In this issue

Acting Deputy Principal Newsletter Week 10, Term 3, 2022

Consistency and excellence in practice to optimise success

One of the exciting projects that our Acting Principal has asked me to lead is the redevelopment of the framework that guides our teaching and learning at Stuartholme. It has been terrific to work with a steering committee of staff from across our school community to explore the latest research-based approaches, trends, values and principles to underpin this work.

It was wonderful on the recent Ministerial public holiday to share this work and seek input from representatives from our Alumnae, Parents of Stuartholme, students and staff.

The framework will ensure consistency and excellence in practice, and a future focus from which to innovate.

I look forward to keeping our school community involved in and abreast of this work as we progress.

It is fundamental to our shared educational vision to support the attainment of outstanding student outcomes and position Stuartholme as a leader in girls’ education, turning out graduates with the skills required to thrive beyond school and make a global impact.

Ensuring a solid finish for our Seniors

As we head towards the Spring break, we keep our senior students in our hearts at minds as they embark on the home stretch.

I thought it worthwhile to re-iterate some key messages for success and to reflect on maximising break periods as an opportunity to reboot and recharge in preparation for the final term.

Those that excel in being at their peak performance at just the right time work towards blending specific, focused skill development and training with the right amount of rest and recovery. Professional athletes provide much for us to learn from in this regard. Often when there are questions around their performance, it is not necessarily a question of doing enough work, instead, doing too much work that can impact their balance. Significant recovery can maximise the opportunity for peak performance.

With external examinations as part of our Queensland landscape, it is important for our senior students to strike a balance between revision and preparation for external exams with ensuring suitable downtime as part of the break. Students (and staff) need to feel recharged and energised to approach the final term (and impending exams) to put their best foot forward.

As adults, we have an opportunity to role model this effectively to young people. Taking the time to discuss the strategies you put in place for rest and recovery can develop effective routines and practices that set them up for success into the future. These patterns can include:

• Ensuring you are getting enough sleep
• Engaging in mindfulness and gratitude activities to promote positive and future-focused feelings
• Eating healthily and exercising
• Avoiding an increase in social media activity
• Taking the time to get out in the fresh air and embracing a change of scenery.

For our senior students, this will be important to structure within the revision and retention strategies they have put in place in the lead up to the exams. For our Junior students, the break is an opportunity to trial these aspects that lay a foundation for future success.

I wish you and your family a most restful Spring break and look forward to finishing the year on a solid start in Term Four.

Deb Lonsdale-Walker, Acting Deputy Principal

16 September 2022 

 The Sophia Lecture 

Earlier this week we launched a new initiative in the formation of our community – The Sophia Lecture. We were delighted to welcome to Stuartholme social psychologist and researcher Hugh Mackay as the inaugural keynote speaker. 

 You might be wondering why we named this lecture Sophia? 

 Theologian Marcus Borg’s study of scripture reveals many female metaphors for God. In his work, he illustrates how God’s wisdom was invariably presented as a woman. He writes:  

 The most fully developed female biblical image for God is in the wisdom literature of ancient Israel – in the book of Proverbs, in the Apocrypha of Sirach, and the Wisdom of Solomon. In these, “the wisdom of God” is often personified as a woman. Scholars now commonly refer to this personification as “Sophia,” the Greek word for wisdom.  

 In the book of Proverbs, Sophia speaks of herself. She was with God before creation, and she was the one through whom God created. In Sirach, she is from eternity and fills all that is. While in the Wisdom of Solomon, she is “the fashioner” and “mother” of all good things and… a spirit that is intelligent, holy, unique, manifold, subtle, mobile, clear, unpolluted, distinct, invulnerable, loving the good, irresistible, humane, steadfast, sure, free from anxiety, all-powerful, overseeing all, and penetrating through all; all attributes that might be assigned to God.  

 Similarly, we see in the first chapter of John, that what the author says about “the Word of God” was said about Sophia in the Jewish tradition. Like the Word, Sophia was present with God before creation. Just as the Word was with God and was God, so Sophia was. And when John writes that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us as Jesus, he could just as well have said that Sophia became flesh and dwelt among us as Jesus. You might say that Jesus is the Wisdom or Sophia of God incarnate.  

 Reflecting closer to home, for the Society of the Sacred Heart, wisdom has always guided a Sacred Heart education. For Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat, foundress of the Society, being attuned to the Spirit dwelling deep within her core was essential to living, to breathing, to being. Her hope for both educators and students of the Sacred Heart was that through the process of educating they would strengthen their sensitivity to the Spirit dwelling in the hearts of all beings. Through being attentive to our relationship with the Spirit moving with and among us, we grow in wisdom and continue to animate our shared charism. It also enables us to see both our common humanity and our profound connection with all of Creation. It shapes our perspective, school practices, and school traditions and inspires us to see that relationships are the means through which love is both offered and received. It inspires us to see education as a process of transformation; it is the work of love.  

 Loving Kindness 

 In his keynote address, Hugh Mackay explored how we are hardwired for loving kindness, and how kindness is at the heart of living a fully human life. In doing so, he discussed the importance of relationships and connections as fundamental to our mental health. He defined loving kindness as anything that we say or do to acknowledge, notice, include or appreciate someone, anyone; it is not restricted to those whom we love or like, but something that we need to cultivate as a way of being and living. 

 In exploring our need for giving and receiving loving kindness, Hugh highlighted the social fragmentation that exists in our current times, and named a number of challenges that we are confronted with – individualism; the shrinking household; relationship breakdown; a falling birth-rate;  increased mobility – we’re on the move; busyness; and the complexities of information technology that paradoxically leaves us more connected, yet increasingly lonely; not to mention the backdrop of flood, fire and pandemic of recent years. Whilst all of this sounds rather bleak, he reminded us that when confronted with crisis or catastrophe, we are often shocked into what it means to be truly human, and expressions of loving kindness abound. Perhaps you can relate to this from your own recent experience of flood or pandemic? 

 In concluding the lecture, he left us with the communal and personal challenge – can we say that loving kindness is a defining characteristic of our school? Can I say that I am someone who exercises loving kindness in my own life. As a community of the Sacred Heart, called to make known the love of the heart of Jesus, these are questions that are important for our reflection and response. 

 Peace and blessings for the upcoming holiday period. 

Justin Golding, Dean of Mission

References: 

Marcus Borg, “Female Images of God in the Bible,” Radical Grace, vol. 24, no. 1 (Center for Action and Contemplation: 2011), 4.  

 Conference of Sacred Heart Educators, (2019). Sacred Heart Educators: An Orientation to Mission. 

 “Connection is why we are here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.”

Brené Brown

As the term draws to a close, we cannot help but look back and reflect on the powerful connections within the house. It has been a busy term on the academic front with our girls busy with junior and senior exams and assessments. Ever active participants in school extra curricular, our girls have been involved in netball,rowing, tennis trials, music and choir, external dance, horse riding, debating, social justice and more! To see our boarders connect through community, shared interests, celebration of faith at our weekly boarder’s mass each Sunday and recreation activities is smile inducing, to say the least.

One of the many lessons our girls teach us in the house: We tend to be happier when we connect with other people and our own happiness is linked with the happiness of others.

Yale researchers reached a number of conclusions about happiness:

• People’s happiness depends on the happiness of others with whom they are connected.
• A person’s happiness extends to three degrees of separation — meaning that it can influence (and be influenced by) their friends, their friends’ friends, and the friends of people who are friends of their friends.
• People who are surrounded by many happy people are more likely to become happy in the future”

As we spend time with our loved ones over the holidays, I encourage us all to look for opportunities and moments to connect with those around us… and savour it.

Happy Holidays everyone!

Jane

Newsletter Acting Dean of Student Wellbeing Week 10, Term 3

 Growing to Great

I have enjoyed many conversations with Year 12 students recently, within the context of Academic Mentoring meetings, as they prepare for their final phase of learning before external exams. I was struck by a comment from one student who stated that she wished she could tell her younger self not to worry so much about the odd time when she did not reach her desired grade, as these grades were not an indication of who she was as a person. How insightful! Whilst our student’s learning journey is at the centre of all that we do, the formation of our young people requires a balance between, learning, wellbeing and spirituality. Learning to manage disappointment is integral to developing resilience. Last term we asked students to reflect on their own Growing to Great journey and to document their findings in a creative manner. Students were invited to submit their creations to a competition. I was delighted to award Bridget Geizer (Year 7) first place for her beautiful image representing the need to have balance between learning, wellbeing and spirituality. Arabella Robinson (Year 9) received a second place award for her creative depiction of her Growing to Great journey. Both entries beautifully reflect that our identity cannot be determined by one aspect of our life alone. Well done Bridget and Arabella!

Connecting with students

A joy of my role is that I have the opportunity to spend time with the students in varying capacities. Last week I attended the Year 8 Year Level Assembly and, together with Ms Curties, spoke to the cohort about the importance of kindness.  We unpacked what kindness really is and identified reasons why it was important we actively look for ways to be kind, including research-based facts listed below.

Of course, leading a life of kindness and compassion is central to our Christian tradition in our Sacred Heart context. The students were very good at identifying areas where they could try to engage in acts of kindness, especially at school. I also had the pleasure of attending the Year 12 Reflection evening last Thursday. Our Cor Unum Committee did a wonderful job of organising thoughtful activities to enable students to share memories and express gratitude.

Reconnecting over the Spring break

The Spring break often affords families the chance to reconnect after a busy term. It might also offer you the space to revisit how what you can do as a parent or caregiver to support your daughter’s mental health or reflect on the extent to which strategies for bolstering wellbeing are being met in your household.

What can you do to help as a parent or caregiver?

Your relationship with your child is the most important tool you have to support them:

1. Focus on the positives – what is great about who they are?
2. Encourage communication – about all things
3. Listen hard – your ability to ‘fix the problem is far less important than your ability to listen to it.
4. Seek information, advice and support together – taking that step together can really break down barriers.

Reach Out is a valuable online site that provides resources to support parents navigating the teen years. The importance of communication cannot be overstated. You may be interested in having a look at the following section which provides tips on communicating effectively with your teenager.

https://parents.au.reachout.com/skills-to-build/connecting-and-communicating/things-to-try-effective-communication/how-to-communicate-effectively-with-your-teenager

I wish you all a safe and relaxing Spring break.

Elizabeth Foxover

Acting Dean of Student Wellbeing

In May, our Year 7 and 9 students completed NAPLAN Online.  With the cancellation of NAPLAN in 2020, the last time students completed these tests was four years ago.  For many students, it was also their first time completing NAPLAN entirely online.  NAPLAN results have now been released and we are very proud of how our students performed.   Students will soon receive envelopes with their NAPLAN Individual Student Reports (ISRs) to take home.  The ISR describes the skills that your child demonstrated in Reading, Writing, Language Conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and Numeracy.  It also shows how your child performed in relation to national minimum standards (NMS).  These describe the minimum acceptable standards for students across Australia.  In Year 7, the NMS is Band 5.  In Year 9, the NMS is Band 6.

Please note that ACARA has made a decision to withhold the national means while they investigate the impact of lower student participation rates on results in 2022.  The ISR contains a graphic indicator (triangle) of the national average in comparison to the student’s achievement (indicated by a dot on the scale).  It does not contain a numerical value of the national mean.  For more information about NAPLAN Online and reading the report, please click on this link to access a FAQ sheet and click on this link to watch a short video.

NAPLAN assesses literacy and numeracy skills that students are already learning through the school curriculum. NAPLAN is a point-in-time assessment that allows parents to see how their child is progressing in literacy and numeracy against the national standard and compared with their peers throughout Australia. At the classroom level, NAPLAN provides additional information to support teachers’ professional judgement about student progress.  Your child’s teachers continue to provide the best insights into individual student progress.  Please get in touch with the relevant teacher if you wish you discuss your child’s progress in English, Mathematics, or any other areas.

If you have questions about NAPLAN, you are welcome to get in touch with me via email: avanhomrigh@stuartholme.com.

Annie Van Homrigh

DIRECTOR OF ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT & PERFORMANCE

Change to circumstances for 2023:

We understand that family circumstances can change as we lead into a new year. This is a reminder to parents that if your child is not returning to Stuartholme in 2023, we require one full school term’s written notice if you intend to withdraw your child from the school. As we are currently working on the 2023 timetable and subsequent staffing, it is important we continue to retain accurate enrolment numbers. In addition, we are operating waitlists in some year levels, and we need to be able to contact those on the list who are hoping to secure a place at the school.

Notification can be written and received until the last week of the September school holidays to ensure the notice of one full school term.

This notification can be made directly in writing via email to the Principal’s Office: principal@stuartholme.com

Congratulations to Alexandra Larsson who represented Stuartholme at the Australian Cycling Shimano All Schools National Cycling Challenge over the weekend and won 4 events!

Criterium Road Race 1st

Mountain Bike XCO 1st

Road Cycling Hill Sprint 1st

Mountain Bike Hill Sprint 1st

We wish Alexandra all the best  as she prepares for the Australian Cycling National Cyclocross Championships in Wollongong on Saturday 17th September.

HONOUR POCKETS IN TERM 4

The Honour Pocket Committee wishes to advise that the Term 4 Honour Pockets will be sent out at the end of 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 then 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 forms 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 in Week 5. Student will need to have the teacher-in-charge of the relevant department sign the form and then return the form to Mrs Gilchrist by 9.00am on Friday, 4 November 2022.

Blazers need to be handed in to the Uniform Shop on Monday, 7 Wednesday, 9 and Friday, 11 November 2022. Also, for your convenience your daughter’s blazer can be dry cleaned at the embroiders for the sum of $16, which can be charged to your school account if you prefer. 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 2022

Bus Network

Our 4 buses will resume service for Term 4 on Wednesday 5 October and conclude on Friday 25 November (with a 12.15pm departure).  If you were a Term 3 user and will again need the bus in Term 4, please make payment promptly via our Online webpage : https://stuartholme.com/our-community/pay-online/.

Term passes cost $340 and Casual (10-trip) passes cost $93.

Bus Network Page: https://stuartholme.com/our-community/bus-network/

Stuartholme School offers a cost effective and convenient transport option for getting your daughter/s to and from the school.

Brisbane Bus Lines run four bus routes exclusively for Stuartholme students each morning and afternoon. Detailed information including maps, payment and registration may be found below, however, if you have any queries please email kcollins@stuartholme.com

Term 4 – Buses will run from Wednesday 5 October to Friday 25 November  (12.15pm departure)

Year 11 Semi Formal Parent event

Whilst our Year 11 daughters danced the night away at their Semi-formal at the Queensland Tennis Centre, it was wonderful to see over 100 Year 11 parents come to the Slipstream Brewing Co at Yeerongpilly to connect with other Year 11 parents.

The night was so much fun!

Thank you to all who attended.

Cathy Carew & Claire McGahan (Year 11 parent reps)

It is time to nominate and become a member of the Parents of Stuartholme Committee for 2023

The Parent of Stuartholme Executive Committee invite you to volunteer and be part of the Parents of Stuartholme for 2023.

In this link you can;

• read the role description to have an idea what is involved,
• access the contact list of the current volunteers to ask them about the role,
• nominate yourself or another parent.

Nominations close on Friday 7 October, 2022.

We encourage all parents to attend the PoS Term meetings, held at the beginning of each term.  These meetings provide informative presentations, a chance to vote on how the P & F levy is spent and to hear from the Principal on what is happening at the school level.

Being an involved parent ensures our community is a strong community and brings new insights, ideas and friendships.

If you would like any further information, please contact pos@stuartholme.com

Year 7 Drama students have been enthusiastically practising their stage fighting techniques this term.  Their performances required a lot of team work, choreography and skill to create the convincing illusion that we were, actually, making physical contact with each other when really we just had an enormous amount of fun!