Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new Preparatory School building and why is it being built?
The new Preparatory School building is a purpose-designed, two-level facility being developed in the second chapter of the School’s Campus Masterplan, titled Future Foundations. The building aims to deliver a modern, inspiring environment that supports a contemporary approach to the early years of learning. All of this is consistent with the School’s strategic plan, An Adventurous Education.
When will construction begin and how long will it take?
Construction is expected to commence at the end of 2025, with the new building projected to open for the start of the 2027 school year.
Where will the new building be located and how will it affect drop-off, pick-up, and access to other facilities?
The new building will be located in the northwest corner of the School, replacing the older single storey buildings that house Prep Art and most of the Junior Primary classrooms. We know that traffic movement, parking and current collection/drop off points in this part of the School will be affected but in what way is still subject to considered discussion and planning. As soon as these plans are agreed to a workable level, we will share them with our families.
Will the current Preparatory School remain open during construction?
Yes, The Preparatory School will operate with all programs continuing to be offered. The ‘decanting process’ is currently being prepared. This will ensure that Junior Primary classes, including Transition, still have their own space within our existing network of classrooms while construction is underway.
Which year levels will be affected during the rebuild?
As this replaces Junior Primary classrooms, it will initially affect Reception to Year 3, as well as 2026’s Transition class. With the Preparatory School Art Centre also being impacted, all Preparatory School students will do their Art in a new studio to be established at the back of the old Boarding Dining Hall. Much of this movement will be done during school holidays to keep the impact of change as low as possible.
What year groups will be housed in the new building?
This building has been specifically designed to open with classrooms for Reception through to Year 3. As the new facility will feature a suite of flexible spaces, other years or small class groups may also timetabled from time-to-time into these spaces, according to availability.
Will class sizes change as a result of the new building?
Individual class sizes will not be increased to cater for more students, but the new building does provide greater flexibility should a class need to be added to a year level.
How will the School ensure a nurturing and secure environment in the new space, especially while this part of the School becomes a construction zone?
This is of paramount importance to the School as it is to families to ensure that the potential impact of any change is well-managed. It is also why so much effort is being put into reconfiguring our existing classroom usage so that we are not reliant on temporary structures for our youngest students.
What about the rest of the Prep School? Are you planning on redeveloping that?
This new building is the first to be built in the Preparatory School, which will undergo further redevelopment over the next decade. This is a long-term vision, allowing time for the School to budget and plan appropriately for what is to come and when it should happen.
How will the School keep families informed throughout the process?
We will be providing regular updates to advise of progress. This will be done through our usual means - emails, social media, the School’s website and face-to-face sessions, as required. Of course, if any family has a question outside of these channels, please do not hesitate to contact the School, T: 08 8276 0276 or E: help@westminster.sa.edu.au. Depending on the nature of the question, it may be added generally to this list of FAQs to be shared with other families.
Will the play area/space change?
As play is crucial to the development of any young child, the existing playground will remain open. There may be some marginal adjustments required to comply with the fenced construction zone, but they will not take away from the use of this important play space. Excitingly, a new playground will be built on the eastern side of the new Preparatory School building to replace the current OSHC House and the Principal’s residence, Highmoor. This new nature play space will follow in 2027 and is expected to cater for a range of primary year levels in its layout, equipment and challenge offered.
Will the children be shown a flythrough prior to it starting so that they don’t become anxious about the change?
The approach we take to update our youngest students on this project will be carefully crafted with the expert help of our Junior Primary staff. Their student care and understanding will be essential throughout the process, as will yours be at home.
Where can parents view footage of the new area?
As material is prepared and updated, website links will be shared with our families in the first instance.