About the School
About the School
Welcome to Willunga Primary School where “Together we thrive.”
Our school is located in the beautiful historic township of Willunga, 47km from the Adelaide city centre. The township is located adjacent to some of South Australia’s best beaches to the west, rolling hills to the south and the McLaren Vale wine region to the north.
The township has a proud history and heritage, as does the school, which was established in 1877.
The name Willunga is derived from an Aboriginal word ‘Willangga’ meaning, ’the locality of green trees.’
We acknowledge that the land on which we learn, create and grow is the traditional lands for the Kaurna people and we respect their deep spiritual connection and relationship with their country. We acknowledge the Kaurna people as the traditional custodians of the Adelaide Region and that their cultural and heritage beliefs are still as important to the Kaurna people today.
I am very fortunate to have been appointed to this beautiful community school in term 2 of 2021 and I relish the opportunity to lead the staff, students and parents in the next chapter of the school’s successful educational journey. I share a passion, for rigorous teaching and learning, curriculum excellence, outstanding pedagogical practice and innovation. Relationships are at the core of my work.
The school is a Reception to year 6 school and has a well-deserved reputation of excellence based on strong and nurturing relationships and rigorous teaching and powerful learning Our staff embed High Impact evidence-based teaching strategies including explicit teaching, targeted differentiated learning, clear learning intentions and success criteria, logical and intentional sequences of learning and ongoing feedback, which are all an integral part of our classroom program and structures.
Our school values are: Connect Aspire Respect Empower, with the first letter of each value making up the word CARE. These are at the core of our work with students, staff and our families.
In line with all schools our students have Curriculum in the 8 areas of study – English, Mathematics, Science, HASS (History, Geography, Civics and Citizenship and Business and Economics), Technologies, and with Specialist subjects in PE, Japanese, Science and Technologies and The Arts.
Students participate in a diverse range of opportunities including SAPSASA sports events, swimming and aquatics programs, choir and instrumental music. We offer a range of school camps and excursions.
We ensure that all students have every opportunity to achieve their potential at our school. We have an Inclusive Education focus and provide adjustments and accommodations to both support and challenge learners.
The school has modern buildings and facilities and shares the town oval and gymnasium with the local community, having unlimited access during school days.
We have a successful OSHC on site which operates Monday to Friday as well as offering Vacation Care. We have a well utilised site managed school canteen on site.
We have a dedicated Wellbeing Leader and we offer Pastoral Support.
As the Principal, I work together with our staff team and our families to achieve our school vision: “Our students thrive together to develop a love of life-long learning and are inspired and empowered to seek new possibilities and purposefully pursue their dreams.” We immerse our students in deep learning to develop the competencies of character, citizenship, collaboration, communication, creativity and critical thinking which are essential for life.
I look forward to meeting you and sharing in your child’s educational journey, providing them with every opportunity to succeed at our beautiful community school where “Together we thrive.”
Melanie Jones
Principal
