In this issue

Co-Curricular Sport News
Student Drop Off – Safety Concerns
Academic Assembly – Livestream Recording
Communication and Feedback – Academics
How to buy or order food and drinks from the cafe
Interhouse Swimming Carnival
Creative Writing Club
Debating News
JPIC News
Ponytail Project
IWD Breakfast – book your seat
The Lab for Parents – book your seat
Official Mural Unveiling – Stuartholme community event
Mothers Day Lunch – Save the date

Qld Health advice – COVID-19 traffic light system elevated to Amber status

The Queensland Government  announced yesterday that as a result of the recent emergence of omicron sub-variants in Australia and a corresponding increase in COVID-19 cases,  Queensland is entering a fourth wave and the traffic light system will switch from green to amber as of today. Amber (Tier 1) means there are …

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Qld Health advice – COVID-19 traffic light system elevated to Amber status

The Queensland Government  announced yesterday that as a result of the recent emergence of omicron sub-variants in Australia and a corresponding increase in COVID-19 cases,  Queensland is entering a fourth wave and the traffic light system will switch from green to amber as of today.

Amber (Tier 1) means there are moderate rates of community transmission, and the following Qld health advice is applicable:

 

More information from Queensland Health can be accessed here: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/health-advice/traffic-light-advice.

Key Dates

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Key Dates

DateEvent
Mon 21 FebPoS Meeting via Zoom 6pm
Link available via MyStuartholme
Tues 22 FebruaryInterhouse Swimming Carnival - alternative format by cohort
Mon 7 MarchInternational Women's Day Breakfast
Wed 9 MarchThe Lab for Parents with guest speaker Darren Peirera
Fri 18 MarchMusic at Twilight, 6pm
Wed 30 MarchYear 12 Formal
Thurs 31 MarchOfficial Mural Unveiling and All Parent Social.
Fri 1 AprilYears 7-9 Parent Daughter Breakfast 7am
Boarders travel day
Classes finish at 12pm
Tues 19 AprilStudent Free Day
Parent Teacher Student Zoom conferences
10am-6pm
Boarder Parent Network Meeting 11.30am-1pm
Wed 20 AprilClasses start

Message from the Principal

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Friends, It has been a wonderful two weeks with the students back on campus. Last Tuesday, our Cor Unum Captain and …

From the Principal
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Message from the Principal

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Friends,

It has been a wonderful two weeks with the students back on campus.

Last Tuesday, our Cor Unum Captain and Committee welcomed our students to 2022 and launched their theme ‘See the rainbow – be the light’. This assembly is so important as it allows the students to share with their fellow students an interpretation of the focus goal, which for this year is ‘A Personal and Active Faith in God’. While COVID restrictions meant only a small number of students could be in the Chapel for the assembly, we were able to include our new Year 7 students. Whether present in the Chapel, or in the TMG room, I hope the students took with them a greater sense of our Sacred Heart goals, a passion for this year’s focus goal and the feeling of connectedness with her Stuartholme sisters.

On Friday last week, we held our Opening Mass. I hope you were able to join us via the live stream for this beautiful event. A highlight for me was witnessing the names of all staff and students placed in the Sacred Heart, which was a gift from our 2020 seniors. The names will stay in the Heart for the year as a symbol of us being ‘one heart’. As is a tradition at Stuartholme, our Year 12 students were presented with their ‘Cor Unum’ badge and made their pledge to the school. As a community of educators, the staff responded with a staff pledge: ‘Recognising the gifts we have to offer, we have accepted the call to serve this school community. As Sacred Heart Educators, walking in the footsteps of our Wisdom Women and with the support of this community, we commit ourselves to live and promote the Goals of Sacred Heart Education, working together in the spirit of Cor Unum. Guide us to serve the Stuartholme community with the love of the heart of Jesus, in a spirit of compassion and generosity.’

Click on a photo to start gallery

Today, our school came together again to celebrate the academic achievements of our students from Semester 2, 2021. The Academic Awards follow an aspirational awards process encompassing three categories – Gold, Silver and Bronze, it was wonderful to see over 130 students receive an award in these categories. Students from Years 7 to 9 in 2021 who achieved a first place in Semester 2 2021 were also recognised. Unfortunately, we couldn’t bring back our Year 12 2021 students and present them with their awards, but we hope to be able to do that in the near future. At Stuartholme, we also value the effort students put into their studies which results in improved grade point averages. From Years 7 to 11 we had over 115 students achieve a significant improvement in their grade point average in 2021.

Congratulations to all our students. I know these results don’t come without hard work, tenacity, resilience and hopefully, a deep desire to always have a wish to learn.  Looking to our Wisdom Women, Janet Erskine Stuart highlights that learning is a personal responsibility.  She advises us to “Cultivate the wish to learn, rather than the wish to be taught. Be determined to “pick up” and do not wait for the [teacher] and the pedagogical devices of his or her craft…Do not think that lessons will do it, if you wait for lessons you will wait a lifetime…If we wait to be taught, we shall never learn.”

Click on a photo to start gallery

Stuartholme values the partnership between parents, students and staff to ensure our students can achieve their best at school which will set them up for success long after they leave our gates. I hope you were able to take a few minutes to watch the Parent Information Session video that you should have received in the last few days via email. The presentation by Daniel Crump, Deputy Principal, covers student practices for success, effective study habits and how you can follow your daughter’s academic performance. This presentation is an excellent resource for you to refer to throughout the year. Concluding the session was an introduction and personalised message from your daughter’s Teacher Mentor. The Teacher Mentor is someone you can always contact with any issues or concerns you may have about your daughter.

In week 7 we will be holding our first Lab for Parents where Darren Pereira from Success Integrated will present to parents. Stuartholme is very excited to bring Darren to Stuartholme on 9 March to work with our Year 11 and 12 students on applying their study skills and organisational strategies. At the Lab event, Darren will share with parents how they can support their daughter. Darren is a dynamic presenter who empowers parents to work with their teenagers.

I would like to thank everyone for your support and energy in the first few weeks of Term 1.

God bless and take care,

Kristen Sharpe
Principal

 

 

Message from the Deputy Principal

Dear Parents, Caregivers and students, Today, we celebrated excellence in learning at Stuartholme through our live-streamed Academic Assembly. As a school, we place an intentional …

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Message from the Deputy Principal

Dear Parents, Caregivers and students,

Today, we celebrated excellence in learning at Stuartholme through our live-streamed Academic Assembly.

As a school, we place an intentional focus on growth and performance. The awards presented today included students who demonstrated an increase in their GPA from Semester 1 to Semester 2 last year, along with subject prize awardees and the Gold, Silver and Bronze Academic Awards. With over 220 award recipients, the academic culture at Stuartholme is impressively robust, and it was an excellent opportunity to acknowledge them formally.

Usually, we also welcome back the graduates from the previous year to celebrate their outstanding achievements at this time of year. Unfortunately, due to the latest restrictions, we could not proceed with invited guests and have postponed this acknowledgement to a later date. Fortunately, we can still celebrate their achievements, and the outline below gives a snapshot of the outstanding performance of our 2021 graduates.

Outstanding 2021 Results

Students, staff, and parents were buoyed and affirmed by the outstanding academic results of the Class of 2021. These results were testament to the intentional strategies in place from a learning and wellbeing perspective and the impressive quality of teaching and learning at Stuartholme.

ATAR 2021:

ATAR Range Stuartholme School State Approx. OP equivalent^
99 and above 1% 1% 1
98 and above 6% 2% 1 – 2
95 and above 20.2% 5% 1 – 3
90 and above 38.5% 10% 1 – 5
80 and above 73% 20% 1 – 10
80 rank and above 87%
  • Four students achieved straight A results in all six General subjects and will receive an Academic Commendation from the QCAA
  • 23 students achieved straight A results in five General subjects with no less than a B in their sixth General subject
  • 8 students achieved the result of 100% in at least one of their external exams
  • Three of our students achieved 99/100 for their final subject score in the subjects of Literature and Music Extension

Vocational Education 2021:

  • 39% of Year 12 students completed a vocational education qualification comprising:
    • 39 Diplomas
    • 11 Certificate IIIs
    • 15 Certificate IIs
  • These qualifications were completed in a wide range of industries, including Health, Public safety, Early Childhood Education, Agriculture, Automotive, Business, Sport and Skills for Work.

100% of students have been awarded a Queensland Certificate of Education

Student Practices for Success

As part of our ‘Growing to Great’ strategy at Stuartholme, we have embedded in our curriculum an essential system for empowering students to activate themselves as owners of their learning. Under the direction of our Director of Academic Development & Performance and the Leaders of Student Wellbeing, each year level has a distinct focus to drive growth and performance as part of our Student Practices Initiatives. Through these initiatives, students are engaged in academic conversations, strategies around responding to feedback, shaping a commitment schedule, developing self-efficacy, and making your memory work smarter not harder. I encourage you to discuss with your child what practices they are putting in place to commence the 2022 year.

While we did not necessarily begin as we had anticipated starting the academic year, we have had an impressive start to face-to-face learning over the last couple of weeks. It has been wonderful to see the school alive with joy, curiosity, and energy for connecting in the community and the learning journey.

Best wishes,

Daniel Crump
Deputy Principal

 

 

 

 

 

Message from the Dean of Mission

“Let love be your life for all eternity” St Madeline Sophie Barat Our Annual Theme Since returning to face-to-face learning, we’ve been fortunate to celebrate …

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Message from the Dean of Mission

“Let love be your life for all eternity”

St Madeline Sophie Barat

Our Annual Theme

Since returning to face-to-face learning, we’ve been fortunate to celebrate the commencement of our school year with our traditional rituals. One of the highlights of these occasions is the announcement of the Annual Theme by our Cor Unum Committee. Aligned with our Focus Goal of A Personal and Active Faith in God, our theme for 2022 is:

Along with the announcement of the theme, the Cor Unum also shared the symbolism of their logo:

“This year is all about being the light for others by sharing the incredible gifts that God gave you, and through this celebrate all our personal faiths as a community. Our bright, personal faiths each shine with their own colour, and through school spirit and our ever-growing relationships with God, these colours can come together to carve one beautiful rainbow – our Stuartholme journey towards faith. When we all shine together, we can create and witness one colourful rainbow. One heart, one mind, one rainbow, and hundreds of beaming lights.”

I’m sure you’ll agree that this is an inspiring interpretation of our Focus Goal and one which challenges us to also reflect on our own faith in God and how this faith is lived in our lives.

Faith as Relationship

In looking closely at the students’ interpretation of the goal, they highlight the key to a personal and active faith in God, that being, relationship. Our Catholic and Sacred Heart tradition teaches us that faith in God is ultimately about relationship – one that God freely offers each one of us, inviting us into a relationship of unconditional love. For Saint Madeline Sophie Barat, the Society of the Sacred Heart and for us today, this unconditional love is seen and experienced by discovering the love of the heart of Jesus and making that love known. We look to Jesus, and his interactions with the many people he encountered as a model of Christian love – a love that calls us to love God in return and to love our neighbour as ourselves. Through our relationships with each other and the entire created world around us, we are called to make that love known in word and action.

Relationships of love – the heart of our faith and our way of educating at Stuartholme.

Peace and blessings for the week ahead.

Justin Golding
Dean of Mission

 

 

 

Message from the Dean of Boarding

Dear Parents and Caregivers, With week two behind us, it feels like the term is flying by at light speed! Our boarders have enthusiastically jumped …

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Message from the Dean of Boarding

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

With week two behind us, it feels like the term is flying by at light speed! Our boarders have enthusiastically jumped into various sports, music and other school-based pursuits with gusto! With sport, music, art, dance and other interests in full swing, along with academic expectations, it’s important that our girls see the benefits of “challenges” we face as a growth opportunity rather than a heavy load to carry.

One thing to always keep in mind when facing challenges: they are part of every great journey! Our boarders are encouraged to acknowledge and see that whatever they endeavor to build, they will face their share of challenges. From time to time, things won’t go as we planned, and we’ll have to handle unexpected situations.

The question isn’t: Will we face challenges? We already know the answer: we will!

The better question is: How do we deal with challenges when they arise?

The first thing we encourage our beautiful boarders is this: they must stop seeing challenges as problems, but start seeing them as opportunities. Although difficult, challenges do offer benefits.

  1. Challenges Call for Creativity

Challenges force us to tap into our creativity to come up with ways to overcome them. Some of the best ideas are conceived when we’re feeling the pains of a challenge. Without the challenge, we may never have thought about that creative solution.

When obstacles stand in our way, consider them as opportunities to find creative solutions to surmount them!

  1. Challenges Make us Stronger

To build physical strength, we must apply a bit of resistance to our muscles. Challenges produce resistance, which develops inner fortitude. As you go through challenges, you become stronger and stronger.

Challenges are an excellent opportunity for growth. They test your resolve and commitment to your goals. And when you overcome them, you develop emotional and mental strength.

  1. Challenges Amplify Your Achievements

When we have to overcome multiple challenges to reach our goals, we appreciate our achievements more! Certain accomplishments wouldn’t feel as valuable if they were less challenging.

When facing challenges, remember that they’re opportunities that carry with them benefits: they call for your creativity, keep you humble, and amplify your achievements.

From all of us here in boarding, we hope you have a wonderful weekend ahead!

Jane Morris
Dean of Boarding

 

Student Drop Off – Safety Concerns

To minimise the risk of injury to students, staff and visitors, we ask parents and caregivers to abide by the School’s protocols when dropping off …

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Student Drop Off – Safety Concerns

To minimise the risk of injury to students, staff and visitors, we ask parents and caregivers to abide by the School’s protocols when dropping off and picking up students.

Please note the only designated passenger set down and pick-up areas are accessed by either driving up to the oval drop-off zone or driving along the road adjacent to the Spruson building. The Spruson access road is used by cars and buses dropping off students, delivery drivers and staff members and can become very congested, particularly in the half-hour before and after school.

Parents are asked to only drop their daughters in the designated areas. It is also not safe nor permissible to drop off or pick up students in other areas of the school grounds including behind Spruson building near the School Shop, staff car parks or any other location along our internal roads.

Thank you for your support.

Debating News

Due to the late start of face-to-face learning, and also the ever-changing world of covid, QDU has reset the 2022 debating calendar. The first two …

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Debating News

Due to the late start of face-to-face learning, and also the ever-changing world of covid, QDU has reset the 2022 debating calendar. The first two rounds of debates in the Secondary competition season have changed. The season will now begin on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, and QDU will run debates on Wednesday and Thursday in Term 1 on Week 7, 8, 9 and 10 in an attempt to keep the rest of the debating year as normal as possible. This will give all students two rounds of debates before the end of Term 1 and hopefully keep the rest of the annual QDU program to the original calendar. The adjusted dates for the QDU competition can be found below. We understand that there may be clashes with other commitments, but hope the notice means these changes can be accommodated. Competition draws are expected to be published to schools by the end of this week, these will be uploaded to My Stuartholme’s debating page.

At this time we ask our debating families to please complete the online registration for their child, if they have not done so already. This online payment can be found on the debating page on My Stuartholme.

  • Wednesday 9th March – Round 1 Year 8 & Senior A
  • Thursday 10th March – Round 1 Year 9 & Year 11
  • Wednesday 16th March – Round 1 Year 10 & 12
  • Thursday 17th March – Round 2 Year 8 & Senior A
  • Wednesday 23rd March – Round 2 Year 9 & Year 11
  • Thursday 24th March – Round 2 Year 12
  • Wednesday 30th March – Round 2 Year 10
  • Wednesday 27th April – Round 3 Year 11
  • Thursday 28th April – Round 3 Year 9
  • Wednesday 4th May – Round 3 Year 10 & Year 12
  • Wednesday 11th May – Round 3 Year 8 and Senior A
  • Wednesday 18th May – Round 4 Year 10 & Year 12
  • Wednesday 25th May – Round 4 Year 9 & Year 11
  • Thursday 2nd June – Round 4 Year 8 and Senior A
  • Wednesday 13th July – Finals begin
  • Wednesday 24th August – Finals end

Interhouse Swimming Carnival 

The 2022 Interhouse Swimming Carnival will be held at the Stuartholme Pool on Tuesday 22 February 2022 (next week). With the current COVID restrictions in place, we are breaking …

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Interhouse Swimming Carnival 

The 2022 Interhouse Swimming Carnival will be held at the Stuartholme Pool on Tuesday 22 February 2022 (next week).

With the current COVID restrictions in place, we are breaking our carnival into three sessions to minimise crowds gathering at the pool:

Session 1
Between TMG & Morning Tea
Session 2
Between Morning Tea & Lunch
Session 3
Between Lunch & 3pm
Year 7/8 Year 9/10 Year 11/12

The Stuartholme Interhouse Swimming Carnival is focussed on participation and House points, therefore it is encouraged that all students participate. Points are awarded to all competitors, with the House with the most points awarded House Champion. Houses will also vie for the coveted Spirit Stick. Both trophies will be presented at School Assembly on Friday following the Carnival.

Key points: 

  • All students (competitors and supporters) are required to be at the pool during their allocated session. If for any reason students need to leave the pool, they must sign out at Student Reception. Students must wear full (day) school uniform to/from school. They can change into their house uniforms/costumes for their session ONLY. They must return to dress uniform for the rest of the day, as normal timetabled classes will go ahead. Costumes should be easily removed (ie. no zinc, hair colours, etc.)
  • Competitors must wear Stuartholme togs and cap.
  • Hats and sunscreen must be worn throughout the day. Additional sunscreen will be also available at the pool.
  • Students must be in the marshalling area at least 10 minutes before their scheduled race time. If students are participating in multiple races, they need to be aware of short turnarounds and return to the marshalling area ASAP. House Captains will be available to assist students with the race schedule.
  • Medals will be presented to the top three times in each event at the end of each session.
  • The 2022 Champion Swimmer will be the fastest freestyle time from the day and will be presented at Assembly.
  • School bags must be left at lockers.
  • First aid will be available behind the grandstand.
  • Open events will be be held before school.
  • Relays and house swim-off have been removed from the 2022 program due to COVID.

Schedule: 

Session Time Year Level Event Number Event Heats
Pre 7:15am Open Event 1-5 Marshalling
7:20am Open 1 100m Breastroke 1
7:25am Open 2 100m Butterfly 1
7:28am Open 3 100m Freestyle 1
7:33am Open 4 200m Individual Medley 1
7:35am Open 5 100m Backstroke 1
1 8:00-8:25am 7
8
Year 7-8 Change into house/sport uniform
8:25-8:40am All TMG
Year 7-8 move to pool
8:50am 7
8
Briefing
9:00am Freestyle Marshalling
9:05am 7 6 50m Freestyle 10
9:15am 8 7 50m Freestyle 10
9:15am Breastroke Marshalling
9:25am 7 8 50m Breastroke 6
9:35am 8 9 50m Breastroke 6
9:35am Backstroke Marshalling
9:45am 7 10 50m Backstroke 4
9:55am 8 11 50m Backstroke 4
9:55am Butterfly Marshalling
10:05am 7 12 50m Butterfly 3
10:15am 8 13 50m Butterfly 3
10:30am 7
8
Medal Presentations
Morning Tea 11:00am All Morning Tea
Year 7-8 Change into school uniform.
Year 9-10 Change into house/sport uniform
House Captains return for session 2
2 11:25am 9
10
Briefing
11:30am Freestyle Marshalling
11:35am 9 14 50m Freestyle 6
11:45am 10 15 50m Freestyle 6
11:45am Breastroke Marshalling
11:50am 9 16 50m Breastroke 4
12:00pm 10 17 50m Breastroke 4
12:00pm Backstroke Marshalling
12:05pm 9 18 50m Backstroke 4
12:10pm 10 19 50m Backstroke 4
12:10pm Butterfly Marshalling
12:15pm 9 20 50m Butterfly 3
12:25pm 10 21 50m Butterfly 3
12:35pm 9
10
Medal Presentations
Lunch 12:50pm All Lunch
Year 9-10 Change into school uniform.
Year 11-12 Change into house/sport uniform
House Captains return for session 3
3 1:25pm 11
12
Briefing
1:30pm Freestyle Marshalling
1:35pm 11 22 50m Freestyle 6
1:43pm 12 23 50m Freestyle 6
Breastroke Marshalling
1:51pm 11 24 50m Breastroke 6
2:00pm 12 25 50m Breastroke 6
Backstroke Marshalling
2:10pm 11 26 50m Backstroke 4
2:15pm 12 27 50m Backstroke 4
Butterfly Marshalling
2:25pm 11 28 50m Butterfly 2
2:30pm 12 29 50m Butterfly 2
2:35pm 11
12
Medal Presentations
2:35pm All Students change into school uniform
3:00pm All Departure

 

We are looking forward to a great day. If you have any questions relating to the event, please contact emccarthy@stuartholme.com

Mothers Day Lunch 2022 – Save the Date!

This year’s Mothers Day Lunch will be held at Victoria Park in the Grand Marquee on Friday the 6th of May.  This year tables will be for …

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Mothers Day Lunch 2022 – Save the Date!

This year’s Mothers Day Lunch will be held at Victoria Park in the Grand Marquee on Friday the 6th of May.  This year tables will be for 12, we will let you know details closer to the invitation release date so you can nominate your table captains and get your guests sorted.  If you are a newbie to our lunch dont worry there are always year level tables that you can choose to sit on and meet some Stuartholme mums.

We are starting the planning process and will be having a Kick Off meeting on Monday the 21st of Feb.  If you think that you would be able to help and are available that day please email Fiona at jfwoodard@bigpond.com.  We are always looking for new helpers in any of the following areas

  1. Fundraising
  2. Decorations
  3. Music / Video / Powerpoint Presentation
  4. Photos of the students
  5. Ticketing and Table Organising
  6. Speakers / Master of Ceremonies
  7. Post lunch gathering

We look forward to seeing you at this wonderful Stuartholme event!

JPIC News

The core of Sacred Heart schooling is an education that liberates. This wise freedom when coupled with a social awareness that impels to action creates …

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JPIC News

The core of Sacred Heart schooling is an education that liberates. This wise freedom when coupled with a social awareness that impels to action creates a formidable positive force.

It is this force that Stuartholme’s social justice club, Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation aims to foster. To build transformative communities of practice our students invest their time learning about and understanding the bigger issues in our world.

How they feel about certain issues and their opinion on the topic is their decision, and it is JPIC’s role to ensure that fair and well-rounded information is being presented. Therefore our 2022 JPIC Committee, led by our captain Alessa Wiltshire is investing its time in Term 1 providing lunchtime seminars on current issues.

The first topic covered this year was understanding the relationship between Russia and Ukraine. Our committee explored the history of these countries, Western influence, what NATO is and what does this mean at a humanitarian level. Future topics as nominated by JPIC members in younger year levels will include community detention of refugees, understanding the religious and sex discrimination acts and females experiencing homelessness.

We encourage all students in our community to join these seminars to deepen or broaden their knowledge of the world. JPIC meetings are held in R203 during lunchtime on Thursdays in Week A.

Ponytail Project

On Monday 16th May over 50 Year 12 Stuartholme students will rock the chop, in support of the Cancer Councils’ Ponytail Project. Our Year 12s …

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Ponytail Project

On Monday 16th May over 50 Year 12 Stuartholme students will rock the chop, in support of the Cancer Councils’ Ponytail Project. Our Year 12s will spend the next few months avoiding haircuts, raising awareness for cancer research and the amazing work the Cancer Council does, along with some serious fundraising hustle to reach our goal of $35, 000.

The Stuartholme Ponytail Project event involves not just fundraising but our Seniors will be cutting between 10cm to 36cm of hair, with 8 students bravely choosing to shave their heads. However, it is not just funds that are a benefit of the event, students who cut more than 20cm of hair will donate their locks to make wigs and wefts for people experience hair loss due to medical conditions and treatments.

Our Year 12 students are still uploading their profiles to the Ponytail Project online platform, but we encourage our community to check in on their progress during this journey. You can find the Stuartholme School Ponytail Project page here.

We asked a few of our Year 12s why they wanted to be a part of the Ponytail Project, their responses are humbling, strong and kind.

 Lucy Sullivan

This year I am participating in the Ponytail Project and am shaving my head. I have decided to do this as after witnessing my mum being diagnosed with breast cancer, watching her lose her hair throughout her chemo treatment, and observing her yearn to at least look semi like her pre-chemo self, I now understand how much dignity and a sense of normality a wig can give back to a chemo patient during probably the most difficult time in their life. So, I am deciding to give my hair up for someone who needs it and wants it more than I ever will.

 Angel Boland

I feel extremely lucky knowing that I have access to resources that many people don’t. I want to use this privilege to support people impacted by cancer through Cancer Council’s Ponytail Project. I’m doing this to stand in solidarity with my close friends and family, particularly two of my aunties. I’m also fundraising to stand with strangers and their families, and the hundreds of children and teenagers who are fighting this battle instead of attending school or growing up alongside their friends.  

 Albie Woolcock Egan

I have always wanted to donate my hair in support of cancer patients and cancer research, and I was just finding the right time to do it and what better time than in my final year of school. A lot of friends and family around me have been affected by cancer and I thought I would do my part to support others.

Sophie Howard

I am participating in the Ponytail Project to let cancer victims know that they are not alone. We realise that throughout the long process of chemotherapy, it can become overwhelming and sometimes lonely for the patient. This is why we want to remind them that the Stuartholme community is there for support and to provide hope in times of need.

Creative Writing Club

In 2022, we are excited to announce a new addition to the co-curricular family … Creative Writing Club! Whether the idea of writing creatively fills …

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Creative Writing Club

In 2022, we are excited to announce a new addition to the co-curricular family … Creative Writing Club! Whether the idea of writing creatively fills you with bone-chilling dread, unimpressed apathy, or absolute elation, this is the club for you. The aim of this club is to understand that the ability to write creatively is a skill that can be developed, and not just something you are born with or without.

In Creative Writing Club, we will be reading and creating all different genres and styles of writing, with each term focusing on something different – from poetry to short stories, and maybe even film scripts. Members will not only get the chance to be readers and writers, but also editors, performers, and hopefully even participants in different Brisbane writing festivals.

Creative Writing Club will run every Tuesday lunchtime (12:50-1:20) in R103.

Communication and Feedback – Academics

A hallmark of our successful approach at Stuartholme is the close bond with our parents. We work together, both in the real world and online, …

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Communication and Feedback – Academics

A hallmark of our successful approach at Stuartholme is the close bond with our parents. We work together, both in the real world and online, for your daughter to be the best she can be.

At Stuartholme, we place great emphasis on the importance of the ‘Stuartholme Village’ and the infrastructure of that support network. If you have concerns about your daughter’s progress in any subject, in the first instance we encourage contact with your daughter’s classroom teacher via email. They are best placed to answer any queries you may have as they will know both the subject and your daughter best. The flowchart below gives further guidance:

We encourage parents’ initial contact with the teacher to be via email, and teachers will endeavour to respond within two business days. Please keep in mind that teachers are unable to respond to emails during lesson time. Our Parent, Teacher, Student Conferences, conducted via Zoom, are our primary method of providing more targeted feedback about student progress. These conferences are scheduled twice-yearly – at the start of Term 2 and Term 3. Parents are encouraged to utilise this opportunity.

Message from the Careers Counsellor

Hi everyone, I hope you’ve all had a good Week 4. The term is flying past! Year 12 Wise Wellness It was great to see …

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Message from the Careers Counsellor

Hi everyone,

I hope you’ve all had a good Week 4. The term is flying past!

Year 12 Wise Wellness

It was great to see Year 12 again this fortnight. In our Wise Wellness session, we covered really important information that students should understand as they plan ahead for life after school. This included:

  • What can students do in 2023?
  • What is FREE TAFE for under 25s?
  • Does the ATAR expire?
  • What is HELP? What is CSP?
  • What are the differences between HECS HELP, FEE HELP and VET Student Loans?
  • What are adjustments? Do you get the same adjustments across all universities?
  • and much more!

Congratulations to Seoro, who won the huge quiz that we did together!

Careers Counselling sessions

It’s also been great to see many Year 11 and 12 students for sessions over the last fortnight. If your daughter would like to discuss her career or course ideas, please ask her to send me an email to book a session.

As always, please find below a selection of events and information that may be of interest to you and your daughters.

Warm regards,

Mr Tom Lillyman
Careers Counsellor

LEARN MORE

Medicine, dentistry and UCAT info session + UCAT practise test

If you’re in Year 12 and interested in medicine or dentistry, you might like to come along to an Info session + short UCAT practise – period 5 & 6, next Wednesday, 23 March in the library.

We’ll talk about how to apply for these courses, including how the UCAT works, and then do a short practise of UCAT questions under timed conditions, so you can get a feel for the pacing of this test.

Please note: If you take RML and would like to attend this session, please let me know so that I can let Ms Foxover and Ms Carrigan know that you’ll be absent on this date.

Pharmacy information session – 3.15pm, 21 April 

Are you interested in learning more about pharmacy? Hear from a panel of pharmacists who currently work in the health system. A representative from UQ will also explain how to become a fully qualified pharmacist via the UQ undergraduate degree + the intern training program.

If you would like to submit questions to the pharmacists or UQ beforehand, please use this form.

Charles Sturt University’s medicine information night

Interested in learning more about CSU’s medical program, based in Orange, NSW?

At their free medicine information session, the CSU team will give an overview of the course and facilities, entry requirements and how to apply. They’ll share more about clinical placements, career opportunities, support services, scholarships and more. You’ll learn all about the University Clinical Aptitude Test for Australia and New Zealand (UCAT ANZ) and hear about the experiences of rural and regional doctors.

To register, click here.

2022 TSXPO – SAVE THE DATE

The 2022 Tertiary Studies Expo (TSXPO) will be held on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 July 2022 from 10am – 4pm at the Brisbane Showgrounds, Bowen Hills. If you’re interested in tertiary study, put this date in your calendar now! Find out who will be there by visiting the Exhibitor Directory.

EXPERIENCE

Griffith Film School Experience Week

Are you interested in becoming a filmmaker, animator or game designer? During the weeklong program, you’ll choose a study area and be taught by our highly skilled, industry connected teaching team and gain theoretical and practical skills. Participants will also complete a piece of work for their creative portfolio and get a feel for what it’s like to study at the Griffith Film School. Registrations for the 2022 Experience Week are now open and will fill up very quickly. If you’re interested, register here.

Griffith Crash course in building satellites

Learn what it takes to build satellites and plan a week-long space mission. Celebrate National Science Week by exploring issues such as traffic control in space, how the purpose of the mission changes the altitude required, and a few unexpected curve balls, such as space weather events.

Choose to attend 10am-12noon on Thursday 10 March or Friday 11 March 2022. Register here.

Making an impact with engineering – 28 FEB

Interested in knowing more about engineering? You might like to head along to this event with UQ Women in Engineering team.

You’ll learn more about the 6 specialisations on offer at UQ, the broad variety of projects that engineers work on, and real world examples of how these projects are impacting the world around us. Register here

Join the YMCA Youth Parliament – applications close on 20 FEB

Are you interested in community issues? Then you might be interested in joining the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament (QYP). The program is run by an executive team, all under the age of 25, making it a program by young people, for young people. If you are between 15 and 25 years of age, you are invited to nominate. Nominations for the 2022 program are now open. You can nominate via their website.

UQ FEAST 2022

FEAST (Future Experiences in Agriculture, Science and Technology) is a four-day residential program to inspire you to investigate rewarding science careers in the agriculture, animal, plant and food industries. It is open to students in Years 11 and 12 and is held at the UQ Gatton campus. Find out more here and you can register your expressions of interest for the 2022 FEAST and be notified when they open the application process.

World Science Festival Brisbane

Curiosity Brisbane is being held on 9 – 20 March 2022. This is part of World Science Festival Brisbane presented by Queensland Museum Network.

Click here to find out more. You can also join the World Science Festival Brisbane mailing list to be the first to hear about program announcements and further information!

Lions Youth of the Year competition now open

If you are a student between the ages of 16 and 18 years of age as at the 30th of June in 2022, then you may be eligible to enter the Lions Youth of the Year public speaking competition. By entering the program, you will have an opportunity to experience an interview situation, in a friendly atmosphere and a chance to practice your public speaking skills. The best way to enter is to talk to your local Lions Club or Guidance Officer/School counsellor.

GOOD TO KNOW

QUT UPDATE: You no longer need an ATAR to use a diploma for entry in 2023

QUT have just announced that they will accept AQF VET qualifications (certificate IV and above) completed while in high school for entry to QUT in 2023 and beyond.
The requirement for students to have obtained an ATAR (or completed their IB Diploma) for their VET in schools studies to be considered for entry has been permanently removed.
As a guide, a completed VET diploma will give students a selection rank of 87.00, and a completed certificate IV will provide a selection rank of 74.00. Find out more here.

APPLY

UNE Early Entry applications are already open

UNE early entry application are open now and close in September. If you’re interested in UNE, you might like to jump on the UNE portal and check out the early entry application – Early Entry – University of New England (UNE)

Australian Defence Force (ADF) GAP Year applications now open

Want a gap year with a difference? Consider joining the Australian Defence Force for 12 months. Get a taste of life in the Navy, Army or Air Force, full job training, meaningful work, memorable experiences and more. Click here to find program benefits and jobs available in 2023. ADF Gap Year program applications are now open.

 

Co-curricular Sport News

State Triathlon 13- 19 Years Championships Congratulations to Lucinda Freeman and Olivia Williams who competed at the State Triathlon 13- 19 Years Championships in Hervey Bay. Lucinda …

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Co-curricular Sport News

State Triathlon 13- 19 Years Championships

Congratulations to Lucinda Freeman and Olivia Williams who competed at the State Triathlon 13- 19 Years Championships in Hervey Bay.

Lucinda finished (2007) – 89th out of 121 after having a fall on the cycle leg.

Olivia finished – (2008) – 61st out of 153 athletes.

Well done girls!

S60 Fitness Club – SPECIAL S60 DEAL!!

S60 is our Fitness Club, which offers a variety of fitness sessions for those who prefer individual training, or would like to improve their strength, flexibility and stability to support their other sports. It’s the cheapest gym membership you’ll find at just $100 per term.

However, in 2022, it’s even better! If you sign on for S60 with another sport, you get a 30% discount!

If you sign up for all four terms of S60 now, you receive a FREE MyZone Heart Rate Monitor!

S60 is FREE for all Year 7 students in Term 1. Come and try a few sessions – you’ll love it! Wednesday afternoon sessions will be programmed for Year 7 students to enjoy some fun fitness sessions, but you’re welcome to join as many sessions as you like.

The first full S60 session will be on 8 February at 6:30am.

Sign on here >

S60 will now feature MyZone, which is a heart rate monitoring system that rewards effort and consistency. Students will need to purchase a heavily discounted HR band from the Sport office ($80) and download the MyZone app. Everyone’s % scores are displayed on the TV at Freers to improve the quality of training and your own improvement. Please visit the Sport office when we return to school to purchase. Andy will provide a briefing during week 1 of S60.

 

The Lab for Parents – Supporting your child’s academic success

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The Lab for Parents – Supporting your child’s academic success

Academic Assembly – Livestream recording

Congratulations to all the students who received an Academic Achievement award at our special Academic Assembly this morning. We had a record number of students …

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Academic Assembly – Livestream recording

Congratulations to all the students who received an Academic Achievement award at our special Academic Assembly this morning. We had a record number of students receive an award and are very proud of all our girls for the effort they put into their studies.

You can watch a recording of the event via the live stream tile in MyStuartholme or by clicking here.

How to buy or order food and drinks from the Cafe

Stuartholme School is a cashless school. We use Flexischools as a convenient way for you to pay for many school-related expenses, such as purchases from …

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How to buy or order food and drinks from the Cafe

Stuartholme School is a cashless school. We use Flexischools as a convenient way for you to pay for many school-related expenses, such as purchases from the School Canteen/Café and School Shop.

If you don’t already have one please go to https://www.flexischools.com.au/ to set up an account. Flexischools will allow you to:

  • add your child/ren to the account, should you wish to
  • set Daily Spend Limits
  • block your child making certain purchases
  • explain how your child/ren can check their balance
  • provide general information on Flexischools and how it works.

Students’ Flexischools accounts are linked to their School ID cards. Students with a 2021 Stuartholme ID card will be able to use this card until their 2022 card arrives or a debit card. Students without an existing ID card can use a debit card.

Parents can also order online and students can collect their morning tea/lunch at the cafe. Online orders can be collected from the dining room.

 

 

Inaugural Stuartholme International Women’s Day Breakfast – book your seat now!

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Inaugural Stuartholme International Women’s Day Breakfast – book your seat now!

Official Mural Unveiling – Stuartholme community event

The Parents of Stuartholme welcome all parents to come along and enjoy a community event supported by the Stuartholme musicians, student Art, and Drama students …

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Official Mural Unveiling – Stuartholme community event

The Parents of Stuartholme welcome all parents to come along and enjoy a community event supported by the Stuartholme musicians, student Art, and Drama students as MC for the night.  This wonderful community event is a chance for parents to reconnect or make new friends amongst the warm Stuartholme community.

RSVP (for catering) is essential by Monday 28th February.  There will be a cash bar.  Please RSVP via the website www.stuartholme.com/events

We look forward to seeing you there!

Message from the Dean of Student Wellbeing

See the Rainbow, be the Light! The Cor Unum Captain Sophie Howard and Committee members Angelique Boland, Greta Robinson and Holly Clemson were inspirational in …

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Message from the Dean of Student Wellbeing

See the Rainbow, be the Light!

The Cor Unum Captain Sophie Howard and Committee members Angelique Boland, Greta Robinson and Holly Clemson were inspirational in welcoming all students and staff back to this new academic year with their 2022 theme launch “See the Rainbow, be the Light”.

Our 2022 Cor Unum Captain articulated the significance of this year’s theme explaining that “just as God can be a guiding light for us, this year is all about being the light for others by sharing the incredible gifts that God gave you”.

It was wonderful to welcome all our new and returning students back face-to-face to the 2022 school year. The Green Ribbons and the Year 11 cohort were truly superb in working alongside their Year 7 Little Sisters to help them become more confident as they navigate new routines and locker locks. I spoke to many Year 7 students and they are settling well and excited about the year ahead.

Stepping into Brave this year

As suggested in the closing slide at each of the recent online Parent Information Evenings we have to be “bigger, wiser and stronger” than our children in order to optimise their success.

Research clearly shows that our own capacity for courage, calm and resilience forms a baseline for our children.

Karen Young a well-regarded psychologist has worked with both Stuartholme staff and parents previously on this practice. I thought it was timely to share some of her key tips as you embark on the 2022 school year with your child:

  • The more connected you are with your kids; the more authority you will have to lead them to be brave.
  • We need to be brave first as parents/ caregivers to lead them to be brave.
  • Parents do not cause anxiety but they are a powerful part of the solution.
  • Anxiety is contagious, but so is calm and courage.
  • We need to be careful about what behaviours we are supporting in our responses to our children – be careful that we do not support avoidance.
  • Kids and teens have to be the bosses of their brains.
  • Actively build strength against anxiety – exercise, sleep, good nutrition, mindfulness and play.

 

Vision for learning and student wellbeing

A key concept presented at the recent parent online information evenings was the extensive research that shows integrating wellbeing and learning is integral to optimising success. Towards this end, we set the bar high in terms of expectations that delivers optimum outcomes into the future. Our 2021 results are testimony to this.

There is an intentional focus across the curriculum to aim for the best possible performance and hone the practices required to sustain student success. The inclusion of wellbeing as a subject within the curriculum for all students in years 7-12 enables all students to thrive, flourish and demonstrate stronger academic performance. Stuartholme’ s outstanding results are underscored by a caring village within which we unapologetically expect these standards to be met.

I am delighted to work in partnership with you this year to ensure that your child can be the very best version of themselves and transition from good to great in 2022.

References:

  1. https://www.heysigmund.com/anxiety-in-children-parents-facilitators-of-brave/
  2. Young, K, 2019. Building Brave – Professional Learning, Stuartholme School 28 October.

 

Deborah Lonsdale-Walker
Dean of Student Wellbeing