Farewell to Principal Simon Shepherd

Following eight and a half years of dedicated and visionary leadership, Principal Simon Shepherd has announced that he will conclude his time at Westminster.

The decision follows a period of long service leave during Term 1 and has been made after thoughtful consideration and consultation with School Council.

With both of his sons now having graduated from Westminster and living interstate, Simon will relocate to Melbourne to be closer to family. He has accepted a Principal’s role where he will continue his leadership in education beginning Term 1, 2027.

Westminster Chair of Council, Craig Need acknowledged the profound and lasting contribution Simon has made to the School.

“Simon’s impact on Westminster will be felt for generations to come,” Mr Need said.

“He has been a visionary and values-led leader, guiding Westminster through a period of meaningful growth and transformation.”

“Under his leadership, the School has undergone a remarkable transformation across all facets, including strong enrolment growth, the evolution of programs, the delivery of six major capital developments and the embedding of Adventurous Education as a defining direction for the School.”

Appointed as Principal in 2017 by Chair Emeritus Phillip Styles OAM, Simon has led Westminster through a defining phase in the School’s history.

“His unwavering commitment to students and ability to see what Westminster could become have left a lasting impact on our School,” Mr Need said.

“He has given generously of himself over many years, and his contribution has helped shape Westminster into the School it is today.”

Deputy Principal and Head of Senior School Andrew Whiteman will continue in the role of Acting Principal until the end of the year, supported by an experienced and capable School leadership team.

Reflecting on his time at Westminster, Simon said he was deeply grateful for his time at the School.

“It has been a privilege to lead the Westminster community over the past eight and a half years, and I am deeply grateful for the trust and support of our students, families and staff,” he said.

“Together, we have experienced tremendous growth in all areas of the School, and I leave Westminster with great pride in what we have achieved as a community.”

“With my family now based interstate, I believe this is the right time to begin a new chapter. With a strong Leadership structure in place, led by Andrew Whiteman, and continuity already established during my period of long service leave, it feels an appropriate time to step away and allow the School to move forward with confidence.”

“I carry with me a deep appreciation for the people who make Westminster so special and every confidence in its continued strength and future direction.”

“I’m looking forward to taking the remainder of the year to travel, spend time getting to know Melbourne and return refreshed and ready for the next chapter.”

Mr Need acknowledged there will be no disruption to the day-to-day experience of Westminster students, with programs, staffing and School operations continuing as planned.

“Westminster is well placed for the future, with strong foundations and clear direction,” Mr Need said.

“We look forward to commencing an international search in the coming weeks to appoint our next Principal, who will build on Westminster’s strong foundations and lead the School into an exciting next chapter.”

Simon will address students at assembly on Wednesday 13 May, before officially concluding his tenure on Friday 15 May.