Stories and highlights

There's always something to celebrate at our school! This page recognises the creativity and hard work of our students. Here, you'll find a collection of their projects, artwork, and other achievements. Each piece represents the unique talents and dedication of our young learners. We invite you to explore and appreciate the wonderful work they've done!

Dungeons, dragons & dice, Oh My!

What started as a simple alternative to outdoor lunchtime play last year for Stage 3 students, turned into one of the most exciting and enriching programs at Willmot Public School. Once a week, six students gathered in the library under the guidance of Mrs. Begg and Mr. Jarrod to embark on an incredible adventure—the world of Dungeons and Dragons (DnD). What they didn’t expect was just how much this journey would transform their school experience.

The DnD Club quickly became a highlight of the week. For some students, it was a welcome escape from the unpredictability of the playground; for others, it was a chance to be part of something truly special. The game’s magic lies in its ability to foster creativity, imagination, and problem-solving, but as weeks passed, it became clear that it was offering so much more.

Not only did the students look forward to their sessions, but their participation in school life also improved. Attendance increased, and academic progress became evident. Through the game, students were learning new vocabulary, improving their literacy and maths skills, and developing strategic and critical thinking abilities without even realising it. Working together to solve puzzles and defeat monsters required teamwork, communication, and strategy, all of which strengthened their cognitive abilities and social interactions.

Beyond academics, the benefits stretched into personal growth. The game encouraged empathy as students stepped into the shoes of their characters, making decisions that reflected moral dilemmas and teamwork. Confidence grew as players found their voices, shaping their characters and engaging in storytelling. Resilience and self-awareness blossomed as they faced challenges, failed, and tried again, learning to overcome setbacks in a safe and supportive environment.

Skills like communication, listening, storytelling, and memory were being developed with every session. Students who once hesitated to speak up found themselves leading discussions. Those who struggled with focus were engaged for an entire lunch period, absorbed in the unfolding adventure. Their ability to listen actively, imagine new worlds, communicate clearly, and problem-solve in real time improved dramatically.

What began as a lunchtime club has turned into a meaningful program that enhanced not only academic skills but also social and emotional development. Mrs. Begg and Mr. Jarrod have created an environment where students feel safe, valued, and inspired. The friendships formed, the lessons learned, and the memories created in these sessions will stay with the students long after their characters’ stories end.

Students playing Dungeons and Dragons.

Students playing Dungeons and Dragons.

Dungeons and Dragons room set-up

Dungeons and Dragons character folders

Students playing Dungeons and Dragons.

Willmot PS raises the barre!

Exciting news swept through Willmot Public School as students in the before-school ballet program, led by Principal Mrs. Bugeja, had the opportunity to work with performers from The Australian Ballet. This special visit was part of The Australian Ballet’s Education and Outreach program and aimed to enhance the school’s high potential and gifted students' initiative. Organised by Mrs. Hickey, this event offered young dancers a unique chance to learn from professionals, practice their techniques, and deepen their love for ballet and the arts.

The workshop was a source of inspiration for the students, who eagerly practiced alongside The Australian Ballet’s talented performers. The experience not only supported their development as young dancers but also fostered excitement and passion that is sure to last a lifetime.

The day’s highlight was the performance of From The Gadhu, a powerful and culturally rich creation by The Australian Ballet’s Education and Outreach team. This 20-minute contemporary piece is rooted in First Nations storytelling, exploring the symbolism of whale migration and themes such as respect for the land, intergenerational wisdom, and the balance of nature. Through the characters of Mischief Maker and Lore Keeper, the performance delivered a lesson on the importance of harmony, conveyed through expressive movement, evocative music, and vivid costumes.

The artistic collaboration brought together the talents of composer Tristan Field (Walbunja, Bidjigal, and Sri Lankan), choreographer Ella Havelka (Wiradjuri), and artist Latoya Brown (Krauatungalung, Djiringanj, Walbunja, and Bidjigal). Their collective expertise infused the performance with authenticity and cultural depth, paying homage to stories passed down by the Bidjigal and Darrawhal people for generations.

Acknowledgements also go to Bloch Australia for their generous donations of dance attire and ballet shoes. The impact of the ballet program on the Willmot school community has been remarkable, fostering greater student engagement and boosting school attendance. Due to the popularity of these before-school programs, the school has expanded its offerings to include a circus troupe, with plans for more enrichment activities in the future.

The visit from The Australian Ballet and the performance of From The Gadhu not only enhanced the students’ learning but also created an environment where cultural appreciation and creative expression thrive. Through such experiences, Willmot Public School continues to build a vibrant community where students can explore their passions and develop lifelong connections to the arts.

Willmot PS Willmot PS celebrates NSW Aboriginal Languages Week every week!

NSW Aboriginal Languages Week (20-27 October 2024) commemorates the passing of the Aboriginal Languages Act NSW 2017. The Act was the first of its kind, and NSW remains the only jurisdiction in Australia to have legislation that recognises the ongoing importance Aboriginal Languages and establishes mechanisms for a focused investment in their revitalisation.

'Language is sacred and connected to Country and culture. It brings together generations and ties together spirituality and identity. When we keep Languages alive, our Culture thrives.' - Aboriginal Languages Trust.

The language of the land that Willmot Public School stands on is Dharug. A long time ago Dharug was the language that was spoken across most of what we now call Sydney. Dharug is what is called a sleeping language and K-2 have been working very hard this year to wake it up by learning to speak it.

Students have been learning different greetings such as Warami Budyari Nhaady’unya, which means hello, it’s good to see you. They have also been learning Dharug commands such as listen (Ngarra), look (nhaala), stop (ngandu), sit (ngalawa) and are learning to use them in the classroom and playground. Students have learned how to say “my name is” (ngaya giyara) and are practicing saying it in a conversation. They have also been learning the numbers 1-10 in Dharug and have been playing what’s the time Mr wolf using the Dharug numbers.

The artworks are students writing ‘My name is’ in Dharug and then drawing a picture of what means the most to them.

Reconciliation Week 2024

Sorry Day 2024

"We love our school for its supportive community and commitment to every student’s success. Our child feels safe and inspired every day.” — a parent of Willmot Public School

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