At Willmott Park Primary we work to develop positive school/community relationships with students and their families to support learning, engagement and wellbeing. The Willmott Park Statement of Values and School Philosophy is integral to the work that we do and is the foundation of our school community. We do this through agreed school values of; Respect, Responsibility and Achievement.

We also value a high quality curriculum catering for all learners to enhance themselves as individuals for the 21st Century to be active and happy citizens. Our school’s Statement of Values are incorporated into our curriculum and promoted to students, staff and parents so that they are shared and celebrated as the foundation of our school community. Students, staff and members of our school community are encouraged to live and demonstrate our core values at every opportunity.

School Wide Positive Behaviour Matrices for Students, Staff and Parents & Visitors
These matrices are aligned with our school values which have been agreed upon as high and consistent expectations. These matrices have been developed for students, teachers and parents to identify and demonstrate appropriate behaviours at Willmott Park that align with the school values of Respect, Responsibility and Achievement.

Meet Jumbo, our very special Therapy Dog and much-loved member of our school community! Jumbo was originally trained as a Seeing Eye Dog, going through extensive training and assessments to develop the skills needed to support people with vision impairments. His gentle nature and calm demeanour led him to also become a Therapy Dog, where he now spreads joy and emotional support throughout our school several days a week. Jumbo is always accompanied by his dedicated handler to ensure he is well cared for and ready to interact with our students and staff.

Jumbo absolutely loves tennis balls and getting pats from everyone he meets! He visits all classes, the Wellbeing Hub, and even stops by the staffroom for a bit of TLC. His presence is truly special, providing comfort and connection to all. Whether he's snuggling up to a student who needs a little extra support or simply greeting everyone with his wagging tail, Jumbo brightens every corner of the school.

The benefits of having a Therapy Dog like Jumbo in our school are amazing! Research shows that Therapy Dogs help improve students' social and emotional skills, encourage positive connections, and even boost attendance. Jumbo provides much-needed emotional support, helping students regulate their feelings and express themselves in a safe, non-judgmental way. His presence also helps reduce stress and anxiety, making the school environment more welcoming and positive for everyone. Whether students are feeling nervous about a test or just need a little comfort, Jumbo is always there to help.

In addition to helping children express their emotions, Therapy Dogs like Jumbo improve relationships, student motivation, and attitudes toward learning. Having him around inspires students to be more engaged and enthusiastic in their classes.

To ensure Jumbo's visits are safe and enjoyable for all, we’ve developed clear rules, policies, procedures, and risk assessments for the Therapy Dog Program. These are regularly reviewed by both students and staff to keep everything running smoothly. Families are welcome to opt their children out of the program if they choose, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and supported.

Jumbo truly brings a sense of warmth and joy to Willmott Park Primary, and we’re so grateful to have him as part of our community!

Pictured: Jumbo

At Willmott Park Primary School, students and staff pride themselves on a wide range of creative talents. One of the ways in which this is showcased is through Lunchtime Clubs. All staff and students are empowered to join in and facilitate clubs that showcase their interests and bring out the best in one another.

There are many great benefits and purposes for holding a lunchtime club program. Many of these clubs run across more than one year level. As a result, this assists in building strong foundations and rapport for all students. There are a wide range of clubs for every child to be part of, which incorporate: sport, drawing, art, music, reading, technology, nature, and mindfulness.

All lunchtime clubs are welcome and available to all students, but it also gives teachers the opportunity to gauge student interests and develop excellent connections and rich experiences. Additionally, teachers that run clubs also showcase their strengths and talents beyond the teaching profession and as a result, it gives students an insight into what teachers are like as people and not just as teachers.

Lunchtime clubs have proven to be a great success for many years here at Willmott Park Primary School. For students both past and present, certain clubs have been something that they look forward to on a weekly basis, as well as a fond memory of their primary years.