Families Gather on Williams Hill for Parents and Family Weekend

On October 22–24, Westminster families attended Parents and Family Weekend to meet with teachers and advisors, connect with other families, and enjoy many aspects of student life on Williams Hill. The weekend schedule included art events, athletic contests, campus tours, and a range of informational programs and panels. 

An annual tradition of the fall weekend, the Performing Arts Concert in Werner Centennial Center on Thursday evening included polished performances by the Concert Band, Advanced Chamber Ensemble, String Ensemble, Chamber Choir, Chorale, and Dance Ensemble. Head of School Elaine White welcomed the audience and expressed her gratitude to the parents and families in attendance. “Thank you for nurturing these artistic spirits from their very first notes and dance steps, and for traveling from near and far to be here tonight.” White encouraged students to continue to welcome their families into their daily lives at Westminster. “Share with them the places, people, traditions, and experiences that make this school special to you and help them feel part of the community you know so well,” said White.

Prior to Thursday’s concert, the Westminster Parents Committee hosted an informal welcome reception at the Simsbury Inn. Earlier in the afternoon, international families gathered in Hinman Reading Room for a panel featuring student leaders from the International Student Organization who offered helpful insights and practical guidance for navigating the school year.

Between enjoying student art exhibits across campus, taking advantage of sibling campus tours and interviews, and supporting the Cole Library book sale, parents met in person with their children’s teachers and advisors during scheduled conferences starting on Friday. A delicious buffet lunch was served in Gund Dining Hall, while the Fall Parents Committee meeting and luncheon took place in Adams Dining Hall to review avenues for engagement and volunteering, with a special focus on how parents support the school’s various Admissions events and initiatives. 

In Armour Academic Center, parents had the opportunity to explore the Signature Experiences Open House, where they learned from faculty and students about distinctive Westminster experiences and opportunities for student involvement in community life, academic interests, and co-curricular organizations.
 
On Friday afternoon, parents could attend sessions exploring how Westminster is incorporating artificial intelligence into teaching and learning, as well as the role of athletics in the college application and recruitment process. Fifth Form students and parents convened on Saturday for a helpful and detailed presentation by the College Counseling Office on the college search and application process.
 
After a range of exciting home games on Friday, the dedication of the Class of 2027 leachers took place at Hovey Field. Form Dean Brian O’Callaghan, Head of School Elaine White, and Sixth Form students Hunter Grace ’27 and Hopie Fooshee ’27 spoke with gratitude about the generosity, community building, and lasting impact that were a part of the Class of 2027 Gift—beautiful natural stone bleachers overlooking Hovey Field. “What was once a simple grassy hillside is now a welcoming place for students, families, and friends to gather, whether for athletic contests or school events,” said White. The space was enjoyed by Westminster and visiting fans alike for the field hockey and varsity boys’ soccer games that evening, and senior night celebrations for a number of teams added to the excitement across campus, along with food trucks and a wonderful sense of Westminster School spirit.

The coming months offer Westminster parents and families additional opportunities to come to campus, including Candlelight Services on December 16 and Winter Parents and Family Weekend, which will feature classroom visits, on February 19–20, 2027.