From the Principal

Dear Families,

Well, we are about to officially cross over the halfway point of term 4. What a term it has been as we have started to welcome our preps for 2024, at the same time we have been preparing our Grade 6 students for graduation. November and December are extra busy times for schools as preparation for the following school year is essential. 

Often January is a time of maintenance and buildings works, with Willy Primary no different as we will see carpet upgrades in the red brick building and 5/6 classrooms and gallery. Also scheduled for 2024 will be the arrival of the school’s mental health and wellbeing hub which will provide a space for students to work with key wellbeing staff. This is an exciting time for schools as the Department looks to heavily invest in school mental health and wellbeing resources to support all students.

We look forward to keeping everyone informed as further developments take place.

Seaside Fair

With only 17 days to go the 2023 Seaside Fair is almost upon us. There is a great buzz amongst the students as events like tomorrow’s casual dress lucky jar day keep the fair front of mind. The amazing fair committee have been hard at work and are still looking for volunteers. 

We would encourage anyone who is able to give up a couple of hours on the day to sign up utilising the links below. Your help and support would be much appreciated.

Food and Drinks - https://volunteersignup.org/QLDPE

Books - https://volunteersignup.org/YJ7KT

WHITE ELEPHANT - https://volunteersignup.org/PLDME

Landscape Designer

The school is on the lookout for a landscape designer from our school community, who is prepared to donate their time and skill to help develop the school’s junior quadrangle space. Located between the redbrick building and the 5/6 deck, the project is the inspiration for our Seaside Fair fundraising. The goal is to turn the space into a student friendly area to enable students and families the opportunity to meet, chat and engage with one another.

If you or someone you know would be keen to volunteer time to this project, please contact me directly via email. mathew.monetebllo@education.vic.gov.au

Class Placements and Transition

The process of class placements for 2024 are well on their way, with students nominating 5 learning buddies and teachers commencing the large task of class placement. 

Due to the complexities of class placements please be aware that the school is unable to take requests. The process is extremely rigorous with classroom and specialist teachers, along with school leadership spending many weeks looking at the academic, social, and emotional needs of all individual Willy Kids. We aim to meet the needs of all Willy Kids, with the people that work alongside our students in a great position to make positive decisions. Please note  if there is anything you feel the school needs to consider regarding your child for 2024 please email the school.

This year students will meet their new class and teacher on Tuesday 12th December (Step-Up Day), with families receiving communication regarding each student’s 2024 teacher the day prior on Monday 11th November. Students will also have a second opportunity to meet their 2024 class and teacher on the last day of the school year.

This is a change from previous years where students met their teachers for the first time on the last day of the school year. We believe that this adjustment will help strengthen the transition process for all our Willy Kids.

Somers Camp

Next week Willy Primary has 16 grade 5/6 students heading off to Somers Camp. Situated across the bay from Phillip Island, the Department of Education camp offers adventure activities that look to challenge students in a positive environment, while building on their leadership skills. Every 2 years schools in our local area have the opportunity, to send several students in years 5/6. The number of the positions vary from year to year with students needing to enter an expression of interest to be selected. Selected students then head off for a 9-day camp adventure and we are excited to hear of all the stories on the participants return. We wish the 16 students all the best next week and hope the weather is good.

Choir Performance

Good luck to Faye and our School Choir who will be performing at the Botanical Gardens this Sunday at 11am.

With the Farmers market operating on Robertson’s Reserve this Sunday, what a great day to spend as a family within the Williamstown Community.

Remembrance Day

Tomorrow at 10:45am the JSC will be hosting a Remembrance Day ceremony at the assembly area outside the library under the shade sail. Families are encouraged and welcome to attend.

School Review

Every 4-years, government schools undertake a review overseen by an independent reviewer. The reviewer who is supported by a panel consisting of the school leadership team, the school’s allocated School Education Improvement Leader, two challenge partners (often two principals), and representation from school council. On the third day of the review the panel will commence the development of the school’s next 4-year strategic plan, from which the 2024 Annual Implementation Plan will be created. We would encourage parents who would like to be part of a parent forum as part of the review register via the link below.

School Review- Parent Focus Group

The school is seeking parents/carers to take part in a parent forum as part of the school’s review.

This forum which will be led school reviewer by Lesile Tulloch, is a great opportunity for parents and carers to share their school experience as part of the school review. 

• Where – Bluestone Building, level 1.
• When – Tuesday 21st November, 8:30am-9:00am

It is essential that all interested participants register via the link below. 

This registration will close on Friday 17th November.

https://forms.gle/eKZswjAAhjh8aSUz9

Year 1 Dinner

Tonight, our Year 1 students will participate 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.

The students will enjoy celebrating the year, while building an understanding of what camp will be like. Students will progress to a school sleep over in Year 2, and the Zoo snooze camp in Year 3. Years 4-6 sees students’ progress to 2-night camps at a variety camp programs.

Reminders

Lucky Jar Day – Friday 10th November

To support one of the most popular stalls at the Seaside Fair, students can come to school in casual clothes tomorrow if they bring a filled Lucky Jar.  Some ideas to fill your empty jar are: marbles, novelty erasers, mini stationery, hair clips, lip balm, matchbox cars, beads, Lego, stickers, wrapped lollies, balloons, key rings, face paint, playing cards, yoyos, dinosaurs, glow sticks, bubbles…..

We are asking for families support to make this the biggest lucky jar event ever.

Policy Feedback

As part of its policy review process the school, along with the School Council Education Policy sub-committee is seeking any feedback on the school’s “Student Wellbeing and Engagement Policy. 

If you have any feedback or questions about this policy, please provide it directly via email below mathew.montebello@education.vic.gov.au

Thanks for your support.

Warm regards,

Mathew Montebello

Principal