22 reasons why the Junior School is amazing

from St Margaret's College Evergreen Autumn 2022

22 reasons why the SMC Junior School is amazing!

When Bridget Compton-Moen joined St Margaret’s College as Head of Junior School at the beginning of Term 1, she asked the staff what they love most about the Junior School. Here is what they said.

› Teachers who are deeply committed to providing a great learning environment and establishing positive relationships with children and parents. › Grow Ōtautahi – gold medal winners, 2021. › Friendology Programme – only school in New Zealand to use this award-winning well-being programme. › Epro8 – Engineering, Problem Solving and Innovation taught throughout the Y4-6 Junior School classes. Last year we had our first Y5-6 EPro8 finalists, and our new

EPr08 electronics kits will add more complex learning to our current construction kits.

› EPro8 and Minecraft clubs offered to Junior School students.

› Enviro club – for girls who are keen to participate towards improving our environment. › Access to strawberry beds, sunflower growth, and swanplants – opportunities to observe Mother Nature. › Access to all facilities in the wider College, including opportunities to learn musical instruments, specialist science and language teachers, and art teachers.

These specialist teachers help us with curriculum development. › The lovely big sister, little sister bond between buddy classes in the Junior School.

› A leading independent school in Christchurch for structured literacy. › A prefect dedicated to serving and creating memories for the Junior School girls. And a Junior

School council made of Y13s who want to support life in the Junior School.

› An amazing array of specialist subjects including computer science, Te Reo, art, performing arts, PE and world languages. › Exposure to up to four languages by the time the girls move to Y7. › Access to a truly amazing school library with very dedicated and knowledgeable librarians. › Senior students as coaches to our sports teams creating a big sister little sister connection. › An inclusive multicultural Junior School where all cultures are celebrated.

› A great Transition to School programme where we share our facilities with our onsite Pre-School friends.

› Inspiring Kapa Haka and Te Ao Māori tutors and a very strong Junior School Kapa Haka programme. › Two expert learning support teachers working collaboratively with classroom teachers to provide support and the best outcomes for our girls. › Access to beautiful grounds with “grassy fields,” a playhouse, playgrounds and trampolines. › 90% of Junior School children involved in SMC co-curricular sports in some way. › An impressive number of sports on offer to our girls – eight at last count!