From the Principal

Dear Families,

We’ve officially passed the halfway point of Term 4, and what a term — and year — it has been! Our transition programs are in full swing, with our 2025 prep students completing their fourth and final transition session before starting next year. These sessions are complemented by visits to local kinders and the sharing of transition information from kindergarten teachers.

At the other end of the school, our Grade 6 students are preparing for their transition to high school. Those who will be attending Williamstown High School will participate in a dedicated Willy Primary transition session on Thursday, 21st November. This is in addition to the statewide transition day on Tuesday, 10th December. Thanks to the strong partnership between our school and Williamstown High, teachers and school leaders from both schools collaborate closely to ensure a smooth handover, focusing on the individual needs of every student.

Our internal transition programs have also begun. Current Grade 2 and 3 students are meeting for lunch and engaging in activities to prepare for their move into Grades 3 and 4 next year. Similarly, our Grade 4 and 5 students are participating in a similar program, which will also include Senior JSC nominations and presentations.

At Williamstown Primary, we take great pride in offering positive transition experiences for all students. These programs are part of a broader student support initiative, which includes a thorough class placement and handover process. Above all, our focus is on the wellbeing and success of every Willy Kid.

Sun Smart

With the weather warming up we strongly recommend that students wear their hats on their way home from school, especially on hotter days. Sun exposure can be harmful, and wearing a hat provides important protection against harmful UV rays. It's a simple way to help keep our students safe and healthy as they make their way home. Please encourage your child to wear their hat consistently for added sun safety, as they do during recess and lunch.

School Uniform

Earlier this year the school reviewed its uniform policy. Part of the review involved surveying the community to better understand the needs of our Willy Kids. Information collected from the survey, in addition to information collated from student focus group discussions was reviewed at school council’s education policy meetings. The outcome of this review will see the follow

• The return of the bomber jacket.
• Replacement of the current beanie with a wool style pom pom beanie
• Addition of a tight pants legging.
• Transition from back zipped dressed to a front button dress (This transition will take place over several years)

Note: The school had investigated a full cotton polo option, but after extensive conversations with the  supplier the options didn't hold their colour or shape well, as well as being more expensive than the current polo, so it was decided to forgo that option.

We believe these additions and adjustments to the school uniform will support students in having a range of options for a range of weather conditions. Although it may take time for these items to fully come online we are asking for family support of the school’s uniform policy, which includes the wearing of the required colour leg wear.

We look forward to communicating visuals of the samples of these adjustments once received by the school for review.

Year 1 Dinner

Last week our Year 1 students participated in their first school dinner. This event is the part of the school’s camping program that looks to gradually build up our Willy Kids to attend a range of camps in the senior years.

It was great being part of the night, and the students were full of excitement. Highlights for me were the amazing manners displayed when I was serving dinner and seeing all students mesmerised at Anna’s storytelling talents. Overall the night was a great success and was a stepping stone to the year 2 sleepover which they will participate in next year.

Sporty Kids

Yesterday we received the exciting news that Harvey in grade 6 has been named as a member for the U12 Australian Baseball World Cup Squad. This is an amazing achievement that has seen Harvey spend many hours honing his skills in the sport. We wish him all the best for the qualifying tournament which will take place between November 29th to December 2.

Reminders

Families Relocating/Leaving

Term 4 is zooming past and this means plans for 2025 are well on the way. The end of year brings lots of changes and for some it is a geographical change. We are asking any families who will be moving on in 2025 who haven't already contacted the office to do so. This information will ensure the school has all the required information moving into next year.

Warm regards,

Mat