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where girls can take on new challenges and
new roles, discover who they are, as well
as prepare them for the world at large. The
school is also recognized for its rigorous aca-
demic program, having high testing results
within the STEM fields (Science, Technol-
ogy, Engineering and Math).
"One of the things about our program that's
unique is that we focus a lot on develop-
ing girls voices," van Hardenburg explains.
"Leadership is a huge part of our program,
it's actually a class that's part of our curricu-
lum. It's personal leadership, organizational
skills, presentation skills, working on collab-
oration as well as individually-led projects."
"That extends out to challenges to organize
their peers in community service," she con-
tinues "Girls here get very used to the idea
of standing up, leading their peers, taking
the microphone. Our girls are responsible
for leading assemblies. They develop their
own sense of identity, their own opinions
and confidence in their opinions and voic-
ing them strongly."
As a school focused on the STEM fields,
technology is a thoroughly ingrained aspect
of St. Margaret's curriculum. Starting with