St Margaret's School

Confidence & Belonging

1. Sense of Belonging and Community

St. Margaret’s explicitly describes itself as a community where every student belongs — part of both its mission and values:

  • The school values connection and states that it is “a community where everyone belongs,” fostering authentic relationships built through shared experiences and mutual respect.

2. Boarding Community Supports Confidence & Belonging

In the boarding residence context, SMS emphasizes a supportive environment that helps students feel at home and part of a community:

  • SMS says its boarding program provides a “nurturing and empowering environment” that fosters belonging and community.
  • This supportive culture helps shape confident, resilient, and compassionate leaders — indicating a focus on confidence building through community life and support systems.

3. Inclusive, Empowering School Mission

The school’s overarching mission and values highlight care, connection, and shared learning in ways that nurture confidence:

  • The mission emphasizes a caring, inclusive community where students are encouraged to pursue excellence, use their voices, and enact change — all of which support confidence, agency, and a sense of belonging.

4. Personalized Learning & Confidence Growth

Although not worded as “confidence building” in a single phrase, independent sources summarizing school philosophy note that:

  • SMS’s learning environment helps students gain confidence and discover their passions through personalized support and opportunities.
  • The independent schools association description highlights that students can take risks, develop confidence, and reach their potential in a supportive setting.

5. Supportive Culture & Code of Conduct

According to the school’s 2023–24 Handbook/Code of Conduct, SMS aims to create “a positive and inclusive culture where the School is a place of belonging.”

  • The code sets behavioral expectations to ensure respect and acceptance within the community, which promotes a supportive environment that underpins feelings of belonging.