Westminster School celebrated its 57th Opening Day on Tuesday, August 28, 2018. The 2018-2019 school year promises to be one of the best yet. Many exciting changes are taking place to enhance the students' and teachers' experience at school. The most exciting news is that our preschool children have been able to join us on the main campus!

In addition, all of the chalkboards in the building were converted to white boards (special thanks to the Class of 2016 for their generous gift which paid for half of the boards to be resurfaced). Several classrooms got a fresh coat of paint and new carpeting, some spaces were repurposed to allow room for the preschool and new lunchroom tables were purchased so that the 7th and 8th grade students may enjoy lunch together in the theater every day. A heroic effort led by Mr. Shipman and Mr. Dasek in the maintenance office meant that the school was looking gorgeous on the first day of school. Thank you to the many student, parent, and alumni volunteers who came in during the summer to help with "the big move!"

Our theme for the 2018-2019 school year is "WORDS!" As a school community, we will be exploring, experimenting with, and celebrating words, language and communication. We hope to encourage a new appreciation for the vast and glorious English language. It has always been a tenet of Westminster School to raise effective communicators, but now more than ever, we want to recommit to this important mission of Westminster School. We welcome you to join us as we strive to expand our vocabulary, deepen our understanding of the etymology of words, and become more adept users of the English language.

On Friday, August 24, we officially welcomed our new families to Westminster School. Parents had the opportunity to attend a coffee where they learned more about what to expect the first few weeks. Children visited their classrooms and got to know one another and their teachers. This year, our preschool families were with us as well. The children were so excited to see their own desks, cubbies, and lockers. The new families include two graduates who are bringing their children for kindergarten--Ruhee Sathaye Damle--Class of 1990 and Kathryn Moss Browning--Class of 1996. Nothing makes us happier than that!

This annual tradition has made the first day of school much easier for the children and parents. Thanks to all those who attended! If you were unable to attend, please click on the video for a glimpse into the day.

After an eight-year run at St. Alban's Church, The Griffin Academy of Westminster School has come home to the main campus. The Preschool Director, Kris Lee and her staff of wonderful preschool teachers did a fantastic job of decorating their new spaces and preparing for our youngest griffins.

Last night's Meet-the-Teachers Night was a great success with a large turnout of our wonderful parents eager to learn more about the coming year. The teachers gave great presentations and provided helpful hints to the parents about how they can help their children make the most of the school year. As is tradition, parents and staff gathered on the island for a reception following the information sessions. The Golden Triangle is holding strong at Westminster School.

mel·lif·lu·ous

məˈliflo͞oəs/

adjective

adjective:  mellifluous

Origin

late 15th century: from late Latin  mellifluus  (from  mel  ‘honey’ +  fluere  ‘to flow’) + -ous.