Tartan Snapshots - Spring 2026
St. Margaret’s Reimagined Library Design Shaped by Student Feedback
St. Margaret’s newly renovated Library, which students have been enjoying this fall, was designed to better meet the needs of learners in every division. The project marks the first major renovation in more than a decade and reflects an intentional effort to rethink how the space is used and how students want to use it.
Library leaders say the redesign began with a simple goal: build a space that supports students academically, socially and creatively.
House Leagues Expand to Upper and Middle School
Thanks to the senior gift from the Class of 2025, House Leagues are a part of student life in the Upper School and Middle School, as well. The Class of 2025 gifted an expansion of the House Leagues, and older students at St. Margaret’s are getting acquainted (or reacquainted) with the four houses with the help of Lower School students who introduced the house league chants at a Convo.
Community Leaves Its Signature on St. Margaret’s Commons Beam
Students, faculty, and the professional community came together to sign the final beam of the new St. Margaret’s Commons before it is installed in the building. This special moment allowed the school community to leave their mark on a project that will soon become the heart of St. Margaret’s campus.
Upper School Students Complete Summer of College-Level Scientific Research Through UC-Irvine Partnership
Ten Upper School students with an interest in STEAM fields had a valuable first-hand look at a college research environment as they worked with top minds in engineering, computer science and more at the University of California, Irvine.
This unique partnership between St. Margaret’s and UCI Samueli School of Engineering marked its 21st year, with 10 students in the Class of 2026 participating.
All-School Pep Rally Energizes Tartan Community
Spirited students decked out in blue, green, yellow and red filled Pasternack Field House with energy as St. Margaret’s annual Homecoming Pep Rally brought the entire school together in support of the Tartans. Pasternack was color-coordinated, as students from the four House Leagues–Belmont, Carlton, Oxford and York– sat together and cheered their teammates on.
St. Margaret’s Virtual Reality Pilot Program to Transform Classroom Learning
St. Margaret’s English teachers are stepping into the future thanks to a new virtual reality (VR) initiative made possible through a PTF grant.
St. Margaret’s recently acquired 10 cutting-edge VR headsets and entered into a new partnership with Optima VR, a company that specializes in educational virtual reality experiences. As part of the agreement, St. Margaret’s is working with an implementation coach from Optima VR to help integrate immersive learning into the classroom. The ability to custom-design lessons aligned with the curricula provides an incredible opportunity to deepen student engagement and learning opportunities.
Grade 1 Students Explore Sustainability Through In-N-Out Burger Field Trip
Grade 1 students attended an educational field trip to the renowned In-N-Out Burger restaurants in Rancho Mission Viejo and San Juan Capistrano, combining a hands-on learning experience with a taste of sustainability in action. The visits formed part of the class’s exploration of Global Goal #12: Responsible Consumption and Production. The young learners discovered how the popular restaurant maintains its high standards of food safety, reduces waste, and upholds sustainable practices throughout its operations.
Arts
St. Margaret’s Orchestra Connect with Early School Students to Try Musical Instruments
The spirit of collaboration and joyful learning was on full display as St. Margaret's students came together for a morning of music and connection in the Darcy Rice Center for the Arts.
In the annual cross-divisional event, Upper and Middle School orchestra students hosted an “instrument petting zoo” for their younger peers from the Early School, creating a hands-on, interactive experience that brought the PreK–12 cross-divisional learning to life. The event offered Early School students the chance to see, hear, and even play a range of orchestral instruments up close.
Lower School Students Enjoy Memorable Morning With a Rock Star
Lower School students enjoyed a Q&A and live performance by Phil Collen, guitarist of the rock band Def Leppard. The event marked an opportunity for Lower School students to experience a powerful and personal insight into life as a professional musician. The interview session offered Lower School students a rare chance to hear directly from a working musician about his journey, inspirations, and the realities of performing professionally–including his adherence to nutrition and exercise to stay in shape for peak performance.
Athletics
Cross Country Programs Advance to CIF State Championships
St. Margaret's cross country programs headed to Fresno and the CIF State Championships after impressive results at the CIF-SS Finals on November 22. The Tartan girls' squad finished in second place in a tight and exciting race. St. Margaret's boys ran to a fourth-place finish in a very competitive and tightly matched field.
St. Margaret’s Announces Addition of Girls Flag Football as Upper School and Middle School Sports
St. Margaret’s announced the addition of girls flag football as an Upper School and Middle School sport, beginning in 2026.
“We are thrilled to bring girls flag football to St. Margaret’s,” St. Margaret’s Director of Athletics Dan O’Shea said. “This is an exciting addition to our athletic offerings, and we anticipate girls flag football being popular among students and the school community alike. We are ready to build a program that competes at a high level and represents St. Margaret’s with pride.”
The addition of girls flag football brings the total number of sports teams at St. Margaret’s at 27 in the Upper School and 14 in the Middle School.