From the Principal

Dear Families,

Please find attached the school staffing structure for 2024. Each new year brings several changes to the school’s staffing profile. We are excited to welcome Kayleen Dumic (Year 5/6), Brittlee Salvo (Year 4) and Edan Baccega (Year 1) to Willy Primary. We will also be welcoming back Rochelle White and Toni Lind who return in part time roles.

In welcoming staff, we also say farewell to several staff. We would like to thank you to Will Rogers (Year 5/6) and Katie Simeon (Year 4) all the best on their next endeavours, and hope that they are able to take a little bit of Willy with them on their journey.

Lastly, we would like to acknowledge Marina Robb for 40 years of teaching service at Williamstown Primary School. Marina will retire at the end of this year which brings an end to a long history and connection to the school. Marina who has had numerous roles at the school was also a parent at the school, giving her the opportunity to experience Willy Primary from different viewpoints. We congratulate and thank Marina for all the time and commitment she has given to Willy Primary and wish her all the best in retirement.

Class Placement & Step-Up Day

This year sees a revised transition process as students will officially meet their 2024 teachers and classmates on step-up day on Tuesday 12th December. This is a change from the previous last day meet, and we believe that this change will help strengthen the school’s transition process and supports. Families will receive communication regarding their child’s 2024 teacher via email on Monday 11th December, while a second meet the teacher for students will take place on the last day of the school year.

Please note that the class placement process is extremely thorough and is undertaken over the course of 4 weeks. Each individual student is considered from an academic, social, and emotional perspective when being placed. The needs of individual students are balanced across the year levels as each student is assured at least 1 of their chosen learning buddies. Such is the complexity of this process we are unable to make requested changes. Please be assured that we look to support the growth and development of every single student.

150 Year Anniversary Documentary

We are very excited to announce that production of the school's 150th Anniversary Celebratory Film is now complete.To share this amazing piece of work undertaken by the Dean family the school is hosting two screenings on Wednesday 13th December. These screenings will take place at 5:30pm and 6:15pm in the school hall.Students will also be provided the opportunity to watch this 25-minute film in the classroom, but we felt it was extremely important to have the opportunity for students to share the experience with their families.There is no need to register, all we ask is that families arrive 5mins prior to each screening. At this stage the screening is for school students and families only. We will look to give the greater community opportunity to view at a stage in the new year.A huge thank you to Tony, Stina and Matilda for their work and support of this project. What an amazing achievement and contribution to the school.We look forward to seeing families there.

150 Years of Williamstown Primary School Coffee Table Book

Reminder to families who ordered a 150 Years of Williamstown Primary School book,  that orders can be collected from the office.

Holiday Works

Although the holiday periods are an opportunity to recharge and relax it is often a vital time to undertake key school maintenance. The Summer holidays regularly sees areas of the school undertake painting works, with the upcoming period having a focus on the administration building. The biggest works these upcoming holidays is the much-needed carpet replacement in the portables, administration, and redbrick buildings. These carpets are well overdue for replacement, and we look forward to refreshing the spaces with these works.

Next newsletter

Please note that the last school letter for the year will go out on Monday 18th December. This will give us an opportunity to celebrate the year as well as our grade 6 award winners.

Warm regards,

Mathew Montebello

Principal