Head of Senior School - Edition 18 - 2022

Junior Play

I would like to congratulate all the cast and crew of the ‘Raspberry Beret’, which was performed on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday two weeks ago. The quality of performances by the entire cast were very high and were the result of many hours of organised rehearsal, along with time spent by students learning their lines and thinking about their character. It was a very entertaining and thoughtful production.

To find a play that can cater for such a large group of students is not easy and the expertise of Head of Drama John Doherty in ensuring the students are able to play character to their acting strengths is highly evident. I’m sure the positive feedback from the audience that the students received will encourage many of them to continue with their Drama studies.

A special mention must also be made of 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 that the older students provide to the younger students within the Senior School.

End of Year

Returning students have begun cleaning out their lockers so that they are left empty. This is important as locker allocations for next year could change.

2022 will not be a year forgotten for obvious reasons. But I believe there have been many examples of Westminster having a growth mindset and looking for ways to provide opportunities to the 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.

As this is my last eNews article, I would like to thank all the staff, students and families for their support and best wishes for my retirement at the end of this year. I have been very lucky to have been able to teach in such a vibrant and relationship-focused school and to have seen so many young people find their passion and then share it with the rest of the community. I have many positive memories of my time at Westminster, which I will cherish, and I am grateful for the friendships I have made with staff and families.

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. I encourage you look positively to returning in 2023 with enthusiasm and determination to achieve the goals that you have set for yourselves.

Important Notes for End of Term

• This is the last eNews for 2022. We’ll return in Term 1 Week 2 2023.
• The School Main Reception, Prep Office, Senior School Office and Business Office will be closed on Thursday 15 December from 12.00 to 5.00 pm. They will reopen for normal hours from Friday 16 until Thursday 22 December. Please note the ELC and OSHC continue to operate as per normal.
• Full holiday closure covers Friday 23 December 2022 to Friday 6 January 2023. If you need to contact the School urgently, please email ws@westminster.school
• School Main Reception opens again on Monday 9 January 2023.
• Senior School Reception opens again on Monday 9 January 2023.
• Preparatory School Reception opens again on Monday 23 January 2023.
• The School will be closed on Thursday 26 and Friday 27 January for the Australia Day long weekend.
• During any times of closure, if you need to contact the School, please email ws@westminster.school
• Before School closes for Christmas, all parents and caregivers will receive an email from Consent2Go asking you to review and update your child’s health/medical information held by us and to update any contact information for yourself or nominated emergency contacts. We ask that you please review and update before School recommences for Term 1 2023. If you are already up-to-date, this will require you to do very little.

David Wallage
Head of Senior School