In this issue

Newsletter Article: Term 1, Week 4 2024

Our pursuit of educational excellence at Stuartholme

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

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

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

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

Nurturing valuable partnerships with distinguished experts

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

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

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

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

Making an impact on the world stage

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

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

Deborah Lonsdale-Walker
Deputy Principal

Newsletter Article: Term 1, Week 4 2024

Building Community as a Christian Value 

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

St Madeleine Sophie Barat  

Opening Mass

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

Shrove Tuesday.

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

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

Ash Wednesday 

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

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

Andrew Beiers

Dean of Mission

Newsletter Article: Term 1, Week 4 2024

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

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

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

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

Annie Van Homrigh

Dean of Teaching and Learning Innovation 

Newsletter Article: Term 1, Week 4 2024

Empowering Parents and Caregivers

SchoolTV

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

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

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

eSafety School’s Hub Resource for Parents and Caregivers

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

Lift Her Up

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

Blessings for the weeks ahead.

Elizabeth Foxover

Dean of Student Wellbeing  

Newsletter Article: Term 1, Week 4 2024

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

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

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

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

Jane Morris
Dean of Boarding

Sport News

Go for Gold Fund

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

Celtic Soccer Academy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To purchase your ticket, please click here.

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

THE HIVE – ALL WELCOME

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

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

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

Mrs Van Homrigh

Dear Stuartholme Parents/Carers,

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

Please phone/text me on 0439 857 301.

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

Regards

Mary-Louise Rowell

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

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

To RSVP to this event, please click here.

Save the Date

Open Day 9 March 2024

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

Dear Parents, Caregivers, Staff, and Students,

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

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

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

Thank you for your continued support.

Warm regards,

Daniel Crump

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

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

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

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

GeoSnapShot | Photo access

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

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

Reminder | Update details on Consent2go

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

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

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

Summer Sale 

Items on Sale are the following:

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

Other clearance items available for browsing.

New Items

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you for your cooperation.

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

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

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

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

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

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