12 March 2025

Principal’s Pride

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Community Members,

Welcome to Week 7 of our 10-week teaching and learning Term 1.  We now have less than 20 days of teaching and learning left in this term. It is difficult to comprehend how quickly the term is passing by in the ‘busyness’ of school life.

Events-wise, this week brings the return of regular Student Council icy cup sales (50 cents) on a Wednesday afternoon: Prep to Year 2 in the Junior CPA and Years 3 to 6 from the TCBC Kitchen. We are also excited to be unveiling our finished School Song (and accompanying video) at a short whole school assembly on Friday afternoon from 2:45pm in TCBC. All interested parents are most welcome to attend.  Once the school song has been launched with our staff, students and families, it will be shared and available for viewing via our school Facebook page and Josh Arnold’s platforms for the broader community.  

It was wonderful to see the response to our Student Council’s first free dress day last Friday – our school was certainly a sea of house colour and patriotism! A number of notes were also issued late last week, particularly to Year 6 students regarding Season 1 Sport interest and Year 6 Camp. Please contact the school office if you did not receive a note or have any queries about these.

School Supervisor Term 1 Visit

On Monday the 10 March, TWSS School Supervisor, Mr Tim Farrell, attended our school for his regular term visit. He discussed the 2025 AIP and School led review planning with our school leadership team. It was a great opportunity to showcase the excellent work occurring at The Willows State School.

NAPLAN – commences this week for Year 3 and 5

This March, students in Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 will take part in NAPLAN testing. NAPLAN assesses the skills of all students in reading, writing, spelling, grammar, punctuation and numeracy.

NAPLAN tests help you to understand how your child is progressing in the fundamental skills of literacy and numeracy. NAPLAN is also an important tool in helping us to identify how our education programs are working and what needs to improve.

Our students in Years 3 and 5 will be undertaking NAPLAN Online testing across 12 - 24 March. We commenced moving to NAPLAN online in 2021, and it brings many advantages including a test design that offers test items tailored to students’ knowledge and ability levels.

Year 3 and 5 online test sequence:

1. writing (paper for Year 3 only)
2. reading
3. conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation)
4. numeracy

• Year 5 students must complete the writing test within the first two days of the test window.
• Each student must complete the reading test before they sit the conventions of language test.
• Catch-up sessions are scheduled for students who are absent for testing sessions, where possible.

NAPLAN Online numeracy, reading and conventions of language are tailored or adaptive tests. Tailored testing provides a more engaging test for students and a more precise assessment of student performance. Students at each year level start with a similar set of questions. Depending on each student’s answers, the next set of questions may be easier or more difficult, giving students greater opportunity to demonstrate what they know. Students will need to bring their headphones with them (this was listed as an item on the booklist).

It is important for all parents and carers to know that once a test is commenced, it is not possible to postpone or pause a student’s test if they are leaving for appointments. If there is an appointment scheduled during your student’s NAPLAN testing session, please let your child’s teacher know and we will do our best to put an alternative plan in place.

If students are absent the day of a scheduled test, every effort will be made to assist them to complete their test in a ‘catch up’ session, run each day of the NAPLAN testing window.

See what NAPLAN will be like for your child by visiting the public demonstration site. You can also find out more by visiting the department’s NAPLAN page for parents and carers or referring to the Information brochure included in this newsletter.

ACARA’s student privacy notice on the collection of student information for NAPLAN is also available.

Three Way Conversations – to be held face-to-face in TCBC in the last week of term

Information has been distributed to all students this afternoon advising parents of the process to book individual meeting times for ‘Three Way Conversations’ with their child’s class teacher and other specialist/support teachers (as needed). We encourage parents to take this opportunity to meet with their child’s class teacher/s to discuss their child’s progress during Term 1. Strong, positive home-school partnerships are the key to success and we look forward to seeing many caregivers at our school on Tuesday, 1 April and/or Wednesday, 2 April.

Following Three Way Conversations, staff will be offering parents the opportunity to answer a few short focus questions to provide valuable input into our School-led review. 

Administration staff will also be available to provide assistance to any parents wishing to set up QParents. Being registered for QParents allows (amongst other benefits) for online consent (rather than hard copy notes) for a range of activities and events to occur. Parents wishing to register will just need to ensure they bring their Medicare card and Driver’s Licence for identification purposes.

REMINDER: The Willows SS P&C Easter Raffle 

Last week, letters regarding the seeking of donations for the P&C Easter Raffle, were distributed to students. Thank you in advance for your support of this fundraising initiative. All donations are most welcome and can be handed in to our friendly administration staff at the school office. We look forward to the P&C being able to create a number of Easter hampers to be raffled. The raffle winners will be announced at our Prep to Year 2 Easter Parades on the final day of the school term – Friday, 4 April. Winners do not need to be present and will be contacted via phone.

School Photos COMING UP – Wednesday, 26 to Friday, 28 March (Week 9)

Please see the School Photo Flyer 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 (NEXT WEEK) 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 March 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 to 6 weeks after photography days are completed.

Before school supervision

Parents are respectfully requested to support our school before school supervision processes by ensuring that their children are encouraged to be in the designated supervision areas for their age group prior to school. 

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 92.1%. 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, 19 March.

Warm regards,

Michelle Donn
Principal

Upcoming Events

Year Level Parade Times

General News

WILLOWS WARRIORS

PREP to YEAR 2 EASTER PARADE

Positive Behaviour Learning (Safe, Respectful, Responsible)

FORTNIGHTLY FOCUS

The new Fortnightly Focus ‘Harmony - Is everyone’s responsibility’ delivers the message that everyone at our school belongs and we are respectful to all students regardless of their race, diversity and differences.

When we include, value and respect others, we develop a better understanding of them and create a school community based on empathy and an overall sense of wellbeing.

Using the catchy statement students will be explicitly taught what it means to belong as a community and that we need to accept people’s differences. Please talk with your children at home about how they can take responsibility in ensuring that harmony is created at school.

ICY CUPS FOR SALE ON WEDNESDAY – FROM 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 to the equipment that is purchased for lunchtime activities for all students to use.

STUDENT COUNCIL FUNDRAISER – FRIDAY WEEK 6

Thank you for supporting your children last week for our first Student Council Free Dress Day. So many students participated and said they loved the new theme. We raised $620.50 which is awesome.

STUDENT COUNCIL MEETING

At last week’s Student Council meeting we started to brainstorm all the ideas for our 2025 Action Plan. The money that we raise from Free Dress Days and Icy Cups is spent on making our school better.

Students worked in small groups to come up ideas and from this we narrowed down the top 4.

We will get some quotes and decide in Week 9 on our focus for 2025. I love how engaged the students were and how excited they get to work towards improving TWSS.

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Defence News

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

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