Welcome to the final W-Files of 2025. It has been pleasing to see a large number of events, activities and end-of-year excursions take place during this busy time, including music concerts, transition events, Year 9 Immersion project expo, debating, exams and Headstart programs. We even welcomed new members to our Willi High family with our Year 6-to-7 orientation day for our next cohort of students.

Our traditional end-of-year whole school assembly was once again held at the Williamstown Town Hall, where we celebrated student achievements, showcased our Languages and Arts programs, reflected on our many successes and discussed what we hope to accomplish in years to come.

In my address to the students, I spoke about many highlights from the year that was, as well as plans for 2026. Please see extracts from my address as below:

Our town hall assembly, together with our athletics day, are the only two events on our school calendar when we bring all our students together. Today, this whole school event is an opportunity to showcase some of the wonderful talents of our students, acknowledge some award winners and is also an opportunity for me as the proud principal of our wonderful school to present some reflections of the year and some plans for the future.

Our academic results have once again been outstanding and are consistent with the highly focused environment we foster that encourages effort, commitment and care.

We began this year acknowledging the achievements of the class of 2024, highlighting our VCE VM outstanding student of the year, Fletcher Raspor; the record number of 38 ATAR scores above 90, such as our 2024 dux, Charlie Muliett, and his ATAR of 99.5; as well as all the accomplishments and pathways to further study and careers that our wonderfully diverse group of students achieved. These results continue to place us amongst elite schools in terms of VCE outcomes.

For NAPLAN, both our Year 7 and 9 students performed exceptionally well, with the proportion of students in the ‘strong’ and ‘exceeding’ bands surpassing those in similar, network and state schools in all measured areas. This is a tremendous achievement and a testament to the hard work of our students and the dedication of our staff.

However, academic excellence is only part of our focus and what we value. In 2025 we continued to resource leadership and staffing in the wellbeing space. With staff retirements and movement in this area, we continued to attract high quality staff to fill these positions with many applicants desperate to work at WHS. Together our welfare coordinators, mental health practitioners, youth worker, nurse and year level coordinators ensure we have a highly talented wellbeing team supporting our students. We also continue to resource year level budgets to deliver powerful workshops and programs such as Raise, Tomorrow Woman and Tomorrow Man, building resilient, confident and socially responsible emerging adults.

Our work in the area of disability inclusion continues, with a team of leaders in this space now present at each respective campus improving support for students with a disability and building a more inclusive school for all our students. This year has seen the installation of automated doors, accessible ramps and decking, as well as a sensory pod installed in the Bayview library. Inclusive schools have better outcomes in learning, engagement and wellbeing for all students.

This year we completed our four-yearly strategic review with the Education Department. We were told we are an outstanding school, with great programs, structures, curriculum and wellbeing supports in place. This is a significant outcome for the school and highlights the standing WHS has in the Victorian education system.

Some highlights this year have been our provision of World Challenge expeditions and a New York Arts trip, providing life-changing overseas experiences for our students.

There were over 1200 audience members in our Centenary Theatre for this year’s whole school production of A Chorus Line. This stunning musical captured the spirit and tension of a Broadway chorus audition with one powerhouse number after another delivered by our talented cast of student performers and wonderfully assisted by our student crew and our committed Arts staff.

The completion of our Futsal courts at both Bayview and Pasco campuses were eagerly received by our students.

Our new Bayview Dining Hall, after many permit delays, will shortly be completed and ready for 2026.

This year we revamped our parent evenings with positive feedback received from students, parents and staff about the changes. This included introducing an Indigenous smoking ceremony to welcome all our new Year 7 families to Willi High and a total revamp of our VCE evenings.

I am very passionate about providing our students with a safe, inclusive and engaging school environment. Who better to hear from as to what this should look like than our students. With this in mind, together with our youth worker, Alanah, we conducted our first ever student forums for both our Bayview and Pasco students.

How inspiring to see so many students come together to share their ideas, experiences and visions for our school. The forums gave students the chance to speak openly about what matters most to them - from everyday school experiences to the bigger changes they’d like to see in the future.

I am pleased to announce that we will make this an ongoing part of our school program and look forward to future opportunities for student voice to influence what we do.

Further highlights this year have been:

• The outstanding work of our student leadership teams at both campuses.

• Outstanding contributions and record participation in the eighth year of the WHS Principal’s Writing Competition, with this year’s theme being “Lost and Found”. This competition helps highlight the importance of building and promoting literacy skills across the school.

• Academic Enhancement leaders at both campuses, embedding our Alumni and Homework Tutoring programs.

• Interschool Debating and sporting success.

• Careers Expo, breakfast and lunchtime clubs.

• Reflecting on the meaning of our school motto, “Hold Fast”, and reinforcing its significance to all Willi High students by awarding a third year of Hold Fast scholarships.

• Bayview front entrance fencing and boom gates installed to improve both appearance and student safety around vehicle access areas.

• Uniform review with thicker polo tops, a new student-designed sports top, increased options for student pants and a new option for shorts with an alternate cut and second layer underneath (all available next year and all in response to student input).

• Awards at our end-of-term assemblies now aligned with our school values.

• After seven years of lobbying we received $2.5 million of funding to restore our beautiful Pasco Q Block buildings, with this work now complete.

• Inspiring and engaging Year 9 Immersion project showcases.

• Upgraded gym projectors and new Pasco library study carrels.

• Installing a Music Honour board in the Performing Arts wing and introducing a new Performing Arts award.

• Staff development and documenting of a guaranteed and viable curriculum.

• And the pleasure of experiencing numerous musical and dance showcases highlighting the wonderful talents of our students.

In 2026 we will continue to offer international travel opportunities with both French and Indonesian trips running. We will have an extensive upgrade of school outdoor areas, including installing extra seating (as suggested by students at our student forums), significant asphalt upgrades at both campuses and redevelopment of our Horticulture facility, enhancing the horticulture experience for our students. We are looking to provide a Youth Services building at Pasco, creating a home and workspace for student leadership, inclusion and international provisions. This will see student leadership offices, conferencing spaces and sensory spaces added to the Pasco campus. We will upgrade the Year 11 upstairs courtyard and the outdoor area at the end of the Bayview atrium to possibly include a suite of synthetic handball courts and additional seating.

We will continue to have the highest expectations of our teaching and learning programs, with a clear and consistent approach to explicit teaching in every classroom. We will look to embed entry and exit routines across both campuses to guarantee the most optimal preconditions for learning are in place. We will continue our focus on the “Wellbeing of Learning”, aiming to maximise the pride and connectedness we all have with our school. And I will, as always, continue to promote the meaning of our powerful school motto!

Thank you to all members of our school community for your continued support. Our school community is one we are all very privileged to be a part of. Have an amazing summer break and see you all back next year.

Hold fast!

Principal’s Hold Fast Awards

I also announced the recipients of the Principal’s Hold Fast Awards, which aim to recognise students’ efforts for “staying the course, overcoming challenges and embracing opportunities” - criteria that underscores the significance of our school motto and reflects the journey many of our students have had in recent years. These names will be added to honour boards at each campus, both highlighting these achievements and expounding the meaning behind “Hold Fast”.

PFA and School Council

I would like to recognise and acknowledge all members of our School Council and Parents and Friends Association for their time, energy and support this year. Early in 2026, I will be calling for nominations for a number of vacated School Council positions. I certainly encourage everyone to consider joining.

2025 School Captains

Congratulations to our new school captains and student leadership team, who were announced and proudly presented at the recent year-level assemblies.

Class of 2025

The Class of 2025 will indeed be remembered fondly for many reasons. The way they have conducted themselves over the years, and in particular this year, has us feeling very proud of both their attitude and achievements. They have been an extremely talented and caring cohort. Thank you to the fantastic team of Year 12 teachers and Year Level Coordinators David Urwin, Ian Hume and, earlier, Michael Patchell for their great leadership and care. The support from parents, guardians and families during the students’ final year of schooling is a vital component and something that is appreciated by all staff members at Williamstown High School.

It was very pleasing to be able to finish the year with our Year 12 Graduation, held at the Town Hall. Students and staff were able to celebrate the many successes and reminisce about the challenges in a relaxed yet formal setting. Our students received some outstanding results, with 103 study scores over 40, placing them in the statewide subject high achievement category. An ATAR of more than 90 was achieved by a record number of 44 students (over 25% of the cohort) and a record of over 50% over 80, with 20 attaining an ATAR over 95,. We had a perfect study score of 50 in Vet Music Performance. Declan Rumble was named this year’s Dux with an ATAR of 98.9.

We are extremely proud of the efforts and achievements of all our students and staff. Additional information relating to student achievement will be published in the W-Files next year. We wish the Class of 2025 the best of luck as they venture beyond the school walls, and we look forward to hearing about their future successes in the years that follow.

I would like to wish the whole school community a happy and safe holiday, and I look forward to an exciting 2026.

Hold fast!

Gino Catalano | Principal

Year 9

The second half of this term saw the Bayview Campus farewell the Year 9 students as they made their way to Pasco for the Year 10 Headstart program. We are incredibly proud of their efforts and achievements at Bayview and look forward to seeing them continue to grow and thrive in the next stage of their learning.

Bayview Art Acquisition Award

Earlier in Term 4, the Bayview Campus hosted the annual Bayview Art and Technology Exhibition to showcase the amazing work of our Year 7 to 9 students. Following the Art show, Mr Catalano and I were very excited to announce the introduction of two new annual awards, presented at the whole school assembly: the Campus Principal’s Bayview Art Acquisition Award and the Principal’s Bayview Art Acquisition Award. These were awarded for outstanding creativity, with each recipient receiving a $100 voucher and the opportunity to have their artworks displayed permanently at Bayview.

The Campus Principal’s Bayview Art Acquisition Award was awarded to Milla Jonot for their artwork titled ‘The Real Sea’.

The Principal’s Bayview Art Acquisition Award was awarded to Sophia Repanidis for their untitled artwork.

Congratulations to both students.

A special mention goes to Kobe Hayes-Fraser, who received the Bayview Principal’s Exhibition Support Excellence Award for his support in setting up the Art and Technology Exhibition. His contribution was greatly appreciated.

Year 6 Transition Day

Tuesday, 9 December, saw 149 enthusiastic Year 6 students join us for their first day at Williamstown High School. The day provided an opportunity for students to meet their new homegroup teachers and become familiar with the Bayview Campus. We are looking forward to our new cohort joining us in 2026.

I would like to thank all parents and carers for your ongoing support throughout the year. Your partnership with our school makes a genuine difference to the learning and wellbeing of our students. We wish all families a safe, relaxing and happy break, and look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for a wonderful year ahead.

Year 10-12 Headstart

Congratulations to all Year 9-11 students who have participated in and completed their Headstart program. Headstart equips our students with the necessary information and learning to have an early and great start to their 2026 program. The campus has been buzzing with the way students have jumped straight into new learning with enthusiasm and passion for their subjects. Our new Year 12 jumpers look fabulous and there’s a lovely optimism surrounding what the future holds for every student.

VCE/ATAR Results 2025

Congratulations to all students who undertook a scored Units 3&4 subject in 2025. This year there has been so much hard work, planning and practice that has gone into it.

I have no doubt there will be cause for celebration and many students will receive offers to the post-secondary pathway of choice. Please remember career support and counselling is available for all Year 12 graduates through to next year if needed. Williamstown High remains a great place to learn and achieve the highest of scores. The hard work, commitment and perseverance will pay off and you deserve every success.

Year 12 Graduation

The Class of 2025 has participated in their final event for the year. As always, graduation was a wonderful night and we were able to celebrate those students who achieved exceptional success throughout the year. We wish our graduates well for the future. Your results are testament to the hard work you have put in and your families and school are proud of your success. Your time at WHS is now etched into our history as you go on to exciting new chapters in life. Please remember to pop into your ‘old’ school from time to time as we love to hear about how life is going for our ex-students.

Pasco Overview

Our staff are busy preparing for an exciting 2026 and will participate in the Curriculum Area Team planning days in the last week of school. New staff joining us in 2026 will also attend these days to ensure everything is in place for Day 1. Our beloved Q-Block has been fully restored, and we look forward to having all our buildings available in 2026. There are plans afoot for the redevelopment of the old Study Centre and I will share more news on that next year.

Please have a safe and enjoyable summer break, spend time with family and friends, refresh, recharge and I look forward to working with you next year.

Hold fast.

Daniel Pearce

Pasco Campus Principal

Leadership Day – Planning for Impact in 2026

Our recent Leadership Day held on Wednesday 10 December was highly productive, with the 2026 Leadership Team working collaboratively to strengthen our strategic direction and improve educational outcomes for all students. Leaders closely examined a wide range of student learning, wellbeing and engagement data to identify priority areas and plan targeted responses for 2026.

The team also carefully dissected and analysed the new 2026–2029 School Strategic Plan, ensuring a shared understanding of our long-term goals and the evidence that underpins them. From this work, leaders developed clear, purposeful actions to inform the 2026 Annual Implementation Plan, aligning daily practice with our strategic intent.

The day was characterised by thoughtful discussion, strong collaboration and a collective commitment to continuous improvement, providing a solid foundation for the year ahead.

Career Start: transforming the first years of the teaching career

We are delighted to celebrate Michelle Roberts and Liam Kurzemnieks, who have successfully completed the Victorian Department of Education’s Career Start program this year. As graduate teachers, Michelle and Liam have embraced every opportunity the program offered, demonstrating professionalism, reflective practice and a genuine commitment to their students and colleagues.

Career Start is a structured induction program designed to support graduate teachers in their early years of the profession through dedicated mentoring, professional learning, networking opportunities and time release to focus on developing their practice and wellbeing. Michelle and Liam made excellent use of these supports, accelerating their growth as educators and making a positive impact in their classrooms.

We commend Michelle and Liam on this important milestone and thank them for the energy, care and enthusiasm they bring to our school community. We look forward to seeing their continued growth and contributions in the years ahead.

Student Wellbeing and Exams

In the final few weeks of 2025, we had over 1000 students from Years 9-12 complete their end-of-year exams. Preparing for and completing exams can be stressful and challenging, and every person will experience some level of stress during this period, each at differing levels. Members of our Wellbeing Team, including Year Level Coordinators, have done a terrific job supporting many students during this time and equipping them with a resilient mindset. It’s with this mindset that we’re able to focus on the things we can control and manage our emotions more effectively.

Well done to all our students on overcoming these challenges and giving their best!

School Nurse Health Boards

This term, our School Nurse Darcy Murphy has been creating a series of health boards, displayed in the Bayview atrium, aimed at giving students quick, practical health and wellbeing information while they enjoy their snack and break times.

Updated weekly, these boards bring fresh content to keep students engaged and curious. Each term focuses on a different health theme, with this term highlighting how nutrition affects the body. The displays are designed to be short, fun and easy to understand, helping students start their day informed, confident and ready to learn. They also spark positive conversations about health, supporting a strong wellbeing culture across the school.

Staff Professional Learning

During Professional Learning Week in Term 4, WHS staff were able to sign up for a session run by members of our Wellbeing Team (Mental Health Practitioners Christina Frei and Helen Vaxevanis) on the topic of ADHD and Mental Health. The session equipped staff with knowledge and strategies to further support students in the classroom.

In Term 4, we were also able to send 15 of our Year Level Coordinators and Wellbeing Team members to complete Youth Mental Health First Aid training. This training equips adults who teach, care for or support young people with the knowledge, skills and confidence to recognise, understand and respond to a young person experiencing a mental health concern or crisis.

At Pasco Campus, the referral pathways for students to access mental health support have been expanded and strengthened. In addition to existing referral avenues through teachers, coordinators, parents and email, students now have access to a self-referral option via a link and QR code that will be embedded in Google Classroom. This adds greater flexibility and visibility for students when reaching out for support.

Social Media Age Restrictions

As you are likely aware, Australia is introducing significant changes to how social media platforms operate for younger users. From 10 December, many major social media services have been required to take “reasonable steps” to ensure under-16s are not creating or continuing accounts. The purpose of these changes is to help protect young people from the risks associated with social media, including pressures around screen time, exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying and challenges to their wellbeing, while ensuring that parents and carers feel more supported.

To understand more about the changes, as well as guidance on how you can support and discuss these changes with your young person, please see the Compass entry from 27/11/25, posted by Michael Patchell.

Parent Resources

For the upcoming school holidays, our school will release through the Compass News Feed a resource for parents, carers and families to support the mental health and wellbeing of children during the school holidays. This will contain comprehensive information, however, some initial detail has been included below.

For many young people, the summer school holidays are often a great experience. They serve as a great opportunity to relax, see friends, take part in fun activities, travel with family and many other things. However, they can also be a time when some young people disconnect from others, withdraw from regular routines and hobbies, and can experience setbacks in relationships and mental health.

Actions that support positive mental health over the school holidays:

• Exercise - boosts mood and mental health

• Healthy eating - improves mood

• Prioritise sleep - supports mental and emotional wellbeing

• Explore relaxation techniques and coping strategies

• Stay in touch and catch up with friends and loved ones

• Make time to do things they enjoy

• Practise positive self-talk

• Seek professional help if needed

Signs a child or young person may need mental health support:

In some cases, these actions will not be enough to support positive mental health. Keep an eye out and seek professional help for changes that last two or more weeks, such as:

• Loss of interest or involvement in activities normally enjoyed

• Feeling ‘low’, unusually stressed or worried

• Being easily irritated or angry

• Taking more dangerous risks (eg. social behaviours, substance use)

• Frequent negative thoughts

Mental health support:

An excellent resource on the Hobsons Bay Youth Services website is a downloadable list of local and relevant support services for young people aged 12 to 25 and their families. We highly recommend you download and print a copy to have at home.

• Your local GP

• Headspace Counselling: Victorian Government secondary school students including those who have just finished schooling can access counselling services from Headspace. Students can self-refer by calling their local Headspace centre.

• eHeadspace: online and phone counselling for young people aged 12 to 25 and their families: 1800 650 890 www.headspace.org.au/eheadspace

• Kids Helpline: online and phone counselling for young people aged 5 to 25: 1800 551 800 www.kidshelpline.com.au

• Parentline: counselling and support for parents and carers: 13 22 89 https://services.dffh.vic.gov.au/parentline

Wishing all WHS families and friends a happy and safe summer break. We look forward to seeing you all again in 2026.

Kind regards,

Tyson Hartwig and Michael Patchell
Bayview and Pasco Campus Assistant Principals

Thank you to our families

With the release of the School Saving Bonus (SSB), we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our families for their incredible support throughout the year.

In a year that has brought both opportunities and challenges, your understanding, encouragement and engagement have made a meaningful difference to our students’ learning and wellbeing.

We truly value the strong sense of community that defines our school, and we are grateful for the way our families consistently work with us to create the best possible environment for every child.

School Payment Arrangements

On Monday, 8 December, the School Payment Arrangements for 2026 were posted on Compass and are now available for payment. Please refer to our website for the complete breakdown of contributions by year level.

Compass is our preferred method of payment for all contributions and events. Please contact reception if you are unable to log in to Compass. Please refer to the Compass billing guide for instructions on how to process payments.

Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF)

From 1 January 2026, families eligible for CSEF will see an increase in support to $400 for primary and secondary school children, up from $154 and $256 respectively.

Applications for CSEF open from 27 January 2026. Please head to our website for more information on CSEF and the eligibility criteria. New applications are only required if you’ve had a change in family circumstances, or your child is a new enrolment at WHS.

Building Fund Receipts

WHS School Council holds a School Building Fund with an established deductible gift recipient (DGR) status. This means that families who wish to contribute via Compass will receive an official DGR receipt to claim a tax deduction in your next personal tax return. These DGR status receipts can now be generated by our families on Compass. Please refer to the Compass billing guide for instructions on how to generate receipts.

User Agreements

WHS has two agreements that must be completed on an annual basis via Compass. For 2026, the following agreements have been published via Compass Events and require consent by the start of Term 1.

• Acceptable Use Agreement - ensures the acceptable use of our network and ICT systems by all students.

• Local Excursion Consent - permission for students to go on excursions in the local area as part of their classes.

Please ensure these agreements are completed before the students return. Please note that we are required to disconnect students from our wi-fi network and ICT systems if the relevant agreement is not signed by Friday, 20 February.

Booklists

Our Year 7-12 Booklists are available via the JP Books website. Please contact the school via email williamstown.hs@education.vic.gov.au if you have any questions. Thank you very much for your support.

State Schools Relief 2026 Year 7 Uniform Packages

Applications are now open for incoming Year 7 students who qualify for CSEF funding. Where a uniform can’t be supplied directly, students receive a voucher - redeemable at the school uniform supplier - that subsidises the cost of their uniform.

Please note: SSR uniform provision is in addition to CSEF payments. And if you’re aware of a Year 7 student who is in need of uniform support but is not a CSEF recipient, please contact the SSR Customer Service Team to discuss how they can help.

More information and order forms are available on the SSR website: www.stateschoolsrelief.org.au

School Council & Working With Children (WWC)

From 2026, parents, carers and community members who would like to join School Council need a WWC clearance to nominate. If you are considering nominating and don’t already have a WWCC, I encourage you to apply for a volunteer WWC check as soon as possible. This will allow for processing times, which are estimated to be from three to 12 weeks.

Please note that if you do not hold a WWC check, you will not be able to nominate for School Council, so it is vital that you prepare in advance. Obtaining a WWC check is free for volunteers, and you can apply online at Service Victoria.

When applying for your volunteer WWC check, please nominate the Department of Education as the organisation you are working for.

If you already hold an employee WWC clearance, you do not need to obtain a volunteer WWC check to nominate for School Council.

Victorian Institute of Teaching-registered teachers and school students who are interested in joining School Council are not required to obtain a WWC clearance.

Parents and community members currently on School Council do not need to apply for a WWC check immediately. Current members only need a WWC clearance if their term ends and they wish to nominate or be co-opted again. For more information, refer to Ministerial Order 1280 (Constitution of Government School Councils) 2020.

School Council President’s Report - December 2025

December brings with it a time of celebration, heartfelt farewells, and the excitement of new beginnings. And, of course, holidays and hopefully some well-deserved time off.

I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the outstanding staff at Williamstown High School. Beyond their daily responsibilities of teaching and supporting our students, their dedication, care and passion continue to shape the culture of our school. This year, their efforts were especially evident in the graduation ceremony, where the organisation, guidance and encouragement they provided helped make the night a memorable celebration of 13 years of schooling. It is their commitment that transforms Williamstown High into a thriving community - far more than just classrooms and buildings - and ensures our students are given every chance to succeed.

A massive heartfelt thank you also goes to the PFA. Their tireless work throughout the year provides additional funds that directly improve our school and enrich the student experience. The energy and commitment they bring to every initiative is invaluable.

To my colleagues on School Council, I am deeply grateful for the hard work and dedication you have shown all year. Your leadership and support ensure our school continues to thrive and grow.

In last year’s end‑of‑year report, I spoke about the passing of the Social Media Minimum Age Bill 2024. As of 10 December 2025, this legislation is now in effect. The aim is to create a safer online environment for young people, helping to reduce risks such as cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content and predatory behaviour. Positive outcomes we hope to see include stronger protections for children, greater awareness among families, and the encouragement of healthier digital habits.

For those wanting to learn more or support their children in navigating the online world safely, resources can be found at:

• https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/resources

• https://www.childsafe.org.au/help-for-families/e-safety-online/

One of the highlights of being School Council president is the privilege of attending the graduation every year. It is a special night that I always look forward to, as it represents the culmination of years of effort, growth and achievement.

On Friday, 12 December, we gathered for our graduation ceremony - a truly memorable evening. Kudos to the staff of Williamstown High School for their efforts in putting the night together, especially holding it the day after results were released. The shift from the traditional Thursday night to Friday has created a more relaxed and celebratory atmosphere, allowing families and students to enjoy the occasion without the immediate pressure of results hanging over them.

I would like to congratulate all our graduating students, both those completing the VCE and those completing the Vocational Major. As a cohort, you have done extremely well and should all be very proud, as should your families.

Williamstown High School is committed to providing multiple pathways that suit the individual, recognising that success looks different for every student. Whether through academic achievement, vocational training or other pursuits, each pathway reflects the unique strengths and aspirations of our students. There is much more to life than an ATAR score, so if the hoped-for score wasn’t realised, the effort and commitment to get this far should be celebrated.

I wish all our graduates the very best and thank you for your contribution to Williamstown High School’s legacy. Hold fast!

To everyone, have a great and safe holiday. I look forward to seeing you in 2026.

Regards,
Kane Harnden
School Council President

A quiet way to celebrate 2025

On Friday, 28 November, all students in Year 7 were treated to a silent disco experience. The gym didn’t look like a gym anymore - it had transformed into a full-blown disco. Colourful lights spun across the walls, turning the usual sports lines on the floor into glowing patterns.

The silent-disco headphones were lined up near the entrance, and the once-echoey space now buzzed with laughter, music and energy. What was normally used for PE and assemblies had become a vibrant, party space where students could dance, sing and celebrate the end of Year 7 in style.

“I thought it was going to be pretty mid, but when I went into the gym and it was all dark and the lights were on, it made it look like a real disco!” - Jacob (7D)

“It was a lot of fun to watch and listen to people singing and dancing and being crazy!” - Oliver (7C)

“I really liked it. All of the Year 7s got to hang out together at the one time.” - Olivia (7K)

“The silent disco was such a blast. It was the perfect way to end the week. Such great music choices that got everyone on their feet. The music even got the teachers dancing!” - Zara (7C)

As we reach the end of Year 7, it’s the perfect time to look back on how far everyone has come. This year has been packed with new experiences, new friendships and plenty of challenges that students have taken on with growing confidence.

From settling into high school routines to discovering new subjects and opportunities, Year 7 has been a year of big steps and even bigger achievements. Now, as we wrap up the year, take some time to celebrate the progress, the memories and all the fun moments that have shaped this first chapter of your high school journey.

To the Year 7s of 2025, thank you for the year. Onwards and upwards!

Ms Roberts & Mr Williams

What an amazing finish to the year for our Year 8 cohort!

Focus of the Fortnight (FOTF)

A huge congratulations to 8E, who won our Positive Posts Fortnight with an incredible 88 green posts and not a single red post. A brilliant effort and a great reflection of the positive culture they’ve built together.

We also welcomed the Western Bulldogs Community Group, who delivered an engaging session about the importance of connection, teamwork and strengthening our school community.

On Monday, 9 December, our Year 8 students enjoyed their end-of-year celebration excursion, heading out to Luna Park, Archie Brothers and O’Brien Icehouse. Students had a fantastic day, were highly engaged across all activities, and represented the school proudly.

We are also pleased to acknowledge the following Year 8 award winners from the Whole School Celebration Assembly:

• Asher Radisch - Year 8 Award

• Zali White - Year 8 Award

• Ava Caldwell - Hold Fast Award (Bayview)

• Bonnie McCarroll - Bayview Sports Award

Well done to these students on their outstanding achievements.

Congratulations to the entire Year 8 cohort on an amazing year. Students will begin their Headstart Program later this week, transitioning into their 2026 classes and preparing for a successful start to Year 9.

Farewell to Bayview

As our Year 9 students finish their final weeks at the Bayview Campus, we recognise what a significant milestone this is. This marks their last chapter at Bayview before they transition to the senior campus in 2026. It has been a year of growth, maturity and achievement, and students should be proud of how far they have come. I hope all students and families have a safe and restful break.

Exams

Students recently completed their last set of Year 9 exams. They approached this period with maturity, and it was wonderful to see the strong results that followed. More importantly, students have developed valuable study habits and exam skills that will support them as they move into Year 10.

Funfields Cohort Excursion

To celebrate the end of the year, the cohort headed out to Funfields for a well-deserved break. Despite the weather not being fully in our favour, students demonstrated great resilience and made the most of the day. Their positive attitude, behaviour and willingness to have fun together were a highlight for the staff attending. The Funfields excursion also marked the final social event for the cohort before they moved into Year 10. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to connect and enjoy time together.

Headstart

From 4 December, our Year 9 students officially stepped into their Year 10 classes as part of the Headstart program at the Pasco Street Campus. This experience provided students with an opportunity to meet their new teachers, experience the Year 10 curriculum, and begin preparing for the expectations of learning at the senior school.

We are pleased to hear the positivity students have brought to the program and the confidence they are already showing in this next stage of their journey. We would also like to thank the Pasco Street staff and student leaders for welcoming the cohort so warmly and supporting a smooth transition into Year 10.

What a year! Year 10s have been challenged and shown huge growth throughout the year adapting to new subjects, the senior campus, new teachers, work experience, and selecting their VCE pathways for 2026.

We would like to take this final opportunity to celebrate the Year 10 award winners, who were presented at the school’s final Celebration Assembly:

Year 10 Award Winners

The Parents and Friends Association Award:

Isabelle (Izzy) Goodman

Aidan Lala

Ex-Students Association Scholarship:

Clove McColl

Harrison Child

Long Tan Award - Outstanding leadership qualities

Cooper Edgar

Long Tan Award - Future innovators in STEM

Manuela Cano Salas

Kwong Lee Dow Scholarship:

Amelia Cahill

Winner of the best design for diary cover

Isobel Heddles

Principal’s Pasco Hold Fast Award

Ben Symmons

Year 10 Leaders

We would also like to thank our Year 10 leaders this year Izzy Goodman, Natasha Trajkovski, Isla Briggs-Kennedy, Charlie Cox, Sonakshi Lamba and Zoe Birch for all their amazing contributions this year, including Year 10 camp trivia, assisting in our building respectful relationships curriculum, and running homegroup challenges throughout the year.

Year 10 Peer Support Program

Mr Blattman and Ms O’Malley would like to end our final W-Files contribution with a huge thank you to the Year 10 cohort. Some highlights from this semester are the Alumni Program and our respectful relationships rotational program.

The past few weeks have involved a large group of Year 10s participating in the Year 10 Peer Support pilot program to mentor Year 8 students. The goal is to build leadership opportunities and strengthen connections between our campuses. See the write up below:

On Friday, 7 October, 20 Year 10 students led a peer support pilot program with approximately 60 Year 8 students across three classes. The student-led session introduced the program’s purpose of creating a stronger connection with their peers and focused on easing future transition to the Pasco Campus. Participants engaged in an empathy activity, discussing various case studies and exploring how to put themselves in others’ shoes. The session concluded with a series of team-building activities designed to strengthen connections and promote collaboration between students.

The students involved in this program included:

Isla Briggs-Kennedy

Sonakshi Lamby

Izzy Goodman

Kade Warrener

Zoe Birch

Charlie Cox

Ben Symmons

Ruby Lombardo

Cooper Edgar

Raahil Islam

Aidan Lala

Natasha Trajkovski

Daniel Kettle

Clancy Redpath

Chloe Maticevski

Jasper Lockens

Ripley Lammardo

Oscar Chapman

Ella-Rose Lah

Marli McCarrol

Miller Szlay

25+ Positive Posts

We would also like to celebrate the students that reached 25-plus positive posts across the year. This is a huge achievement and demonstrates your commitment to your classes and improving school culture. Well done!

Ben Symmons

Clancy Redpath

Mahli McCarroll

Daniel Kettle

Isla Briggs-Kennedy

Clove McColl

Lilah Wellon

Chloe Maticevski

Kyra Hollo

Izzy Colling

Izzy Goodman

Noah Campbell

Leo Bettiol

Ripley Lammardo

Cooper Edgar

Miller Szalay

Isla Paramanis-Skinner

Sofia Jones

Amelia Cahill

Louisa Rehfisch

Mia Polidano

Willow Montgomery

Raameen Islam

Isla Flint

Maeve Connally

Amity Wood

Holly Simpson

Orlando Broekman

Final Message

To the Class of 2026, we wish you all the best in your final two years of high school and look forward to seeing you continue to strive for greatness. It has been a pleasure to get to know you all.

Thanks for a great year,

Chris Blattman & Isabella O’Malley

It has been an insanely busy Term 4, with Unit 2 SACs, preparation for end-of-semester exams and, for some, even completing their Unit 3&4 exams. There has been so much hustle and bustle in the halls, and we are really impressed with how the Year 11s have embraced their ‘Lock In’ mantra over the past several weeks.

Headstart was no different, with the cohort diving headfirst into their 2026 studies and making an excellent start! This is always helped by the fact that they get to wear their shiny new Year 12 jumpers, a milestone 13 years in the making.

We would like to take this final opportunity to celebrate our Year 11 award winners, who were presented with their awards at the recent Celebration Assembly:

Parents and Friends Association Award:

Nourah Bakkar

Max Dmytrenko

Asher Cheswick

Marcus Kolevski

Ex-Students Association Scholarship:

Thom Woolford

Vicky Lin

Kwong Lee Dow Scholarship:

Amelia Cahill

Significant Achievement Sport Award:

Isaac Sontag

Deakin University Young Influencer Award:

Bridie Mead

The Alice Mary Roche Excellence in Legal Studies:

Malea Peda

Mr Rodda and Ms Walker would like to end the W-Files with a thank you to the Year 11 cohort. You have survived, locked in and smiled all the way through. The L-Block/Year 11 corridors were consistently alive with conversations about new learning, new friendships, new challenges and new opportunities. We thank you for all that you gave this year. It has been a pleasure being your coordinators this year.

Ms Walker is excited to be following you as your coordinator, along with Mr Urwin, for your final year as WHS students. Sadly, we say goodbye to Mr Rodda, who is taking Outdoor Adventure to the next level by moving to Kakadu in the Northern Territory with his beautiful family. We wish him all the very best as he begins this next chapter and thank him for the enthusiasm, fun and passion he has brought to his role as coordinator. His positivity and care have made a lasting impact, enriching the lives of so many students in both big and small ways.

To the Class of 2026, the race is about to begin!

Signing off,

Guslyn Rolker (Angus Rodda and Jaslyn Walker)
Year 11 Coordinators

The credits have finally rolled on the Class of 2025 and their Year at the Movies. On December 12th, the cohort gathered for one last time to celebrate each other, their resilience throughout the year, and the six years that they have spent contributing to the Williamstown High community. The mood at Graduation was buoyant, and reflected the generosity and positivity that this group of students has displayed all year.

Probably the most frequent thing heard around the Pasco campus during the VCAA examination period was that we hadn’t seen a cohort of students work together so consistently, and with such presence. We say every year that students do better when they stay at school, when they use the Study Centre, when they find time to spend with their teachers, and when they support each other, but this group took that advice on wholeheartedly, with the Year 12 space being an exciting combination of lively and studious right through to the final language exams. After a long year of study, nerves, and anticipation, it was finally over!

Meeting a few weeks later at the Town Hall is always a bizarre experience, but it was no surprise that these students were equally encouraging of one another after results had been released. With so many of the young people finishing school feeling more confident that their pathways were becoming more concrete, the jubilation was infectious, leading to a ceremony charged with excitement and celebration. The captains - Rivi Zdraveski, Chloe Hodgman, Ellen Barker and Vince Mandado - did a wonderful job hosting the evening, and there was genuine enthusiasm each time a student was announced as the recipient of an award. Ellen also served with distinction as the 2025 Valedictorian; her speech, focusing on the importance of community and opportunity, did a wonderful job tying everything together for what has been an amazing group of people to work with.

As coordinators, all we can do now is wish everyone the best of luck; we are so excited to see what the Class of 2025 can accomplish next.

VCE VM Year 12

What an incredible final year it has been for the Year 12 VCE VM students! From new experiences to stepping up as leaders, our class made the most of every opportunity in 2025 and created memories that we’ll carry long after school.

One of the biggest highlights was the Amazing Race around the city. It was a day full of laughter, competition and teamwork as we raced through Melbourne completing challenges and exploring together. It was the perfect way to celebrate how far we’ve come as a group.

Another standout moment was our student-led Wellbeing Day. Planning and running the day ourselves gave us the chance to take responsibility, support the school community, and showcase our leadership. The success of the event reflected just how far we’ve grown in confidence and maturity.

This year we also gained valuable skills that set us up for life after school. Completing Safe Food Handling, First Aid and RSA training gave us nationally recognised qualifications and a sense of achievement. We were able to put those skills to the test when we ran our very own staff lunch restaurant, managing everything from the menu to the service. It was a proud moment to see our learning come to life in such a practical way.

Our Year 12 Executive Leadership Team also deserves recognition for the incredible effort put into representing us. The team’s hard work and dedication made a real difference and left a strong legacy for future VCE VM students.

This year wasn’t just about ticking boxes, it was about stepping up, giving things a go and making the most of every opportunity. Together, we’ve grown into capable young adults, ready to take on whatever comes next. This year’s Year 12 VCE VM class will always be remembered for its energy, teamwork and spirit.

The break between Terms 3 and 4 was a busy time for our Units 3&4 students as they prepared for the end-of-year exams. The first week of the term break saw the students attending a series of revision lectures and Masterclasses, organised by Academic Enhancement Leader Jesse Craig. In the second week of the term break, the students completed a trial exam for each of their Year 12 subjects under exam conditions in the Pasco Gym.

The start of Term 4 saw the completion of the final school-based assessments (both SACs and SATs) before the focus was shifted to the end-of-year exams. For all students completing a scored Unit 4 subject, the externally assessed VCAA exams are the final step in achieving a study score and/or an ATAR result. While there was a lot of nervous energy prior to the exams, it was clear that all students were prepared to give each exam their best effort.

VCE Headstart commenced in Week 8, which allowed the students to join their 2026 classes and gain a proper feel for their VCE subjects before the long holiday. In Week 10, we welcomed the Year 9 students who started their transition to the Pasco Campus. All students completed seven days of Year 10 classes, which gave them the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the campus, meet their new teachers and trial their classes for 2026.

Farewell to 2025 Student Leaders; Welcome 2026 Student Leaders

Student Leadership at Bayview for 2025 has been a huge success, and I have been proud to witness the passion and commitment shown by our entire leadership team in their various pursuits throughout the year. Be it leading carnival activities, house competitions, running assemblies, emceeing open nights or getting involved in the major event days, our student leaders have shown up time and time again for their peers to deliver an exceptional standard of service to Williamstown High School.

I am proud to have supported all of the student leaders in my role this year, and wish the outgoing Year 9s the best of luck in their future endeavours. In particular, I would like to highlight the amazing leadership and dedication shown by our School Captains, Stephanie Hooker and Gabriela Blaszczyk, and Vice Captains, Sienna Azad and Charlie Cumming. We thank them for their year of exceptional service. As the 2025 Year 9 student leaders depart, we welcome the 2026 Year 9 student leaders to our new Student Leadership Team.

Leading this team for 2026, Williamstown High School is proud to announce our two School Captains, Eloise Robson and Miles Nicholson, who will be supported by Charlotte Dunbar and Isabelle Ngatai as Vice Captains. As a team, these four students have shown dedication and commitment to our school values during their time at Bayview, and will have a positive and meaningful impact on our school.

For Eloise, becoming School Captain was amazing. “It’s really exciting to be able to look forward to next year and know all the possibilities and input that I can have on our school. To be school captain means to be a role model, to be a leader, and to have clear ideas and goals that you can put forward for the school. It means always trying, being determined and diligent while being able to listen and lift other people up.”

When asked about a goal for next year, Eloise said: “In 2026, I would love to involve the students more in decisions and events in our school. I would also like to be a positive role model, and be someone people can go to for help or with ideas.”

Miles shared similar feelings. “It’s really exciting to become School Captain. I’m also really proud and happy to be helping to potentially make change and represent our school.”

When asked what he was most looking forward to in 2026, Miles said: “I’m looking forward to working with various other leadership people” to “bring the different year levels at Bayview together more and achieve a better sense of school [community].” All this with the hope of “learning more about the school and working towards having a positive impact.”

Eloise and Miles bring positive energy, integrity and genuine commitment to their roles as School Captains. We invite our school community to join us in congratulating them on this exciting achievement, and look forward to supporting them in their roles for 2026.

An Interview with our 2026 School Captains

Williamstown High School is proud to announce our 2026 School Captains, Emily Jessop and Francis Bond, two students whose dedication, passion and community spirit have already made a meaningful impact across the school.

For Emily, stepping into this role is “an honour to be trusted by my school, teachers and peers to take on this responsibility.” After years of working toward this goal, she describes the moment she found out as “really exciting and rewarding,” and is eager for everything the year ahead will bring.

Francis shares that excitement, admitting he expected to feel more nervous than he did. Instead, he was struck by a deep sense of support from the community. “More than anything, I feel like my school is supporting me and trusting me to perform well. That feeling fills me with overwhelming levels of excitement for the coming year.”

Both captains carry powerful memories from their years at Willi High.

Emily reflects on a defining moment in Year 11: participating in the World’s Greatest Shave. Surrounded by peers cheering her on, she was the only student shaving her head that year. “It taught me so much about leading by example, confidence, selflessness and so much more,” she says. The experience remains a significant milestone in her life.

For Francis, his favourite memories trace back to lunchtimes spent in Folklore Club. Those sessions, filled with laughter and “fascinating pieces of information delivered in captivating, inimitable rants by Mr Nicholls,” stand out as unforgettable.

Emily’s leadership journey began in Year 9 during the School for Student Leadership program. “It helped me grow and learn in such a way that it alone had the most impact on me and my personal abilities as a leader,” she explains. With the constant encouragement of her Auntie Helen, the dream of becoming school captain gradually became a goal she fully embraced.

For Francis, the turning point came when his close friend, Sean Mohan (vice captain in 2026), asked him to run as a co-candidate. Supported by his peers and teachers - “their wholehearted encouragement really pushed me to commit to going after this position” - he stepped confidently into the election period and ultimately into this leadership role.

Both captains bring thoughtful, people-focused goals to their work this year.

Emily hopes to be a steady and encouraging presence for her peers. “My goals … are heavily centred around being a consistent supporter for the people and leaders around me.” She aims to uplift others by staying open to new ideas, encouraging students to speak up, and offering help wherever she can. She is particularly excited to continue work on an initiative that emerged from the 2025 Feminism Club, focused on improving the Pasco campus bathrooms, as well as planning “a fun night for the Year 12s at camp” and embracing the joy of Athletics Day.

Francis is focused on strengthening connections across year levels and promoting a positive learning culture. “I’m looking to make the cohort socially unified and create a positive attitude to learning,” he explains. He hopes to build on the groundwork of past captains and teachers by increasing student interaction and celebrating those who go above and beyond. He is especially enthusiastic about contributing to Battle of the Bands and the Tolerance Through Education initiative - both aligned with his passions and led by what he describes as “a talented team of motivated students.”

For Emily, one of the defining strengths of our school is the staff. “My teachers have continuously shown their care, effort and respect … even if it is just them remembering a small detail that I shared or checking in,” she says. “It all truly makes such a difference and is immensely appreciated.”

Francis highlights the sense of community, both inside and beyond the school. He values the connections built “talking with teachers between classes and forming positive/stronger bonds with other students,” and notes how his work in the local area has shown him how far that community spirit reaches. “Time and time again my status as a Willi High student has allowed me to bond with locals … and it’s that feeling of belonging that makes me … value this school so much more.”

Emily and Francis bring warmth, integrity and genuine commitment to their roles as School Captains. We look forward to the leadership, compassion and energy they will bring to 2026, and we invite our school community to join us in congratulating them on this exciting achievement.

It has been a productive and inspiring semester in Technology at the Bayview Campus. A new group of students began their subjects this semester, continuing to develop their skills in the design process. Their hard work and creativity were proudly showcased at the Arts and Technology Show at the beginning of Term 4.

Year 7 students completed their epic Lightbox project in Wood after nine weeks of effort. They designed and constructed boxes with sliding drawers, etched acrylic panels, wired circuits with dual LEDs, and applied high-quality finishes. In Textiles, students produced creative and colourful doorstops and bags. We continue to be amazed by the high standard these students are setting!

In Year 8 Horticulture, students harvested an impressive range of spring and summer produce that they cultivated themselves. Many shared the dishes they created using their harvests. Students also completed a window pot investigation to compare the growth of monocots and dicots. Meanwhile, in Food Technology, delicious muffins and afternoon tea treats filled the atrium with wonderful aromas.

Our Year 9 students have taken their learning to the next level as they prepare for senior studies. In STEAM Synergy, they designed and built personalised F1 cars for speed and performance. In ICT, students developed computer applications and investigated how AI can benefit society. Textiles students showcased advanced skills in mixed media wall art, hoodie designs and pyjamas. In Horticulture, students focused on food security through practical investigations into seasonal produce, water access and healthy soil. In Wood, they constructed trinket boxes using traditional joinery and enhanced their projects with laser engraving and CNC machining while continuing to refine their workshop skills.

A huge thank you to all Bayview Technology staff for delivering engaging and dynamic learning experiences each week. We are excited to see what our students create next year!

Daniel Marshall

Technology Leader, Bayview Campus

Term 4 has been a busy term for the Arts team at Bayview. One of the highlights of this term was our annual Art Show, which once again transformed the school into a vibrant gallery space. Students from across year levels proudly displayed their work, with pieces ranging from powerful paintings and innovative VCD designs to short films and thought-provoking art.

The show was a celebration not only of skill but also of the voices of our young artists. In addition, 20 canvas paintings by Year 9 Visual Art students were entered into the Hobsons Bay Art Society exhibition, ‘My Canvas My Art’. The students created acrylic and watercolour paintings over the course of a term inspired by the theme of nature.

Williamstown High School won third place in this competition, winning an Atelier voucher awarded by the Altona Ward Mayor Daria Kellander. This success demonstrates the hard work and dedication of our talented students at Williamstown High.

Maths on the senior campus has been in full swing during Semester 2. The annual Maths Week activities in Term 3 received great participation and involved Jack winning the Connect 4 battle and claiming back-to-back victories for 2024 and 2025. Power Pyramids was a new event this year and was hosted by Ms Vu in the library. This activity saw a couple of dozen students battle each other with their wits.

Approximately 180 VCE students completed a VCE Maths exam in Week 5 of Term 4, representing almost 80 percent of the student body. Their mood during this time was eerily calm and focused with students eager to do their best on their exams. If their effort has been anything to go by, we look forward to the release of results in mid-December.

The Year 9 students joined us on the Pasco Campus for Headstart and had an amazing start to their senior school experience. The Year 10 Maths Standard students will have a new edition of the textbook in 2026, and teachers have been busy reviewing and improving the curriculum in preparation. Exciting beginnings to look forward to.

Congrats to the Big Gig Class of 2025 for their fantastic performances in a nearly full Centenary Theatre. A big thanks to the Year 9 cohort who came along to support and cheer them on - you were all awesome!

Ms Brogan and Mr Salisbury

Term 4 has been an engaging experience in Humanities, with students across all year levels applying their skills to hands-on learning experiences, real-world explorations and deeper critical thinking. As the year draws to a close, it is worth reflecting on the learning that has taken place in Geography and related disciplines, and the ways students have continued to develop curiosity about the world around them.

Year 7: A standout moment for our Year 7 cohort this term was the Liveability excursion, a key component of their Geography unit. Students ventured beyond the classroom to Footscray and Docklands to investigate how different environments support people’s needs and enhance quality of life.

The excursion allowed students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-life settings - evaluating what makes a place liveable and considering how urban planning shapes people’s experiences. Their reflections on safety, accessibility, sustainability and inclusivity showed a growing awareness of the complexities involved in designing spaces that cater for diverse communities.

Year 8: This term, Year 8 Geography focused on Landscapes and Landforms, with a strong emphasis on fieldwork techniques, such as field sketching. Students refined their ability to observe, represent and annotate physical environments, learning how to capture key geographical features through accurate and purposeful drawing. The development of this skill was evident in the end-of-unit test, where they were required to recreate a field sketch from a particular landscape.

Year 9: Year 9 students undertook a compelling investigation into Biomes and Food Security, examining the global patterns that shape ecosystems and influence the production of food. From tropical rainforests to temperate grasslands, students explored the characteristics of major biomes and how they support agricultural systems.

A key focus of the unit was the growing challenge of ensuring food security in a rapidly changing world. Students explored issues such as climate change, land degradation, water scarcity and sustainable farming practices. Through case studies and problem-solving tasks, they considered how societies can produce enough food while maintaining the health of our planet’s biomes.

Across all year levels, Term 4 has demonstrated the power of Humanities to connect students with the world they live in. Whether investigating the liveability of local neighbourhoods, sketching landscapes in detail or analysing global systems, students have shown enthusiasm, independence and a willingness to think deeply about place, environment and sustainability.

I would like to personally thank our Humanities teachers and students on a successful and engaging term, and look forward to building on these foundations in the year ahead.

It’s been a busy end of term! Well done to all students who have completed exams (VCE and school-based) and Learning Tasks in this final assessment period of the school year. Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 students also recently completed their adaptive Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) in Reading and Maths. This data helps teachers to better understand the learning needs of their incoming students, as well as allowing the school to respond to literacy and numeracy trends for the new year.

Earlier in the term, we wrapped up the Principal’s Writing Competition with a celebratory visit from best-selling author Danielle Binks. Danielle shared her journey from book lover to published author and encouraged everyone to read more poetry.

We also launched the annual Williamstown High School Anthology, titled ‘Lost and Found’, where our incredibly talented and creative young writers had their work published. We look forward to seeing even more students entering the Principal’s Writing Competition in 2026.

On a different note, the summer holiday break is a wonderful opportunity to relax, wind down and enjoy the company of friends and family. Some students may be looking for activities to fill the void in the wake of the social media ban... So, what perfect timing to get ahead and start reading your English texts for the new year.

For those wanting to access 2026 booklists, please go to the JP Books website and the Williamstown High School catalogues for Years 7-12.

Stay safe and have a merry holiday season. Happy summer reading!

Many thanks to Alanah Meilak, WHS’s youth worker, for her generosity in attending the final PFA meeting of 2025 in person and providing an overview of her role and the valuable work she does for the students at the school.

PFA Student Awards

Fundraising throughout the year enables the PFA to provide $100 scholarships to 14 students at the end-of-year assembly and graduation ceremony. The award recipients are to be congratulated for consistently displaying the positive behaviours students are taught and encouraged to demonstrate both at school and when they represent the school in the wider community.

Congratulations to the following Years 7-12 students who received their awards at the whole school assembly and graduation evening.

Year 7: Adella Courtney and Toa Roordink

Year 8: Zali White and Asher Radisch

Year 9: Holly Severino and Tyler Cross

Year 10: Izzy Goodman and Aidan Lala

Year 11: Nourah Bakkar and Max Dmytrenko

VCE VM: Asher Cheswick and Marcus Kolevski

Thanks to all the families who’ve supported the PFA in 2025. We hope to see you at a meeting in 2026. Keep an eye out for Compass posts about meetings or email us at presidentwhspfa@gmail.com to receive PFA updates. You can also join the WHS Parents and Friends Association Facebook page.