowns? Sometimes they need to suffer the consequences of handing in an assignment late or forgetting their sports uniform, without mum or dad rushing to the rescue.

We need to be there on the sidelines ready to pick them up and dust them off when they fall, then point them in the right direction and cheer them on as they go. As tempting as it is, we cannot do the journey for them or even carry their load. Louise Porter, renowned Australian Child Psychologist, puts it well when she advises parents, ‘don’t just do something, stand there’. Judith Locke echoed this idea in her book, The Bonsai Child.

This skill that we are teaching our students is called resilience. The definition of resilience according to the Oxford dictionary “is the ability of people or things to feel better quickly after something unpleasant, such as shock, injury, etc”. Students need to learn this very important life skill that helps a person to withstand the negative effects of adversity. The more that we can build this skill up now, in the safe environment that is 168��������’s, the better for our girls.

Kirstie Maclean, summarises some of the qualities associated with resilience which develop through children’s life experiences as follows:

Good self esteem derives from being accepted by people whose relationship one values and from accomplishment in tasks one values. Praise, on its own, will not improve self-esteem; the child has also to ascribe value to the achievement.

A belief in one’s own self-efficacy means having the qualities of optimism, ‘stickability’ and believing that one’s own efforts can make a difference.

Initiative is the ability and willingness to take action. Children and young people facing adversity are in a stronger position to deal with it if they are able to take the initiative in finding ‘creative’ responses.

Faith and morality can help the child to persist in problem solving or in surviving a set of challenging life circumstances.

Autonomy means the ability to make decisions. Young people who are autonomous know that it is OK to make mistakes and that you can learn from mistakes. They take reasonably well calculated risks. Autonomous children and young people are good at self-regulation — they gain increasing control over their own emotions and behaviour.

Young people who have good insight into their own difficulties, including a realistic assessment of their own contribution and the contribution of others to those difficulties, are more likely to be resilient. Young people who are able to recognise benefits, as well as negative effects, from severe adversity are likely to be resilient. Insight helps people to take appropriate actions and make appropriate choices.

Nikki Townsend

Reference:

Maclean,K. Resilience: What it is and how children and young people can be helped to develop it. Cyc-online, Issue 62 March 2004. .

We all go through various life storms. Those moments in our lives that feel overwhelming. They might be accompanied by the same fear that the disciples felt, or they may be moments of stress and busyness. Or they could even be those times when we get stuck in our thoughts, worrying about something we might have said, or, left unsaid; fixating on something someone else said and convincing ourselves that it is about us. Our minds can be the locus of life’s storms just as much as external factors.

Into all of these stormy moments, Jesus speaks the same words, “Peace. Be still!” When peace seems impossible and far off, when circumstances are overwhelming, when chaos reigns, God is the source of a peace that passes all understanding.

As we face the final weeks of Term 1, go gently with yourself. Hold onto the words of peace, that God speaks into our lives.

Save the Date – Confirmation       

Our annual Confirmation service will take place on Monday 10 June, 6pm in the School Chapel.

Rev’d Jazz Dow

Throughout the week, a series of engaging activities unfolded, allowing the girls to actively participate in the celebration. The festivities kicked off with a heartfelt exercise where each girl had the opportunity to pen a letter to a woman who has been a source of inspiration in their lives. We believe that everyone encounters a pivotal moment when a woman influences and empowers them to overcome life's challenges, shaping their beliefs and actions, and helps to overcome the hardships the girls endure. Expressing gratitude through a letter is a meaningful way to acknowledge and appreciate the impact these women have had, whether they are family members, friends, teachers, or neighbours. The letters were then collected in the garden room, ready to be sent to the inspiring women.

In addition to the letter-writing activity, the girls engaged in other thoughtful gestures, such as exchanging handwritten notes with friends and wearing the colour purple to the boarding house dinner—an homage to the solidarity and strength of women. The week culminated in a Friday night movie in the common room, featuring a film led by an inspirational woman. Through these experiences, the girls gained a deeper appreciation for the strength and resilience of women, inspiring them to embrace their own potential and extend a helping hand to those in need. Indeed, women are the cornerstone of our society, embodying the spirit of empowerment and progress.

The weekend brought a surge of excitement with the return of the highly anticipated Aqua Warrior World event. Amidst laughter and splashes, the girls navigated the inflatable obstacle course, relishing the thrill of friendly competition. Sunday ushered in another exhilarating event as the girls cheered on the Cowboys vs Dolphins, at Suncorp Stadium. Securing coveted seats in the Dolphins family members section, they cheered passionately, proudly displaying their fins up high. Meeting their beloved players, getting merchandise signed, and capturing photos added an extra layer of excitement to the day.

Chapel on Tuesday night offered a serene and reflective break from the week's activities and studies. Regardless of personal affiliations, boarders and teachers came together to sing hymns, offer intercessory prayers, and reflect on diverse beliefs and life-affecting experiences. Chapel provided a moment of peace for the girls, encouraging gratitude for the present moment.

In summary, the week was filled with support, fun, and meaningful activities, setting the tone for more exciting moments to come. As we bid farewell to this eventful week, we eagerly anticipate the adventures that await us in the weeks ahead.

Kelli Boucaut

When attending exams, all students need to have the following equipment:

1. Their Student ID to be presented to the supervisor on entry into the exam room.
2. Approved equipment in a clear, sealed plastic bag, this includes:
   • Black or blue pens
   • 2B pencils, sharpener and eraser
   • Note: a 2B pencil is only required for multiple choice questions and drawing graphs or diagrams. Black or blue pens must be used for all other written responses.
   • Highlighters
   • Clear plastic ruler
   • Water in a clear unlabelled bottle
   • Asthma inhaler
   • A QCAA approved calculator with memory cleared and ready for checking prior to entering the exam room (if required).
3. Please note that white out and erasable pens are NOT permitted into the exam room.
4. Mobile phones and Smart Watches are NOT permitted in the exam room.

Finally, can I please remind all Years 11 and 12 day students that if they are attending school during the exam block to study or meet with a teacher, they need to be in full school uniform and all other school rules apply, including the use of mobile phones and jewellery. Years 11 and 12 boarding students also need to be in full school uniform if they are meeting with a teacher.

Caitlin McCluskey

“Less social media, more sleep. Not for beauty but for sanity – Ms Hacking.” – Sophie Martin, ‘23

Interim Attitude to Learning grades are subject to change in Term 2, with a final Attitude to Learning grade to be published for each subject in the Semester 1 Academic Report. Students and parents will be able to view the interim Attitude to Learning grades through Learning Analytics from Wednesday 27 March.

A reminder that the Attitude to Learning grade is a four-point scale:

• Excellent
• Good
• Satisfactory
• Needs Improvement

Teachers will apply a ‘best-fit’ approach for each student, using the criteria table below, when determining an appropriate Attitude to Learning grade.

Note: If a student fails to submit a draft or final assessment in your subject, they cannot be awarded any more than a Satisfactory for Attitude to Learning.

Chris Dunn

In her book, The Bonsai Student, and through her informative videos on QCAA website, clinical psychologist Dr Judith Locke focuses on practical strategies to assist students to cope with challenges and thrive in school. While she addresses the Year 12 experience directly, the tips offered are certainly transferable to younger year groups and worth implementing as early as possible to lay the foundation for positive study habits that support student wellbeing.  

So often when we enter exam periods, students might be under the misconception that all their time needs to be directed towards studying. However, Locke believes that it is possible to ‘study too much’ and that finding a balanced approach to study is paramount. While students do indeed need to study, application to revision should not come at a cost to those activities in their schedule that bring them joy, motivation, and sense of responsibility. To support student wellbeing, Locke suggests that students should do at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day, privilege healthy sleep patterns, maintain social connections and that despite assessment dates approaching, students should not be relieved of chores or responsibilities at home. Not only do these house activities assist their organisation skills and promote teamwork, but they also give students a chance to take a pause from study and a chance to return to their books refreshed and ready to continue studying in a better headspace.

If your daughter does need any additional support as she embarks on these final weeks of term, I encourage her to reach out to her Head of Year, Academic Advisor or Form Teacher.

Amanda Jansen

Sources:

Judith Locke, The Bonsai Student, 2020

QCAA, Health and Wellbeing with Dr Judith Locke, 2023

Our sense of community was very evident on Saturday when the school connected with our families and visitors at Open Day. There was a sense of excitement as girls hurried through the school gates for ‘Saturday School.’ I was delighted when one student wished me ‘happy open day’.  I was very proud of our Years 5 and 6 tour guides who ably articulated the values, strengths and opportunities 168��������’s offers. We were overwhelmed with the amount of feedback we received about the girls and their confidence in talking knowledgeably about the primary school. Some of the comments included “it is lovely to see young women taking on leadership roles” and “It is a joy to see the girls in action, engaging us and showcasing the school with such enthusiasm.”

The Pre-Prep to Year 2 students (dressed in pyjamas) and families will head to school for our Twilight Service and Picnic tomorrow night and next week, the Years 3 and 4 students will ‘dance the night away’ at their disco. These two nights provide a social opportunity for parents and students as they come together as a community. These nights do not just happen, they involve a huge amount of work and organisation. Thank you to Annette Box for overseeing the preparation and coordination of these evenings, Reverend Jazz, Regina Brennan, all parents for donating raffle prizes, class ambassadors for ensuring successful evenings for parents and to the teachers for supporting the girls.

Angela Drysdale

If you were unable to attend the evening parent session, we are pleased to advise that you can access the recording on The POD . One of the focus areas of her presentation was the hidden dangers of the seemingly innocent ‘game’ Roblox. See below an extract from the Safe on Social newsletter for more insights into what you can do to safeguard your family.

Safe on Social revealed that nearly one-third of the students they’ve spoken to have been asked to be someone's boyfriend or girlfriend on Roblox. As the popularity of Roblox skyrockets, it's crucial to pause and consider the darker side of this virtual playground. Safe on Social is stepping up to reveal the truths behind Roblox—a platform that offers boundless fun but also presents very real dangers lurking beneath its surface. There is a feature on Roblox called ‘Ro-Meet’. Ro-Meet on Roblox isn't just a game; it's a Pandora's box of danger, masquerading as a 'friendly' chat room. Despite Roblox's claims to clamp down on stranger interaction, especially for those under 13, Ro-Meet is skirting around these controls, leaving kids wide open to potential harm. RoZoom is also a feature similar to Zoom where strangers can chat to children. Despite Roblox's assurances of making it "extremely difficult" for strangers to contact children, Ro-Meet is freely available in an 'All Ages' section, raising significant concerns about our children's safety online.

What can parents do? Here are some tips from Safe on Social:

● Have honest conversations with your kids about the real dangers of talking to strangers and oversharing online. Educate them about the risks they may encounter on Roblox

● Teach your children to question every interaction and piece of content they encounter online. Empower them to make informed decisions

● Monitor what your children are playing, who they're chatting with, and where they're spending their time on Roblox

● Activate every safety feature available on Roblox to enhance your child's online safety.

For parents wanting more support on Roblox, access the Safe on Social and you can register for their upcoming webinar on Roblox .

Annette Box

Thank you to Year 4 students

Congratulations to the Year 4 cohort who provided a beautiful musical contribution at the recent service held at St John’s Cathedral to honour and celebrate the life of Mother Emma, the former Mother Superior of the Society of the Sacred Advent. The girls sang a reflective piece entitled ‘My Sister’s Hands’ which was appreciated by all in attendance. Thank you to all Year 4 students for their wonderful singing and to Ms Brennan for preparing the performance.

Music Support Group

The next Music Support Group meeting will be held on Tuesday 16 April 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

With the Open team securing a commendable fourth-place finish, their journey was marked by standout performances against opponents, including Brisbane Girls Grammar (6.6.42 vs 1.1.7) and Ipswich Girls Grammar (63 vs 0). Notable victories against Moreton Bay and Somerville House showcased their resilience and determination on the field.

Similarly, the Senior A team's season was defined by impressive team performances, particularly against Brisbane State High (6.4.40 vs 2.1.13) and Brisbane Girls Grammar (6.2.38 vs 1.1.7). Despite, a narrow defeat to St Hilda's by 2 points, the team demonstrated outstanding spirit and finished fourth overall on the QGSSSA ladder.

Meanwhile, the Senior B Team exhibited significant improvement in their skills and knowledge of the game, embracing every opportunity to experience the thrill of AFL. Special thanks to AFL Captains Georgia W and Scarlett L for their exemplary leadership, as well as coaches Lucia, Hannah, and Tim, and staff members Mr Grant and Coordinator Ms Lobegeiger, whose dedication and guidance were instrumental in shaping the success of our teams.

We wish to congratulate our Senior AFL players on an outstanding season and wish all the very best for our Junior players who will don the boots later in the year.

Latest Sport News and Information

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

• Basketball (Autumn Sport) -
• Soccer (Autumn Sport) -
• Touch Football (Autumn Sport) -
• Swimming -
• Cross Country -
• Artistic Gymnastic –
• Club Water Polo -

• Club Netball -
• Rhythmic Gymnastics –
• Rowing -

Lloyd Knight

Like all milestones, 168��������’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.

Ready to join the cause? You can register to participate in this year's Ponytail Project

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.

We have fun-filled and exciting activities planned for our Easter School Holiday Program. Further details of the program can be found here (PDF 263.1KB). Boys and girls, siblings, friends and family are welcome!

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

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

We are very excited to inform you that 168��������’s OSHC has subscribed to a fantastic online Booking and Waitlist management program called QK Enrol. This program will give you access to manage your own account information, where you will have the ability to make bookings requests and allows you to complete and submit an online enrolment form for your child. You can do this and much, much more all within a parent portal called ’My Family Lounge’.

How do I log in?

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

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

What is the cost?*

Fees: $68 per day*

Bookings close: 18 March 2024

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

What are the hours of operation?

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

How can I obtain more information?

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

Palu Ingram

At this meeting, Ros Curtis will also share an update on the school including the school's current request to amend its existing, approved master plan, to allow the development of the 168��������’s Arts Precinct (SMAP) and new classrooms south of Petrie Street.

Please find meeting details below:

Date:                     Monday 25 March 2024
Time:                     6.30pm to 7.30pm (followed by light refreshments)
Location:             Arts Centre Foyer, 168��������'s 

RSVP:                   

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

P&F Secondary Mother Daughter Luncheon – Tickets on sale soon

The 168��������’s P&F Association invites all girls in Years 7 to 12 and their mothers or significant women in their lives to the 2024 Secondary Mother Daughter Luncheon.

After a successful event in 2023, we're delighted to host this special event on the 168��������'s calendar and welcome guest speaker Susie Taaffe, CEO and founder of anti-shapewear brand Skanties. Susie will share her fresh approach to empowering women and girls to embrace their natural form and reject unnatural beauty standards.

Event details

Date        Sunday 19 May 2024

Time       11:00am - 3:00pm

Venue     Rivershed at Howard Smith Wharves

Cost        $150 Adult (includes a glass of Chandon NV Brut on arrival)
                $130 Student (includes four hour soft drink package)

Tickets include a grazing style Italian menu and dessert, tea and coffee, photo booth and live band. Additional beverages are available for purchase.

Tickets    On sale from 9:30am Tuesday 19 March. Please advise your table captain at the time of purchase. Mothers with a daughter in Year 12 in 2024 will be given early access to purchase tickets from Monday 18 March. Tickets are non-refundable. 

RSVP        5:00pm Thursday 2 May 2024 

Georgia Mitchell