News

November 2024

In celebration of National Agriculture Day, we proudly recognie the monumental achievements in Westminster School's Agriculture Program this year. 

Our Agriculture Program has reached new heights this year, showcasing our commitment to excellence in the sector. Our greatest endeavours include:

Thomas Foods International Centre for Agriculture: 

The opening of this state-of-the-art facility provides a hub for agricultural learning, advancing our students' knowledge and experiences in a world-class environment.

Award-Winning Produce: 

Westminster was honored with Best School Wine nationally and Best School Olive Oil at the state level. These achievements are even more significant in South Australia, which produces around 80% of the nation’s premium wines.

Enhanced Curriculum: 

This year, our students have engaged with cutting-edge technology, from AI applications and reproductive tech to aquaculture practices in our new RAS facility. As an established Border Leicester stud, we offer unique opportunities for students to gain real-world skills in breeding and livestock management.

Show Team Success: 

Record engagement with our Show Team this year has allowed students to demonstrate their dedication, resulting in numerous accolades and fostering a strong sense of community pride.

These achievements align with Australia’s national agricultural goals, contributing to the vision of a $100 billion farm gate output by 2030. We are proud to honor the rural families connected to Westminster and celebrate the vibrant, innovative, and life-sustaining world of agriculture. Be sure to stay tuned for more information about how to purchase some of our Free Range Christmas Pork products and of course get yourself a bottle of the Best School Wine and Best Red Wine award winning Shiraz produced by this year's Senior Ag students.

November 2024

Our 2025 School Captains, Eliza and James, had the opportunity to speak with The Advertiser, sharing their aspirations for their captaincy in 2025, the lasting impact they hope to create through their leadership, and their post-school ambitions as they look to the future. 

As per the official article, read Eliza's and James's responses below: 

Eliza Maloney, Westminster School Captain 2025

What are the responsibilities of a school captain at your school?

A School Captain at Westminster School is a positive role model who promotes a supportive and inclusive culture. They lead service projects, mentor younger students and help organise school events. Additionally, they bridge communication between students, staff and the broader community, ensuring everyone’s voice is heard and valued.

Why did you put your hand up to be captain?

I have a genuine love for Westminster School and that it provides a great education for not only local students, but our Boarding students too from mainly rural, regional and remote interstate locations. I have always admired the personal qualities of previous School Captains, who have taught me so much about kindness, gratitude, humility and bravery. I was inspired to add my own touch to the legacy they have left behind.

How does being captain make you feel? 

Being Captain makes me feel really motivated to be the best version of myself. It’s so fulfilling to have the chance to make a positive impact on other students. I feel fortunate and humbled to have this opportunity, especially at such a wonderful school. It is also a great way to develop my leadership skills and build strong relationships with both students and staff. I'm looking forward to helping to organise campus events that help foster connection and bring our community closer together.

What impact do you want to have at the school?

I want to be remembered for my involvement and commitment. Westminster offers amazing facilities and a fantastic support network of teachers, coaches and mentors. To really make the most of this education, you need to be adventurous, step out of your comfort zone and try new things without fearing failure. This is something our School Principal has encouraged me to embrace, and I hope to inspire others to do the same. I want younger students to understand that it’s okay if what you’re passionate about doesn’t appeal to everyone. By leading with kindness and encouraging others to do the same, I believe we can keep building a supportive and positive school environment.

What do you want to do after school (uni degree, TAFE course etc.)?

After school, I plan to go to university in 2026. Whether I end up studying interstate or staying in Adelaide, I am for now keeping my options open. With the subjects I’m currently studying, I’m seriously considering pursuing a degree in law.

What do you want to do for a career? 

There are definitely a few career paths I’ve considered, but I don’t want to narrow it down just yet. I’ll continue to discover more about my passions and potential career options throughout 2025.

How do you think being school captain helps you get there? 

Being School Captain really helps develop important soft skills like communication, collaboration and emotional intelligence. These skills are crucial for career success. Having the chance to focus on them throughout Year 12 is a big advantage. It’s a great way to prepare for the future and whatever career path I choose.

What skills are you developing as a school captain? 

As School Captains, James and I have already learned so much in a short time. We’ve discovered the importance of effective communication, being patient and staying organised. We’re also developing skills in collaboration and emotional intelligence, which are really valuable. It’s been a great experience so far and we’re excited to keep growing and learning.

James Young, Westminster School Captain 2025

What are the responsibilities of a school captain at your school? 

As Westminster School Captains, Eliza and I are tasked with multiple roles that not only assist the community of Westminster but represent it. From running assemblies to attending social events for the school, our goal is to embody the Westminster spirit and values.

 Why did you put your hand up to be captain? 

Since starting in 2021, the Westminster community has collectively mentored me in fostering and developing my values and qualities. By putting my hand up for this captaincy and achieving the role, I am able to role model what Westminster fosters.

How does being captain make you feel? 

As one of Westminster’s School Captains, I continue to feel no higher than any of my fellow students.

What impact do you want to have at the school? 

A quote from an excellent former School Captain stated that “At the end of it all, people don’t remember exactly what you did, but how you made them feel.” I believe this represents what my captaincy will be about next year. What I want to leave with the school community is an impact not to be forgotten.

What do you want to do after school (uni degree, TAFE course etc.)? 

After school, I aspire to be a collegiate level Football player in the U.S playing for a NCAA Division 1 school.

What do you want to do for a career? 

During college I aim to study ‘Business Studies’ and pursue life as an entrepreneur of my own business.

How do you think being school captain helps you get there? 

School captaincy is a real test of leadership and grit, being able to persevere with the eyes of others watching. This, I believe, are traits that are crucial for a business owner.

September 2024

After six months of rigorous preparation, our students and staff faced and overcame numerous challenges, including the ongoing redevelopment of Sturt Grove Farm. With all yards and sheds being non-existent and temporary, perfecting our showing skills became a real test of adaptability and resilience. Despite these obstacles, we achieved excellent results at this year’s Royal Show. The journey was far from easy, but the perseverance, dedication, and passion of everyone involved made it all possible.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to old scholars Gus Lewellyn and Heath Nickolls for their invaluable industry expertise. Special recognition goes to Casey Treloar, whose remarkable work with the Dairy Team helped secure 2nd and 3rd place in the Holstein Feature Breed category.

Our Merinos and Border Leicester were expertly guided by Stephen Kellock and Martin Harvey, whose continued support has been crucial to the growth and success of our students.

A huge thank you to Jorja Watson and the Student Show Leadership Team for their relentless commitment, particularly as they navigated the additional pressures caused by the farm redevelopment.

Lastly, we owe a massive thank you to our Farm Managers Brendan Kloeden and Paul Nield, who ensured the smooth running of logistics and provided constant support in the face of these challenges.

Despite the hurdles, we achieved significant results:

• 2nd Place in the ATASA Most Professional School Award for our Led Steer Team.
• 1st Place in the Goat Team School Lightweight Class and 4th Place in the Most Professional School Award.
• 2nd and 3rd Place in the Holstein Feature Breed category for our dairy heifers.
• Multiple top finishes across beef, dairy, and goat categories, showcasing the depth and resilience of our agriculture program. 

This year’s Royal Show journey proves that with determination and teamwork, even the toughest challenges can be overcome. Congratulations to everyone involved!

Westminster School 2024 Royal Show Results Overview

Beef:

Schools Purebred Heavy Domestic (500 to 525 kgs)

• Westminster Led Steer Team 2 (Red Angus) – 4th Place (Handler: Jorja Watson)

The Ryves Hawker Memorial Prize: Highest Scoring Red Angus Steer on Hook

• Westminster Led Steer Team (Red Angus) – 3rd Place
• ATASA Most Professional School Award – 2nd Place

Dairy:

Heifer Yearling

• Roslyn Amdena Jubilant Star – 5th Place (Handler: Sophia Woodward)
• Edge Doc Lara – 6th Place (Handler: Nancy Farquarson)

Holstein - Feature Breed (Junior Cow or Heifer)

• Edge Doc Lara – 2nd Place (Heifer Winter Yearling Class)
• Edge Doc Lara – 3rd Place (Handler: Emily Crouch)
• Finesse Chief Maya-ET – 5th Place 

School Merino Wether Competition: 

Thomas Foods International Prize: Best Meat Value

• 7th Place (Out of 80 schools)

Goats:

School Lightweight (36.5 to 38kg)

• Westminster Goat Team 7 – 1st Place (Handler: Erin Gray)

School Heavy Weight (40 to 41.5kg)

• Westminster Goat Team 12 – 3rd Place 

School Heavy Weight (48.5 to 51kg)

• Westminster Goat Team 8 – 4th Place

Best Presented School in Grand Parade:

• Westminster Goat Team 11 – 4th Place
• ATASA Most Professional School Award – 4th Place

July 2024

Westminster Old Scholar, Angus Hincksman ('23), is realising his Paralympic dreams, making his official Paralympic debut at this year's 2024 Paris Paralympic Games. 

Upon commencing para-athletics at just ten years of age, Angus had dreamt of representing Australia in the Paralympics. Now, following his recent selection for the Australian Paralympic team in April, Angus is well on his way to turning his dreams into reality. 

Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy following a brain injury at birth, Angus' early life was marked with uncertainty; his family unsure if he would ever be able to walk. Now, Angus is a beacon of inspiration and perseverance, gearing up for Gold in the Men's T38 1500m, and not letting his disability define him. 

As an established name within the para-athletics community, Angus has been dubbed 'one to watch' having amassed a number of significant achievements to date. In 2022, Angus set an impressive 1500m time record, being the youngest para-athlete to break 4-minutes at just 17 years of age — a common obstacle faced by athletes in the T38 category.  Angus was since catapulted to represent Australia at the Paris 2023 Athletics World Championships, where he brought home a bronze medal in the Men's T38 1500m. 

Edging closer and closer to his golden vision, Angus is set to compete at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, taking place from Friday 30 August to Sunday 8 September.

Hear more from Angus below:

What sparked your passion for Track & Field? Is there a specific moment in time you remember falling in love with the sport and wanting to pursue it professionally?

I started running as a hobby, just through school sport. But as I got older, I realised there were avenues available to me to take and improve. I don't remember a specific time, it's just something I grew to enjoy more and more as I gradually improved. 

Tell us about your journey to becoming a Para Athlete - what does a typical day in your life look like from your schedule, training, travel, competitions, and everything in-between?

There is nothing too special about my day-to-day life, but my training and competition schedule can definitely get pretty hectic at times. I’m currently training on average 6 days per week, and sometimes twice a day. My training all through the Summer season has required me to travel extensively, including training blocks at altitude in Perisher. I'm now on a bigger training block leading into the Paralympics. 

What is your biggest career highlight so far?

Breaking the 4-minute barrier for the 1500m was really a really special moment for me. There are only a handful of athletes in my classification that have run sub four, and to be the youngest to ever do it on an already exclusive list was very special.

You were recently selected to compete at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.  How did it feel to hear your name announced?

It was most definitely a special moment, and it was a dream come true in some respects. But it’s only a small step in a much bigger journey. I much prefer to focus on getting to the start line, because in a weird way, I don’t want my hard work to be for nothing. 

As an Old Scholar of Westminster School, do you feel the School values and ethos have helped to shaped your attitude and approach to sport and life in general?

Yes, definitely. Being surrounded by fellow students and teachers that appreciate the values of resilience, grit, and tenacity causes them to grow in you, and allows you to put them into practice in your day-to-day life

Despite growing up with Cerebral Palsy, you have not let this define you or limit your success. If you could give any advice to your younger self, or younger generations with similar aspirations, what would it be?

Never assume you can’t do something — be willing to try everything and anything!

May 2024

With nearly 100 students having expressed interest in the Royal Show team this year, training has well and truly begun! We're thrilled to partner with current and past Westminster families and vested industry breeders in 2024 as we build towards the Royal Show in late August/early September.

This year, Gus Lewellyn from Jillangolo Red Angus and Heath and Amanda Nickolls from Bull Oak Well have both provided steers for the Led Steer program.  

Stephen Kellock once again has provided ten Kelvale bloodline Merino Wethers in collaboration with Anthony Lowe for the Merino Wether competition. 

We maintain our long-standing connection with Michael Leopardi as he has continued to provide us with Boer goats for our Led Goat team.

We are also delighted to begin a new partnership with Casey Treloar and Nick Brokenshire as we have acquired two Holstein and Jersey Heifers for our Dairy Heifer team.

Our final, thrilling new addition in showing this year has been our recent status as a Border Leicester stud. We will be showing some of our stud sheep in this year's Royal Show and we are truly grateful to Martin Harvey from Paxton Stud for the immeasurable amount of time, energy and effort he has put into this partnership. Our students are truly benefiting.

It has been pleasing to see a strong mix of both rural and metropolitan families have their children represented in the teams. This is a vital goal of our Show Team as well as our Agricultural Program as we look to normalise Agriculture and make it accessible for all. Jorja Watson, 2024 Show Team Captain, and her Showing Leadership team have worked very hard to ensure all students assigned to teams get the opportunity to not only work with animals and learn the ins and outs of showing livestock; but where possible, actually see how important structure, genetics and performance is to the various industries they represent.

March 2024

As recently featured in The Advertiser, Westminster School and Thomas Foods International have announced a partnership that will see the main learning facility at Sturt Grove Farm being named the Thomas Foods Centre for Agriculture for students from Early Learning to Year 12. As we see every day, the Thomas Foods Centre for Agriculture build is well underway to include new multidisciplinary classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, produce processing and food tech areas, well equipped wet-labs, shearing facilities, a wash-down zone, and a community Farm Shop. The shop will sell produce grown at the farm, from our community as well as Thomas Foods products.

We are grateful to the work done by Westminster Chair Emeritus Phillip Styles and governing council member for Boarding Steve Sanders who, in tandem with the School Council, have worked closely with the Principal, School Leadership Team, Agriculture team and many rural families.

Andy Malcolm (’06), Head of Agriculture and the entire Ag team are excited for the new facility to come online to further build on the strengths of our Agriculture program. Our students will not only be learning from some of the best agricultural practitioners and experts in Australia, but will be doing so with access to one of the best school facilities of this type in the country.

Thomas Foods Internation Managing Director Darren Thomas is a Westminster Old Scholar (‘90) and TFI has been a proud supporter of the School for many years. This partnership builds on TFI’s existing involvement in the School’s rural pathways program, which includes offering a cadetship, work experience and hosted tours of key agricultural operations across SA including TFI’s new processing facility at Murray Bridge.

Director of Learning, Andrea Sherwood, is already evolving the curriculum to maximise the benefit of the new Thomas Foods Centre for Agriculture and we will certainly hear more from our academic team as the project progresses.

The Thomas Foods Centre for Agriculture is expected to open in Semester 2 with a community event planned for later August 2024 (details to be confirmed).