Dear Families,

Mother’s Day Luncheon – A Celebration to Remember!

What a fantastic day it was for the Friends of Willy on Saturday as we hosted our Second Annual Mother’s Day Luncheon! Set against the stunning backdrop of Melbourne at the Royal Yacht Club, the event was an overwhelming success.

With over 80 wonderful mums in attendance, we’re thrilled to share that the luncheon raised an incredible $12,800. What an outstanding achievement – every dollar makes a difference!

This remarkable contribution brings our annual fundraising total to just under $30,000. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended, donated, or supported us in any way.

Every Dollar Counts

The positive impact of voluntary contributions and fundraising efforts is undeniably significant in shaping the quality of education and school resources. The recent release of the state budget has prompted many discussions around school funding, and it’s clear that the financial support schools receive, particularly from government and local sources, plays a crucial role in providing the best possible environment for students. Here’s a deeper look at how these income streams work and how the community’s support makes a difference.

Please note the below information refers to cash funding and does not include staff funding which is funded seperately by the Department.

Government Funding (60%)

Government cash funding makes up a substantial portion of the school’s income, contributing 60%. This funding is determined by two main factors: the number of students enrolled and the socio-economic background of the families within the school community.

This government funding is allocated across several areas within the school such as:

Curriculum delivery
Administration and operations
Facility management and maintenance

While essential, government funding alone is often not sufficient to cover all the needs of the school.

Locally Raised Funds (40%)

To fill the gap left by government funding, schools rely on locally raised funds, which make up 40% of the total income. These locally raised funds come from various sources:

1. Voluntary Curriculum Contributions

These contributions are often referred to as “school fees,” though they are voluntary. They significantly impact the physical resources and programs available to students, helping schools purchase materials and equipment needed for a rich and dynamic curriculum. Currently, the school receives only 65% of its total potential contributions, which leaves a 35% shortfall, equating to approximately $56,000. This shortfall underscores the importance of every dollar contributed.

2. Voluntary Contributions (Specific)

Families are also encouraged to contribute voluntarily to specific areas such as:

Building projects and maintenance
General school improvement
ICT resources

These contributions help maintain and improve key school assets, ensuring that facilities and equipment are updated regularly to meet the needs of students.

3. Hire of Facilities

Income from the hire of school facilities, such as the hall, OSH programs, and canteen, helps bring in additional revenue. This money is reinvested back into the school, further enhancing all budget areas and benefiting the students directly.

4. Fundraising

The school community’s fundraising efforts, particularly through the dedicated work of the Friends of Willy group, have been extraordinary. These fundraising efforts have enabled the school to make significant upgrades and provide essential resources that would otherwise not be possible. Some of the major projects funded by these efforts include:

Outdoor basketball court
Multi-purpose sports ground
Two-stage prep playground
Junior quadrangle
Two major shade sails
Parker St garden
Classroom indigenous libraries
3D printers
Literacy and math resources
Library books

These improvements and resources directly contribute to the overall learning experience of the students and help create a more enriching educational environment.

The Importance of Voluntary Contributions and Fundraising

As demonstrated, every dollar counts in school funding. The positive impact of voluntary contributions and fundraising efforts cannot be overstated. They directly influence the quality of education and resources available, ensuring that students receive the best possible learning experience. It’s through the generosity and support of the school community that schools can continue to thrive and provide excellent educational opportunities.

In conclusion, the collaboration between government funding, local contributions, and fundraising efforts is essential for schools to maintain and improve their programs and facilities. By continuing to support these initiatives, families and the wider school community play a critical role in shaping the future of students and ensuring they have access to the tools and resources needed to succeed.

A friendly reminder that Monday 26th May 2025 is a student free curriculum day.

Warm regards,

Mat