When the classroom door closes for another year and the content begins to fade over the summer, it will be her strengthened character that stays with your daughter for her lifetime.

It is tempting to judge a school on its academic results or the number of trophies in the cabinet, but the true measure of a school might better be judged on the social presence of the students, their confidence, their empathy, their positive energy. It is these character strengths that will set her up for success, whatever that looks like for her, and it is these attributes that will stand her out from the crowd well into her future.

So it was with unbridled joy that I observed the confidence of our Junior School girls as they presented a full one-hour collection of cultural performance items from around the world last week, and then admired the Year 6 girls as they mingled with next year’s Year 7s and made those new girls feel so welcome. I know I share with their teachers a sense of pride in the gains they have made this year, not just in the academic foundation being laid, but in these elements of social and emotional intelligence that are so important as they move through their school journey.

Similarly, the feedback from staff, students and parents involved in this week’s Year 10 Camp, especially the ultimate Rite Journey challenge of the Solo. As I have walked alongside girls this week, they have remarked on the life-changing nature of the Solo, and the gratitude they feel for the opportunity as they prepare for their step into the Senior School. The Rite Journey is an integral part of the St Margaret’s Middle School programme and for very good reason, as it adds an important layer of self-awareness and appreciation to our girls at a time in their lives when they may feel caught between childhood and young womanhood.

An email this week from Year 10 parents goes some way to highlighting the powerful growth potential that this programme offers our girls.

“We had tears in our eyes tonight watching and listening to her speak with such an open heart, focus, excitement, honesty and clarity of how (the Solo) was for her.”

“I have a new level of appreciation of what you have done in preparing, strengthening, empowering and confidently backing these girls throughout their Rite Journey year. (Our daughter) has emerged at the nearing end of the year as a significantly stronger, happier, more confident and a much more mature balanced young lady. She has been taught invaluable life skills that she can use forever.”

The strong culture, values, and relationships evident in our school community have a profound effect on our girls, and I am ever grateful to all who play a part in that. In particular, I offer my thanks to our teachers who continue to put the girls at the front of all they do and maintain their energy and enthusiasm for teaching and learning until the final bell each year!

So, as the summer break rolls on, may you enjoy the best of the festive season, connecting with family and friends, and reflecting on the fabulous growth your girls will have made at St Margaret’s College this year.