Williamstown Campus News
Dear Williamstown Families,
As we commence the second week of Term 3, I would like to thank our students, staff and families for helping us make such a positive start to the term. It has been wonderful to see students return with enthusiasm, reconnect with their peers and quickly settle back into their learning routines.
This term promises to be another busy and exciting one, with many opportunities for students to extend themselves both inside and outside the classroom. Below are several important updates and reminders for the weeks ahead.
Semester 1 Celebration Assembly
Last Friday, we held our Years 7–9 Semester 1 Celebration Assembly. This provided an opportunity to recognise students for outstanding attendance, Positive Pass achievements and academic performance.
Congratulations to all students who were recognised. Celebrating effort, improvement and achievement is an important part of building a positive school culture, and we look forward to recognising many more students throughout the semester.
Staffing Updates
We are pleased to welcome Elizabeth Cullen to Williamstown Campus. Elizabeth will be teaching two Year 7 Humanities classes, and we are delighted to have her join our campus community.
There are also several temporary staffing arrangements in place due to staff leave. Replacement teachers will be supporting classes during this period, and we ask students and families to help make them feel welcome.
Unfortunately, we have not yet been successful in appointing a teacher to our Digital Technologies position. The role has been readvertised, and we will continue working to secure a suitable candidate. In the meantime, arrangements are in place to maintain continuity of learning for students.
Ramp Rectification Works
The accessibility improvement works across Williamstown Campus progressed significantly during the school holidays. However, construction will continue throughout the first half of the term, with several areas remaining fenced off.
Students may experience temporary changes to walkways and access around parts of the campus. We ask families to remind students to:
- remain within designated walkways;
- respect all construction fencing and signage; and
- follow staff directions when moving around the campus.
Student safety remains our highest priority, and we appreciate everyone’s patience while these important improvements are completed.
Year 9 City Experience
The Year 9 City Experience begins this week and will run across Weeks 2 and 3:
- 9L and 9N: Monday 20 July to Friday 24 July
- 9M: Monday 27 July to Friday 31 July
This program is a valuable part of the Year 9 curriculum and provides students with opportunities to develop independence, strengthen teamwork and engage with learning beyond the classroom.
Families are asked to carefully review the detailed schedule and information available through Compass. Students will need to arrive at the correct meeting locations and times each day, wear the required uniform and come prepared for the scheduled activities.
Thursday the 23rd will be rescheduled due to strike action.
Anjo Higashi High School Visit
From Monday 27 July to Thursday 30 July, we look forward to welcoming students and staff from our sister school, Anjo Higashi High School, in Japan.
During their visit, students will participate in classes and a range of cultural and educational experiences across Melbourne. This exchange is an important part of the long-standing relationship between our schools and provides a wonderful opportunity for students to develop international friendships and learn more about Japanese language and culture.
We sincerely thank the families who have generously volunteered to host our visiting students.
Join a Club or Activity
We encourage all students to become involved in the broader life of the College by joining one of our lunchtime clubs or activities this term.
Clubs provide students with opportunities to explore their interests, build new skills, develop friendships and feel more connected to the school community. Activities available across the campus include sport, debating, games, creative activities and other interest-based programs.
Updated information about clubs and meeting times will be communicated to students. Families are encouraged to speak with their child about joining at least one activity this term.
Winter Uniform Reminder
As the colder weather continues, we ask families to support students in attending school in the correct winter uniform each day.
Students should wear the approved College jumper or jacket as their outer garment. Hoodies, branded jumpers and other non-school outerwear are not part of the College uniform and should not be worn at school.
Students are also expected to wear the correct school footwear and ensure their uniform is clean, neat and worn appropriately. Wearing the uniform with pride supports a strong sense of identity, belonging and shared expectations across the campus.
We understand that families may occasionally experience difficulty obtaining or replacing uniform items. Please contact the College if support is required.
Attendance and Punctuality
Regular attendance is one of the strongest contributors to student learning, wellbeing and achievement. Students should attend every day unless they are genuinely unwell. This term we have commenced sending out automated updates on attendance in week 1 and week 5 of term. This will support families in understanding their child’s current level of attendance.
If your child is absent, please record the absence through Compass or contact the College promptly.
Important Dates
Please note the following key dates for Term 3:
- Monday 20 July to Friday 24 July – Year 9 City Experience for 9L and 9N
- Monday 27 July to Thursday 30 July – Anjo Higashi High School visit
- Monday 27 July to Friday 31 July – Year 9 City Experience for 9M
- Monday 3 August – Curriculum Day; no classes for students
- Monday 17 August to Friday 21 August – College Production week
- Wednesday 19 August – College Production evening performance
- Thursday 20 August – College Production school matinee
- Wednesday 9 September – Parent–Teacher Conferences
Further information about individual events will be communicated via Compass closer to each date.
Thank you again for your ongoing support of Williamstown Campus. We look forward to a positive and productive Term 3, filled with learning, opportunity and celebration.
Kind regards,
Michael Sperling
Campus Principal – Williamstown Campus