From the Principal

Dear Families,

Q & A

As per the recent Compass email, in partnership with the Willy Parents and Friends Association we will be hosting a principal Q & A.

This event looks to strengthen the school and home partnership in developing  understanding in what we do, how we do it and why we do it, as a school.

The Q&A will be a short presentation on a range of topics, followed by a designated question and answer time. Topics presented will be based on the most common themes provided through the below Google form. 

The presentation along with key responses will be made available to the school community. A date is yet to be confirmed, but we would encourage families to complete the below Google form outlining areas of the school’s operations they would like to better understand.

https://forms.gle/MVX145r54G2rLaMW9

Sorry Day & Reconciliation Week

This coming Sunday 26th May we acknowledge National Sorry Day. The day acknowledges the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors and reflects on how we can all play a part in the healing process for our people and nation. The day also creates a segway into National Reconciliation Week which runs from Monday 27 May - 3rd June. 

The week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. 

Throughout next week across the school all students will engage in lessons that support the understanding of these two events, as well as deepen understanding of our country's indigenous history. We encourage all families to discuss their child/rens learnings from the week.

Lantern Walk

We are very excited to confirm that the 2024 Lantern Walk will take place on Saturday 22nd June from 5:30pm-8pm. Further details will be communicated via Compass, but it is exciting to see this event become a permanent part of the school calendar every two years. 

The last Lantern walk held in 2022 saw over 600 people in attendance as we walked through the streets of Williamstown celebrating the winter solstice. So get your lanterns ready and rug up for what will be a special night.

Mothers day Luncheon

Last Friday we saw the Willy Parents and Friends Association hold its first ever Mother’s Day Luncheon. Held in Newport the event saw Willy Primary mums come together and raise funds for the school. The event was a hit, with all in attendance having a great time getting to know other mums from across the school. The event also raised over $7,000, which is simply astonishing. What a huge achievement and a big thank you to those involved with a special mention to the work of Sabina Staedler who led the team in making it such a success.

Simultaneous Story Time

Yesterday throughout the school we celebrated Simultaneous Story Time. Each year a picture book which is written and illustrated by an Australian is read simultaneously across libraries, schools, childcare centers, homes and more. This year's book was Bowerbird Blues by Aura Parker. The story time aims to promote reading and literacy and how it can be fun sharing the experience with others. This year's book promoted deeper thought about our environment and the importance of looking after it.

Remaining Student Free Days 2024

Each year schools are allocated 4 pupil free curriculum days, and 1 professional practice day for staff.

Recent Department communication has given school councils the ability to approve the professional practice day, also a pupil free day. 

During Tuesday’s School Council meeting, council gave approval for the school to hold this professional practice as a pupil free day, on 4th November (Melbourne Cup eve) and reallocated our 4th curriculum day to Monday 7th Oct. 

Below are the three remaining pupil free days for 2024. These dates are also listed in the dates to remember of the school newsletter.

• Monday 15th July - Pupil Free Curriculum Day (Professional Development- Writing)
• Monday 7th October - Pupil Free Curriculum Day (Cancelled)
• Monday 4th November - Pupil Free Professional Practice Day (Assessment & Reporting)

Pupil free days are an important part of school planning and professional development. These days provide the opportunity for all staff to come together for professional development, training, planning and assessment and reporting. The opportunity for staff across the school to collaborate helps build a positive staff culture, while protecting important professional development opportunities.

GATEWAYS- Term 2, Mathematics

Next week will see students from years 1-5 participate in the GATEWAYS program.

This program provides learning extension for students who have demonstrated strong curriculum knowledge in literacy, numeracy, science and creative thinking. This term's focus is mathematics, and we look forward to hearing from the participating students.

Warm regards,

Mat