Newsletter Article: Term 1, Week 10 2024

As we journey deeply into Holy week we are reminded of Jesus’ acts of service, selfless love and resurrection into new life.

On Holy Thursday, Jesus demonstrated an example of perfect love, humility and service as he showed us a way forward in intimate leadership for ourselves and each other.

Good Friday is a time of reflection, where we remember the suffering and death of Jesus on the cross. As we contemplate Jesus last moments, we seek to deepen our understanding of the infinite love of Christ’s sacrifice, and to reflect on our own capacity for love and selflessness.

Easter Saturday and Sunday, welcomes our celebration of the resurrection of Christ, and the triumph of life over death. This day serves as a reminder of the hope and joy that can be found in our faith, and the transformative power of Christ’s message.

As a community we are richer for the opportunity to share in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus as we are renewed in this Easter season!

Andrew Beiers

Dean of Mission

Newsletter Article: Term 1, Week 10 2024

Over the weekend I had the opportunity to participate in a retreat program with some of our Religious of the Sacred Heart and colleagues from Sacred Heart schools across Australia and New Zealand.  It was an opportunity to connect and learn more about Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat’s story and her vision for the education of young women. Sophie received a holistic education that was remarkable at the

time.  Our students today benefit from her passion and commitment to providing other girls with similar opportunities for learning.

Sophie’s efforts to ensure her students’ intellectual formation, at a time when universities were not open to women, are captured in some of the 14,000 letters that she wrote over her lifetime.  Our own Sister Rita was kind enough to share some of these letters with me.  Below are some excerpt which communicate, in Sophie’s words, her courageous approach to academia, especially reading and writing.

In 1816, Sophie advised Adrienne Michel: “If you have the letters of Saint Jerome, ask to read the ones on the education of little Paula and Pacatula; those are the only ones you will read.”

Books were often in short supply, so she asked a few Religious to write them.  In 1819, Sophie commissioned Mother Michel with this task: “…what has been begun (a copy of the Constitution) will be finished by someone else’ write the history text-book instead.”

Nearly 40 years later, she asks Mother de Curzon: “Do you have the book of Mgr du Panloup (sic) on education?  It is a marvellous book!  It is intended for young men – he wrote it for them – but so many of his maxims can be applied to women!  And so we are giving it to our school-mistresses, and it helps them a great deal to succeed in their exalted and very thorny task of Education!”

Today, thanks to Sophie’s ambition, our experience of education is far more rosy than thorny.  Her passion for writing and reading lives on through our students today.  Our Year 5 scholars have been learning about Sophie and recently wrote and illustrated their own picture books to share her story.  This terrific work showcases their commitment to learning and I am sure that Sophie would be very proud of their efforts on these projects and throughout their first term at Stuartholme.

Well done to all our students and staff for a successful term of academic growth and discovery. I wish everyone in our Sacred Heart community a happy and holy Easter and look forward to journeying with you into Term 2 following the well-deserved break.

Annie Van Homrigh

Dean of Teaching and Learning Innovation 

Newsletter Article: Term 1, Week 10 2024

To conclude the term, I am delighted that our School Psychologists have provided a wonderful article for you, around the benefits of Rest and Restoration for Young People.

I wish you all a happy and holy Easter.

Elizabeth Foxover

Dean of Student Wellbeing  

As we head into the Easter break as a community, it is important to consider how your adolescent and your family can rest, restore energy, and spend time together in a meaningful way.

What do you consider when you think of the word “rest”? Dr Saundra Dalton-Smith is a physician, researcher and the author of the book “Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity.”

Saundra considers rest in a range of different forms including physical, mental, social, emotional, spiritual, sensory and creative rest. You may want to consider which types of rest you and your family need more of over the holiday break.

1. Physical Rest (both active and passive): Active physical rest links to improving the body’s circulation and calming the nervous system. This may include soothing activities such as stretching and yoga. Passive physical rest includes sleeping and taking a nap.
2. Mental Rest: Indicators for needing mental rest may include having multiple “tabs” open in your brain at once, issues concentrating and struggling to calm the brain and settle for sleep. Mental rest may involve the process of “slowing down”, mindfulness activities, taking regular breaks throughout the day or writing down thoughts and feelings.
3. Social Rest:Social rest involves the process of assessing the friendships and relationships that “fill our cup” verses relationships that can drain and exhaust us. You may want to help your adolescent to reflect on how they feel following time spent with different friends and whether they need “social rest” from friends that may be becoming draining.
4. Emotional Rest: This is defined as having the time and space to freely express your feelings and reduce people-pleasing behaviours. Saying “yes” to others often means saying “no” to oneself, particularly when we do not have the emotional capacity to be helping others. This can often lead to burnout. Does your adolescent agree to things that they don’t want to do? Do they fill their schedule up with little time for themselves? They may need emotional rest.
5. Spiritual Rest: Spiritual rest is the ability to connect beyond the physical and mental and feel a deep sense of belonging, love, acceptance and purpose.To receive this, you and your adolescent may want to consider engaging in something greater than yourself and add prayer, meditation or community involvement to your daily routine.
6. Sensory Rest: Our world is overstimulating –bright lights, computer screens, background noise and multiple conversations to name a few. This can lead to a sense of overwhelm. Sensory rest can involve doing something as simple as closing your eyes for a minute in the middle of the day, as well as by unplugging from electronics at the end of every day. Intentional moments of sensory deprivation can begin to undo the damage inflicted by the over-stimulating world.
7. Creative rest: Creative rest reawakens the awe and wonder inside each of us. Nature is perfect for creative rest – heading to the beach, going for a hike or a simple walk in the park can provide this. Enjoying the arts (in any form) is also perfect for creative rest.

You can find Dr Dalton-Smith’s TED talk on this subject here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGNN4EPJzGk&feature=youtu.be

 Apps helpful for rest:

• Smiling minds
• Headspace
• iBreathe

 From the Wellbeing Team

Eloise Conrad, Sally Blight & Natalie Morgan (School Psychologists)

12 Business – engaging in Unit 3 Topic 2 – Strategic Planning

 Year 12 Business students have enjoyed a productive and successful Term 1, completing Unit 3 Topic 2 on Strategic Planning, submitting IA2 assessment meaning they have now completed 50% of their summative assessment and engaging in rich learning experiences including a recent field trip to Sealy as reported by one of our year 12 Business students and an alum guest speaker.

Field Trip to Sealy

Our trip to Sealy for our business excursion was a real eye-opener into how they make their mattresses. We first explored how their springs were made and how different types of springs changed the comfort/style of the mattress itself. Then, we got to tour their second factory, where their mattresses were made using the springs we previously saw being manufactured. This also included different fabrics and pieces of foam being built into the mattress. We even got to lounge on an $18,000 mattress, which, I have to say, was like sleeping on a cloud. What I found the most interesting was the Research and Development department, where they would test multiple fabrics, springs etc, to find the products with the highest quality. They even had a machine that would make a mattress age 10 years! This experience was very insightful, and I hope to one day own that $18,000 mattress. By Sophie Horswill

Guest Speaker

In Week 5 we were fortunate to have Stuartholme alum, Sisha Heffer, visit to speak to us about marketing and share valuable insights into its different types of marketing in a real-world context from her experience. One of the many helpful pieces of information Sisha shared with us was on brand marketing – the process of growing a relationship between a brand and its customers. It involves the customer’s perception of a brand and trying to get the brand message out and known. Sisha shared that an effective way to do this is through member marketing, which is the idea of keeping customers loyal to the business. In her words, “it’s easier to keep a customer than acquire a new one” which aligns with our study of the “80/20” rule known as the Pareto Principle.

GeoSnapShot | Photo access

Stuartholme School uses GeoSnapShot, a platform for securely storing and sharing photos from school events and activities with our community.

To access GeoSnapShot, you can navigate through your MyStuartholme toolbar under ‘View Photos,’ as shown in the image below.

Please note: Your photos will not show on your GeoSnapShot account if you do not have photo permission.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact marketing@stuartholme.com.

Reminder | Update details on Consent2go

This is a reminder to please check that your daughters photo consent details are up-to-date in Consent2Go via the MyStuartholme- Update details tile.

Details that are up-to-date give photo permission for student images to be used in social media, print and online publications. Students that have consent will also have permission to have their photos uploaded to GeoSnapShot, a program that Stuartholme uses to share photos easily with families. You can access these images through MyStuartholme.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact marketing@stuartholme.com.

Dear Parents, Caregivers, Staff, and Students,

Stuartholme School’s Celebration of Excellence serves as a pivotal moment for us to recognise and honour educational excellence that define Stuartholme. It is an occasion where we come together to acknowledge the remarkable achievements and contributions of our students, staff, and community members.

We write to inform you of an important update regarding the Celebration of Excellence event. After consultation with QPAC the date has had to be rescheduled to Wednesday, 16 October.

More information around the event will be shared closer to the time.

Thank you for your continued support.

Warm regards,

Daniel Crump

Stuartholme Sport Term 1 Recap

Congratulations to our sport students for an amazing start to the year!

Over 600 of you represent Stuartholme at one sport or more and we have had huge success so far!

Some of our major highlights include:

• Stuart won the interhouse swimming carnival, as well as the Spirit Stick.
• Two records were broken by some speedy relay teams, unfortunately not the staff team though!
• Stuartholme won the 2024 CaSSSA Swimming Championships for the eighth year in a row and our Year 5s did us proud at their carnival, finishing third.
• Our Tennis team finished Runner Up and brought home the Percentage Trophy for the tenth year in a row!
• We had two teams in the Water Polo finals – 15 Red and 13 Red. Our 12 Gold Team smashed their season with a cracker game to win bronze. We had a record number of teams in the quarter finals which is great progress for our team.
• Our year 5s finished third in their touch football gala competition against other CaSSSA schools.
• The students battled a tough game to take out the inaugural staff v student netball challenge.
• Seven riders – Bridgette, Gabi, Scarlett, Laura, Piper, Annie and Sophia are representing Stuartholme at the SEQ Regional Equestrian competition this weekend as they work towards qualification for the State Championships later in the year.

Away from STU, some of our students have been performing incredibly including:

• Gretta Johnson was selected to represent Australia at the Cross Country World Championships. She was also selected in the Queensland Triathlon Team but was unable to travel. Gretta will be competing tonight at 8pm (11am Belgrade time). If you would like to watch, please register via the link https://worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-cross-country-championships/belgrade24/where-to-watch?countryCode=AU

• Beth Hewett was selected to represent Queensland in the Open Womens Canoe Polo Team
• Daisy Plawecki won a silver medal at the Australian Rowing Championships and Greta Nott and Millie Davies were selected to represent Queensland in the Schoolgirls Pathway Team. Sophia Wright is the cox of the Queensland Masters Mens Rowing Team.
• Sophie Fryer, Olive Plawecki, Tyra Jensen, Elke Jensen and Greta Nott all won State Championships in QLD and NSW and competed at the Australian Rowing Championships.
• Addie Przybylak is a member of the Football QLD Emerging Goalkeeper Program
• Hayley Wilcox represented Queensland Metro in the Regional Softball Championships in Canberra.
• Bridgette Dalmau is in the Queensland Young Rider Squad for Dressage
• Grace Gardiner came fourth at the Queensland Athletics Championships
• Thirteen students have been selected to represent Met West at their respective State Championships across water polo, triathlon, swimming, rugby league, rugby union and hockey.

From the 2024 CaSSSA Sport Season, our AFL team finished undefeated and will play their rescheduled final next term. The Senior Cricket team finished Runner Up in the finals.

Each term, we select the Hallmark Award winners for each team.

The Hallmark Award recognises students who lead their team with good sportsmanship, 100% effort and great attitude. They are considered great role model and awesome team player.

Newsletter Article: Term 1, Week 10 2024

As we approach the end of term, it is crucial to take a moment to pause and reflect on our well-being. Amidst the hustle and bustle of academic and extra curricular pursuits, it is easy to overlook the importance of rest. Yet, rest is not merely a luxury- it is a fundamental necessity for our physical, mental and emotional health.

How often have you- or your daughters- despite having a good night sleep, awoken feeling tired? Recently, after Stuartholme Community Mass, I had the privilege of sharing, with our boarders, a TED Ed talk by Dr Saundra Dalton-Smith the difference between sleep and rest and the various types of rest we all need to prevent feelings of exhaustion and overwhelm. Dr Dalton-Smith highlights seven distinct types of rest, each essential for our overall well-being.

Physical Rest – lack of sleep and/or overactivity can drain our body’s energy and drive. The two types of physical rest can help:

Passive – get restful sleep (7+ hours a night); take power naps, as needed.

Active – stretch; gentle movement; take deep breaths; get a massage.

Mental Rest – to recover from focusing on too many things at once or overtaxing our thinking:

take breaks during productive periods or from problem-solving; schedule a time specifically for “worrying;” write down your to-dos; create a transition ritual to separate work and life; listen to music or meditate; doing something mundane, like folding laundry, washing dishes, etc.

Emotional Rest – withholding our emotions, or not expressing them freely, requires a lot of energy. Emotional rest deficit occurs when you feel like you can’t be authentic. Counter this by creating space to process your emotions, share your inner experiences with others, and be your truest self:

Honour your boundaries; connect with people you feel safe with; talk to a therapist or a good listener to relieve yourself of emotional labour

Social Rest – consider your relationships, and their positivity, support, and meaning:

Spend more time with people who give you energy, support you, bring out the best in you, and less with those that steal your energy; for some, it means taking a break from socializing, or blocking out time to be alone

Creative Rest – if most of your day involves coming up with solutions to problems, your creative energy most likely needs a replenish. Dr. Dalton-Smith writes that creative rest is about reawakening “the awe and wonder inside each of us.” We need to make time for things that inspire us: create to create, rather than produce; read a book for fun; go on a walk in nature; take in a sunrise or sunset; visit a museum; engage with inspiring music, documentaries, etc.

Spiritual Rest – we all have a fundamental need for belonging! Take part in something bigger than yourself: engage in things that give you a sense of meaning and purpose; volunteer; find communities; do something that grounds you, like meditate; pray, recite affirmations or mantras; participate in faith-based activities (if aligned with your beliefs)

Sensory Rest – our senses are continuously receiving input from our surroundings. Give your senses a break from external stimuli: wear blue light glasses during screen time; unplug from technology; find quiet and calm; sit in silence or dim lighting; take a break from social media(s); turn off notifications.

Our boarders have accepted the challenge to reflect on which 1-2 types they feel they are experiencing the biggest rest deficits. Over time, with the support and guidance from staff, they will continue to build the different types of rest into the structure of their daily and weekly lives to provide the most benefit. Developing an ongoing recovery process allows us to produce at a sustainably high level, while maintaining a well-rested and balanced life.

This month, we focussed on our physical, social and spiritual rest. Recently, we had the pleasure of welcoming Alum, Nicola Bone’s Sound off for Schools, to lead our boarders in a special wellness session. We were guided through a transformative session encompassing yoga, pilates and mediation. The feedback from our boarders was overwhelmingly positive, underscoring the importance of providing our young people with opportunities to prioritise their mental and physical health.

As we head into the holidays, I encourage everyone to take a moment or two to examine the types of rest they may be in deficit of and try to incorporate these into daily routines.

I wish you all a very restful, happy and joyful Easter!

Jane Morris
Dean of Boarding

NEW Labelling Service Available

The School Shop offers day and boarding students a labelling service. A minimum of 10 garments are to be placed into a bag with relevant paper work obtained through the school shop. The items are then sent to the laundry to be named. The laundry will return the labelled items back to the school shop for payment. Labelling will be done usually on a Wednesday with items returned to the school shop the following Friday.

You can purchase these along with the other products available at our School Shop through Flexischools: https://flexischools.com.au/

If you need a new unform and it to be professionally fitted, book an appointment here: SHS School Shop (office365.com)

THE HIVE – ALL WELCOME

The latest edition of the Cor Unum is now available online. If you would like a hard copy please visit Main Reception to collect.

HOST AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ATTENDING STUARTHOLME SCHOOL

Stuartholme has partnered with International Student Care Australia (ISCA) to provide international students the experience of living with an Australian family and immersing themselves in the Australian culture and way of life. Homestay Accommodation is available to International students as a temporary option when the boarding house is at capacity.

Stuartholme School Homestay Program is operated by our approved third-party provider, International Student Care Australia (ISCA).

If you would be interested in hosting an International Student, please contact John Coade to find out more.

Mob:    + 61 0427 269 360

Tel:       + 61 7 3851 0704

Email:     isca@isca.net.au

Web:    http://www.isca.net.au

Dear Year 8 Parents, Guardians and Students

As Term 1 comes to an end, the Stuartholme Arts Department would like to look ahead to Term 2 and share a ‘Save The Date’ with you all!

The Arts Department warmly invites you to our Year 8 Arts Extravaganza evening on Friday 7th June from 5:30pm for a 6pm start

Arts Extravaganza is a wonderful opportunity for all Stuartholme Year 8 students to share their achievements in Drama, Visual Art and Music with the community.  During the evening, we aim to open up our Arts classrooms to you all and share with you our students’ creative work. Students will be performing and exhibiting their class work and assessment from Semester One.

This year we are very excited to premiere our production of ‘She Doesn’t Go Here‘ a brand-new play written by award winning playwright, Steve Pirie. 

The evening will include:

•            A production of She Doesn’t Go Here performed by Drama students with features from Music and Visual Art students 

•            Music students performing collaborative work focused on popular music

•            Visual Art Exhibition 

Drinks and light snacks will be available to purchase from the café from 5:30pm   

More details of the event will come in Term 2!

We look forward to you joining us for an evening of sharing and celebrating the achievements of our Year 8 Arts’ students.

Please feel free to contact Lucy Harkin (Leader of Learning – The Arts) or your child’s teacher classroom Arts teacher if you have any questions or queries.

Tickets for our inaugural Picnic on the Green event are closing today! Secure yours before sales close by clicking here.

A warm thank you to our amazing gold and bronze sponsors, including Cooltimes, Green Options, Armstrong Builders, Eaton Services Group, and Eurofurn, for their generous support of our inaugural Picnic on the Green.

At the Picnic on the Green there will be tables reserved for parents in each year group.  If you are interested in being allocated a seat at a table for your year level, once a ticket has been booked, please contact Lauren Rose at events@stuartholme.com.

There are still sponsorship opportunities available, to find out more or to get involved please contact events@stuartholme.com.

On Wednesday, we had a wonderful morning watching the Year 5 students perform for one another. We extend our gratitude to all our tutors who have done an exceptional job in just 8 weeks of running the program.

We eagerly anticipate holding a performance for the Year 5 parents at the end of Term 2.

The Lift Her Up award recognises students who display Compassion, Courage, or Confidence during Term One. Congratulations to the following students.

1. Indigo Hill

Indigo was nominated for her confidence, compassion, and courage. She isn’t confident in the way that she is boastful in her actions or words, she’s confident in herself and her ability to make people smile. She has an outstanding sense of humour that lights up the room and makes everyone around her feel warm.

She constantly goes out of her way to make people feel loved. The way that she spreads her compassion is in the way she gives her time and attention – she’s an excellent listener when you need someone to chat to and always speaks extremely highly of the people she loves.

She shows her courage everyday as part of her morning routine – arriving at school, walking all the way over to the year 12 area to drop off school bags and having to face Amy Kampe head on.

2. Poppy Noonan

Poppy has demonstrated Compassion to everyone from peers to teachers, truly demonstrating what it means to be a Stuartholme Girl.

She is a kind friend and always willing to help out anyone. Her calm, happy nature is always appreciated by everyone around her and she’s always willing to help out the younger girls. Everyone would agree that she is a sweet, loving and compassionate young woman. She is loved by everyone around her.

3. Annie King

Annie was nominated for her courage. She’s not one to show it, but she perseveres through tough times in her life without blinking an eye or letting it show. Her courage often goes unnoticed because of her infallible composure, but it’s a testament to her that she puts a brave face on and carries on with her life regardless of what is happening. It takes a special kind of courage to do this kind of thing, but Annie King is a prime example.

4. Catherine Katter

Catherine displays confidence by working on the “Lord Mayor’s Environmental Youth Leadership Project.” She represented Stuartholme at this event, showing many signs of confidence and leadership through all her hard work and determination. She takes a positive and confident approach to this project and shows great skills of a leader.

This girl is also one of the genius’ behind the new Stuartholme Pantry Project for people in need (to be launched in term 2). She is unfailingly kind and generous in sharing her ideas and talents.

5. Serafina Bird 

Serafina shows both confidence and courage. This student is someone who goes above and beyond and shows confidence to all her classmates and teachers.  She is always a helping hand with-in the classroom and will always have your back. Her courage is unmatched and throughout the term, her strength has truly been a gift to watch.

6. Lucy Hedberg

The nominator wrote, “I believe this girl has demonstrated the 3 C’s through her captaincy of our team this term. With her kindness, empathy and humour she made me, and every AFL girl feel included and empowered to try our hardest and have fun whilst we do it. I’ve never played AFL before, yet she was right there to cheer me on both on and off the field. She brought the positive vibes and kept the stu spirit alive. Not only does she show compassion for her team members, but she shows it to her coaches, being the first to put up her hand to help with pack up and makes the extra effort to really thank her coaches. I believe Lucy Hedberg truly earns this award as she’s not only a great team member but she’s also a great friend. Everyone needs a lucy in their life.”

Newsletter Article: Term 1, Week 10 2024

A successful start to the year

As Term 1 draws to a close, I am immensely proud of our incredible progress in pursuing our shared goals and aspirations.

A key highlight has been launching our 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, which was developed in collaboration with all in our community. Building on the goals and vision of our Founder, it lays the foundation for us to achieve its central goal to “Shape the girls who will shape the world”.

Our commitment to educational excellence, a fundamental tenet of this Plan, has been evident in every facet of our school community. Together, we have cultivated a positive and supportive culture that will enable our students to develop the courage, compassion, and confidence to become the architects of change in an ever-evolving world. Whether through their commitment to learning, artistic or sporting endeavours, or community service initiatives, our students have demonstrated a profound sense of purpose and dedication to positively impacting society.

As we celebrate this term’s achievements, let’s look forward with optimism and excitement to the endless possibilities that await us in Term 2.

With your continued support and partnership, I am confident that we will continue to nurture and empower the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators who will shape the world for the better.

Staffing Updates

In staffing news, Wendy Macdonald, Leader of Learning Science has accepted a promotion at Marist College Ashgrove commencing next term. After a 13-year contribution to Stuartholme, we are incredibly grateful to Wendy for her service as a Sacred Heart educator and excited for her and wish her well as she takes this next step.

Deb Guthrie, an experienced leader of science and former Deputy Principal will take on the role of Acting Leader of Learning Science for 2024, and we are pleased to welcome back to the Science Department a familiar face in Karen Patterson for Term 2.

In addition, we express gratitude to Michelle Carter for her work in the Careers space across Term 1 and welcome back Tom Lillyman as he returns from secondment at the start of next term.

Pausing to celebrate Easter 

We were recently reminded in our beautiful Reconciliation and Easter Liturgies of the joyous celebration of Easter, marking the promise of new beginnings and the triumph of light over darkness. It is a time for families to gather, reflect, and appreciate the blessings in our lives.

I wish you and your families a blessed and joy-filled Easter! May this season bring you renewed hope, abundant blessings, and moments of pure happiness.

Yours in Cor Unum,

Danny Crump
Principal

Newsletter Article: Term 1, Week 10 2024

Our Dynamic leaders of Stuartholme

It was exciting recently to celebrate the launch of Stuartholme’s 2024-2027 Strategic Plan which builds on the goals and vision of our Founder and lays the foundation for us to achieve its central goal to “Shape the girls who will shape the world”.

A key strategic pillar is sustaining our dynamic workforce culture.

Much is being written in the media nationally at present about the major challenges facing Australia’s teacher workforce and its school leadership pipeline.

At Stuartholme we are well ahead of the curve with our “Dynamic Workforce Plan” where we invest in our staff – our most valuable resource, at all stages of their career.

We are very excited about our well-established partnership with Cut through Coaching, and our continued implementation of the Habits of Leadership program which develops the leadership skills and capabilities of both our existing and aspirant leaders.

Our Stuartholme leaders are also certainly making an impact on the national and international education conversation:

• Tom Lillyman, Leader of Learning – Careers, and Emma McCarthy, Director of Sport have been successful in their expressions of interest to present their innovative work in New Zealand to a broad Sacred Heart Community at the annual conference.
• Emma McCarthy has also been appointed as the Coach for Rowing Queensland which is a fine achievement.
• A shout out to our staff that are authoring key educational texts. Ben Hegerty, Leader of Learning – Humanities, contributing to the revised edition of a Senior Ancient History textbook with Cambridge expected to go to print later this year and also Wendy Macdonald, Leader of Learning – Science, is working on a revised edition of a senior Psychology textbook for Oxford University Press. Jarod Costantini, Director of Staff Development and Co-Curricular, has also contributed to the recently published Cambridge Humanities and Social Sciences text for Queensland.
• Lucy Harkin, Leader of Learning – the Arts, continues to shape Arts Education through her work as Vice President of Drama Queensland and a myriad of work in partnership with industry and through her contribution to teaching resources to be published in new plays this year.

 Wishing you a Blessed Easter

It is indeed such a privilege to be blessed with the talented leaders that we have at Stuartholme and to implement the range of innovations where we are leading the way in “Shaping the Girls Who Shape the World”.

I wish you and your families a blessed Easter and look forward to seeing you in Term 2. Each of us will continue to play an important role in supporting each child to develop the courage, compassion and confidence required to make a difference in the world, or in the lives of others.

Deborah Lonsdale-Walker
Deputy Principal

Leap Years – Why you have a plus-one in your calendar for 2024?

As you’ve hopefully already noticed, March came a little later than usual this year. Rather than February’s typical 28 days, it welcomed an extra day for 2024, but why?

For millenniums, humans have been basing our calendars around the cosmos; centring our conception of time on interstellar events such as the Earth’s revolution and its rotation around the Sun. For the most part, this acts as a fairly fool-proof method of time keeping, but there’s just one problem. The Earth doesn’t actually revolve the Sun in 365 days, but rather 365.25. Six (6) hour-long days obviously don’t exist, so in order to maintain our synchronisation with the astronomical year, February, the smallest month, gets a plus one on every year that is divisible by four: 2024, 2028, 2032, and so on.

Without this 366^th day, our calendar would begin to drift from its synchronisation with these cosmic milestones, as our new year would begin about 6 hours later than that of the previous. Short-term, this doesn’t seem like that significant a change. However, in around 100 years without leap days, things like the timing of our seasons would shift by almost a month. After 300, 3 months. Summer would range from March to May, and winter from September to November. If this were the case, other milestones such as New Years would also be subject to a 6 hour delay each year, causing it to occur across a variety of different points of each January 1^st. I have a feeling the ball drop wouldn’t be anywhere near as exciting at noon as it is midnight though.

All in all, if it weren’t for leap years, this inconsistency of events and their occurrences would get pretty hard to keep track of.

So I hope you enjoyed that extra day of summer, because it won’t be back for a while.

By Ella McPhee (Year 11 UQ Science Ambassador)

Here is an introduction to the other five of our ten UQ Science Ambassadors for 2024: Eliza Flanagan, Arabella Robinson, Sophie Freeman, Nyah Murphy & Lizzie Rosanowski. We have a wonderful group of curious and engaged students to lead the school in this field.

Upcoming events:

World Science Festival (World Science Festival Brisbane) has a great program of events running from the 15^th – 24^th March. There are many free events to enjoy from The hatchery: Turtle conservation experience to the City of Science at Southbank over the weekend.

Kind regards,

Ms Wendy McDonald

Leader of Learning – Science

FUELLING FOR PERFORMANCE 

SHARKS VOLLEYBALL CAMP 

Registrations for the next Sharks Camp are open and filling up FAST!

Sharks Camp is a four-day volleyball camp designed to cater to athletes of all skill levels. With elite development opportunities available and pathways into club and state-level volleyball, this camp has something for everyone!

The Dates:
9th April | 10th April | 11th April | 12th April

4 Days. 300+ athletes. Heaps to learn.

Now available in Brisbane and the Gold Coast!

Check out our website for more information!
www.sharksvolleyball.com/sharks-camp

Sport News

CONGRATULATIONS GRETTA

Congratulations to Year 12 student Gretta Johnson who has just been announced as a member of the Australian Cross Country team! Gretta is travelling to Belgrade, Serbia for the World Cross Country Championships on 30 March, we wish her all the best!

CROSS COUNTRY CAMP

Last weekend’s Cross Country camp held at Tallebudgera brought together 30 enthusiastic runners.

The team enjoyed beautiful morning runs around Burleigh with some great running and beautiful views. During the days, the runners were able to enjoy kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, and on Sunday, a glorious bushwalk through Witches Falls in Tamborine Mountain. At night, we were able to engage in team bonding with games and trivia nights.

Many thanks to Chris, coaches, and the Sports team who attended the weekend and assisted; it was a great success. Thanks also to all the students who showed great spirit and commitment during the weekend. The team is looking forward to a great running season ahead.

IWD FUN RUN

On Sunday, the Stuartholme community came together to support the International Women’s Day Fun Run for cancer awareness. We are very proud of our community for being a part of the event and thank everyone for their generous donations, which raised over $3000.

EQUESTRIAN CAMP 

Our Equestrian Team had an amazing weekend retreat at Mt Tamborine. They enjoyed two full days packed with lessons covering all three disciplines: dressage, show jumping, and cross country. The girls and their families camped alongside their horses, taking charge of all their catering needs.

Dear Parents, Caregivers, Staff, and Students,

Stuartholme School’s Celebration of Excellence serves as a pivotal moment for us to recognise and honour educational excellence that define Stuartholme. It is an occasion where we come together to acknowledge the remarkable achievements and contributions of our students, staff, and community members.

We write to inform you of an important update regarding the Celebration of Excellence event. After consultation with QPAC the date has had to be rescheduled to Wednesday, 16 October.

More information around the event will be shared closer to the time.

Thank you for your continued support.

Warm regards,

Daniel Crump

The latest edition of the Cor Unum is now available online. If you would like a hard copy please visit Main Reception to collect.

The Stuartholme Debating Program needs you!

 The 2024 Debating Season is underway and following the tremendous successes of last year we have experienced a rapid increase in the number of students signing on.

 We are currently seeking three members of the Stuartholme Community that might be able to mentor a team.  Times and dates to meet with the team are flexible and the competition which runs from February – July includes 4x formal Debates.

 If you or someone you know thinks they might be able to assist with a team please contact our Debating Coordinator, Molly McCann on mmccann@stuartholme.com.

Thank you  

GeoSnapShot | Photo access

Stuartholme School uses GeoSnapShot, a platform for securely storing and sharing photos from school events and activities with our community.

To access GeoSnapShot, you can navigate through your MyStuartholme toolbar under ‘View Photos,’ as shown in the image below.

Please note: Your photos will not show on your GeoSnapShot account if you do not have photo permission.

Reminder | Update details on Consent2go

This is a reminder to please check that your daughters photo consent details are up-to-date in Consent2Go via the MyStuartholme- Update details tile.

Details that are up-to-date give photo permission for student images to be used in social media, print and online publications. Students that have consent will also have permission to have their photos uploaded to GeoSnapShot, a program that Stuartholme uses to share photos easily with families. You can access these images through MyStuartholme.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact marketing@stuartholme.com.

NEW Labelling Service Available

The School Shop offers day and boarding students a labelling service. A minimum of 10 garments are to be placed into a bag with relevant paper work obtained through the school shop. The items are then sent to the laundry to be named. The laundry will return the labelled items back to the school shop for payment. Labelling will be done usually on a Wednesday with items returned to the school shop the following Friday.

You can purchase these along with the other products available at our School Shop through Flexischools: https://flexischools.com.au/

If you need a new unform and it to be professionally fitted, book an appointment here: SHS School Shop (office365.com)

THE HIVE – ALL WELCOME

Are you on the hunt for a fantastic holiday camp to keep your kids engaged and entertained during their break? Look no further than Junior Engineers School Holiday programs being hosted at Stuartholme these school holidays.

**BUY MORE SAVE MORE**

When you Buy 2 products, you’ll save 10%, when you buy Buy 3 or more products, you’ll save 15%.

With 4 exciting programs on offer, we are thrilled to offer the perfect blend of fun and education for children aged 5-13. We’ll be exploring our latest theme: Aqua Mode in Minecraft Aqua Mode, Lego MindStorms, Stop Motion and Jnr Minecraft classes!

Click on the link below for a course and watch them flourish in an environment that seamlessly combines fun and learning.

https://www.juniorengineers.com.au/school-holidays?postcode=4066

Year 9 Economics and Business – Project Based Learning

Project-Based Learning (PBL), a derivative of inquiry-based learning, is a student-centred approach to learning that engages students in developing critical thinking through undertaking meaningful projects. PBL is used at the commencement of the Year 9 Economics and Business course as a means of encouraging active learning where the students are central to the construction of their own learning, rather than being passive recipients of information. The challenge set for our students was to design, cost, market and sell a product to a target audience at Open Day. Each class assumed the role of running their own business, with teacher guidance, to understand concepts including target markets, inventory, break-even, revenue, expenses and profit.

As part of PBL, the students were engaged in planning and problem solving, along with developing skills in teamwork and communication. Participation in selling to customers at Open Day was a key learning experience for students as they actively participated in their project. The final products produced by our young entrepreneurs were face painting, butterfly-shaped lolly bags and Crumbs & Co biscuits.

The culminating task was to finalise the financials for the project, with students helping prepare a Statement of Profit (or Loss) for their businesses. The ventures were highly successful with $350 being donated to Project Compassion.

Sally Adams and Anna Sayers (LoL Business)

A sample of student feedback:

“It was fun to interact with the parents and kids when I was working the stall. I used an EFTPOS machine for the first time, and it went well. In the stall, we all collaborated well together to sell the products! It was really fun!” By Grace McGillion

“I enjoyed participating in baking cookies for the venture. It was also fun packing the cookies and cutting out materials for decorating our store.” By Evelyn Clark

“I was involved in the production of the biscuits and the test baking and it was an amazing experience to see and learn how business ventures work.” By Katie Kneebone

“I enjoyed seeing the smile on the kids faces when they saw the face paint design they got.” By Addison O’Brien

“Through the facepainting we participated in on Open Day, I was able to learn about how to communicate with customers, and how to give them the best experience possible. I really enjoyed welcoming people to our school!.” By Sophie Weir

“I learnt how to effectively calculate the costs of the cookies and use an EFTPOS machine.” By Lily Kalaja-King

“I used an EFTPOS machine and I enjoyed serving people and making the butterfly bags for our customers.” By Eva Hetherington

“Thank you so much for the opportunity on open day it was really fun and a great experience. I loved seeing all the new faces, interacting with all the parents, and talking to the girls who we will hopefully see in the future.” By Emma Lister

“I was helping with the butterfly bags and the face painting; with the butterfly bags they were a very fast business and had taken in a lot of customers. I loved the number of kids there, smiling. When I moved on to face painting, it was a wonderful experience chatting with the kids, and seeing the smile get bigger after their face was done. I was told by several kids that they loved the school and wanted to go to Stuartholme, the venture had a lasting impact and was talked about for consecutive days after”. By Deana-Rose Mailata

“As a year 9 class in Business, we created butterfly bags that were lolly bags twisted into the shape of a butterfly that kids could decorate with pompoms.  I think the idea was fabulous and it worked pretty well considering we were all sold out in the middle of the day. It was really fun and good experience for what happens in the real world when working in cafes or restaurants. I would love to do it again if I had the opportunity and I’m glad the money is going to a good cause.” By Sophie Gardner

The closing of St Mary’s, the boarding school for the Potawatomi girls, meant that there were Sisters available for the Mission to New Zealand.

St Mary’s School known to the locals as “The tower on the Prairie”.

Reading correspondence, of Saint Madeleine Sophie, that extends over long years, it is striking to see to what an extent changes of house, and even of country, are taken for granted; sometimes they are not even mentioned,

as Saint Madeleine Sophie left this to the Mothers Superior. While there are very few photos of the adventurous women who were ready to make the long voyage from the United States to New Zealand to extend the Mission of the Society, we do have some insights into who they were from some short descriptions.

Mother Helen Mair is said to have had natural talents, excellent education, tact, industry, and solid virtues which enabled her to fill different positions with success, so it was said that she accomplished the work of four people. She spent a brief period in Melbourne before returning to Timaru as Superior in 1895.

Mother Rachel Sharman became the first Superior. She would have been coping with the difficulties associated with making a foundation in a foreign land after the shock of the death of Mother Boudreau, the Superior who accompanied them on the voyage to see them settled. Rechel suffered from deafness and ill health.

Mother Catherine Sullivan left as her dying message to the students… “Tell them to love Our Lord Jesus Christ ardently, to be obedient, pious and truthful: to live as good Christians, always faithful to duty.”

Sister Mary Heffernan would have been responsible for all the practical arrangements of the foundation. She is described as Irish born with a fiery temperament of “the pure blood of Tipperary” and a heart of gold.

The one with the most interesting history is Mother Juliette Bauduy-Garesché. Juliette was a widow. She had married Peter in 1849 for whom she had converted to Catholicism. They had two sons and two daughters and during the Civil War, Peter had volunteered in the Confederate Army. During the War Juliette made a courageous crossing of the enemy lines to visit her husband. Her return journey to New York was even more adventurous. After the War the family returned to St Louis where her husband died suddenly. She also lost her two sons in circumstances that are not recorded. Juliette’s two daughters Kitty and Lilly had entered the Society, so, having reared her family, Juliette decided to enter the Society herself. She made her Vows in 1878, a year before she set off for New Zealand.

Juliette had nursed Mother Boudreau in her last illness and had been requested to return at once to Missouri with her last messages and papers. Bishop Redwood accompanied her across the Pacific. He said she fell ill in the tropics, and they kept her alive for a week on iced champagne! It must have been an effective remedy as she arrived home in good health. She was appointed Superior of City House, St Louis, and later St Michael’s, where, on the eve of her death in 1885, she was visited by Fr Chataigner, who had been the Parish Priest of Timaru and given Mother Boudreau the Last Sacraments.

Timaru flourished and celebrated its Golden Jubilee, but the Great Depression caused the loss of students and financial difficulties. This combined with the need for personnel elsewhere, led to its closure in December 1933.

To be continued…

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

It’s that time again and the Parents of Stuartholme (PoS) are seeking help from our school and local community.  On Friday the 10th of May 2024, the PoS will hold their annual Mothers’ Day Lunch.  Whilst the primary aim of the lunch is to build community, the fundraising aspect of the event allows the PoS to support a range of school clubs, projects, and social justice programs.

To help make this year’s event a success, we would appreciate your support.  Your donation, no matter how BIG or SMALL will be greatly received, as examples in past years we have had holiday homes for the weekend, facial and restaurant vouchers, bbqs and meat trays.  Last year we had a skippered yacht for the day!!! No donation ever goes unwanted, and ALL profits go back to our girls.  If you or your business would have the capacity to donate in 2024, we would be most thankful.

Any donations would be gratefully received before 3rd May 2024.  Donations can be left at Stuartholme Main Reception if delivering to the school is convenient.  Otherwise, we would be happy to arrange pick up of any donations if this makes the transaction easier at your end.

Please contact either Caroline directly on email cmwilko12@hotmail.com 0439 856 574, Fiona Woodard jfwoodard@bigpond.com 0412 500 231 or Mary-Louise Rowell mlrowell10@hotmail.com 0439 857 301 to discuss how your business can be involved, to pledge a donation and/or how we can recognise your generosity.

Your time and consideration are greatly appreciated.

Kind regards,

The 2024 Stuartholme Mothers’ Day Lunch Committee

Stuartholme alumna Madeleine Border (Class of 2013) is a Meanjin/Brisbane theatre maker, performer, and writer known for her unique voice blending political satire and quirky dialogue. She aims to provoke, intrigue, and amuse her audience. Madeleine has had a remarkable journey in the theatre world, serving as Playlab Theatre’s Young Playwright-in-Residence (2019), Backbone Youth Arts resident artist (2019), and participating in various programs including Express Media’s Left to Write Program (2020) and Dead Puppet Society Academy Program (2022). She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Drama and Political Science and completed her Masters of Writing, Editing, and Publishing at UQ in 2019.

Madeleine has been commissioned by Playlab Theatre to write a play about the transitional period between leaving high school and entering adulthood. The play, having its world premiere at the Brisbane Powerhouse this March, follows the journey of Lorrie (Loxie), as she navigates the challenges of starting a job, moving out of home, and waiting for university offers. Titled “Big Yikes!”, the play is a coming-of-age story that delves into themes of boundaries, decision-making, and autonomy, while also asking existential questions about purpose and life choices.

“Big Yikes!” will be performed at the Underground Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse, from Wednesday, March 13 to Saturday, March 23. It is suitable for students aged 12 and above. If you’re interested in supporting Madeleine and experiencing the play, please visit Big Yikes! by Madeleine Border – Playlab Theatre

HOST AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ATTENDING STUARTHOLME SCHOOL

Stuartholme has partnered with International Student Care Australia (ISCA) to provide international students the experience of living with an Australian family and immersing themselves in the Australian culture and way of life. Homestay Accommodation is available to International students as a temporary option when the boarding house is at capacity.

Stuartholme School Homestay Program is operated by our approved third-party provider, International Student Care Australia (ISCA).

If you would be interested in hosting an International Student, please contact John Coade to find out more.

Mob:    + 61 0427 269 360

Tel:       + 61 7 3851 0704

Email:     isca@isca.net.au

Web:    http://www.isca.net.au

Please be informed that all onsite parking is designated for staff only between the hours of 7.15am and 3.30pm, Monday through Friday. Visitors are kindly requested to utilise the 6 designated Visitor parking spaces located on the left-hand side while driving up the Main Drive towards the school.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Newsletter Article: Term 1, Week 8 2024

Fostering Future Leaders: Off to a flying start with our Junior School

It was a delight to see the launch of our innovative Stuartholme Strategic Plan 2024 – 2027 recently which fulfils the Mission of the Society of the Sacred Heart, for our students to be the change makers in the world.

Our The Junior school which proudly commenced in January 2024 is foundational for shaping the students who shape the future.

Building on Stuartholme’s dynamic staff culture

Stuartholme has a proud record of attracting and nurturing the brightest talents, so that we are poised to deliver a dynamic educational environment of Stuartholme. Our impressive Junior School Team is no exception.

Led by Mr Brendan Downes, Director of Junior School and Megan Moffatt, Leader of Learning Junior School, they bring a wealth of experience in developing Junior School teaching and learning. Leanne Caines with a background in school support is the friendly and welcoming presence in our Junior School Reception.  At the coalface our students have two outstanding educators, Maggie Wright and Genevieve Easton, whose passion and expertise contribute to a robust, supportive, and caring environment.

Dr Ron Ritchhart senior researcher at Harvard Graduate School of Education who has partnered with Stuartholme for the past 6 years, is working as a critical friend with Junior staff. A targeted professional learning program was designed to skill staff in this ground-breaking work which places at its core students becoming thinkers and learners.

A significant investment in innovative teaching and learning.

The Junior School has provided the basis of a significant investment in innovative teaching and learning at Stuartholme.

With only 100 students in Years 5 and 6, Stuartholme offers a distinctive opportunity for these students to receive an education tailored to their individual needs. This has been realised in practice through the timetabling with literacy and numeracy blocks in the morning and a differentiated approach.

The Junior School Wellbeing program is foundational to success encompassing Mindfulness, gratitude, Restorative Practices Circle Time, and explicit lessons.

Shaped to foster small group learning through the arrangement of furniture into purpose designed learning spaces, the design delivers on the Stuartholme graduate vision – one who exhibits courage, compassion and confidence to be an agent of transformation in their lives and the lives of others.

The earlier intervention with students commencing a quality Stuartholme education at 9 years of age, two years prior, better places the school to build co-agency approaches through relationships with students and families to achieve excellence in outstanding student outcomes – a centrepiece of our strategic future focus.

Deborah Lonsdale-Walker
Deputy Principal

Tickets for our inaugural Picnic on the Green event are still available!

A warm thank you to our amazing gold and bronze sponsors, including Cooltimes, Green Options, Armstrong Builders, Eaton Services Group, and Eurofurn, for their generous support of our inaugural Picnic on the Green.

At the Picnic on the Green there will be tables reserved for parents in each year group.  If you are interested in being allocated a seat at a table for your year level, once a ticket has been booked, please contact Lauren Rose at events@stuartholme.com.

Limited tickets are still available. Secure yours before sales close on Thursday, 28 March, by clicking here.

There are still sponsorship opportunities available, to find out more or to get involved please contact events@stuartholme.com.

Newsletter Article: Term 1, Week 8 2024

Celebrating Success: Stuartholme’s Open Day Triumph!

I am delighted to share the incredible success of our recent Stuartholme School Open Day! This event was a showcase of our exceptional education and was a testament to the unwavering dedication and commitment of our staff, parents, and students. Our school was a buzz with energy, enthusiasm, and a palpable sense of community spirit from the moment we opened. Record-breaking crowds attended in 2024 in response to the reputation and esteem Stuartholme holds in our community.

A key highlight of the day was witnessing our staff, students, and parents in action together.

Our staff’s passion for teaching and supporting our students was evident in every interaction. From engaging classroom demonstrations to insightful discussions about our curriculum, our dedicated educators left a lasting impression on our visitors,

showcasing the excellence that defines Stuartholme’s educational experience.

Equally central to our success were the contributions of our parents. Their support and advocacy played a pivotal role in attracting such a diverse and enthusiastic audience. Their willingness to share their experiences and insights with prospective families demonstrated pride in our school and reinforced the sense of belonging that defines our community.

Of course, this was only possible with the remarkable students of Stuartholme. Their enthusiasm and eagerness to showcase their achievements were genuinely inspiring. Whether leading tours, participating in performances, or engaging in demonstrations, our students embodied the values of courage, compassion and confidence that define our school.

Beyond the impressive displays and demonstrations, what truly stood out on Open Day was the genuine warmth and shared sense of purpose—a true reflection of the vibrant community that makes Stuartholme incredibly special.

Principal’s Report: Stuartholme School’s Focus Goal Presentation at the 2024 ANZ Goals Meeting

I am also pleased to share with our community the exciting news of my recent attendance at the 2024 ANZ Goals Meeting hosted by Sacre Coeur School in Melbourne. It was an honour to represent Stuartholme School and to present our Focus Goal Report for 2023, specifically highlighting our progress on Goal #2: A Deep Respect for Intellectual Values.

Throughout 2023, our community worked tirelessly to enflame this goal, fostering a culture that values and promotes intellectual growth and curiosity. It was with great pride that I reported on the key highlights of our achievements:

• Privileging student voice;
• Implementing our new graduate vision and Pedagogical Framework;
• Driving innovation;
• Sustaining a dynamic staff culture;
• Introducing the Junior School; and
• Launching our RAP Plan.

Reflecting on our accomplishments of 2023, I am filled with gratitude for the dedication and collaborative spirit of our Stuartholme community. Stuartholme looks forward to hosting the 2025 Sacred Heart Conference, and I will share information about this with our community in due course.

Yours in Cor Unum,

Danny Crump
Principal

Newsletter Article: Term 1, Week 8 2024

Last week the Cor Unum Committee led our community in prayer as we celebrated International Women’s Day Liturgy with a sense of fun and gratitude.  The Leaders came dressed as their role model mothers and were a great inspiration throughout the day as they brought the theme, #InspireInclusion, to life.

A highlight of the day was Susannah Streeton’s presentation of the Cor Unum International Women’s Day Address.

“As young women, we gather inspiration from many places and people. Here at Stuartholme, our wisdom women; St. Madeleine-Sophie Barat, Mother Janet Erskine Stuart, Philippine Duchesne are the most prominent examples, who paved the way

 for our school’s ethos. Their example is an extraordinary one. Through education, Madeleine Sophie inspired to include girls in a society from which they were barred entry, to look out for other women, and to ensure that success, power, love and inclusion were not a limited resource for women, but rather something that grows the more we share it.” (Streeton, 2024)

Susannah went on to reflect about her conversation with Sr Rita Carroll and how Rita embodies St Madeleine Sophies’ call to, “Be Kind without weakness, humble without grovelling”.

“It reminded me that by committing their whole lives to the society, sisters had a pathway to live extraordinary lives, completely in service of lifting other women. If we can give even a fraction of ourselves to the same cause, the flow-on effects in enriching the lives of those around us cannot be understated.” (Streeton, 2024)

Congratulations also to the JPIC students and library who prepared ribbons for the staff and sold the IWD Ribbons along with Ms Lawler and Ms Cantarutti.

Tuesday evening saw the launch of the India Immersion Information Evening and a massive thank you goes to Sandra Cantarutti and Jarod Constantini for there preparation of materials for this event.

This week Stuartholme prepared for Lent with a special Reconciliation liturgical reflection.  Year 11 students took on the responsibility of liturgy and prayerfully led the community, exploring the power of forgiveness.  Year 11 student, Mae Carroll created a reflection on the Prodigal Son Gospel which was a centre piece for the ritual of forgiveness and reconciliation.

Andrew Beiers

Dean of Mission

Newsletter Article: Term 1, Week 8 2024

Our Dean of Mission, Mr Andrew Beiers, led a beautiful Reconciliation Liturgy on Friday where he invited students to reflect on who they may owe an apology: their friends, family, or even themselves.  Forgiveness is a concept deeply rooted in the Lenten tradition, reminding us of the importance of extending grace and compassion, not only to others but also to ourselves. It’s about acknowledging our humanity, recognising our mistakes, and choosing to move forward with kindness and understanding.

This message was timely and powerful as our students navigate the assessment period with Exam Blocks in the senior school and NAPLAN testing underway for students in Years 5, 7 and 9. This period can bring about heightened feelings of stress, anxiety, and self-doubt, so it is important that students practise kindness and forgiveness to both themselves and others when they inevitably face challenges or setbacks during this time.

Procrastination is one challenge that all students encounter to varying extents in the lead-up to exams.  Our Year 11 cohort recently engaged in a “How to tackle procrastination” workshop where Margaret Devlin, our Director of Academic Operations, and I shared tips for understanding why we all procrastinate and tools for getting back on track.  Research tells us that one of the most effective strategies for tackling procrastination is to become aware when you are procrastinating and then give yourself a second chance to start again.  With practise, this simple act of self-forgiveness can become a powerful habit that results in more effective and efficient study over time.

Here are some other strategies, backed by science, that students can use to tackle procrastination:

1. Ask “What can I get done in 5 minutes?” then do that one thing. Getting started is the hardest part but five minutes of productivity with an easy task is enough to generate some willpower to keep going.
2. Avoid distractions by putting mobile phones and other unnecessary digital devices in another room. Working memory is compromised by the mere presence of a phone even when it is turned off, so put it out of sight.
3. Remember that bad habits are hard to break but so too are good ones! Use tools such as the student diary and school calendar to plan out study in advance as part of a regular routine.
4. Be accountable to yourself and others by using self-imposed deadlines and connecting with an “accountability” buddy to stay on track with commitments.

During this Lenten season, parents and teachers can intentionally foster an environment of forgiveness by encouraging our young people to approach their exams with diligence and perseverance, and by reminding them that it is okay to make mistakes along the way. Emphasise the importance of learning from these mistakes and moving forward with renewed determination.

Moreover, adults can model self-forgiveness in our own actions and interactions. Share stories of times when you have faced similar struggles or setbacks, and how you’ve learned to forgive yourself and move forward. By demonstrating a healthy attitude towards self-forgiveness, you provide your children with a powerful example to follow.

I am very proud of the academic courage that our students have shown so far this year and wish them all the best for a strong finish to Term 1.

Annie Van Homrigh

Dean of Teaching and Learning Innovation 

Newsletter Article: Term 1, Week 8 2024

Year 7 Camp

Recently, our Year 7 students embarked on an enriching overnight camp experience at Camp Warrawee, under the guidance of Mrs. Correia and her proficient team of Teacher Mentors. This adventure proved to be a remarkable journey, challenging many students to step out of their comfort zones. The program featured a diverse range of physical activities, fostering increased resilience among participants and providing a platform for the formation of new connections and friendships.

At Stuartholme, our Camp Program holds a pivotal role within our Wellbeing Program. We recognize these opportunities as catalysts for personal growth in a distinctive and impactful manner. The immersive experiences offered at Camp Warrawee not only contribute to the physical and mental resilience of our students but also create a nurturing environment where lasting connections are formed. This commitment to holistic development is a testament to our dedication to fostering a supportive and enriching educational journey for every student at Stuartholme.

IWD

Our student body showcased their remarkable voice last Friday in celebration of International Women’s Day. Our Cor Unum, Susannah Streeton, delivered an inspiring speech at our liturgy, reminding us to seek inspiration from within our community, highlighting especially our wisdom women who embody the spirit of inclusion.

Susannah explained that through the example of Madeline Sophie we are can see that “love and inclusion” are “not  a limited resource for women, but rather something that grows the more we share it.” This insightful perspective encourages us to recognize the inherent value in fostering an inclusive community.

The Cor Unum Committee further enriched the day by leading the community in a spirited Dance Off on Friday. Against a backdrop of empowering songs, the celebration radiated joy and unity, underscoring the vibrancy of our school community. The entire celebration was a testament to the strength of our student voice and the commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive environment.

Open Day

Sincere thanks to the many wonderful students who assisted with school tours at Open Day. Many parents commented that the students who led the tours were outstanding. Our Wellbeing Captain Immy Foley and Committee, Abi Coogan, organised, with the assistance of the Director of Wellbeing, Ms Sue Harris, a Gratitude Wall for new families and children to add to. It was a powerful reminder and insight to who we are as a Sacred Heart community.

Key reminders for parents:

• Mobile phones must be placed in lockers as soon as students arrive at schools. Please check with your daughter that she has a lock and is utilising it!
• If your daughter is away or needing to eave school early for an appointment, please ensure you notify the school via the school app in advance. We cannot allow a student to leave the school grounds unless we have received notice.
• As per the Parent Handbook: With regard to the uniform in Term 2, in cooler weather the students wear the same as for summer with the addition of navy rib stockings, navy school jumper and scarf. The school blazer is compulsory for all students from the first day after the long weekend in May through to the Exhibition public holiday in August or when travelling to and from school when feeling cold and at all formal school events. The jumper alone is not acceptable outside the grounds or at formal events.

All the best to families for the final 2 weeks of Term 1.

Elizabeth Foxover

Dean of Student Wellbeing  

The Years 5-9 Parent Daughter Breakfast will be held on Thursday 28 March from 6.45am until approximately 8:15am.

This morning provides a special opportunity for the parents of daughters in Years 5-9 to get together and mingle with their daughters and friends.  Please join us for a stand-up breakfast outside the Joigny Café before moving into the Theatre at 7.15am to hear from our guest speaker.

To RSVP, please click here.

The latest edition of the Cor Unum is now available online. If you would like a hard copy please visit Main Reception to collect.

Stuartholme alumna Madeleine Border (Class of 2013) is a Meanjin/Brisbane theatre maker, performer, and writer known for her unique voice blending political satire and quirky dialogue. She aims to provoke, intrigue, and amuse her audience. Madeleine has had a remarkable journey in the theatre world, serving as Playlab Theatre’s Young Playwright-in-Residence (2019), Backbone Youth Arts resident artist (2019), and participating in various programs including Express Media’s Left to Write Program (2020) and Dead Puppet Society Academy Program (2022). She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Drama and Political Science and completed her Masters of Writing, Editing, and Publishing at UQ in 2019.

Madeleine has been commissioned by Playlab Theatre to write a play about the transitional period between leaving high school and entering adulthood. The play, having its world premiere at the Brisbane Powerhouse this March, follows the journey of Lorrie (Loxie), as she navigates the challenges of starting a job, moving out of home, and waiting for university offers. Titled “Big Yikes!”, the play is a coming-of-age story that delves into themes of boundaries, decision-making, and autonomy, while also asking existential questions about purpose and life choices.

“Big Yikes!” will be performed at the Underground Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse, from Wednesday, March 13 to Saturday, March 23. It is suitable for students aged 12 and above. If you’re interested in supporting Madeleine and experiencing the play, please visit Big Yikes! by Madeleine Border – Playlab Theatre

GeoSnapShot | Photo access

Stuartholme School uses GeoSnapShot, a platform for securely storing and sharing photos from school events and activities with our community.

To access GeoSnapShot, you can navigate through your MyStuartholme toolbar under ‘View Photos,’ as shown in the image below.

Reminder | Update details on Consent2go

This is a reminder to please check that your daughters photo consent details are up-to-date in Consent2Go via the MyStuartholme- Update details tile.

Details that are up-to-date give photo permission for student images to be used in social media, print and online publications. Students that have consent will also have permission to have their photos uploaded to GeoSnapShot, a program that Stuartholme uses to share photos easily with families. You can access these images through MyStuartholme.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact marketing@stuartholme.com.

Managing Wildfires – How NASA’s newest technology is helping fight fires worldwide.

While many think that NASA’s sole purpose is purely space exploration, their highly advanced technology innovations and programs provide extremely useful tools in helping a variety of other causes. NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) has recently become a member of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group. This new partnership has opened up a variety of opportunities for the organisation to work with other government agencies and partners to learn more about the prevention and causes of wildfires.

“As wildfires become larger and more frequent, NASA is working to apply our scientific and technological knowledge toward this national challenge, and integral to our approach is forging collaborative partnerships,” said NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy. “Harnessing our Earth observation capabilities and cutting-edge technology in safe air operations, we are poised to make new connections that will bolster wildfire fighting efforts across the government.”

NASA’s approach to wildfire prevention involves a comprehensive strategy that goes beyond firefighting itself. The Wildfires program covers the entire cycle, addressing risks before a fire starts and managing the aftermath. Before a wildfire breaks out, NASA’s Earth-observing satellites monitor various factors such as soil moisture and vegetation maps to identify fire-prone areas, helping decision makers prepare. During active fires, real-time data from Earth observations provides crucial information for rapid response efforts, aiding in assessing the extent and impact of the wildfires on communities and the environment. Even after the flames are extinguished, the program continues to play a role by identifying areas at risk for floods, landslides, and water quality issues, assisting decision makers in supporting recovery and enhancing future resilience. NASA’s efforts to tackle wildfires not only show promise in preventing such disasters but also give hope for a future where their expertise can be used to address a variety of different environmental issues.

By Eve Tully (Year 11 UQ Science Ambassador)

Here is an introduction to five of our ten UQ Science Ambassadors for 2024. Profiles of our other ambassadors, Eliza Flanagan, Arabella Robinson, Sophie Freeman, Nyah Murphy & Lizzie Rosanowski will be shared in the next newsletter.

It certainly promises to be another exciting year ahead in science with such an engaged and enthusiastic group of ambassadors. Each of them will be writing for the newsletter and working together to raise the profile of science in our community. If you are a member of our community and would like to support us in this endeavour, please get in touch with me (wmacdonald@stuartholme.com).

The Year 9 and 10 students enjoyed the Street Science Show on Tuesday morning where they observed liquid nitrogen and dry ice magic. The presentation also linked in to the effects of climate change highlighting the challenges the world faces today.

Upcoming events:

World Science Festival (World Science Festival Brisbane) has a great program of events running from the 15^th – 24^th March. There are many free events to enjoy from The hatchery: Turtle conservation experience to the City of Science at Southbank over the weekend.

Queensland Biology Winter School (Year 12)

14 – 15 June 2024

The UQ Year 12 Queensland Biology Winter School (12QBWS) will provide a deep dive into contemporary topics in genetics, phylogenetics, evolutionary biology and biochemistry and how biological disciplines are interconnected. Applications are open now and close on Friday 3 May 2024.

Learn more about 12QBWS

Queensland Biology Winter School (Year 11)

1 – 2 July 2024

The UQ Year 11 Queensland Biology Winter School (11QBWS) will provide a deep dive into contemporary topics in biodiversity, cell, animal and plant physiology, biophysics, and how these biological disciplines are interconnected. Applications are open now and close on Friday 3 May 2024.

Learn more about 11QBWS

Engineer Your Future QUT – Event – High school engagement

An engineering experience day at QUT that will open your eyes to a possible career path in Engineering. QUT are partnering with The Engineering Link Group and Engineers Australia to deliver hands-on experiences for Years 9 to 12 students to showcase engineering as it really is – exciting, challenging and world-changing.

During this full day experience students will participate in two hands-on workshops facilitated by QUT Ambassadors and real engineers. Students will also have an opportunity to connect with professional engineers over lunch and during the workshops.

Kind regards,

Ms Wendy McDonald

Leader of Learning – Science

HOST AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ATTENDING STUARTHOLME SCHOOL

Stuartholme has partnered with International Student Care Australia (ISCA) to provide international students the experience of living with an Australian family and immersing themselves in the Australian culture and way of life. Homestay Accommodation is available to International students as a temporary option when the boarding house is at capacity.

Stuartholme School Homestay Program is operated by our approved third-party provider, International Student Care Australia (ISCA).

If you would be interested in hosting an International Student, please contact John Coade to find out more.

Mob:    + 61 0427 269 360

Tel:       + 61 7 3851 0704

Email:     isca@isca.net.au

Web:    http://www.isca.net.au

Are you on the hunt for a fantastic holiday camp to keep your kids engaged and entertained during their break? Look no further than Junior Engineers School Holiday programs being hosted at Stuartholme these school holidays.

**BUY MORE SAVE MORE**

When you Buy 2 products, you’ll save 10%, when you buy Buy 3 or more products, you’ll save 15%.

With 4 exciting programs on offer, we are thrilled to offer the perfect blend of fun and education for children aged 5-13. We’ll be exploring our latest theme: Aqua Mode in Minecraft Aqua Mode, Lego MindStorms, Stop Motion and Jnr Minecraft classes!

Click on the link below for a course and watch them flourish in an environment that seamlessly combines fun and learning.

https://www.juniorengineers.com.au/school-holidays?postcode=4066

Year 5 and 7 students enjoying learning how to knit!

Library Lovers Day 

Love Letter winner written by Maggie O’Donoghue because she “loves our library because it is a place of safety, welcoming, belonging, knowledge and reading”. Congratulations Maggie!

Book Club – Every second Wednesday 

House Chess Cup Competition 

Can your Year 12 daughter speak and write a language other than English?

If the answer is yes, we encourage her to consider sitting for the Senior External Language Examinations that takes place end of 2024. If her mark is competitive,  it will contribute four Semester units for the calculation of her ATAR. If she achieves at least a Sound achievement (C-), it will also provide her with 4 credits towards the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and she will be eligible for 2 adjustment factors (2 bonus points) towards her ATAR in most Qld universities including the University of Queensland , QUT and Griffith University.

Unlike her other general subjects at school, external language examination is 100% external so just one examination at the end of the year. There is no preparation organised by the school. It is designed to recognise the achievement of students who speak and write another language that is not offered at school or cannot be accessed because of the timetable.

The languages available are Arabic, Korean, Indonesian, Korean, Modern Greek, Polish, Punjabi, Russian, Tamil. Vietnamese or Chinese.

You are interested! An expression of interest needs to be registered by contacting myself before April 30. A fee of $73.46 applies.

This information has been presented to your daughter in year level assembly and an email was sent to the cohort. Please encourage your daughter to contact me if she wants to know more about it.

Laurence Somerset lsomerset@stuartholme.com  +61 7 33695466

The Stuartholme Debating Program needs you!

 The 2024 Debating Season is underway and following the tremendous successes of last year we have experienced a rapid increase in the number of students signing on.

 We are currently seeking three members of the Stuartholme Community that might be able to mentor a team.  Times and dates to meet with the team are flexible and the competition which runs from February – July includes 4x formal Debates.

 If you or someone you know thinks they might be able to assist with a team please contact our Debating Coordinator, Molly McCann on mmccann@stuartholme.com.

Thank you  

Newsletter Article: Term 1, Week 6 2024

Dear Stuartholme Boarding Community,

The first 6 weeks of Term 1 have been action packed and exciting for all, with the annual Wet n Wild trip, rec activities, sport, Galantines Day, Interhouse swimming carnival and plenty of schoolwork especially for the year 12’s.

Over the past weeks, the boarding community have shared several special events this term, one of which is The Seniors and Teachers Afternoon Tea.

In week 5 my fellow senior boarders and I participated in a relatively new tradition, The Teachers Afternoon Tea. The afternoon was such a special opportunity to be able to express our gratitude to our teachers who have been by our side since the very beginning of our journeys at Stuartholme. I can confidently say that it was an enjoyed afternoon by all. A huge thanks goes out to Ms Melissa, Ms Morris, Kester and the girls, for all the preparations.

Another special event which occurred at boarders’ mass on Sunday of week 4 was the boarding badge ceremony, where we came together to welcome 35 new girls to the house.

At mass we presented the girls with their boarder badges. The badge is worn on the girl’s dress in summer and blazer in winter to allow them to be reminded of the 127 girls and staff that support them and stand by them. Sacred Heart education at Stuartholme is so uniquely special to be a part of, being a Stuartholme Boarder is an opportunity beyond compare. The badge signifies the sisterhood of our boarding house that will forever be a part of our lives. This year’s focus goal of building community as a Christian value is what Stuartholme Boarding does so well. This is exemplified in our badge ceremony, where 127 girls and I are fortunate enough to call ourselves Stuartholme boarders and be united through the symbol of a badge.

With the presentation of the badges the girls were also warmly welcomed into their boarding houses of Amiens of Grenoble. The two houses have much friendly rivalry that enhances the spirit of boarding. A true testimony to this spirit is Anzac Day Cup, where the two houses battle it out to see who will score the most points and claim the Anzac Day Cup. This day and lead up of activities will begin next term, Term 2.

Another event that the girls always thoroughly enjoy is mass with Marist, which is right around the corner, Sunday of week 6 we will head over to Marist to engage in mass. This mass offers bonds to be formed with our brother school and to come together and celebrate religion. It’s a spirited event where the songs are sung passionately, and all members of both schools happily become involved with the mass in its entirety.

With the sacred heart goal of building community as a Christian value. We treasure this opportunity to connect outside of our Stuartholme Boarding community and form or renew connections with Marist Boarding.

Wishing everyone much health and happiness for the rest of term 1 and a restful break for the fast-approaching Easter Holidays.

Grace Moffatt

Amiens Captain

Newsletter Article: Term 1, Week 6 2024

Dear Stuartholme community,

My name is Ava Cheal, and as your Academic Captain for 2024, it is my pleasure to deliver the Student Newsletter Takeover this term for Ms Annie Van Homrigh, Dean of Teaching & Learning Innovation.

I can’t believe that we’re already in Week 6! I feel like the term has flown by. Firstly, catching up with all our friends and teachers after summer break, then getting back into our study, sports and other co-curriculars and now buckling in for the assessment period coming up in the next few weeks. To set us up for success in the year ahead, there are already so many different opportunities to build our study habits and develop goals in support of us achieving our very best.

Just last week, students in Years 10 – 12 each had a study skills session with Darren Periera from Success Integrated and his in-house DJ. This was a really exciting event which equipped us with strategies for academic growth in a fun and engaging format.  Students especially enjoyed the DJing in the breaks! In the Year 12 session, we learnt about the acronym B.E.S.T, which stands for Belief in oneself, Exam preparation, Studying smart and academic Toughness – that is, never giving up! One very interesting takeaway that I got from this seminar was the importance of visualising your goals and expecting the best in oneself. By doing this, then proceeding to make quality micro-decisions regarding one’s study, your own goals can quite easily materialise into physical achievements.

To help students on the way to achieving these goals, some exciting initiatives have also begun this term. One of these is the Hive Mentoring Program in the Library on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons after school from 3:15 pm to 5:15 pm. This opportunity is open to students in Years 7 to 12 to work with Stuartholme Alumnae to discuss subject material, getting time management advice, effective study habits or just having a chat to connect with our past students. For students in the upper year levels, the Academic Mentoring program has also commenced.  This program involves students working with their Teacher Mentor to review their academic progress, set goals for the year ahead and identify strategies to work towards their goals. In Year 12, students are assigned a specialist Academic Mentor who also supports them through discussion about their post-school plans, career aspirations and ATAR goals.  

Goal setting is an effective tool for supporting academic achievement. However, goal setting is not just confined to academia, it can also be really helpful to set goals in every aspect of your life for the year ahead. I have found that for me, having goals for both inside and outside of school helps me to maintain a school-life balance which is essential to stay healthy and happy. For all students, I recommend creating a commitment schedule that includes dedicated study time as well as time to catch up with your friends, exercise and time for rest during the week to manage energy and stress, especially in the busier times of the term. In addition to the learning opportunities at school, there are plenty of resources available on myStuartholme for students and parents to access, including tools and key contacts to work in partnership towards students achieving their individual best.  

I wish all the best to our students for a strong finish to Term 4.  Believe in yourself, stay focussed on your goals and give study your B.E.S.T.!

Ava Cheal

Ava Cheal

Academic Captain

Newsletter Article: Term 1, Week 6 2024

“The essence of a Sacred Heart school is that it is deeply concerned for each student’s total development-spiritual, intellectual, emotional, physical”.

Sr Suzanne Cooke, rscJ

I’m delighted to have the opportunity to be taking over the newsletter this week for wellbeing. I feel this quote really speaks to the heart of the holistic approach to education that I have experienced at Stuartholme. The emphasis on wellbeing here at Stuartholme has played a significant role in my development. In my experience, participation in the many opportunities on offer has been essential in optimising personal growth, particularly developing resilience, and a sense of identity.

Galentine’s Day in Week 4 is a perfect example – our version of Valentine’s Day that celebrates our friends. During lunchtime, amidst the face painting and Dance Off in the courtyard, we witnessed beautiful demonstrations of friendship, underscoring the significance of female friendship in our lives and the enrichment it brings us.

Similarly, the swimming carnival last week was the perfect stage to celebrate the athletic achievements and dedication of our swimmers, as well as our school spirit through war-cries, dress ups and cheering on our competitors.

After six years at Stuartholme, I can’t stress enough the value of participation in school activities like our interhouse competitions. Joining in strengthens your sense of identity as a Stuartholme student. The house system also offers great opportunities to form connections with girls in other grades. Most of all, it’s just a lot of fun. I’m far from a star swimmer, but through dressing up, cheering on your friends and having a go there’s so much in the day to enjoy beyond racing. This years’ carnival was particularly special for us seniors; the first of many last interhouse events. We rounded the day off with a spirit circle on the oval, and it all felt very surreal. Participation can put people out of their comfort zones, but a little bit of discomfort is okay. How I see it, this discomfort is essential to building the confidence to face new challenges. My Mum was right to push me to attend all these events since Grade 7, opting out was never an option for me! In retrospect, I can see now that community is built, and memories are made from attending these events.

Looking forward, we have our Interhouse Cross Ccountry carnival and International Women’s Day to look forward to. These are great opportunities to get involved so we can lift each other up. But before we can get there it’s a long, tough couple of weeks of assessments, especially for our senior students. Burnout can creep up, so I’ve found scheduling time towards socialising and rest to be essential to maximising my performance. Parents play a huge role in helping us get through these more strenuous periods, and we are extremely grateful for the patience and practical support you provide. Thanks for boosting our resilience.

To bring it back to our student theme this year, we see #LiftHerUp as a call to action to rally behind our Stuartholme sisters, to offer authentic support, and to continue to ignite St. Madeleine Sophie’s spirit in the community. Critical to this is wholehearted participation. It has been really exciting to see how student events recently have brought this to life. I think Madeleine Sophie would be proud.

Susannah Streeton 

Cor Unum Captain

Newsletter Article: Term 1, Week 6 2024

I, along with the Cor Unum Committee, have the pleasure of taking part in the ‘Student Newsletter Takeover’ once a term. The Cor Unum’s takeover of the school’s newsletter is all about representing student voice and continuing connections with every member of our Stuartholme community. This week, I have the pleasure of writing an article on behalf of our Principal, Mr Crump and sharing some of the excitement of the start of this term.

Celebrating our community spirit – #LiftHerUp!

When stepping into leadership as part of the Cor Unum Committee, I did not realise how much happiness and joy was to come from the experience. I understand that challenges will always lie ahead, but the start of 2024 has brought so much joy!

On the first day of term, we as a Cor Unum Committee announced our theme for the year -#LiftHerUp! Inspired by our school’s dedication to the Sacred Heart goal of building community as a Christian value, we aim to create an atmosphere bursting with support, love, and upliftment. This year, our ‘one heart’ has expanded to welcome our newest members – not only Year 7, but also Year 5 students. Bounding around in their blue socks, they’ve brought about a fresh energy and sense of joy into our community, particularly at Friday lunchtimes!

Dance Off Fridays are such a special moment for our community. Every second Friday, we come together to sing and dance our way through lunch. It’s been an incredible highlight of our year together so far, watching every student genuinely enjoying themselves. I think the enthusiasm of our grade 5 students (possibly powered by their love for Taylor Swift), has had a significant impact on the number of girls that join us at Dance Off. Where once there was a slight hesitation waiting for a crowd to form before coming to dance, this year has seen a delightful change with an immediate flood of girls who must think ‘if the year 5’s can do it, why can’t we?’. It’s moments like these where we see the confidence and the pure happiness of the 5’s having a domino effect on the rest of our community, embracing the essence of our focus goal.

Celebrating student success

The first few weeks of this term have been significant in celebrating student achievement. Our recent academic assembly, live streamed for our wider community, gave us all a chance to celebrate not only those who have such amazing academic achievements, but to every girl who is giving it her all. With the presentation of our Principal’s Awards, we “lift up” the students who come to school every day, ready to engage in learning and demonstrate they care. Congratulations to all recipients, we are very proud.

Celebrating our sporting prowess

Last week we took a dive headfirst (literally) with great spirit into our Swimming Carnival. It was so nice to see that when we weren’t swimming in a race, we were wholeheartedly embodying this year’s theme, constantly cheering on the side-lines, and supporting one another to do our best. These events truly define us as a community – not just as a bunch of must-dos, but as opportunities to share so much spirit. For us as a Year 12 cohort, all the ‘lasts’ are beginning to feel that extra bit special, and we’re so lucky to be able to spend these moments with a community that has become like our second family.

Sustaining success into the term

To conclude, I’d like to share a tip for success to finish this term well. Over the years I’ve had my fair share of stress leading up to exams, and I believe to maintain being at my very best, I still need to ensure I have a break to reset. Simply taking the time to go for a walk, watch a movie, play some tennis, and keep doing the little things that bring you joy amidst the chaos of the last couple of weeks is all it takes. But remember, it’s important to stay motivated. Assessment is looming and it’s important to work smartly – apply yourself, put in your best effort, and always remember that mistakes are just proof that you’re trying.

With joy,

 Mia Woodhouse

Cor Unum Committee

Newsletter Article: Term 1, Week 6 202

Dear Stuartholme Community,

It is my privilege to be addressing you on behalf of the Deputy Principal.

The first steps that I took at Stuartholme were back when I was 6 years old, when I accompanied my mum and my eldest sister on our families first visit to Stuartholme, to do it all in one – enrol and get the uniforms and start in four days.  It was the day my parents chose to send their 3 daughters to the school, we all now and have all called our second home. I can remember the visit like it was yesterday, Stuartholme is pretty interesting to a 6 year old and I also remember my mum’s tears, tears of worry , whether this was the right choice. However, as sisters and as a family we wouldn’t change a thing about coming to Stuartholme or our Stuartholme journeys which have all given us a unique and transforming experience.

My first official steps as a Stuartholme student were in 2022, again accompanied by my family. I was feeling a mix of emotions on that day (I cried), until I took my first step into our Year 10 boarding dorm, where I was greeted by not one but several girls and from that point they become my family, my sisters. The friendships that I hope will last forever. That’s the point that I knew Stuartholme was going to be a life changing experience for me, I had the opportunity to be the best I could be.

Each day as a school community we strive for greatness and we are guided by our Graduate attributes of courage, compassion, and confidence, these three attributes guide each Stuartholme girl to be able to reach their personal best. How these attributes guide me are:

Courage:

I believe that when you have courage, the first step is always the most important. We sometimes get caught up in the busyness  of life and focus on the bigger picture rather than what is in front of us. Courage is doing a sport you may never have tried or getting involved in a club or saying hello to someone new around the school. It’s  about stepping outside your comfort zone to see what other possibilities there are to Step Up at Stuartholme. Over my time at Stuartholme I have needed to have courage to step outside of my comfort zone in sports , co-curriculars and with-in my leadership role. But the thing about having courage with-in Stuartholme is that the community will always be cheering you on every step of the way.

Compassion:

Having compassion is being there for one another and supporting each other through the highs and the lows. Being a boarder can be challenging at times when you have to be away from your family. I show compassion by turning up and being there for those boarders experiencing these emotions,  because at some point in my journey I have shared the same emotions. As seniors of the school we are big sisters, we have a role to play in our little sister’s journeys, to support, be there for them and keep turning up.

Confidence:

We sometimes expect we always have to be confident, but in reality some days we just can’t. Being a part of the Stuartholme community makes being confident and being you so much easier. I reflect on who I am as a person and look at the times when I am confident and it’s when I am surrounded by friends , my teachers , my family and  my school community. We are apart of family, and you come as you are and you will be loved . Stuartholme gives me the freedom to be confident , to be me , to chase new horizons , to set goals , to achieve goals and create the unknown. We at Stuartholme give each girl that opportunity.

I also know that as we reach the middle of the term  and exams start that “ There is no secret to success. It is the result of preparation , hard work and learning from failure.”

Have a great term and in the words of St Madeleine Sophie continue to be humble, be simple and be kind.

Stella Berge 

Cor Unum Committee

Newsletter Article: Term 1, Week 6 2024

Two weeks ago, we celebrated Ash Wednesday as a community to mark the beginning of Lent. As always, we gathered in the Chapel and Theatre for Mass and it was truly a great display of our community’s spirit as we joined in solidarity to receive the ashes, pray, and consider our intentions for the Lenten season. Especially as our focus goal is ‘Building community as a Christian value’ supported by our theme ‘Lift her up’, it is a time for us to think about how we might support, encourage, and uplift those around us.

The ashes we received are a visible expression of our faith and humility and this marks the start of our Lenten season, which encourages us to engage in prayer, fasting and almsgiving. As our 2024 Liturgy Captain, Sophia Lyons said in her reflection at the Ash Wednesday Liturgy, Lent “allows us all to reflect on our own lives, acknowledging our mistakes whilst recognising our capacity to learn, evolve and embrace our individuality”. And as St Madeleine Sophie Barat said, “the Spirit is always speaking to us deep in our hearts, if only we listen”. It is this time of personal reflection that enables us to open our hearts to deepen our relationship with God, and in turn, bring the best of ourselves out into the world. Throughout Lent, we are more conscious of bringing love, courage, and compassion to our relationships with others and all that we do.

On Shrove Tuesday, our Year 11s ran a very successful pancake stall to raise money for Caritas’ Project Compassion, which is part of our ongoing commitment to fundraising over Lent. Whilst the pancakes were a delicious breakfast treat, the money raised will have an even greater impact on our wider community globally in areas like education and healthcare, creating positive change for future generations. This act of love is a great example of almsgiving that is central to Lent, by answering God’s call for us to act for social justice and stand in solidarity with our wider community.

Within our Stuartholme community, our Interhouse Swimming Carnival last Friday was a great display of spirit and encouragement (with a healthy amount of competition of course). This year, Stuart came away with the Spirit Stick – a greatly coveted trophy for the house with the greatest participation and cheering. As Sr Carroll rscJ told us, the Spirit Stick has been around for a long time at Stuartholme, although it may have come in other forms like the ‘Golden Sandshoe’ and ‘Stripey Sock’. This longstanding tradition has brought so many generations of Stu girls together, making sure we get behind each other and celebrate each other’s talents.

Wishing everyone a fabulous rest of Term 1 and lead up to Easter.

Rosie Sheehan

Cor Unum Committee

Sport News

Congratulation CaSSSA Swimming Team

Congratulations to our 2024 Swim Team who won the CaSSSA (Medium) Championships today! Our team has won the trophy for eight years in a row, under the direction of Head Coach Pete Rosengren and Casey Flouch from The Swim Academy. It is a fantastic achievement, and we are extremely proud of the team.

Our girls were flying from the first event, with 49 individual first places, 17 seconds and 3 thirds. Our relays finished on the podium in every single event.

Congratulations to our 12U Freestyle Relay team of Maddison, Addison, Isla and Ruby. The team won by over 10 seconds and beat the record which has stood since 2016.

Overall, our teams finished:

• Champion 12U team
• Champion 13U team
• Champion 14U team
• Champion 15U team
• Runner Up 16U Team
• Champion 19U Team
• Third Open Team

CaSSSA Swimming Champions and Percentage Trophy winners! We finished with 1016 points, ahead of San Sisto with 881. Full results will be published on the QLD Swimming database for those chasing their times.

Read the Courier Mail wrap-up: 2024 CaSSSA Cup swimming medium schools | The Courier Mail and 2024 CaSSSA Cup swimming medium schools | Gold Coast Bulletin

Stuartholme were also hosting the event – thank you to the Sport team and coaches for their assistance in announcing, administration and timekeeping. Our Year 8s did a phenomenal job as cheer squad and event volunteers. A big thank you to the supervising teachers and coaches for looking after them.

Our Year 5 team will compete for their pennants next Thursday 7 March and the team will celebrate our successful swimming season with awards on 11 March.

STUARTHOLME SCHOOL INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S FUN DAY – SUNDAY 10^th MARCH

Stuartholme School is excited to participate in the International Women’s Day Fun Run next Sunday 10^th March.

Thank you to the community who have supported the Stuartholme School team by signing up to run, jog or walk or donate.

Stuartholme is currently sitting 5th on the School Leaderboard having raised $2258. For those who missed out on purchasing a ticket, you can still show your support virtually or make a donation through Mater Foundation – Stuartholme School.

Please see below some important details and if you would like to join the Stuartholme staff, students and parents at the pre-run meeting point.

  Start line: is located on Vulture Street, Southbank.

Meeting point: we will meet as a school community dressed in our pink and red school visors/caps at the front of the Ship Inn

Meeting point time: 6am

What to wear: Pink with a red Stuartholme visor or cap

Run Start Times: 6:15am 5km runners start | 6:55am 5km joggers start | 7:50am 5km walkers start

Finish line: Brisbane City Botanical Gardens

For more information on course maps visit Event Info | International Women’s Day Fun Run 2024 (mater.org.au)

Net Gains: STU Water Polo’s Coaching Team 

At 15, Annie faced a pivotal setback: not making the under 18 Water Polo team for the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS). The disappointment was immense—she went home and cried while her friends celebrated their selection and planned their trip to a competition in Japan. This disappointment, which would have derailed many budding athletes, became the catalyst for Annie’s increased commitment to the sport. Instead of spelling the end, it ignited a fire within her.

Annie Cowan is one of our very own STU Water Polo coaches – a part of the remarkable team working under the mentorship of Jodi Stuhmcke and Head Coach Hannah McWilliam.

“Failure can either break you or forge you into something stronger. For me, it was a wake-up call,” Annie recalls. “I realised talent gets you only so far. It’s the hard work you put in when nobody’s watching that makes the difference.”

This moment was a turning point in Annie’s career. With renewed vigour, she focused more on her training, determined to be selected for the QAS team. Her perseverance paid off; she secured her spot in the QAS squad in 2022, later joining the World Tour team and as well as, started to play for the Adelaide Jets the National League.  All this in her final year at Somerville House.

Now, as a coach, Annie channels her experience into nurturing a new breed of water polo aspirants, deeply imbued with the lessons she’s learned: show up, listen to your coaches, and apply their guidance. Annie’s tactical prowess as an award-winning national team goalkeeper—a role she embraced by chance— offers her a unique perspective. “As a goalie, you’re the last line of defence. The pressure is intense, but so is the reward,” she explains. Her skill as a goalkeeper has moulded a coaching style that emphasises individual responsibility within team dynamics.

Her message to her players at Stuartholme is clear: want to be there, show up to every training, and listen to your coaches. This philosophy stems from her experiences, including a humbling moment at QAS when a lack of willingness to train led to her being sent home—a mortifying lesson in commitment.

“Once, I told my coach I didn’t want to train and, in front of everyone, he sent me home. It was mortifying,” she shares candidly.

Beyond the pool, Annie is soaring to new heights, pursuing aviation studies. Juggling a demanding training schedule with academic rigour is a challenge she meets head-on, armed with discipline and time management skills honed through her athletic achievements.

While at Somerville House, Annie’s participation in co-curricular competitions like the Australian Youth Championships and Queensland State Championships played a crucial role in her career, as these events are where she was spotted by QAS selectors. Now as a coach, she can use her recent experience to guide her team members and demonstrate what it takes to play at a national level.

Annie’s journey in the water polo arena, has included participation in prestigious events such as the European World Tour and the World Cup in 2022, as well as winning multiple awards such as MVG (Most Valuable Goalie) over several years. These experiences now inform her coaching, allowing her to empathise with and inspire the young athletes under her wing.

Stuartholme is truly lucky to have such a great role model on our coaching team. Annie’s experience extends beyond her personal accolades and into the heart of Stuartholme’s water polo program, where she is will continue to remind her players – remember to work hard and listen to your coach.

Author: M Cid 

Go for Gold Fund

Thank you to the Queensland Government for supplying yoga mats as part of the Go for Gold Fund, for our S60 program. This equipment will help to ensure students stay fit and injury free!

Celtic Soccer Academy

To find out more information or sign up to the Celtic Soccer Academy Advanced Player Development & All Levels Camps click here.

The Stuartholme Arts Department warmly invites you to our first performance for 2024 – Year 11 Drama’s Share on Wednesday 6^th March at 6pm (approximately 30 min run time).

As part of their first formative internal assessment for Unit One, the Year 11 students have devised performances inspired by Angela Betzien’s Hoods which explores the current economic and social pressures that are faced by many Australian families.

These performances hope to create change in our audience as we share stories of those in our community that are too often silenced. This performance event is free of charge. Please come and support our creative and talented drama students in their first senior performance.

This year, we as a school community, had a wonderful time celebrating Chinese New Year with our new addition to the Languages Department, Mrs Sylvia Sun.  Mrs Sun is a highly energetic and creative Chinese language teacher, who in her short time at Stuartholme has already provided our students with many culturally enriching learning experiences.

Throughout the Lunar period (10^th – 24^th February) Chinese language students had the chance to make 饺子（Chinese dumplings under the instruction of Mrs Sun.  Dumplings are a traditional New Year dish where the whole family get together to make them during the day and then feast on them on New Year’s Eve, which was the 9^th February this year.

We also embarked on the ambitious task of lining the students on the oval to form the Chinese character for dragon 龍.  This was then photographed by our amazing drone team.  Despite the rain, it was wonderful to see the whole school come together as a community to accomplish this feat.

Tickets for our inaugural Picnic on the Green event are still! available now and only 50 tickets are left!

Join us for an exquisite luncheon amidst the beauty of the Stuartholme School grounds, featuring live music from 12.30pm to 5pm and a catered picnic lunch.

To purchase your ticket, please click here.

We welcome Cool Time, Green Options and Armstrong Building as our Gold Sponsors for the event.

There are still sponsorship opportunities available, to find out more or to get involved please contact events@stuartholme.com.

Save the Date

Open Day

Next Saturday 9 March 2024

Open Day is always a fantastic community celebration of our school and one of the best opportunities we have to connect with staff, families, and students. It’s a chance to showcase all the wonderful aspects of Stuartholme!

Dear Stuartholme Parents/Carers,

My name is Mary-Louise Rowell and I write to seek expressions of interest regarding the annual Mother’s Day Lunch (MDL) in May 2024.  This is always a great day, and we are seeking committee members.  If you have any talent in fundraising, PowerPoint presentations, photography or decorations – we would love to meet you!

Please phone/text me on 0439 857 301.

Alternatively I can be contacted via email at:  mlrowell10@hotmail.com

Regards

Mary-Louise Rowell

Dear Parents, Caregivers, Staff, and Students,

Stuartholme School’s Celebration of Excellence serves as a pivotal moment for us to recognise and honour educational excellence that define Stuartholme. It is an occasion where we come together to acknowledge the remarkable achievements and contributions of our students, staff, and community members.

We write to inform you of an important update regarding the Celebration of Excellence event. After consultation with QPAC the date has had to be rescheduled to Wednesday, 16 October.

More information around the event will be shared closer to the time.

Thank you for your continued support.

Warm regards,

Daniel Crump

Newsletter Article: Term 1, Week 4 2024

Fulfilling our founder’s wish for schools

We proudly celebrated the commencement of our school year last week at our Opening Mass.

This powerful celebration of the Eucharist aptly framed the values we need to enact in 2024, where our focus goal calls us to “Build community as a Christian value”.

Our founder, St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, was quite explicit in her wish for schools. Fr Gerry Kalinowski highlighted this in his homily. Madeleine Sophie believed that it was through our actions rather than our words that we make a positive impact on the world. She believed and encouraged each of us to ensure that every one of our actions is fuelled by love to “repay our God, love for love, heart for heart”.

As we continue to work in partnership together in 2024 as a school community, we are grateful for the gift of our community as we grow together in One Heart. We also pray that we each have the courage and confidence to role model the compassion of our founder, St Madeleine Sophie Barat. In this way, every single one of us can genuinely experience the spirit and love of our school community, Jesus’ divine love, and thrive.

Driving excellence through outstanding student outcomes

Today also marked a special occasion as we celebrated academic achievement at Stuartholme through our Academic Assembly. This year’s assembly was particularly special as we welcomed parents onsite and also live-streamed to families, allowing everyone to share in the joy of our students’ successes.

At the Heart of our assembly was the recognition of the outstanding accomplishments of the 2023 Senior cohort. Their achievements exemplify our school’s long-standing commitment to academic excellence and reflect the dedication and hard work of both students and our talented educators alike.

It was joyful to personally congratulate these remarkable young women, who embody the confidence, compassion, and capability we strive to instil in every Stuartholme student.

Our Academic Assembly was also a chance to acknowledge those current Stuartholme students whose academic courage and results will set them on a course to be part of a group of scholars like this being recognised in the future.

As we embark on a new chapter guided by our strategic plan, we remain steadfast in our commitment to nurturing and supporting the growth of our students from the moment they step through the gates of Stuartholme to the day they depart, equipped to make a meaningful impact on a global scale. 

Yours in Cor Unum,

Danny Crump
Principal

Newsletter Article: Term 1, Week 4 2024

Our pursuit of educational excellence at Stuartholme

In pursuing educational excellence at Stuartholme, our recently unveiled school strategic plan emphasises the recruitment and formation of exceptionally skilled staff.

We acknowledge the pivotal role that our staff play in adapting to the ever-evolving landscape. By attracting and nurturing the brightest talents, we are poised to deliver a dynamic educational environment of Stuartholme.

The celebration of our outstanding student results at our Academic Assembly this morning is testimony to the talent and expertise of our staff.

In our ongoing commitment to the professional development of our esteemed staff, we are thrilled to announce a continued significant investment to provide our educators with cutting-edge knowledge and insights. This strategic initiative reflects our unwavering dedication to ensuring that our staff is well-equipped to enhance the educational experience and outcomes for our students at every level.

Nurturing valuable partnerships with distinguished experts

In 2024, we are delighted to maintain and nurture valuable partnerships with distinguished experts.

Collaborating with Dr. Ron Richardt from Harvard University, our goal is to empower our staff in crafting classrooms that inspire profound discoveries and foster a love for learning that extends far beyond the confines of Stuartholme.

Additionally, we are excited to continue our alliance with Dan Haesler, an international positive psychology expert, and his team at Cut Through Coaching. This collaboration aims to elevate the leadership capacity of both aspiring and established leaders within our school community. Together, we aspire to cultivate expertise in creating a classroom environment that not only enhances academic learning but also prioritizes and promotes the holistic wellbeing of our students.

These partnerships exemplify our dedication to providing an unparalleled educational experience at Stuartholme.

Making an impact on the world stage

In collaboration with parents and our students, we embark on a journey to create nothing short of exceptional learning environments.

Our shared vision is to mould graduates equipped with the skills necessary not only to succeed post-school but also to make a meaningful global impact, setting the stage for a future generation of Stuartholme graduates poised for significant contributions on the world stage.

Deborah Lonsdale-Walker
Deputy Principal

Sport News

Go for Gold Fund

Thank you to the Queensland Government for supplying yoga mats as part of the Go for Gold Fund, for our S60 program. This equipment will help to ensure students stay fit and injury free!

Celtic Soccer Academy

The International Women’s Day Fun Run Brisbane Event is now SOLD OUT!

Stuartholme is currently ranking 3rd on the school’s leaderboard, and we would like to take a moment to thank all who have signed up and donated to this worthy cause.

For those who missed out on purchasing a ticket, you can still show your support virtually or make a donation through Mater Foundation – Stuartholme School. Thank you.

Save the Date

Open Day 9 March 2024

Open Day is always a fantastic community celebration of our school and one of the best opportunities we have to connect with staff, families, and students. It’s a chance to showcase all the wonderful aspects of Stuartholme!

To RSVP to this event, please click here.

Tickets for our inaugural Picnic on the Green event are available now and only 50 tickets are left!

Join us for an exquisite luncheon amidst the beauty of the Stuartholme School grounds, featuring live music from 12.30pm to 5pm and a catered picnic lunch.

To purchase your ticket, please click here.

If you have any questions about this event please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions sheet here.

Our Year 12 Biology students recently explored Bunyaville Conservation Park as part of their Unit 3 curriculum. This half-day excursion was more than just a field trip—it was a hands-on learning experience crucial for fulfilling field study hours and completing mandatory practical’s.

Summer Sale 

Items on Sale are the following:

• “Red jacket for students and Supporters> Now 15% Off. Regular price $125. Sale price $106.25
• Navy Supporters Vests 15% Off. Regular price $95. Sale price $80.75
• Music Polos 25% Off. Regular price $50. Sale price $37.50.”

Other clearance items available for browsing.

New Items

New School Satchels have arrived and they are available for $39. Strong canvas book bags that have plenty of room for your books, a water bottle and lunchbox.

The Swim Shorts have arrived and are available for $65. Swim shorts are to wear over togs or water polo suit for those students who require more coverage.

New House shirts have also arrived. Cost is $42. House shirts will be compulsory for the new Junior School. They are colourful and will certainly stand out.

You can purchase these along with the other products available at our School Shop through Flexischools: https://flexischools.com.au/

If you need a new unform and it to be professionally fitted, book an appointment here: SHS School Shop (office365.com)

THE HIVE – ALL WELCOME

It is with excitement we welcome back our HIVE Mentors for 2024.   Our Senior students in 2023 had the opportunity to meet with the HIVE mentors during term time.  For 2024 we welcome our Years 7, 8 and 9 Cohorts.

All students are welcome to visit the Library on a Tuesday and/or Thursday afternoon any time between 3.15pm and 5.15pm to have a chat, discuss subject material, get some time management advice, effective study habits, etc.  For Term 1, the HIVE Mentor Program will commence on Tuesday 6 February and the last session for Term 1 will be Thursday 21 March.

This is a great opportunity to get to know our Alumnae and benefit from their wealth of experience.

Mrs Van Homrigh

Please be informed that all onsite parking is designated for staff only between the hours of 7.15am and 3.30pm, Monday through Friday. Visitors are kindly requested to utilise the 6 designated Visitor parking spaces located on the left-hand side while driving up the Main Drive towards the school.

Thank you for your cooperation.

GeoSnapShot | Photo access

Stuartholme School uses GeoSnapShot, a platform for securely storing and sharing photos from school events and activities with our community.

To access GeoSnapShot, you can navigate through your MyStuartholme toolbar under ‘View Photos,’ as shown in the image below.

Reminder | Update details on Consent2go

This is a reminder to please check that your daughters photo consent details are up-to-date in Consent2Go via the MyStuartholme- Update details tile.

Details that are up-to-date give photo permission for student images to be used in social media, print and online publications. Students that have consent will also have permission to have their photos uploaded to GeoSnapShot, a program that Stuartholme uses to share photos easily with families. You can access these images through MyStuartholme.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact marketing@stuartholme.com.

In Year 7 Drama, our students embark on an exciting journey of self-discovery and collaboration through engaging activities like charades.

Drama isn’t just about having fun—it’s a dynamic platform that offers a multitude of benefits for our students. Through movement and collaborative work, Drama fosters essential skills and qualities that extend far beyond the classroom. Participation in Drama activities cultivates self-confidence and empathy while nurturing emotional intelligence. By delving into characters and scenarios, students deepen their understanding of themselves and others, fostering a more empathetic and interconnected community.

Newsletter Article: Term 1, Week 4 2024

Building Community as a Christian Value 

“Faith, Hope and Love are at the heart of building community. “Love is summed up in Mother Madeleine Sophie Barat’s original inspiration: One Heart and one mind in the heart of Jesus.”  

St Madeleine Sophie Barat  

Opening Mass

Our year commenced with a joyous celebration of the Sacred Heart charism at our opening mass.  Fr Gerry Kalinowski, Parish priest of the Jubilee parish, presided over our celebration exploring an authentic sense of community by drawing on the wisdom of the Gospels and Sacred Heart spirituality. His compelling homily reflected the conditions and struggles of the early community of Jerusalem. He reminded us that we only understand love when we give it away and become a part of the chain of love. As Madeleine Sophie reminds us; God’s ever-generous love for us can be reciprocated through our actions and we can repay our God, Love for Love and Heart for heart. 

Shrove Tuesday.

Shrove Tuesday breakfast was a wonderful opportunity for our green ribbon Year 11 students to demonstrate their leadership service and culinary BBQing skills as we launched the Project Compassion theme, “For

 Our Future Generations”. Many thanks to Claire Lawler for her preparation of our Project Compassion teams and able support from Year 11 Wellbeing Leader, Marilyn Byron.  Thanks also to Brent and Daniel for the set up of the tables and BBQ along with Ainsley Fahey’s coordination assistance. 

Ash Wednesday 

Ash Wednesday was beautifully led by our Liturgy Captain, Sophia Lyons and the Cor Unum Community of Leaders.  We reflected on the ceremony of receiving ashes reminding us to be humble and grateful people. 

We named the three important aspects of the journey of Lent, including: Prayer, Fasting  (not necessarily foods that we enjoy but perhaps giving up something that might be non-essential clothing, or that extra magazine), and Almsgiving (also known as Fundraising).   The Cor Unum students supported Project Compassion with Galentine’s Day by charging students to wear red pinks and white accessories in their hair, face painting hearts at Morning Tea followed by a dance off at lunchtime. Well done all! 

Andrew Beiers

Dean of Mission

Newsletter Article: Term 1, Week 4 2024

Empowering Parents and Caregivers

SchoolTV

All parents and caregivers now have access to SchoolTV, which is a wellbeing resource that can offer support around a wide range of topics which can “navigate a pathway towards better mental health and wellbeing for young people. It can assist in starting conversations on topics that are sometimes awkward or difficult to tackle.” (SchoolTV) Interviews with leading wellbeing experts and resources including fact sheets, articles, books, websites and podcasts are accessible.

You can access School TV via the Student Wellbeing tile on MyStuartholme. All Editions | Stuartholme School (schooltv.me)

Families who are new to Stuartholme may benefit from perusing resources about school transitions at the following  link: School Transitions | Stuartholme School (schooltv.me)

eSafety School’s Hub Resource for Parents and Caregivers

The eSafety Commissioner has developed an eSafety School’s Hub to provide easy access to key online safety resources, including best practice learning tools and factsheets. They have also provided access to resources specific to parents  and caregivers: http://www.esafety.gov.au/parents  This includes advice about a range of online issues, including how to respond if you suspect your daughter is being cyberbullied.

Lift Her Up

In the theme of Lift Her Up, our Cor Unum theme for 2024, I would like to conclude by sharing some inspiring words that Sr Carroll sent to me recently. They serve as a reminder for us to never discount the impact of being motivated by love in our daily actions.

Blessings for the weeks ahead.

Elizabeth Foxover

Dean of Student Wellbeing  

Newsletter Article: Term 1, Week 4 2024

On Friday, we held our first Academic Assembly of the year which celebrated the significant achievements in the latter half of 2023 by acknowledging the First-Place recipients in Semester Two elective subjects and students who significantly improved their GPA from the end of Semester One to the end of Semester Two.  We also celebrated the students who earned Principal’s Awards for turning up and making it count.  These students have demonstrated an attendance rate of no more than two days absent or late to school, as well as consistent effort and application in every subject area across the second semester last year.

Our Academic Assembly was also an opportunity to welcome back our high achievers from the Senior Class of 2023.  We are very proud of our 2023 graduates and it was wonderful to have the opportunity to congratulate these remarkable young women in person.  As St Madeleine Sophie says, “your example, even more than your words, will be an eloquent lesson to the world,” and what a wonderful example they have shown the learners who follow in their footsteps.  We know that our current students will be encouraged by their achievements and strive with courage and confidence to be recognised themselves as Top Scholars in Stuartholme’s living history of academic excellence.

These achievements are testament to the inherent strength of a partnership approach at Stuartholme. Each of us has a role to play in supporting each student to achieve their very best. Staff, parents, and caregivers support students as they seek to take responsibility for their own learning and wellbeing to enliven Sophie’s legacy and become agents of transformation in their lives and the lives of others.

Congratulations to all our awardees and well done to our outstanding community for guiding them along their academic journey.

Annie Van Homrigh

Dean of Teaching and Learning Innovation 

The latest edition of the Cor Unum is now available online. If you would like a hard copy please visit Main Reception to collect.

To purchase your ticket please visit Stuartholme School Online Community (ptly.com)

Newsletter Article: Term 1, Week 4 2024

Over the past four weeks, it has been heartwarming to watch our 130 boarders embrace this year’s focus goal: Building community as a Christian value. From shared moments spent playing games, exchanging stories, showing support to one another- whether it be a listening ear, a word of encouragement or a laugh- our boarding house embodies the power of community.

Last Sunday, at Mass, the power of community and sisterhood was evident, with the gathering of 130 boarders from rural and remote Queensland, New South Wales, Northern Territory and International locations, along with staff, to welcome the newest members of our boarding community. This reflects the strength of unity and support within the house. Our Boarding Captains, Stella Berge, Grace-Louise Moffatt, Mia McMillan and Amy Bellingham created a sense of camaraderie amongst all those in attendance as they presented 35 new boarders with special boarding badges to officially welcome them to the Boarding Community.

The palpable happiness in the room spoke volumes about the warmth and inclusivity of Stuartholme Boarding. Such moments of shared joy reinforces the bonds of sisterhood and values of compassion, kindness and belonging that are fundamental as Sacred Heart educators, parents, students and staff

This spirit of community continued through the week as our year 11 boarders organised and worked with our chefs to put together a night to remember: galantines day. Our boarders, dressed in their finest pink, red and white, assembled in the dining room which had been transformed into a magical balloon and flower filled wonderland. Watching our boarders come together to celebrate, enjoy a good meal and share of their time was beautiful as it reinforced Robert Ingersoll’s assertion: “We rise by lifting others up”. 

Jane Morris
Dean of Boarding

Stuartholme alumna Madeleine Border (Class of 2013) is a Meanjin/Brisbane theatre maker, performer, and writer known for her unique voice blending political satire and quirky dialogue. She aims to provoke, intrigue, and amuse her audience. Madeleine has had a remarkable journey in the theatre world, serving as Playlab Theatre’s Young Playwright-in-Residence (2019), Backbone Youth Arts resident artist (2019), and participating in various programs including Express Media’s Left to Write Program (2020) and Dead Puppet Society Academy Program (2022). She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Drama and Political Science and completed her Masters of Writing, Editing, and Publishing at UQ in 2019.

Madeleine has been commissioned by Playlab Theatre to write a play about the transitional period between leaving high school and entering adulthood. The play, having its world premiere at the Brisbane Powerhouse this March, follows the journey of Lorrie (Loxie), as she navigates the challenges of starting a job, moving out of home, and waiting for university offers. Titled “Big Yikes!”, the play is a coming-of-age story that delves into themes of boundaries, decision-making, and autonomy, while also asking existential questions about purpose and life choices.

“Big Yikes!” will be performed at the Underground Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse, from Wednesday, March 13 to Saturday, March 23. It is suitable for students aged 12 and above. If you’re interested in supporting Madeleine and experiencing the play, please visit Big Yikes! by Madeleine Border – Playlab Theatre

Dear Stuartholme Parents/Carers,

My name is Mary-Louise Rowell and I write to seek expressions of interest regarding the annual Mother’s Day Lunch (MDL) in May 2024.  This is always a great day, and we are seeking committee members.  If you have any talent in fundraising, PowerPoint presentations, photography or decorations – we would love to meet you!

Please phone/text me on 0439 857 301.

Alternatively I can be contacted via email at:  mlrowell10@hotmail.com

Regards

Mary-Louise Rowell

Dear Parents, Caregivers, Staff, and Students,

Stuartholme School’s Celebration of Excellence serves as a pivotal moment for us to recognise and honour educational excellence that define Stuartholme. It is an occasion where we come together to acknowledge the remarkable achievements and contributions of our students, staff, and community members.

We write to inform you of an important update regarding the Celebration of Excellence event. After consultation with QPAC the date has had to be rescheduled to Wednesday, 16 October.

More information around the event will be shared closer to the time.

Thank you for your continued support.

Warm regards,

Daniel Crump

This year, we as a school community, had a wonderful time celebrating Chinese New Year with our new addition to the Languages Department, Mrs Sylvia Sun.  Mrs Sun is a highly energetic and creative Chinese language teacher, who in her short time at Stuartholme has already provided our students with many culturally enriching learning experiences.

Throughout the Lunar period (10^th – 24^th February) Chinese language students had the chance to make 饺子（Chinese dumplings under the instruction of Mrs Sun.  Dumplings are a traditional New Year dish where the whole family get together to make

 them during the day and then feast on them on New Year’s Eve, which was the 9^th February this year.

In August 2023, the Minister for Education confirmed that from 2024 the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD) will replace the Education Adjustment Program (EAP) as the basis for state government funded students with disability in all non-state schools.

As a result of this change, the criteria for families to access funding under the NSSTAS Students With Disability (SWD) Travel Assistance Program have been updated. From 2024, to be eligible per the “2024 SWD Guidelines”, page 4 (Attachment 1), the student must:

• be recorded in the latest submission of the Australian Government’s Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD) as receiving supplementary, substantial or extensive adjustments to address the functional impact of an NCCD category of disability: cognitive, physical, sensory or social/emotional; or
–  is a Prep or new student (if not included in the latest Commonwealth census for the NCCD) with evidence of a diagnosed disability and where the school has confirmed by the end of Term 1 that adjustments provided are consistent with the descriptors of either supplementary, substantial or extensive in the NCCD Guidelines:

 Supplementary: Student receives adjustments supplementary to the strategies and resources already available for all students within the school for particular activities at specific times throughout the week.
 Substantial: Student has substantial support needs and receives essential adjustments and requires considerable assistance to the usual educational program at most times, on most days.
 Extensive: Student has very high support needs and is provided with extensive targeted measures and sustained levels of intensive support at all times.

• have a Personalised Learning Plan or equivalent (PLP) which confirms transport needs, assessed by the school, that are demonstrably different to those of their same age peers by reason of their disability,
• have a Travel Capability Rating (TCR) of C, D, E or F …..,
• or meet Exceptional Circumstances eligibility ……

Applications can be made online via the website Non State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme (NSSTAS) (schooltransport.com.au) in May for Semester 1 travel and in October for Semester 2 travel.

Enrolments will be contacting families during 2024 to arrange enrolment interviews for Year 5, 2026 and Year 7, 2028. If you have a younger daughter and you haven’t yet completed an Enrolment Application, please complete the Application Form as soon as possible available here – https://stuartholme.com/enrol/enrol-now/

If you are unsure if you have completed an application form, please contact our Enrolments Team by emailing enrolments@stuartholme.com.

INAUGURAL PICNIC ON THE GREEN

Stuartholme School presents the inaugural Picnic on the Green on Saturday, 13 April 2024!

Indulge in an exquisite luncheon amidst the beauty of the Stuartholme School grounds, accompanied by live music from 12pm to 5pm.

Tickets will go live at 9am on Wednesday 14 February

To purchase your ticket please visit Stuartholme School Online Community (ptly.com)

The latest edition of the Cor Unum is now available online. If you would like a hard copy please visit Main Reception to collect.

It is with great enthusiasm and pleasure that I introduce myself to you as Stuartholme’s Leader of Learning – Mathematics. I have devoted myself to the education of young women in various Catholic Girls’ schools in Brisbane for my entire career and I am passionate about nurturing students in these wonderful supportive environments where they can be inspired to be the very best they can be.  I am also committed to continuing our legacy of excellence, and I am honoured to work alongside our exceptional Mathematics teaching team.

Some of our key focuses for the year in our Maths classrooms are the following:

1. The importance of Mathematics for all future careers.
   As Maths teachers, we are often asked by our students where they will use the content that is being taught later in life. For those who choose a career in the STEM field, this is obvious but for others it is not as apparent.  However, mathematics is important for all of us in developing problem-solving skills and is a gateway to cultivating analytical and critical thinking skills, resilience, and creativity.  These skills are not only crucial for academic success but are also transferable to any potential career our students may choose.  In an ever-evolving post schooling world, the ability to approach challenges with a problem-solving mindset is an incredibly valuable asset.
2. Embracing Mistakes.
   In Mathematics, mistakes are not indicators of failure but rather opportunities for growth and refinement. It is through the process of identifying and rectifying mistakes that true understanding and mastery emerge.  When homework has been completed and answers are checked and found to be incorrect, the best Maths students will then go on to determine the source of the error and rework their responses recognising the capacity to learn from one’s errors.  These students are then less likely to make these same mistakes under exam conditions.
3. Positive language towards Maths.
   The words we choose in our classrooms and interactions play a pivotal role in shaping the mindset and confidence of our students. Encouraging positive math language fosters an environment where students feel empowered to express their thoughts, ask questions, and engage in constructive discussions. The language that is used in a home setting is equally important. Every student can improve in mathematics through hard work. Mathematical prowess is not predetermined by genetics – it is cultivated through dedication, a growth mindset and commitment to the learning process.

I encourage you to contact your daughter’s teacher at any time during the year.  Please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance as well.  We look forward to a successful and supportive experience for your daughter in Mathematics in 2024.

Kate Sargent

Leader of Learning – Maths

Save the Date

Open Day 9 March 2024

Open Day is always a fantastic community celebration of our school and one of the best opportunities we have to connect with staff, families, and students. It’s a chance to showcase all the wonderful aspects of Stuartholme!

To RSVP to this event, please click here.

Sport News

International Women’s Day Fun Run

Did you miss out on 50% off tickets for the International Women’s Day Fun Run? Do not worry, we have you covered. Mater Hospital has kindly provided discount codes for our community to purchase a ticket.

Please click the following link to join our team and use the discount codes below Mater Foundation – Stuartholme School

Anyone aged 16 and above will need to register as an adult and use the code: STUARTHOLMEADULT

Anyone under the age of 16 will need to register as a child and use the code: STUARTHOLMECHILD

*Please note the promo codes can only be used once in a transaction and won’t apply to multiple registrations in the one transaction. To register more than one person, the registration process will need to be completed for one person and started again for the next.

Wests Junior Rugby League coaching clinic tomorrow Saturday 3 February

The Wests Junior Rugby League Club are hosting the Maroons for a fan event and coaching clinic and you’re invited!

WHEN: Saturday 3 February 2024
TIME: 3:00-4:00pm
WHERE: Purtell Park, Bardon
WHO: All junior athletes interested in rugby league are encouraged to attend. NRL Game Development team will be running a coaching clinic and plenty of Maroons players will be there to meet you. Families are also invited.

Check out the club’s Facebook event for more information: (20+) Maroons’ Fan Event & Coaching Clinic | Facebook

Congratulations Hayley for representing Queensland Metro 

Congratulations to Year 8 student Hayley who recently represented Queensland Metro in the U14 Regional Softball Championships in Canberra. Hayley and her team finished 3rd after a battle with NSW to narrowly miss the final

Ord Minnett Stingers VS Canada

Last weekend, Stuartholme School hosted the Ord Minnett Australian Stingers in an exhilarating two-game match against Canada. This exciting event provided students and the community with a unique opportunity to witness world-class Water Polo excellence right on our own grounds.

You can read more here Stuartholme’s Bright Future in Water Polo – Stuartholme School

Goodluck District Swimmers

Stuartholme School wishes the following 33 students the best of luck as they compete in the Northern Eagles District Trials on Monday 5 February.

Year 5

Emily Dowrie

Annabelle Edmonds

Penelope Rocket

Vivienne Woodbridge

Giselle Cid

Isabelle Kneebone

Grace Lamberth

Ella Parslow

Georgie Vickery

Year 7

Isla Anderson

Lauren Bethel

Lucille Bryant

Erin Ellis

Maddison Condon

Sophie Greene

Emerson Hughes

Year 8

Olivia Drummond

Polly Hewlett

Matilda Hutchinson

Cordelia Kemp

Isobel Rogers

Chloe Bell

Sapphira Cid

Hana Jamieson Takahashi

Emma Mitchell

Year 9

Phoebe Dredge

Amelia Edmonds

Katie Kneebone

Year 10

Ruby Wilson

Madeliene Gervais

Year 11

Hannah Howes

Ella Peberdy

Olivia Totten

Paige van Gelder

Newsletter Article: Term 1, Week 2 2024

I am pleased to welcome you to the new year and warmly welcome new members to our Stuartholme community. We have had an impressive start to the year, and it has been wonderful to connect with many of you in person at our functions and parent evenings over the past two weeks. As a school, we look forward to many more opportunities across the year.

Lifting each other up to take the first step!

Our focus goal for this year is building community as a Christian value. Our Cor Unum launched this goal by announcing their theme for the year – #liftherup at our opening assembly. The theme resonates superbly with our focus goal and acknowledges our rich story at Stuartholme, which is, at its heart, leaving the world better than we found it. The Sacred Heart sisters and their founder, St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, have written this story and are relying on us all to lift each other up so their legacy is sustained for years to come.

It is a very special responsibility, and we are grateful that our Sisters have shown us the ingredients each and every one of us needs to make this a reality. We must challenge ourselves to be courageous, confident, and compassionate to make a difference in the world. This is not easy work, nor work to be taken lightly, but it is what the Gospel and an education of the Sacred Heart call us to do.

Together, we support each other in taking the first step and to challenge each other to be the best versions of ourselves. We know at Stuartholme that it is a focus on not only an education of the mind, but an education of the heart. For we know it takes heart to step up and change the world.

Our Cor Unum challenged us to strive to make a difference in our own lives this year and in the lives of others through #liftherup.

Forging Forward

Over the break, we forged forward with several key building projects across the campus. The Junior School Precinct Development continues in earnest, whilst we have also completed a brand-new Uniform Shop with retail experience, new dedicated classrooms developed for our students in Years 7 – 12 in Renard and Spruson, a complete repaint of the internals of Renard, and additional shading for students. We are excited to continue with momentum across the year.

Welcoming new staff

As we have expanded as a school this year with the introduction of our Junior School, it is my pleasure to welcome several new members to our Stuartholme team:

Andrew Beiers                             Dean of Mission

Leanne Caines                             Junior School Receptionist

Genevieve Easton                       Junior School Teacher

Ashleigh Kaesler                          Sports Coordinator

Libby Matapo                              Diverse Learners

Natalie Miller                               Music

Megan Moffatt                            Leader of Learning – Junior School

Meg Muir                                      HPE

Shannon Murphy                        Diverse Learners

Ellen Pozzi                                     Sports Coordinator

Kate Sargent                                 Leader of Learning – Mathematics

Sylvia Sun                                      Chinese

Rebecca Sayer                             Science

Lee-Anne Tyrell                           Library Technician

Maggie Wright                             Junior School Teacher

We also welcome Michelle Carter to the role of Acting Careers whilst Mr Lillyman is on secondment for Term 1 contributing to a new Careers App development. We look forward to welcoming Mr Lillyman back in Term 2.

Best wishes for the start of 2024.

Yours in Cor Unum,

Danny Crump
Principal

Newsletter Article: Term 1, Week 2 2024

Welcome back to the new year. I am delighted to be back alongside our inspiring Principal – Mr Daniel Crump for 2024. I also look forward to working in partnership with all in our Stuartholme community to offer a Sacred Heart Education that enables every child to leave the world a little better than they found it.

It has been an absolute delight to connect with many of you in person at the start of year functions and parent evenings over the last couple of weeks and I look forward to many more opportunities throughout the year.

Building community as a Christian Value:

 This year our focus goal is building community as a Christian value. During Staff Week, we engaged in formation experiences around this theme and were encouraged to consider how we bring this to life through our daily practices at Stuartholme.

The concept that I shared with our staff that deeply resonated with me, revolves around the profound commitment to uphold the charism of St. Madeleine Sophie Barat. It underscores our collective endeavour in stepping up to the challenge of shaping young women to make an impact in the world. This certainly cannot be a solo act. Rather, each of us in the school community has a vital role to play in unison.

Our Cor Unum at assembly last Wednesday led the way in articulating exactly how each of us can enact the courage required to achieve excellence in practice with their powerful theme launch – “Lift her up!”

Working together to encourage courage, compassion and confidence  

 Whether your daughter is in the opening stages of her academic journey in the Junior School or well along the path as a Senior, one thing is certain – the inherent strength of a partnership approach in enlivening our graduate vision.

Each of us has an important role to play so that she can develop the dispositions of a Stuartholme graduate. One who exhibits, the courage, confidence, and compassion to be an agent of transformation in the world and demonstrate resilience in the face of challenges.

It will be important to continue to work together as a school community to drive our tradition of excellence through outstanding student outcomes and equitable access to education. In this way, Stuartholme will remain a leader in girls’ education, turning out graduates with the skills required to thrive beyond school and make a global impact.

Best wishes for a successful 2024.

Deborah Lonsdale-Walker
Deputy Principal

Newsletter Article: Term 1, Week 2 2024

The beginning of a new school year is a time of excitement and optimism and a time to come together to reconnect and welcome new members of our community.  One of the highlights for me so far was joining our Year 5 students and families in singing “Spirit of Cor Unum” at the Embrace ceremony.  ​The song goes, “Be brave.  Believe…   Be Strong.  Succeed…   Be wise and free.”  These words beautifully capture what “academic courage” looks like for a Stuartholme student:

​Be brave by asking and answering lots of questions.  We embrace co-agency and want our scholars to be active participants in their learning.  In class, teachers will encourage students to use a variety of Thinking Routines and the “three before me” strategy which involves them asking questions of each other and seeking answers through research to find solutions before confirming their understanding with their teacher. This helps students to build confidence and develop their metacognitive skills. ​

​Believe that students are not expected to get it on the first go or even the second or third goes!  Research tells us that it takes about 21 days of learning or 50 repetitions to form a new habit.  Practise is key which is why homework is important.  Students should still be doing a bit of practise each day even if their teacher has not set specific homework.  Revisiting questions from class, summarising notes, and pre-reading for the next day all help students develop a solid study routine. ​

​Be strong – we know that physical strength takes time to develop and that we often stumble along the way towards achieving our sporting goals.  We should apply the same approach to developing academic strength as well.  At Stuartholme, we encourage our students to adopt a growth mindset and to embrace failing as an important part of the learning process.  Throughout the year, students will engage in Academic Skills sessions embedded in our Wise Wellness program to help them to develop the tools they need to strengthen their performance and achieve their individual academic goals. ​

​Succeed by remembering that everyone grows at their own rate.  Sometimes, students feel that they are only successful if they achieve an A result or receive an award on assembly.  We want our students to know that success also looks like improving from a B to a B+, persevering when learning something new, and coming to school prepared for learning every day.  We encourage students to become comfortable with talking about what challenges them to build academic resilience through reflection.  ​

​Be wise and free – Socrates says that “wisdom is knowing you know nothing” and this may be exactly how our students feel as they a new school year.  Most of what they need to know is available in their student diary, on myStuartholme or in their class OneNotes.  The Semester One assessment calendar will be released next week.  I shows the due dates for all their assignments and exams in Terms 1 and 2.  Adding these dates to a shared family calendar is helpful to support students to manage their schoolwork, cocurriculars and other commitments in their life.  Free time is also important here and, like most things in life, it is all about balance. ​

​If you have any questions about your daughter’s learning journey throughout the year, please get in touch with her classroom teacher in the first instance.  Our expert teachers know their learners well and are best placed to answer most questions you have.  You can find teacher email addresses via myStuartholme because our teachers are just as excited as students for the new school year.  We also have Parent Student Teacher Conferences each semester and we look forward to seeing you at the many other school events on offer throughout the year. ​

​

We look forward to walking alongside you and your daughters this year.

Annie Van Homrigh

Dean of Teaching and Learning Innovation 

Newsletter Article: Term 1, Week 2

Building Community as a Christian Value

Faith, Hope and Love are at the heart of building community. “Love” is summed up in Mother Madeleine Sophie Barat’s original inspiration: “One Heart and one mind in the heart of Jesus.”

St Madeleine Sophie Barat

A special welcome to 2024! I would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of our community and the local area as 2024 begins with a sense of energy, joy and spirit!

It has been wonderful to make new relationships and renew and strengthen old friendships at Stuartholme.  I feel very welcomed along with our new staff commencing at Stuartholme School.

My name is Andrew Beiers and am married to musician, Jane Massingham. I have two daughters, Gabrielle and Helena. I have a great passion for social justice, story-telling, service learning, the creative arts, sport and First Nations’ spirituality.  I would encourage you to make yourself known as I appreciate the opportunity to hear your stories and the story of this community. See you soon!

Our Sacred Heart Tradition

It was heart warming for me to meet up with Sr Rita Carroll who I had previously worked with on retreats some years ago.  Sr Rita shared some important insights with me about Sacred Heart spirituality and how the community of the Society of the Sacred Heart embraces the five goals of Sacred Heart Education:

1. A personal and active faith in God;
2. A deep respect for intellectual values;
3. Building community as a Christian value;
4. A social awareness that impels us to action;
5. Personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom.

This year, our Focus Goal is:

Building community as a Christian value.  

Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat’s desire was that every student of a Sacred Heart School, and many others through them, should come to know that they are personally loved by God. She believed that this would enable them to grow to fulfilment as persons and to be life-bearers to others. For her and for us today, education is a work of faith.

Working together in Faith, Hope and Love

We work together to develop and grow this Sacred education founded on faith, hope and love to support and nurture your daughter’s whole being and life-long journey.

I want to sign off with this beautiful quote “Do Not be afraid to offer a timely word of Faith, broken and shared: your faith.

Blessings for the year ahead,

Andrew Beiers
Dean of Mission

References: Religious of the Sacred Heart. 1994. The Heart of our God: Documentary Sources of the Goals.

Newsletter Article, Term 1 Week 2, 2024 

Welcome back!

Welcome to all students and families to our 2024 school year. There has been a wonderful buzz of excitement in the air, especially as we welcomed Year 7 and Year 5 students along with 26 new students across other year levels. Our community is growing!

I have enjoyed interacting with many parents and caregivers at our Parent Information Sessions over the last 2 weeks. For those who were unable to be present, you can access the recordings from the Live Stream Tile on My Stuarthome.  Establishing expectations for our students  and reinforcing the importance of our partnership with parents and caregivers is integral to supporting a journey of growth.. Our Leaders of Student Wellbeing spoke to parents about how they will be encouraging their cohort to step up to the many opportunities on offer this year . We look forward to working in partnership with both you and your daughter this year. I reiterate my message about ensuring that we as adults keep our expectations high, care deeply for our young people, but always remain firm.

Wellbeing structures

Our Wellbeing structures here at Stuartholme provide our students and families with the necessary support for our students to thrive. Our Teacher Mentors play an essential role in the lives of our young people, setting them up for the day in TMG and quietly monitoring each students’ wellbeing throughout the year. Your daughter’s Teacher Mentor is your first point of contact should you require support. Our Leaders of Student Wellbeing are also a wonderful support as they over see the whole year level. Our Wise Wellness Program, driven by of Leaders of Student Wellbeing, is another integral facet of our Wellbeing Structures here at Stuartholme. Research by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) suggests that participation in a Wellbeing program can have positive impacts on academic performance equivalent to 3 months of additional learning. Our Wise Wellness program together with our Wellbeing structures ensures that our integrated approach between academics, wellbeing and spirituality enhances the potential for our students to flourish.

Cor Unum theme launch

Lift Her Up

The Cor Unum Captain Susannah Streeton and Committee members Rosie Sheehan, Mia Woodhouse and Stella Berge, were inspirational in welcoming all students and staff back to this new academic year with their 2024 theme launch  “Lift Her Up”, supported by the artistic talent of Alexa Rose (Year 12) and her sister and alumnae Grace Rose, who designed the logo.

The Cor Unum committee articulated the significance of this year’s theme:

“This year’s Sacred Heart goal of “Building community as a Christian value” speaks to this spirit instilled in the people here. To respond to this goal, we wanted a theme that celebrated the unique strengths and talents all of us bring to the table. Whether you’re a rower, a musician, a maths whizz, or public speaker, we wanted to create an environment where you all feel valued and rallied behind. With this goal, we wanted to honour our Christian values, especially Mad Soph’s vision for the school. But also, we wanted something you could use to cheer on your friends and celebrate one another’s wins…. Lift Her Up is also a call to action, a commitment to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate within our wider community. Mad Soph was a strong believer in the power of actions over words. Embracing this spirit, we challenge you to take part in social justice initiatives and fundraisers that can “lift” the lives of those less privileged than ourselves.”

Such a wonderful challenge for our community this year!

Working together to create the atmosphere for self-knowledge, passion and purpose

To support the students in settling back into school routines and creating the atmosphere for success, the Leaders of Student Wellbeing and Teacher Mentors have been highlighting “positive expectations” challenging them to:

• Positively engage with the school ethos
• Show self-discipline and dedication to academic requirements
• Be punctual to school and all classes
• Show self-respect
• Adhere to the school dress code
• Respect others’ rights and property.

Mobile Phones

Thank you for your support of the updated Student Responsible Use of Technology and Social Media Policy. Our students are adapting to having limited access to their phones at morning tea and lunch. Your ongoing support in ensuring your daughter has access to either an eftpos card or Flexi schools to pay for purchases at the café, is appreciated.

Blessings and all the best for a smooth start to the year.

Elizabeth Foxover

Dean of Student Wellbeing  

Reference: Student wellbeing programs improve academic outcomes – ACER Discover

Newsletter Article: Term 4, Week 8 2023

A joyful year

I am thrilled at the joyful and successful school year we have had, one that has delivered exciting opportunities and remarkable growth for each and every member of our school community.

At the heart of our journey was the vision of our new Principal for 2023 – Mr Daniel Crump to be bold, joyful, transformative, and impactful. This vision embodied our collective commitment to push boundaries, embrace challenges, and explore new horizons.

It has been energising to have worked alongside him in the role of Deputy Principal and in partnership with all in our Stuartholme community to offer a Sacred Heart Education that enables every child to feel loved, grow, and make a real difference in the world.

As we bid farewell to 2023, the concluding year of our current strategic plan, I eagerly anticipate the opportunities that 2024 will bring.

I am thrilled at the prospect of collaborating once again with our esteemed Principal and every member of our school community. Together, we aspire to continue our journey as a pioneering girls’ school, steadfastly advancing upon the visionary path laid out by our founder, St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, and her transformational vision for education.

Wishing you a wonderful festive season

“Christmas is not just a season, it’s a feeling of love, joy, and togetherness that warms our hearts throughout the year”.

It’s truly remarkable to pen my final newsletter article for the parents of 2023, especially with Christmas just around the corner. This cherished time of year holds a special place in my heart, as it signifies a profound reconnection with our dearest loved ones, families, and friends—those who infuse our lives with boundless joy.

As we stand on the brink of this festive season, I offer my heartfelt well-wishes for all our families. May each of you embrace this season with open arms and open hearts, finding solace and delight in the miracles, the gifts, and the promises that Christmas brings.”

Deborah Lonsdale-Walker
Deputy Principal

NEW Labelling Service Available

Garments are to be placed into a bag with relevant paper work obtained through the school shop. The items are then sent to the laundry to be named. The laundry will return the labelled items back to the school shop for payment. Labelling will be done usually on a Wednesday with items returned to the school shop the following Friday.

New School Satchels have arrived and they are available for $39. Strong canvas book bags that have plenty of room for your books, a water bottle and lunchbox.

The Swim Shorts have arrived and are available for $65. Swim shorts are to wear over togs or water polo suit for those students who require more coverage.

New House shirts have also arrived. Cost is $42. House shirts will be compulsory for the new Junior School. They are colourful and will certainly stand out.

You can purchase these along with the other products available at our School Shop through Flexischools: https://flexischools.com.au/

If you need a new unform and it to be professionally fitted, book an appointment here: SHS School Shop (office365.com)

INAUGURAL PICNIC ON THE GREEN

Stuartholme School presents the inaugural Picnic on the Green on Saturday, 13 April 2024!

Indulge in an exquisite luncheon amidst the beauty of the Stuartholme School grounds, accompanied by live music from 12pm to 5pm.

More details to come with tickets to be released in early 2024.

On Thursday 23 November Stuartholme hosted their annual Carols evening. The night was a success with beautiful performances all through the evening. The night started with drinks, followed by all parents, students, alumnae, staff and guests venturing into the Chapel.

Thank you to everyone who was involved and to all parents, students, special guests and staff who attended!

Scientists print bones, tendons and ligaments for the first time

Most people would be familiar with 3D printing, after all, we have our very own at our school. While the technology was previously limited to fast-curing plastics, it has now been made suitable for slow-curing plastics also, which are more elastic, durable and robust. This means, new and complex robots can be created from a variety of high-quality, delicate materials in one go.

Using such technology, researchers at ETH Zurich have succeeded for the first time in printing a robotic hand with bones, ligaments and tendons using slow-curing thiolene polymers. This material has exceptionally good elastic properties, meaning it is ideal for producing the elastic ligaments of the robotic hand.

3D printers typically produce objects layer by layer, where nozzles deposit a given material in viscous form at each point before a UV lamp cures each layer. To accommodate the use of slow-curing polymers, a 3D laser scanner was added to check for any surface irregularities by calculating any necessary adjustments to the amount of material to be printed with a high level of accuracy. This ensures that these bones, tendons and ligaments are exact replicas of those found in the body, meaning they can be used as sufficient substitutes for humans.

The researchers are planning to use the new technology to offer a 3D printing service to its customers and to sell the new printers to the medical world for public usage.

You can find out more information here: Printed robots with bones, ligaments, and tendons | ScienceDaily

This is also the final time that the 2023 UQ  Science Ambassadors will be writing to the Stuartholme community. Being in this role, these activities and experiences have not only inspired others, but us as leaders, to keep exploring and learning from this fascinating subject. We have grown not only in our knowledge of science, but in each other’s individual skills and how they play a role in creating an effective, teamwork-fuelled environment where we all were able to learn and thrive along with our community.

Thank you for supporting us in this role. We wish the 2024 ambassadors all the best and know that they will have such a wonderful and enriching opportunity as we did.

Sophie Ladbrook

2023 UQ Science Ambassador

 This week we were lucky enough to have very special visits and curriculum-aligned shows by Martin (of Totally Wild fame) with his native Australian animals from Geckoes Wildlife, and also Starlab who brought their mobile planetarium/Cosmodome Science Theatre!

Upcoming Science Opportunities:

 Rhodes Rise Program – UQ Application Workshops

The Rhodes Rise Program is a prestigious program from the Rhodes Trust that finds brilliant people who need opportunity and supports them for life as they work to serve others. The program begins at age 15–17 and offers a lifetime of incredible benefits including scholarships, mentorship, career development opportunities, funding, and more.

The UQ Ventures Discovery Program is offering free workshops to help high school students make a successful application this year.

Register your email here: Rise | Apply to Rise (risefortheworld.org)

Entrepreneurship: 30% off 2024 enrolments (for those in Year 12 only)

To celebrate the launch of the Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business (BSB40320), UQ Skills and UQ Ventures are offering 30% off to the first 20 students to enrol for 2024. This nationally accredited qualification is delivered over 11 months to students in Year 11 or 12, through a combination of weekly virtual classes and two face-to-face workshops at UQ’s St Lucia campus each term.

QUT High School Student Engagement

About us

QUT’s High School Student Engagement program has been running since 2013 and is committed to inspiring the next generation of future leaders. We provide meaningful student experiences for Year 7 to 12 students regardless of background, gender, academic level or location.

We deliver fully funded on-campus workshops, events and professional learning.

Our talented Student Ambassadors inspire, lead and connect with program participants bringing diversity and real-world inspiration into all our activities.

Follow this link to find out more and get involved! QUT – High School Student Engagement

CSIRO Virtual Work Experience opportunities

In 2023, the CSIRO virtual work experience program will support students to undertake work experience remotely, providing opportunities for those who may face geographic or other barriers to participating in traditional work experience. It also allows you the opportunity to experience contemporary ways of working, from homes, and with people across geographic boundaries, just as CSIRO scientists do every day.

Virtual work experience allows you to undertake collaborative, group science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) projects, including projects linked to real-world CSIRO research and industry challenges. Instead of attending a CSIRO site, experienced CSIRO staff will supervise groups of students remotely using a secure online platform. The groups will comprise of five to ten students who may be remote from each other and who will work together to complete tasks that can be used as part of portfolios and help inform your study and career plans.

Eligibility

To be eligible to do virtual work experience with CSIRO, students must be:

• in year 10 or 11, and aged 15-17 years for the duration of the work experience
• enrolled in a school in Australia
• able to commit to a designated week between February and December 2023
• be supported by a teacher, parent or other approved adult in their physical location throughout their work experience project.

To apply, follow this link: Apply for Virtual Work Experience – CSIRO

Kind regards,

Mr Timothy Butler

Acting Leader of Learning – Science

Newsletter Article: Term 4, Week 8 2023

Our Sacred Heart Goal in focus for 2023 is “A Deep Respect for Intellectual Values” and what a joy it has been for our community to enliven it this year. In my new role of Dean of Teaching and Learning Innovation, I have been delighted to see students answer the call to embrace academic courage by building habits that lead to educational excellence.  Students have actively strived towards realising our Graduate Vision of being courageous, compassionate and confident now and into the future. They have been well supported by a team of expert staff who are passionate about education and skilled at empowering young people to realise their potential.  Importantly, we know that students achieve the best outcomes when they are well supported at home too and it has been wonderful to walk alongside parents as part of our continued partnership approach to student success this year.

The wisdom of our Foundress, Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat, is always at the heart of all that we do at Stuartholme.  This quote in particular has been front of mind for me in 2023:

“Let us respect childhood; let us honour the soul of that small creature of God who can already make choices of the best if we take the time to awaken her reason and make her use her judgement.”

By having a deep respect for intellectual values, we recognise the capacity our young people have to make the best choices for themselves.  Of course, humans are imperfect and young people in formation are meant to make more mistakes than most.  It is through making mistakes and having the courage to try again that students do the most memorable learning and their “best” continues to get better.  As we moved into the implementation phase of our Pedagogical Framework this year, we saw our students and teachers embrace practices that awaken reason through the use of thinking routines that develop metacognitive skills for lifelong learning.  The pedagogical model embedded in the framework provides a roadmap to realising our graduate vision by developing students’ intellectual habits for excellences through practices that come to life in Stuartholme classrooms everyday.  In 2023, our learners have courageously challenged themselves to be intellectually curious thinkers who make use of their judgement to learn and grow to be the best they can be.

This year has also seen some significant developments in the broader education landscape with the emergence of generative Artificial Intelligence, changes to NAPLAN that saw the tests delivered at the beginning of the year and reported on using new timescales, and the release of the latest version of P-10 Australian Curriculum as well as updates to Year 11 & 12 General and Applied Syllabuses.  Our passionate and dedicated teachers have taken these challenges in their stride.  They continue to do magnificent work here at Stuartholme and many of them also contribute their expertise well beyond our gates for the benefit of the greater education community.  I offer them my sincere gratitude for their exemplary service and congratulate them on their many achievements throughout 2023, including being recognised by multiple award nominations.  I am also incredibly thankful for our brilliant support staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes to help bring our vibrant teaching and learning program to life.  Thank you especially to Christine Heath for her significant support and invaluable contributions to Academic Services this year.

As the year comes to a close, I feel an immense sense of pride for all that has been accomplished in our teaching and learning community over the past twelve months.  I encourage each student to finish the year by reflecting on her own journey and celebrating her personal growth.  To our graduating scholars in their senior year, may you continue to draw from our Sacred Heart Principles to embrace the intellectual habits for excellence that you have developed at Stuartholme and go on to flourish in the wider community by realising your potential for transformation.  As Sophie says, “Your example, even more than your words, will be an eloquent lesson to the world.”

Best wishes to all for a safe and blessed Christmas,

Annie Van Homrigh

Dean of Teaching and Learning Innovation 

Newsletter Article: Term 4, Week 8 2023

Over the past few weeks, there has been an undeniable magic descend upon the boarding house. Not only has it been a time of celebrations and farewells for our year 12 graduating boarders but it’s also the time of year where the spirit of Christmas wraps around our boarding community, like a warm and familiar embrace, bringing our boarders and staff together as a family away from home.

One of the most cherished traditions that mark this festive season in our House is the delightful celebrations that occur each year. From the laughter echoing down the hallways, to the twinkling of fairy lights strung, Christmas trees decorated and Secret Santa exchanges in each year level, the entire house buzzes with excitement and anticipation. This, in combination with the weeks of thoughtful planning and collaboration involved in Year 12 Boarder Farwell, leading up to the final celebrations involved in this momentous event, connects and strengthens our community and reminds us all how incredibly special our Boarding Community is.

A highlight of our Christmas celebrations is the much-anticipated Secret Santa exchange. Each year level eagerly awaits the drawing of names, setting in motion a flurry of thoughtful gift shopping and for those creative artists in the group, making unique treasures. The thrill of both giving and receiving gifts fills the dorms with an infectious joy. Staff often remark that there is something magical about the thoughtfulness behind carefully chosen presents and the look of surprise on boarder’s faces when they unwrap a carefully selected or made gift. Amidst the laughter and merriment, there is a deeper significance to our Christmas celebrations. It is not just about the decorations or gifts; it is about the spirit of community, of giving, gratitude and enjoying time together. It is the time to appreciate the friendships we have forged, the challenges we have overcome and the support we have lent to one another throughout the year.

As the Boarding House empties, with parents arriving to collect their daughters and others heading to the airport to fly home to various parts of the country and overseas, the spirit of warmth and unity lingers, awaiting to be rekindled next year. To our year 12 boarders and families, we give thanks to you and celebrate the time we shared, to our year 7-11 boarders and families, we cannot wait to welcome you back in January.

On behalf of our boarding team, we hope you have the most wonderful of times this summer holiday and enjoy a beautiful and connected Christmas with those you love.

Take care everyone,

Jane Morris
Dean of Boarding

Newsletter Article: Term 4, Week 8 2023

As we approach the conclusion of 2023, I find myself reflecting with deep gratitude on my role as the Dean of Student Wellbeing. This year has been an enriching journey both personally and professionally, thanks to the outstanding Wellbeing Team: the dedicated Leaders of Student Wellbeing, our Counsellors, Health Centre Staff, and all the passionate staff who have worked tirelessly to guide our students throughout the year.

Valedictory Celebration:

Last week, we came together as a community to formally bid farewell to our Year 12 students in a memorable Valedictory Mass, meticulously organized by Mr. Golding. The evening continued with a delightful cocktail party, marking the celebration of our Year 12 Graduates and the completion of their educational journey at Stuartholme. A highlight of the event was the inspiring Valedictory Speech delivered by Charlotte Spooner. Her words resonated as she challenged her classmates to “give back to this education and fulfill Sophie’s mission” by being changemakers. Charlotte emphasized the importance “to always look to and make change through the little things: to be humble and simple and to bring joy to others wherever we can”. A powerful reminder for us all.

Thankyou

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Margaret Devlin, our Year 12 Leader of Student Wellbeing for 2023, who has decided to step aside from her current role in 2024. Margaret has made significant contributions and has shown dedicated care for our students. While she will be missed in the Wellbeing space, we are thrilled that Margaret will continue to be a part of our community, taking on a new role as a Director with Academic Services. We wish her every success and enrichment in this new phase of her professional life.

Warm Christmas Wishes:

As the holiday season approaches, I extend my warmest wishes to all Stuartholme families for a peaceful Christmas. May this time of Advent be one of renewal and reconnection.

In closing, I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has made this year memorable and meaningful. Together, we have created a supportive and nurturing community that fosters growth and positive change.

Wishing you all a joyous holiday season and looking forward to the opportunities and challenges that the new year will bring.

Elizabeth Foxover

Dean of Student Wellbeing  

Newsletter Article: Term 4, Week 8

Foundation of the Society of the Sacred Heart 

Tuesday 21 November was the Foundation Day of the Society of the Sacred Heart. In the life of the Church, this day is also the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin. When Joachim and Anne brought their daughter, Mary, to the temple, it was a complete giving over of her life to God. Perhaps that is why this feast day was chosen for Madeleine Sophie and her three companions to consecrate themselves wholly to God in 1800.  

 At that time, Sophie and her companions knew that they wanted “to make known the love of the Heart of Jesus” and to respond generously to the needs of the world around them, especially the poor and of women, in the wake and upheaval of the French Revolution. She also recognised the pressing need for transformation through rigorous education and a spirituality of the heart.  

 In 1800, Sophie and her companions set out to discover what God was asking of them. That  eternal quest remains for us today, as we continue the legacy of discovering and making known the love of the heart of Jesus through the education of the young people that sit in our classrooms everyday. 

 In gratitude we give thanks for this vision and for the countless rscJ and Sacred Heart educators that have kept it alive for 223 years. 

 Advent 

I’m certain that it has not escaped your attention that Advent and Christmas are approaching! Advent is a time for preparation and anticipation; God is preparing us for the birth of Jesus which will come in new and unexpected ways in our lives.  

 One of the great rituals of Advent is the lighting of candles on the Advent wreath. The wreath, with no beginning or end, firstly symbolises eternity and God’s eternal love for us which is ever green, ever new, shown in the promise and birth of the Messiah, his Son. Each candle represents the four weeks of Advent and the blessings of Christmas: hope, faith, joy and peace. These are the true gifts of Christmas, the gifts given to us who seek how the life of Jesus is birthed in our hearts and in our world. Sometimes a fifth white candle is added in the centre of the wreath.  This is lit on Christmas Eve to mark the coming of Christ the Light. 

 As our year concludes and we approach Christmas, we ask that God’s hope, faith, joy and peace fill our lives and those we love. 

 God of life and love,  

Come again to our world this Christmas time,  

through your Word, your Spirit, your people, and the living presence of Christ.  

As our year of educating to a deep respect for intellectual values draws to a close,  

refresh us with your peace so that we may return in the new year  

renewed in vigour, in hope, in faith and in purpose, 

through the most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Amen. 

Justin Golding
Dean of Mission

Newsletter Article: Term 4, Week 8 2023

It has been an absolute delight to work in partnership with all members of our Stuartholme community this year to bring together our 2023 school vision – bold, purposeful, impactful, transformative and most certainly joyful Sacred Heart education.

I am truly honoured to have had the privilege of leading this remarkable school community throughout this year.

We also look forward with excitement to the launch of our new Strategic Plan in 2024 and the educational innovation this will bring.

Our journey has just begun, and with the unwavering dedication and enthusiasm of everyone involved, we are destined to make 2024 an extraordinary year.

As always, at the end of the year, we farewell a number of our staff who are moving on to pursue other career opportunities, taking on promotions or retiring.

Today, we acknowledged Sam Blakeney, Justin Golding, Dion King, Karen Paterson, and Madonna Walters at the end-of-term assembly. In addition, we recognised the contribution of those who took on replacement contracts – Kate Grayson, Tim Young and Raj Vasanthakumar. We are most grateful to them for the gifts they have shared with our community and wish them all the best for their future endeavours. We have recruited new staff members for 2024, and I look forward to introducing you to them at the start of next year.

Over the break period, we will maximise the time to forge forward with some of our key building projects. In addition to the junior school precinct, work has already commenced on the locker room infill to provide another contemporary senior classroom space, a new uniform shop with a renewed retail experience, and additional shading across the campus. We look forward to providing you with more of these exciting updates in the New Year.

Celebrating the Spirit of the Season: A Message of Joy and Unity

As we approach the joyous holiday season, I am filled with gratitude for the warmth and sense of community that defines our Stuartholme family.

It is a pleasure to extend my heartfelt wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to each and every one of you.

This time of year holds a special place in our hearts as we come together to celebrate the festivities and the spirit of giving, compassion and kindness. The holiday season reminds us of these values that unite us and are central to our school community.

Throughout the year, our students have shown remarkable dedication to their studies, creativity in their endeavours, and compassion for one another. As we reflect on the achievements and growth of our school community, let us also take a moment to appreciate the support and encouragement that you, our families, provide. Your involvement is the foundation of our success, and we are grateful for the partnership we share in nurturing the potential within each child.

As we continue on our journey through the Festive season, may the love and grace of our Lord be with us always.

Wishing you a blessed and joyous Christmas.

Yours in Cor Unum,

Danny Crump
Principal

Sister Molly Ahern Service Awards

These awards are presented to students who have lived out a spirituality of service at Stuartholme School.

 Sr Molly Ahern was born in Queensland and educated at Stuartholme. Her early years in the Society were spent in teaching. In the early 1970s she returned to the University of Queensland to begin studying for her Master of Arts. During this time she formed the desire to contribute to breaking down prejudice between people of different cultures. In 1975, Sr Molly asked to be allowed to serve overseas, and was sent to the Vice-Province of Uganda/Kenya. Sr Molly’s service in Africa included years of teaching in the Catholic-founded Primary Teachers’ College, acting as the Provincial of the Uganda/Kenya Province and Chancellor to the newly appointed Bishop in Karamoja. Sr Molly carried out this difficult role as Chancellor for three years with loyalty, humility, diligence and suffering.  Upon returning to Australia in 1999, Sr Molly involved herself in the work of the St Vincent de Paul Society. She tutored refugees, led a scripture reflection group and supported her family members through times of sorrow. Sr Molly died on 8^th July 2008 and is buried in our cemetery. Hers was a life characterised by a spirituality of service. 

Congratulations to the following students who were awarded a Sister Molly Ahern Service Award in todays assembly.

Silver

Bronze

The Stuartholme Arts Department invites you to The Bleeding Tree by Angus Cerini on Friday 17^th November at 6:30pm.

In a dirt-dry town in rural Australia, a shot shatters the still night. A mother and her daughters have just welcomed home the man of the house – with a crack. Set against a deceptively deadly Aussie backdrop, three fierce females fight back against the cruel and hopeless cycle they exist in. This absurdist take on Angus Cerini ‘s play will leave the audience wondering if Mum and her daughter ever escape their nightmare or will they be stuck in in their playing make believe forever?

Please be aware, the performance contains mature themes, some course language and discussion of death. Therefore this performance is suitable for mature audience, above the age of 15 only.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here Stuartholme School Online Community (ptly.com).

We look forward to seeing you there to support the senior Drama students in their first IA performance.

Share the Dignity

Starting from Week 5 of Term 4 continuing through to Week 7 of Term 4, Stuartholme will be participating in the 2023 Share the Dignity Drive.

In response to our Share The Dignity campaign, each TMG will be required to purchase and fill one bag of sanitary items – either for a woman, adolescent, or mum and baby. The table below will tell you what type of bag your TMG is creating. The students in each TMG are responsible for the bag and the products that need to be gathered. This means that each person in your TMG is responsible for bringing in one item to complete this initiative. It is essential that a bag is purchased for each TMG.

Students are encouraged to work alongside their TMG teachers to utilise the checklist below to tick off the essential and additional items needed in each bag and ensuring every bag within the TMG is complete. Please encourage everyone to donate items that they believe would bring a smile to someone experiencing disadvantage, this could include a personally written card, a pair of headphones, a lipstick or a pair of fluffy socks. The Year 7 and 9 SRC reps will collect the bags during TMG on Friday 25th November.

Saint Vincent de Paul

St Vincent de Paul is a Catholic organisation which focuses on supporting those who are pushed to the edges of our society. By supporting St Vincent de Paul Stuartholme has the opportunity to collaborate with an organisation who share our values and traditions, whilst aligning to our social justice theme, solidarity with the marginalised. The SVdP Sprint focuses on food items.

Each TMG has been allocated to brings in specific items – please see the table below. Each person in your TMG is encouraged to bring at least one item and to place it in the basket that will be brought to your classroom. We do ask that all items have at least a 6 month from donation time expiration date.

The SVdP Sprint is solely for giving back to those who need it most in our community so it will be great to see some full hampers from each TMG by Friday 17^th November when Year 10 SRC reps will collect your TMG’s donations.

Newsletter Article: Term 4, Week 6 2023

Dear Stuartholme community,

Myself and fellow committee members Mia, Rosie and Stella are excited to bring you this special issue of the newsletter. We will be writing to you on behalf our Principal, Deputy, Dean of Mission, and of Student Wellbeing. The Student Takeover empowers student agency and lets us share the insights of our peers on school events.

As a committee we’ve been reflecting on the goals we’d like to achieve under our new positions throughout 2024. As our school community expands, welcoming Grades 5 and 6 next year, we want to foster for them the same sense of belonging we experienced in our first year at Stuartholme. I’ve come to realise that the instant, tangible sense of sisterhood that connects you to your present peers, and countless generations of Stuartholme girls, when you enter the school community does not happen by accident. It comes through the continuous and subconscious efforts of teachers, students, and our greater community to action our Sacred Heart goals. As a student, I think we experience the Cor Unum spirit most through the bonds and happiness we share with one another. It’s visible in the ability of the girls to elevate a simple bus trip home, or period of the school day, into a memory of laughter and sisterhood you keep for life. We are taking on the challenge of creating for the new grades this same connection to the spirit and a sense of instant belonging.

Looking back, it’s been a joy seeing the successes of our peers recognised at our annual Celebration of Excellence. The night’s awards recognised not just talent but more so the continuous effort the girls have put in over the course of the year to achieve results, whether this be in academics, music, sport or service to the community. Well done girls!

Coming up, Saturday the 11^th November marks Remembrance Day, and Mia, Rosie, Stella and I have the privilege of joining Mr Crump and Ms Foxover at the Toowong Service to commemorate this important event. Although it does not fall on a school day, we encourage the community’s participation and consideration for the many active service men and women of Australia, as well as generations of sacrifice that have touched our community.

As the year draws to a close, also keep a moment’s thought for the 2023 seniors currently undergoing their final exams. For the rest of us, the short eight week sprint goes fast, it’s easy for assignment due dates and exams to sneak up on you. Stay disciplined and energised, getting heaps of sleep and exercise to keep you at your best.

Good luck on all the upcoming assessment, smash it out until the holidays!

Susannah Streeton 

Cor Unum Captain

Newsletter Article: Term 4, Week 6 2023

My Journey

 Starting at Stuartholme in 2019, I remember looking up to the year 12’s in complete awe. They moved from class to class with a sense of confidence that seemed like light-years away. The fact that next year along with the 2024 cohort, I will be one of those big year 12’s leading the school, amazes me. Over the years, every classroom and every hallway has served as a backdrop to my incredible journey at Stuartholme. I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs, but my best friends, greatest role models and fondest memories that I’ve made I wouldn’t trade for the world.

Embracing my mistakes has been a critical part of my high school experience. As a 12-year-old who refused to believe I could ever be wrong, I very soon worked out that all the challenges that I faced were just steppingstones to personal growth. Each misstep, whether a simple wrong answer or a missed goal, has shifted my perspective from competitiveness to ambition, always aiming to contribute positively to our community.

In doing so, I’ve embraced every opportunity that Stuartholme has offered me and had fun. My favourite part of this year was the Queenstown ski trip in June. The trip allowed me to step out of my comfort zone, surround myself with different people, and immerse myself in the Maori culture.

I’ve also learnt over the years that some of the best moments often unfold so subtly that we nearly miss them – like the Year 11 semi-formal. Amongst the mad rush of finding outfits and booking tickets, the night allowed me to appreciate all the wonderful connections I have made over the years. There’s such an incredible burst of energy when our grade comes together that really excites me, and it makes me so proud of the people that we have all become.

Being a part of the Stuartholme family, particularly my cohort, continues to shape me completely into the person I want to be. With all kinds of different girls supporting one another, we all complement each other so well that we connect seamlessly. Our lunchtimes filled with laughter and games are an absolute testament to our sisterhood. This is where my sense of leadership mostly thrives, in the shared moments of quiet inspiration and collective effort.

So, some tips and tricks for success for anyone that would follow would be…

• Embrace Every Opportunity: Stuartholme offers endless opportunities for growth and development. Don’t hesitate to grab them! Say yes more than you say no, and you’ll find yourself growing in ways you never imagined.
• Build Meaningful Relationships: The friendships you make here will last a lifetime. Invest in them, cherish them, and let them help you grow.
• Stay True to Your Values: Remember the values of courage, compassion, and confidence that Stuartholme instils in us. Let them guide you in making an impact, big or small, and being the best version of yourself.
• Never Stop Learning: Embrace the journey of learning and growing. Remember, mistakes are proof that you’re trying, as long as you learn from them and keep moving forward.

My journey at Stuartholme has been nothing short of incredible, and I am grateful for every opportunity, challenge, and moment of growth that has come my way. I encourage all of you to make the most of your Sacred Heart Education and to dare to grow, just as I have.

 Mia Woodhouse

Cor Unum Committee

Newsletter Article: Term 4, Week 6 2023

Dear Stuartholme Community,

My name is Stella Berge, and I am a boarder from South Mission Beach in Far North Queensland. In 2024 I have the absolute honour of being a part of the 2024 Cor Unm Committee and Grenoble Boarding Captain. It is truly rewarding to be able to take part in these roles, and I am extremely grateful.

When I was asked to takeover the Dean of Mission article, I wanted to bring it back to the core of Stuartholme, our faith found community; the small and vibrant community that continues to reach for greatness each and every day. The community where every student is able to be the best that they can be. Each day we are guided by the Goals of the Sacred Heart and the mission of Stuartholme. We are guided by the teachings of St Madeleine Sophie Barat, our foundress. Madeleine Sophie would have founded the Society of the Sacred Heart for the sake of one child. For each of us to know that we had someone so willing to found a whole society for the sake of us, is truly a special feeling. This emphasises how everyone that makes up the Stuartholme Community has a place with-in our community.

Moving into 2024 our focus goal is ‘Building Community as a Christian Value’. This goal captures two of the most important values in our school, building both community and faith. This goal is not only about supporting each other and bringing everyone together, but it’s also about embracing our faith, guided by the teachings of Madeline Sophie. It’s a year where we can act. Madeleine Sophie once said, “Let us leave acts not words, no – one will have time to read us”. This quote reflects that our words don’t create the legacy, but our actions do.

In 2024 I encourage each Stuartholme girl to set a goal to act and build both on their faith and the strength of our community. As the year draws to an end, I also leave each person with the words, “To be strong and courageous, do not be afraid, do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go”. I say this because wherever you may go or whatever you may do, especially for our departing seniors of 2023, the Stuartholme community will always be with you.

Best wishes and God bless, for all upcoming exams and co-curricular activities. In the words of St Madeleine Sophie continue to be humble, be simple and be kind.

Stella Berge 

Cor Unum Committee

Newsletter Article: Term 4, Week 6 2023

Dear Stuartholme community,

My name is Rosie and as a member of the 2024 Cor Unum Committee, I am excited to have the opportunity to contribute to the newsletter on Mrs Foxover’s behalf. As the end of the year is quickly approaching, I am sure I share the feeling that this action-packed year has absolutely flown by. We’ve seen so many great academic, sport, music, and cultural achievements from Year 7s to 12s this year, as well as the little things everyday which embody the Stuartholme spirit.

It doesn’t go unnoticed that our parents and caregivers play a significant role in allowing us to have these opportunities inside and outside of school. Creating routines, preparing meals, running us around to sports, and simply supporting us with the many decisions that come with being a high school student, enable us to make the most of our time at school. Ever since the first drop off in Year 7 (and long before), my parents have been with me each step of the way, reminding me that all you can do is your best, with unconditional love and support, and for that I will always be thankful. Although amidst those busy days and weeks, we might sometimes forget to say to our parents and caregivers just how thankful we are, we hope our appreciation and gratitude is never forgotten.

As we gear up towards exam and assignment season, we have to remember that those final strong efforts in our studies will make the long-awaited Christmas holidays all that more relaxing, knowing we tried our best. Having said that, maintaining a balance during these times is just as important and can actually boost our productivity. When we are well-rested and remember to look after our wellbeing, we’re much more likely to achieve our academic goals, no matter what they might be. Little things like playing sport and chatting with friends, taking my dogs for a scenic walk, or listening to my favourite playlist help to clear my head and feel prepared for study and exams. Putting into practice ideas and strategies from our Wise Wellness lessons, like gratitude, a positive mindset and resilience, can help us to see the broader picture, staying confident and happy through all the ups and downs. It’s a nice opportunity to check in with our friends at this time too, as we’re all in the same boat, and the genuine care we offer each other is what makes the Stuartholme sisterhood so special.

Best wishes for the end of the school year and a relaxing break to spend time with family and friends.

Rosie Sheehan

Cor Unum Committee

Newsletter Article: Term 4, Week 6 2023

Dear Stuartholme community,

My name is Ava Cheal, and I am your Academic Captain for 2024. It is my pleasure to deliver the Student Newsletter Takeover for this term.

The end of the year is always an exciting time. Christmas is just around the corner and the holidays a mere few weeks away. After a long year of working hard, it is an important time to rest, reflect and be grateful for the past year. As we enter exam season it is easy to slip into the holiday mindset a bit early, I know I do it! However even though it is daunting, the best thing to do is to keep a good school-life balance until the very end. For me to manage stress and procrastination in assessment times I find organising my study habits is very helpful. Here are three techniques which I like to use:

1. Make a calendar for what you need to prioritise in the week or two up to exam block. Segment your study time during the week and allocate it to different subject revisions you would like to achieve in this time (make it specific!). However also make sure you give yourself plenty of time to rest and rewind.
2. Use the Pomodoro technique. Set a timer to work for 25minutes non-stop and then have a five-minute break to space out your study and give optimal time for your brain to get focussed. A good app for this is called Flora which grows you a garden for every study period you log.
3. Organise your To Do list using numbers to prioritise what you need to focus on. For example 1-5 with 1 most important and 5 least important.

The end of the year is also a time where I am especially grateful for the impact of my teachers on my life, especially with World Teachers Day just a few weeks ago. I know for many of us, things like putting up our hand to answer a question can be daunting.  I really appreciate the way that our teachers support us to grow in confidence by encouraging us to share our thoughts and ideas more in class . Thank you to our incredible teachers for all the little things like this that you do for us each day to make a big difference in our lives.

As Malala Yousafzai once said, “Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.”

Ava Cheal

Academic Captain

Newsletter Article: Term 4, Week 6 2023

Dear Stuartholme Community,

As my cohort and I begin to enter our senior year, I have been provided the privilege to be Amiens Captain alongside my dear friends and fellow boarders Stella Berge, (Grenoble Captain), Amy Bellingham (Amiens Vice Captain) and Mia McMillan (Grenoble Vice Captain). My name is Grace Moffatt, I am from Goondiwindi and I have been a Stuartholme boarder for three years. I have been given the opportunity to address our Stuartholme community on behalf of Ms Morris our Dean of Boarding.

.

(Stella and Grace)

(Mia and Amy)

When I first walked through these gates I was in year 9, my parents either side. I often reflect back to this moment and feel great gratitude for what this school has offered me. To be a boarder is an experience like no other, it offers growth, opportunity, moral direction and most importantly connections. We are so lucky to have such beautiful buildings and surroundings that house us, but it is the girls, the staff and Stuartholme values that make it a home.

Our Stuartholme Boarding house encompasses such a strong sense of community and belonging. Each year the entirety of the Boarding House competes in House Activities, including Anzac Day Cup, Glo Wave and just of recently we held our first Annual Melbourne Cup Day, where the girls participated in Fashions on the field, the Steeple chase, and the Cup Day Dash. This event was enjoyed all round and is exemplary of the spirit and community we hold as a boarding community. This then links to next year’s focus of goal of ‘Building Community as a Christian Value’.

We are fortunate to be supported by our student mentors for next year. These girls will work alongside their year levels throughout the year providing they’re guidance and support whilst being actively involved with activities each term of 2024.

Mary Sevil (Year 7)

Gemma Giblett (Year 8)

Lousie Poggio (Year 9)

Molly Coventry (Year 10)

Brooke Tait (Year 11)

As the academic year comes to a close, we begin to pack our bags and Farwell our senior class of 2023. The rest of the boarding house has been preparing a song and dance as a message of thanks and goodbye to our seniors, which always manages to evoke many emotions. This special night is known as Boarders Farewell and is very special to our boarding house.

On Behalf of myself and fellow captains we wish the outgoing senior leaders Lily Nolan, Bronte Rigney, Sam Connelly and Isobel Martin and the rest of their cohort the very best for their journey as Stuartholme Alumnae.

All the best

Grace Moffatt

Amiens Captain