eNews Archive Issue 37 - 28 November 2019

WHOLE SCHOOL

From the Principal

As we approach the end of the academic year, I would like to take the opportunity to thank our staff who have contributed to a successful 2019 and celebrate the service of those members of staff who are leaving us to pursue their personal and professional goals.

Two long standing staff members have decided to retire at this end of this academic year.

Mrs Janice Emmett is leaving us this week after 14 years of dedicated service to the school community; she began teaching at 168��’s in 2006 with a 29-year career behind her which spanned countries and school types. Mrs Emmett was one of the first teachers in the school to be awarded Lead Teacher status. During her time at 168��’s, Mrs Emmett has participated in almost every activity available from teaching a range of year levels (but mainly mid to upper Primary), to teaching Japanese, coordinating Optiminds (as her master’s degree is in Gifted Education) to Primary Athletics to organising the Canberra Trip. Mrs Emmett has received nominations in the Excellence in Teaching Awards several times; this reflects her dedication to the profession, her focus on teaching skills and critical thinking to her students and her collegiality. She leaves us with best wishes for this new phase of life.

Mrs Jenny Lishman is also retiring. She has been at 168��’s since 2004 as an Art teacher but held multiple roles including subject coordinator, Acting Head of Arts, and Director of Planning and Organisation in the Secondary school. More recently, she became a Head of Year but gave up this in 2017, knowing that she intended to retire and could not meet the six-year commitment of this role. Over the last 16 years, Mrs Lishman has demonstrated great commitment to the students and support of the school. Mrs Lishman has been the driving force behind the Friends of Mayo and, of course, a lead in the gallery committee of the Mayo Festival. She is a dedicated teacher and a respected colleague who will be missed by both students and staff.

I also acknowledge the work of staff members who will not be returning to 168��’s in 2020. Mrs Angela Bowen (Music Coordinator and Former Head of Year) has decided not to return to 168��’s from her maternity leave. Mrs Bowen began teaching at 168��’s in January 2009. We wish her well at her new school which is much closer to her home and thank her for many contributions to the music curriculum, the musical, and her passion for music extension.

Mrs Meg Kerr (English and History) is leaving us as her family is relocating to Rockhampton. Mrs Kerr commenced employment at 168��’s in 2011. She too has been a wonderful colleague and reflective teacher and will be missed. Mrs Jessica Fumar (Primary) is also leaving us, to head to the Gold Coast with her family. Mrs Fumar has been part-time in recent years. She will be missed by her peers and the students. Mrs Fumar has been a most diligent and committed teacher who inspired confidence in the children she taught and their families.

We also farewell our contract staff who this year made wonderful contributions filling in for staff who were on leave. Thank you to Mr Bayden Schellein (History and English), Mrs Jessica Marrinan (Music); Mrs Deanna Lawliss (Prep) and Mr Steve Box (Year 4). We are grateful for their service to the school community and wish them all well with their next school.

This year we had several teachers receive nominations for the National Excellence in Teaching Awards.

Congratulations to: George Higgins (Physics/Maths); Hetal Raniga (Accounting/Legal Studies); Kimberley Bachmann (Primary); Chris Dunn (Head of Faculty - Science and Technology); Brad King (Head of Performance); Mathew Stein (Head of Faculty – Global Studies); Cassandra Argent (Acting Head of Faculty – English); Kerry Rider (Primary - Art).

I hope you have a Merry Christmas, a restful holiday and a Happy New Year.

It has been another successful year for 168��’s students, and I am grateful for the support of so many associated with the school – your generosity, goodwill, commitment and energy are very much appreciated. We are a community which has highly involved students, active parents and interested past students who volunteer a tremendous amount of time and effort and, therefore, contribute greatly to the success of 168��’s. Thank you.

I look forward to welcoming you all back here at school for the start of Term 1, 2020 on Tuesday 28 January 2020. Please note that the school closes over Christmas/New Year from 3:00pm, Friday 20 December 2019 until 8:00am, Monday 6 January 2020.

Ros Curtis

From the Deputy Principal

Congratulations to all students, staff and families for a wonderful year at 168��’s. Our students have achieved so much, from getting good results on an assessment piece or within a subject, to their success through participating in their chosen extra-curricular activity.

I encourage all students to reflect on the year that has been, celebrate where they have been successful in reaching their goals and make new goals or revisions to current goals if necessary. It is strange to think now that in less that two months they will all be in the next year level at school, and as they progress through the year levels, they will have more experiences but also continue to build on their skills.

Holidays are a time to rest, recalibrate and get ready for the next school year ahead. It is important for students to have some down time, but also important to keep their brains active and ready to learn. I encourage the students to read lots of books during the holidays. Consistent reading is so important for students in their literacy and language development. Students often say to me that they don’t have time to read as much as they would like to during the school term so I hope they have already started a list of books they would like to read.

It has been wonderful to share another year with the 168��’s community and I wish you all a safe and enjoyable Christmas holiday. I look forward to seeing everyone again in 2020.

Karen Gorrie

Feature photo Susan Crother Robertson 30 July 2019

Chaplain

A few years ago, I read a special book written by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama called, “The Book of Joy”. It would be a Christmas season book to read. In the book, the authors suggest that, “Every day is an opportunity to begin again. Every day is your birthday… Each day and each moment, we are able to create and recreate our lives and the very quality of human life”. This is what celebrating Jesus’ birth gives us, a chance to look anew with our hearts. A chance for new birth, new life. Every day is a new day!

As the Christmas season approaches, remember joy. Joy is not found in the things we own, or the things we will receive at Christmas. Joy can be found in our hearts and in those special moments. May we find that joy that God gives us in the small babe born on Christmas Day.

“But the angel said to the Shepherds, ‘Do not be afraid; for see - I am bringing you good news of great joy for all people: to you is born this day in the city of David a saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2: 9-11) May your Christmas be filled with joy. Perhaps a way of discovering that joy is through attending a Christmas Service. You will also see below some Christmas service times for Anglican Churches in the local area. All are welcome.

St Mark’s Anglican Church, Clayfield

Corner Bonney Avenue and Bellevue Terrace, Clayfield, The Reverend Canon Nicki Colledge

Sunday 8 December: Family Christmas Festival, 4:00-6:30pm includes “All-in” Nativity Play and Carols, children’s activities, free sausage sizzle and All-Age Bethlehem fun

Tuesday 24 December: Family Christmas Eve Service, 6:00pm

Wednesday 25 December: Christmas Eucharist, 7:00am and 9:30am

St Augustine’s Anglican Church

9 Charlton Street Hamilton, The Reverend Canon Dr Marian Free

Tuesday 24 December: 6:00pm Family Service, 11:00pm Carols, 11:30pm Midnight Mass

Wednesday 25 December: 8:00am, Christmas Service

As we come to the end of another school year, remember, Jesus was born to bring light to the world, a light that reveals God’s great unconditional love and joy for us. May you have a blessed, holy and restful Christmas. May you come back re-energised and ready for what the New Year will bring.

The Reverend Susan Crothers-Robertson

Head of Boarding

With the end of another year in Boarding, we all came together last Monday night to celebrate. The Christmas theme is always a time for the girls to dress up and enjoy the festivities. At the Christmas Dinner, we thank all of the staff who have contributed to Boarding throughout the year. Allysah Toua said a touching prayer for our Boarding families, particularly those who are suffering as a result of the drought. We all said a silent prayer for rain for everyone who has been affected by the drought.

It was also a time to thank Ms Curtis and the Leadership Team for their commitment to Boarding, the Heads of Year who help the girls in the day school and teachers who helped at prep. We are grateful for the contribution they make, ensuring that we are providing the best possible care for every girl. The Boarding staff were acknowledged for the outstanding work they do on a daily basis to ensure the girls come back to the safe, caring environment. The Boarding staff do an outstanding job of providing a home away from home for the girls.

We would also like to acknowledge the many staff within our school who contribute to the Boarding House, whether it be providing the meals everyday for the girls or the maintenance staff who fix a multitude of problems and keep the Boarding House running efficiently. We would like to wish everyone who contributes to 168��’s Boarding a very safe and happy Christmas.

Lesa Fowler

Dean of Academic Performance

It’s hard to believe we are planning and talking about 2020 already; however, we are aware that the calendar of events for our Year 12s looks a little different than previous years. The Year 12 2020 Assessment Planner can be accessed on the Year 12 POD page and includes all due dates for internal assessment and the period of the external assessment block in Term 4. This will be a useful reference for families to use when planning activities in 2020.

I would like to wish all families an enjoyable and restful break over the Christmas holidays. It has been fantastic to see a number of classes finding their holiday reading in the library this week. Some students were seeking a particular book in a series and others were scanning plenty of back covers in search of the perfect read. Regardless of their choice, the benefits of reading being mental stimulation, vocabulary expansion, improved writing skills and entertainment, to name a just a few, are significant. Encourage your daughters to step away from the computer, their phone and Netflix for a little while, open a book, and escape into someone else’s imagination.

I look forward to working with you and your daughters in 2020. Merry Christmas and stay safe.

Jo Butterworth

Dean of Studies

It is hard to believe that the end of the school year has arrived! The year’s end always brings with it a tremendous sense of accomplishment. Our girls have been involved in an extraordinary number of curriculum activities and a tremendous amount of learning has taken place in all classrooms during the year. Throughout all of these activities, our students have demonstrated great growth mindset. I am looking forward to what next year brings as we continue to grow as teachers and learners across all areas of the curriculum.

However, at the end of each year the challenge of managing change can always be a little unsettling. Year 6 girls are preparing to move into Year 7, which is undoubtedly one of the bigger transitions that happens in school; new classes, teachers and subjects are on the horizon for all students. They all deserve a well-earned holiday.

It is important to note that holidays should provide opportunity for quiet, unstructured times. It is through activities that involve the girls having time for personal choice, solitude, reading for pleasure and informal activity, where girls make sense of what happens to them at school, and of their continually changing perception of what life means and their place in it.

If you are fortunate to have time with your daughter during the holidays, make sure that you only organise some of the time... not all of it.

A reminder - End of the Year Reporting Process

End of Semester Reports will be available via Parent Lounge on Friday 6 December, after 3:00pm. Please note also, all Continuous Reporting information will be available from this date as well.

Each student’s report will consist of a comment from her Head of Year, as well as a summary for each subject. The final page of the report is the Grade Point Average (GPA) graph which records the student’s overall level of achievement and tracks this from semester to semester. Students have also had access to their results through Learning Analytics.

For each subject, there is a list of the course content, marks for the criteria assessed, a table showing the distribution of achievement levels within the subject and an assessment of your daughter’s attitude to her learning. The academic results reflected in this report are based on the assessment completed throughout Semester 2. However, please note, assessment that is being completed by Year 11 students during Weeks 7 and 8 will not be reported on until next year, as these assessment form part of results for Unit 3 to be recorded for exit results in 2020.

Year 11 parents will also receive a QCE point summary report. This report records a satisfactory (S) or unsatisfactory (U) result for Unit 1 and Unit 2 for all subjects studied in Year 11. A satisfactory result is awarded at the completion of a unit when all teaching, learning and assessment of the unit has been completed and evidence is produced in response to the complete assessment program and demonstrates, on-balance, achievement of the syllabus standards at a C standard or better.

Have a safe and happy holiday and I look forward to sharing the journey of next year with you all.

Nicole Devlin

Dean of Students

Year 7 End of Year Picnic

The Year 7 students enjoyed their end of year picnic at Noosa North Shore on Wednesday. The afternoon was full of fun with Form class and Secret Santa presentations and other various activities. The 2020 Prefects and House Captains also assisted staff with these events. I would like to thank Mrs Dawson, Ms Krynauw, Mr Schellein, Ms Buckingham, Ms Johnston and Ms Burgman, as well as the Prefects for the fabulous celebrations.

As 2019 draws to a close, we can look back on another remarkable year of achievements at 168��’s. Each year, I hope as a school we sow the seeds that will help every girl flourish and leave a positive influence through all her interactions. It has been gratifying to see the commitment of our students to their studies, extra-curricular activities and compassion shown through supporting the School’s community service and fundraising efforts. Equally committed is our teaching staff in creating a supportive environment where young women can discover and explore their passions and develop a deep love of learning.

I wish you and your family a happy and holy Christmas.

Nikki Townsend

eNews new feature photo 11 June 2019 Angela Drysdale_HoP

Head of Primary

The end of the year is a time of contrasts. Last week at the P-4 celebration, we acknowledged the growth of each student. This growth was particularly evident in the Prep students when they confidently recalled and performed many songs related to the Nativity. I am sure everyone in the audience was impressed by each child’s effort and commitment to present an entertaining retell of the birth of Jesus. Congratulations also to the Years 1-3 students who supported these girls. Thank you also to the Year 4 students for their last performance in this event before they head to the Years 5-12 Speech Night next year. Many thanks to the teachers for supporting all the girls and to Ms Surtees for her organisation of the event.

Earlier this week, we officially farewelled the Year 6 girls as they shared their Primary school journey at their Chapel Service and morning tea. Thank you to the Year 6 teachers for supporting the girls on this special occasion. I will miss the Year 6 girls’ confidence, humour and enthusiasm and I know as they move to the next stage of their life, they will take many Primary school memories with them.

The term finished with a Primary School Assembly. This Assembly is always of special significance, not only because it is the last one for the year and the girls are able to toss their panamas into the air, but it is one where I present the Head of Primary certificates to the Year 6 girls.

Congratulations to:

Elise Selwa for achieving an excellent result in Mathematics and improved attitude to all aspects of learning.

Jia Yin (Linda) Feng for showing resilience and persistence with her studies and embracing the School values.

Charlotte Swarbrick for embracing the 168��’s Way in every aspect of her schooling.

Chloe Reilly for embracing the School values and 168��’s Way, each and every day.

Taylor Ashley for improved academic habits and resilience in her learning.

Bronte Hawkins for recognising that the ‘learning pit’ is part of everyone’s educational journey.

Bronte Lahy for considering the needs and feelings of others and being helpful to students and staff.

Ruby Peacock for demonstrating a positive attitude to all aspects of 168��’s life.

Zoe Rossiter for always being positive and helpful.

As you prepare for the long summer break, it is important for learning to continue. Studies show that during the long holidays, students tend to lose some of the important academic gains made during the school year and this is regarded as ‘Summer Loss’. On the Primary POD page, I have listed ways to encourage reading, writing and other ideas for holiday learning. As a Primary school, the girls read nearly 209 million words this year. We want this love of reading to continue so that we can beat this total next year. Please don’t forget to read with your child and encourage her to read. Research has shown that the amount of independent reading a child does outside of school relates to their growth in vocabulary, verbal fluency, reading comprehension and general knowledge. Children who read on their own improve their reading skills, have greater content knowledge and score higher on achievement tests than children who do not open a book outside of school - food for holiday thought!

I thank the staff for providing a loving environment, as well as rigorous teaching and learning programs. To the departing teachers, which now includes Jess Fumar, they go with our gratitude and best wishes. Thank you also to parents for allowing us to be part of each girl’s educational journey.

I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday and thank you for a great year.

Angela Drysdale

Music Issue 17 Feature photo for website

Head of Performance

Primary State Honours Ensemble Program

The State Honours Ensemble Program is a wonderful program organised by the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University that invites young people to come together and share their passion for making music. 168��’s has thirty-one Primary students who were successful in receiving a place to participate in this year’s State Honours Ensemble Program for Primary Students. They will join with other young musicians from South East Queensland this coming weekend for an intensive two days of music-making, concluding with finale concerts in the Conservatorium Theatre, Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University at South Bank. We wish our Primary musicians all the very best for the coming weekend!

2020 Private Music Tuition

If your daughter is currently undertaking private music tuition, she will automatically be placed on her current teacher’s roll for 2020. Parents do not need to fill in a new application form. However, if your daughter is wanting to discontinue lessons in 2020, we ask that you please email directly to the Music Department at music@stmargarets.qld.edu.au prior to the end of the school year.

2020 Date Claimer

Music Camp will be held at the end of Week 4 in Term 1 of 2020 from Friday afternoon 21 February through to Sunday afternoon 23 February at Luther Heights Youth Camp, Coolum. All girls in Years 7-12 who are involved in the Co-curricular Music Program are invited and encouraged to attend. Further details will be provided at the start of the school year.

Music Support Group

The 168��’s Music Department would like to extend special thanks to our 2019 Music Support Group office holders; President - Shannon Marshall, Vice-President - Kerrith Matyear, Treasurer - Sharon Solomon and Secretary - Ann-Louise Woods. We are very grateful for the commitment shown to supporting the girls in their musical endeavours through their leadership in the Music Support Group. Thank you to all parents who attended meetings and offered support in a variety of capacities throughout 2019. The 168��’s Music Department very much appreciates the amazing level of support provided by this group.

The Annual General Meeting was held last Tuesday evening and we are pleased to announce the 2020 office holders:

President: Kerrith Matyear

Secretary: Charlotte Davis

Treasurer: Brendon Alford

The next Music Support Group meeting will be held on Tuesday 11 February 2020 at 5:00pm in the Primary Music Room. We encourage parents from both the Primary and Secondary schools to become involved.

Process for Commencing Private Music Lessons In 2020

On Friday 31 January (Friday of Week 1, Term 1), a meeting will be held for music students in Years 5-12 who will be undertaking private music lessons. This will be in the Sister Helen Orchestra Room and will provide the opportunity for students to meet their teacher and arrange an initial lesson time. Private music lessons will start from Week 2. If your daughter is in Years 1-4, you will be contacted directly by the teacher during the first week of Term 1 to arrange a lesson time. Please note, lessons will be made available for Prep students from Semester 2 - Term 3 2020.

Music Ensembles 2020

Lists for 2020 Choral, Symphonic Band and String Ensembles have been displayed in both the Sister Helen Orchestra Room and the Primary Music Room. 2020 Rock Band lists will made available at the start of the new school year. Music ensemble rehearsals will begin from Week 2 in 2020. Information will be sent out to students during the first week of school to advertise ensembles times, venues and other relevant information. We look forward to having many girls involved in the Music Program next year!

Thank You and Merry Christmas!

A very big thank you to all in the 168��’s Music Community for a wonderful year. It has been filled with many special experiences and I believe that the girls will end the school year with wonderful memories of their involvement in the 168��’s Music Program. I wish you all a happy and safe Christmas break and will look forward to seeing everyone in 2020, refreshed and ready for another school year!

Brad King

Head of Sport

As the school year draws to a close, the Sport Department would like to thank all girls, parents and staff for an outstanding year of sport in 2019. I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas and I look forward to an incredible 2020.

All sport information for Terms 1 and 2 in 2020, including registrations, is now available via the Secondary Sport POD page and can be found below. Information regarding each sport, including trial and training schedules, is also available via the Secondary Sport and the individual sport POD pages.

Terms 1 and 2 Sport Registrations:

Artistic Gymnastics: Trials commence on Thursday 30 January and Friday 31 February. .

Basketball: Trials commence Week 2 - Term 1. Weekly Friday fixtures commence on 6 March..

Football (Soccer): Trials commence Week 2 - Term 1. Weekly Friday fixtures commence on 6 March. .

Touch Football: Trials commence Week 1 - Term 1. Weekly Friday fixtures commence on 6 March..

Cricket: A grading day for all players will occur on Wednesday 29 January, with weekly Wednesday Fixtures commencing on Wednesday 5 February. .

Senior Softball (Years 10-12 only): A trial for all players will be held on Thursday 30 January, with weekly Saturday fixtures commencing on Saturday 8 February. .

Cross Country: Training commences Week 2 - Term 1, Monday 3 February and occurs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6:30am. .

Club Netball: A pre-season clinic will be available to all girls who register on Saturday 1 February, with trials to commence mid-February. .

Athletics

168��’s Junior Nitro Athletics team will take on the best Athletics schools in Australia when they compete at the Nitro Schools Athletics National Final in Perth, Western Australia on 9 December. The team consists of Genevieve Heather, Maicey Lynch, Tshia Nielsen, Kayla Newberry and Tayden Tomich. Additionally, 168��’s has four students individually representing Queensland at the Australian All Schools Athletics Championships from Friday 6 December to Sunday 8 December. Congratulations to Maicey Lynch (Year 9) 400m, Kayla Newberry (Year 9) Long Jump, Isabella Harte (Year 8) 3000m and 1500m and Ciana Jamieson (Year 11) 1500m. To compete at a national championship is a huge achievement and we wish the team and all girls the very best.

Water Polo

The Water Polo season has hit the halfway point and will break for the holiday. To ensure all girls are ready for the season to recommence on Saturday 1 February, a mini camp will be held in the afternoon on both Tuesday 29 January and Wednesday 30 January. Further details will be communicated through the Water Polo POD page and the individual team managers over the coming week.

Cricket

Our Cricketers had the privilege of visiting the National Cricket Centre at Albion on Tuesday 26 November. During the visit, the girls were exposed to the best female cricketers in Queensland and their high-performance staff by watching the BBL Queensland Fire team train. The aim of this initiative was to provide our own players with the opportunity to realise the potential of participating in an emerging professional sport for women.

Swimming Holiday Training

168��'s will be offering Swimming training over the holiday period at Nudgee College Swimming Pool, 2199 Sandgate Road, Boondall. These sessions are ideal for girls to maintain their swimming fitness, to enable them to be ready for the competition season in Term 1, 2020. Please .

Dates:

Monday 2 December - Friday 6 December, 8:15-9:30am

Monday 9 December - Friday 13 December, 8:15-9:30am

Monday 13 January - Friday 17 January, 8:15-9:30am

Monday 20 January and Tuesday 21 January, 8:15-9:30am

Helen Lobegeiger

Drama - Holiday Opportunity

Shake & Stir’s QPAC Holiday Workshop is back! Working in the studios of Queensland’s premier performing arts venue, students will hone their skills in various performance genres including: Improvisation, Script Work, Physical Theatre, Musical Theatre, Shakespeare, Film and TV and Theatre Sports.

Over four days, students will be mentored by a team of Shake & Stir instructors, led by company favourites, Maddi Römcke and Tom Oliver, together with cast members of A Christmas Carol who will lead guest masterclasses. The workshop also includes a ticket to Shake & Stir’s award-winning production, A Christmas Carol with an exclusive backstage tour led by the production’s stage management team.

Places are limited. Join the tribe. Enrol today.

Who: Years 7-12

When: 9-12 December, 10:00am-4:00pm daily

Where: Queensland Performing Arts Centre, South Bank

Cost: $395 all inclusive (with a ticket to A Christmas Carol)

Annette Box

Private Speech and Drama

Speech and Drama Eisteddfods

Congratulations to the Speech and Drama students in Years 5 to 10 who entertained their parents, friends and teachers at the end-of-year Eisteddfods held during the last two weeks of term.

Throughout the four days of performances, students demonstrated their developing skills in storytelling, mime, improvisation, poetry recital, prose reading, impromptu speaking and drama. External adjudicators provided invaluable feedback to performers and commented on the very high standard of presentation.

In 2016, the Jacqueline Noyes Encouragement Award was introduced to the Year 5 Eisteddfod to honour Jacqui who passed away that year.

Jacqui made a significant contribution to the life of Speech and Drama at 168��’s. She taught Private Speech and Drama here for 21 years from 1980 to 2001. During that time, she inspired students with her love of literature and passion for performing. Jacqui later adjudicated our end-of-year Eisteddfods from 2009 to 2015, allowing many more students to benefit from her experience and expertise.

As a teacher and adjudicator at 168��’s, Jacqui provided warm encouragement and inspiration to many Speech and Drama students. The Jacqueline Noyes Encouragement Award is now presented each year to a Year 5 student who the adjudicator believes demonstrates note-worthy potential through their Eisteddfod performances. Congratulations to Alexandra Dew who is the 2019 recipient of this Award.

Maria Chamberlain

Global Exchange Update

Incoming Exchange Students

We farewell our visiting Exchange students from South Africa – Natasha Arde, Jizelle Campher and Josie Walton from St Mary’s, and Jessica Greathead, Zivaishe Jaravaza, Mia Presbury and Emma Edmondson from St Anne’s. They will be missed by their partners and friends they have made at 168��’s. The 2020 Exchange cohort also enjoyed listening to their presentations about their experiences and information about their respective schools.

Outgoing Exchange Students

We recently heard from Isobella Macfarlane, on behalf of herself, Ashleigh Witenden, Ellen Tracey and Meleia Richardson, who are currently at St Anne’s in South Africa and in their last week of Exchange:

I hope all is well as the end of the year approaches. I’m sure there is still a lot going on regarding exams and end of year services, but I’d just like to give you a final update on our amazing exchange experience. Since the last update we have had a busy couple of weeks, full of incredible experiences. We took part in another community service activity where we taught, played, danced and fed children in an underprivileged school, called Little Ambassadors. These kids ranged from 3 to 6 years of age. It was once again another eye-opening experience that we are all so grateful to have participated in. The next day we had a trip to The Drakensburg with two other Aussie boys who are also on Exchange. We were lucky enough to go ziplining through the Drakensberg mountains, have lunch at the delicious Waffle Hut and attend the Drakensberg Boys Choir. The choir was absolutely breath taking! Another huge highlight was the shark cage diving. We all swam with the sharks without the shark cage which was quite nerve-racking to begin with, but in the end, we were all extremely glad we did it.

After a relaxing weekend at my partner, Kim’s, beach house we headed to Nambiti - the game reserve. We were extremely lucky to see almost all of the big five and some of them coming extremely close to the vehicle. We saw lots of giraffe, zebra, impala and wildebeest. The rarer animals we saw were elephants, rhinos, tiger, hippo and cheetah. I think it’s safe to say that our trip to Nambiti was one of our favourite trips out of all the many incredible experiences that we have had here.

On Monday, we are going hot-air ballooning with the Exchange boys from Michael House and Hilton College. It will be great to finish off with an exciting flight, although we are all extremely sad to leave this place and the friends that we have made along with it. We will treasure them forever. I’d just like to say on behalf of Mel, Ellie, Ash and I that we have all had such an incredible time here and we feel so blessed to have had this experience. Thank you very much for making Exchange a possibility for the four of us.

Angelin Achari

School Supplies Shop

Uniform Fitting Appointments – New online booking system

Bookings for November and December 2019 and January 2020 are available online now. Book your appointment online via the school website.

We encourage all families to book a fitting appointment as soon as possible to avoid missing your preferred day and time. Appointment times are either 30 minutes or 60 minutes depending on your fitting type. Fitting types include: New Student, Existing Student, Boarder Only, Pre-Prep and School Blazer Fitting.

Extended Trading Hours*

2019

Friday 29 November: 10:00am-2:00pm

Monday 2 December: 8:00am-12:00pm

Tuesday 3 December: 8:00am-12:00pm

Wednesday 4 December: 8:00am-12:00pm

2020

Wednesday 15 January: 8:00am-12:00pm

Thursday 16 January: 1:00pm-5:00pm

Friday 17 January: 8:00am-12:00pm

Monday 20 January: 8:00am-3:00pm

Tuesday 21 January: 8:00am-3:00pm

Wednesday 22 January: 8:00am-3:00pm

Thursday 23 January: 1:00pm-8:00pm

Friday 24 January: 8:00am-3:00pm

Saturday 25 January: 9:00am-2:00pm

Sunday 26 January: Closed

Monday 27 January: 9:00am-12:00pm

Monday 27 January: 1:00pm-5:00pm Boarders only

Tuesday 28 January: Regular trading resumes

*Fitting appointment times may extend beyond shop opening hours during peak periods. Customers without an appointment in January will be required to take a number and will be served as soon as a staff member is available.

Ascent Footwear and The Athlete’s Foot Pop-Up Shoe Shop at 168��’s School Supplies Shop – no appointment required

Wednesday 15 January 2020, 8:00am-2:00pm

Thursday 23 January 2020, 1:00pm-8:00pm

Friday 24 January 2020, 8:00am-3:00pm

Ascent Footwear and The Athlete's Foot will be visiting 168��'s with a range of brown leather school shoes and white sports shoes, perfect for your school uniform needs. The Athlete's Foot will have their MyFit 3D Scanning System to ensure a perfect fit for the new school year. All pairs sold will be added to the rewards program total.

2020 Booklists

The 2020 booklists for all Year Levels are available on the 168��’s website. Hard copies will not be given out to students. Order online direct from Sequel at or complete the booklist, including the payment page and email directly to Sequel Books.

Secondary second-hand books

Second-hand books may be purchased or sold through Sustainable School Shop at: . There is no registration fee for 168��’s families to use this trading system.

Return of Hired Church Dresses

Year 6 students’ church dresses must be returned no later than Friday 29 November 2019. Other year levels should have already returned their dress. All church dresses must be laundered, ironed and returned as per the ‘Hire Conditions’ for an amount of $70 to be refunded.

Terisa Arnold

Lara Pickering Development and Community 2018

Director of Philanthropy and Stakeholder Engagement

As the end of 2019 approaches, I thank you for your generosity this year. Whether you have volunteered on a Committee, at events or extra-curricular activities, sponsored an event through your business; invested in our current students through supporting scholarships and bursaries, or donated to the new sports precinct, we are grateful for your support.

Philosopher, Aristotle, coined the term, “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts”. A sentiment that rings true looking back on the year that was and how much community spirit has achieved for our students.

Thank you again for your support of 168��'s in 2019, and in doing so, making this year such a memorable one. We look forward to all that 2020, our 125 Year Anniversary year brings. With a packed calendar of events, we look forward to celebrating with you!

Wishing you all a safe and happy Christmas break.

Notice of P&F Annual General Meeting

Notice is given that the Annual General Meeting of the 168��’s P&F Association Inc. is to be held on Monday 24 February 2020, Arts Centre Foyer, 6:30pm.

Nomination for Position

Any one member of the P&F shall be at liberty to nominate any other member to serve as an officer or other member of the Management Committee.

If you are interested in joining the P&F Association, all positions of the Management Committee will be declared vacant at the AGM and a new committee for 2020 will be elected.

Nominations can be made by downloading and completing this Nomination for Position (PDF 75.6KB) form. All nomination forms must be returned to: P&F@stmargarets.qld.edu.au or via School Reception by Friday 14 February 2020.

2020 168��’s Women’s Luncheon

In celebration of our 125 Year Anniversary next year, you are warmly invited to join us at the 168��'s Women's Luncheon. This special anniversary event is a wonderful opportunity for all women of 168��’s, past, present and future to come together.

Date: Friday 13 March 2020

Time: 11:30am-3:00pm

Location: The Greek Club, 29 Edmonstone Street, South Brisbane

Tickets: $125 per person/$1,250 for a table of 10 and includes drink on arrival, 2-course lunch and 3-hour drinks package

RSVP: Monday 2 March 2020 (no refunds will be given after the RSVP date)

Table and ticket enquiries: please contact the Development and Community Office on 07 3862 0765 or email: developmentandcommunity@stmargarets.qld.edu.au

General enquiries: Anthea Damman 0403 846 258 or Angela Pratt 0413 701 407

Lara Pickering

Careers

ANU

The ANU Advisory Days are being held across Australia to answer questions from your students and give them an insight into what life at ANU is really like.

Date: Thursday 5 December 2019

Time: 3:00pm-7:00pm

Location: State Library of Queensland, Edge Auditorium, Stanley Place, South Brisbane

Students can register online via the .

MedView

Are you considering a career in medicine? Looking to get ahead of the crowd and into medical school? This is an unmissable free event for prospective medical students. to attend today!

The Institute of Modern Languages (IML) invites Years 11 and 12 students studying Chinese, French, German, Japanese and Spanish to enrol in the 2020 IML Summer High School Enrichment Program delivered at The University of Queensland, St Lucia Campus. Enrol by Monday 16 December

Brisbane Defence Force recruiting information sessions

If you’re up for the challenge and would like to find out more about joining the Navy, Army or Air Force, come along to one of our upcoming information sessions. Click for more details.

QUT - Upcoming events:

Participate in family-friendly activities offered in in January. Full program and bookings open in early-December.
ATAR Notes is presenting on 20-21 of January.

Durack College

Applications for Durack College are now open for 2020. Durack College offers a boutique residential experience, with a personalised focus on educational success.

QTAC Key Dates

14 December: OP’s released

23 December: QTAC Offer Round

7 January: Last day to change preference

15 January: Offer Round

UQ 16 December 2019, 3:00pm–6:00pm at UQ Centre, St Lucia campus

Griffith University: Explore your Options (for Year 12)

Monday 16 December – Thursday 19 December. Find out more

(for Year 12)

Date: 17 December, 9am-12pm at P Block, QUT Gardens Point campus

Elizabeth Johnston

168��