Westminster Begins New School Year

Westminster welcomed 391 students to campus this fall including 262 boarding students and 129 day students. The students represent 24 states and 18 countries. When they arrived at the top of Perkin Memorial Drive, they found a transformed residential area of the campus with two new student and faculty residences and an extended main lawn area. After making new friends and catching up with old friends during orientation, classes began Sept. 9.
 

At the first assembly of the year Sept. 10, Headmaster Bill Philip welcomed everyone to the new school year. He then talked about the school’s yearlong 125th anniversary celebration, which will conclude at the end of September, and how the Class of 2014 is Westminster’s 125th class. He also spoke about the importance of Westminster traditions and community moments such as assembly, chapel and family style dinners.
 

In his welcome to students, Head Prefect Pierce Cote ’14 told new students, “It doesn’t seem so long ago that I was in your position, a new freshman boarder, standing where you are now listening to the head prefect give his opening speech.” He then encouraged Third Formers to “meet as many people as possible,” Fourth Formers to reach out to new students in their class and “start getting prepared for the tough years ahead,” Fifth Formers to “stay organized and on top of your work” and Sixth Formers to make the most of the year and “live in the now,” although they may be anxious about college and the future. He said his goal for the year is to “enhance our great sense of community at Westminster.” “Community is what this school is all about,” he continued. “There is a tight-knit feeling between students, faculty and staff, and the relationships you establish here will last forever.” He also explained the morning’s Pin Ceremony, where Sixth Formers receive a Sixth Form pin or pendant designed by their form, and the Sign-In Ceremony, where new students sign the new student book signifying their entrance to the school. He closed by explaining Hill Holidays and the Sixth Form flag.