In this issue

Newsletter Article: Term 3, Week 2 2023

Last week we had our Year 9 retreat. With this particular retreat, we partner with Future Anything who deliver their SPARK program. SPARK is a two day entrepreneurship workshop that sparks curiosity, a drive to collaborate with others and a passion for solving problems that matter to our students and school community. Together, Future Anything work with us to co-design the ‘mission’ that students embark on, empowering them to design solutions for contextually relevant school or local community issues.This year, our focus was on our local community, and how we might embed, even further, our Sacred Heart Goals of Education in all that we do.

An important aspect of our retreat, is grounding the experience in our spirituality. We did this by commencing the day with a reflection from Matthew’s Gospel, whereby Jesus speaks of supporting the ‘least’ in our community, and how this passage is aligned with our Sacred Heart Goals. This reflection set the scene for the days that followed:

The Five Goals of Sacred Heart Education are the guiding principles that define our educational experience here at Stuartholme. These goals, which are inspired by St Madeleine Sophie and established by the Society of the Sacred Heart are also connected to the reading from Matthew’s Gospel that we’ve just heard, which calls us to lives of compassion, empathy, and love.

The first goal of Sacred Heart education emphasises a personal and active faith in God. This aligns with the adapted passage as it highlights the importance of showing kindness, compassion, and love to others as a reflection of our faith. When we extend a helping hand, lend a listening ear, or stand up for the oppressed, we are demonstrating our personal faith in action. By recognising the divine presence within others, we honour our faith and deepen our relationship with God.

The second goal centres around a deep respect for intellectual values. In the passage, we witness the significance of critical thinking and understanding. By acknowledging the needs of others and responding with kindness, we exercise our intellectual capacity to empathise and recognise the impact of our actions. Engaging in acts of compassion and love requires thoughtfulness and reflection, demonstrating our commitment to intellectual growth and understanding.

The third goal of Sacred Heart education is a social awareness that impels to action. The passage resonates with this goal as it encourages us to actively seek opportunities to show kindness and compassion. When we choose to extend love and support to those in need, we embody the social awareness taught in Sacred Heart education. Our actions can make a transformative impact on individuals and communities, bringing about positive change and fostering social justice.

The fourth goal centres around the building of community as a Christian value. The passage echoes this goal by emphasising the importance of reaching out to others, embracing the outsider, and extending friendship to the lonely. Through acts of kindness, we build a sense of belonging and foster inclusive communities. By valuing and respecting the dignity of every person, we contribute to the creation of a compassionate and supportive environment, reflecting the essence of Sacred Heart education.

The fifth goal is personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom. The passage speaks to this goal by inviting us to cultivate personal growth through acts of kindness. When we choose to show love and compassion, we develop our character and deepen our understanding of ourselves and others. This freedom to choose kindness allows us to discover our true potential and live out the values taught in Sacred Heart education.

As we continue our retreat today, the adapted version of Matthew 25:31-36 beautifully aligns with the five goals of Sacred Heart education. It calls us to embody personal faith, intellectual values, social awareness, community building, and personal growth through acts of kindness and compassion. Together, these Goals foster a transformative educational experience that nurtures the whole person and empowers us to make a positive difference in the world.

Peace and blessings for the week ahead.

Justin Golding
Dean of Mission

Newsletter Article: Term 3, Week 2 2023

Welcome back to Term 3

It is my pleasure to welcome you back to Term 3. I hope that the winter break gave you a chance to reconnect with loved ones and friends and that our students are ready to embark on the coming term with courage, compassion, and confidence.

I am grateful to have recently returned on the weekend from the annual Sacred Heart Silent Retreat. Central to our approach at Stuartholme is the belief that learning is a lifelong endeavour which is sustained through a deep spiritual connection with the sacred Heart. I feel blessed about the new learnings and personal growth I experienced through this beautiful encounter.

A commitment to educational transformation and innovation

The Hive for our Year 11 and 12 students

Under the leadership of our new school Principal, we continue to embody the vision of our foundress St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, to drive an agenda focused on our core business of educational innovation. We are intent on developing the attributes required for our students to be agents of transformation in their lives and the lives of others.

Last Term, we were delighted to launch a few exciting new initiatives to meet this end which will continue this Term.

“The Hive” is designed to build our students’ capacity by drawing on recent alumnaes’ success. Providing the opportunity for our students to be mentored by recent graduates allow our students to explore and develop their skills in learning practices, specific subject assistance, and wellbeing.

The Hive will be available to both Year 11 and 12 students this Term on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons in the Library from 3.15 – 5.15pm from Weeks 2- 9. I encourage your daughter to attend and form part of this experience.

We also have planning well underway for the “Hive in the September holidays” for our Yr 12 students amid a myriad of other support structures to ensure their readiness ahead of the external exams.

Academic Master Classes and Support Sessions.

In Week 6 of Term 2, we were pleased to launch our Academic Master Classes and Support Sessions in response to feedback from both staff and families. These sessions will continue to be offered this term for our Years 11 and 12 students providing subject specific help by qualified teachers during scheduled study sessions that already appear on their timetable.

We look forward to continuing to consult on and trial further proposals within our school community as we move forward.

Celebrating our nationally recognised professional learning approach

Over the break, Stuartholme was announced as an awardee for the 2023 HR Awards in the category of Best Learning and Development Plan.

We are incredibly proud of the dynamic approach we have taken towards the development of our workforce and the impact on our quality educational offering. This has led to remarkable outcomes such as improved student achievement, teacher retention and successful implementation of innovation and change.

We await with anticipation the awards which take place in Sydney on Friday 1st September.

I wish you all the best for the term ahead and look forward to connecting with you at our upcoming events.

Deborah Lonsdale-Walker
Deputy Principal

Newsletter Article: Term 3, Week 2 2023

It has been a delight to start Term 3 with our students full of enthusiasm for what lies ahead in their learning journey. Below are just some of the significant events we have commenced our term with.

Year 11 Leadership Process

Week 1 saw the leadership process for 2024 continue with the House voting take place on Friday, led capably by the 2023 House Captains. It has been inspiring to witness the courage of our Year 11’s as they put themselves forward for nomination; they have been strong role models for our younger students. I thank Ms Meehan (Leader of Student Wellbeing, Year 11), Mrs Devlin (Leader of Student Wellbeing, Year 12) and the senior Teacher Mentors for their ongoing support of the students during the leadership process.

Year 12 Wise Wellness

Mrs Devlin also led the Year 12’s in the first of a series of workshops during Wise Wellness, to ensure our Year 12’s are ready to ‘Step into Success”, during this final phase of learning. Mr Crump, Mrs Lonsdale-Walker, Mrs Devlin, Ms Van Homrigh and myself shared some key information and advice on how our Year 12’s can be best prepared to embrace this last term of learning. From a wellbeing perspective, maintaining resilience and supportive connections will be integral to success over the next few months. Mrs Lonsdale-Walker’s advice that “now is not the time to start something new”, is a good reminder of the level of focus that will be required by our Year 12’s as they prepare for External Exams. Mrs Devlin has placed a summary of the key ideas shared on the Year 12 Year Level page which I’m sure you will find helpful.

How can you as parents/ caregivers support your Year 12 daughter?

Continue to provide a calm environment and maintain realistic expectations. Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, one of Australia’s leading child and adolescent psychologists suggests that if your daughter is encountering any self-doubt around their progress, you could encourage them to alter their mind set from “I need to achieve a high ATAR or I won’t succeed in life” to the exams being “a great opportunity to show the examiners what I know.” Further tips on how to support your Year 12 daughter from Michael Carr-Gregg, which are reflective of the tips shared with them last week, can be found at the following link: 9 ways to manage Year 12 stress with Dr Michael Carr-Gregg | Jacaranda

Year 8 Camp

This week our Year 8’s, supported by a wonderful team of teachers and led by Ms Sue Harris (Leader of Student Wellbeing Year 8) spent 3 days at Maranatha Recreation Camp at Yandina. Mr Crump and I spent some time with the Year 8’s on camp and were delighted to see them working together to face new challenges, developing their resilience and of course strengthening their connections as a group.

Positive Expectations

Monitoring of expectations

We continue to encourage our students to uphold our expectations with regard to uniform, technology and behaviour. This is an important aspect of our identity. To further support these expectations, this term each year level will undergo a two-week period where uniform, and use of technology will be carefully monitored by the Teacher Mentors. If a student receives 3 or more infringements across this two-week period, they will be required to complete a lunchtime reflection. If your daughter has lost their hat, parents/caregivers will need to send their TM an email explaining the situation with a clear plan for resolving this. Whilst this is a two-week blitz, it is expected students will maintain these standards and can expect further monitoring. Thank you in anticipation of your support.

I wish all families a gentle week ahead.

Elizabeth Foxover
Dean of Student Wellbeing

Newsletter Article: Term 3, Week 2 2023

Dear parents and carers,

“The ability to obtain, maintain and retain friendships is, according to all the childhood psychologists in the whole wide world, the greatest predictor of wellbeing. Having a rich repertoire of friends is a true indicator of whether your child is travelling ok.”

– Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

On Sunday July 9, our Boarding House was alive with laughter and shared stories of the holiday break, as our Boarders returned to school after the well-deserved holiday break. That evening, parents, staff and boarders came together for a delicious family dinner under the twinkling lights in the courtyard precinct. It was a special day for our Boarding Community. As you know, many of our boarders travel great distances to attend Stuartholme: from International locations, Rural and Remote Queensland and New South Wales. As such, coming together to enjoy a meal, a chat and a laugh is always treasured.

The Term is now in full swing and with sport and school commitments, academic deadlines and social happenings, at times, our young people may forget to take a long purposeful breath and seek to appreciate the moments, people or activities that bring joy. Passing on skills to help our Boarders cope with stress, through mindfulness, appreciation and meditation, is an ongoing focus in the boarding house. We have been very lucky to have renowned wellbeing facilitators from Sound off for Schools come in to provide our girls with tools and strategies on how to manage their stress and regulate emotions. According to Emma Saddleton, helpline manager at Young Minds, “through strong support networks and encouraging communication, we can help young people understand that when they feel low or down, they know what they can do to make themselves feel better,” she adds.

One small technique that we are going to try out in the Boarding House: Model Gratitude

Instead of asking “how was school?” or “what did you do today?” we’re going to try and reframe the day through the following questions over dinner:

1. What did someone do today to make you happy?
2. What did you do to make someone else happy?
3. What have you learned today?

I invite you to join us and try this technique at home too.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend,

Jane Morris
Dean of Boarding

Newsletter Article: Term 3, Week 2 2023

Year 10 SET Planning meetings

Stuartholme strongly supports the important role of partnerships with parents and students in goal setting for future pathways. An integral part of this process is the Senior Education and Training Plan (SET Plan).

The SET Plan is designed to:

• work as a ‘road map’ to help students achieve learning goals during the senior phase of learning
• include flexible and co-ordinated pathway options
• assist students to examine further options across education, training, and employment sectors.

Parents have been emailed a confirmation of their meeting time for the SET Planning Interviews will be held from Monday 24 July to Friday 28 July via Teams. At the Senior Studies presentation, families received a copy of the SET Plan form that should be completed and brought along to the meeting. A copy of the form and additional resources to assist with the process, including a copy of the 2024 Curriculum Handbook, are available on myStuartholme.

We have been impressed by students’ engagement and interest in this important process. We look forward to continuing the journey with you and your daughter as we work in partnership making choices to optimise future success.

Annie Van Homrigh
Acting Dean of Teaching and Learning Innovation

I hope you had a good holiday break. Term 3 is well and truly off and running now!

Year 10 Mini Senior Subject Expo

Last Friday, it was great to see our Year 10 students at our ‘mini subject expo’, talking with senior teachers about the many subjects on offer in Year 11.

2023 Careers Expo

This week we held our annual Careers Expo in the theatre. This was a great opportunity for our students to learn about some of their many post-school options, including university and TAFE study, sporting scholarships to other countries, and opportunities at home in the Australian Defence Force. It was wonderful to see so many students there, asking thoughtful questions about their post-school options.

Year 10 Subject Selection Information Evening

Following the Careers Expo, it was a pleasure to be a part of the Year 10 Subject Selection Information Evening. This event was an opportunity for Year 10 students and families to learn more about senior subjects and the senior education system, including the QCE and ATAR. As I said at this event, our vision is that all students will research their options, pursue their interests and strengths, but still keep their minds and options open for the future.

Year 12 QTAC ‘How to Apply’ presentation

On Thursday evening, the Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre (QTAC) year 12 students and parents how to apply for tertiary study in Queensland. This session covered important dates, how to apply, how to order course preferences, pathways, responding to offers, EAS, ATAR release and access, as well as other general information.

Please find below this fortnight’s Careers Mail, with events and information that you might find interesting.

Warm regards,

Tom Lillyman
Careers Counsellor

OPEN DAYS

If you’re thinking about further study, I really encourage you to go to a few different open days.

It’s a good idea to register before the event to make sure you can attend all the sessions that are most interesting to you!

EXPLORE & EXPERIENCE

You’re invited: University Scholarship Information session at St Peters – 8 August

St Peter’s you to attend their University scholarship information session. The University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology and Griffith University Well, I’ll present about their various scholarships and how to apply for them. Please wear your school uniform if you attend this event.

When: 6.30-8pm, 8 August 2023
Where: Dron Auditorium (Performing Arts Centre), St Peters Lutheran College, Indooroopilly. Indooroopilly Map | St Peters Lutheran College

Registrations are now open for Bond Uni’s Ideas Camp 2023

Calling all Year 10, 11 and 12 students with a passion for business who are willing to unleash their inner entrepreneurs!

We invite you to Ideas Camp 2023. Join us for a one-day business workshop where you’ll learn elements of the entrepreneurial process, develop skills relevant to the entrepreneurship and innovation sector, and learn the challenges businesses today face in start-up ventures.

Event details
Date: Thursday, 17 August, 2023
Time: 9am – 2.30pm
Location: Building 6, Level 3, Princeton Room
Registrations close: 5pm Wednesday, 10 August, 2023
Register here.

APPLY

Agribusiness Australia Scholarships

The 2023 Agribusiness Australia Scholarship is now open for applications from eligible secondary school students across Australia. Applications are due: 5pm Thursday 27 July 2023.

Students who are studying to enter university in 2024 to study an ag degree or a degree or full-time tertiary education where they intend to establish a career in ag, are welcome to apply for this $3000 scholarship.

Download the (writable) PDF Application Form. If you have any enquiries, please contact leonie.welsh@agribusiness.asn.au

UQ Liveris Academy for Innovation and Leadership – Scholarship Opportunities

The Andrew. N. Liveris Academy for Innovation and Leadership has a number of scholarship opportunities for students commencing study at UQ in 2024. Current opportunities include:

• Liveris Academy Undergraduate Scholarships
• Stavros Niarchos Foundation Scholarship
• Dalio Philanthropies Scholarship

Applications close on Sunday 20 August. Click here for more information.

GOOD TO KNOW

Open day checklist from the Good Universities Guide

Open day season has started! Open Days give you a chance to find out about life at a university that you are interested in and answers to any questions you have. The following is a guide for attending open days and will be of great assistance when you plan your open day visit.

What to do on the day

In and amongst the freebies, food and entertainment, there are a few key things you should do on the day.

• Take a tour of the campus and facilities
• Collect brochures, course guides and other useful information for further reading
• Talk to students and staff and ask plenty of questions
• Attend information sessions for courses or faculties of interest

Key questions to ask staff and students about courses

• What are the entry requirements? Are there any prerequisite subjects or additional requirements (such as a portfolio or interview)?
• How much time can you expect to spend in classes each week? How many hours will need to be dedicated to study outside of class?
• What are the most common forms of assessment (for example: exams, group projects or essays)?
• Where are graduates of the course working now? What are some typical career paths?
• Are there opportunities for practical learning, work experience or internships?
• Are there any pathway options to help you gain entry to the course?
• Does the course offer a pathway to further study?
• Are double degrees available?
• Does the university have any industry connections in the field?
• How much choice is there in subject selection? Are there opportunities to study elective subjects?

Key questions to ask staff and students about the university

• What facilities are available on campus?
• What support services are offered to students?
• Are there accommodation options on campus or nearby?
• Does the university offer any scholarships?
• Does the university have any exchange agreements with institutions overseas?
• Does the university provide assistance with finding work after graduation?

Key questions to ask staff and students about student life

• What clubs and societies are on offer?
• Are there opportunities to socialise on campus?
• Is there a student union? What services and activities does the union coordinate?

Other things to consider

• Getting there: Is the campus easy to get to? Can you catch public transport? If you plan to drive, what are the parking options around the campus?
• Accommodation: For those planning on moving out of home to study, consider having a look around the local area for potential neighbourhoods to live in or take a tour of on-campus accommodation.
• Facilities: What facilities are available on and around campus? Look at food options, gyms, banks, medical centres, libraries and any other facilities you consider important. It’s also worth investigating the practical facilities available for your course, such as laboratories and studios.

Rumours, Myths and legends from QTAC

Rumour: The Queensland ATAR can include other inputs like IB subjects, Music and Dance qualifications, Certificate I and II qualifications…
Reality: The ATAR can only include General subjects, Applied Subject, Completed VET qualifications at Certificate III level and higher. The ATAR must include at least 4 General subjects.

Rumour: Some Mathematics subjects scale better for ATARs.
Reality: The difficulty of a subject has nothing to do with how well it will scale! How a subject scales is dependent on the achievement of students in all their subjects (including their Mathematics subject).

Rumour: It is possible to game the system to get the highest ATAR
Reality: The ATAR is entirely data driven. ATAR is a rank, so if a student’s results place them in the top percentile, then they will get the top ATAR.

Myths and Legends: Can certain subjects like Physics increase a student’s ATAR?
Reality: NO – A student can only maximise their ATAR by performing well in all their subjects.

Myth and Legends: What pattern of subjects will guarantee an ATAR of 99.95?
Reality: The ATAR is entirely data driven, so if a student’s results place them in the top percentile, then they will get the top ATAR regardless of the subjects they do.

Myths and Legends: I will only get an ATAR if I apply to QTAC for tertiary entry.
Reality: No, QTAC will calculate an ATAR for all students who have qualified and registered for an ATAR, even if they are not applying for tertiary entry

Myths and Legends: I will not qualify for an ATAR so higher education is closed off to me.
Reality: Some tertiary courses are accessible without a formal tertiary ranking like ATAR. There are other pathways to tertiary study, including via VET. Check with the institutions/Uni’s you are interested in to see what they pathway options are.

Additional entry requirements for Nursing and/or Midwifery

To enrol in Nursing and/or Midwifery at any university you must meet the following educational requirements: you must have attended and satisfactorily completed at least 6 years of primary and/or secondary education taught and assessed solely in English. At least two years of this education must have been between grades 7 and 12. This education must have been completed in one of the following countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. If you do not meet these educational requirements, you are required to provide evidence of an acceptable English Language test. For more information see English Language Proficiency.

Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand, recently played host to an unforgettable ski trip for 39 Year 11 and 12 students. From soaring mountain peaks to pristine slopes, this winter wonderland offered the perfect backdrop for an exhilarating journey.

The heart of our trip revolved around the world-class ski resorts that Queenstown boasts. The Remarkables and, for a morning, Coronet Peak were our playgrounds for the duration of our adventure. The Remarkables, with its stunning vistas, greeted us with a little fresh powder and perfectly groomed beginner runs. By Day 3, the Curvy Basin blue run was open and offered a challenge and an extra bit of fun for a variety of abilities. The positive energy of the group added significant value, ensuring a fun trip was had by all.

While hitting the slopes was the main highlight of our trip, Queenstown offered so much more. In our downtime, we explored the town, embraced the vibrant atmosphere, and soaked in the breathtaking scenery. A visit to Fergburger, Fergbaker, and Mrs. Ferg meant we ticked off the mandatory ‘places to eat.’ The sight of snow-capped peaks, mirrored lakes, and the shining town below left us in awe of New Zealand’s natural beauty.

We also took the opportunity to indulge in some adrenaline-pumping activities Queenstown is famous for. All students enjoyed a thrill-seeking jet boat ride, sharing their excitement with ear-piercing screams that echoed across the lake. Some students managed to trek to the top of the Remarkables Lookout to capture the view, and a few sought an hour of ice skating on their rest day. There never seemed to be a dull moment amongst these thrill-seekers.

The ski trip wasn’t just about skiing and adventure; it was also a chance for us to bond as a group. Spending time together off the slopes strengthened friendships and fostered a sense of camaraderie. We shared laughter, enjoyed meals together, and embraced the unique culture of Queenstown. To enrich our experience, we immersed ourselves in Māori culture through a traditional performance and dinner. Watching the haka, a Māori war dance, allowed us to appreciate the customs and history of the indigenous people of New Zealand.

Our trip to Queenstown was an unforgettable experience, packed with adventure, natural beauty, and unforgettable memories. The snowy peaks, thrilling slopes, and vibrant atmosphere offered the perfect backdrop for an epic ski trip. We returned with a newfound love for winter sports, a deeper appreciation for nature, and treasured memories that will last a lifetime.

As we hung up our skis and bid farewell to Queenstown, we left with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude for the opportunity to embark on such an incredible journey. Until next time, Queenstown, we will forever cherish the memories of our skiing adventure in your enchanting winter wonderland.

I would personally like to extend an extra special thanks to the other members of the supervising group – Kylee Brain, Ben Cameron, Pierina Curties, Michael Aire, and Zoe Sadler. And to the students and caregivers of the 2023 Ski Trip – thank you for your trust, cooperation, positivity, and camaraderie.

Rowing Camp (Year 8 and Years 9-12)

Over the holidays, our squad attended two rowing camps. The Year 8s trained at Pine Rivers Rowing Club while the Year 9-12 squad travelled to Noosa North Shore. We had a fantastic time and the rowers/coxes did an amazing job of completing all their training with energy and commitment. Thank you to our team of coaches for their time and efforts – their passion and enthusiasm is unmatched and we are lucky to have them!

Queensland State Cross Country

Last weekend, 8 students were selected to compete in the Queensland State Cross Country Championships. Congratulations to all the students who competed and a big thanks to Chris Gale, our Cross Country coach for your knowledge and support in the Cross Country Program.

Rugby 7s compete at Kayo Stadium

The over the holidays our Rugby 7s (U15s) team had an incredible opportunity last Thursday night. They were invited to showcase their skills in an exhibition game against our friends from Mary MacKillop College, Nundah, during the halftime break of the Buildcorp Wallaroos vs Black Ferns international match at Kayo Stadium. It was a fantastic opportunity for them to gain valuable exposure before the upcoming Rugby Heritage Cup Pontlevoy 2023 in France this September.

Equestrian Team Update – State Championships and Selection for State Team

The Equestrian Team and their horses had a very busy Winter holiday period. A pre-State Championship bootcamp/hoofcamp helped the riders refine their skills and enjoy a day of team camaraderie.

The Interschool QLD State Championships were held at Toowoomba Showgrounds from 26 to 30 June with several hundred school-aged riders, their horses, families and dogs braving the often-freezing Toowoomba Winter conditions for a week of rigorous competition.

Stuartholme had 9 fantastic representatives who qualified for the State Championships: competing in Dressage, Show Jumping and Combined Training. The girls and their horses were individually fantastic and collectively outstanding. The Stu team spirit was evident every waking hour with riders supporting each other, helping prepare horses, cheering, feeding and watering humans and horses, and walking hundreds of kilometres across the venue to never miss a mate’s ride. The girls ought to be congratulated on their spirit, passion and grit. These qualities are the product of horse riding. There is nothing quite like the challenge posed when in the saddle atop a 600kg animal with a mind of its own. And the Stu girls loved every minute.

Stuartholme has 3 riders who have been selected as QLD State Team Representatives; congratulations to Grace Anthony Yr 12 and ‘Nelson’ who were selected for 2* Eventing (the highest level of Eventing offered within the Interschool program), Bridgette Dalmau Yr 11 and ‘Jimmy’ who were selected for the Small Tour Dressage (again, the highest level of Dressage offered within the Interschool program), and Sofia Anthony Yr 9 and ‘Ted’ who were selected for EvA95 Eventing, Novice Dressage and CT95. The National Championships will be held in Werribee (also freezing) from 29 September to 4 October (a mere 2,000kms one-way journey with horses). Congratulations to these girls and their beautiful horses. And best of luck with the maroon journey to the National Championships.

Sienna Pelto (Year 12) riding ‘Tom’ has been offered a State Team position for 1* Eventing.

Notable Team Placings:

• Reserve Champion Eventing Team
• 3rd Dressage Team
• 3rd Combined Training Team

Congratulations and thanks to Grace Anthony, Sienna Pelto, Bridgette Dalmau, Gabi Alonso, Scarlett Cioccarelli, Chloe O’Rorke, Eleanor O’Brien, Sofia Anthony, Sophie O’Brien. And special thanks to the girls’ parents and our wonderful coaches. 

HONOUR POCKETS IN TERM 3

The Honour Pocket Committee wishes to advise that the 2023 initiative will proceed in Term 3 Week 4.

Students will be notified of pocket eligibility via email from the Student Wellbeing Office upon meeting the criteria for General Awards. Students are invited to apply for Special Awards regarding any co-curricular sporting activities not recognised through the District (Northern Eagles), Regional (Metropolitan West), State (Queensland School Sport) pathways. Special Awards form should also be used to notify the Sports Department or other co-curricular areas of three years’ service award pockets. If, your daughter is eligible for a Special Award (which includes service awards), she needs to complete the Special Awards application form after it is emailed to her by the Student Wellbeing Office and have the teacher-in-charge sign the form and return it to Ms Fahy by 9.00am on Monday 7 August 2023.

Blazers need to be handed in to the Uniform Shop on Monday 14 and Friday 18 August 2023. Please note – Wednesday 16 August – the uniform shop will be closed for Ekka Holiday.

Correct signed paperwork is necessary.  No handwritten forms will be accepted.

The embroiderers have given a 3 week turn around.  You will be notified when your blazer is ready to be picked up. The blazers will need to be paid for on pick up at the school shop only. Also, for your convenience your daughter’s blazer can be dry cleaned at the embroiders for the sum of $15.00. You will be provided with this option on your daughter’s Honour Pocket form which you will need to complete before handing it in to the uniform shop.

HONOUR POCKET COMMITTEE 2023

Please refer to the attached letter emailed to Year 12 Student, Parents and Caregivers on Wednesday 12th July 2023.

Click here to view.

Every year between April and November in Australia, humpback whales migrate along Australia’s eastern coastline to warmer waters to mate. Some of us may have even had the opportunity to see these majestic creatures in person during the last school holidays. It’s common knowledge that whales sing by making whistling and clicking noises. These sounds are not only used to communicate with other whales, but to locate food and navigate. However, much less is known about how human-made noises can impact the behaviour of whales. In 2017, researcher Dr Rebecca Dunlop was involved in a team which discovered that the sound of the air guns used to explore the ocean can affect whales up to three kilometres away. The sound of these guns has the potential to alter the movement patterns of the migrating whales. By tagging whales using suction cups, Dr Dunlop’s and her team are collecting behavioural data on migrating whales to research the impact man-made noises have on their seasonal migration routine. This valuable research will help to advance our understanding about humpback whales, their hearing, their behaviours and movements. The findings will potentially assist in better understanding the behaviour of the whales and aiding in conservation efforts.

For more information check out UQ’s research news at https://stories.uq.edu.au/contact-magazine/2022/how-well-do-humpback-whales-hear/index.html

By Anna Newham (Year 11 UQ Science Ambassador)

Science Opportunities

BrisScience – The Power of Compost

(BrisScience – Faculty of Science – University of Queensland) on the 7th August 6.30pm – 7.30pm at The Edge, State Library of Queensland

SPARQ-ed Senior Research Immersion Program

Various dates in September Holidays, applications close 31 July.

SPARQ-ed Senior Research Immersion is a five-day learning experience designed to immerse students in biomedical research. Work as a team to answer a real research question designed by researchers working at the Translational Research Institute. Lindsey Curl in Year 11 has just completed an immersion program at the start of this term and loved it. I know that Lindsey would be happy to talk to you if interested about the program, as well as Isobel Tracy in Year 12 who also completed the program earlier this year.

National Youth Science Forum – Inspiring Australia’s Young Scientists (nysf.edu.au)

The National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) Year 12 Program is designed to give students a broader understanding of the diverse study and career options available in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and to encourage continued studies in these fields.

The NYSF Year 12 Program runs two summer sessions:

1. The Australian National University, Canberra (5-13 January 2024)
2. The University of Queensland, Brisbane (12-20 January 2024)

Kind regards,

Ms Wendy Macdonald

Leader of Learning – Science