Headmaster Messages

15 Aug

Posted at 3:50 PM on August 15, 2019, in Headmaster Messages

Dear WA Community,After the confetti settled, students found their way to new classrooms, and parents shared a cup of coffee, we gathered together for Convocation. Convocation begins our academic year by turning our attention toward heaven. As members of our community gather on the first day of school, we remember the things that define Westminster Academy—the nexus of faith and learning all within a spiritual family.This year, I reflected on Joshua 4. In these scriptures, we get a depiction of a forgetful people who found themselves erecting a stone structure. After 40 years of wandering, the Israelites were poised to...

08 Aug

Posted at 5:46 PM on August 8, 2019, in Headmaster Messages

Dear WA Community,Do you ever wonder what happens on campus the week before school starts? For one, all kinds of maintenance activity. Normally rain is a good thing but not when we are replacing the gym roof! For another, faculty begin to drop in and start setting up shop. Then there are meetings. Lots of them. Some are mandated by accreditation or government agencies, and it is fair to say some are more important than others. Undoubtedly, the final week of summer is a mad dash toward the first day of school.As we race to apply the last coat of...

23 May

Posted at 5:55 PM on May 23, 2019, in Headmaster Messages

Dear WA Community,This past Tuesday evening, we finally had the opportunity to gather in our newly renovated Dr. Kenneth P. Wackes Media Center. Re-dedicating the space, we celebrated the completion of the project with its donors. Above all, we honored the life of our Headmaster Emeritus, Dr. Ken Wackes. Virtually everyone in the room was directly impacted by the life and work of Dr. Wackes—both as a leader and shepherd.We also heard from his lovely wife, Ruth, who joined us with her children and grandchildren. Technology and advancement were always at the forefront of Dr. Wackes’ vision for WA. She...

16 May

Posted at 4:12 PM on May 16, 2019, in Headmaster Messages

Dear WA Community,Someone just asked, “How’s the end of the year going?”“Fine,” I said. A better answer would be chaotic and unpredictable with a good dose of celebration and reflection.Walking back from the Fifth Grade Step Up Luncheon for parents, I began thinking about the transitions that accompany the end of a school year—seniors become alumni, fifth-grade students become middle school students, juniors move to top dogs, teachers mark down the remaining days, and we say goodbye to some teammates while welcoming others on board.The May calendar is stuffed with programs, events, and activities. Perhaps this week’s highlight is our...

09 May

Posted at 3:27 PM on May 9, 2019, in Headmaster Messages

Dear WA Community,Everyone has a favorite teacher. For some, it was the person who challenged you the most and held you accountable to your potential. For others, it was the one who saw in you a quality no one else previously had and inspired you. And yet for others, it was simply a kind, patient, approachable person who made time for you.This week is the time when we reflect on our influences as we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week. Those who take on the role of “teacher” rarely consider it just a job, but a calling. Earlier this week, I reminded...