5 March 2025

Principal’s Pride

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Community Members,

Welcome to Week 6 of our 10-week teaching and learning Term 1. It is difficult to believe we have now completed half of Term 1 teaching and learning and have welcomed in Autumn this week. It was wonderful last week to receive such positive feedback from Josh Arnold after working with various groups of students across the school to write, record and film our School Song. He assures me the post-production process will be completed prior to the end of term and I look forward to launching this with our entire school community. It was also fantastic to see the huge percentage of our students participating in the first 75 Star Rewards celebrations for the year. 

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

The re-commencement of Willows Warriors last week was also met with an outstanding response!  So much so, that two sessions per Wednesday will commence from this week. 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.

Ruth Young Hockey Gala Day – congratulations to our teams

Recently, The Willows State School participated in the Ruth Young Hockey gala Day – taking an experienced team to play in the Hot Shots division and an inexperienced team to play in the Rookie division.

The Hot Shot team recorded 1 win, 2 draws and 2 losses with a final 0-0 draw in their placement game despite dominating all of the play, and finished the carnival in 7^th place. Mr Madeley, who coached the team, reports that the development of the students’ gameplay and teamwork across the day was superb.

The Rookies lost 4 and drew 3 games, however their losses were only by one goal and all of the other games were very closely contested. Whilst they did not make the finals Mr Madeley reports that the determination and improvement in every single player was amazing.

An added bonus of the day was the chance to meet Brisbane Blaze player, Dale Dolkins, for a chat and to get autographs.

Once again, another fantastic Sporting Gala Day made even better by the amazing sportsmanship, skill, behaviour, and team spirit of the TWSS students.

REMINDER: Prep Free Vision Screening Program

The Primary School Nurse Health Readiness Program is coming to our school. This is a Queensland Government service that offers Free Vision Screening to all children enrolled in Prep. 

If your child is in Prep and you would like their vision screened, please complete a consent form using the below QR code.

The following video explains the benefits of having your Prep child’s vision screened – “What is Prep Vision Screening?”

Screening commencement date: Monday, 24 March, 2025

Link and QR code will close on Thursday, 6 March, 2025

Safe School Travel for all

Travelling to and from school can be a very busy time.

Parents are respectfully asked to assist our staff in keeping their children safe by reminding students:

• Roads and footpaths are not a place to play – look out for traffic all the time and only cross roads at the designated SAFE school crossing points supervised by a ‘lollipop’ person
• At STOP, DROP and GO wait for parents to pull into the loading zone in their cars – staff will assist students to enter cars when parked in the zone and it is safe to do so.
• When riding scooters and bicycles wear protective equipment correctly
• When travelling in a car, remember to put on your seat-belt in an age-appropriate seat
• When travelling by bus, remain seated at all times and show respect to the driver

Community members have also raised safety concerns with the school about drivers not adhering to road rules, especially in relation to parking. For the safety of all in our school community, we request all signage relating to traffic rules is adhered to.

Inclusion Support Model

The Inclusion Support Model at The Willows State School is a multi-faceted system of support to cater for our diverse learners. Our inclusion model aims to support all students to reach their full potential as independent and successful learners.

At TWSS, inclusion is everyone’s responsibility, with support wrapping around each student and changing as each student’s learning needs change. Your child’s classroom teacher is the primary case manager for the year and should be your first point of call to discuss learning needs and support for your child. Classroom Teachers work together with inclusion team staff, other support teams and personnel across the school to cater for the ever-changing needs of their diverse cohort of students.

Community Resource Limited (CRU) FREE Workshop for Families

CRU’s ‘Families for Inclusive Education’ (FFIE) project is funded by the QLD Department of Education. This is the only offering they currently have planned for delivery of this fully-funded (free to families) face-to-face Inclusion and Belonging at the Local School: The Parent Advocacy Toolkit workshop in Townsville in 2025.

For more details & tickets see the flyer below and visit www.cru.org.au

NAPLAN Readiness – Twilight Information Session for Parents/carers

This DoE information session is designed to help parents navigate NAPLAN. Held in collaboration with P&C's QLD, the session will provide valuable information on NAPLAN and offer tips to support your child to take part and do their best. 

Important readiness information will be shared for both you and your child, the essential digital skills for NAPLAN discussed and how NAPLAN’s tailored test design adapts to each student explained.

Click Here to register for the online session to be held on Thursday, March 6 starting at 6pm.

School Photos COMING UP – 26 to 28 March (Wednesday to 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.

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, 12 March.

Warm regards,

Michelle Donn
Principal

Upcoming Events

Year Level Parade Times

General News

KINETIC BUS SERVICE

Students may be eligible for a QLD government funded bus pass under the School Transport Assistance Scheme. To apply for this funding, please use the below website. If eligible, students will be issued a tap and go "smart card".

www.qld.gov.au/schooltransportassistance     
Email: tsvschoolsadmin@wearekinetic.com

Students who are not STAS eligible will still require a tap and go card in order to pay their fare on the ticketing system. To apply for the card, please email the above email address and request the smart card application form.

Students will continue to use this card going forward. If the card is lost or damaged, please contact the Schools Administrator as per above to obtain a new one. **Please note a replacement fee applies. **

WILLOWS WARRIORS

PREP to YEAR 2 EASTER PARADE

Positive Behaviour Learning (Safe, Respectful, Responsible)

FORTNIGHTLY FOCUS

We will continue with the fortnightly focus ‘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 and ask them what they have done lately to show kindness.

ICY CUPS FOR SALE (Wednesday, Week 6)

Icy cups will be sold on Wednesday afternoons at 2:55pm from TCBC kitchen for Year 3 to 6 and the Junior CPA for Prep to Year 2.

This is a Student Council fundraiser and the money raised goes towards the equipment that is purchased for lunchtime activities for all students to use.

***In Week 6 we will sell from TCBC ONLY and in Week 7 we will sell from both TCBC and Junior CPA.***

DATE CLAIMER: Student Council Fundraiser (Friday, Week 6)

⭐Student Council Free Dress Day⭐
👕This Friday, 7th March (Week 6) will be our first fundraiser for the Student Council.
👕It will be a free dress day, and the theme will be 'Dress in your House Team Colours'.
👚Students can dress in their house colours on the day, ensuring clothes are sun safe.
👚They could have crazy coloured hair, socks or just their sports shirt to match their house colours.
🌟Students will need to bring in a gold coin to raise money for our student council.

Defence News

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

Last Thursday, I held a Defence Parents Morning Tea here at school. It was a sensational morning and I was fortunate to meet and chat with new and existing families. Thank you to those who attended. Also grateful to our guests Jess, Gabe and Heather who visited from DMFS office and Mel from Defence Holidays NQ. The Partner Employment Assistance Program (PEAP) is again available to partners to claim reimbursement up to $1500 per financial year for a variety of employment services. More details and how to register are on the Defence Website or ask me for a flyer.  You can email Mel at admin@defenceholidaysnq.com.au to organise your holiday (use RLLT) any time.

On Saturday, I attended the Defence Welcome Expo at the DMFS/DSM table and saw many of our wonderful families there. It was a marvellous morning with so much information on what to see and do in the Townsville area. Thank you to the parents and children who saw me there and came over to say Hello and have a chat.

This week at Kids Club we have been having fun decorating pencils and making jellyfish. Just a reminder that due to the A Pod refurbishment, Junior Kids Club in A pod is closed for now.  All Kids Club sessions will be held in L Pod/Defence Room during first and second break for students to attend.

Quick Reminder to Defence Parents that you are invited to attend TWSS P&C AGM on Wed 12^th March at 5pm. If you are interested in contributing and being part of the P&C, please come along. The P&C appreciate your support.

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 

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

The Pulse News

Interschool Swimming Trial

On Thursday Week 4, we held our annual trial to select the Interschool Swimming Team to represent The Willows State School at the upcoming Interschool Carnival. We had 120 students put their name down to trial and selected a team of 50 students including reserves. Student times have been displayed for students to see and the team notified via a note home. Thank you to all the students who participated in the trial and to parents and carers for supporting them to do this. Congratulations to the selected students - we will see you at the following four training sessions:

Interhouse Swimming Carnival

In Week 4, the Year 5 and 6 students were invited to participate in a novelty carnival for house points. They enjoyed being competitive and taking part in activities such as Pool Newcombe, Cup Shuffle, Sponge Toss, Squirt That, and Fill the Bucket, to name a few. On Friday, we presented the winning houses with the shield. Congratulations to both Heatwaves and Cyclones who tied in first place. The results are as follows:

NQ Netball Cup Gala Day

Students in Year 6 have been invited to put their names down to participate in a one-day gala event on Friday 4^th April (last day of term). We have 26 students interested and will start practicing this week in lunch breaks now we have fine weather and can access the court. Notes will be out shortly when the students have fully committed.

Block Sport

Year 6 students will receive a note on Friday for expression of interest in block sport. We are looking to nominate teams for Rugby League, Netball and Hockey. The viability will depend on student interest and financial costs. Please only complete the form if both you and your child are committed so we can make an informed decision in a timely manner as nominations are due at the end of this term.

Pitch News

Music News – Issue 3 Term 1 Wk 6/7 

Awesome effort to all Instrumentalists in being organised for lessons and having your instruments. There is great progress being made and it’s lovely to see the enthusiasm on your child’s face and smile as they are leaving. GREAT WORK!! Look forward to hearing you in band and Orchestra soon. Everything should be back to normal this week with lessons and rehearsals. Please ensure you are contacting the teacher if your child is absent or need to swap lessons due to other in-school activities and assessments.

We will be involved in Choral Fanfare this year. Fanfare is a statewide competition for Choral students from Queensland state schools only. It happens every second year. Both our Junior and Senior Choirs will be participating. Notes will be sent home with more information in Term 2.

It is essential that children are at rehearsals on time ready to start for Choirs, Orchestras and Band. Children need to be at school by 7.40am to help set up and be seated by 7.50am to get a good 40 minutes practice. School starts at 8.45am so children need to be packed up and ready to head to class by 8.40am.

It is an expectation that you are part of an ensemble, so please advise your Instrumental teacher if you are absent for a rehearsal.   

Date Claimer

Junior & Senior Choirs  
Fiona Coleman

Children selected for Senior and Junior Choir will receive a note in the coming week with a contract of commitment. All students in Choir pay a $60 music levy unless they are already in the Instrumental program. Please return these notes signed and ensure the media release section is also signed in anticipation of any local performances we may be asked to perform at. Children will be invited to Choral Fanfare, Eisteddfod and other performances based on their attendance and effort.

Music Shirts, Folders/Music, School Instruments/Fees

Our first performance is Choral Fanfare. Please ensure you have the correct uniform. 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,
Fiona Coleman
Music is a more potent instrument than any other for education.  ~ Plato

P and C News

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Willows State School P&C Association’s Annual General Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, 12th March 2025, commencing at 5:00pm. This year the AGM will be held in D Pod (located next to the OSHC building).

Children are welcome to come along under your supervision, and there will be delicious sweet & savoury snacks available for you to enjoy from the wonderful Tuckshop team.

We encourage all parents to join our P&C – as they say, many hands make light work! Simply download the membership form, complete and return addressed to the P&C either to the school’s office administration, or via email at hello@twsspandc.org.au (both scanned versions and photos of the completed form will be accepted). Printed copies will also be available from the office administration for those who are unable to print the form at home.

At the AGM, all Executive positions will be declared vacant and nominations for the 2025 Executive Committee will be tabled for election. These positions are:

• President - provides leadership and is the accountable officer of the P&C. Their role is to act as the public representative of the P&C, encourage communication between the P&C, school, and community, and encourage participation to support the P&C. The President chairs all meetings and is educated on all P&C rules and guidelines, including P&C Constitution, Accounting Manual, and all other documents governing P&C operations. The President is the Accountable Officer for all employment for Tuckshop and OSHC services.
• Vice President - provides essential support for the President and possibly other members of the Executive Committee. They will Chair those meetings from which the President is absent and carry out any duties that have been delegated by the President. They should also be familiar with all P&C rules and guidelines, including P&C Constitution and other documents governing P&C operations.
• Treasurer - has the overall responsibility for the financial management of the P&C, including all subcommittee accounts. In their role they must comply with the Accounting Manual in all respects. They prepare an annual budget and annual operational plan for the Association in consultation with other members of the P&Cs Executive Committee. It is the Treasurer's responsibility to manage and keep accurate accounts of receipts and expenditure. The P&C engages with an external Bookkeeper to provide support to the Treasurer. 
• Secretary - has overall responsibility to prepare all documents for all meetings, such as agenda, minutes, and other necessary reports (including subcommittee reports) and assists the President in preparing an agenda for each meeting. They present minutes of the P&Cs meetings, record and deal with correspondence in/out as directed and generally organise, record, and maintain information pertaining to the activities of the P&C.

All P&C Executives are responsible for any urgent decisions required outside of P&C meetings and are the official employers of all P&C staff. The P&C Executive Committee are also the Business Managers of the Tuckshop and OSHC.

Along with these Executive roles, the P&C is also hoping to introduce the following additional roles for election at the AGM

• Grants Writer

Key Membership Information 

• Being a P&C member does not mean that you must attend all meetings. We understand families have busy schedules and sometimes it is physically impossible to commit to attending. We just ask for you to volunteer when and where you can.
• You do not need to attend a meeting to become a member of the P&C. Simply complete the membership form and either return it to the office or email a copy to hello@twsspandc.org.au.
• Parents are not required to hold a volunteer blue card in order to volunteer at their child’s school. Any other family member that is not a parent is required to hold a volunteer blue card, in which the P&C are happy to assist with applications.
• All volunteers of the school (including P&C) are required to complete the mandatory volunteer induction training as per Department of Education requirements. This is to ensure that all volunteers are covered under the P&Cs Personal Accident Insurance Policy. This training is conducted at the start of the year by the school and is also available at school administration. This takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.
• Remember, the P&C is made up of parents.....just like you! The primary goal of the P&C is to enhance the educational opportunities for the students at our school. But along with that, it is also a great platform to –
  • Build lifelong friendships with other like-minded parents.
  • Enhance your skill set.
  • Become more informed on important school matters and policies and provide parent input.
  • Give back to our wonderful school community.
  • And most importantly, have fun!

If there are any questions regarding our upcoming AGM or how to become involved with our P&C, please don't hesitate to contact us at hello@twsspandc.org.au or message us via our Facebook page (The Willows State School P&C) 

We look forward to seeing you all at the AGM!

Prep News

English

In English, Preps are learning to retell their favourite story, say what they like about the story and present it to their friends.

Maths

In Mathematics, Preps are learning about what a pattern is, making patterns and continuing patterns.

75 Stars Rewards Activity

To celebrate getting 75 Stars in Week 5, Preps had a Teddy Bears Picnic. We had fairy bread at the picnic with our Teddy Bears. We all had lots of fun.

Year One News

We are always busy in our classrooms! In 1/2F, we've been busy engaging in different stories that will help us to choose characters that we can share looks, actions and feelings on in our upcoming talks.

For Maths, we have been busy collecting and showing data about things like favourite pets, colours and even our birthdays.

Our Science learning has been around healthy habitats and understanding how habitats provide what living things need to survive. We put on our Scientist hats and have "discovered" some new living creatures. Over the next week or so we will create detailed collages of these living creature's habitats. We are so excited that some of us started early and made some habitats at home! 

Last Friday, we had our first 75 Star Rewards and got to play different board games with our friends. It was so much fun! Some of us even brought in some small toys we had free play with too. Our new star charts start this week.

Year Two News

Year 2 students have been working hard in their classrooms during the middle of first term. They have been exploring setting and character traits in a range of stories and exploring ways to use a prop to present their thinking to their peers.

Students have been practising positional language to give and follow instructions in Math as well as creating graphs and answering questions related to this.

Science has seen students exploring different materials and their properties ready to begin creating a lunchbox that will hold an orange and sandwich.

75 Star Reward afternoon was a huge success with students having lots of fun sharing their board games with their peers and practising turn taking. All students who attended should be very proud of their behaviour in their first 5 weeks of Year 2!

Year Three News

This term, Year 3 are investigating the exciting world of graphing. Students are learning how to collect, organise, and interpret data through various hands-on activities. They have explored different types of graphs, such as bar graphs, tally charts, and picture graphs, to present their findings in a clear and engaging way. This project not only enhances their Mathematical skills but also encourages critical thinking and teamwork. The children are thoroughly enjoying creating their own surveys, gathering data, and representing it graphically. We are excited to see their progress and the innovative ways they will use graphing to make sense of the world around them.

Year Four News

Year 4’s have been busy in Science this term, learning about weathering and erosion!

In this term’s task, students will describe the natural processes and human activity that cause changes to Earth’s surface. They will plan, conduct and report on an investigation of the erosion process. They will also apply Science understandings to formulate control strategies in real-life situations.

The students in these photos made edible soil, starting with an oreo cookie, choc chips, chocolate custard, coco pops and green coconut. You can see the layers for each in the photos above. They tasted delicious!

Year Five News

In Year 5, we are working full steam ahead across all learning areas. Students are loving creating their creatures adapted to different environments in Science and excited for Hands on Wildlife visiting this week. In English, students are navigating and following Yoshi’s journey in Yoshi and the Ocean while sharing and expanding on ideas and opinions about a literary text for an audience. They are super excited about putting their ideas together for their chosen text, a podcast.

In Maths, students are using grid coordinates to locate and move positions on a map. We love learning!

Year Six News

Over the past few weeks, Year 6 have been exploring Federation as part of their HASS unit for Term 1.

This week we are holding a classroom referrendum to vote whether our classroom colonies will Federate.

Year 6 produced posters to persuade members of their colonies and others, to either support or decline Federation.

Community News

SAVER PLUS

We know that cost of living pressures are continuing to put extra stress on households, with families in particular feeling the effects. Could you use an extra $500 to assist with education costs?

What is Saver Plus?

Saver Plus is a program for people on lower incomes. It’s about bolstering their financial skills, so they can develop (and keep) good savings habits.  Since 2003, Saver Plus has supported more than 62,000 people to start saving.

It’s helped overcome the barriers around education expenses. And it’s set them up for a brighter future.

What are the eligible savings goals?

Eligible savings goals are education related products or services that:​

• Assist a primary or secondary school student’s education;