Dear Families,

Welcome back! I hope you all had a restful and enjoyable holiday break. It’s hard to believe that we are already kicking off a brand new school year! We are thrilled to welcome both new and returning students, and I’m excited for the wonderful year of learning and growth that lies ahead.

We understand that the start of the school year can bring about a mix of excitement and nervousness, especially after such a long break. This is completely natural for our young learners, and we’re here to support them through it. It’s always wonderful to see how quickly students settle back into the school routine. The excitement of reconnecting with friends and meeting new teachers brings a sense of comfort and ease, and we are already seeing great moments of joy as our students jump back into their learning!

We know that all kids bounce back quickly, and we are so excited to celebrate and support our Willy Kids throughout 2025. Whether it’s academic achievements, new friendships, or personal growth, we look forward to every opportunity to cheer them on.

Important Items and Events:

Timetable

Please find attached this years Term 1 Specialist Timetable

Meet the teacher - Wednesday 12th February (Students dismissed 12:30pm)

Compass bookings for these meetings will be open next week Monday 3rd Feb. These meetings are an opportunity for parents/families to meet their child’s teacher and to pass on any information that they feel is important.

Please be aware outside of feedback how students have settled in, class teachers would have only had the students for two weeks so will have limited ability feedback academic achievement information.

School Photos - Tuesday 18th February

Tuesday 18th Feb we will be undertaking school photos. We are asking families to ensure that all students are wearing official school uniforms, which includes the official school uniform colours.

No Grade 6 t-shirts or jumpers
No sports t-shirts
No alternative colour leggings/pants (Required school royal blue)

As photo day approaches, we just need to make families aware of important information regarding the use of photos taken.

All students presented to our photographers on photo day will be photographed, their images will appear in school photography packages which will be available to purchase by school families.

If you have any questions regarding the use of photos and images within photo packages, please contact the office prior to photo day.

Volunteer Registration Information

Early next week, parent volunteer information will be distributed. Outlined in the information will be what are the requirements around being a parent volunteer. In accordance with Departments volunteer and OHS policies this is an annual requirement, which has to be completed each year.

Important Notes

A range of paper notes have gone home this week,

ICT User Agreement
Local Excursion Note
Photo Permission

These notes also represent changes to recent Department policy, hence why they may look different than previous years.

Mobile Phone Policy

Just a reminder to families of the Department and School’s mobile phone policy. This policy also covers smart watches, even when placed in school mode. Phones and watches are required to be handed to the teacher at the start of the day. These devices will then be safely secured away and handed back to students at the end of the school day.

https://www.williamstownps.vic.edu.au/uploaded_files/media/williamstown_ps__mobile_phones__students_use_policy_april_2024.pdf

School Council

The 2024 school council will meet for the final time on Tuesday 18th February.

Leading up to this meeting information will be distributed regarding vacant positions for the 2025 School Council. Information for parents interested in nominating for school council will be part of correspondence, which will be communicated in week 3 this term.

House Swimming Sports Wednesday 5th February - Williamstown Life Saving Club

(Selected Grade 3/4 students and all 5/6 Students)

Next Wednesday 5th Feb our grade 5/6 students and selected grade 3/ 4 students will head down to the Williamstown Life Savings for the school’s annual House Swimming Sports.

This event which is a long-standing tradition at the school sees students compete in their houses, Reid, Gem, Nelson and Ferguson. The event also doubles as the district swim team trials with the selected team heading down to Werribee to compete at the district swimming carnival.

Warm regards,

Mat

Respect - Learning - Resilience - Responsibility