Greetings to you all, week three of Term One at St Margaret's is the first full school week and it has started with early phase one winter sports trials, a Senior School Eucharist Service, Shrove Tuesday chapel service and pancake race and a moving Ash Wednesday service to signify the beginning of Lent.

The weather was perfect for the Middle and Senior School swimming sports. It is so important to be able to hold compulsory sports events which include opportunities for participation and house points at all levels as well as robust competition for our competitive athletes all surrounded by a vibrant atmosphere of joyful and exuberant House spirit.

This spirit and joy is the essence of St Margaret's. While initially it can be rather overwhelming for new girls, they soon embrace and immerse themselves in the culture. The leadership modelled by our senior girls is impressive as is borne out and reflected in the leadership of our Year 10 girls in the Middle School.

Middle School camps are held at this time of the year as an opportunity for the girls in each year group from Years 7 to 10 to get to know each other and to challenge themselves physically and mentally. The ceremony to mark the start of the Rite Journey programme in Year 10 is a significant part of this important year for you and your daughter.

Please make the most of the time you are able to spend at goal setting interviews this term with your daughter's tutor who will be instrumental in her happiness and maintained balance of academic and extracurricular commitments. Your daughter's tutor is your first point of contact in the school and behind each tutor is a strong academic and pastoral care team. We must work together to ensure that your daughter is happy and engaged in her learning.

This newsletter will come to you fortnightly with all the information and links you need as well as some great stories about SMC life.

Arohanui,
Gillian