From the Principal

Dear Families,

It has finally arrived; the weekend of the Seaside Fair is upon us, and we are looking forward to an epic weekend.

Events like this don’t happen overnight, in fact planning for this event commenced over a year ago. It’s amazing to think of how much time, effort and passion has gone into this event and it’s all to support our amazing Willy Kids as well as build and strengthen connections within our community.

To get this event off the ground it starts with one brave individual putting their hand up to lead the charge, and that brave person is Lance Vinnell. Lance took on the enormous task of heading up the fair committee and has done an amazing job. To say that he has lived and breathed Seaside Fair is an understatement, and we are forever grateful for his tireless efforts and passion to bring this event to the community. 

We would also like to formally thank:

Heidi Wegner who has had the huge job of coordinating all fair volunteers. This has been a massive coordination of people, and it will be great having so many families involved in the day.

If it’s a visible graphic, then the chances are it has been designed and adapted by Sarah Kruse, who as a graphic designer has worked on every piece of promotional material.

Sam Hunneyball has made sure that the community has been informed and up to date overseeing all marketing of the fair.

Our amazing sponsorship team of Sharon Flaherty, Renae Reid and Jane Harris have knocked Seaside Fair Sponsorship out of the park. They have reached every corner of the extended community in a record-breaking sponsorship effort.

Last is a job that isn’t as flashy as the others but takes a tremendous amount of time and planning. Adrian Connolly has overseen all policy, guidelines, regulations and OHS matters. An event like this can’t happen without the correct governance.

Unfortunately, I can’t list everyone who has help as there are far too many individuals and families. From the bottom of our hearts, we say thank you to all. Every bit of help regardless of how big or small contributes to the overall success of the day.

While we celebrate the people of The Seaside Fair, I would like to acknowledge some of our large financial contributors. We often think about what the money raised on the day goes towards, but the money needed prior supports all the initial set up, and sponsors play a key role in this. 

Williamstown Football Club has an even longer history than us in the community, as next year will be their 160th anniversary. To have such an iconic community organisation support the fair as our platinum/major sponsor has been surreal. A demonstration of the partnership was at the club’s home final which saw the Seagulls home ground filled with Willy Primary families and students. To Ash and the team at WFC we say thank you for all you have helped provide. Partnering in our 150th year has been extraordinary.

Further key sponsors have been Landing Gear and Local Lawyers. These two businesses with a core base in Williamstown have been great contributors as Diamond Sponsors. We would encourage our school community to access their services when needed.

We look forward to further celebrations and acknowledgements around the Seaside Fair in next week’s newsletter.

School Review- Parent Focus Group

This coming Tuesday will see the third and final day of our school review. We want to thank all parents who attended our parent forum last Tuesday. Your contribution is highly valued, and we thank you for your time.

The last day of the review will see the panel shape the school’s next 4-year strategic plan. We look forward to sharing further details in the coming weeks.

Celebrating Willy Kids Achievement

Recently we were informed that Leo from grade 6 had his story ‘Slime’ published as part of the Early Harvest 100 Story Book Launch. The book 'Write, Fight, Flee!' which was also edited by Elizabeth and Kareem in grade 6, will be available at Book & Paper also for anyone to grab a copy. What an amazing achievement for our Willy Kids and future authors.

Call out for a local Landscape Designer

The school is on the lookout for a landscape designer from our school community, that is prepared to donate their time and skill to help develop the school’s junior quadrangle space. Located between the redbrick building and the 5/6 deck, the project is the inspiration for our Seaside Fair fundraising. The goal is to turn the space into a student friendly area enable students and families the opportunity to meet, chat and engage with one another.

If you or someone you know would be keen to volunteer time to this project, please contact me directly via email. mathew.monetebllo@education.vic.gov.au

Warm regards,

Mathew Montebello

Principal