Head of Senior School - Edition 18 - 2020

Junior Play

I would like to congratulate all the cast and crew of the ‘Alice - Alive in Wonderland’, which, due to COVID-19 restrictions, was performed on Thursday and Friday last week to limited in-person audiences and also live streamed to a much wider audience, with some watching from as far afield as the UK. The quality of performances of all the cast was very high and was the result of many hours of organised rehearsal, along with a great deal of time spent by students learning their lines and thinking about their character. The interruption of the statewide lock down also provided another hurdle that the students successfully overcame. I would also like to congratulate the musicians who supported the actors with their high level of musicianship. It was a very entertaining and high-quality production.

To find a play that can cater for such a large group of students is not easy and is only possible due to the expertise of our Head of Drama, Mr John Doherty, who directed the play and encouraged the Year 8 to 10 students to display their talent. I’m sure the positive feedback from the audience will encourage many of the students to continue with their Drama studies.

A special mention must also be made to the Year 11 Drama students who provided guidance in a wide range of areas to the cast. This is a great example of the support the older students provide to the younger students within the Senior School.

End of Year

Students should begin cleaning out their lockers so that they are empty, as locker allocations for next year could change. I encourage all students and their families to check school uniforms towards the end of the holidays and take appropriate steps to ensure that they comply with the School’s Uniform Regulations.

2020 will not be a year which will be forgotten for the obvious reasons, but I believe there have been many examples of Westminster having a growth mindset and continually looking for ways to provide opportunities for our students to develop their talents. There have been many examples of students showing initiative to either come up with new activities or ways to maintain some sense of normality. I believe we have all learnt the importance of community and the benefits of being together.

Finally, I would like to extend to all students and their families my best wishes for the Christmas and New Year period and hope that it is a relaxing and enjoyable time. To those students who are leaving Westminster, I thank you for your contribution to the School and wish you all the best for the future. To those students who are returning, I also thank you for your efforts this year and encourage you to look positively to returning in 2021 with enthusiasm and determination to achieve the goals that you have set for yourselves.

David Wallage
Head of Senior School