Head of Preparatory School - Edition 14 - 2022

As the end of a busy term, approaches, I have no doubt that students and families are looking forward to a break in order to reset and recharge. The winter season has taken a toll on a number of children and, combined with lingering COVID complications, the children, parents and staff of the Preparatory School have done exceptionally well to reach this point.

It will be important to recharge over the break as Term 4 will be a very busy one with Grandparents' and Special Friends' Day, Year 3 and Year 5 Camps, ELC and Year 6 Graduations, Nativity, Orientation Day and all of the usual end of year celebrations and preparations.

A couple of changes

As we head into the final term of the year, we have a bit of a shuffle in the staffing of the Preparatory School. Year 2 teacher Kristy Moody ('94) will be taking a very well-earned break with long service leave for Term 4. Her Year 2 class will be guided by Ms Ruby Harris throughout Term 4. I will also be on long service leave and Alison Barr will step effortlessly into the role of Acting Head of the Preparatory School. Filling the vacated Deputy Role will be Belinda Daniel. Her Year 5 class in turn will be looked after throughout Term 4 by Ms Justine Shields who has been a regular member of staff throughout 2022. Both Kristy and Belinda have met with their replacements to ensure a smooth hand over and continuity of the learning programs for the children.

Year 5 Specialist Strings Performance for ELC Children

Recently, the older children from the Early Learning Centre were treated to a performance by our Year 5 Specialist Strings group. The students in our Year 5 Band Program have elected not to commence learning a new wind instrument but rather to spend the year extending their skills on their string instruments. The group performs regularly throughout the year. They recently presented a performance for our ELC Karalta children. The Year 5 students really enjoyed performing for these younger students. The concert was a more informal presentation and we hope that the ELC children learnt something new about these instruments. The group is directed by Samantha Penny.

State Athletics Champions

A number of our students recently competed for South West in the Athletics SAPSASA State Championships.

Below is a summary of our results.

Notable performances were from Jayden Brijmohan (Year 6 Abbey): Gold medal in the 200m; Georgia Davison (Year 5 Wesley): Silver medal in the shot put and discus; Liam Evans (Year 5 Charter): Silver medal in the discus; Chelsea Ireland (Year 6 Crown): Silver medal in the 1500m and Bronze in the 800m; Alex Heneker (Year 5 Charter): Bronze in the discus and shot put; Ignatios Samaras (Year 6 Mace): Bronze in the 200m.

The South West team (which included 14 out students) also won the teams section.

Congratulations to all our students who represented Westminster so well.

Disc Golf

As an ex-sports teacher, I thought I knew about most sports. I was recently reminded that there is still a great deal to learn when I heard about Henry Arnold (Year 6 Charter) and his impressive achievements at disc golf. I resorted to Youtube:

Henry recently competed in the SA Disc Golf Open and won his division. The event was held at Harry Bowey Reserve in Salisbury and attracted 74 local and interstate players. The format was 27 holes on Saturday and another 27 holes on Sunday. A lot of walking and throwing - and often in the rain too! Each round took roughly four hours so it was definitely a test of endurance and skill.

He is really embracing disc golf as a sport and as a result of his efforts, he will now play in the Australian nationals on the Sunshine Coast in November.

Congratulations Henry!

Show Success

Percy McIntosh (Year 3 Wyvern) was rewarded for his creativity recently when he won three awards at the Royal Adelaide Show in the Junior Textile competition. He received first, second and third place in various sections. His creations were a mixture of being hand sewn and done on a sewing machine.

After School Supervision

As families would be aware, the opportunities for students at Westminster beyond the usual school day are many and varied. Some students, particularly those in Years 3 to 6, can be actively involved in activities beyond the usual school day, every day of the week if they choose carefully. For those students who do not have a scheduled activity after school, we provide structured care in our OSHC where students will be fed as well as supported either with activities or homework if they prefer. Please contact Tayla at TMaurici@westminster.sa.edu.au if you would like to book your child into OSHC.

Prep students are not permitted to head to the Senior School Library after 3.30 pm or to any other part of the grounds as it is not possible for staff to supervise them in these locations.

Code Camp

As school holidays approach, students wanting to attend Code Camp at Westminster should look to book a place early to benefit from the Early Bird offer.

Diary Dates

• End of Term 3 - Friday 30 September at 12.40 pm
  
• Code Camp - Monday 10 to Wednesday 12 October
• First Day Term 4 Tuesday 18 October
• Prep Water Safety and Aquatics Sessions - Monday 24 October - Thursday 3 November
• Year 3 Camp – Narnu Farm - Wednesday 26 – Thursday 27 October
• Westminster Open Day - Thursday 3 November
• Years 3 – 6 Swimming Carnival - Friday 4 November
• Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day - Monday 21 November
• Year 5 Camp Goolwa - Monday 5 – Thursday 8 December
• JP Celebration Lunch - Thursday 8 December
• Westminster Nativity Performance - Thursday 8 December
• Westminster Carols Night - Thursday 8 December
• Preparatory Orientation Day - Friday 9 December
• ELC Graduation - Friday 9 December
• Certificate Ceremony - Tuesday 13 December
• End Term 4 - Wednesday 14 December at 12.40 pm

Grant Bock
Head of Preparatory School