A Sense of Belonging

As the academic term ends, I reflect on all that the St Margaret’s community has achieved. The introduction of the House structure enabled staff and students to support one another, to fully embrace opportunities for social, emotional and academic growth. In collaboration with their Mentor, each girl established her individual Goal and Action Plan. This will be continually revisited. Staff, also set goals for their professional journey. The establishment of Collaborative inquiry teams, allow staff to support one another in the attainment of these professional goals. We value and model that which we ask of our girls.

House Spirit was very much alive at the House Swimming and House Cross Country Carnivals this term. Student engagement and enthusiasm was evident in the energy and volume of the House chants. The members of the Human Powered Vehicle team continued to achieve notable success. The level of commitment by this inspiring group of individuals further reinforces our wonderful sense of community.

The inaugural presentation of ‘The Boy and the Spy’ demonstrated not only the overwhelming talent of our students but also the outstanding level of commitment and dedication of our staff. The performance left me moved, completely drawn in, to every scene.

St Margaret’s girls celebrated Harmony Day with vigor and enthusiasm. We heard from a variety of students on aspects of their culture and the pride they hold in being Australian. We toured many parts of our globe- India, Egypt, Nigeria, Scotland, China, Malaysia, Korea, finishing in Italy, with an Italian blessing. An immense feeling of pride echoed off the walls of the auditorium as together we sang ‘I am Australian’.

These are just a few of the wonderful activities that have occurred this term. A familiar theme emerges; the strong sense of belonging to the St Margaret’s community.

The psychologist Shaun Achor challenges us to change the formula for success. His research has found that IQ predicts 25% of job success but 75% of job success is attributed to the level of optimism, social support, and the ability to see stress as a challenge instead of as a threat.*

Everything I have mentioned supports Achor’s theory that happiness comes from increasing ‘positivity in the present’. Our success as a community comes from shared goals and embracing the present moment.

As we unwind from the normal fast pace of our existence, I hope we can all stop to take a moment to ‘be’ present. Unite as a family, hug our daughters (and sons!) and ensure that they feel the powerful force that is our unconditional love.

May the joy and blessings of this time be yours.

Mrs Deborrah Francis
Head of Senior Girls, Wellbeing

*Shaun Achor; The happy secret to better work(2010)