PASTORAL CARE

All Full Fee Paying Overseas Students whose English is their second language are required to complete an approved high school preparation English course before enrolling at St Margaret’s. On completion of their ELICOS course and enrolment at St Margaret’s, all International students are given support to assist them in obtaining their academic and personal goals.

International students are offered academic support throughout their classes with skill development in reading, writing, speaking and listening throughout subject areas such as English, SOSE and Mathematics and develop micro and macro skills in these contexts. During classes, there is consolidation of relevant content which provides scaffolded tasks to ensure understanding and coherence, and learning structures that complement each student’s learning style.

The nurturing and development of our International students is reflected in the pastoral support offered to students whilst attending the school. Pastoral support is provided by a full-time Pastoral Care Coordinator of International Students, Heads of Year, Form Teachers (Years 7-8) and Academic Advisors (Years 9-12).

Upon enrolment, International students undergo an extensive orientation process. International students are encouraged to participate in a wide range of extra-curricular activities including musical ensembles, sporting teams, community groups and school committees.

Student Wellbeing

At St Margaret's we believe a student's social and emotional wellbeing is vital for academic success.

Within our community, both staff and students play dedicated roles in monitoring and developing the wellbeing of our international students including:

• an International Pastoral Care Coordinator
• the International Admissions and Community Relations team member
• our School Chaplain
• Heads of Year, form teachers and Acadmic Advisors
• boarding staff including Head of Boarding, Heads of Junior and Senior House and a Pastoral Care Coordinator
• International Captains
• buddies
• the House System which fosters a sense of community and belonging
• the Dean of Students

Award winning Academic Advising Program

St Margaret's has established an innovative, award-winning Academic Advising program for students in Years 9 to 12.  Students are assigned to an Academic Advisor (form teachers for Years 7 and 8), who they meet with in small groups, twice a week during timetabled academic advising sessions.  With assistance from their advisor, students set academic goals and track their pgoress through our Learning Analytics Program.  Academic Advising gives students the tools and confidence to personally evaluate their results and take ownership of their own learning and its outcomes.