News & Events
News
2025
-
Branching Out
Read MoreARTICLE SUMMARY
Colossians 3:3-13 feels very much like a list of ‘thou shalt nots’ intended to leave us feeling condemned and hopeless. But that’s not what’s going on here. Paul is writing to a church, a group of people who are following the way of Jesus, and what he’s really telling them is this: “You need each other! You cannot do this on your own.” The list of things he instructs us not to do are all things that corrupt and corrode relationships.Sexual immorality turns the other person into an object for my selfish desires. Greed selfishly takes more than I need and deprives others. Anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language all shape the people around us according to our undisciplined and selfish desires - we stomp around insisting everyone else bends to our way of seeing the world and create scenarios where community becomes strained.But these behaviors only serve to put us at risk of losing what we really need most, each other. So, Paul goes on to say, “clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another just like the Lord forgave you.”This kind of life will lead to beautiful life-giving relationships with people. This is the Church, the people of God extending the love of God to the world, because we need each other! -
Important Information about Junior Service Day and Junior Bootcamp
This Wednesday and Thursday, March 12 and 13, the Junior class will participate in the Junior Service Day and Junior Bootcamp. Each student has been assigned a specific service day and location. Half the students will attend the bootcamp on Wednesday and the service day on Thursday. The other half will have their service day on Wednesday and bootcamp on Thursday. Juniors have already been told which days they are assigned to. Please note, juniors will not have class on those days.Read More
Important information for Junior Bootcamp with the College Counseling team (CCC) on campus.
Bootcamp Day: Students must report on campus to the Lighthouse by 8 a.m. Dismissal is at 12:15 p.m. Students may eat lunch in the SAC after bootcamp dismisses but are not required to stay on campus once dismissed at 12:15 p.m.
Important information for Junior Service Day off campus.
Transportation: Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from their assigned service site.
Service Day Attire: Students must wear their Westminster service t-shirt, pants, and closed-toe shoes.
Service Locations & Times
(Juniors have already been assigned and told their assigned location and day)
Deering Estate | 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
16701 SW 72 Ave
Chaperones: Lisa Garrido & Jessie Attard
Christ Fellowship | 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
8900 SW 168th St, Palmetto Bay, FL 33157
Chaperones: Mark Ferrer & Mary Lopez
Miami-Dade Animal Services - Pet Adoption & Protection Center | 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
3599 NW 79 Ave, Doral, FL 33122
Chaperones: Lissette Lopez & Dawna Robinson
Kendall Christian | 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
8485 SW 112 St, Miami, FL 33156
Chaperones: Sindy Garcia & Raysa Gomez
Hope Chapel | 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
10600 SW 40 St, Miami, FL 33165
Chaperone: Victor Labrada
If you have any questions, please contact the High School Office. -
There is Still Time to Join the Green Challenge
Join our Second Annual Green Challenge and make a difference—it's never too late to start! Since October, students have been earning points by completing fun, eco-friendly activities that help care for God’s creation. From recycling and planting trees to conserving water and reducing waste, every action counts! Parents, join in and encourage your children to be good stewards of the earth.Read More
Click here to learn more!
Student journals will be proudly displayed in the Nature Center! -
UPDATED: Senior Trip Itinerary and Departure Information
Please review the itinerary and departure information for the Senior Trip to New York City from March 12-15.Read More
Important Senior Trip Information -
Junior Service Day and Boot Camp: March 12 and 13
Read MoreWe are excited to announce that Junior Service Day and Junior Boot Camp will take place on Wed., March 12, and Thurs., March 13, 2025!On Junior Service Day, students will have the opportunity to volunteer at a variety of locations, where they will make a meaningful impact. Whether assisting at an animal shelter, volunteering at a local church, or engaging in environmental conservation, their efforts will truly make a difference. Students have already received an email with their assigned location and service times. Please note that students must arrive wearing their service day t-shirt (provided), along with school pants and sneakers. Additionally, the field trip form must be signed and returned to Mrs. Pino by Monday, March 10. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from their assigned service locations.
On the day when students are not volunteering, they will participate in Junior Boot Camp with the CCC, held on campus during regular school hours.We look forward to seeing the positive impact your children will have on our community! -
Bending with the Wind
Read MoreI’ve always loved storms. I remember the summer storms that would roll through my hometown in Newfield, NY. I would lay on my bed with the window open and watch the rain, lightning and thunder. There is something humbling (in a good way) about the power that weather possesses when you’re paying attention. Of course, this is only true when you’re lying comfortably on your bed watching the storm, rather than being trapped by it or in it. There were plenty of times I was caught exposed in the elements while playing outside and had to run for cover.Since moving to South Florida, I’ve discovered something else I love watching when storms blow through – palm trees. -
Episode XXV: MS/HS Band
Read MoreFriday, April 11 • 7 p.m.
The Lighthouse -
Springtime Melodies: ES/MS Band and Orchestra
Read More -
The Adventure: MS/HS Orchestra
Read More -
Important Dates as Your Child Transitions to Middle School
Read MoreFifth grade parents are invited to attend "Transition to Middle School Parenting" on Monday, March 10, at 1:30 p.m. in Beacon Hall with the Westminster counselors.
The 2025-26 MS Course Guide is now available. You can also access it in the Parent Resources board under the Resources tab. MS course selections must be submitted by March 11, 2025. Learn more here. -
ASL Movie Event
Read MoreWelcoming Westminster students, parents and the deaf community of South Florida to a special movie event.Jesus: A Deaf Missions Film
Produced by a team with a full cast fluent in American Sign Language.Date: Saturday, April 12
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: The LighthouseOrganized by American Sign Language teacher Thelma Pineda. -
Junior/Senior Brunch
Read MoreDate: Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Location: Rusty Pelican3201 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne, FL 33149BUSINESS CASUAL ATTIREMen: Button-down shirt, chinos or dress pants, polished shoes. Optional blazer.Women: Blouse, dressy pants or skirt, or dress with flats or heels. Optional cardigan or blazer.Ticket sales for the Junior/Senior Brunch have ended and no additional purchases may be made. -
MS Color Wars and Family Mixer: Coming Soon!
Read MoreThursday, March 131 p.m. Color Wars
2 p.m. Family MixerMain Field$15/person(MS students don't need a ticket)- Includes catering from Raising Canes
- Enjoy cool beats with a DJ
Halo Sweets and Kona Ice will be available for purchase. -
PS/ES Father Daughter Dance
Read More"Love You to the Moon and Back" Father Daughter DanceSaturday, April 5
6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Student Activities CenterStudents from preschool through grade 5 will enjoy dancing, food, and more alongside their father or special guest.$50 per person.Pre-order sweatshirt by March 21. -
Senior BBQ
Read MoreDate: Thursday, April 17, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: The Berry Farm
13720 SW 216th St, Miami, FL 33170
Casual AttirePlease note: Ticket sales for the Senior BBQ have ended and no additional purchases may be made. -
MS: Now is the Time to Select Your Child's Electives
Read MoreThe upcoming school year's Middle School Course Guide is now available. This is your opportunity to select elective preferences that will complement your child's core courses. To familiarize yourself with Westminster's middle school curriculum, please take a moment to review the course guide overview beginning on page 3. A complete list of elective courses is available on page 17.How to submit your elective course selections:When you are logged in to myWCS with your parent credentials, click on the yellow banner at the top of the screen which states “You have a form.”You will be able to list in order of preference the elective courses you would like your child to have.- Choose enough elective courses to fill two class periods for 36 weeks each.
- Please list elective courses in order of preference.
- Because of schedule conflicts and caps on class size, you should choose more classes than your child needs.
- An elective course may be canceled if insufficient number of students request it.
If you have any questions, please contact Middle School counselor Yeni Dumas. -
Step-Up Application Season is Now Open
The 2025-26 Step-Up application season is open. We encourage you to apply here at your earliest convenience. Renewing students will receive priority if their application is submitted by Wednesday, April 30.Read More
After your application is processed, use the following form to submit your new award ID so we can enroll your student(s): 2025-26 Step-Up Award ID. Please note that if you have multiple children, you’ll need to complete a separate entry for each child.
Additional details regarding the closure of the current year will be shared soon. -
MS Color Wars and Family Mixer
Read MoreThursday, March 131 p.m. Color Wars
2 p.m. Family MixerMain Field$15/person(MS students don't need a ticket)- Includes catering from Raising Canes
- Enjoy cool beats with a DJ
Halo Sweets and Kona Ice will be available for purchase. -
Bloom Where You're Planted
Read MoreWe do not have any say over where we are born, who our parents are, what our family legacy is, and much of the experiences that shape our early life. We are irreversibly impacted by all of these things which are mostly out of our control, but does that make us victims of circumstances?I think some of us find comfort in blaming others for the situation we find ourselves in, while others of us compare our situation to someone else’s, and feel envious or jealous. I have certainly been guilty of both – using my parents’ divorce as a justification for my cynical outlook on life and believing my life would have been better had my family been more like (fill in the blank). This is a victim mindset. -
Students Raise Funds for Victims of California Wildfires
Students hosted "Penny Wars" and Valentine's Day candy sales to raise money for those affected by the California wildfires. The grades competed to raise the most funds with the sixth grade coming out on top. Together, they raised $327.67.Read More
The Valentine's Day Candy Sales was a collaboration by the NJHS and Student Council members. This themed fundraiser brought in excess of $1,000!
Thank you to everyone who participated and helped raised more than $1,300 for this worthy cause. -
PS/ES Mother Son Night
Read More"Out of This World" Mother Son NightFriday, April 46 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.Student Activities CenterStudents from preschool through grade 5 will enjoy fun activities, food, and more alongside their mother or special guest.$40 per person -
Junior and Senior Ring Ceremony
Read MoreJunior and Senior Ring CeremonyDATE: Wednesday, April 2, 2025TIME: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.LOCATION: The LighthouseBusiness formal attire is required.You are cordially invited to join us for an evening of celebration to honor students who have purchased the exclusive Westminster ring.Students are welcome to bring as many guests as they'd like! Seating will be first come, first served,so please arrive early to secure your spot.
Please note: Ring sales have now ended, and no additional purchases can be made. -
Prom Tickets are Available!
Read MoreJuniors and Seniors, Prom Tickets are on Sale!
WESTMINSTER'S 2024-25 PROMSaturday, April 267 p.m. - 11 p.m.JW Marriott MarquisTickets are now on sale for $180 on myWCS.
Click on the Junior/Senior Prom Tickets banner to purchase. -
Dig Deeper
Read More“6 Then Jesus told this parable: “A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. 7 So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’ 8 “‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. 9 If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’”I’ve got two mango trees, an avocado tree, and a bunch of coconut trees in my yard. One of my mango trees did not bear fruit this year, but I’m not worried, because I pruned it back at the end of last season. I expect to get a “bumper crop” of mangoes next year after it has time to heal and regrow. Fruit trees are supposed to have fruit on them. If I had a mango tree in my yard that never produced mangoes it would be clear something was wrong, and action would need to be taken. -
Important Graduation Season Information
Read MoreCongratulations on your child's upcoming graduation from Westminster! What a privilege it has been to see the students in the Class of 2025 discover who God created them to be, ready to conquer the world as ambassadors for Christ. God has blessed each with amazing gifts and talents, and they are ready to do great things.Graduation will take place on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 7 p.m. in the Knight Concert Hall at The Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd.- Students need to arrive at the auditorium by 5:30 p.m. to line up for the ceremony.
- Choir, Band, and Orchestra seniors must arrive at 5 p.m. for rehearsal and sound check.
- Doors will open for parents, families, and friends with tickets at 6:15 p.m. Please note that only ticket holders with assigned seats will be admitted. There is no general admission seating. Graduation will last approximately two hours.
Graduation tickets are available to pick up beginning Monday, April 7, in the HS Office (with Mrs. Lorena Vicente). Each family will receive six (6) tickets at no cost with preassigned sections, rows, and seats. If you would rather your senior pick up the tickets, please email Mrs. Lorena Vicente at lvicente@wcsmiami.org providing permission to release the tickets to your child. Graduating seniors do not need tickets, all six may be used for family and friends.A lottery system will determine seat assignments. Additional seats may be purchased for a non-refundable $40 fee per ticket. Please note that these additional seats will be in a separate section from the six seats you were originally assigned.
If anyone needs handicap-accessible seating, please email Ms. Lorena Vicente so that arrangements can be made.
Please mark your calendars with the following important dates leading up to graduation:April 2 Junior/Senior Ring Ceremony The Lighthouse @ Westminster, 7 p.m. April 9 Junior/Senior Brunch Rusty Pelican, 10:30 a.m. April 17 Senior BBQ The Berry Farms, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. April 26 Prom JW Marriott Marquis April 29 Senior Chapel The Lighthouse @ Westminster April 29 Senior Cords & Awards Night All Seniors must attend as caps, gowns, and cords are being distributed this evening. May 1 College Decision Day Seniors wear their college gear to school May 2 Last Day of Class & Senior Caravan Fun celebration on campus May 5-16 AP Exams and Pending Coursework Seniors with AP exams are expected to report to the exams they are registered for and to class if there are pending tests/assignments. May 15 Rehearsal (5 p.m.) & Senior Graduation Dinner (7 p.m.) Mandatory attendance for Seniors (students only) May 16 Graduation Ceremony The Knight Concert Hall at The Adrienne Arsht Center (7 p.m.) Ticket distribution begin April 7. Please contact the High School Office if you have any questions or concerns. - Students need to arrive at the auditorium by 5:30 p.m. to line up for the ceremony.
-
HOSA Hosts Blood Drive at Westminster
Westminster HOSA students, Future Health Professionals, are hosting a blood drive on Wednesday, February 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the high school circle (main entrance). You must be at least 16 years old. Consent and ID are required. Students, staff and parents may donate.Read More
Donors may receive:- Refreshments
- Long-sleeved t-shirt
- Wellness checkup (including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron count, and cholesterol screening)
-
It Takes Time
I will never forget the moment while we were remodeling our house in Charlotte, NC, and my wife walked in to where I had pulled up floorboards in the kitchen so that she could see the dirt under the house. With a look of horror and discouragement on her face she said, “I didn’t realize that vaulting the ceilings meant gutting the house.”Read MoreFor anyone who has ever been through a remodeling project, you can relate. Having to change your routine, share space in ways you normally wouldn’t, work around mess, and deal with financial uncertainties are just a short list of issues you need to be prepared to navigate well.In our case, we also needed to deal with the foundation, hence the torn-up floorboards. But you can’t build up (vaulted ceilings) without first digging deep. It was a long few months, but we finally moved in. The house was well worth the wait and the pain of the construction process. I guess you could say it all worked out in the end. Most especially because of the valuable life lessons our family gained in the process. -
Check Your Streams
Julia Tuttle’s orange blossoms, sent to Henry Flagler during a particularly harsh freeze in the winter of 1895, played a significant role in the oil-baron-turned-railroad-tycoon’s decision to bring his trains south. In reality, Flagler had always had his sights set on Key West, believing it would be a great city and shipping port. With the failing health of his wife, and the mounting frustrations and costs of building railroad tracks through the swampy everglades, however, he may have simply stayed in Palm Coast. But for Tuttle’s creative persistence, Flagler came south! Three years later, Miami was incorporated.Today, it is everything Julia thought it would become and more, as one of the premier cities of the U.S. and a gateway to Latin America. And Flagler too, spurred on by an irrational drive, made it to Key West cutting the path that would become what is now U.S. 1 on the first “railroad across the sea.”Read More -
Join Us for Junior/Senior Brunch!
Read MoreClass of 2025 and 2026, mark your calendars for the Junior/Senior Brunch on April 9, 2025, at the Rusty Pelican from 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.Payment Due: All payments for the brunch are due by February 7, 2025. You can make your payment easily through your MyWCS portal by clicking on the yellow banner. -
Important! Please Complete Form for Your Child's Diploma
Read MoreParents, congratulations on nearing the final chapter of your Warrior's high school journey! To ensure your child's name appears exactly as you would like on his or her diploma, please provide the correct information in the form linked below:
DIPLOMA FORMPlease note: The information you enter will be used exactly as written. Middle names can be included in full, as an initial, or omitted entirely.Thank you for your attention to this important detail! -
Join Us for Taste of Westminster
Read MoreSample bites from some of South Florida's best restaurants and beverage vendors while mingling with friends at the Taste of Westminster! Enjoy unlimited sips and samples and dance the night away, all while supporting Westminster Christian School. You'll also be able to pick-up some great finds at the spectacular silent auction! It's a night you don't want to miss.
PURCHASE DISCOUNTED TICKETS ONLINE UNTIL FRIDAY, JAN. 24, AT 3 P.M.
Tickets will be available at the door for $150/person.BROWSE THE ONLINE AUCTION CATALOG AND START BIDDING TODAY.
(Save time at the door and share this link with your guests to pre-register for event.)
Sports memorabilia, international vacation packages, grade baskets, beauty and wellness items, culinary adventures, jewelry, and so much more! -
The Dull Axe
Read MoreHave you ever tried to cut using a dull knife? My mother-in- law has spent most of her life preparing meals with a dull, three-inch paring knife. Whether she’s chopping meat, vegetables, or trying to cut a pie, she instinctively reaches for the same small knife. She’s generous and thoughtful and always has food on the table so there are no complaints from me on that front, but I’ve never understood why she uses that tiny little knife.The truth contained in a little verse in Ecclesiastes 10:10 sheds some light on this little conundrum, “If the axe is blunt, and one doesn’t sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but skill brings success.” I’ll stand by and watch as my mother-in-law will labor over chopping up celery for a salad, having to make every single slice and taking forever to get it done. It’s a labor of love, but she’s skilled. She knows what’s she’s doing, and she doesn’t mind taking the extra time. A sharper knife more suited to the task would make the job significantly faster and easier, but with skill she’s able to produce the same results even if it does take her longer (shrug). -
Save the Date for the Color Wars MS Family Mixer
Celebrate the Win, Stay for the Fun!Read More
Mark your calendars for the Color Wars Middle School Family Mixer on Thursday, March 13. After an exciting day of friendly Color Wars competition, join us after school for a time of food, music, and family fellowship.
More details will be shared soon! -
The Boastful Axe
Read MoreIt’s about to be Super Bowl weekend again. Of course, I’m writing this in June, so I have no idea who is in the Super Bowl this year. But for the purpose of this article, let’s assume it’s the Dolphins and the 49ers. Why not?Obviously, the Dolphins will win the Super Bowl and they’ll get rings. But did you know that for most teams, the owner, the general manager, the whole coaching staff, managers, even athletic trainers, get rings too? Everyone gets one.Is that fair? None of the support staff could win the championship without players, so do they really deserve one? On the other hand, could the players win without the owner, the general manager, the coaches, or even the athletic training staff? It’s hard to say. -
Share Your Acceptance Moment with Us!
Did you capture the excitement when you received your acceptance to Westminster? Whether it’s a joyful video, a candid family photo, or a fun celebration of this milestone, we’d love to see it! Share your special moment with us by sending your photos or videos to itorres@wcsmiami.org, and you could be featured on the school’s social media. Be sure to include the student’s name and graduation year along with your submission. Don’t miss the chance to showcase your excitement with the Westminster community!Read More -
Important Information Regarding Senior Class Trip to New York City
*This information is for families who have already secured their child’s spot on the Senior Class Trip to New York City (March 12-15, 2025) by paying in full. Please note that registration for the trip is now closed, and students who have not completed payment will be unable to attend.Read More
To finalize your child’s participation, please complete the registration process with our travel partner, ETA Adventures. The registration deadline is Friday, January 17. Follow the steps below to officially register:
How to Complete Student and Chaperone Registration:- Visit the ETA Adventures Website: Go to https://www.etadventures.com/.
- Login to Your Account: Click the green “Login” button at the top of the page.
- Enter the Trip Code: When prompted, enter the trip code: westminsternyc25.
- Create or Access Your Account: If you’ve already created an account with ETA, simply sign in with your existing credentials. If you have not yet created an account, select "Access Account" and follow the prompts to create one using either your email address or Google account.
- Add New Reservation: After reviewing the trip itinerary, click "Add New Reservation" to begin completing the required forms and acknowledgments.
- Complete the registration forms, including emergency contact information, medical details, and any special dietary requirements.
- Review and submit the forms to confirm your child’s participation.
We are looking forward to an unforgettable trip to New York City with your child! -
Important Reminder: How Step-Up Funds Will Be Received and Applied
Read MoreFunding- Step Up will receive funding from the Department of Education on the following projected dates: September 1, November 1, February 1, and April 1.
- Step Up will deposit the funds on a quarterly basis in the student’s EMA account.
- School invoices will be generated in EMA (Education Market Assistant) for schools and parents/guardians to approve. Parents must approve quarterly payments in EMA.
- Once approved by the parents/guardians and the school, Step Up will initiate quarterly payments to the school within seven (7) business days.
Distribution
Parents will still need to make payments to Blackbaud Tuition Management in accordance with their preselected payment plan. Westminster will apply the scholarship funds to the Blackbaud tuition accounts within 15 days of receipt from Step Up and will be deducted from your next scheduled payment.What Does This Mean?For Monthly Payers: The amounts received will be applied as follows:- September funds will be deducted from your October tuition payment.
- November funds will be deducted from your December tuition payment.
- February funds will be deducted from your March tuition payment.
- April funds will be refunded in May 2025.
For Semiannual Payers: The amounts received will be applied as follows:- September funds will be deducted from your November tuition payment.
- November, February, and April funds will be applied to your Blackbaud account and refunded in May 2025.
For Annual Payers: A credit to your account will be posted as the funds are received.- In May 2025, the credit balance will be refunded.
Please remember that scholarship funds are designated exclusively for the school year in which they are awarded. As a result, refunds for any tuition overpayments will be issued at the end of the 2024-25 school year.
Thank you for your support and patience as we navigate this new process together. If you have any additional questions, please contact Leyma Matozinho in the Business Office at lmatozinho@wcsmiami.org or 305-233-2030, Ext. 1251. -
The Borrowed Axe
Read MoreAbout 10 years ago, my family was invited to stay with some friends in a Lakehouse near Charlotte, NC. We were having a great time on the pontoon boats and jet skis.One morning, I needed to stay back and get some work done while the family went out on the boat. A few hours later, just before I jumped on the jet ski to catch up with everyone, I had the thought, “I should add some gas.” So, I did, and took off after my family.At the end of the day, my friend was driving the jet ski back and it started sputtering. Eventually, it wouldn’t drive anymore, and we had to tow it back. When I explained how I’d filled the tank with gas and pointed to the can I used, my friend’s face looked horrified as he said, “That’s the wrong fuel!” We told the owner and after taking it to the shop, he let us know it was ruined. I tried to pay for it, but the owner refused my offer leaving me with no way to make it right. I was mortified...
keyboard_arrow_left
2025
Westminster Christian School, located in Palmetto Bay, Florida, is a private, college-preparatory school for children from preschool through twelfth grade.