From the Principal

Dear Families,

Transition Programs  & Class Placement

Transition

Preparations have already commenced to support the many transition programs that our students will be involved in throughout term four. 

In the coming weeks our 2025 prep families will commence their transition programs, which welcomes parents to our prep information night.  At the other end of the school, grade 6 students will commence looking towards transition to high school. With approximately 80% of our students attending Williamstown High School, staff from Willy High have already met with WPS leadership and the 5/6 teaching team to discuss the individual student needs of students transitioning to our local high school. 

This will be further supported by a number of transition days, where students attend the high school, culminating to the final transition day on 10th December. Students attending other high schools will also have the opportunity to participate in transition days at their chosen high school.

In addition to these book end transition programs all students will be involved in the official step up day on Tuesday 10th December, in which they will meet their 2025 classmates and teacher, as well as a broad range of other transition activities. As mentioned at the recent Year 3/4 composite information night, classes from year 2 and 3 have already started to catch up to eat lunch together, as we look to increase social interaction opportunities together to support this transition.

The annual cycle of change can be difficult for some, but it is truly amazing how resilient children are, quickly moving on from perceptions of these changes. At Willy we look to ensure that all students receive their required support, just like in undertaking maths and literacy tasks, this can look different for many students. Please be assured that the staff are here to support in the best possible way.

Class Placement

The process of class placements for 2025 has commenced and in the coming weeks, students from all years will be asked to nominate 5 learning buddies. This information, supported by other individual student information, will create the basis for classroom teachers and school leadership to start the complex task of class placement.

Please Note: Due to the complexities of class placements please be aware that the school is unable to take requests for teachers and classmates. The process is extremely rigorous with classroom and specialist teachers, along with school leadership spending many weeks looking at the academic, social, and emotional needs of all individual Willy Kids. We aim to meet the needs of all Willy Kids, with the people that work alongside our students in a great position to make positive decisions. 

If you believe you have important information about your child that will help support this process please ensure to email myself directly by Friday 25th October. Please know that although the school looks to keep an extensive record of past class placement information we can not guarantee that this information will be transferred to this year, therefore we are requesting that you resend any important information by the above date.

Please note the school’s class placement policy attached.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about this process.

Art Show

The moment we’ve all been waiting for is finally here! I am excited to remind you about our much-anticipated Art Show  taking place tomorrow, Friday 18th Oct and Sunday 20th October, in the school hall. This is not just a showcase of our talented students, but a true celebration of creativity and community as key elements of Williamstown will be on display

Our young artists have poured their hearts into their work, and their efforts are evident in every piece. From breathtaking paintings to innovative sculptures, the variety and depth of creativity on display will inspire us all. This year’s theme, Wonders of Williamstown, has encouraged our students to explore and express their unique perspectives about our local area and we can’t wait for you to see what they’ve created.

I encourage all families to join us for this wonderful event. It’s a fantastic opportunity to support our young artists, connect with one another, and immerse ourselves in the creativity that makes our school so special.

A huge thank you to Marcia and Jo Jo for their work and inspiration, as well as all the parent helpers who have come along to support.

Principals for a Day

Friday last week saw Rocco, Danayt and Ritchie lead the school as our principals for the day. After having hot chocolates brought to their desks and undertaking morning yard duty, the principals came together to review what was in store for the day. 

Having met the day prior our principals chose to call a casual dress day at the last minute. We had started to worry thinking that our newly appointed principals may look to leverage their new decision making power.

The daily life of a principal kept them extremely busy, as they checked in on all students and teachers, undertook a buildings and grounds inspection and worked on ideas for what school’s can do for students to thrive and feel safe. And this was all before recess, where they enjoyed a morning tea with scones.

After recess they headed to preppy land where they read the prep students a story before attending an art show meeting. No principal day could be had without hot wings chips in the principal’s office for lunch, while they ended their day attending and speaking at the school assembly.

It was a fun filled day, and who knows,  we may have the next generation of school principals just around the corner.

World Masters Track Cycling Championships.

Breaking News: We have just received communication that Alison Lee, one of Willy Primary parents has just been crowned World Masters Track Cycling Champion. Alison, who is a committed cyclist, placed first in the sprint event at the track cycling championships, as well as second in the scratch race and third in the time trial. What an amazing achievement. Congratulations to Alison and her family who are currently overseas supporting her.

Warm regards,

Mat