Welcome back everyone, nau mai, haere mai. It was such a joy to see the smiling faces of returning students at the school gate this morning and also to welcome our new students to SMC. As we head into the new school year, there is much debate at a national level with respect to the best model for schooling but most would agree without doubt that students benefit from having great teachers.

Research out of Vanderbilt University* suggests there are four key features to a great independent school teacher, and we need look no further than the fabulous examples at SMC.

1. Great teachers establish strong relationships with students.
   Last year’s community survey identified this as one of the top things that both parents and students liked about St Margaret’s College, citing our teachers as being kind, supportive, encouraging and approachable.

2. Great teachers demonstrate strong pedagogical (teaching and learning) knowledge and a depth of content expertise.
   We are blessed with the talent of our teachers with many qualified at Masters and Doctorate levels in their field, an Arts faculty full of exhibiting artists, IB and NCEA subject specialists and a balance of teaching experience, ensuring multiple perspectives and skills amongst the team.

3. Great teachers possess a growth mindset about their teaching capacity.
   This week has been one of professional learning and development across the school, and affirms our teachers’ commitment to continuous improvement. The regular programme of curriculum and faculty review ensures that each year we aim for better practice, planning for teaching that will support our girls’ success.

4. Great teachers fit well with the school culture.
   St Margaret’s College aspires to educate young women to live and lead. There is a focus on personal excellence, balanced with a generosity of spirit. For evidence of this in our teachers, you need look no further than their engagement with a professional development activity earlier this week. In 20 teams, the staff undertook a variety of team building exercises, including working together to build a bicycle. At the conclusion, 20 children and families from Heart Kids NZ were welcomed to SMC to collect the bikes, and the joy of all was incredible to witness (check out the photos on our SMC Facebook page or @smcprincipal on Instagram).

So, as our girls return to St Margaret’s for the academic year, let me assure you - we have great teachers here and we are all eager to get 2019 underway!

* Balossi, M. and Hernandez, N. (2015) What makes a great independent school teacher. NAIS Independent Ideas October 2015