From the Principal

Dear families,

Our New Willy Kids start their school journey

What a wonderful way to begin the year! On Monday, we had the pleasure of welcoming our 2026 Grade Prep students for their very first day at Willy Primary, and it was a truly special occasion.

The prep area was buzzing with excitement, bright smiles and a touch of nervous energy — all part of the magic of starting school. Despite the big emotions that can come with such an important milestone, our new Prep students showed remarkable confidence, curiosity and resilience as they settled into their new environment and routines. It was a joy to see how quickly they embraced the day.

We are incredibly proud to welcome our 66 newest members of the Willy Primary community and look forward to supporting them as they learn, grow and flourish throughout the year. A sincere thank you to the parents who joined us for Cheers and Tears. It was a lovely chance to connect with families, whether this is your first school experience or one you know well.

Be sure to visit the Prep page in this week’s newsletter for more highlights from the first day and important information about upcoming events.

Supporting Positive Learning Environments: Victorian Teaching & Learning Model 2.0 at Willy Primary

At Willy Primary, we are committed to providing learning environments where every child feels safe, supported and ready to learn. This year, we continue to implement the Department of Education’s updated Victorian Teaching and Learning Model (VTLM) 2.0, which guides high-quality teaching and learning across Victorian schools.

VTLM 2.0 is built around two key components: the Elements of Learning and the Elements of Teaching.

Elements of Learning

The Elements of Learning focus on the science behind effective learning. They draw on research about how students learn best and help teachers design lessons that support attention, memory, motivation and engagement. These elements ensure that learning experiences are developmentally appropriate, inclusive and designed to help all students succeed.

Elements of Teaching

The Elements of Teaching describe what effective teaching looks like in the classroom. They are organised into four clear areas:

• Planning – carefully designing lessons that build on what students already know and are ready to learn next
• Enabling Learning – creating positive, well-structured classrooms where students feel safe, supported and ready to engage
• Explicit Teaching – clearly explaining and modelling new skills and knowledge so students understand what is expected
• Supported Application – providing opportunities for students to practise new learning with guidance and feedback

As we begin the school year, our whole-school focus is on establishing strong routines and clear expectations, such as the way we line up, move across the school and enter and exit learning spaces. Consistent routines combined with high expectations across classrooms help students feel secure, maximise learning time and support positive behaviour. This strong foundation allows teaching and learning to be effective right from the start.

By implementing VTLM 2.0 in a consistent and thoughtful way, we aim to ensure all students experience high-quality teaching every day, in every classroom. We value our partnership with families and appreciate your ongoing support as we work together to help every child learn and thrive.

School Volunteer - Annual Registration

Each year all parent volunteers are required to complete the annual registration form. This form ensures that parent volunteers are across important Department requirements and policy. 

Key to this process are 3 steps

• Complete registration form
• Complete volunteer OHS module (Link located in the registration form)
• Ensure school has an up to date Working With Childrens Card

If you have any questions about this process please contact the school office

Volunteer Registration Link - https://forms.gle/vM933fttXMk66XBG7

In Reflection:

House Swimming Sports 

Today our students made a splash at the annual House Swimming Sports, enjoying a fantastic day of competition, encouragement and school spirit. The pool was alive with energy as students cheered on their housemates, challenged themselves in the water and proudly represented their houses across a range of events.

In addition to being a highlight on our school calendar, today’s carnival also served as our District Swimming Trials. This provided students with the opportunity to qualify for the next level of competition while showcasing their skills, determination and sportsmanship.

We were incredibly proud of the way all students participated — whether competing in races, supporting friends from the poolside, or giving every event their best effort. A big thank you to our staff for their organisation and support, and to the families who helped cheer on our swimmers.

Congratulations to all students who took part today, and best of luck to those who will go on to represent our school at district level.

Reminders:

Friday 6th Feb - First Assembly for the year.

The first assembly of 2026 will be held Friday afternoon at 2:45pm, under the big shade sail in front of the library. All families are invited to attend all whole school assemblies each fortnight.

Wednesday 11th February - Meet the teacher - (Students dismissed 12:30pm)

Compass bookings for these meetings are now open. These meetings are an opportunity for parents/families to meet their child’s teacher and to pass on any information that they feel is important. 

Please Note: Outside of feedback on how students have settled in, class teachers would have only had the students for two weeks so will have limited ability feedback academic achievement information.

Tuesday 17th February - School Photos 

Tuesday 17th Feb we will be undertaking school photos. We are asking families to ensure that all students are wearing official school uniforms, which includes the official school uniform colours.

• No Grade 6 t-shirts or jumpers
• No sports t-shirts
• No alternative colour leggings/pants (Required school royal blue)

As photo day approaches, we just need to make families aware of important information regarding the use of photos taken.

All students presented to our photographers on photo day will be photographed, their images will appear in school photography packages which will be available to purchase by school families.

If you have any questions regarding the use of photos and images within photo packages, please contact the office prior to photo day.

Warm regards,

Mat Montebello