From the Principal

Dear Families,

Principal Reflection

Please find attached my inaugural principal reflection. The reflection aims to capture key moments, highlights, achievements and goals throughout 2024. So often the year flies by without us having the opportunity to pause and reflect on everything we have done. In no way does this reflection capture everything, but the hope is that it provides a small snapshot of the year that was through the recall of events, acknowledgement of data, and celebrations of initiatives and achievements.

In reflecting I would like to thank all of the staff of Williamstown Primary. I have the privilege of having a front row seat to see the dedication, passion and commitment they give in making the learning environment what it is. The support they provide each other is extraordinary, while also supporting Lisa and I and the rest of the leadership team.

To our Willy Kids and their families we wish you a safe and fun holiday break. Thank you for your support. We are so proud of what our Willy Kids have achieved over the course of the year and we look forward to seeing you energised in the new year.

Capital Works Grant

We are excited to share with the school community that the school has been successful in its application for the Victorian School’s Building Authority Capital Works Grant. The grant application looked at the proposal of the redevelopment of the redbrick junior toilets. This project will see the area fully refurbished, and although it isn't an exciting area this is a huge win for the school meaning that money allocated towards a potential self funded project can now be allocated to other building projects.

This approval follows on from the school successfully gaining much needed funds for major maintenance work on our two heritage buildings. The maintenance scope of works will look to attend to window repair and replacement, roofing plumbing and architectural trims and features of the bluestone building.

We are hopeful that both these projects can be undertaken in 2025. We look forward to providing further updates in the new year.

Step Up Day

Step up day was a huge success with all students stepping up to their 2025 classes. I had the opportunity to visit all the classrooms and it was great seeing all the positive energy from the students.

Change can be difficult and stepping up and moving away from some familiar faces can be daunting. When given the opportunity and right support children can be highly resilient, bouncing back quickly from any short term disappointment.

The change to step up day, which now sees students meeting their following year’s teacher and classmates, has been a positive step. Our students are also provided with more extensive transition opportunities leading up to and after the day.

We encourage all families to have positive discussions at home about change and the transition process, as this builds their capacity in managing it effectively.

Lacrosse State Final

Last Friday our school lacrosse team headed off to the state lacrosse final. It was a huge day, the boys team came runners up to St Mary's in the Grand Final, while the girls finished 4th. This was a huge achievement for both teams as the lacrosse traditions within Williamstown continue to thrive.

Last day assembly and dismissal time.

Please note that there is no assembly this Friday 13th Dec due to grade 6 graduation.

Next Friday 20th December our Grade 6 award winners will be hosting our end of year morning assembly. This assembly will commence at 9:15am and will also see the introduction of our 2025 school captains and supporting senior JSC members. Weather permitting this assembly will take place under the large shade sail outside the library. We invite all families to attend.

Dismissal time for the last day of the school year is 1:30pm. All grades will assemble on the front basketball court at 1:20pm, in which we will collectively farewell our graduating grade 6 students.

Warm regards,

Mat