Westminster Christian School News A Private preK-12 school in Palmetto Bay, FL

Employee Service Awards

5/26/2023

Click here to view photos of this year's Employee Service Awards.

Graduation Ceremony Photos

5/25/2023

Click here to view photos of this year's graduation ceremony. High resolution photos are available for purchase.

Westminster Athletics Hosts First Ever Westee Awards

5/24/2023

Last week, Westminster Athletics hosted its first ever Westee Awards. Congratulations to all the varsity athletes, coaches and students that were recognized at the event. Click here to view photos of the winners. High resolution photos are also available for purchase.

High School Awards Ceremony

5/19/2023

The high school held its underclassmen awards this week. Click here to view the photos.

Epilogue

5/18/2023

by John Bishop, Director of Spiritual Formation

And now we’ve come to the end of the school year. This year, we have looked at Proverbs 30:5 from many angles.

“Every word of God is Flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.”

We’ve talked about the centrality of the Bible in our pursuit of knowing God and his will for our lives. We double-clicked on God Himself and looked at a few of His attributes, things like jealousy, love, goodness, and power. We’ve discussed how God is not far away, but close; close enough to whisper. We talked through the difference between presenting an image of faith and seeking to be made in the flawless image of Christ.

Then we got into the fall and winter where we looked at God as our shield. He both serves as a defense for us against the work of the enemy and a protection to us when we need a place to hide. He is our refuge, He is our rest, He deals with our craziness by becoming an asylum.

It's been a good year and as we come to the close, I have one final thought about Proverbs 30:5; an epilogue of sorts. Let me pose the thought in the form of a question:

Our verse says, “every word of God is Flawless…” the question is, what is the word of God? We use the phrase ‘word of God’ to describe the Bible and certainly the Bible is the word of God, that is not in question. But the Bible doesn't give us specific instructions on most day-to-day decisions. Does that mean God doesn't care to speak to those things in our lives? I don't think so.

The Last Word

5/16/2023

by John Bishop, Director of Spiritual Formation

The Bible is a fascinating book! But what is it exactly? Many of us struggle to rely on it because we don’t quite see how it fits into your crazy lives. Maybe this short article will help.

First, the Bible isn’t even a book, it’s 66 different books. It’s also not just one genre but it’s made up of different types of literature: historical narrative, the law, wisdom literature, psalms, prophecy, apocalyptic literature, gospel, acts of the apostles, epistles (letters). There are also different styles of writing: poetry, prose, instruction, parables, maxims, and more.

As the Bible has been handed down through the years to successive generations of people it has been translated into most languages, been evaluated, analyzed, critiqued, protected by some peoples, and ruthlessly removed by others. It has been quoted to provide some of the most valuable and important progressive movements of humanity and it has been used as a weapon in the hands of people who have caused great harm. Different traditions have slightly different arrangements of the Scriptures, but the essence of what it has to say has been essentially the same. Don’t move too quickly past this reality – through it all, the Bible has remained essentially the same.

Senior Breakfast

5/16/2023

Click here to view and download photos of this year's senior breakfast. You can also purchase high resolution photos.

Senior Caravan and Luau

5/15/2023

Click here to view photos from the senior caravan and luau!

Begin Again

5/9/2023

by John Bishop, Director of Spiritual Formation

In our day-to-day experiences there really are no endings, only begin again-dings.

Here’s what I mean, certain specific relationships may end but relationships in general will continue. The bad habits I create in the relationships I’m in now will go with me even after I leave my current group. Ultimately, I can get away from certain people, but I’ll always have people around generally. I can start with a clean slate in a new context, but my habits, which I bring with me, are what form my reputation and I can’t really outrun my reputation forever.

Here’s an extreme example to illustrate this reality: when I was doing ministry in Toronto, ON we had a student arrive in the church. She told us her story, “I’m an orphan. I’m 19 and I’m about to lose access to the security of the foster system. I’m scared. Can you help?” We did. Within a matter of months, she was a beloved child of our church. The only problem was, she wasn’t who she presented herself to be.

Congratulations to Our Writing Warriors!

5/5/2023

Every month, K-5 teachers select their best writers to be dubbed Writing Warriors. Congratulations to the following students who were chosen as the winners for the months of March and April:

Kindergarten
March
Belvedere-Mia Fernandez, Andrew Sparks, Julieta Pinilla
Fosselman-Gabriel Gravier, Carrie Money, Liam Buraglia
Morris-Audrey Acosta, Jack Bogie, Eli (Jose) Cabrera

April
Belvedere-Olivia Rainys, Evelyn Escobar, Griffin Bie
Fosselman-Blaire Sanchez, Luke Gonzalez, Sabrina Strems
Morris-Jules Garateix, Clark Hansen and Nicolas Haedo

Read more

Westminster Athletics Hosts First Westee Awards

5/4/2023

Mark your calendars for the first ever Westee Awards on Monday, May 15, at 7 p.m. in The Lighthouse.

Join us for some fun and fellowship as we celebrate some of the top varsity student athletes, coaches and sports moments from the 2022-23 season.

All athletes and their families are invited. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis on the night of the awards.

Summary of the April 18 Spring Association Meeting

5/3/2023

More than 60 years ago, a small group of Christians had a vision for an educational institution that would partner with Christian families to promote schooling to the glory of God. Though much has changed about our culture, our community, and our school, the mission of Westminster of empowering, preparing, and inspiring students to be ambassadors for Christ has not. Our strategic plan and priorities point to this mission.  At the Spring Association Meeting, Westminster Board of Trustee’s Chair Philip Floyd and Head of School Scott Jones shared updates regarding Westminster’s strategic plan, steps the Board and school administration are taking to meet our goals, and our vision for the future. For the members of our community who were not able to attend, below is a summary of the information that we shared.

Shelter in Place

5/2/2023

by John Bishop, Director of Spiritual Formation

When you don’t live in Miami every hurricane you hear about is terrifying, especially if someone you know lives in its path. It’s a valid concern. Hurricanes are devastating and unpredictable storms that cause incalculable destruction. But as I’m learning from living among those who have been in South Florida their whole lives, not every hurricane was created equally and not every term we use to describe a hurricane should evoke unrestrained panic. To those who don’t live in coastal areas, every term thrown around packs a huge threat. Phrases like, “Hurricane force winds,” “Cat 3,” “Storm surge,” “Eyewall,” and others all sound scary to the uninitiated.

On the other hand, the phrase “Hurricane force winds,” could mean 75 miles-an-hour or 175 miles-an-hour. That is a big difference. To know how you should respond to the phrase “storm surge,” you need more information. It will cause damage either way, but three feet is very different from 25 feet.

Fun Camp Volunteer Opportunities

4/28/2023

We are currently accepting volunteer applications for Fun Camp! Register now to receive service hours. The deadline to apply is May 12.

We are accepting two weeks per volunteer. Volunteer hours are from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. If you volunteer for a week, you MUST attend all five days. No half weeks are available. You can mark yourself available for one week or all seven weeks and camp directors will choose based on need. No applications from incoming freshman, class of 2027, will be accepted.

Click here to apply.

If you have any questions, contact Camp Directors Billy Comber or Josh Ramos for more details.

Welcome to the GR8 Escape

4/28/2023

For the first time next school year, Westminster's eighth grade class will participate in the "GR8 ESCAPE." GR8 ESCAPE is a three-day spiritual and leadership retreat that will be held from Tuesday, Sept. 5 to Thursday, Sept. 7 at the Southwind Young Life Camp in Ocklawaha, FL, just east of Ocala.

Under the supervision of middle school administrators, faculty, and staff, students will participate in activities that promote spiritual growth, team building, and develop leadership skills in a fun and safe environment during a two-night, three-day stay.

Students will travel via coach buses, leaving school on Tuesday, Sept. 5 at 6 a.m. and returning on Thursday, Sept. 7, at 8 p.m. The cost is $650 per student. GR8 ESCAPE is part of the school year and attendance is expected. If there are any issues for this coming school year, please contact Mr. Manoogian.

For now, please mark your calendar for this exciting event. We will share additional information and provide important details over the next few months. Be sure to check myWCS for updates and @WCSMIAMI on Instagram during the summer.

We value the trust that you place in Westminster to empower learners, prepare hearts and inspire lives to faithfully become ambassadors for Jesus Christ.

PHOTOS: Father Daughter Dance

4/26/2023

Thank you to all who joined the fun at this year's Father Daughter Dance. Click here to see event photos. You can download a low-resolution photo or purchase a high-resolution version. Photos can also be viewed at any time by visiting the Resources tab > Pixieset Photo Gallery.

All-Inclusive Resort

4/25/2023

by John Bishop, Director of Spiritual Formation

Heather and I have taken a lot of different trips together. We were married for eight years before we had kids and we used to love to travel around and stay in bed-and-breakfasts and visit new places. Since having kids we’ve been restricted to more typical kinds of trips, but as they’ve gotten older, we’ve started to get back out there again. My wife especially loves the process of thinking through and planning trips. She travels around the entire world every three weeks...emotionally!

A few years ago, we made a life-altering decision: we stayed at an all-inclusive resort.

Can you remember when you couldn’t drive and were tethered to people who could? Do you remember that feeling of sheer exhilaration when you finally got a license and car and were able to go wherever you wanted, whenever you wanted? Well, I had that kind of revelatory experience after staying at an all-inclusive resort - 93.6% of the stress of vacationing was eliminated! Within 30 minutes of being at the resort and asking three different people if something was covered by the wristband, I'd been given I'd discovered the true meaning of “all-inclusive!”

Join Westminster's Sailing Team Recruiting Day

4/21/2023

Westminster's sailing team invites interested students in grades 7 through 10 to join them at Carrollton School (3747 Main Hwy, Miami, FL 33133) this Tuesday, April 25, from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. to meet the coach as well as some of the team members, ask questions, and do some sailing! Interested students must register using this link, which also provides additional details on the opportunity. If you have any questions, please contact Coach David at david.bargehr@gmail.com.

PHOTOS: 2023 Color Wars

4/21/2023

Middle school students had a wonderful time during this year's Color Wars. Visit the Resources tab > Pixieset Photo Gallery for pictures or click here.

Retreat

4/18/2023

by John Bishop, Director of Spiritual Formation

God is not a taskmaster; He is a place of rest for a weary soul.

There’s a story in Scripture in the Gospel of Matthew chapter 25, verses 14 through 30 about three servants who invested bags of gold on behalf of a master who left them in charge of some of his wealth. The first servant was given five bags of gold and returned ten to the master. The second was given two bags and returned four to the master. The last servant was given one bag of gold and went and buried it in the ground and upon the master’s return simply gave the bag back. Here was what the servant said:

“Master, I knew that you were a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So, I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.”

The master was not happy. The story did not end well for this servant.

There is much that can be said about this parable and much that has been said about it. Go and read it for yourself and see what insights you might glean from this interesting and challenging story. Here is one insight to get you started.

A well-known theologian named, A. W. Tozer said, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” When Jesus was sharing this parable with His disciples, He was using it to help them understand God and our relationship with Him more clearly. We know that the master in this story is representative of God, and we are the servants.

Peer Counseling Program Now Accepting Applications

4/18/2023

Westminster's Peer Counseling program is now accepting applications from the class of 2024! This program consists of a group of qualified student counselors trained to address a broad range of topics by providing one-on-one, confidential support to Westminster students. Peer counselors are carefully chosen each academic school year based on qualities of empathy, self-reflection, attentiveness, and discretion. The Peer Counseling program offers an encouraging atmosphere where students can talk openly about personal, social, and/or academic challenges and accompanying feelings.

If you are interested in helping peers in a professional setting, please submit this application by Friday, April 28.

Those interested should carefully respond to the questions on the application form. If your application, recommendations, and evaluations pass the first round of review, you will be called for an interview. Please note that the Peer Counseling program receives an abundance of applications annually and openings are limited. Peer counselor selections are final. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Saldana at ssaldana@wcsmiami.org.

Photos: New Family Information Session

4/17/2023

Thank you for joining us at last week's New Family Information Session. Click here to view event photos.

Lopez Appointed Assistant High School Principal

4/14/2023

Westminster has appointed Jannett Lopez as assistant high school principal effective July 1, 2023. She will replace Teresa Torralbas who has capably served in this role. Torralbas has been named the new head of school at Kendall Christian School and will assume her new position this summer.

Lopez joined Westminster in 2020 as a high school social studies teacher and was quickly promoted to director of signature programs and innovations. In addition to her teaching schedule, Lopez designed the framework for Westminster’s signature programs and was instrumental in securing dual enrollment partnerships with local colleges and universities. In 2022, she earned the Teacher of the Year award for her commitment to excellence.

Before joining Westminster, she spent nearly 20 years in public and private schools in the classroom and in administrative roles. Most recently, she served at Gulliver Prep as a learning specialist to multiple subject areas including AP Politics, AP Economics and AP U.S. History. Previously, she supported curriculum development, supervised teaching strategies, and served on a variety of administrative teams for Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Her extensive experience and focus on collaboration, innovation and excellence makes her ideally suited for her new role.

“The Westminster culture facilitates an authentic Christian environment, and I feel extremely blessed and humbled to be a part of it,” said Lopez. “I look forward to mentoring and supporting teachers, collaborating with parents, inspiring students, and working hand-in-hand with the administrative team to enhance our school community.”

Lopez earned a master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University and a bachelor’s degree from Florida International University. She and her husband Edwin have two children, a son, Eejay ’28, and daughter, Eevee ’34.

Essay and Case Studies Workshop for Juniors

4/14/2023

On Wednesday, April 19, at 8 a.m., the CCC will be hosting an Essay and Case Studies Workshop for the juniors. Please check your SCOIR account to familiarize yourself with the case studies. Room assignments have been posted on the CCC window. Be sure to bring your College Workbook and surface. Contact your counselor if you have any questions.

Spring Football Interest Meeting

4/12/2023

Westminster Football is hosting an interest meeting for current fifth grade parents whose sons are interested in trying out for football in sixth grade. Come learn more about the program and meet the new sixth grade football coach Keyon Elam on Wednesday, April 19, at 5:30 p.m. at the Gutierrez Field.

Read and Complete Prom Safe Partnership Agreement

4/11/2023

Dear Westminster Parent,

Prom is coming up in a few weeks, and we know that students are eager to make plans and purchase tickets. We are grateful we can coordinate and sponsor this event as well as other activities that enhance the Westminster student experience.

To maximize the fun and safety of our community, we want to communicate our expectations for students who participate in Westminster-sponsored events. In this, we hope to clear up any misunderstandings, answer questions you may have, and set expectations for students and parents. We also feel it will be helpful to clarify the potential consequences associated with behavior that contradicts the standards outlined in the student handbook that occurs at this and any school-sponsored events.

It is with this goal in mind that we are asking you to read and complete the safe partnership agreement found in myWCS. Please read through the entire agreement, sign, and submit. After completing the form, your student will be given the opportunity to secure his/her tickets. Westminster students who do not have this form signed by a parent will not be permitted to attend prom.

We invite you to learn more about the dangers of teen alcohol use and the significant dangers, legal risks, and consequences to parents associated with underage drinking. Please refer to this resource, which includes a presentation by MADD and an attorney and former Westminster parent about Florida law related to liabilities associated with teen alcohol use and having alcohol present in a home where an after-party occurs.

We appreciate your attention to this matter as we seek to partner with you in educating our students to make good choices.

Take Courage

4/4/2023

By John Bishop, Director of Spiritual Formation

Luke 23:42-43

We often think of courage when we think of brave people doing noble things; like a soldier in battle. Certainly, a soldier must have courage for battle, but the soldier needs courage for much more than the fight. To begin with, he/she also needs courage to sign up for the military, to get up every morning for bootcamp, and to train in the face of weakness, fatigue, and doubt. He/she needs courage when saying goodbye to family and friends during deployment. He/she would need courage to step onto a platform and deliver a speech. Courage is required of this soldier when standing up to tyranny or facing the family of a fellow soldier who died in combat.

Courage is an interesting character trait. I think we know it when we see it.

In Luke 23, Jesus is being crucified. Jesus had courage. While being falsely accused, he remained silent. Again, while being whipped and beaten, silent. While hanging on the cross, struggling to breathe, however, he finally speaks, and says courageously, “Father forgive them….”

Jesus’ courage was so profound even the soldiers who were responsible for overseeing His execution saw it. One of them even said earnestly, “Surely this man was the king of the Jews!”

Can we live our lives with the kind of courage demonstrated by Christ? Could we face persecution and death like Jesus? Could we remain silent in the face of false accusations? Could we speak life while suffering?

HOSA Hosts Blood Drive On Campus: April 12

3/29/2023

The Future Health Professionals (HOSA) high school club has partnered with OneBlood to host a blood drive on Wednesday, April 12, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. All eligible students and parents are encouraged to donate. There will be two Big Red Buses in the high school circle collecting whole blood and platelet donations.

Students can sign-up on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 4-5, during their social studies class. Students will receive a parent consent form when they register. Additional consent forms are available HERE. Students must be at least 16 to participate. Additionally:

Students who are 16 need a signed parent consent form at every donation, even if they’ve donated before.
Students who are 17 need an ID and a signed parent consent form. This form will be valid for all remaining drives during this school year.
Students who are 18 need an ID, but are not required to submit a parent consent form.

Parent consent forms must be returned to the high school office no later than April 11 in order to donate.

While Westminster will remain a closed campus during the blood drive, parents are encouraged to participate.

Register to Donate Blood

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Worship Week Service Projects

3/29/2023

The week leading up to Easter, Westminster will enhance the normal school schedule with opportunities for students to participate in worship activities. During Worship Week, middle school and high school students will also have the opportunity to participate in service projects. Students may donate new men's and women's underwear or donate $7 to provide a backpack with food to a child in need. See the flyer for more details and click on the link below to register for the backpack service project:

Worship Week Backpack Registration

Take Cover

3/28/2023

by John Bishop, Director of Spiritual Formation

When I was 18, a freshman in college, and heading back to school after Christmas break, I wasn’t a Christian yet. I was riding in my girlfriend’s grandparents’ minivan.

I was crammed between yard sale knick-knacks, canned vegetables and fruit, a dehumidifier, and my own travel bags, I was uncomfortable and a little claustrophobic. I needed something to pass the time. For the first hour I listened to papa describe all the fantastic qualities of the dehumidifier humming beside me; he did so thoroughly, and with proud enthusiasm.

Eventually, we all settled into the 12-hour trip and turned to our own strategies for passing the time. Nana and papa discussed boring adult details, Heather fell asleep, and I was left with absolutely nothing else to do, so I pulled out the Bible Heather had given me. I had been casually reading it to impress her, but I really didn’t know what it was about. I’d heard someone say I should read the Gospels, so I turned to the table of contents and then flipped to the page.

Casting Stones

3/14/2023

By John Bishop

Check out this Bible story!

Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap, to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again, he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:1-11)

This passage is about a woman who was caught in a compromising situation. Hopefully, none of us would ever find ourselves in this kind of scenario. The reality, however, is all of us are guilty of behaviors that, if brought out in public like this, would create tremendous shame for us and others. So, even though this passage is about a specific woman, isn’t it also about all of us? Each of us is guilty, only some of us are caught facing the consequences. The main point of this story seems to be Jesus’ insistence that we are all on equal footing in the face of our sin.

I’m not sure we like this very much.

Purchase Tickets for the ES Father/Daughter Dance

3/10/2023

A special evening awaits fathers and daughters at the annual ES Father/Daughter Dance on Friday, April 21, at 7 p.m. in the SAC. Students from PK3-Grade 5 will enjoy dancing, delicious food, and more. If the child's father is unable to attend, she is encouraged to attend with another adult.

Buy Tickets

Important Information About AP Exams

3/7/2023

Students enrolled in an Advanced Placement (AP) course have been registered in College Board’s online platform, AP Classroom, with their respective AP teacher(s) and have been registered for all of their AP exams that take place in May 2023. We encourage all students enrolled in an AP course to take the respective AP Exam at the end of the school year. However, if the parent and student elect to forgo the exam, the cancellation process must be completed before the deadline to avoid associated costs and fees.

For second-semester courses, if there are any exams students wish to cancel, they must complete the cancellation form no later than Friday, March 10, no later than 11:59 p.m. Since all students are automatically registered for the AP Exam, only complete the cancellation form if you would like to cancel a second-semester exam(s). CLICK HERE FOR THE CANCELLATION FORM.

The cost is $125 per AP exam and $150 for each AP Capstone exam. The cost of the AP exam includes costs from College Board as well as costs incurred by Westminster to administer the exams. The fee for registered second-semester AP exams will be reflected in your Smart Tuition April billing statement. Please note, that any second-semester exams canceled after March 10 will not be refunded.

If you are interested in canceling a first-semester or annual course exam, please complete the cancellation form by Friday, March 10, no later than 11:59 p.m. CLICK HERE FOR THE CANCELLATION FORM. This will be your final opportunity to cancel your exam. Please note that there are no refunds for first-semester or annual canceled exams.

In addition, if a student is not present for a registered exam there is an additional $40 fee per missed exam.

Don't Bother

3/7/2023

By John Bishop

“So, let us get this right…” the chief priest might have said to Judas. “You're prepared to betray Jesus to us in exchange for 30 pieces of silver?” “Yes, that’s right.” Judas agreed.

“Aren’t you one of His followers?” The Jewish leaders must have wondered. “What has driven you to this point of turning Him over to us?”

Amid the angry, halting, complex, and likely confused reasons provided by Judas there would likely have been a reference to the scene that had unfolded a few hours earlier.

Jesus and his disciples were gathered in the home of Simon the Leper, as is described in Matthew 26:6-13. During this situation, Mary poured an expensive bottle of perfume (let’s say it was Louis XIII at $4,100 a bottle) on Jesus’ head. All the disciples, the Bible explains, were indignant. Everyone was asking, “Why this waste? This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.”

Bayag '28 Takes Top Place at NFL Flag National Championship

3/6/2023

Congratulations to Britt Bayag '28 for winning the 12U NFL Flag National Championship in Las Vegas. He was also selected MVP of the tournament.

Students Reach Goal for KIX Haiti

3/3/2023

As of this week, Westminster students have raised $17,575 in our third quarter noisy offering to send 703 children to camp with KIX Haiti. We have exceeded our goal and donations are still coming in!! Students will celebrate with a Gratitude Chapel on Tuesday, Mar. 7.

Thank you for your continued support of this important project. Here is the breakdown by homeroom:

Homeroom	Campers	Homeroom	Campers
Chase	17	Forjan	39
Vargas	13	Romaguera	9
Loveless	26	Dopazo	23
Fosselman	15	Riccio	46
Belvedere	28	Lopez	88
Morris	21	Taylor	63
Dirube	16	Gordon	107
Barboza	7	Santiesteban	15
Abbey	14	Cline	59
Berteletti	22	Kyzer	7
Goodrich	39	Cocchiaro	29

Learn more about Haiti Hope Alliance and how your donation will be used HERE from Godwin Altidor, Coordinator of KIX Haiti.

In His Right Mind

2/28/2023

by Sebastian De Varona '24

Lunatic in the Oxford dictionary is defined as “a mentally ill person (not in technical use).” Common social slang, the word is used in a plethora of ways to describe people who are “out there” by modern standards of society. Conveniently, the Oxford dictionary keeps track of the origins of all words and claims the word lunatic is derived from the Latin word, luna, meaning ‘moon.’ This is rooted in the belief that changes of the moon caused intermittent insanity.  

When broken down, this unveils an entire side of society’s “lunatic” that is very often overlooked. This idea that gazing at the moon for too long induces lunacy, and warrants ostracization from society. Pink Floyd, a British prog-rock band, explores society’s perception of a Lunatic in their record-breaking album, Dark Side of The Moon. Derived from Roger Waters’ (the sole songwriter of the album) experience with friends and family being labeled as lunatics, the band dives headfirst into the black hole that is “mental illness.” The closing song of the 1973 album, Eclipse, perfectly summarizes the life of the lunatic - the life of someone who has seen the dark side of the moon. A bone chilling moment, the listener is given no option but to sit in fear-induced chills as the words “the sun is eclipsed by the moon” clear the room. 

Join Us for the Annual Middle School Kickball Tournament: Feb. 25

2/24/2023

Join your fellow middle school families for an afternoon of fun, kickball, BBQ, music and more on Saturday, Feb. 25, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the Gutierrez Field and SAC! The entire family is welcome to get in on the game. Game begins at 2:45 p.m. and dinner will be available starting at 4:30 p.m.

Shorty's BBQ, Kona Ice, drinks and dessert will be on site and is included in the registration fee of $10/person. Register at the door.

Class Picture: Order In Time for Free School Delivery

2/22/2023

Steckley Photo emailed parents information to place orders for class group pictures. Please order by Thursday, March 2 at 5 p.m. for free school delivery.

If you can't find the email you were sent, please search "Steckley" in your email box and don't forget to check your SPAM folder. If you still cannot locate the email, please send an email with your child's name, school and grade to: steckleyphoto@gmail.com.

February's Writing Warriors Have Been Selected!

2/14/2023

Every month, elementary school teachers will select their best writer to be dubbed Writing Warriors. Congratulations to the following students who were chosen as the winners for the month of February:

Kindergarten
Belvedere - Olivia Cepeda, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Luca Porcari
Fosselman - Alaia Aguayo, Rose Tadenev, Gabriel Gravier
Morris - Adam Depinski, Sienna Roche, Madeline Dini

1st Grade
Dirube - Hamilton Jones, Rebecca Marcilio, Lilly Morrow
Barboza - Adriana Cuervo, Max Nieves, Amanda Alvarez
Abbey - Joshua Cabrera, Raif Manzur, Sydney Hardan

2nd Grade
Berteletti - Olivia Dini, Branden Cossio, Mariana Pardo
Goodrich - Jace Applebaum, Fernando Gonzalez, Stella Hernandez-Mas
Forjan - Gabriela Motta, Gabriela Rodriguez, Rafa Stuyck

3rd Grade
Romaguera - Abigail Granja, Maverick Rodriguez, Joseph Triplett

4th Grade
Gordon - Breeze Martinez, Dahlia Gonzalez, Carson Guillermes

5th Grade
Cline - Victoria Ayala, Adriano Shapiro
Kyzer - Lorenzo Gonzalez, Leonardo Alvarez

Setting the Perimeter

2/14/2023

by John Bishop, Director of Spiritual Formation

Growing up in New York, snowball fights were an all-day event. We would scope out the best place in the yard, the deepest snow drifts, the best cover, and then we would set our perimeters.

“You’re not allowed to go past the big rock,” I would shout to my brother who was busy piling snow into a bunker-like wall.

“You have to stay on that side of the driveway,” he would shout back as I packed extra snowballs and placed them in the crook of a tree. “If you don’t,” he would add, “I get a free throw,” upping the ante.

These were not mere snowball fights; they were complex military campaigns wherein you were at risk from all sides. In that volatile and tenuous situation, it was imperative that you set the perimeter. Physical boundaries. Rules of engagement. Clear alliances (though these were often abandoned without preamble).

Senior Trip Itinerary and Departure Information

2/13/2023

The Senior Service Trip is around the corner!

We are grateful that 132 of 156 seniors will be attending. To accommodate a group of this size, we will be traveling on several flights from MIA and one from FLL. For the FLL group, the school will provide transportation to and from the airport. The below link provides departure time and location information. We have also provided a link to the trip itinerary.

Please reach out with any questions to lcastaneda@wcsmiami.org. Thank you for your support!

Flight Group
Senior Trip itinerary 2023

Sign Up for the Mother/Son Field Day

2/13/2023

Join us for the Mother/Son Field Day on Friday, March 10 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on the ES Field. This fun-filled event is about moms creating fun memories with their sons. So, suit up in your best camo gear and take on the challenges of relay aces, dodge ball, obstacle courses, tug-of-war and so much more.

Food, drinks, and dessert are included in your ticket price. Click HERE to purchase tickets.

Fine Arts Garment Bags Are Now Available

2/10/2023

Fine Arts-branded garments bags are now available for purchase in the Fine Arts office for $20.

Garments bags are required for costumes and concert attire when we travel, so this is especially important for high school students who are going to Hawaii over Spring Break, middle school students going to Orlando in May, and dancers attending competition.

You are free to use a garment bag of your choice, but why not represent Westminster Fine Arts with one of these? Cash, credit and Apple Pay available, so come on by the Fine Arts Office, Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Learn About College Admissions

2/10/2023

The College Counseling Center is hosting a College Admissions Presentation for junior parents on Thursday, Feb. 23, at 6:30 p.m. in The Lighthouse. Come learn about next steps, important milestones, best practices and more to help your child succeed in college admissions.

Joining the Ranks

2/7/2023

by Scott Jones, Head of School

I am fascinated by the concept that boundaries and restraint provide opportunity for freedom and even increase freedom. This idea is different from the common perception in our individualistic American culture that freedom is the pursuit of doing whatever we wish without any boundaries or restraints.

There are plenty of examples in life that illustrate how boundaries protect us and enable us to experience freedom. For example, consider the rules of the road. Though we sometimes wonder whether drivers follow any rules at all on the Palmetto Expressway, we can understand that the rules are in place to promote safety. Can you imagine highways and roadways where there were no rules about the side of the road on which we must drive, no lines on the roads, no signs, no speed limits, and no stop lights? The rules of the road do not take away our freedom as drivers; rather, they provide freedom – freedom to drive with little stress or fear, freedom to get to our destination safely, freedom to drive a small car without worrying that an oversized truck will use its size to dominate the roadway. Guardrails along a bridge do not limit our freedom; guardrails keep us on the road so that we can safely experience freedom without careening off the bridge into disaster.  

About Face

1/31/2023

by John Bishop, Director of Spiritual of Formation

A paradox emerges when those who have placed their faith in Jesus, consider how sin effects their relationship with God. Here’s one way we might put it: We do not possess the ability to not sin, AND in Christ we are made new and clean.

Our inability to become sinless is seen in verses like “…There is no one who does good,” (Psalm 14:1); “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23); and, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us...” (1 John 1:8). In Romans 7:15-20, Paul describes our situation in personal terms we can all relate to, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do…”

Purchase an ES Spirit Shirt

1/31/2023

The ES Office is selling surplus elementary spirit shirts for $10 each until supplies last. Available styles are v-neck women’s cut, gray shirts and youth and adult size green shirts. Parents and teachers may stop by any time during our normal hours, 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., to purchase a shirt with cash or a check made payable to WCS.

Juniors and Seniors Attend Lecture on Networking and LinkedIn

1/27/2023

This week, juniors and seniors attended a presentation on the importance of networking that included a step-by-step guide on how to create a LinkedIn account. If you missed the lecture or would like to review, click here to watch.

Give the Word

1/24/2023

By Angela Castano, Director of Admission

Why is it that we prefer to celebrate with a community of family and friends as opposed to celebrating by ourselves? As I am writing this article, the high school students and faculty are wrapping up Homecoming Week. In the midst of the hall decorating, team competitions, W-hunting and triplets wearing Ghostbusters costumes, I have not once heard someone say, “I really wish I could just be the only one decorating my hall.” In fact, in my eleven years of working at Westminster, I have never heard a student say during HOCO, “I wish I could hunt the ‘W’ by myself” or ask, “Why can’t I be the only person dressing up today?” Why is that? Because God has created in us a desire to celebrate together. In the same way, God has decided that we are to invite others to share in the joy of knowing Jesus personally as our Savior.

Mark Your Calendar to Register for the ES Sports Program

1/20/2023

Registration for the spring season of the after-school elementary sports program runs from Wednesday, Jan. 25 at 5:30 p.m. until Thursday, Jan. 26, at 10 p.m. Mark your calendar to secure your child's spot. Space is limited.

To learn about the sports available, register and pay, visit After School Programs under the Resources tab in myWCS.

If you have any questions, please contact Coach Gonzalez at 305-889-7941, ext. 1277, or email igonzalez@wcsmiami.org.

He Has a Way with Words

1/17/2023

by Alex Gonzalez, High School Principal

As educators, we often feel we need to know the “right” answer to every question a student asks. Otherwise, we can be seen as incompetent. However, there is wisdom in being self-aware that not all answers have to come from our own knowledge and abilities.

In a Word

1/10/2023

By Teresa Torralbas, Assistant High School Principal

Has God ever spoken to you through a song? It's happened to me a couple of times, but most recently, He reassured me that the difficult situation I was dealing with was temporary. God later confirmed that He was, in fact, working things out in my life. It was the Saturday evening before Thanksgiving 2021. I was enjoying a movie at home with my son when my phone rang. I received a call that would forever change our family. My brother had died tragically and unexpectedly. The shock of his passing was surreal, and the pain indescribable. Getting through the holidays as you're grieving is awful. The empty chair, a favorite recipe, a tradition he started, all constant reminders that your loved one is gone.

Parent Partners Invites Author to Discuss Raising Emotionally Resilient Children

1/9/2023

Join Westminster parents at the Parent Partners meeting on Fri., Jan. 13, at 8 a.m. in the Lighthouse.

Co-author of "Emotionally Resilient Tweens and Teens" Luis Fernando Llosa will speak on the very important topic of how to support your children when they experience bullying, teasing and social exclusion. Llosa is an award-winning sports writer, editor, speaker, investigative reporter and youth sports consultant who has worked with kids and teens for 25 years.

Parents also have the opportunity to fellowship and enjoy a hot breakfast.