Douglas H. Forder (1961- 1976)
B.A, Bsc., M.A.C.E.
As the first Headmaster of Westminster School, Doug Forder was held in high esteem by students, staff and the community. Forder, Headmaster of Whyalla Technical High School, was appointed in March 1960. He oversaw the rapid development of buildings and grounds and the appointment of the foundation staff. Famously, Forder’s opening remarks at the School’s first assembly, ‘Let the life of the school begin’, are now etched into Westminster’s history. Ill health brought a premature retirement, and his death in 1979 was the cutting of ties for the person most responsible for guiding Westminster in its formative years.
Michael F. Murray (1977-1993)
B.A. (Hons)
As Westminster’s longest serving Headmaster, Murray was determined to make the school more than, as he described, ‘a Christian high school.’ Murray, previously Vice Principal at Geelong College, drove and supported the school becoming coeducational, and the school subsequently resolved to allow girls from the beginning of 1978. Murray encouraged the development of cottage style girls’ boarding to provide coeducational boarding facilities. He sought to appoint teachers who in his opinion had a broader commitment to the school, and who over time took ownership and pride in the school. Murray was a visionary, placing an emphasis on performing arts, culminating in the building of the Performing Arts Centre, later named in his honour.
David J. Hone (1994-1998)
M.Ed., B.A. (Hons), Cert. Ed., M.A.C.E.
Hone, who became the School’s first Head to be recognized as ‘Principal’, made significant advances in information technology. Previously Principal of Scotch Oakburn College in Launceston, Hone introduced laptop computers to staff and oversaw continued improvements in technological development. Communication with the school community improved through the introduction of Westminster News, and Hone forged a new relationship with Old Scholars. He evolved the concept of a Learning Resource Centre and furthered girls’ boarding in cottage care units. Hone pioneered The Sails Early Learning Centre and introduced the STRETCH program which provided students of varying abilities with individual learning programs.
Bradley T. Fenner (1999 – 2009)
B.A.(Hons.) B.Ed., M.A.C.E.
Previously at Armidale School in Tasmania, Fenner encouraged greater recognition of the School’s founders, underlining the strength of community the School had enjoyed from its inception. Fenner’s enthusiasm for international recognition of the school lead to its participation in the Round Square program, which greatly improved its status amongst independent schools within the state. He was instrumental in support for building of the Sports and Swimming Centre, which in turn enhanced the school’s position within the wider community. Fenner had an outstanding ability to remember students’ and parents’ names, and kept contact with students through classroom teaching.
Stephen Bousfield (2009– 2016)
B.Sc.M., B.Sc. (Hons), PGCE, M.A.C.E.
Bousfield was the first Principal to have been appointed from within the current school staff, having been Director of Studies for the 8 years prior to his appointment as Principal, as well as having been Acting Principal on several occasions while Bradley Fenner was on leave. Enrolments continued to increase during his time, whilst the international programs which began with the School’s involvement in Round Square, continued to evolve under Bousfield, with several strategic relationships commenced with schools in China. The area of international students at Westminster was also a strong focus. The annual Westminster Lights display was developed and encouraged during his tenure, and IT Central, the Boys Boarding Precinct and Mathwin Centre were built.
Simon Shepherd (2017 – present)
M Ed (Leadership) BA, GradDipOutdoorEd, PGC, CPP
Shepherd, previously Principal of SCOTTS PGC College in Warwick, Queensland, has overseen a rapid increase in boarder enrolments, where he has a keen focus. Similarly, total School enrolments have reached their highest number since commencement of the School. During his tenure, the School has seen construction of the Thomas Pavilion, the Enquiry and Innovation Hub, The Forder Centre, Murray Centre redevelopment and the Agricultural Centre.