Westlake Boys’ High School

Westlakers' novel idea launches Writers Project

In recent years the Westlakers Committee (alumni) have been patrons of the Westlakers Art Programme that showcases the talent of emerging or exhibiting Westlaker artists, sculptors, and photographers.

This year the Westlakers Committee also wanted to begin acknowledging the achievements of Westlakers who have become successful songwriters, playwrights, and poets. With the innovative expertise of renowned sculptor and Westlaker Jeff Thomson, excerpts from songs and poems have been sculpted into artworks and installed at various locations around the school campus.

By drawing attention to these memorable works, it is hoped this project will inspire students, particularly those with a creative aptitude, and raise awareness that making a living in the arts is achievable and can be done with great success.

The first series of sculptures have used excerpts from 'Bathe in the River' by Don McGlashan, 'Coromandel' by Stephen Sinclair, 'Walk Around the House' by Harry Sinclair, 'Gutter Black' by Dave Mcartney, lines from two haiku by Richard von Sturmer, and 'Flames' by student composition winner, William Squire. Each sculpture is unique in its construction and style of installation, and they are already creating considerable chatter amongst passers-by.

The final part of the project will be the addition of a QR code beside each sculpture. These will provide information about the artist and his work, and for music-related sculptures, recordings will be included to add another level to the user experience.

This project has created a visual legacy and provides the school community with a discerning endowment of artistic heritage. We hope, as people discover these sculptures around the campus, that they find them intriguing and take time to stop and ponder the phrases, and maybe feel inspired before they continue on their way.

Dave Mcartney - Gutter Black.

William Squire - Flames. Stephen Sinclair - Coromandel.

Harry Sinclair - Walk Around the House.

Outstanding Service to the Music Department: Finn Jennings. Excellence in Instrumental Performance: Alexander Wilson. Excellence in Composition and Excellence in Vocal Performance: William Squire. Most Improved Senior Musican: Oliver Garner.

2022 Westlake Music Awards

Each year the Music Awards dinner is held in conjunction with Westlake Girls music students at McHughs of Cheltenham, and it was wonderful to have this event back in the calendar after a hiatus last year due to Covid restrictions. While our senior music students gathered to celebrate their achievements with their peers, they were treated to an inspiring performance by Oliver Garner on violin, accompanied by Geoff Hill on piano, of the thrid movement of Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto.

The Year 11, 12 and 13 students were recognised for their hard work and commitment to music ensembles – some students having been involved in up to six rehearsals each week. A select few were also recognised and commended for their membership in national music ensembles, that had placed additional demand on their time.

Towards the latter part of the evening excitement began to build for the announcement of the 2022 special awards which were presented to Finn Jennings for his Outstanding Service to the Music Department; Alexander Wilson for Excellence in Instrumental Performance, Oliver Garner for Most Improved Senior Musician, and William Squire who picked up two awards for Excellence in Composition, and Excellence in Vocal Performance.

Gathering to celebrate at the Sports Awards Dinner.

Athletes celebrated at annual Sports Awards

Having enjoyed a near-regular sports year with all matches, tournaments, and competitions operational again it was satisfying to wrap the sports calendar up with the return to our traditional celebratory Sports Awards dinner.

The school auditorium was humming with eager students, parents, staff, and sponsors to celebrate the year that was with speeches, awards, and photos that had captured moments of sporting brilliance when team aspirations were realised on pitches, courts, courses and tracks.

It was a time to congratulate and celebrate the achievements of premier teams and players in the presence of their peers, and to enjoy being part of the Westlake sporting community. Westlake was fortunate to enjoy success across numerous codes again this year and we congratulate all our award winners and colours recipients.

After an outstanding year on the water, George Rush received the Arblaster Cup for Sportsman of the Year. George and his sailing partner, Seb Menzies, capped an incredible 2022 with victory in the 49FX at the Junior World Champs in Italy. This came on the back of victories in the 29er at the European Champs and Kiel Week in Germany, as well as third place at the Youth World Sailing Champs in the Netherlands.

Other Sports Awards winners included:

• Team of the Year – 1st XI Hockey • Coach of the Year – Elliot Bartholomew • Student Coach of the Year – Amorino Toongart • Colin Pascoe Trophy for Attitude & Sportsmanship – Tristyn Cook • Alf Butt Award for True Sportsmanship – Ryan Parr • Simon Bryan Shield for Outstanding Sporting Achievement –

Cameron Maunder

Finalists for Sportsman of the Year. Coach of the Year - Elliot Bartholomew.