26 February 2025

Principal’s Pride

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Community Members,

Welcome to Week 5 of our 10-week teaching and learning Term 1. This week our Prep students with media permission participated in the annual Townsville Bulletin Prep Photo shoot (Monday), Josh Arnold is visiting our school to develop our school song, and we will engage in our first 75 Star Reward celebrations for Prep to Year 6. 

Next week brings a ‘Hands on Wildlife’ Incursion for our Year 5 learners, the return of Student Council Icy Cup sales on a Wednesday afternoon and our Student Council’s first gold coin donation themed free dress day for the year.

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

Thank you to all staff and students for their support and flexibility in being part of this endeavour.

2025 TWSS Annual Implementation Plan (AIP)

Our 2025 Annual Implementation Plan is currently in the process of being endorsed by our School Supervisor, Mr Tim Farrell and then TWSS P&C. Our three focus areas continue to be strongly aligned with the core priorities of the DoE Equity and Excellence strategic plan:

• Educational achievement
• Wellbeing and engagement
• Culture and inclusion

The AIP transparently sets out the key strategic vision and priorities for action within a single school year, and links to TWSS School Strategic Plan 2022-2025, developed through stakeholder collaboration in the Quadrennial School Review of 2021.

The fully signed 2025 AIP will be uploaded to our school website front page in the near future for viewing by all in the school community.

This year we have also been selected to engage in a School-led Review to develop our new TWSS School Strategic Plan 2026-2029. I look forward to consulting and engaging with, all key stakeholders especially during Term 2 around the development of our future strategic direction.

Willows Warriors Pre-Prep Program – re-commenced TODAY!

It was wonderful to welcome some new pre-prep learners and their families to our school today! 

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 Prep-Prep program session held each week on a Wednesday.  Please refer to the flyer included in this newsletter for more information about how to express interest in attending. Willows Warriors is currently temporarily located in the ‘Maker Space’ room behind the Resource Centre whilst A Pod is undergoing a complete internal refurbishment.

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 over the next few days being successful in attaining this first positive acknowedgements of their efforts in Term 1.

School Photos COMING UP – 26-28 March (Wed-Friday Week 9)

Please see the School Photo Flyer within this school newsletter for details of how to order your child’s school photos.  Photo order envelopes from Advanced Life have also been dispatched to all students. These envelopes contain comprehensive information about the packages available and instructions for ordering. The timetable for school photos will be published in the Week 8 newsletter so parents will be aware when classes are having their photo taken and can ensure students are dressed in full school uniform.  Please note any classes having their photos taken on Wednesday, 26/03 are to wear full school uniform NOT sporting house shirts as is usual for a Wednesday. Advanced Life photographers advise us that school photographs should be returned 4-6 weeks after photography days are completed.

School road safety is a matter that requires whole of community awareness and commitment. 

Improving the safety of school travel for all children is reliant on the involvement and engagement of schools (including staff, students and parents), local government (Townsville City Council) and state authorities such as the Department of Education Infrastructure Team, Queensland Police Service, Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and bus operators. 

This week I will focus our road safety community awareness on Two- minute loading zones.

Two- minute loading zones around schools are installed for parents to pick up and deliver their children quickly and safely.

Unfortunately, they are often misused by motorists who park and stay longer than the allocated time or leave their vehicles to enter the school. This can lead to traffic problems as motorists queue to enter the loading zone and end up blocking the flow of traffic. This causes people to get impatient and take risks.

Often motorists are unaware of the implications of overstaying the regulated time. Police will visit schools periodically during the year. Motorists could receive a traffic offence/parking notice if found to be parking in marked areas longer than the times on the signs.

The Willows State School Attendance Strategy – Every Day Counts!

Students are encouraged to come to school on every day they are well enough to attend.  Our current whole school attendance YTD is currently 92.2%.  We are committed to maximising learning days for all students to ensure the best possible learning and life outcomes can be achieved. Please contact our school if you require any support from our student wellbeing and engagement team in providing advice and support in this area.

Every day your child is well enough to attend school we want to see them here! 

Have a wonderful week – our next newsletter will be issued on Wednesday, 5 March.

Warm regards,
Michelle Donn
Principal

Upcoming Events

Year Level Parade Times

Permission Forms

YEAR 5 – Hands on Wildlife (due 28 February)

General News

WILLOWS WARRIORS

DENTAL VAN

The Townsville Oral Health Service offers free check-ups and dental treatment to all children from 4 years to Grade 6 via the School Dental Van.

To access the service, please scan the QR Code or click on the link provided above and complete the necessary fields.

Years 7 to 10 can access the same service via the Kirwan Health Campus. Phone: 44339900 option 2 to make an appointment time.

If you have any enquiries, please contact the Dental Van Staff on PH: 0417 630 119.

FREE PREP VISION SCREENING

Positive Behaviour Learning (Safe, Respectful, Responsible)

FORTNIGHTLY FOCUS

The new fortnightly focus is ‘KINDNESS IS MY SUPERPOWER’. It delivers the message that everyone at our school will be spoken to respectfully.

Using this catchy statement students will be explicitly taught what kindness is and how they can ‘Be Kind’ and speak respectfully to others.

Please discuss how to be kind with your family over the next two weeks at home.

75 STAR REWARDS – WEEK 5

Congratulations to all the students who have been frequently caught being Safe, Respectful and Responsible for the first five weeks of Term 1 and are attending our first round of 75 Star Rewards.

The teachers and students will have fun celebrating excellent behaviour for learning this week. Some of the activities planned are undercover play, construction, craft, computers, iPads, board games and outdoor games.

DATE CLAIMER: Student Council Fundraiser – Friday Week 6

Friday 7^th March (Week 6) will be our first Fundraiser for the Student Council.

• It will be free dress day and the theme will be Dress in your ‘TWSS Sports House Colour.’
  

• Students can dress in their house colours on the day, ensuring clothes are sun safe. They can have crazy coloured hair and socks to match their house colours.
• Students will need to bring in a gold coin donation to raise money for our student council.
• More information to come.

Defence News

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

WOW!! So far week 5 has been a fun-filled, awesome and busy week. The Welcome Party for New Defence Students was on Monday afternoon. All the students who attended had a wonderful time. We had party food and played pass the parcel and musical chairs. Everyone was well behaved and met some new friends. A BIG THANK YOU TO Chappy and the Year 6 helpers for assisting me with the event. Thank you kindly to the family who donated a tray of fresh fruit and fairy bread for the party. It was most appreciated and a huge hit.

Tomorrow (Thursday 27 February) the Defence Parents Meet and Greet is scheduled from 9.00am to 11.00am in the 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 and staff from DMFS and Defence Holiday NQ will be available to chat and answer any questions. Flyer attached. 

Don’t forget to come and say Hi to me at the Defence Welcome Expo this Saturday, 1^st March. Flyer attached.

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

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

More espresso - less depresso!!!