From the Principal

Dear Families,

Celebrating Our NAPLAN Results

Earlier this term, we received our NAPLAN results, and we are very proud to share the achievements of our students. While NAPLAN is only one measure of learning, the results give us valuable insights into the long-term impact of our teaching and learning programs.

Our Year 3 students achieved well above state averages, with results 13% higher in reading, 17% higher in writing, 18% higher in numeracy, 18% higher in spelling and 17% higher in grammar and punctuation. Year 5 students also achieved excellent results, performing 16% above the state average in reading, 19% above in writing, 12% above in numeracy, 13% above in spelling and 21% above in grammar and punctuation.

Even more pleasing is the progress we are seeing as students move through the school. Between Year 3 and Year 5, the proportion of students achieving in the strong and exceeding categories increased by 9% in reading, 5% in writing, 7% in numeracy, 13% in spelling and an impressive 20% in grammar and punctuation.

These results are a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our students, the expertise of our teachers and the ongoing support of our families. Together, we continue to build strong and consistent learning outcomes across the school.

Williamstown Primary Hosts Principal Network Meeting

Today, Williamstown Primary School was proud to host the Hobsons Bay Principal Network meeting. These gatherings bring together principals from across the local area to share ideas, collaborate on priorities, and showcase the important work happening in schools.

As the host school, we presented some of our current work. At Williamstown Primary, this centred on our recently developed Teaching and Learning Handbook, which outlines consistent, whole-school approaches to teaching and learning. We also shared how this work connects with the Department’s Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0, a framework designed to strengthen student engagement, growth, and achievement across all curriculum areas.

Hosting the meeting was a valuable opportunity to highlight the progress we are making as a school, while also learning from the experiences of other leaders in our network. It was a privilege to showcase our work and contribute to the strong culture of collaboration that exists within our local schools.

Kinder Visits

While we prepare for transition for our 2026 preps, all students from Robina Scott Kindergarten have been visiting all the local schools. This week and next we will be welcoming students from blue, orange and yellow groups. This is part of the kinders transition program, which looks to familiarise students with school.

School Disco - Thursday 18th September

Joel and the disco committee are in full swing as the countdown to the school disco has commenced. The disco is one of the school’s longest standing traditions, with the themed event often being listed by ex-Willy Kids as their all time favourite memory. A big thank you to DJ Joel and his grade 5/6  disco committee for the work they have undertaken. We can't wait to dance the night away, and to see our preps enjoy their first disco.

Important Note: Just a reminder to all parents that students will not be dismissed from the event unless their parent/guardian is there to pick them up. Can we please ask parents/carers to remain behind the bollards to allow the required space.

Long Service Leave

In week 9 this term I will be on long service leave. Lisa Leydin will step up into the acting Prin role while I am on leave, while she will be supported by Steven Puhar who will again step into the acting Assistant Principal role. I look forward to seeing everyone at the start of term 4.

GATEWAYS

This Friday will see our third GATEWAYS program run for the year. This workshop which has a maths focus, will provide selected students from 1-5 extension opportunities in the area of mathematics. The school has partnered with GATEWAYS for several years now, providing academic extension opportunities for our Willy Kids.

Upcoming Events

• Open Afternoon Thursday 11th September
• School Disco Thursday 18th September
• Footy Day Assembly Friday 19th September (Morning in PE Hall)

We thank all families for their ongoing support in helping make these experiences possible for our students.

Reminder:

Parent, Caregiver and Guardian Opinion Survey

A reminder that the Parent and Guardian Opinion Survey is now open. We encourage all families to take a few minutes to complete the survey, as your feedback plays an important role in helping us understand what we are doing well and where we can continue to improve.

To date we have had 41/380 responses (11% of families).

This survey is open until Friday 19th September.

Open Afternoon – Thursday 11th September

We warmly invite all families to our Open Afternoon on Thursday, 11th September, from 3:15 pm to 4:00 pm.

This is a wonderful opportunity to explore classrooms, see our students in action, and experience the vibrant learning and creativity happening across the school. Come along, meet our teachers, and see first-hand the exciting activities your children have been involved in this term.

We look forward to welcoming you and sharing our school community with you!

Planning for 2026

While there are still a couple of weeks left in Term 3, planning for 2026 is already well underway.

As we move into Term 4, we know that family circumstances can change, such as relocation for work or other reasons. If you are aware that your family situation will be changing in 2026, please contact me directly.

Early notification is greatly appreciated and plays an important role in supporting our workforce planning and class placements.

Warm regards,

Mat