Westminster Weekly - Edition 50
Preparatory School
A message from the Head of Preparatory School
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome to Term 2. I hope the break provided time to rest and reconnect, and that your family is ready for a purposeful and engaging term ahead.
We look forward to a vibrant term with many opportunities for students to be involved in meaningful learning, both in and beyond the classroom. A highlight this week was the Cross Country House Races. Thank you to those who joined us to support the students, whose enthusiasm and House spirit were evident throughout the afternoon. Congratulations to Wyvern House on their win.
This term we will pause to acknowledge significant moments such as the Spirit of ANZAC Walk, and celebrate occasions including Mother’s Day. Across all year levels, a range of excursions and incursions will further enrich learning and strengthen real-world connections.
We are pleased to introduce ‘Little Farmers – Big Adventures’ for our Prep students. This program offers hands-on learning experiences, including classroom activities and farm visits in partnership with the Senior School Agriculture program. Throughout the term, students will explore dairy farming, where food comes from and develop connections with older students, while engaging with the Australian Curriculum across Science, Technologies and Health.
In June, our Transition Orientation Days will begin. These sessions provide a warm introduction for our youngest learners as they become familiar with the School environment and begin their learning journey within our community.
Please view the Parent Portal on our website and click on your child's year level to view their Term 2 overview, along with the Term 2 planner to support you in keeping track of key dates and events. We look forward to sharing a traffic and building update next week.
Wishing all students and families a positive and rewarding term ahead.
Simon McKenzie
Head of Preparatory School
Promotional Filming in the Preparatory School
Please note that promotional filming will take place in the Preparatory School on Wednesday 29 April during WestFit.
This filming is being managed by the School’s Marketing team and will capture general imagery for future promotional use, ensuring minimal disruption to students.
If you do not wish for your child to be included in any filming or photography, please contact us at help@westminster.sa.edu.au
Lego Engineering & Robotics Trial
Westminster will welcome Lego Engineering & Robotics to the Preparatory School as a trial program in Term 2, delivered by STEM company Young Engineers.
This opportunity invites students in Years 1 and 2 to explore hands-on problem solving, creativity and foundational engineering concepts in an engaging and practical setting.
Please note this program sits outside the School’s co-curricular offering. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-in basis.
All sessions will be led by Young Engineers, with Westminster Preparatory School leadership present to supervise and support students onsite, ensuring a safe and positive learning environment.
Click here to learn more.
If you have any questions, please contact help@westminster.sa.edu.au
Save the Date: Scholastic Book Fair
The Scholastic Book Fair is returning to Westminster in Term 2, offering students a wonderful opportunity to explore a wide range of books and build their love of reading.
The Book Fair will be held across Weeks 3 to 5, with classes visiting to browse and create wish lists before the Fair opens for purchases.
Key dates:
- Wednesday 6 May
Book Fair setup - Thursday 7 May – Wednesday 13 May
Class visits to explore the Fair and create wish lists - From Wednesday 13 May
Book Fair open for purchases:- Wednesday 13 May, 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
- Thursday 14 May – Tuesday 19 May, 8:00 am – 9:00 am
If these times are not suitable, families are warmly invited to arrange an alternative visit by contacting plibrary@westminster.sa.edu.au
Family Reading Month – Read Every Day in May
In May, the School will celebrate Family Reading Month alongside our upcoming Book Fair, inviting families to take part in our Read Every Day in May challenge.
The idea is simple. Set aside ten minutes each day to read together as a family, record your progress on the entry form, and go into the draw to win a pack of books. Prize packs will be awarded in both Junior Primary and Upper Primary categories.
Family Reading Month is a wonderful opportunity to build strong reading habits, nurture a love of stories and spend meaningful time together. To learn more about its benefits, click here.
Further details about the Book Fair and Family Reading Month will be shared at the start of Term 2. In the meantime, we encourage families to begin building a daily reading routine at home.
Preparatory School Upcoming Key Dates
Monday 27 April, Year 5 - 6 Chess Club Starts 3.45 pm – 5 pm
Tuesday 28 April, Year 6 AI Interactive Day and Year 5 - 6 Drama Club Starts
Wednesday 29 April, Parent Teacher interviews 4pm - 8pm (Online)
Thursday 30 April, Debating Club Starts 3.45 pm – 5 pm
Monday 11 May - Winter Uniform Changeover