Dear Families,

What a year it has been! 2023 will be remembered for so many reasons, but one reason is that it was jam packed with events, celebrations, and activities.

Our school community is nothing short of extraordinary, with the work of the parent community and school staff helping provide the richest of learning experiences possible. Every Willy Kid is better off because of the ongoing community support. Our school, its history and its success are all because of the strong partnerships that have been formed.

Personally, I would like to thank the school community for their support in what was my first year as substantive principal. The trust and support that I feel has been amazing and I look forward to continuing the learning journey with all students and their families.

To the staff of Williamstown Primary, you could not find a more dedicated and passionate group of educators. I feel privileged to work with so many extraordinary people.

From Lisa and I, we would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a safe new year and look forward to seeing everyone back for a fun filled 2024.

Grade 6 Graduation

Friday night gave us the opportunity to celebrate and congratulate the graduating class of 2023. This cohort has overcome enormous challenges such as the 2020 & 2021 COVID pandemic. Thrown into remote learning during their year 3 & 4 years, they have come out the other side thriving.

Graduation night gave all involved the opportunity to reflect on the student’s achievements throughout their time at the school. In Willy tradition we were treated with a graduation song ‘Party in Williamstown”, while the night concluded with the ever-present graduation video.

The night also saw several Willy Kids acknowledged for their outstanding achievements in a variety of areas.

The seven award winners listed below leave Willy Primary knowing they left no stone unturned, striving to achieve their best. We wish them and all our graduating class of 2023 all the best for the future.

School Awards

School Award (Dux) – Zoe O

Academic Excellence Award – Elodie B

Sarah & James Patterson Award – Costa L

Specialist Awards

Physical Education – Cecilia N

Performing Arts – Aiden B

Visual Arts – Millie S

French – Shanah B

Williamstown Primary Parents and Friends (Parents Association)

The work that the parent community undertake at Willy Primary is nothing short of extraordinary. This year alone we have witnessed first-hand the tremendous efforts parent volunteers go to in helping to support the school. From the Seaside Fair to the 150th Celebrations, the yearly calendar is full of events, activities and projects that are led by parent volunteers. Recently the Williamstown Parents and Friends called for nominations for new office bearers, due to most of the positions recently being vacated. I would like to congratulate and thank the following newly appointed office bearers.

President- Julia Germon

Vice President – Nicole Paramanis

Treasurer – Sarah Arlin

Secretary – Fiona Buchanan

We look forward to working with the new team in mapping out all the great community events and activities for 2024.

150th Celebrations Film

Last Wednesday saw the last of the 150th Celebration events take place when we had the honour of screening the 150th-Celebration film. This project was undertaken by Willy PS parents, Tony and Stina Dean, and showcased the school, its history and multiple generations of Willy Kids.

A key theme of the film was the Willy Kids culture, which was strategically implemented by former school principal Tilly Barger. The film also did an amazing job of capturing the school’s physical spaces with awe inspiring cinematography and drone footage.

Many students and staff have also taken the opportunity to view the film in their class. Early next year, the school will look to hold a public viewing of the film which will be open to our greater community. After this event the film will then be accessible for public viewing on the school’s website.

A big thank you again to Tony and Stina. The school community is forever grateful for what you have be able to create.

Seaside Fair

It seems so long ago, but it was only 3 weeks ago that we had our Seaside Fair. In the final wrap up we have been able to reflect and celebrate what an amazing event it was, and the work that Lance and the team was nothing short of extraordinary. We can now confirm that the event raised a record breaking $92,500. This phenomenal total is just mind blowing and will now go towards the redevelopment of the junior quadrangle and toilets. Capital work projects such as this can’t happened without the amazing collective effort of so many people.

I would like to also thank all Seaside Fair Sponsors and the sponsorship team of Sharon, Renae and Jane, who did an extraordinary effort of connecting community organisations to the Fair through a range of different sponsorships. Truly amazing!

Holiday Works

Preparations for school holiday works has commenced with the redbrick building, portables/gallery and admin building being prepared for carpet replacement and paint work. Please also note that the school gates will be closed during the holiday period to safeguard the school grounds and buildings. We understand that many families access the playgrounds after school hours and on the weekends, we apologise for any inconvenience, but this is a necessary action as the holiday period unfortunately often brings a range of security challenges. The school gates will be reopened for community access from Monday 22nd January.

Merry Christmas.

Warm regards,

Mat & Lisa

Williamstown Primary School News

"Once a Willy Kid, always a Willy Kid!"

Issue 176 - Term 4, Week 12 2023 · 18 Dec 2023

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