Purpose:

• To provide all students with an education to succeed in a complex, changing world.
• Students will develop to be responsible, happy, resilient and socially adept.
• They will exhibit the qualities of successful learners who are confident and creative and who will become active and informed citizens.

Designed and initially implemented in 1994, the original Willy Kids program was a whole school social skills program implemented to support our students’ positive social behaviour. The four key areas of focus were: COURTESY, RESPECT, CO-OPERATION and RESPONSIBILITY. It became the cornerstone of all we do at Willy and as a school community we want to ensure that this intention continues to be relevant and authentic for every Willy Kid in 2023 and beyond. To this end, the content has been enhanced so that the program continues to emphasise the traits and qualities of ‘all-round, great kids. Additionally the program focuses on developing the assets, skills and capabilities identified as necessary for the overall well-being and success in learning and life of our Willy Kids.

The four pillars of the Willy Kids program are:

• RESPECT
• LEARNING
• RESILIENCE
• RESPONSIBILITY

Aligning well with our whole school unit ‘Learning to Learn; Learning to Be’, the Willy Kids pillar or topic in Term One is RESPECT. Students will explore the following key statements across each fortnight:

• Willy Kids are Kind
• Willy Kids are Grateful
• Willy Kids are Sociable
• Willy Kids are Considerate
• Willy Kids Value the Rights of Others

The Willy Kids program will continue to underpin every decision we make at Williamstown Primary. A ‘Willy Kid’ is a proper noun, adjective and a verb, for it is what our students identify themselves as the moment they step through our gates. For every one of our students, past and present, this is a lifelong identification and we are proud to say, “Once a Willy Kid, always a Willy Kid!”

Willy Kid Pillars and Focus Topics

Term 1 - Respect

Week 1 & 2 – Willy Kids are Kind
Week 3 & 4 – Willy Kids are Grateful
Week 5 & 6 – Willy Kids are Sociable
Week 7 & 8 – Willy Kids are Considerate
Week 9 & 10 – Willy Kids Value the Rights of Others

Term 2 – Learning
Week 1 & 2 – Willy Kids are Ready to Learn
Week 3 & 4 – Willy Kids Wonder
Week 5 & 6 – Willy Kids are Problem Solvers
Week 7 & 8 – Willy Kids have a Growth Mindset
Week 9  – Willy Kids are Reflective Learners

Term 3 - Resilience

Week 1 & 2 – Willy Kids Manage their Emotions
Week 3 & 4 – Willy Kids are Brave
Week 5 & 6 – Willy Kids Bounce Back
Week 7 & 8 – Willy Kids Persevere
Week 9 & 10 – Willy Kids are Positive

Term 4 - Responsibility

Week 1 & 2 – Willy Kids are Cooperative
Week 3 & 4– Willy Kids are Accountable

Week 5 & 6 – Willy Kids are Honest
Week 7 & 8 – Willy Kids are Leaders
Week 9 & 10 – Willy Kids are Ambitious