EDUCATION

Bridget Compton-Moen has more than 25 years of teaching experience in New Zealand and internationally.

Having worked with age groups ranging from pre-school to Year 8, Bridget is looking forward to getting to know a thriving community of students, staff, and parents at SMC’s Junior School, which caters for girls in Year 0–6.

Bridget shares her excitement for taking on the role, and what is ahead this year.

“What is most striking about SMC’s Junior School is the warm, supportive, and family-focused environment. The girls flourish as a result of the small class sizes and individual classrooms, which enable our specialist Junior School teachers to form deep relationships with their students. Our teachers really understand the girls’ specific learning needs and are committed to their well-being.

“We are intent on getting the core curriculum right, ensuring the girls are engaged in their learning, with a strong grasp on literacy and numeracy and the skills they need to succeed through Junior School and into our Middle School.

“This year, we are implementing a structured literacy approach for our Year 4–6 students, having seen incredible success with our Year 1–3 girls. This is an approach based on years of scientific research that really enables girls to crack the code of reading from the get-go.”

Bridget also plans to implement a Future Problem Solving (FPS) programme. She says, “SMC is well known for its strong track record in FPS in the Middle and Senior Schools. We are excited to introduce this critical thinking programme for our younger girls, which will build on the innovative Creative and Digital Technologies programme offered across our Junior School.”

Bridget is enjoying developing relationships with SMC’s Senior School students. The College has a strong focus on holistic education, designed to strengthen character, service and leadership. As part of this, a Junior School Council, made up of Year 12-13 students, has responsibility for building connections with their ‘little sisters’ and acting as mentors.

“I’m thrilled to be working alongside our incredible students and staff and looking forward to being a part of the wider SMC community,” Bridget adds.

If you would like further information on the opportunities available to your daughter at St Margaret’s College, please contact Admissions Manager Susie Campbell on 033532563 or enrol@stmargarets.school.nz.

As 2022 begins, the St Andrew’s College purpose ‘Together building better people for life’ remains central to all that they do at the school. Staff and the community are strongly committed to the holistic development of the students through classroom learning and encouraging their participation in the many sporting and cultural activities, spiritual and service commitments, and social activities on offer in the world-class environment at St Andrew’s.

With the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the focus on student well-being has never been more important. St Andrew’s students undertake a full programme of well-being strategies, which help them develop a broad set of character strengths, virtues, and competencies, in addition to cultivating their intellectual minds. This approach encourages adaptability and resilience in students and helps them to achieve their potential, even when they are faced with challenges.

The 2022 student leadership team, led by Head Girl Grace Lawrence and Head Boy Harry Withers, have come up with a clever theme, ‘Unity Builds Community’, which reflects the importance of nurturing the College community in uncertain times. They are encouraging students to feel a true sense of belonging while at school and to look out for one another as they embark on a new journey together in 2022.

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