19 February 2025

Principal’s Pride

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Community Members,

Welcome to Week 4 of Term 1. We are looking forward to some drier weather this week and hopeful of some more usual school teaching, learning and play routines getting back into place across the school. 

Over the coming few weeks we are very busily engaging in a range of extra- and co-curricular school events. Our Life Education lessons have commenced for our students in Years 1, 3, 4 and 6, NAPLAN Practice Tests for our Year 3 and Year 5 students are ongoing and today our competitive swimmers successfully engaged in the TWSS Swim Team swimming trials followed by a short Inter-House Novelty Swimming Carnival for all Year 5 and 6 students.  Our school hockey team will also represent TWSS with pride at the Ruth Young Hockey Gala Day to be held on Friday.

2025 Student Leader Investiture Ceremony

It was an absolute pleasure for our staff and students to celebrate the investiture of our 2025 Student Leaders and Year 4 and 5 Student Council representatives with their family members and all Year 3-6 students on Monday. I am sure all of these young leaders will represent our school with pride across 2025. A very big thank-you to all staff who contributed to the success of this event.  Special thanks to Mrs Winter who stood in for me in my absence.

2025 Open Classrooms - Parent Meet and Greet

Our annual ‘Parent-Teacher Meet & Greet’ afternoon was held on Tuesday afternoon.   Thank you to those parents/caregivers who were able to attend and learn more about what their child is learning this year, discuss classroom rules and routines and how they can support their child’s learning within their new year level.  We value strong home-school partnerships and are very grateful for your engagement with us in this event.

Student Council

This Friday will be the first meeting of our 2025 Student Council as our scheduled meeting last week had to be postponed.  Student Council comprises all the appointed Year 6 leaders and newly voted Year 4 and 5 classroom representatives.  I am looking forward to working with the ideas and enthusiasm of our new generation of student leaders under the expert guidance of Mrs Barra. 

NAPLAN Online Practice Testing for Year 3 and Year 5 – BEING CONDUCTED THIS WEEK

This week our Year 3 and 5 students have been participating in NAPLAN Online Practice Testing. This is an excellent opportunity to fine tune any technical and logistical needs, as well as familiarise students and teachers with the online testing process. Student data is de-identified and will not be collected or monitored throughout these tests.

Parents and caregivers of children in these NAPLAN year levels need to be aware of important information relating to privacy, which can be found on the NAPLAN Online Queensland website’s parent information page.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to visit the NAPLAN Online Public Demonstration site (https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site) to view models of the online testing and provide students with further opportunities to interact with the platform.

For further information regarding NAPLAN Online, including privacy statements, please visit https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment

REMINDER: Willows Warriors Pre-Prep Program – to re-commence NEXT WEEK on Wednesday, 26^th February

Children who will be eligible to attend Prep at The Willows State School in 2026 (born 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021) are very welcome to attend our FREE Pre-Prep program session on a Wednesday.  Please refer to the flyer included in this newsletter for more information.

Term 1 - 75 Star Rewards

As part of our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) Whole School Reward System, 75 Star Rewards sessions are held twice per term – at the conclusion of Weeks 5 and 10.  To be eligible to participate students must have accumulated 75 Stars on their Star Chart – star stamps are provided to students by staff for following school rules, expectations and routines.

I am looking forward to seeing a significant number of students next week being successful in attaining this first positive acknowedgements of their efforts in Term 1.

NEXT WEEK (Tuesday, 25/02-Thursday, 27/02) - School Song Development

In 2024 we booked Josh Arnold (from Small Town Culture) to attend our school site in 2025 to co-create a TWSS school song and accompanying video as a tool to support the ongoing development of school identity, pride, morale, spirit and wellbeing. Our students love watching school-produced videos and seeing themselves/their peers featured!  Josh Arnold has engaged in this work at a number of schools, particularly in Queensland.  I would encourage you to google his name and on youtube you will see multiple examples of his work with school songs.

A brief overview of the project is outlined below:

• Tuesday, 25/02: Writing of the song (with a core group of musically talented students in Years 3-6)
• Wednesday, 26/02: Recording the vocals and music for the song (with a core group of musically talented students in Years 3-6)
• Thursday, 27/02: Filming video footage of students engaged in various activities that showcase our school and its identity.

Additional information will be distributed to all students who will be featured/required in any way as additional media permission forms/consent are required to be signed.  Your assistance in returning these forms promptly is much appreciated.

I am very much looking forward to seeing the end product and being able to showcase our wonderful school’s offerings with our entire school community on multiple occasions moving forward.

QParents

As part of our school’s progression towards online consent management The Willows State School is providing our parent community with the opportunity to register for QParents.  This is the first step required for parents to be able to provide online consent for a variety of school activities/events in future.

The QParents web and mobile application provides a more convenient, easier way for parents and legal guardians of Queensland state school students to interact with their child’s school. Registered parents will have secure, online access to their child’s student information, anytime, anywhere, through a smartphone, tablet or computer.

The benefits of QParents

Convenience and time savings for parents

QParents allows parents to connect instantly with their child’s school to access and manage their child’s student information, including:

• Attendance and absence details, as well as the ability to notify the school of an absence
• Academic report cards
• Viewing unpaid invoice details, payment history, and making payments online
• Viewing and updating personal student details, including medical conditions and address
• Enrolment details

What is a QParents Account Owner (QPAO)?

The school will nominate parents or legal guardians for each student to be QParents Account Owners (QPAOs). QPAOs will be able to register for QParents to access and manage the student’s information online, view the student’s information and submit requests to update some of the student’s details.

QPAOs will also be able to invite other people (such as another family member), to view the student’s information. Once invited, these people can register for QParents as “delegated viewers”. A delegated viewer can see the student’s details, but cannot make updates.

Registering for QParents

You will receive an invitation email or letter from us containing your unique invitation code. Simply follow the instructions in that email or letter to complete the QParents account registration process. Initial registration and addition of students to your account must be done on a desktop or laptop computer. Once registered, you will then be able to access QParents using your mobile device (via web browser or by downloading the iPhone or Android App).

If you do not want to register, you may advise us not to send you any more invitations, and your child’s student information will not be available to anyone through QParents. Or, if you want another parent to be the QPAO, you can advise us and we will send them an invitation email or letter with their own unique invitation code.

Our friendly office staff are always available to support parents in setting up their QParents account if needed.  Identity verification evidence is required to do this. Please contact the school if you have any queries.

REMINDER: FIRST 2025 P&C Meeting – TONIGHT

The first P&C Meeting for 2025 will be held TONIGHT on Wednesday, 19 February.  Meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 6:00pm. All parents are most welcome and encouraged to attend.  Your support is vital to ensure fundraising initiatives can occur. The P&C is also a forum in which you can contribute ideas to the enhancement of the school. 

All executive positions will be declared vacant at the P&C AGM to be held on Wednesday, 12 March at 5pm.  The AGM will be followed by a regular meeting at 6pm.

During Term 1 all meetings will be held in D Pod (building next to OSHC) as the TCBC Conference Room is being utilised as a classroom whilst A Pod is being refurbished.

Containers for Change information – support our school!

If you are an avid recycler you may like to donate your funds raised to our school! Did you know that The Willows SS has its own Scheme ID coordinated by our P&C?  Our Scheme ID is C10185045 and all donations are greatly appreciated.

To find out more about the scheme visit www.containersforchange.com.au  or get the Containers For Change Qld app

Practical Parenting Tips for Every Stage of School

Looking for practical advice to help support your child’s learning and wellbeing? The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) has worked with clinical psychologist Dr Judith Locke to create a series of short videos offering tips and strategies for parents and carers.

These videos cover key topics such as:

• fostering independence and resilience
• establishing homework routines with your child
• supporting your teen in senior schooling
• encouraging effective study habits
• maintaining balance and wellbeing.

Whether your child is starting prep or tackling senior exams, these videos provide practical guidance for every stage of their schooling journey.

Access the full series on the QCAA website.

You can watch the videos here 👇

Have a wonderful week – our next newsletter will be issued on Wednesday, 26 February.

Warm regards,
Michelle Donn
Principal

Upcoming Events

Year Level Parade Times

General News

Inclusion and Belonging in your Local School

Prep to Year 2 Easter Parade

Positive Behaviour Learning (Safe, Respectful, Responsible)

FORTNIGHTLY FOCUS

We will continue with the fortnightly focus in Week 4, ‘Use Devices Safely’.

This coincided with the National Safer Internet Day 2025 which was on February 11.

In a world more connected than ever, the eSafety Commissioner encouraged us to unite in creating a safer online environment. Join them in making the internet a safer, more positive place – your actions matter.

Here are some steps we can take to be safe online:

🔒 Keep your apps and devices secure, and use social media positively.
🤔 Take a moment to consider how your online actions may impact others.
🗣️ Have online safety conversations.
📲 Share online safety resources with family, friends, and colleagues.
🚨 Report harmful content.

Parents and carers can also register for eSafety Commissioner webinars and courses throughout February by visiting esafety.gov.au

Together, we can create a better internet where everyone feels protected, empowered, and respected.

GRIP STUDENT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

Last week our senior student leadership team participated in the Grip Leadership Conference with a number of other local schools.

They covered the responsibilities of a leader. All students engaged with games and activities around the following 4 points:

1. Being an example to others
2. Being a helper to others
3. Being a voice to others
4. Be willing to do what school needs

💙Big thanks to Mrs Barra for taking our senior leadership group to GRIP, you can see by the photos how much they loved it.

RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS DAY

Each year on 17th February, National Random Acts of Kindness Day grows in popularity. It is celebrated by individuals, groups and organisations nationwide to encourage acts of kindness.

Random Acts of Kindness Day is a beautiful day that inspires people to spread love, compassion, and positivity through small, unanticipated acts of kindness.

Please talk with your children and teach them the importance of a random act of kindness.

At school we will incorporate this day into our Week 5 & 6 Fortnightly Focus lessons, so stay tuned.

Defence News

Hello and welcome to all Defence families/caregivers and students,

Week 4 is already here. It has been wonderful to meet and talk to so many new students and parents. Now that the rain has gone, I am going to hold our Welcome to New Defence Students Party. It will be on Monday 24^th February at 1:10pm in L Pod. New students will receive an invite to attend. Prep students will be collected from their classes and returned when the party is complete. This is a fun activity for new defence students to chill out and meet new friends. Flyer attached.

UPDATE - Defence Parents Meet and Greet Morning Tea is scheduled to be held next Thursday 27^th Feb from 9-11am in Defence Room at L Pod. Defence members and partners are very welcome to attend. I look forward to meeting you there. Special Guest speakers will be present. Flyer attached. 

Thank you parents for the many emails regarding change in family dynamics and queries regarding students. You are also welcome to call me or drop into school for a chat. My door is always open. My introduction letter is attached with contact details.

Education Assistance Scheme is available to access for tutoring within 18months of posting to a new school. This is available for all primary and high school aged children who may require support in Maths and English. Contact the DMFS Helpline on 1800 624 608 for all details on how to apply. Just complete the form online at ADF Pay and Conditions Manual and send an email to the teacher. With approval your child can have access to 14 hrs of tutoring for both Maths and English through a private tutor. Contact me with any questions. Flyer below with details.

ADF FAMILY HEALTH PROGRAM - Did you know that ADF families can access funds to maintain a healthy lifestyle? The ADF Family Health Program provides reimbursement for physiotherapy, dental, specialist appointments and more of up to $800 a year per dependent! Get one now! For more information on how to register, visit Home - ADF Family Health Program

Families with Special Needs you can access support through the Defence Special Needs Support Group (DSNSG) or call 1800 037 674.  For more information on assistance measures go to the website or email specialneeds.families@defence.gov.au

Like to speak to a Social Worker or Counsellor? Did you know that you can walk into DMFS office (Private and Confidential) currently at RAAF Base Townsville during business hours or you can phone Open Arms on 1800 011 046 to make an appointment to discuss your concerns further? Remember it is OK TO ASK FOR HELP. We all a need support at one time.

For what’s coming up in Townsville for Defence Families-Register NOW to receive newsletter and updates at dmfs.townsville@defence.gov.au   or follow them on Facebook.

Kookaburra Kids is in Townsville, this organisation supports defence kids living in families that are affected by mental illness.  For more details on activities contact Hannah Galliner on 0484 544 451 or check out the website www.kookaburrakids.org.au   

Geckos Family Centre-North Queensland is at Lavarack Barracks and is open for parents and families to drop in. Organised daily activities on offer. Follow them on Facebook or phone them on 07 4411 7031 for more details.

TO BE UP TO DATE WITH “WHATS ON IN TOWNSVILLE” CHECK     whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au

UPCOMING EVENTS/DATES TO REMEMBER 

2025 DEFENCE WELCOME & INFORMATION EXPO
When:             Saturday, 1^st March
Time:              9.30am -12.00pm
Where:           Townsville Stadium, Murray Lyons Crescent, Annandale
Register:         Eventbrite – 2025 Welcome & Information Expo

BARRA FUN PARK
When:             Saturday, 22^nd March
Time:              4.00pm – 7.00pm
Where:           Townsville Barra Fun Park
Tickets:           Tickets will be available soon via Eventbrite

IMPORTANT CONTACT DETAILS

Defence Family Helpline 24/7 - 1800 624 608 - Need Help give them a call    

DMFS Office at Nathan Business Centre on Ross River Rd, call 07 4430 3879  

Open Arms support former and current serving ADF personnel and their family members can use the service – office is at the Nathan Business Centre or call 1800 011 046 www.openarms.gov.au

Mates4Mates – Townsville FRC 4771 9600 townsville@mates4mates.org

Café now Open from 9am-12.30pm every day, you are welcome to attend for a chat and to have a look around.

The Oasis Townsville for Ex-ADF Community in Townsville  hello@theoasistownsville.org.au

Dirty Books Café – 1 Staging Camp Avenue, Oonoonba – 07 4759 8777 is currently under renovation

DFA (Defence Families of Australia) – NQ Delegate Larissa Ostermann 0418 796 561 nth.qld@dfa.org.au

DSNG Defence Special Needs Group - 1800 037 674  www.dsng.org.au

Beyondblue.org.au www.australia.gov.au

Geckos Family Centre Nth Qld Lavarack Barracks - Contact for enquiries on 07 4446 1238 or follow on Facebook

Kookaburra Kids Charity Organisation Mental Health Service - 1300 566 525   www.kookaburrakids.org.au or contact Hannah Galliner 0484 544 451/1300 566 525

Defence Holidays NQ at Lavarack Barracks (opp the Gym) - 07 4725 3842 admin@defenceholidaysnq.com.au

Please phone any time for a chat on 4799 1333 ext 323, Monday to Thursday 8.00am – 3.30pm Monday to Thursday or email me cwhee36@eq.edu.au  

My office is open for a private conversation and cuppa anytime or alternatively phone me any time on 4799 1333 ext 323, Monday to Thursday 8.00am – 3.30pm Monday to Thursday or email me cwhee36@eq.edu.au

Have an awesome week!

Correna Wheeler
Defence School Mentor

LOOK AFTER YOURSELF - YOU ARE AS IMPORTANT AND DESERVING OF CARE AS EVERYONE ELSE.

Pitch News

Music News – Issue 2 Term 1 Wk 4/5 

WOW!! Well done to all our Instrumentalists!!! Great reading of the timetable, being organised and getting to lessons on time this fortnight. Instrumental teachers have sent home the loan agreement forms, commitment forms and requirements lists. These payments should appear in your QParents, but if not, please pay at the office. The instrument is yours when the loan agreement form is returned. 

Please keep reminding children to check their timetables in the morning. If your child is absent, please notify your instrumental teacher so it can be recorded correctly. Lessons and rehearsals are always on unless instrumental teachers have notified you otherwise. 

If your child is involved in a school activity, away on excursion or needed in class for assessment, please contact your child’s instrumental teacher so lessons times can be reviewed. If your child forgets their instrument for the day – it is still important that they turn up to the lesson so they are aware of what is happening and what to do during their week of practice ready for the next lesson.

A reminder that if you find a fault or there is something wrong with the instrument, please return it so it can be looked at and repaired if needed. Any damage caused to the instrument through misuse or ‘droppage’ etc is at borrower’s expense. 

Instrumental folders are available at school locker. Please purchase one to maintain proper storage of your music.

Instrumental Teachers Contact and Lesson days

Monday – Snr Band & Woodwind
Jonathan Conrad – jconr62@eq.edu.au

Tuesday – Orchestra & Strings (Continuing)
Yvonne Moore – ymoor2@eq.edu.au

Wednesday – Jnr Band & Brass (AM)
Kelly Clarke-Flesser – kclar205@eq.edu.au

Thursday – Percussion (PM)
Ian Brunskill – ibrun2@eq.edu.au

Friday – Strings (Beginner)
Carla Mulligan – cjmul1@eq.edu.au

Date Claimer

2025 Beginner Bootcamp

Unfortunately, this was cancelled due to the wet weather. We will keep you posted if it is rescheduled.

Junior & Senior Choirs
Fiona Coleman

I’ve started a list of children displaying interest in being a member of our Junior and Senior Choirs. Rehearsals are as follows:

Junior Rehearsals will happen on Tuesday and Wednesday at second break every week.
Senior Rehearsals will happen on Thursday and Friday first break every week.

Children who have been turning up for rehearsals will receive an official welcome note. Please complete the note to accept the offer to be part of the Choir by returning it to the office. Ensure the media release section is also signed in anticipation of any local performances we may be asked to perform at.  A roll has been set up so children are recording their attendance. Children will be invited to Choral Fanfare, Eisteddfod and other performances based on their attendance and effort recorded in the roll. 

Music Shirts, Folders/Music, School Instruments/Fees

All children who are part of the music program are required to pay a compulsory $60 music program fee. This will assist in maintaining and upgrading music uniforms, maintaining the music library, photocopying, music scores, competition entry fees, upgrading accessories, equipment and instruments and Eisteddfod bus.

We do ask that your child is prepared for any upcoming performances. It is a requirement that all children in the music program wear with their shirts, navy blue skirts, skorts or shorts, white ankle CREW socks (above the shoe) and black closed in shoes for performances as indicated on the note

Musically Yours,
Music is a more potent instrument than any other for education.  ~ Plato

Prep News

In Prep D this term, we are learning the sounds SATPIN and have done a variety of activities to help us remember them. We have also made our names and have begun learning to write some letters.

In Mathematics, we are learning to recognise numbers and count objects.  

In English, we are reading the story 'The Very Itchy Bear' and have begun discussing characters in the story and sequencing events.

Year One News

In Year One, we have been looking at characters in stories and describing what they look like, how they feel, what they do and giving an opinion about them. This week in 1B we have been looking at the characters in The Very Cranky Bear.

In Maths, we have been working on giving and following directions. We had fun having turns at drawing pictures while following our friend’s directions.

In Science, we have started to identify habitats of living things and understand how these habitats provide their needs. This week we made a fish habitat and identified how a fish tank can support the needs of a fish.

We also went to Life Education. We enjoyed seeing Harold and learning about how to be a good friend.

Year Two News

In Year 2, we have been getting to know each other and learning about our own strengths to start the school year. Getting to know our classmates and forming positive relationships has been an important part of starting the year strong. Students have been exploring their own amazing qualities and reflecting on what makes them a great friend, classmate and student.

Students have been getting straight back into learning, and in Math we have been remembering all the number skills from Year 1 and building on this knowledge. We have been doing lots of hands-on learning with 10s and 1s, and have even started talking about 100s as well.

Students have been learning how to collect data by asking questions and recording the answers in tally tables or as lists. This week in 2B, we investigated our classes favourite flavour of ice cream and graphed the results as a picture graph.

Year Three News

In Year 3, Students have had the opportunity to visit Life Education. Harold taught us about friendships, communication and how to give consent. Students have continued in class discussing emotions and friendships in their Health lessons.

Year Four News

Welcome to week 4! Just a gentle reminder that the Life Ed classes are on this week for Grade 4’s.

Students in 4A and 4/3F have been learning about rotational symmetry and grid maps and references.

Here, you see students identifying rotational symmetry in plane shapes and explaining how they know. Also, students practise giving directions on a grid map, to find different locations.

Have a lovely week! From the Grade 4 team.

Year Five News

In Science this term, Year Five are exploring structural and behavioural adaptations that help plants and animals survive in their environments. The students are thoroughly enjoying this unit and have been putting their knowledge into practice by decorating their classrooms with camouflaged butterflies. This hands-on activity allows students to connect their learning in a creative way while considering the essential adaptations animals need to survive and thrive in their natural habitats.

Year Six News

This week in 6C we have settled back into the classroom and have been working hard in all learning areas. Students have been learning all about Federation and Sir Henry Parkes. In mathematics, we have consolidated our learning of Cartesian Planes by creating dot-to-dot artworks and playing battleships with our peers. On Friday, we celebrated Library Lovers Day by visiting the library and borrowing books which were wrapped in paper with only the first line being displayed. This encouraged students to look beyond the front cover when deciding what book to read and borrow. Thank you to Mrs Hawkins and Mrs Snelson for this amazing event!

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