PARENTS WEEKEND

This year, we welcomed the return of Parents Weekend, thanks to the eased restrictions of COVID-19. The weekend was an all-round success as it brought parents, students and staff together – and it was especially great that our 3rd year students got to experience a Parents Weekend before graduating from Wesley.

Throughout childhood, children and their parents have the strongest of connections. However, as they grow older and move away from home into residencies like Wesley College, they are often distanced geographically, and that separation is sometimes challenging.

This is why Parent’s Weekend is a mainstay of Wesley College tradition – it drives the social interaction and connection harboured by exchanging stories with our parents. For parents as well, the weekend facilitated an immersive experience into our life at College and introducing them to our Wesley family.

The weekend kicked off with a performance of the Wesley Drama Group’s play, The Play That Goes Wrong, accompanied by a cheese board and drinks. The comedy classic was met with a resounding reception, and the audience were in fits of laughter the entire time.

The next day saw the return of the main event, the Garden Party. Hosted on the front lawns, parents and students alike gathered in the sunshine exchanging stories about events throughout the year. Our parents were introduced to our friends and their parents, and Old Collegian parents got to relive their glory days with one another.

Several collegians also performed live music, featuring our talented students who study at the Conservatorium of Music and the rock band, Alpha Goose. There were also abundant cocktails, Thai cuisine, a high tea and lawn games.

After an afternoon of good vibes, we continued the night at The Grandstand. It was great to see both parents and their children dancing together to 80s hits and watching the AFL Grand Final.

But the weekend didn’t end there! The following morning, our very own Reverend David Gore held a Sunday Chapel Service which included student performances on the violin and piano. This was then followed by a morning tea hosted by the Master.

Many parents made the trip to Sydney from all around Australia especially for Parents Weekend, which shows their appreciation of Wesley College and the home it provides their children.

Thank you to the Master and Wesley staff for making it such a success. It was certainly a weekend to remember and a great opportunity to meet and connect with families from all over the country.