School Profile

Location

Williamstown Primary School is located in the historic bayside suburb of Williamstown. Established in 1873, the school is one of the oldest schools in the state. The school holds historical significance for the community being the first school in the district. Several buildings occupy the site with the bluestone building, completed in 1877, being the most significant. The red brick junior school building was opened in 1906 but was used as a Girls' Domestic Arts School from the 1920s until 1962 and was reclaimed as the junior school when a new girl’s school was built. In 2003 a Conservation Management Plan for the whole site was prepared and approved by Heritage Victoria. New buildings, housing Library, Art, Music and Physical Education have recently been completed. 
The school community is very proud of its past and retains a strong sense of history while at the same time is planning for the future provision of facilities and services in line with a ‘masterplan’ which was developed in 2002. Evidence of the school’s heritage is represented through photographs, displays and honour boards, prominent about the school.
The school grounds are currently being developed and improved taking account of the local environment. The school is very conscious of meeting the needs of its community.

Organisational Structure

The school is organized into three major departments, Junior (Prep-2), Middle (3-4) and Upper (5-6). Classes are organized on a multi age basis. Class arrangements are Prep, 1-2, 3-4 and 5-6. The school operates on an eight day timetable.
The management structure includes- 
• Shared Principalship - the Principal works 4 days per week and the Assistant Principal undertakes principal duties one day per week.
• The Management Team consists of the Principal, Assistant Principal, Early Years Coordinator, ICT Coordinator, Middle Years Coordinator, Leader of Specialists, Prep Leader and Curriculum coordinator.
• Professional Learning Teams consist of Prep Team, Year 1-2 Team, Year 3-4 Team, Year 5-6 Team, and Specialist Team.

Masterplan

Of significance is the development of a school ‘masterplan’ in 2002. The plan has been accepted by DE&T and the first stage of the project, Library, Art, Music and Physical Education, was completed in 2005. Included in the second stage of the plan is the relocation of the administration block to a new facility and the refurbishment of the bluestone building.

Willy Kids

The school maintains a strong commitment to the development of positive social skills through the Willy Kids Are Friendly Kids program. The program aims to promote a happy, friendly and resilient outlook in all students, a sense of community and achievement. The values reflected in the program are an essential part of the school’s ethos and underpin its approach to all areas from parent participation to curriculum delivery.
A Junior School Council is elected by all classes and promotes the issues and concerns of students.

Literacy and Numeracy

The school has a strong commitment to the development of both literacy and numeracy. Sixty percent of instruction time is devoted to these two areas, (40% literacy, 20% numeracy). Reading and English have been charter priority areas in the past seven years and these emphases will continue in the coming years. The school conducts a range of special programs in literacy including Reading Recovery and an Intensive Reading Program in Year 5/6. 

Extension programs include The Willy Challenge, The Notables and Tournament of Minds. The school is part of a local network funded by the Innovation and Excellence Project to develop best practice in Sustainability and Environment in the middle years department.

Music

The school has an extensive music program that includes a rock band, marimba band, choir and concerts.

Physical Education and Outdoor Education

There is a strong commitment throughout the school to developing fit, healthy, active and resilient students. The school runs an extensive Physical Education and Sports program. All children from grades 3-6 have the opportunity to participate in school and district, swimming and athletics carnivals. All children in 5\6 participate in interschool sports which involves after school training. All grade five children complete a Bike Education course and all grades participate in the warm water swimming program. A Runners Club is conducted to promote fitness activities.

Library

Library is conducted as a specialist area with the dual role of fostering literacy development, research and the use of Information Technology. The new school library provides an excellent modern facility for students.

Information & Communication Technology

The school provides a comprehensive Information & Communication Technology program across all grade levels. In the past five years the school has invested significant funds in this area and currently approximates government targets of one computer for every five students. The ICT Coordinator oversees the program and has been a driving force in establishing the local network and developing skills and understanding for both children and staff in this area.

LOTE

The school has a strong Italian program based on both language and cultural outcomes. Art, cooking, drama and music are key features of this exciting curriculum area.

Parent Participation

Parents play a key role in ensuring the success of the school. Parents are involved in many facets of the school – Developing Literacy and Numeracy Partnerships, Interschool Sport, Canteen, Working Bees, Class Representation, Fathers and Mothers Day Stalls, Disco, Grade Six Presentation, Excursions, Classroom Helpers.

Transition

The school conducts a comprehensive Transition Programs for both new Prep children and students leaving the school in grade six. Information evenings, trial days and “buddies” are all features of the programs.

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