From the Principal

Dear families,

The Seaside Fair 23 days and counting! 

Calling all Volunteers. 

We need you!!!

Events like the Seaside Fair can only go ahead with the tremendous work of volunteers.

If you haven’t done so already please register via the link below. There are so many different opportunities for our volunteers.

Volunteer today! Join in the fun and make a real difference!

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

Grade 2 Sleepover

Get ready, Grade 2 families! Tonight is the night our students have been eagerly waiting for – the Grade 2 School Sleepover!

Our hall will be transformed into a cozy space for an unforgettable evening. Students will kick off the night with dinner and a fun-filled movie night, before settling in for a comfortable overnight stay right here at school.

It’s going to be a night full of excitement, and memories. We can’t wait to see all the smiling faces and hear the giggles as our Grade 2 students enjoy this special event.

Reminders

The Education 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 will come together to mark Remembrance Day with a special ceremony held on the school grounds.

This important occasion provides 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 will be facilitated by our senior student leaders, who will lead the school in observing a minute of silence at 10:45am, followed by readings and the laying of a wreath.

Families are warmly invited to pause with us in thought and gratitude as we remember those who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today.

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