From the Principal

Dear families,

We have a Ninja National Champion!

We love hearing about the success of our Willy Kids outside of school. Recently Lily from Grade 6 competed at the Ultimate Ninja Athlete Association Regional Championships where she placed 1st. She has now qualified for the World Finals in Pennsylvania USA next year!

What an amazing achievement! We wish Lily all the best next year at the world finals.

The Seaside Fair 10 days and counting! 

Just over a week away and our beautiful school will be turned into a fair ground. Things are heating up and fingers crossed for some good weather. A reminder to register as a volunteer to ensure all stalls and activities run as planned.

Register your interest and email us at seasidefair@williamstownps.vic.edu.au or visit www.seasidefair.williamstownps.vic.edu.au/volunteer/ for more information.

Staff on the Move

This time of year brings staff movement for a variety of reasons, including retirement, new opportunities, end of contracts, and the return of ongoing staff. While we farewell a number of valued colleagues, we are also pleased to welcome back some familiar faces.

Returning Staff

• Melati Cordell
• Toni Lind
• Zoe Kitchen

New Staff

• Sara Borrens (French)

Departing Staff

• Christine Castel-Singh
• Brittlee Salvo
• Kayleen Dumic
• Lynne Georgiadis
• Simone Rosini

Retiring Staff

• Mary Colangelo (Teacher)
• Pam Pehm (Education Support)
• Denise Wood (Education Support)

It has always been the people who make our school special and the relationships they build. Whether staff have been with us for a long time or a short period, their contributions are valued, and we hope they take a part of Willy Primary with them.

Our three retiring staff members have been integral to the life of the school for many years. Mary’s teaching career at Willy spans over 25 years, while Pam and Denise have contributed as both staff and parents. We wish them all the very best in retirement.

We are also sad to farewell Madam Cri Cri, who will be taking up a position at Scotch College. Her work in establishing our new language program has made a lasting impact, and we hope she can return in the future to help us celebrate Bastille Day.

While we also say goodbye to Brittlee Salvo, Kayleen Dumic, Lynne Georgiadis, and Simone Rossini, we thank them for their contributions and hope to see some of them back in the school through CRT work.

Changes to the school’s Learning Support Program (Tutor Learning Program)

Supporting Students in Literacy and Numeracy

From 2026, our school will be part of the Department of Education Victoria’s new Literacy and Numeracy Early Intervention Program (LNEIP). This program will replace the previous Tutor Learning Program and continues our commitment to supporting every child’s learning.

LNEIP will provide targeted, small-group support for students in Years 1 to 6 who are performing significantly below the expected standard. While the program will look a little different, with new enrollment criteria, our school’s focus remains the same: meeting the learning needs of all students.

Students in Years 1–3 who do not meet the LNEIP eligibility criteria for literacy will continue to receive support through our school-based Reading Support Program, ensuring no child misses out on the help they need to develop strong foundational skills.

Further correspondence will be emailed to all families who currently have a student enrolled in the school’s tutor learning program

Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0 (VTLM 2.0)

The Department of Education has introduced the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0 (VTLM 2.0), a research-based framework that helps teachers strengthen learning for all students.

The model focuses on how students learn—helping them pay attention, remember knowledge, practise skills, and apply learning in new situations—and what teachers do—planning lessons, teaching explicitly, and supporting students to consolidate their learning.

At Williamstown Primary, much of our teaching already reflects these principles. Our teachers design structured lessons, provide clear instruction, assess learning along the way, and give students opportunities to practise and apply what they learn. Current professional learning is helping staff refine these practices to ensure every classroom continues to deliver high-quality, consistent teaching.

By building on our strong foundation, VTLM 2.0 will further support teachers and enhance learning outcomes for all students.

Ongoing updates around the full implementation of the model at Willy Primary will be communicated in particular the Engaging Learning strategies that is 1 of 4 strategies that underpins elements of teaching.

Transition 

With our 2026 preps completing their 4 transition sessions, planning for in school transitions are already planned and in place. Whether it is students heading down to Willy High at Bayview street, year 4s & 5s coming together for JSC or year 2&3 students undertaking joint activities, the transition program at Willy Primary is strategically planned and mapped out to ensure we build the confidence and excitement for all Willy Kids

Building works - Update

Scheduled Maintenance Program

As previously communicated all is on track for major capital works to commence on Monday 24th November. The first stage will see temporary fencing and scaffolding installed around both the blue and redbrick buildings. While as much effort will be made to minimise disruption there will be selected gates that will be closed.

• Seagull Gate - Will be closed for the public and used as a contractor access gate.
• Bike Racks- the bike racks will be relocated to behind the PE Hall on Electra St. We would ask for only riders to access the adjacent Electra St gate to allow bike traffic flow. We would also recommend for riders to lock their bikes due to the area's proximity to the street.
• Access Gates - It is essential that no cars park at any of the school’s access gates. While we always discourage this, contractors will need full access at all times so please ensure these areas are kept clear.

Junior Toilet Renovations

These works are on schedule and we are hoping to gain access to our new bathrooms at the end of Nov-Dec. We have never been so excited about toilets.

REMINDERS

The Department’s new Digital Device Policy - Changes to the BYOD Program

Recently, the Victorian State Government announced that all Victorian primary schools will no longer be able to commence a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program from 2027 onwards. While new BYOD programs cannot commence after this date, existing programs are permitted to continue until the current cohorts complete primary school.

What does this mean for Williamstown Primary School?

Over the next four years, Williamstown Primary will gradually transition to the following model:

• Prep–Year 2: Year-level sets (school-owned devices)
• Years 3–4: Class sets (school-owned devices)
• Years 5–6: 1-to-1 (school-owned devices)

Students currently in Years 3–5 will continue to participate in the school’s existing BYOD program for the remainder of their time at Williamstown Primary. Our current Year 2 students, who will move into Year 3 in 2026, will be the final cohort participating in the BYOD program, continuing until the end of Year 6 in 2029.

The school does not view the new Department requirement—limiting device screen time to no more than 90 minutes per day—as a challenge. Our students already use technology as a tool to support learning, rather than something that controls it.

It’s also important to note that, unlike many other BYOD schools, Williamstown Primary has never mandated that families supply their own devices. Families who chose not to participate in the program have always been provided with a school-owned device. The Department has previously recognised Williamstown Primary as an exemplary example of BYOD implementation, thanks to the dedication of our staff and the support of our school community.

While our model will evolve over the coming years, the school remains committed to ensuring that our Willy Kids are equipped with the tools, skills, and confidence to succeed in an ever-changing world.

Remembrance Day Assembly

On Tuesday, 11 November at 10:45am, our school community came together to mark Remembrance Day with a special ceremony held on the school grounds.

This important occasion provided our students with the opportunity to reflect on the service and sacrifice of those who have served in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.

The ceremony was facilitated by our senior student leaders, who led the school in observing a minute of silence, followed by readings and the laying of a wreath.

Thank You to Jellis Craig for Their Ongoing Support

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Jellis Craig Williamstown for their amazing ongoing support and sponsorship of our school community. Their generosity and partnership play a key role in helping us enhance opportunities and experiences for our students.

We greatly value their continued commitment to our school and the local community. Thank you, Jellis Craig, for being such a wonderful supporter of our programs and events!

Warm regards,

Mat Montebello