Head of Senior School - Edition 19 - 2023

Reflecting on Growth and Community

As my first full year of Westminster draws to a close, I have been spending time reflecting on what has happened across the four terms. We talk often about true growth taking place when we are out of our comfort zone, which by default starts us in a somewhat uncomfortable place. Changing your work level, changing friendship groups, moving schools are all examples of moving into ‘an uncomfortable place’ but one that presents many great opportunities, allowing us to change and grow. For me, starting at Westminster was a step into the unknown but I can honestly say any feelings of ‘discomfort’ were quickly overridden by the enjoyment of being embraced by a wonderful community. From the moment I arrived at Westminster, I have felt welcomed and at home.

At this time of year, I have seen a range of student emotions running throughout the School. At one end I see the excitement of finishing the year and completing the last assessment pieces and at the other, tired students continuing to show up and engage in the last days of school. The end of year brings us a chance to reflect on the many wonderful things that have been achieved in just four terms, which seem to have gone quickly for me at least. In Term 1, I was a new member of the Westminster community, struggling to remember student names. But I have found my feet in a year that has offered me growth, challenges and most certainly many moments of joy and happiness. I still may struggle with names from time to time but at least know that I will be on a level playing field with other long-serving staff when we welcome new students to Westminster in 2024. What I can say with confidence is that my move to Westminster has been a very good one.

I would like to thank you, the parents and families of our students, for the encouragement, guidance and support you give our students, helping them develop each and every day. When School, families and students are all able to work in a three-way partnership, it is where we see the most meaningful growth in our students. There will always be times of challenge in our lives and, as a school, we embrace the fact that things will not always turn out how we want. However, we know it is how we approach and overcome those challenges that provide the platform to be successful in life. Thank you for entrusting us with your children's education and for being our partners in this journey.

There never seems to be a slow week at Westminster and this is something I have thoroughly enjoyed. Around the last eNews, we had just held our Prize Giving Ceremony, Valedictory Service and Dinner. It was an outstanding day of recognition and celebration with students, families, staff and special guests, culminating in our Year 12 graduates being officially announced as our latest and youngest cohort of Old Scholars. It was a magnificent capture of the all-round effort of our Year 12s in their final year. In the past fortnight there have been many other events of note. Our Junior Play was held with many fantastic student performances; our Preparatory School had Strings concerts; the 2024 Year 12 Student Leaders attended a leadership camp at Victor Harbor; our Year 8s learnt first aid and outdoor education skills needed for next year’s Westventure. These were all on top of Year 11 students completing their exams and Year 10s engaging in a day of service and a week of Research Project. To cap off the whole of School community events, our fantastic Carols on the Green evening held on Thursday 7 December brought over 1500 of us together to enjoy a magical moment of festive celebration. It was a truly amazing evening that was made extra special by students from across the School joining together. There is never a dull moment at Westminster!

I trust that you and your families have a very Merry Christmas and relaxing break. I am already looking forward to 2024 and welcoming current and new families to another year packed with great opportunities and offerings.

Congratulations Alex Gellert

Amongst a team featuring some of the state’s best baseball players, we congratulate Alex Gellert who was recently presented with the Year 10 Most Valuable Player at the Diamond Sports Academy for Baseball.

BusMinder 2024

Thank you to those families who are supporters of our School bus service and users of BusMinder. In preparation for 2024, there are some key points to note:

• Adelaide Coachlines who has run our School bus service for round 20 years has been sold and from 2024 will be operated by Willunga Charter, another well-known school bus operator in Adelaide. Some of the Adelaide Coachlines drivers will be transferring to Willunga Charter but there is no guarantee the drivers who have been on the Westminster runs will continue to drive on the same runs.
• There are no planned changes to any of the routes, although once the new school year commences there may be some tweaks to stops in line with changes in family demand (as occurs every year).
• Willunga Charter operates BusMinder. All account details you have set up will remain intact, including any account balance in credit, but it will require all families to load a new version of the BusMinder app that aligns with Willunga Charter. As the transfer of ownership occurs after the end of the school year, no further action is required at this time. The School will be in contact during the second half of January 2024 to let you know details of the correct app to choose. Once you have downloaded, you will see there is little difference with the BusMinder you have been using during 2023. You will find all the runs and information set up for the School and your child, including their accounts.
• There will be a change in pricing for next year’s services to both casual trips and term passes. Details will be provided in January 2024.
• For new families, we don’t require you to use the ‘booking onto a run’ facility in BusMinder. This may change as demand on services change but we intend to start the year without the need to take bus service bookings.
• If you have an outstanding BusMinder balance to settle, you will continue to see reminders requesting you to do so. We ask that this be done by Friday 15 December 2023.

Thank you for your support in 2023. On behalf of the School and all families who use the School bus service, we have thanked Adelaide Coachlines for their dedication and professionalism through 20 years of transporting our students to and from School (with many an excursion in between).

Andrew Whiteman
Head of Senior School