From the Principal
I extend a warm welcome for the 2025 academic year ahead, both to new and returning families and to staff and students. Over 240 new students and 14 new staff have been warmly welcomed to the College, and I look forward to getting better acquainted with these new faces during this term.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone for the warm welcome I have received at WestMAC. I have been overwhelmed by the positive reception that I have received from staff, students, families and the wider community since the announcement of my appointment. It is another reminder to me of the important role that our College plays across our community and I’m looking forward to connecting and engaging with our community over the coming weeks.
I would also like to acknowledge the outstanding contribution of Mr Geoff McLay, who has served the WestMAC community at an exceptionally high level for fourteen years. Geoff has worked tirelessly to help ensure that my transition in to the role is as structured and successful as possible and I am indebted to him for his time and effort.
Archbishop Jeremy Greaves - Messages to Schools
Archbishop Jeremy has recorded a 2025 message to the Anglican School communities.
I invite you to watch his welcome video by choosing one of the links to three age-related versions:
New School Year
Whether your sons and daughters are starting at WestMAC in 2025 or returning to us for another new year at the College, the first few days of a new school year can cause anxiety for some children.
I sourced the following pieces of advice from Monica Foley (Child Development Institute) that I hope, like me, you might find useful.
- Avoid Dismissing Your Child’s Fears
It is important to pay attention to your child’s fears and address them with empathy and understanding. Returning to school is a significant step for kids. It may seem minor to adults but children spend their entire day at school and then will, in most cases, have homework at night. Their lives revolve around school and the people they see there.
- Visit the School with Your Child
Especially with younger students if it is a new school. Visit your child's new classrooms, playground, library, and cafeteria. See if you can meet with your child's teacher while you're there. If they're not available, you can at least find out where their homeroom class will be. Don't forget about other important locations in the school. Locate the bathrooms, especially the ones along their daily path, so they'll know where they can go when they have a minute between classess.
- Point out the Positive Features of the School
By looking for the positive aspects, you can show your children that the new school year may be fun for them - at least in some ways. These positive aspects will give them something to look forward to as they return to school.
- Show Your Children their New Routine
Kids love routines and will benefit from seeing how the new year will affect them. Will your child ride the bus, walk to school, or will you take them every day? Find the quickest route for your child to get to school if they're going to walk. If a new school, take the time to drive or walk along that route so that they know where they're going. If you're going to be driving your child to school, take them with you as you drive by the school. Help them get familiar with the route you'll take each day.
- Involve Your Children in the Process of Getting Ready for the New School Year
Your children can help you pick out their school supplies and clothes for the new year. They can also help you think of new breakfast ideas or favourite foods they want for lunch and after-school snacks.
- Remind your Children that they have Overcome Other Challenges in their Lives
Your kids will feel more confident if they remember the other transitions they conquered.
Acknowledgement: Monica Foley “How to Help Your Children Get a Great Start in Their New School” Child Development Institute. January 2023
Andrew Peach
Principal