Welcome to the latest edition of our W-Files.

Day 1, Term 2 was a very special day for the WHS community. We commenced the term with the grand opening of our new Performing Arts Centre of Excellence (PACE building) and brand-new Year 12 Study Centre. An event was held at lunchtime at the Pasco Campus, with speeches, a ribbon cutting, commemorative wristbands and a free BBQ and treats for all. It was an absolute pleasure to see the joy and excitement on the faces of the students and staff as we finally took ownership of these spaces. I have included below some photos and an extract from my grand opening speech to share with all the school community.

There have also been a number of regular events and activities that happened at school and you can read more about these in this edition of the W-Files. These include a highly successful and sold-out Drama production, excursions, incursions, respectful relationships workshops, Year 8 and Year 10 camps, a careers expo, art and technology showcases and activities, NAPLAN and our Open Night for prospective Year 7 families. And those are just a few of the fantastic experiences that have taken place in the first four weeks of this term.

The Open Night received glowing feedback from the excited families that attended. We had a packed gym of prospective families listening to speakers as well as visiting breakout sessions for further information on some of our unique programs and offerings. I found myself glowing with pride as I heard our Bayview Campus captains talk fondly about their experiences and their fondness for Williamstown High School. It was pleasing to then hear families comment on how wonderful all the speakers were and how highly our school is regarded by the community.

Both campuses will mark IDAHOBIT Day with celebrations of individuals, prominent educational material being put up around the school, as well as some engaging activities taking place. IDAHOBIT is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia. It aims to raise awareness of LGBTQIA+ rights and stimulate interest in the work being done in this area worldwide.

Celebrating WHS student experiences and achievements outside of school

Our students are involved in many activities beyond the school grounds. These are at times shared with the whole WHS school community through our W-Files or social media channels. There have been some amazing recent sporting achievements (eg. Stawell Gift and swimming successes) as well as experiences like student involvement in ANZAC Day dawn services, laying a wreath on behalf of the school (see further details in Karen’s report).

We are looking at a way for families to inform us of wonderful achievements such as these, and provide us with permission to share them with the school community, by introducing a new section on our website. This will showcase and celebrate the amazing and diverse experiences our students have had as well as potentially inspire us all. If you would like, as a family member, to share such a story, please let our publications and daily organiser, Jenny Pedler, know at the following email address: Jennifer.Pedler@education.vic.gov.au

Uniform review

Every year we look at and review our uniform policy. Recent changes that have been well received by a majority of students and families have been the review and introduction of our new jackets and jumper. In fact, we have gone from a position of less than 5 percent of our students wearing the former cherry red pullover to a vast majority of students proudly wearing our new eco friendly jumper. It is a great example of the value and benefit we place in encouraging student voice.

This year, together with our School Council, we have decided to pause and seek feedback on all items of our uniform. This will see families, students and staff participating in forums and surveys that a uniform working party, led by Bayview Assistant Principal Darren Nicholas (with parent, student, staff and school council representatives), will collate and present their findings and any recommendations to School Council. The outcome may be that together, as stakeholders at WHS, we are satisfied with the current uniform or there may be items or materials that are highlighted for more in-depth review. There are many reasons why we are a uniform school, and these include raising school pride and connectedness to our school, student safety including easily identifying who should be on school grounds and who should not, removing financial pressure on families and peer pressure on individuals, as well as other safety and economic benefits.

Public reporting meeting

Each year we are required to publish an Annual Report on the outcomes of the previous year. The school receives summary data on the areas of learning, wellbeing and engagement. The school’s leadership then spends time reflecting on this and creating some commentary on the data as well as preliminary planning for the following year. A draft is then tabled at School Council.

The Annual Report is now finalised and will be available for all to view on our school website (under the “About Us” tab) from May 22. We will also be tabling the Annual Report at our May 21 School Council meeting from 6-7pm at the Pasco Campus Study Centre, which will be a public reporting meeting. Here highlights from the report will be presented and questions invited and responded to. If you would like to attend the meeting, it would help our coordination efforts if you could please RSVP our publications and daily organiser, Jenny Pedler, at the following email address: Jennifer.Pedler@education.vic.gov.au , by 10am Monday 20/05/2024.

2024 Attitudes to School Survey

The Attitudes to School Survey is an annual student survey conducted by the Department of Education and Training. It involves all students from Years 7 to 12. The survey assists us in gaining an understanding of students’ perceptions and experiences of school. We use the survey results to assist in planning programs and activities to improve the schooling experience for our students.

We will have access to the results of the survey during Term 3 and use them to reflect on student engagement and performance. This year the Attitudes to School Survey will be held from Weeks 5 to 7 of Term 2. The survey takes 20 to 30 minutes to complete and occurs during class time. The privacy and the confidentiality of every student’s responses is protected at all times and there is no personal data collected in the survey.

Excerpt from Grand Opening speech for new PACE and Study Centre buildings

Welcome to all here in attendance this afternoon. Today brings our Pasco Campus school community together to celebrate a significant occasion for our school.

I cannot over express the excitement and pride that I am feeling standing here today at the opening of our Performing Arts Centre of Excellence and our brand-new Year 12 Study Centre.

I believe these feelings are heightened as I am only too aware of the journey that has taken place. I initially proposed the idea for this project back in 2011. A legacy project to celebrate our centenary in 2014/15.

We had no money, so we needed to lobby the government as well as locally fundraise. Stage 1 was completed in 2017: our Centenary Theatre. We then immediately worked on stage 2. With funds secured, we moved quickly, adding a purpose-built Year 12 Study Centre to the vision. This project should have been completed several years ago, but initially COVID and then issues with the builder led to delays. However once we got the go ahead we moved quickly and now here we are.

The original brief from 2011, I believe, still holds true!

Here is a brief grab from this as follows:

“The various products of the arts, such as a performance, a musical composition, a painting, a film, or a design, are all created to be seen or displayed in some form. It is from this display that students appreciate the wider impact of their work and from which they can critically evaluate their own and others’ work in a more meaningful context.

The facility would ensure a performance space that could be used for all school productions, any media showings, art exhibitions, future dance workshops, music/band rehearsals and concerts, a live production learning centre, drama classroom and a showcase of student classwork.”

All of us, including students and those older, are inspired by viewing art. Our students deserve the best resources we can provide. The learning to be gained by having their artistic talents on display, the risk taking, the resilience building and opportunities to display creativity is priceless.

I would like to thank everyone who has supported this development, including some wonderful Drama and Music staff. We should all have a sense of pride, knowing that these efforts will contribute to amazing experiences for Willi High students for generations to come.

We now have our Centenary Theatre, a performing arts building with music and recording rooms, a band room and four brand new quality IM rooms… and a beautiful brand new Year 12 Study Centre that at some stage over the next three years will be your second home. All this for our students today. For you and for the next generations of Willi High students to come. A legacy project marking 100 years of service to education in the Williamstown community and to be of benefit to students for the next 100 years. And for this we should all be proud, as the Williamstown High School community deserves the best and nothing less.

Hold fast!

Dear parents and carers

Cooler weather has greeted us on our return to Bayview for Term 2. Damp grass and puddles can also lead to wet feet! Please ensure your child has the black, sturdy leather/vegan leather shoes as part of our Academic Uniform. Footwear of this type is safer for Science, the Arts and Technology classes and can also protect against chilly feet.

We hope that our Parent Teacher Student Conferences, on the last Tuesday of term, were valuable for you and your child. We see PTSC as a key avenue to continue to develop the six-year long partnership with you as parents/carers of secondary school age children and see engagement at events of this nature as explicitly linked to improving student learning outcomes. If you did not attend on Webex or in person, please plan to do so in Semester 2 and, as always, please contact your child’s homegroup and classroom teachers, as required.

We seized the opportunity to welcome prospective Year 7 2025 students and their parents/carers to our school for our Open Night. Over 750 people joined us and were able to hear from, and have the opportunity to meet, school leaders and student representatives. The Atrium was alive with live music performances and sessions on key programs. We look forward to the next group of young people beginning their secondary schooling with us.

ANZAC Day, our day of remembrance to commemorate Australians and New Zealanders who have served in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations, was reflected upon and observed by our students and staff. A wreath was laid at the Williamstown dawn service by Isla (9G). We thank Isla for representing our school on this significant occasion.

Our school day commences at 8:50am and our grounds are supervised from 8:30am. Please encourage your child to arrive with sufficient time to access their locker and do what is required in readiness for the first two lessons. Our library opens at 8:20am daily and closes at 4:30pm. Please contact our engagement and wellbeing team - Alex Robinson, Christina Frei, Alanah Meilak and Ann Hyland if you are finding this to be a difficult time.

Our learning environment

Our Environment and Sustainability program is continuing to consolidate at Bayview. We are learning and practising ways to integrate sustainability, including through the use of the ResourceSmart Schools program. The program is free and offered by Sustainability Victoria, to support Victorian schools to embed sustainability across the school facilities, community and curriculum, while saving resources and money. Sara Coladonato, our Environment and Sustainability consultant, is working with our staff and each of our year levels so we can continue to progress in this regard.

Our physical environment

Work to improve spaces for students is continuing. The final stage of the deck and ramp work on our portables is due to commence shortly. This area has already seen significant improvement with this work - ramp access to our portables!

Our new synthetic surface was completed, ready for the beginning of this term, and sees many budding soccer players now using the area before school, at recess, during lunchtime and after school. Pickleball and cricket lines have also been added.

Repair and line repainting has just concluded on our blue hard court surface also.

Please continue to provide ‘nude’ food for your child wherever possible so we can reduce our waste, en masse, and optimise enjoyment of outdoor spaces.

We are currently in the Waring season of the annual Eastern Kulin Seasonal Calendar, as described by Woiwurrung traditions – Wombat Season. This time of the year is evident at Bayview Street with cool, rainy days following misty mornings.

Kind regards

Karen Anderson

Campus Principal Bayview

Careers Expo

A huge thank you to our Careers Team, which organised the Williamstown High School Careers Expo. On Monday, May 6, our senior students had access to a range of exhibitors to discuss what life beyond WHS might look like for them. Over 23 exhibitors including nine universities, many TAFEs, the Australian Defence Force and Victoria Police (Search and Rescue and the Water Police) visited the school to meet with students. It was a wonderful event that I am sure has sparked the imagination of many students to what’s possible in the future.

Campus facilities update

Taking possession of the new buildings has been incredible for our students and staff. Already the transformation of the performing arts is in place. Purpose-built music rooms enhance the delivery of the Music curriculum, with the recording studio a much-loved area for those studying Music Sound Production. One student spoke to me stating: “I just completed a SAC in the recording studio - I had to mix a piece of music together. It’s not even like work. It’s amazing. I love it!” Creating opportunities for our students to build knowledge and skills in their areas of interest make learning at WHS a great place to be.

Student engagement and wellbeing support

Our Engagement and Wellbeing Team do an incredible job. Many students access them for support, which can be on an ongoing basis or as a one off. Along with our Year Level Coordintors and homegroup teachers, we have a mental health practitioner, two counsellors and a youth worker available to support students. I encourage all students to reach out for support as they need it; we have a great team that can and do make a difference for young people.

Hold fast.

Daniel Pearce

Pasco Campus Principal

Big screen for the STEAM + VR program rollout

Late last year, when the school’s investigative ‘STEAM Team’ (Mr Catalano, Ms Lawless, Ms Erasmus, Ms Barry and Mr Clifford) explored ways to develop Bayview’s Room 13 (now the STEAM Education Centre) at the Edutech Conference, we stumbled across a whole range of interesting technologies that could enhance learning for students.

Apart from the virtual reality sets we now have in place, we came across different interactive screen technologies that could be used in the classroom. Although we weren’t quite ready to fully investigate this technology yet, we ‘threw our hat in the ring’ for a raffle to win a huge 75-inch interactive ‘Clevertouch Panel’ from a company called ASI and, lo and behold, we won it!

Our Facilities Manager Mr Brett Dodds has arranged for installation of the TV, after which students will be able to use it for a range of purposes including group work and collaboration, and projecting virtual reality experiences for others to watch as they interact with them. And on the VR topic, Year 8 English classes have continued to utilise the VR headsets to benefit their learning, including in the current Creative Writing unit of work they are undertaking.

Looking ahead to Terms 3 and 4, Humanities Leader Ms Hannah Erasmus and the Humanities team will be assisted by Teaching and Learning Leader Ms Sarah Barry, who will integrate virtual reality activities into relevant Year 7 Humanities lessons to be ready for the students.

More exciting events from Wyndham Tech

This year we are able to take advantage of several valuable opportunities for STEAM learning from the wonderful Wyndham Tech School. Below is a snapshot of what’s on offer this year. Please watch out for announcements on Compass and, for students, also at assemblies and in the bulletin.

STEAM Club up and running Terms 2 and 3

Williamstown High School’s STEAM Club is now and up and running for a unique Term 2 and 3 program. Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 students began on 15 April (Term 2, Week 1) and will conclude the program on 16 September (Term 3, Week 10). The club runs on Monday afternoons at the Bayview Campus from 3:05-4:30pm.

The program aims to give students the opportunity to build, design and program robots and/or rockets for experimentation and activities, and is hosted by former Willi High student and Australian Robot Soccer Champion Tamas Simonds. In the next issue we will hear from the team about their current work.

Term 2 has been a busy time at the Bayview Campus.

Once again we have the ‘Breakfast Club’ up and running and it has been great to see and chat with all the students attending each week. Breakfast Club runs in the Atrium from 8am each Friday morning. I would like to thank our new youth worker Alanah for her help in supporting this initiative. Alanah has been a great addition to the wellbeing team and has been busily getting to know our students.

This term, two programs are taking place at Bayview. One is the Raise youth mentoring for a small group of our Year 8 students. The Raise program empowers young people through early intervention mentoring and works toward equipping them with lifelong skills for a brighter future.

We also have a small group of Year 9 students participating in the Wellness/Yoga program. This program aims to improve students’ mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. The program teaches relaxation techniques, movement and yoga practices to help students develop tools to feel less stressed, look after their physical and mental health, get a better night’s sleep and improve their performance at school. The benefits of yoga for health and wellness can be found at the following website: Yoga - Better Health Channel

As a team, we have also been meeting and working with a number of students to discuss a range of issues that are relevant to them. One area that we are supporting is anxiety around coming to school. If your child is experiencing some difficulties around coming to school, the Wellbeing Team is here to support you and your child.

There are also a number of fantastic external organisations that parents can speak to if they would like to discuss the issue further. Headspace has some excellent resources and ideas around understanding school refusal. As well as supporting your child, it is also important that parents ensure they have supports in place if they have a child who is experiencing anxiety or school refusal.

Understanding school refusal - Headspace

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact a member of the Wellbeing Team.

This term, Hobsons Bay City Council is running a number of parent support forums to help and inform parents around a range of issues. Please see the attached flyer if you would like more information. The council has a number of links and services around support for parents and families. We encourage you to access these services if you feel they will be helpful.

Parenting & Family Support - Hobsons Bay

As always, if your child is having difficulties or concerns at school, please contact your child’s homegroup teacher or appropriate year level coordinator. They will discuss the issue with you and work with you toward determining the next steps of support that are appropriate for your child.

Ann Hyland the Bayview Wellbeing Team

The Inclusion Team at Willi High has had a busy start to the year. The first Curriculum Day in March had an inclusion focus, and we were lucky enough to have two fabulous guest speakers to upskill the staff on supporting neurodivergent students - Christina Keeble (Christina Keeble Consulting - ADHD and autism specialist) and Cathy Harrison (from Rookery Road - specific learning disorders such as dyslexia). Teachers will continue to deepen their knowledge of neurodivergent students and how to best support them in the classroom.

Student Support Groups (SSGs) have been taking place, with a focus on updating Student Support Plans (SSPs). These meetings allow students, parents and staff to discuss student learning needs and the supports required in the classroom. If you haven’t had a chance to make an appointment yet, please reach out to the Inclusion Team at your child’s campus for a meeting. We also encourage parents and carers to reach out if your child gets a diagnosis that requires additional support (such as dyslexia, ADHD, autism, dysgraphia or dyscalculia).

Our libraries are well stocked when it comes to inclusion resources. There are a range of neuro-affirming books available for staff, students and now families (see recent Compass post):

https://sites.google.com/willihigh.vic.edu.au/whsinclusion/home

We have introduced a range of sensory tools and supports, including wobble stools and fidget objects in classrooms on both campuses, and have received positive feedback from students and parents. Some additional items are also available to borrow from the library, including wobble cushions, wedges, fidget chair bands and ear muffs.

Bayview Campus had some updates over the term holidays. We are very pleased that the portables are now much more accessible to students - with the new ramps and walkway meaning all portable classrooms are accessible to all students.

At Pasco Campus the ‘Inclusion Club’ started up in May. Inclusion Club is a safe and welcoming space where students come together over a cuppa to promote understanding, acceptance and celebration of diversity in all its forms, with a focus on neurodiversity, disability and minority groups. We are looking forward to celebrating Disability Pride Month in July, including a workshop focusing on supporting students with their executive functioning.

Simone Barlow & Connie Messina (Inclusion Leaders)

Grounds and Enhancement Parent Contributions

Last week I posted on Compass thanking our families for their continued support and contributions made on Compass. As mentioned, payments toward our 'other contributions' and donations have been at an all-time high, with more families contributing to the Building Fund (tax deductible), Parents and Friends Association, Student Assistance Fund, and Environment and Grounds Enhancements than ever.

I alluded to some grounds and enhancement upgrades that are in the works thanks to your contributions. I am proud to say that at the Pasco Campus we have installed cyclone fencing to work as a boundary between the basketball courts and the new performing arts centre, to protect students walking between classes and students gathering at our soon-to-be seating area. Next week, we have four covered benches being installed to increase collaborative and social spaces for our students. This is all thanks to you! We will share photos of the finished product in our next W-Files.

Thank you again for your contributions thus far. Please continue to support WHS via our Payment Arrangements on Compass. If you have any questions regarding the Payment Arrangements, please contact me via williamstown.hs@education.vic.gov.au

School Saving Bonus

Dear parents and carers

You may have seen the recent announcement of the School Saving Bonus, as part of the Victorian Budget 2024/25. We are sharing more information about how families will be able to access and use this support.

This one-off support will include $400 for each eligible student to help families cover the costs of school uniforms and activities in 2025.

It will be available to parents and carers of every child enrolled in a Victorian government school in 2025.

Cash will not be paid directly to individuals or families. Instead, families will receive the bonus as credits on their school accounts that will help meet the costs of your children’s activities and uniforms.

Existing supports

The School Saving Bonus support will be in addition to existing and continuing means-tested supports for camps, sports, excursions and uniforms.

The application-based Affordable School Uniform program, through State Schools’ Relief, will continue to be available to families experiencing financial hardship or other forms of vulnerability and short-term crisis. This program allows schools to make multiple applications for support on parents' behalf throughout the year if needed.

There will be more information and guidance about the School Saving Bonus in Term 3, 2024, ahead of its implementation in 2025.

Kind regards

Tess Duerden,
Business Manager

Welcome to Term 2.

During our first assembly this term we outlined to students that we will be continuing to focus on:

• Getting to know your classmates/teachers

• Asserting what kind of person you want to be

• Getting familiar with our school values and the expectations of all members of our school community

• Developing good habits

• Beginning the path on finding your future career

A few weeks ago we visited every homegroup to speak about the correct school uniform as well as our focus on using our school homegroup resource diary this term to help with their organisation.

In regards to the uniform, students need to be wearing their PE uniform on sports days. All other days they should be wearing their academic uniform. On Thursdays, when all Year 7s are in academic uniform, we run uniform checks and re-teachings. The students that choose to wear shorts or pants must ensure that they are wearing the formal type for academic uniform days. If students wear a hat, they must be the official school uniform hats/caps only. A reminder of our uniform policy:

www.willihigh.vic.edu.au/uploads/Files/WHSDressCodestudentUniformPolicy2023.pdf

In Term 2, students will notice an increase in the work output required. We asked students to find their diary resource for use in class daily and for you to refer to at home. If they have misplaced it, a new one can be purchased from the front office.

As discussed with students, one of our key focus points is to improve student organisation this term. Good habits that will support them achieve success in VCE and beyond starts now, which is why we are prioritising this at Year 7. At the front of the diary is a large section of information for students and parents to refer to.

• Teachers will require students to record homework and assessments as well as complete reflection and mindfulness tasks.

• The diary will also be used for out of class permission so you can also track your child’s movements throughout the year on page 184.

• We ask that if you are sending notes about uniform, etc. that you write it in the diary on the date in question so it is a method of communication between classroom teachers and home. We would ask that you also monitor the work required and CAT due dates in the diary.

• At the back of the diary is the workbook for the Resilience Project, which we are starting in class this week in our 48-minute homegroup pastoral care sessions. It is a fantastic resource and aligns with the Respectful Relationships work we focus on. This will continue into Terms 3 and 4. Please become familiar with the program so you can have follow up conversations with your child at home. This is an example of a page in the workbook at the back of the diary.

• We will continue to use this resource throughout Terms 3 and 4 also.

For more information check out their website at www.theresilienceproject.com.au

We revisited our expectations for all classes, which were:

• On time - every class, every day
  Once you hear the bell music you make your way to your locker to grab your materials and go straight to class.

• Enter and exit classrooms in an orderly fashion
  In the portables, for example, you wait below the steps. No pushing. Give time for your teacher to enter and wait for them to invite you to enter quietly. Only leave the classroom when dismissed by your teacher in a quiet manner.

• Socialise at recess and lunchtime
  Make sure that you go to the toilet early in your breaks so you are not late to class.

• Equipment - come to class organised for every lesson
  You are expected to bring a pencil case, diary and books for both periods.

• Positive and respectful behaviour is expected at all times
  Listening and treating your peers, teachers and staff with respect while also caring for your environment.

• Use of school resources
  Homework and CAT due dates, permission to leave the classroom and contact between school and home must be recorded in the diary. Bring it to every class.

Finally, this term on June 20 we have an upcoming incursion for the Year 7s. It is really important that all Year 7s attend on this day. We have engaged two companies to work with our students and we feel that this will really support your child in their social development. We ask that you familiarise yourself with the companies listed below and the content they will be discussing so you can have follow up conversations at home:

Our female and NB students will be completing workshops with SEED: www.seedworkshops.com.au What is the focus in the SEED workshops? Talking the Talk: Students will discover the power of positive self-talk and reflect on what is important to them. The Best of Friends: Students will learn how to find and be a good friend, how to recognise and manage toxic relationships, and how to respectfully resolve conflict. Assert Yourself: Using a variety of scenarios, SEED workshops teach students how to get themselves out of some tricky situations. With lots of hints and tips and some simple and effective self-defence techniques, they will be armed with the tools to set their boundaries and protect their personal space. Stress Less: We promote positive mental health by providing a range of proven stress busting techniques for students to use in their daily lives to increase wellbeing and facilitate better learning outcomes. Be Fine Online: For too many young people, social media can quickly become tools for bullying and harassment, at times leading to serious consequences. SEED workshops provide valuable information about online risks and pitfalls, giving students the tools to engage in safe and positive online experiences. Media Wise: With body-image anxiety and disordered eating at record highs among young people, this workshop unpacks advertising and social media’s influence in people’s lives, including the prevalence of narrow, unobtainable beauty ideals. We uncover the many tricks of the trade and empower students to see and embrace their own beauty and style - inside and out. Gender Bender: SEED workshops encourage students to be aware of their own rights and those of others, including the plight of those in less privileged parts of the world. Respectful Relationships: We look at romantic relationships with particular focus on consent. Environmental Awareness: SEED workshops encourage students to think about their environmental footprint, and to understand that the seeds they plant today create the shade and shelter of tomorrow. We teach students to be discerning consumers, using their purchasing power for a brighter, healthier future. Healthy Mind, Healthy Body: We help girls understand the importance of a holistic approach to good health through realistic goal setting, healthy eating and moderate exercise.

Our male and NB students will be completing a workshop with Man Cave: https://themancave.life Man Cave programs are designed to give boys the language, permission, space and role modelling to explore and challenge the traditional scripts of masculinity they have inherited and healthily engage with one another in a safe environment. Their mission is to empower boys to become great men by providing them and their communities with impactful programs, role models and resources. To that end, Man Cave has designed a curriculum aimed at assisting schools in meeting the social and emotional learning needs of their students. Designed in consultation with young men, psychologists, and mental health experts to safely and reliably create an attitudinal and behavioural shift in the boys that participate, our programs are transformational. They support the psychological and emotional development of boys so they can become healthy young men who have respectful, positive relationships with people of all genders and backgrounds. What happens inside the Man Cave? Build self-awareness of emotions and the language for expressing them Build social awareness of others’ emotions and learn how best to support peers Understand concepts such as stereotypes, gender and masculinity and how these can impact one another Develop practical tools for managing emotions to improve behaviour and decision making Create a stronger connection to themselves, peers and communities Develop positive relationships with the self and healthy interpersonal relationships through positive psychology principles

Thank you for your continued support.

James and Isabella

Year 7 Coordinators

The Year 8 cohort had an amazing start to the year during Term 1, and had a well-deserved break. They have also impressed us with how they have started Term 2.

We continued our work on cyber safety with a visit from Victoria Police to talk to our students about staying safe online. The two officers from the Proactive Policing Unit were very engaging, giving students an insight into some incidents they are currently looking at and giving students strategies to ensure they are safely enjoying the Internet and having positive interactions online.

Recently students have also had the opportunity to work on their career action plans during their weekly homegroup session. These plans look at students' current interests and develop different pathways to different career options. Opening a conversation with your child about their future career interests can be a great opportunity to further engage them with their education and guide them in subject selection as they continue into the later years of schooling.

On Tuesday we headed off to Roses Gap Recreation Centre. We were so lucky with the weather, which allowed us plenty of opportunities to experience the great activities the camp has to offer. I would like to personally thank all the staff and students who attended the camp and made it such a positive experience.

Term 2 presents lots of new experiences for Year 9 students, such as exams and Morrisby careers assessment. Tyson Hartwig, the Year 9 team, and I look forward to supporting students through these events.

This term students have already commenced the beginning of the Morrisby assessment, with the whole cohort participating in the initial assessment together in the gym. Students will continue to engage with careers content in homegroup lessons this term, including a guest speaker during Careers Week. This supports students in the lead up to subject selection in Term 3.

Last term, students experienced team bonding through the Spy School incursion. They worked in small groups to complete a virtual scavenger hunt around the local area. It was great to see students enthusiastically participating in this event, working in small groups with peers from their homegroup.

At the Term 1 Celebration Assembly, we celebrated student achievements throughout the term. This included 27 students who had perfect attendance, and 44 students with perfect punctuality to all classes. Liam Edwards won the prize draw of students with perfect attendance, and Larry Nguyen won for perfect punctuality.

Below are the students in each homegroup who were recognised for their outstanding achievements in academic or citizenship roles in class. Congratulations to all of these students for their Term 1 achievements. We look forward to our next Celebration Assembly.

Carmen Wiseman & Tyson Hartwig | Year 9 Coordinators

For this edition of the W-Files we would like to take the opportunity to reflect on some of the highlights of the term so far, and also what is to come for our remaining weeks - how time flies when you're having fun.

Camp

On Tuesday, May 7, 172 Year 10 students arrived at Williamstown High School bright and early at 5:45am to start their big adventure to the Gold Coast for camp. The students were eager with the teachers accompanying them just as excited. Before we knew it we were up in the air flying over the ocean making our descent into the Gold Coast. Despite some rainy weather it was still warm and we could not wait to get started with our week of fun with all the students.

Day one included its challenges along the way with the frequent downpours and the ushering of students into their cabins, but there was never any doubt about the students’ excitement. They spent the day at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary checking out everything they had to offer from Tasmanian devils to koalas. The students were treated to some great accommodation and a burger night for dinner before the 9pm curfew hit for students to prepare for the next day.

Students woke up eager for a European style buffet breakfast filled with chocolate croissants and danishes, as well as an array of fruits and muesli to choose from. They were ready for a full day of water fun with the sun making an appearance. Students spent the entire day running from water slide to water slide and not missing out on a moment of fun - the screams from the rides could be heard across the park. Students then got themselves ready for a movie session of Kung Fu Panda 4 and dinner in the park.

Day three was one of the highlights, despite the nonstop rain. The students soaked up every opportunity they had on the rides with the crowd favorite being the Taipan Roller Coaster and the Giant Drop. We were so impressed to see so many of our students facing their fear of heights or scary rides, and to experience these moments with their friends. We are still deciding who screamed the loudest, the kids or the teachers as the Giant Drop fell.

The four days quickly came and went and we were soon packing up our cabins and loading our suitcases back onto the bus, where we spent our last day at Movie World watching the stunt show, greeting all the Warner Bros. characters and going on the rides they had on offer including the Green Lantern. Although many of the rides were closed due to maintenance, that did not dampen the students' spirits and they all had yet another great day.

We would like to say a special thank you to all our staff that came along on the trip and helped support students every step of the way. And last but not least the Year 10 cohort who were absolutely amazing and despite any challenges always had a smile on their faces.

Work experience

Just a reminder to all parents and students that work experience week will be held in Week 10 from June 17-21. It has been great working with many of our students who are already prepared for the week, participating in trades, kinder teaching, fashion and design and so much more. All work experience forms are due no later than Monday, May 20. In the coming weeks students will complete their action plans and their Worksafe specific modules before they head off into the workforce. If you have any questions regarding the experience, please contact your relevant homegroup teacher to discuss further.

Exams

In Weeks 8 and 9, students will be preparing for the Year 10 exams that will be held on various days throughout the two-week period. Please refer to Hanah Vu’s Compass post with the uploaded exam timetable. Students are expected to:

• Attend and complete all written exams

• Be in full school uniform

• Be prepared with materials including pens, pencils, etc.

• Not have devices or phones on them (a space will be provided at the front on the exam room for students to place these items if need be)

If for any reason a student is needing to reschedule an exam, please contact Year Level Coordinators Demi Geary or Christopher Blattman.

We would like to start this edition of the Year 11 W-Files by congratulating Dash Muir, one of our Year 11 students, on his victory in the Stawell Gold Mines Bill McManus Backmarkers Handicap 400m final. Dash won in a time of 45.690 and his thoughts on the lead up to the race and the victory itself are given below:

“January and February were busy with some time off in Porepunkah and then running at Wangaratta, Shepparton and Ballarat, racing in the 120m, 200m and 400m handicaps and building form. Bendigo was a two day event with both days a hot 38C and making it very difficult to compete. Qualifying fastest in the 400m heat and semi gave me great hope I could give it a crack at a podium at this great event worth over $3000. To finish third was a fantastic result and built my confidence for Stawell.

The weather in Stawell was superb up until the final day, when early afternoon rain started. I just missed out on qualifying for the 120m Gift semi by 0.1 seconds. Now the focus was on the 400m Backmarkers Handicap that I was one of the favourites for.

I had planned out a solid race plan for the 400m final and knew what to do. The race came around noon and I executed the plan perfectly, and it resulted in the win. Crossing the line I was in shock, but I eventually convinced myself that it had just happened.”

On Monday, May 6, the inaugural WHS Careers Expo took place at the school. Year 11 and 12 students had the opportunity to speak with 24 exhibitors, ranging from RMIT University to the Defence Force, about possible educational and career pathways after they finished their studies. All of the exhibitors commented on the positive conversations they had with a large number of our students. A huge thank you must be extended to the tireless work of Ms Anna Bovdis and Ms Susan Bridges, who made this event possible.

An enthusiastic group of approximately 30 Year 11 students recently nominated to be a part of the 2025 Year 12 Jumper Committee. Members of this group have been exercising their artistic licence, creating designs to be considered by the committee. The top three designs will be chosen to go to a vote to select the final design for next year. A member of the committee, Darcy Schneider, gives his thoughts below on the process so far:

“Starting the design of the 2025 Year 12 Jumper has been a compelling task. Speaking for the design committee overall, we have reflected on scores of differing ideas and opinions from the Year 11 cohort, resulting in many possibilities for the jumper’s design and final vote. This piece of uniform will soon distinguish us not just as Year 12s, but as the new generation of leaders at Williamstown High School. Our hope is that in a year’s time, ‘25’ will be worn as a symbol of our unity as a year group and resilience in the face of challenges that lay ahead.”

A number of students have also nominated to be part of a future working party to investigate ideas for the improvement of the area outside the L Block. This work will commence soon to help create a better space for Year 11 students. This is possible through funding committed by the Parents and Friends Association and the school, to which we are extremely grateful.

The last of Unit 1 assessment tasks are on the horizon, with end of semester exams following soon after. In homegroup recently, with the assistance of resources within the Student Resource Booklet, students have been focusing on noticing symptoms of stress and managing them effectively. Hopefully these lessons will serve them well to navigate this busy time of the year.

School ID cards will be required for end of semester exams, so if you have not already purchased one for your child, you can do so for $15 on your Compass portal or directly at the school’s main reception.

At the beginning of May the Pat Cronin Foundation Round was observed in local football around Victoria. Mr Patchell umpired his son’s U14 junior football game during this round and, like all players and officials that weekend, wore an armband to promote ending the “coward punch”. It was a timely reminder that the Pat Cronin Foundation will be presenting to Year 11s in the penultimate week of Term 2.

Congratulations to the following students who are the top four for receiving Positive Posts in Term 2 so far: Madison Camillo (8), Matthew Page (8), Liam Kaye (6) and Liam Waters (6). As always, thank you to all staff that take the time to recognise students by issuing Positive Posts, in particular Ms Bui, Mr Craig, Ms McKeegan, Ms Moutray-Read and Mr Lilley.

Finally, after introducing the first of our homegroup teachers in the last edition of the W-Files, here is a slightly different view of three more:

Cameron Mellor - 11D

This is my first year at Williamstown High School, teaching P.E., Year 10 Health, VET Sport and Recreation and VCE-VM Personal Development Skills. I follow Manchester United in the English Premier League and Collingwood in the AFL. I love Indian food, a good pub meal and pizza, and my top Netflix recommendations are: Boy Swallows Universe, Animal Kingdom and Peaky Blinders. I enjoy going to the gym and running, and recently completed an ultra-marathon. My favourite travel location is Canada and my favourite bands are the Kooks, DMAs and Kings of Leon.

Dean Commons - 11E

I have worked at Williamstown High School for 17 years and currently teach Drama and Humanities. I have one pet, a Jack Russell, and enjoy the theatre and following politics. The All Blacks are my favourite sporting team and my top travel destination is Switzerland. Elton John and Amanda Palmer are two of my favourite singers, with Taskmaster and Gordon, Gino and Fred being my top streaming recommendations. Italian, Thai and Vietnamese are my preferred cuisines.

Ian Hume - 11F

I have taught at Williamstown High School for just over 10 years, and this year I am teaching Legal Studies, Business Management, History and VCE-VM Personal Development. I podcast regularly, mainly about Essendon, the team I follow. I also support Tottenham Hotspur and enjoy riding and reading. I like Vietnamese and Mexican food, and also a good chicken parmigiana. My favourite travel location is Italy, my top Netflix recommendations are Cobra Kai and Mindhunter, and my favourite bands are the Foo Fighters, Jimmy Eat World and the Arctic Monkeys.

It felt like only yesterday that we were gearing up for the end of term break. The sun was shining and the Year 12s were looking forward to their well-deserved two week break from school.

Term 2 so far has looked and felt incredibly different. The main reason for this has been the opening of the school’s brand new VCE Study Centre! This new space is a big improvement from the old portable we used to use and the Year 12 students have really been making the most of it. It is incredible the difference a new building can have on the study habits of 17 year olds.

Fast forward a few weeks and the second round of SACs have recently commenced for our VCE students. Combining this with the significant drop in outside temperatures can often result in a pretty challenging period for the students.

To support the students with managing the assessment stress, we introduced them to the “Stress Bucket”. The Stress Bucket is an analogy we use to help students understand the different stresses they may experience that fill up their bucket. More importantly, however, we use it to learn new positive coping strategies that can be implemented to remove some of that water from their bucket and prevent it from overflowing. Hence the hashtag #openthetaps was born!

To keep the morale high at school, we have commenced the second running of the WHS Homegroup Games. This is a weekly competition where students compete with their homegroups in random novelty games that require no real skill. Points are awarded for each event and at the end of term we will be crowning our Homegroup Games champion. The students have really been getting around the event and we hope this has provided them with an opportunity to remove some of the water from their stress buckets.

Year 12 Coordinators,

Angus Rodda & David Urwin

The Pasco Student Leadership Team has been at it again celebrating a wide range of events and activities. In Term 1, we kicked off our student led events with the World’s Greatest Shave. Our very own House Captain Jesse Holland shaved his long hair, raising money for the Leukaemia Foundation. To augment his efforts our student leaders volunteered their time spraying hair and painting faces. For a gold coin, students from all year levels could rep their team colours and increase Jesse’s total donation.

Following on from that we had a jam-packed couple of weeks with both Clean Up Australia Day and International Women’s Day. For Clean Up Australia Day the Environmental Club, led by Imogen McFerran, decided a local focus was in order. If students spent time cleaning up our yard at lunch they received some fairy floss in exchange. With over 100 students participating in this event, the school grounds looked fantastic!

For International Women’s Day, we started the day with an inspiring and grounding guest speaker who reminded our students that International Women’s Day started as a protest for the right to vote and that the ability to express one’s opinion is an enormous privilege not yet offered to all women around the world. The Student Leadership Team, led by Indy Readsmith, decided we should lean into current trends in the celebration of “girlhood” and so the team handed out purple ribbons and bows to students at lunch. The sea of purple around the school was certainly a sight to behold.

Finally, Mariam Hassan and Maggie Lynch, our Social Justice Captains, led the charge to celebrate our school’s diversity through an out of uniform day on Harmony Day, raising awareness about the diversity of our students and funds for the West Welcome Wagon.

All three events highlighted the shared energy that our Williamstown High School students have when it comes to celebrating and recognising events. It also shows the fantastic effort our young leaders are putting in to ensure that Willi High can be a vibrant school with plenty of activities.

Across the three events the student body has raised more than 1900 dollars for three separate charities.

Here’s what our School Captain Lachlan Patterson had to say about our Term 1 events:

These last few weeks we've seen some great achievements from our Leadership Team here at Pasco.

We’ve had some amazing progress with the Environmental Club, with record attendance to meetings organising many events around the school such as the Clean Up Australia Day, in which we had over 100 students picking up litter around the school in exchange for fairy floss from a stand run by the rest of our team.

The Social Justice and the Respectful Relationships crew also put a huge amount of effort into International Women’s Day and Harmony Week, both of which turned out to be fantastic. International Women’s Day saw people around the school wearing a splash of purple with some lovely ribbons, as well as some library activities to create paper cranes and discussions of the women that matter most to students.

Harmony Week was all about celebrating cultural harmony and diversity within Willi High, and took the form of a multicultural breakfast, run by our school Breakfast Club, and a cultural dress-up day, where people wore traditional clothing. We’re looking forward to a Run Club beginning later in the term, organised by our House and Sports captains to get students around the school moving before classes, with more special events in the making!

A huge congratulations and thank you to all involved in putting these together, it's such a collaborative team and I can't wait to see what the rest of the year has in store.

Around the corner we have the following activities and initiatives planned:

IDAHOBIT Day on May 17
Students have organised an out of uniform day with many activities to celebrate the diversity of our students, including a photo booth, badge making and doughnuts for those who dress in a full rainbow!

Run Club
Each week starting on Friday, May 24, students can start the day on a positive foot with a run around our local area. They can finish off the run with a delicious breakfast, hosted by our Breakfast Club.

Other Events
Next term the student leaders are looking to celebrate Disability Pride Month, NAIDOC Week and Ausmusic T-Shirt Day, so keep your eyes peeled.

During Weeks 7 and 8 of Term 1 our Years 7 and 9 students undertook the National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) and conducted themselves commendably. With the online format, the tests are adaptive and included features that allowed audio where appropriate and visual zoom functions. All these features will improve the quality of the collected data and the students’ testing conditions.

WHS conducted 1950 individual NAPLAN tests over four days, including catch-up sessions the following week, to accommodate for student absences during the official testing schedule. Results will be available in Term 3.

During Week 3 our Year 9 students will be participating in the Morrisby Careers Profile Assessment at the Bayview Campus. Students completed a range of core aptitude and personality questions that will help them to better understand their strengths and interests and assist them with subject choices and career options going forward to the senior campus.

Our next major event in the Bayview curriculum calendar is Year 9 exams, which will take place in Week 9 of Term 2. These exams will provide valuable feedback for students, parents and teachers, and help guide our Year 9s during Term 3, in which subject selections for 2025 will take place.

Clayton Warren

Curriculum Leader Middle Years

With Term 1 coming to an end, our NAPLAN testing has been completed, and our Year 7 and 9 Mathematics classes were able to move on to their next topic: statistics! This topic is always an enjoyable one, as it culminates in the students completing projects where they analyse some real data:

• The Year 7s were lucky enough to taste test some much-loved Hot Wings chips, gathering data about their class’s review of the chips.

• The Year 9s got to analyse some data from the 2023 AFL season, looking at the performances of two teams to decide which they thought would win head-to-head.

The Year 8s will be next to complete the statistics topic, once they return from camp.

As Term 2 continues, the Year 9s will begin preparation for their mid-year exams. Being the first time that they will complete exams at Williamstown High School, included below are some recommended tips and tricks to help them prepare and have success in the exams.

Martyn van Reyk

Mathematics Learning Specialist

What a fantastic beginning of the year for our Language Department! It’s always a pleasure to welcome our new Year 7 language learners and offer cultural opportunities to students such as going to the French Film Festival in March/April or participating in the Berthe Mouchette competition organised by the Alliance Francaise for Year 7s through to Year 12s.

It has also been an intense and wonderful first term with the relaunch of our Languages Trips, which took place from March 23 to April 6. Both the Indonesian and French departments have gone on 15-day study tours to visit their respective countries and improve students’ language skills. Cultural discovery is also at the heart of our practice and we are thrilled to have shared such an amazing experience with our students.

France study tour

Rivi Zdraveski (11B) - Overall, I really enjoyed my time on the WHS France Study Tour this year. I had many memorable experiences, like going to the top of the Eiffel Tower at night, and got to know a lot of my classmates better. As a group, we had the rare opportunity to immerse ourselves with French people and their culture on a regular basis. I found that I became much more confident in my speaking as the trip went on, whether ordering in a café or boulangerie or conversing with my host family. I'd also like to thank the wonderful teachers who made the trip possible, Ms. Hall, Mr. Urwin, Mr. McArthur and of course Ms. Roussel, who made sure we were safe on the metro and had a fantastic two weeks in France.

Darcy Schneider (11H) - My favourite thing about the trip was the sense of independence and freedom. Whether roaming alleyways, searching for hidden cafés or exploring the endless gardens of Versailles - we could mostly choose our own adventure. As a result, no two days were the same. With trusted friends by my side, exploring France’s culture at our own pace gave me more confidence in approaching the French language, whilst providing invaluable insight into the French way of life.

Indonesia study tour

Archer Russell (10A) - I went on the 2024 Indonesia trip adventuring through the clustered city streets of Jakarta, Yogyakarta and Bali. We began our trip sightseeing the beautiful environment prevalent in Yogyakarta, where we toured around going from the picturesque sunset views over the city to getting to visit a cultural phenomenon in Borobudur temple, beginning to grasp just how incredible Indonesia truly is. The trip allowed us to refine and adapt our Indonesian vocabulary through skill-based classes, providing us with the confidence to take to the streets with our newly boosted bartering and appreciation vocabulary.

After gaining that important skill set, we took to the skies and headed for the hectic life in Jakarta. In Jakarta we were gifted with the most memorable moment of the trip, the experience of staying with a culturally centred Indonesian family to experience a week in their lives. From fasting during Ramadan to classes at their school, the experience shaped up to be once in a lifetime. We were able to form lifelong relationships with our buddies in the host families and learn and experience how they live firsthand, to be able to compare and contrast life across countries and how different people live. After being able to stay with our families for a week, we moved to finish off the trip in the stunning Kuta Beach area of Bali, to both shop and relax before heading back home after an unforgettable, much loved trip.

A few dates to look forward to for Languages

May 24 - Berthe Mouchette Competition (poetry recital) for our Year 7 and 8 students

July 22-26 - Languages Week

Term 3 - Berthe Mouchette Competition for our VCE French students and French movie excursion for our Year 9 and 10 students

À très bientôt, sampai jumpa lagi!

Clémentine Roussel (Languages CAT Leader)

State swimming - March 27, 2024

Williamstown High School sent its largest contingent to the State Swimming Finals in a number of years, with the a total of 17 students competing in the following events:

M13 50M Freestyle relay - Aiden Bishop, Giles Cleary, Edward Stacey and Charlie Clenick

F15 50M Freestyle relay - Mahli McCarroll, Ava Palser, Astrid Bishop and Elodie Bishop

F15-16 50M Medley relay - Mahli McCarroll, Ava Palser, Mischa Johnston and Emilia Rossi

M18-20 50M Freestyle relay - Heath Corry, Blake Dosser, Hunter Mace and Oli Devine

M18-20 50M Freestyle - Heath Corry

M12-20 400M Freestyle - Hunter Mace

M15 50M Backstroke - Lucas Newbery

M13 Multi-Class - Lachlan Chrimes

F13 Multi-Class - Bonnie McCarroll

It is important to acknowledge what an amazing achievement it is for our swimmers to reach the State Finals as this means that you are among the best eight teams or individuals in the state of Victoria in 2024. Heath Corry finished second in the M18-20 50M Freestyle and Bonnie McCarroll finished third in the F13 MC Backstroke.

I would be remiss if I did not mention another one of our amazing swimmers, Mia Mifsud, who qualified for the State Finals in the following events:

100M Butterfly

200M Butterfly

200M Freestyle

400M Freestyle

Mia, however, was unable to attend because she was swimming in the National and Open Swimming Titles in Queensland, where she did herself, her family and school proud winning a 3rd national medal in the 200M Butterfly in a time of 2:21.79, which qualified her for the Olympic trials in June. Mia was disappointed not to swim in the SSV Swimming Finals, but this was an amazing opportunity for Mia and she proved to everyone what an absolute champion she is.

Interschool sport

It is only early in the term but interschool sport has commenced with the Boys Netball and Girls AFL competitions taking place on Thursday, May 9.

We had teams represent the school in the Junior, Intermediate and Senior Boys competitions, with the Intermediate team winning through to the WMR Finals on Thursday, August 8, at the Altona Sport Centre. The Senior Boys won through to the next round, winning three and drawing one of their games to finish top of the pool.

We also had Junior, Intermediate and Senior Girls AFL teams enter the competition, with the Senior girls playing on May 9. The Senior Girls defeated Homestead 72 - 8 to progress through to the next round. The Intermediate team had no other schools to play so they have qualified for the WMR Finals on Tuesday, July 23, at Galvin Park Reserve. The Junior Girls are yet to play their game against Alamanda as the game was rescheduled due to a clash with the Year 8 Roses Gap Camp.

Aerobics

The Senior Girls Aerobics team, Shine, competed at the Victorian State Qualifier Event in Gisborne on Sunday, April 28. Coached by Jade Pedler, the girls performance was extremely impressive with the team progressing through to the State Finals on Saturday, June 1, in Rowville.

Futsal

The Hobsons Bay District sport competition has introduced a Futsal competition for the first time and there has been a lot of interest from our students, which has been fantastic. The school sent two teams to compete in the Intermediate Competition at the Derrimut Sport Centre on May 1, with our Year 9 Boys team winning through to the next round. We wish them the best of luck in the next round of competition. Our Year 7 and 8 Boys and Girls will be playing in the competition on Monday, June 24.

Sporting snapshots

Many of our students are extremely talented sports people and are achieving amazing success in their chosen sport outside of school. We love to celebrate the successes of our students so please send through information about your children to the WHS Sport Coordinators: Karen Mahoney at the Bayview Campus and Ian Hume at the Pasco Campus.

Dash Muir - winning the 400M foot race at the Stawell Gift

Manon Muir - making the 15 Girls Victorian Netball team

Hugo Hanrahan - making the Western Jets AFL team

There are a number of students at WHS currently going through the state team selection process so we wish them all the best in their endeavours and hope to be informing the WHS community of future successes in our next edition.

Health & Physical Education (HAPE) - Bayview

The HAPE program at Bayview campus is in full swing, with all Year 7-9 students actively participating in a range of experiences during Semester 1. All programs are built around developing knowledge and skills in both movement and physical activity as well as personal, social and community health.

We have welcomed our new Year 7 students to the campus and introduced them to the Physical Education and Sport programs. The early stages of our Year 7 program are built around opportunities to build relationships with both classmates and teachers. They have participated in units covering fundamental motor skills, fitness and striking games (softball/cricket). We have also explored and participated in games that help develop cooperation, collaboration and communication, and how these skills are integral to our daily lives.

It has also been wonderful to see our students enjoying our many outdoor spaces during class time, but also in their break times. We have a range of learning spaces available to conduct our programs, including basketball courts, synthetic field, oval and an indoor gym. Our synthetic field has been recently replaced and provides opportunities for classes to participate in soccer, pickleball, cricket and much more.

Year 8 and 9 electives

We have a number of Year 8 and 9 elective subjects that give students further experiences in the area of HAPE. These include Outdoor Adventure in Year 8 and Fitness and Water Adventure in Year 9. These subjects include a school-based curriculum as well as excursions that help to challenge students and build resilience in new environments.

This semester, the Year 8 Outdoor Adventure class has visited Queenscliff to develop their snorkelling skills, have fun on and in the water and explore Popes Eye and the Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park. They also observe Australian fur seals in their natural habitat and always keep fingers crossed for sightings of dolphins! This class also had an opportunity to develop mountain biking skills at You Yangs Regional Park, completing a series of awesome tracks in some pretty amazing scenery.

The Year 9 Water Adventure classes have been developing their sailing skills through a five week unit at RYCV Williamstown. So lucky to have this amazing facility on our doorstep! They have then furthered these skills through a two day sailing course at Victorian Sailing School in Geelong.

Thank you to our energetic HAPE staff for providing our students with meaningful and fun learning opportunities at the Bayview Campus. We are very fortunate to have dedicated staff that help to create and conduct these programs for our students.

Amy Curran

HAPE Leader - Bayview

Students’ families can now borrow

WHS is proud to announce that our campus libraries are extending their services to the wider school community. Our Bayview and Pasco Libraries house thousands of resources - both recreational and in support of the curriculum - and we would love to share these with the parents and caregivers of current WHS students.

Within our collection you will find:

• Adult fiction

• Young adult fiction

• Memoirs/biographies

• Bestsellers

• Classics

• Magazines

• Comics and graphic novels

• Picture books

• High-interest nonfiction

• Research material in line with WHS subjects

• eBooks and audiobooks

This service will especially benefit our neurodivergent community, as we have an extensive range of recently-acquired texts on ASD, ADHD, dyslexia and dyscalculia.
If you’d like to be part of this exciting initiative, please fill out the form below and our librarians will create a library log-in for you:

https://forms.gle/gXJs8fGyeNA3KNRt7

In the meantime, feel free to browse our collection online through the library website at https://library.willihigh.vic.edu.au

If you have any questions, please contact Alice (Bayview Library) at alice.reid@willihigh.vic.edu.au

Kind regards,
Alice Reid, Soula Sapounakis and Marnie Van Luinen
WHS Librarians

Art

In 2023 students in Mr. Heymann’s Art Making and Exhibiting class created five artworks inspired by Australian flora. These students are now in Year 12 and are currently working on their trials for the artworks they will display at Substation Gallery in Newport in Term 4.

This year the current Year 11s will make similar paintings either with sea/water creatures or birds.

Media

Students in VCE Media have been working to the new 2024 Study Design with Year 12s recently completing their video essays on their narrative study, ‘Parasite’. Year 11 students, meanwhile, created their own representations in different media forms. Watch this space for more information on the upcoming film night in Term 4.

Lady Liberty

Lady Liberty was the WHS VCE Drama production for 2024. Set in New York City, our musical followed the stories of several performers in a rundown cabaret club known as Lady Liberty. When gangsters take over the club and threaten the club owner, Leonard, the struggling performers band together in song and dance for a magical final show.

This drama performance was very well received by the Willi High community, including three sold-out shows. We are so grateful for all the positive feedback and support. Thank you so much to our incredible community audience, tech and promotions teams, and Mr Commons for your immense support.

Charlotte Kerr - Drama Captain

Photos by Gino Balestrieri

WMTC

This term Pasco Street Performing Arts students had the opportunity to see Williamstown Musical Theatre Company’s preview performance of Into The Woods at the Centenary Theatre. WMTC has given students at WHS the opportunity to explore a variety of musical theatre works over many seasons. Their wonderful Junior MT Program has been running for more than 10 years, providing high quality creative learning experiences in theatre arts. Students can check the WMTC website or socials for volunteer sign ups and auditions.

Excelsior Madden

SongMakers Program

The Victorian SongMakers program, run by music publishing peak body APRA AMCOS, is a two-day intensive songwriting workshop. The program brings world class songwriters and producers into Australian high schools, with Williamstown High welcoming Al Parkinson, Hayden Lauersen and Jackson Phelan, who worked with Year 10 and 11 VCE Music and VET Performance students in the brand new Performing Arts Centre.

Students had the opportunity to learn about the songwriting process, write their own song as a group, and record a demo of the song under the guidance of the industry mentors. They can be proud of the way they worked with the mentors, listened to feedback and shared their ideas during the process. Our students have been enjoying the new music facilities and are using every square inch to purpose. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive from our students - being able to work, rehearse and perform in spaces that are conducive to creativity and collaboration.

We are looking forward to having SongMakers visit Willi High again in the future!

Lachlan Wyatt

Next meeting - Tuesday, June 11, 7:30pm on campus and online.

Guest speaker - student leaders speaking about their experiences and what they’ve learnt from the PFA-funded student leadership conference attended in February.

Thanks to Clayton Warren, our guest speaker at the PFA’s AGM in March; and Anna Bovdis, who gave a really informative presentation about the upcoming VCE subject selection process. Guest speakers are an important part of PFA meetings, giving families the chance to learn more about different aspects of Willi High.

Funding new shirts for WHS sporting teams

Final costs have been agreed for the PFA to donate funds towards new sports kits for WHS sporting teams to wear during interschool competitions. $1848 will purchase 44 WHS sports tops and socks, which will be suitable for multiple sports teams. We look forward to our students representing our school in their new kit.

Bunnings sausage sizzle

The PFA has been given a date of Sunday, June 16, for our annual fundraising sausage sizzle at the Bunnings store on Millers Rd in Altona. This is the only fundraising event where we ask for parent volunteers, so if you could give a couple of hours flipping onions or taking orders, please sign up. Links to the volunteer sign-up sheet will be posted via Compass shortly. This will be the first opportunity to try-out the PFA aprons with our new student-designed logo.

There is more information about the PFA on the school website under the Parents tab. Or email presidentwhspfa@gmail.com to receive PFA updates/get in touch.