Curriculum Update

Literacy

Literacy Update Spelling is a complex skill and an important part of writing. Spelling requires students to draw on a range of knowledge about the English language. At WNPS, we take our students from the earliest sound-spellings to a deep understanding of the phonological, orthographic and morphological components of the English Language.

Phonological Knowledge: Phonological knowledge refers to knowledge about the sounds in language. It is an important part of learning to write (and read). In order to spell words, students use their phonological knowledge to segment each word into sounds (phonemes) and accurately match these to appropriate letters (graphemes).Learn more about how we teach children to take the first steps in reading and spelling by taking the free online Sounds-Write parent course https://www.udemy.com/course/help-your-child-to-read-and-write/

Orthographic Knowledge: To spell fluently, students also need to know the rules about how written letters are arranged in English. English orthography follows a highly regular system of patterns. Even though some sounds can be represented by a variety of different letters or letter combinations, these are regular and fixed. 

Morphemic Knowledge: Morphemes are the smallest parts of words that carry meaning, such as bases, prefixes and suffixes. Morphemic knowledge involves an understanding of how morphemes can be used to form words. Spelling requires students to identify and put together the necessary morphemes. Morphemes are important for both reading and spelling, as well as in vocabulary and comprehension.

Etymological Knowledge: Etymological knowledge refers to how the history and origins of words relates to their meaning and spelling. Knowing about the origin of words is helpful to students when learning to spell them.

Premiers Reading Challenge

Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge 2024

The Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge has begun and this year it is going to be bigger and better than ever at Williamstown North PS! 

Individuals and grades will be recognised in assembly for their efforts. We hope that this year, a record number of students will complete the challenge!

Here are some stats on how we are tracking!

Students finished the challenge: 7

Total books read across the school:1805

Most Read Book: How to Wash a Woolly Mammoth

Top Rated Book: The Last Bear

Biggest Readers in Year Level:

Prep- Gracie S   Year 1- Julen   Year 2- Harry J  Year 3- Arrigo P

Year 4- Emily A  Year 5- Zoe M  Year 6- Keanu 

Keep up the great reading!

Specialist Team

Jack Rhodes: What is your role at WNPS? Learning Leader (Specialists) and Physical Education Teacher

My role involves leading the Specialist team which includes, our staff in Physical Education, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, STEM and Japanese. A key part of my role is supporting our students learning, wellbeing and engagement through our specialist subject areas and the implementation of whole-school improvement strategies across our specialist areas. The other part of my role involves teaching Physical Education across the school, leading the organisation and facilitation of our Physical Education and sports events from Athletics Days to Swimming programs and Inter-School Sport. 

I have been teaching since 2009, and at WNPS since 2019. I love working with our students to help them develop their physical movement and fundamental motor skills. Supporting them to work through challenges, and helping to foster lifelong learning skills, be they in the gym, on the court, the field, the classroom or beyond. 

I am passionate about sport, wellbeing, and my family. I am also very fortunate to be involved in the AFL’s Talent Pathways and part of the AFL’s Mental Health and Wellbeing team which aligns nicely with our evidence-based best practices at WNPS. Outside of that, I have three kids under 8, so they keep me very busy. 

Nick Reese: What is your role at WNPS? Physical Education Teacher

I am a part of the Physical Education department at WNPS. This is my first year at WNPS, as I previously spent 5 years of teaching at Caulfield Junior College, where I spent four years in PE and one year in the classroom. 

At WNPS, I assist in the planning and delivery of the PE program, ranging from Grade Prep to Grade 6, providing students with knowledge and skills to enable them to develop their physical, mental, social and emotional health. My goal is for the students to develop a healthy lifestyle and interest in physical activity, in the hope that they will develop a life-long love and participation in physical activity. 

My role also involves taking numerous classes throughout the week in the classroom, where I love teaching maths, literacy and inquiry.

Outside of school, I love playing and watching sports. I have played in many sport teams throughout my life, particularly tennis, footy, basketball and netball. My other hobbies include playing video games, board games, and fitness.

At home, my 1-year-old Kaiden and my staffy puppy Lando make sure I get lots of rest and downtime!

I am very excited to join the WNPS team and look forward to working with all of the staff, students and broader community!

Chelsea Adams: What is your role at WNPS? Performing Arts Teacher

As a graduate teacher, 2024 is my first year with Williamstown North Primary School. Teaching in Performing Arts has always been the dream since completing Musical Theatre and Drama school in 2021. I feel very fortunate to work with, encourage and develop our student’s confidence, creativity and empathy through dance, drama and music. The kind and wise specialist teaching team have been incredibly supportive as I’ve begun my teaching career. It has been wonderful to watch the Matilda auditions and casting create a vibrant energy throughout the school with students demonstrating their abilities and passions. In my spare time you’ll find me watering and tending my indoor plants and garden, otherwise I’m dancing! Latin dance classes keep me busy, with a goal to compete next year in some ballroom competitions. 

Vicki Symons: What is your role at WNPS? STEM Teacher 

I’ve been part of the furniture here for a long time -I first started at Willy North PS in 1989. I’ve taught every year level including Art, PE and ICT as a Specialist teacher. My role this year is the Prep to Year 6 STEM teacher. It has been wonderful to be back in a Specialist role and collaborate with the students to develop their 21st century thinking and learning skills. When I’m not teaching, I love gardening, painting, reading, watching the Richmond Tigers, caravanning, snorkelling and spending time with my family and friends. 

Wellbeing 

Our school values focus for Term 2 is ‘Responsibility’. All students will have weekly Wellbeing and Inclusion sessions. The focus of the Wellbeing and Inclusion sessions will be around:

- ownership of our own learning,

- we include everyone when we are playing and working,

- we follow the rules of the game and cooperate with other competitors

- we use our learning time effectively,

- not blaming others when things can go wrong.

The Responsibility Wellbeing and Inclusion activities, Prep to Year 6 will run over multiple curriculum areas to assist and further develop students responsibility and cooperation skills over Term 2.