From the Principal

Dear Families,

Seaside Fair

It is so hard to believe that Sunday’s Seaside Fair has already come and gone, and what a day it was. The weather looked to challenge us as the rain came down early in the morning, but we kept the faith as we put our trust in the Bureau of Meteorology and a dozen weather apps to guide us. We weren’t let down as the rain cleared, the ground dried up and the day was a huge success. A personal highlight for me was the honour of opening the fair with former Victorian Premier, local resident, and former Willy Primary Parent, the Honourable Steve Bracks. His recollection of the introduction of the education act that helped form the school and the history behind its buildings were extraordinary.

The smell from the broad range of food options spread across the school site as screams of laughter could be heard from the rides on the oval. The huge Claas Tractor was a hit, and it was great seeing so many community organisations set up on the oval providing experiences for all in attendance. But one of the main attractions was the main stage that saw local and school-based performers entertain the crowd. The school choir and bands were a hit and The Willy’s Got talent show was extremely entertaining.

This was a great a community event, but key to this event is to raise funds to support capital works projects at the school. Our current focuses have been the redevelopment of the outdoor junior quadrangle situated between the redbrick building, portables and the 5/6 deck, and the junior bathrooms. I am very excited to announce that the total funds raised from the fair will be approximately $90,000. This is an extraordinary amount, an amount that as a school we thought we could only dream of. Planning has already commenced for these projects as we look to deliver a high-quality outdoor space and refurbished facilities.

Again, thank you to Lance and his team, in particular the sponsorship team that brought in record sponsorship numbers. Every fair we commend how much work it takes to get the fair off the ground, but the reward is extraordinary. We look forward to seeing everyone at the 2025 Seaside Fair! Too soon?

150 Years of Williamstown Primary School Coffee Table Book

To mark the school’s 150th anniversary we embarked on the development and publication of a school history coffee table book. Built upon previous smaller publications this book would look to enhance understanding of the school’s long history, its people, and the impact on the Williamstown community. The significance of this book will ensure that the school’s documented history can be built upon in the future. So, to say we were excited when the official publication arrived is an understatement. Families and community members who had ordered this one print run book can now collect their copy at the school office. An email was sent to all who had placed an order. A massive thank you to Amber and Zeena who made this dream a reality. Enjoy.

150 Year Anniversary Documentary

While throughout the year we have been enjoying all things 150, the Dean family have been capturing it on film. At our celebration gala in August, we saw a snapshot of this production, which gave us a small taste. Well, the time has arrived and the full production is complete. We are currently planning the best way to share this production with the community prior to the school year ending. We are currently exploring appropriate days in the final weeks where families will have two viewing time options. We are hoping to communicate these confirmed details with the school community in the next day.

School Review- Finalised

On Tuesday the school finalised its third and final day of thet's school review process. The highly collaborative and positive process that involved independent panel members and local challenges partners was highly valuable.

The school now has the framework for its next 4-year strategic plan, and we look forward to sharing this, as well as the review report once all is finalised. I would like to thank our challenge partners Karen Anderson (Williamstown High School) and James Barger (Seaholme Primary) for their support and insight. I would like to thank Nick and Jason for giving up time in their schedules as representatives of school council. Lastly, I would like to thank Lesile Tullock (Reviewer) and Judy Maguire (Network School Education Improvement Leader) for their positive approach to the process.

Celebrating Willy Kids Achievement

Recently Ethan from Grade 5 competed at the National School Sports Athletics Competition.

In what was a tough individual schedule, Ethan embraced the challenge to record the following results:

• 4th place - 100m
• 4th place - 200m
• 4th place - Long Jump
• Silver Medal - Combined Relay
• Bronze Medal - 4x100m Relay
• Three broken National Records for T/F35

What an amazing effort and what an outstanding year Ethan has had both on the track and in the pool. This is one Willy Kid the world will be watching as he continues to go from strength to strength.

Warm regards,

Mathew Montebello

Principal