Rev Phil to Farewell Westminster

After nine years of service, Rev Phil Hoffmann will conclude his time as School Chaplain at the end of 2026, leaving a lasting contribution to the spiritual life, wellbeing and culture of Westminster.

Throughout his time at the School, Rev Phil has encouraged students, staff and families to consider the bigger questions in life and to make time for reflection, purpose and connection.

“As I reflect on nine years as Chaplain, I do so with gratitude and affection,” Rev Phil said.

“My approach to every student, every staff member and every parent has always been that each and every one of us is on a spiritual journey. It’s part of being human. We need to ask questions and find meaning.

“Rather than offer a particular path for all to tread, I have sought to encourage each individual in their seeking and discovery.”

Central to Rev Phil’s approach has been the importance of creating space in busy lives to consider what matters and the values that guide us.

“A key word that I hope students have picked up from me is ‘reflection’; in busy lives to stop a moment, find some quiet within and consider what is important in life and the values that guide our living,” he said.

“It has always heartened me that when it is the students’ role to lead Chapel, they include a space for calm and peace.”

Rev Phil’s contribution has extended well beyond Chapel.

He has been an active participant in School life, running Preparatory School debating, serving as Year 10 Football Manager and for four years leading the Walk for Tanzeed, which sees students walk from Henley Beach to Westminster in the early hours of the morning.

Since 2022, the walk has raised approximately $40,000 to support the development of a school in a Tanzanian village where previously there was none.

As a Uniting Church School, Westminster seeks to be a community in which values are fostered, shared and lived, with Rev Phil playing an important role in strengthening the School’s understanding and expression of this identity.

“My role has been to represent the Uniting Church, to be its presence in the School,” he said.

“I trust that what I have sought to offer in the role is consistent with who we are as part of the Uniting Church; an open, seeking, serving faith.”

Since the beginning of 2026, Rev Phil has also led staff in considering what spirituality and faith mean within the Westminster community, helping to articulate the values that will continue to guide this important aspect of School life and Westminster’s connection with the Uniting Church.

Westminster has also been much more than a workplace for Rev Phil, with four of his children having called the School their learning home.

“I value the staff who have cared for and taught them,” he said.

As he prepares for his next chapter, Rev Phil says Westminster will remain an important part of his own journey.

“Now, life calls in a different direction. But my experience is not left behind; I will always carry Westminster with me with the hope that its wonderful culture continues for generations of students to come.”

We thank Rev Phil for nine years of dedicated service. His contribution will remain an important part of our community long after he concludes his time at the School.