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18 Wellbeing We know from research that wellbeing has a considerable influence on learning. When our young people feel safe and supported in their school environment, they are more engaged and ready to learn. The Pastoral Care programme at Queen Margaret College supports the educational development of every student. This includes caring for students’ emotional, social, spiritual, physical and mental wellbeing. We promote a culture of compassion and kindness which helps students to develop the skills to build lifelong friendships. Our students enjoy the benefits of small classroom sizes and teachers who are respectful, warm and effective communicators. Our teachers foster positive and nurturing learning environments which enable our students to shine. Our dedicated and experienced staff are responsible for implementing the pastoral care programme. This includes form teachers, Deans, the Chaplain, Nurse and Guidance Counsellor. Our staff work in partnership with families to provide care, advice and a helping hand. Parents also have the opportunity to attend regular parent conferences and have access to Queen Margaret College SchoolTV our online wellbeing resource. Form teachers Every student fromYear 7–13 is placed in a form class where they are able to meet and build positive relationships with the same student group and form teacher every day. Students have access to their own home room, where they can spend lunchtimes and morning tea. Form time is also used for whole year group pastoral care, house meetings and events. Year level Deans Each year level has a Dean who is responsible for the wellbeing of their year group. They also organise a range of social events, including school dances and parent/daughter events. Leadership/ Buddy System Queen Margaret College is committed to growing future leaders. Students are encouraged to participate in a range of leadership opportunities and take on formal leadership responsibilities. Leadership roles include Class Leaders, student coaches, House Leaders, Sports Captains, Cultural Captains, mentors, Prefects, Peer Tutors, ambassadors and House Sisters. Our students also have strong female role models within the school and wider QMC community. Students are encouraged to develop leadership within the school community and beyond and to show leadership in their daily actions and interactions. This includes local and overseas service opportunities and sports and cultural activities. Year 12 students develop leadership skills working with Year 9 students in the House Sisters programme, Year 13 students model leadership through their involvement as peer tutors, acting as mentors to Year 7 students, and in their roles as class or school Prefects. We support prefects by assigning them a staff mentor.