Form Deans, Year to Year

By Simon Stambaugh ’26 and Sabrina Yang ’26

You can’t spend a year without your Form Dean, possibly the most well-known teacher in your entire form. They help set up form events and act as your safety net when you need a place to go. We have interviewed every Form Dean and brought you the roles of the most important mentors for your career here at Westminster: Mr. Kendall of the Third Form, Mr. Curtis of the Fourth Form, Mrs. Wosleger of the Fifth Form, and Ms. Smith of the Sixth Form.

What is a Form Dean, and what is your role in the community?
They are an avenue of support for students, often acting as a second advisor. They watch out for the students, celebrating with their form and finding support for the students they see struggling. They represent primary administrative links to events that happen on campus. As Mr. Curtis said, “Obviously, I manage discipline, which can seem to you guys that it is the only thing we do; but it's not, and it's not why we become Deans. It's, again, more to help you guys…”
 
What is the difference between the Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth forms?
The Sixth Form dean has the most responsibilities. Fifth Form deans are almost the leader of the entire school. After the Sixth Form graduates, they take over the reins of the school and help students develop their visions for the Westminster community. The Fourth Form year is a reminder that students have not reached the Fifth Form, yet they are not Third Formers, and this is often the time when students start looking for something they're passionate about. It is also this time that students evaluate what they want to bring, take, and give back to the community. The Third Form year is all about transitioning into a new environment.
 
How do you balance being a teacher and a form dean?
It is very hard, and in Ms. Smith’s words “I don’t.” When something disciplinary happens everything goes out the window until that thing is solved. It is hard to do lesson planning and grading when things get too busy. 
 
What is the most annoying thing about being a Dean?
Unanimously, the Deans all agree that attendance is the most annoying thing.
“Attendance.” - Mr. Kendall
“Tracking Attendance.” - Mr. Curtis
“Attendance is an annoying thing to deal with.” - Mrs. Wosleger
Ms. Smith hopes that students know that she is not out to get them but rather to help them grow in order to become their best selves.
“Kids think I’m out to get them.” - Ms. Smith
 
What are you most excited about for the students next year in your form?
Most of the Form Deans are most excited about the impact on the community and what is coming up as their form rises to the next.
Mrs. Wosleger is very excited about how the Fifth Formers are soon to become the leaders on this campus and how they embrace the role.
Ms. Smith is excited to see how Sixth Formers feel when going off to college and when they remember how special this place is and how we as students shouldn't take this place for granted.
Mr. Kendall feels that it has not been long enough with the Third Form to have an idea of what the future holds, but it is very exciting watching what the students will take and give back to Westminster.
Mr. Curtis is excitedly waiting to see what the students will bring to the community as they find themselves since they are no longer in the Third Form.
 
If you had to advise students in ways to make your job easier what would that advice be?
Be on time for attendance so the Deans don’t have to chase you down; check your email; and, as Mrs. Wosleger says, “Pause and think. Big or small, if you are second-guessing doing something don’t do it.”