From the Principal - Edition 18 - 2022

There always seems to be a lot happening over the last few weeks of the school year. There are exams, end of year programs and a growing air of anticipation about the upcoming holiday season. There have been farewells for graduating students and staff who won’t be at Westminster in 2023. We have had tremendous community events and celebrations to end 2022, such as the Junior Primary Nativity and the Christmas Carols for the whole School. Our last major community gathering will be at our final farewell for retiring Head of Senior School, David Wallage. At year’s end, we enjoy these wonderful opportunities to come together as a School community before we head off to spend time with our families and friends over the festive season.

This year started as another challenge for all of us. We thought we would be emerging from the shadows of the pandemic but instead, the tsunami continued. The Class of 2022 bore the brunt of the pandemic as it impacted on their Years 10, 11 and 12. Yet, throughout all of this, they were upbeat, resolute and compassionate. They not only made the most of the opportunities they created, but inspired the rest of the student body to share in them. We wish them all the best over the coming week as they wait for their results, the first step in helping them on the next stage of their journey. They have been a terrific cohort and all of them have found ways to lead the School in their own way.

Next year, we will start with our Commencement Assembly. At that event, we will share our theme for the year, welcome all new staff and students and induct our Student Leaders from across the Preparatory and Senior Schools. Next year will see us growing and evolving further as we look for more ways to hold community-focused assemblies. Please look out for our announcements around these, which will generally be made through our eNews.

Thank you for your support throughout 2022. For all families returning to Westminster or joining us for the first time, we look forward to 2023. We hope that we can continue to gather and evolve with greater regularity as a vibrant School community to achieve more than we ever thought possible.

Here’s to wishing you all the best for Christmas and a safe festive season.

Simon Shepherd
Principal