One of the privileges of growing older is that we earn the right to reminisce. In my first decade, England was a dreary place, slowly recovering from the privations of war and desperately trying to rebuild destroyed cities and a shattered economy. We had only two TV channels, played onto a small black and white set that was 12 inches square. Hanging over the front of the screen was a large magnifying glass to enable us to view the pictures from across the room. Sundays were spent going to church in the morning, enjoying the only family meal of the week at lunchtime, followed by a diet of Hollywood films during the afternoon. My favorites were the Judy Garland / Mickey Rooney musicals collectively 
known as “let’s put on a show”. No matter what the trials and tribulations they faced, these kids miraculously produced a show in a barn or in a dilapidated theater they saved from demolition with sets that would not disgrace a Broadway production. And these kids were stars! How I wished I could be such a star, but no matter how much I enjoyed these fantasies of the silver screen, I believed them to be ridiculous make-believe. Until, that is, I witnessed Upper Elementary and Middle School students rehearsing their latest Shakespeare production! Designing a set from bits of wood, choosing songs that fit the moment, organizing costumes and makeup, learning about the technical aspects of theater, producing programs and tickets, and a plethora of other activities necessary for the production of a show is a remarkable achievement even for seasoned professionals. But seeing this miracle unfold with students in 5th through 8th grade has made me realize that I was perhaps a little too cynical in my youth. In my defense, I didn’t have the benefit of the expert tutelage of Ms. Abene, Ms. Worthen, and all the other teachers and volunteer parents guiding our thespians. The skills they are learning (planning, building, acting, team work and many others) cannot be written into a syllabus or be reflected in SAT scores, but they are vital attributes in the “real world”. No commercial or charitable organization could succeed if its key players did not possess these qualities and, I would suggest, they are one of the intangible reasons why our graduates continue to be offered such large scholarships when they apply to colleges. Irrespective of the long term benefits, I would urge you to get your tickets early and enjoy Westwood’s production of Shakespeare Rocks. As the bard himself penned “if music be the food of love, play on”.
In the midst of the organized chaos that is a concomitant of a production, the High School is working frantically towards the end of year. Classes are preparing for their semester exams which will include work from both semester 1 and 2, elections are being held for student positions in various committees, plans are afoot for Prom and Graduation, and we are preparing for yet another year of growth in our High School population. With constantly improving facilities, an expanding curriculum, and an increasingly diverse extra-curricular program, we are not only welcoming the vast majority of our current grade 8 but we have a number of new students (local and international) who wish to join us and experience the wonder that is Westwood. This year has been incredibly successful and rewarding, but to steal a line from another old entertainer – “you ain’t seen nothing yet!”
Speaking of next year, we are preparing to say au revoir to our seniors. As one end of the 
building throbs to the beat of classic rock while 148 feet pound out newly learned dance routines, the other end has descended into a monasterial quiet as the Diploma Programme exams get underway. Two years in the planning, aided by a team of specialists to educate and guide our seniors, the exams are a culmination of their Westwood experience. Armed with knowledge, skills and fortitude that Westwood imbues into all its students, they will soon be leaving us to enjoy college life. If past graduates are a guide, they will not only be extremely successful, but they will also visit us often to pass on their experiences to the next class or to simply reminisce. Perhaps, after all, this is a privilege even the young can enjoy?
While walking down the Lower School hallway, sounds of singing and laughter travel through the door of the Beginner room. In observing the young students, it is pleasing to reflect on all of the progress the Beginners have made throughout the year. In just one year of attending Westwood, the students have learned how to do multiple different Montessori works, feed themselves, respect their classmates and teachers, prepare for nap time, along with many other wonderful things. We are proud to congratulate all of the accomplishments of our Beginners!
