THE BOARDING EXPERIENCE
With a dedicated team of experienced, professional and supportive staff, modern facilities, and a welcoming ‘family’ atmosphere, Westminster School has steadily grown to become one of South Australia’s largest coeducational boarding schools. We welcome boarding students from Years 7 to 12 from a diverse range of backgrounds, and boast a large population of country students.
Our boarding students enjoy our:
- modern, comfortable air conditioned accommodation
- safe and secure family environment
- healthy, home-style, flexible meals
- broad range of subject choices
- extensive sporting, outdoor education and performing and visual arts opportunities
- innovative Agricultural Studies program and on-site farm
- dedicated, caring boarding-support staff and tutors
- networked computing facilities
- excellent facilities, including our indoor heated pool and extensive grounds
- academic support from specialised teachers/tutors
- structured weekly social activities.
Our boarders’ families enjoy the peace of mind that comes with our:
- easy, reliable email and phone access to home
- firm but fair discipline
- welcoming parent support networks, including our Boarders 'Parents' Association
- accessible boarding staff, House Heads and subject teachers
- regular School newsletters and bulletins
- on-site nursing and tutoring staff
- highly professional, committed teaching staff
- excellent academic standards
-
‘whole person’ approach, encouraging the development of friendship networks
and self-esteem, responsible independence and resilience - secure and ‘tucked away’, but convenient, location
Student Well Being
A Family Environment
- Within boarding we aim to maintain a family atmosphere. Guidelines for behaviour and House rules are based mainly on mutual courtesy and respect, and the promotion of safety for all students. Our Westminster Boarding program aims to establish a community of happy, successful, young people who are achieving their full potential.
- At Westminster School we have a tradition of developing strong and often enduring relationships with, not only our boarders, but with their families and friends. Such a culture comes from treating boarders as individuals, dealing with issues as if they involved members of one’s own family and an ability to consider matters in perspective. It is very important that we establish a relationship with the family. Just as each student will be part of our Boarding House family, we hope that their families will feel welcome and take the opportunity to keep in regular contact, particularly if there are any queries, problems or concerns.
Behaviour
- Students are encouraged to become responsible members of the Boarding community, showing consideration for others and doing all in their power to help the House to run harmoniously. Rules will be kept to a minimum and these will be dependent on the responsible behaviour of all members of the House.
- Bad language is not acceptable and a constructive attitude towards the rules and routines is expected. Truthfulness and honesty are highly respected qualities.
- Smoking and the consumption of alcohol or other drugs are not permitted. No student may be in possession of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs while associated with the School. Penalties are severe.
Academic Support
Homework
Students do their homework - Juniors in the Fricker Centre with a specialised teacher and Seniors study in their rooms or they can go to the Fricker Centre if they wish. Prep starts at 6.30 pm on weekdays. Students should be working individually or in small study groups. Assistance may be sought from staff on duty. Homework tutors are available from Monday to Thursday evening. Everyone works until suppertime at 8.30 pm. Seniors have optional study time between 9.30 pm and 10.15 pm.
Computers
Both boarding areas have six computers that are connected to the School computer network and provide boarders with access to email and the internet. Boarding students can bring their own laptops and each student will have network access that will allow them to access the internet and printing facilities.
The School’s Learning Resource Centre is open each school day until 5.00 pm and the STRETCH Centre is available at lunchtimes for extra assistance.
Meals
Led by qualified, experienced chefs, our catering team will tell you that our boarders’ dining room is always a hive of activity. As at home, mealtimes at Westminster offer the chance to sit down, enjoy a good home-style meal and ‘share your day’ with friends. Our boarders enjoy highly nutritious, balanced meals that are prepared in our own kitchen according to strict nutritional guidelines. We offer a variety of delicious, low-fat meals with a strong focus on fresh produce. Self-serve options, vegetarian alternatives and flexible meal-ordering systems mean there is something for everyone to enjoy, while our informal Sunday barbecues and theme nights add to the relaxed ‘family’ atmosphere.
Communication
Regular, easy communication with home is essential to our boarders. Small groups of students share a telephone and boarders are able to bring their own mobile telephones for use at certain times. Each boarding area is linked to our controlled and supported computing network, enabling easy emailing through our 24-hour high-speed broadband internet connection. Students can access shared computers, or opt to lease their own computer for use in their room.
Weekends / Exeats
There are eight exeats in our School year, two per term.
Term Dates for 2011
At the start of the year the Boarding House will open from 9.00 am (for new boarders) and 1.00 pm (for returning boarders).
School dismisses at 1.00 pm on the last day of each term. When boarders return after their holiday break at the start of each term the Boarding House will open from 9.00 am. In certain circumstances earlier returns can be arranged with the relevant Head of Boarding.
Term 1
Commences Tuesday 1 February to Friday 15 April. (11 weeks)
Term 2
Commences Tuesday 3 May to Friday 1 July (9 weeks)
Term 3
Commences Tuesday 26 July to Friday 30 September (10 weeks)
Term 4
Commences Tuesday 18 October to Thursday 15th December (9 weeks)
Exeats
These are weekends on which all students leave the Boarding House and go home or stay with friends or relatives. They provide an important break to the regimen of boarding life. The Boarding House reopens from 6.00 pm on the last day of exeats. In certain circumstances earlier returns can be arranged with the relevant Head of Boarding.
Term 1
Saturday 19 to Sunday 20 February 2011
Saturday 12 to Monday 14 March
Term 2
Saturday 21 to Sunday 22 May
Saturday 11 to Monday 13 June
Term 3
Saturday 13 to Sunday 14 August
Saturday 3 to Sunday 4 September
Term 4
Saturday 5 to Sunday 6 November
Saturday 26 to Sunday 27 November
Other holidays
Australia Day holiday Tuesday 26 January
Adelaide Cup holiday Monday 14 March
Easter Friday 22 to Monday 25 April
Anzac Day 26 April
Queen’s Birthday holiday Monday 13 June
School “Show Day” holiday Monday 5 September
Westminster School is proud to be a member of the Australian Boarding Schools Association (ABSA) which serves to support and develop best practice in residential communities across Australia.
Westminster School is a proud member of the
Australian Boarding Schools Association
