From the Principal

Dear Families,

After so many weeks of excitement and events it was with much enthusiasm that Lisa and I had the opportunity to host Principals from The Hobsons Bay Network in the 5/6 Gallery yesterday. Part of the day allowed us to present to our network schools. This presentation was based around the way in which the school’s Willy Kids Program influences all we do at Willy Primary, and the continued work being undertaken in the wellbeing and inclusion space. The importance the Willy Kids culture plays on our students, staff and families cannot be underestimated. And although there is always continued work to support our students, our Willy Kids values will always guide us.

School History Book

We are very excited to announce that next week to school will launch the sale of its 150 Years of Williamstown Primary School, 1873-2023 coffee table book. The book, which will be published in hard cover, captures the school, its people and community over its long history. The book has been co-written by Willy parents Amber Cassidy and Zeena Lateef, and also acknowledges the work previously undertaken by local historian Brain Haynes. A key feature of the book is a snapshot of Williamstown Primary in 2023. This section celebrates the school in its current form program and people wise.

The book which will sell for $49, will only have one publishing run and will be sold at cost price to the school and greater community to ensure access to our families. We encourage everyone to get behind this once in a lifetime legacy item. Further details will be distributed early next week.

Willy Kids at National Competitions

Over the last week two Willy Kids have represented Victoria at their respective National Sports. Ethan headed off to Canberra to compete at the National Cross Country Carnival. Ethan competed in the individual and the team multi-class events winning silver in both. 

While in the individual 1km time trial Ethan beat all runners to be crowned National Champion. Congratulations Ethan. Well done on an outstanding effort. Your grit and determination are nothing short of extraordinary.

In Sydney, Hugo from 5/6B competed at the National Diving Championships. In a display of strength and grace, Hugo won two silvers medals in the springboard competition and a bronze in the platform completion. Hugo continues to shine above the water, as his ongoing dedication and focus is rewarding him hugely. Well done, Hugo. What an amazing result, we are very proud. 

Planning and school structure 2024

As we approach the end of term, schools across the state have commenced workforce planning. Although this may seem early for some this is standard timing for schools. 

Each year the school considers its class make ups and year level structures. This includes the implementation of straight grades, composite grades, specialist programs and students support programs.

For the last 4 years the school has run with straight grades from Prep-4  and with composite 5/6 classes. Prior to 2020 the school operated successfully on the model of straight grades Prep-2 with composite 3/4s and 5/6. One of the ongoing focuses for the school when planning is to ensure lower class numbers in the junior years. This is a major consideration when reviewing the school’s class structures. The biggest influence on these items is the school’s annual budget, which is calculated on a broad range of things, but most importantly enrolments. 

We have seen several local schools recently return to composite classes due to budgetary constraints, and although the school is not in this position it is important for the community to be aware of what is considered and reviewed each year.

At this stage the school’s projected enrolments for 2024 look to be slightly lower than that in 2023, but still stable. This is due to a large cohort of grade 6 students transitioning to high school. Over the next few years though, we are predicting that enrolments will continue to slowly decline. A tougher housing market in Williamstown, along with stronger Department guidelines around enrolment zones mean that all Williamstown schools are experiencing a similar trend.

The school will continue to keep the community well informed, while also continuing to work closely with school council regarding the school’s overall strategic planning.

Reminder- 2023 School Review Feedback Forum and Feedback Survey: 

Closes Friday 8th September.

As part of the school’s review process, we are asking families to complete a school-based survey structured for the purpose of the school’s review.

To support this process, we encourage all families to complete the review Feedback Survey by Friday 8th September. Please note that this survey is different to the Departments Parent/Carers Opinion Survey.

The survey can be accessed via the link below.

https://forms.gle/HTcoiFXZwMLrtZ1u7

Reminder - 2023 Parent / Caregiver / Guardian Opinion Survey: Closes Friday 8th September.

We encourage all families to complete the Department’s Parent/Carers Opinion Survey. This survey is an essential  part of informing the school’s strategic plan.

Families have until Friday 8th September to complete the survey.

Warm regards,

Mathew Montebello

Principal