St Margaret's College

The school centers holistic education on spiritual and emotional wellbeing with positive relationships at the heart of the learning community. A house tutor system provides the main contact for wellbeing and academic progress, with about 16 students per tutor group in the Middle and Senior Schools. Buddies support new students, and the boarding community mirrors this approach with year-based buddy arrangements. A team of counsellors and health professionals located in the on-site Health Centre, supported by a Chaplain who attends to spiritual and emotional needs, provides professional support to students and families. The wellbeing framework includes the five pillars of wellbeing—connecting, taking notice, being active, continued learning, and giving—and the Hauora model (taha tinana, taha hinengaro, taha whanau, taha wairua) guiding our approach. The Health Centre offers on-site health care with a School Nurse and two counsellors, and a physiotherapist is available for students and staff.

Leck Centre for Learning Enhancement provides support for students identified as learning differently, including gifted and talented, English language learners, and those with dyslexia or other learning differences. On entry, students are assessed to identify strengths and challenges, and may be referred to Leck staff with individual support actions developed in consultation with families. The Leck team delivers small-group tuition focused on literacy and numeracy, study skills, and research-based programmes, with in-class support across Junior, Middle and Senior Schools. Students who are English language learners are offered extra support in English language acquisition through small-group and individual programmes.

English language learners at St Margaret's College receive extra support in English language acquisition through small group and individual programmes. Leck Centre provides Year 1-13 learning support, including English language learning as part of its inclusive approach.

Wellbeing is woven into all aspects of the curriculum, focusing on physical, mental, emotional, and social health. The five pillars of wellbeing—connecting, taking notice, being active, continued learning, and giving—support mental health and a growth mindset. A Chaplain and pastoral care team provide additional spiritual and emotional guidance. The Health Centre is on campus with a School Nurse and two full-time counsellors, and a physiotherapist is available for students and staff; boarders can access a GP through St Albans Medical Center if needed.

St Margaret's College has a Child Protection Policy committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and to the prevention of child abuse. The policy designates a Designated Person for Child Protection (Executive Principal) and a Designated Leadership Team to oversee safeguarding. Staff are responsible for reporting concerns to Oranga Tamariki or the NZ Police, recording concerns accurately, and maintaining confidentiality. The policy requires staff to follow professional standards of behaviour and to work with external agencies as appropriate, with guidelines for safe working practices and supervision of volunteers. The policy also references The Vulnerable Children's Hub and related contact points for safeguarding concerns.