Highlights from Parents and Family Weekend

Parents and Family Weekend brought Westminster families to campus October 10–11, for meaningful conversations, connections, and community. The focus of the annual fall event was parent-teacher conferences, student performances, and programming designed to support and inform families about form-specific experiences and priorities. 

Friday morning was busy with parent–teacher conferences happening in-person and virtually so parents could learn more about their children’s academic growth and experience so far. “It is always a tremendous gift to get one-on-one time with our children’s teachers,” said Polly Goodyear P’25, ’28. Fellow parent Carolyn Durand P’28, ’28 shared, “The conferences give us insight on the curriculum and how each teacher sees the scope of the class and how our students contribute. The culture of Westminster fosters positivity and accessibility both for us and for the kids.” 

The Fall Performing Arts Festival in Werner Centennial Center, another weekend highlight, featured incredible student performances in many musical genres, theater, and dance. During lunch in Gund Dining Room, Head of School Elaine White and Parents Committee Co-Chair Ali Dwyer Edwards ’95 P’27 welcomed families and spoke about the value of partnership within the Westminster community. “Westminster gives you the gift of security that helps you take risks and gain confidence in your abilities,” Edwards said. “Our advice is to jump in wherever it suits you—attend games and performances, get to know your children’s friends and their parents, and connect with the teachers who spend so much time with our kids.” 

Afternoon activities included the first Parents Committee meeting of the year, the Class of 2026 Pavilion dedication, a spirited Friday volleyball game that rallied students and parents alike, and the Head of School Open House at Pratt House. Anna de la Fe P’25, ’26 noted, “Parents and Family Weekend is a time to be fully present and engaged in the Westy community. I love the opportunity to connect with other parents.” 

Saturday continued with additional parent-teacher conferences, and Anita Davis P’28 shared, “It was such a pleasure to meet [our son’s] teachers in person and see first-hand where his learning takes place. Walking the halls of Armour enables us to imagine what our student’s day-to-day life is actually like.” Families could also attend various programs to learn about the student experience and opportunities across forms, including the Fifth Form College Counseling session, and cheer on their children at athletic contests in the afternoon. 

The coming months usher in additional opportunities for parents and families to be on campus, including Candlelight (December 17) and Winter Parent and Family Weekend (February 20-21, 2026), when families can attend classes alongside students.