Specialist Team News

Performing Arts 

The Curriculum Focus in Performing Arts 

Prep: Students have been learning about the use of dynamics in music. They have considered the purpose of lullabies including singing the indigenous lullaby in Yorta Yorta language called “Inanay Capuana”. Students have sung an alternative ‘loud’ version of the song, “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” called “Twinkle Twinkle Rock Guitar”.

Year 1: Students have been reviewing the rhythm pattern: ti-ti ta and have used the bucket drums to read and play different rhythmic patterns. They have also started using the djembe, learning how to play a bass and tone on the instrument. The new song they will learn is a goodbye song in Swahili called “Kwa Heri”.

Year 2: Students have created and shared a rhythm pattern based on Willy Kid characteristics. They have also started creating a rhythm composition based on Lego block sizes. They will share their compositions in the following lesson using their choice of percussion instrument.

Grade 3/4: Students have been learning about the features of rap music and the rhyming structures present in these songs. They have created and shared an activity called ‘Rap my Name’ where they have written about something that they like or like to do. Next lesson they will work with a partner to create rhyming lines to go with existing rap lyrics about times of the day.

Grade 5/6: Students have continued learning about the features of song parodies. They have selected a popular song chorus and have started getting ideas together about ways to turn it into a parody. 

Music Clubs – Marimba & Rock Band Auditions

Marimba Band

Week 4    

Thursday 19th Feb     Auditions 5/6E & B

Friday 20th Feb           Auditions for 5/6M, C & H       

Rock Band Auditions

Week 5    

Thursday 26th Feb    Singers Auditions – 5/6E, B & M

Friday 27th Feb          Singers Auditions – 5/6C & H

Week 6    

Thursday 5th March  Guitar & Bass Auditions 

Friday 6th March        Keyboard and Drum Auditions   

Bands Selection 

Week 7    

Thursday 12th March        Band selection meeting  

*There are approximately sixty students who have put up their hands to audition for the bands, which is very encouraging. Best of luck to all our students auditioning.

Warm regards,

Faye Ferry                                                       

Performing Arts & Band Teacher                                                           

Visual Art

We’ve had another busy week as we prepare art pieces for our Art Show in term 4. Most of the work we complete over the next few months will be on display at the Art Show and therefore won’t be returned until after the Art Show.

Grade Prep 

Last week we were inspired by the book ‘The Dot’ by peter H. Reynolds. The Preps were shown how to turn a dot into a work of art using paint sticks. This week we learnt about texture and created a painted wrinkled effect. 

Grade’s 1-6 were inspired by Valentine’s Day and all the students were introduced to the street artist Chris Uphues. Each year level created an art piece concentrating on different techniques using Chris’ popular ‘heart art’ in different ways. This week all classes are looking at texture and how to create it using wool.

Grade 1 

Last week we created gorgeous Hearts using paint sticks. The students used Chris Uphues’ interesting faces to add to their hearts to give them character. This week the Grade 1’s are painting with yarn to create a very textured piece.

Grade 2

Last week the grades 2’s also created large hearts paying close attention to the facial detail. This week the students are yarn painting a landscape onto round paper. This is a very delicate and careful process that produces a very tactile result that perfectly displays texture in art.

Grade 3/4 

Last week we studied Chris Uphues’ overlapping hearts and create an art piece using five overlapping hearts with expressive features. This week the students are creating a circular weave pattern on a circle loom they created showcasing texture using wool.

Grade 5/6 

Last week the students created a detailed heart with a 3D ‘drippy’ effect in the background. They practised adding highlights to their drips to create depth. This week the students made a rectangular loom and have begun weaving wool to create a textured art piece using textiles.

Art Club 

Art club is available to different year levels each term. The schedule for 2026 will be as follows:

We are looking for…..

To help with the creative process, we are asking for some materials that you may no longer need and would be happy to donate to the art room where we will turn them into magnificent art pieces. Some things we are looking for are wool, old house paint brushes, newspapers and shoe boxes (in good condition). So, if you are doing a clean out and have these items can you please drop them off at the Art Room. Thanks so much for your support!

Art smocks for everyone! 

This year, I strongly encourage all classes to bring in an art smock (P-6) In the spirit of reducing waste, I recommend an old, oversized t-shirt or shirt with your child’s name on it. These will be stored in your child’s classroom and will be used when required.

Warm regards,

Marcia Evans

Physical Education

Term 1 continues to build strong movement foundations across the school, with an athletics focus for our senior students and core movement skills for our younger year levels.

What Students Are Learning

Prep

Students are developing safe movement patterns when changing direction, focusing on balance, awareness and control in shared spaces.

Year 1

Speed control and reaction skills remain a focus, with students learning to accelerate, decelerate and respond safely to signals.

Year 2

Running technique continues to improve as students refine posture, arm drive and pacing awareness.

Years 3/4

Distance running is the current focus. Students are learning how to pace themselves, maintain rhythm and understand the difference between sprinting and endurance.

Years 5/6

Senior students are building efficiency in middle-distance running, concentrating on breathing control, rhythm and maintaining form under fatigue.

Sport Update

Two weeks ago we held our annual School Swimming Carnival, which showcased excellent effort and House spirit across the school.

On Tuesday, our District Swimming Team represented Williamstown Primary School at the District Carnival, and we are incredibly proud to announce that WPS finished second overall. It was a fantastic team performance, with students demonstrating determination, resilience and outstanding sportsmanship throughout the day.

A special acknowledgement to those students who competed at District level for the first time. Many stepped outside their comfort zone and took on events they were not completely confident in, including challenging strokes such as butterfly. That willingness to push themselves and support the team is something we are particularly proud of.

Thank you to our swimmers for their commitment and to families who supported the team. 

Students who have progressed to the next level of competition will now begin preparing for Division. We wish them the best of luck.

Warm regards,

Paddy Gallivan

LOTE - French

Over the next two weeks, French lessons from Prep to Year 6 will continue to focus on building vocabulary and strengthening students’ confidence in using the language.

Students in Prep to Year 2 will keep developing their understanding of simple French words and phrases through songs, games, repetition, and shared reading. These engaging activities help students build pronunciation, listening skills, and confidence while expanding their vocabulary in a fun and supportive environment.

Students in Years 3 to 6 will continue growing their vocabulary while beginning to combine words into simple sentences. Through interactive activities and structured practice, they will work on building short spoken and written sentences, strengthening both their speaking and comprehension skills.

Across all year levels, the focus remains on exposure, repetition, and enjoyment as students work towards learning and confidently using as many new French words as possible.

Warm regards, 

Sara Borrens