We look forward to welcoming our new boarding students to Westminster for the Boarding Orientation 2027, from Thursday 19 November to Saturday 21 November.
Starting Boarding is an exciting milestone but we know it can also feel a little daunting, both for new boarders and the families dropping them off.
Over three days, students will settle into Boarding, meet fellow boarders and staff and begin to feel at home at Westminster.
Each new boarder will be connected with a Year 11 WEST Mate, providing a friendly face to help them settle in and answer questions. This connection will continue as they begin their Westminster journey in 2027.
Our new boarders will join also join all new students commencing at Westminster in 2027 for Senior School Orientation Day, giving them the opportunity to experience School life and meet more of their new peers.
Boarding Orientation Program
Thursday 19 November – Welcome to Boarding
From 3.00 pm | Boarding Precinct
New boarding students arrive at Westminster and begin their Boarding Orientation experience, with time to settle in, meet Boarding staff and fellow new boarders and become familiar with their new surroundings.
The afternoon and evening will include activities designed to help students connect and experience what life as a Westminster boarder will be like.
Schedule:
3.00 pm | Drop-off and Welcome
3.30 pm | Meet Your WEST Mate
4.00 pm | Explore Boarding
4.45 pm | Getting to Know You
5.45 pm | Dinner Together
6.45 pm | Westminster Amazing Race
8.00 pm | Dessert and Downtime
9.00 pm | Back to Boarding
9.30 pm | WEST Mate Check-in
9.45 pm | Wind Down
Friday 20 November – New Student Orientation Day
8.50 am to 3.30 pm | Senior School
Boarding students will join day students who are also new to Westminster in 2027 for our New Student Orientation Day.
Throughout the day, students will meet their Head of House, connect with their student buddy, tour the Senior School, experience Westminster lessons and meet other students who will be joining the School in 2027.
Students will also be introduced to Westminster’s extensive Co-curricular Program, including opportunities across sport, performing arts and clubs.
Following Orientation Day, boarding students will return to the Boarding Precinct for their second evening together.
To view the New Student Orientation Day Program, click here.
Schedule after the New Student Orientation Day:
3.30 pm | Afternoon Tea and Reconnect
4.00 pm | WEST Mate Group Challenge
5.00 pm | Free Time
6.00 pm | Dinner Together
7.00 pm | WEST Mate Friday Night Activity
8.00 pm | Outdoor Movie and Campfire
9.00 pm | Back to Boarding
9.30 pm | WEST Mate Check-in
9.45 pm | Wind Down
Saturday 21 November – Family Brunch
Boarding Orientation concludes with a Family Brunch, bringing our new boarders and their families together with members of the Boarding community before beginning their Westminster journey in 2027.
Please RSVP for Boarding Orientation and the Family Brunch through the registration form and let us know of any dietary requirements.
To register, click here.
Schedule:
9.45 am | Families Arrive
10.00 am | New Boarders and Family Brunch
10.15 am | Welcome from the Director of Boarding
11.15 am | Farewell
Preparing for Boarding Orientation
Co-curricular Activities
During New Student Orientation Day, students will be introduced to Westminster’s extensive Co-curricular Program and the many opportunities available across sport, performing arts and clubs.
Co-curricular nominations for 2027 will open to new families ahead of Orientation. We encourage families to discuss activity choices together before submitting nominations as participation can involve training, performances, competitions and weekend commitments.
Meals, Dietary and Medical Requirements
All meals during Boarding Orientation will be provided.
Please advise us of any dietary requirements or medical information we need to be aware of through the Boarding Orientation registration form.
Uniform Fittings
Dedicated Uniform Shop appointments will be available for boarding families from 10.00 am on Thursday 19 November and Friday 20 November.
Families who will be in Adelaide at another time are welcome to book an appointment on an alternative date.
If booking a uniform fitting on Orientation Day, an Enrolments staff member will escort your child from class to the Uniform Shop. Parents can meet their child at the Uniform Shop at the dedicated time and following the fitting, their buddy will return them to class.
To book your Uniform Shop appointment, click here.
Please also refer to the Years 7 to 12 Uniform Information and Uniform Shop for further information about Westminster uniform requirements.
What to Bring
For Your Boarding Stay
Students should bring:
- Sleeping bag
- Pillow
- Towel
- Toiletries
- Comfortable sleepwear
- Clothing and personal items for their two-night stay
- Any required personal medications.
For New Student Orientation Day
Students should wear neat casual clothing suitable for all planned sessions, including PE lessons and activities. School uniform is not required.
Students should:
- Wear closed-in shoes. Thongs, Crocs and Birkenstock-style shoes are not suitable as some sessions may take place in laboratories.
- Bring a backpack or bag for personal belongings.
- Bring a pencil case and notebook.
- Bring a water bottle. Water filling stations are available throughout the School.
- Pack additional snacks if required. Meals will be provided.
- Leave laptops and iPads at home as they will not be required.
- Keep mobile phones in their bag if they need to bring one to School. Students remain responsible for their personal belongings.
- Wear no jewellery and ensure hair is neat and tidy.
