Mission and Leadership Development Strategic Framework
The Mission and Leadership Development Board (MLDB) has released its Strategic Framework.
Taking the reins at Westminster
By Tasha Crumpler
New Times Intern
Posted in Leadership
Westminster School, a Uniting Church coeducational day and boarding school established in 1961, has welcomed Simon Shepherd as its sixth principal.
Before his career in education, Simon, fresh out of high school in the ‘80s, joined the Australian Army, but after experiencing a partial loss of hearing he was unable to continue. This led him to an eventful year of trying his hand at different jobs to ultimately find his way into education, firmly believing that “like a career in ministry, a career in education is a calling.”
Westminster will be the third Uniting Church School in which Simon has worked, and his second appointment as a principal. He believes that the Uniting Church shows an exemplary ability to give care and compassion to others, one reason why Simon is so passionate about working within a Uniting Church school.
“I admire the Uniting Church’s philosophy and dynamism, and their nature to be open and accepting,” he says.
Based in Marion, Westminster has a well-established reputation as a school with a strong community spirit. During his time as principal, Simon is aiming to pave the way for Westminster to become renowned for encouraging and building leadership. He is also keen for Westminster students “to be useful and to be kind”, echoing the words past US President Barack Obama used to describe his aims for his daughter in an interview.
“I’d like our students to become known for showing empathy and for their emotional intelligence,” he says.
“I want Westminster to continue helping our graduates to be self-confident, to have a perceived self-efficacy, be prepared to help others, and give beyond what other society members aren’t prepared to do.”
For more information about Westminster School and Simon Shepherd, please visit the Westminster website here or the Facebook page here.
Photo: Westminster School Principal Simon Shepherd (third from left) with Uniting Church SA Moderator Rev Sue Ellis, staff and students.
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