26 March 2025

Principal’s Pride

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Community Members,

Welcome to Week 9.  Students are busily engaged in the completion of a number of units of work over the next 7 school days.  School will conclude for Term 1 next week on Friday, 4th April and re-commence on Tuesday, 22nd April (as Monday, 21/04 is a PUBLIC HOLIDAY). 

Please note the Tuckshop will be closed for cleaning on the final day of Term 1.

Events-wise, this week brings the finalisation of NAPLAN for our Year 3 and Year 5 students, school photos and Prep Vision Screening. 

Over the last week of this term, we will also continue to be busy with a range of extra-curricular and co-curricular events – Three Way Conversations, 75 Star Rewards, Silver Reward recognition, P-2 Easter Parades, Bill Nettle Cup and NQ Netball Cup to name but a few. Please note the organisational details of these events (as outlined in this newsletter, distributed notes and/or on our school Facebook page) to avoid any disappointment for you or your child.

Announcement of new Director-General of the Department of Education

Last Friday all DoE Staff received an email advising that Sharon Schimming has been appointed as the new Director-General of the Department of Education.  Mrs Schimming has been instrumental in the education reforms progressed through Equity and Excellence over the past few years in her previous Deputy Director-General role and has indicated she is honoured to be continuing her leadership of this work across the state. 

REMINDER: Prep ‘My First Year’ Townsville Bulletin Lift Out

We have been notified that the My First Year 2025 lift out - a special keepsake featuring Prep class photos from across the region - will be appearing in The Townsville Bulletin on Wednesday, 2nd April 2025.  Please keep a look out for this if you have a Prep student in 2025. 

Photos have been pre-released through the Townsville Bulletin app last week – they looked amazing!

School Song – We are The Willows!  Townsville Bulletin coverage!

In case you missed it, please check out the wonderful story covered by the Week-end Townsville Bulletin about our school song.  Special thanks to Fiona Coleman and the small group of key song writing students who participated in the interview last Friday for their lovely coverage of our school spirit. 

Here are the YouTube and Spotify links again for your information:

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

Information was distributed to all students recently 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. 

The next Three-Way Conversation opportunity will be in Term 3.

The ‘Five Questions’ (based on Lyn Sharratt’s research) is a framework that can be utilised during discussion.

Five Questions Teachers can ask their students:

1. What are you learning?
2. How are you doing?
3. How do you know?
4. How can you improve?
5. Where do you go for help?

Parents are our learners first teachers.  We recognise how hugely influential parents can be in the learning for, with, and beside each student. 

Five Questions Parents can ask their children:

1. What did you learn today?
2. How did you do?
3. What did you do if you didn’t understand?
4. How can you improve on your learning?
5. What are you most proud of?

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.

The Willows P&C Mega Easter Raffle - Thank you in advance for your support!

The Willows State School P&C is once again hosting an Easter raffle to raise funds for additional school resources. A very big thank you to the families who generously contributed to the raffle prizes with donations.

The raffle will be drawn after the P-2 Easter Hat 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.

Notes regarding how to purchase tickets have been distributed to students this week.  If you missed these and wish to purchase tickets however…

Prizes

1st prize Easter hamper valued at $150
2nd prize Easter hamper valued at $100
3rd prize Easter hamper valued at $100

The Raffle link is…

REMINDER: School Photos THIS WEEK – 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 is included in this 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 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 4-6 weeks after photography days are completed.

REMINDERS:

• All Photos will be taken in the TCBC hall
• Please remind your children of sibling photo days and times
• Full school uniform is required for all students (No Senior Shirts, YSS Shirts or coloured Sporting House Shirts)

Families will have until Monday 7th April 2025 to order photos without penalty. After this time, a $15 late fee will be applied. 

If you placed an order and your child was absent on the photo days, you will need to contact the Advanced Life Parent Team via their website https://www.advancedlife.com.au/contact.php to arrange a full refund within 10 days. Advanced Life have advised that if they haven’t heard from ordering parents within 10 days, a group photo will still be provided, and they will provide a partial refund for the portrait component of their purchase (if applicable). The group photo will come with instructions to claim a full refund, but the group photo must be returned to the Advanced Life office to claim the full refund. Parents may also choose to have their child's portrait taken during one of their studio days.

STUDIO DAYS - Advanced Life provide Studio Days in the first week of school holidays for those who may have missed photo day, or for retakes. They can photograph portraits and sibling photos on these days, run from their Townsville and Cairns offices.  Please see below information sheet regarding their Studio Days.

SIBLING PHOTOS - LATE ORDERS - If students have presented for a sibling photo but the parents have missed the cut-off for ordering, Advanced Life will still take their photo.  When packs are delivered, the parent will receive a slip with ordering information and a ‘thumbnail’ of the photo, so they know what they’re purchasing.

Free positive parenting strategies for families of children with disability

If you are a parent or carer of a child with disability, you want to support them to get the most out of everyday life, like their daily routines, socialising with others and building independence. We would like to highlight that there’s now free online support available so that you can help them with the key life skills they need and build your confidence, too. Stepping Stones Triple P Online provides a toolkit of practical, proven strategies that you can use straight away and adjust to your family’s needs. Developed by the world-acclaimed Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, it can make life less stressful, to help the whole family adapt and enjoy life more. Do it online, anytime. Plus, it’s free! Learn more at: triplep-parenting.net.au

DID YOU KNOW?

Triple P has more free parenting programs, including Triple P Online (for parents and carers with children under 12) and Fear-Less Triple P Online (for parents and carers with children 6+ who are often anxious). These are just a few of the programs on offer and they’re all available now at: triplep-parenting.net.au. You can also find the Triple P educators on Facebook and Instagram where they share tips and chat about topics parents want to know more about.

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 now 91.3%.  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.

A range of parent resources are also available at the below link:

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

Have a wonderful week – our final newsletter for Term 1 will be issued on Wednesday, 2 April.

Warm regards,
Michelle Donn
Principal

Upcoming Events

Year Level Parade Times

General News

WILLOWS WARRIORS

PREP to YEAR 2 EASTER PARADE

THE WILLOWS STATE SCHOOL P&C EASTER RAFFLE

TOWNSVILLE BULLETIN - MY FIRST YEAR

Positive Behaviour Learning (Safe, Respectful, Responsible)

FORTNIGHTLY FOCUS

The new fortnightly focus is ‘We show RESPECT through Words and Actions’.

At the Willows we show respect to everyone by using our kind words and actions. Respect means showing that you care about someone else’s feelings, wishes and rights.

The expectation at TWSS is that, 'We show respect by using our manners, kind words and thoughtful actions.' Remember this means that these respectful behaviours are shown when you are in the classroom, the playground and when transitioning through the school.

Please talk with your children about ways they can show respect both at school and in the community.

Queensland Engagement and Wellbeing Survey – Term 2

Year 4-6 students will be asked to take part in the Queensland Engagement and Wellbeing (QEW) Survey. The QEW Survey gives schools the opportunity to hear the collective voice of their students and will help monitor their school culture and student wellbeing. The information collected through the survey will be kept confidential. No personal information will be shared with anyone outside of the Queensland Department of Education. The survey will take place in Term 2 – Weeks 2 & 3.

Students in these year levels will receive a letter in Week 10 outlining the QEW survey, so keep an eye out for this.

Rewards – Week 10

Next week we will be celebrating the students who have been frequently caught being Safe, Respectful and Responsible. Below in a proposed timetable for week 10, changes may occur next week if needed.

Icy Cups for sale every Wednesday

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

Harmony Day

Last week we celebrated Harmony Day on Friday 21^st March.

In the classroom we celebrated Harmony Day by engaging students in meaningful conversations and activities that promote understanding, empathy and a sense of community.

Below are examples of work from across the school. Great job to the teachers and students involved.

The Pulse

Season Sport

Thank you to all parents and caregivers who returned the expression of interest letter as the feedback helps us to plan activities for students.

Season sport will commence next term for students who chose netball or rugby league. Unfortunately, hockey lacked enough numbers to participate however, we have enough participants to field two netball teams and one rugby league team. The note will be out by end of term and will cost approximately $70 dollars, with games commencing term 2, week 2 and running for 6 weeks.

Interschool Swimming

The Interschool Swimming Carnival set out for Thursday 27 March has been cancelled due to the weather and safety concerns with the hope of rescheduling it in term 4. A big thank you to parents and carers who supported us with bringing their children to trainings even in the unfavourable weather and with early starts, it was really appreciated. We will keep you informed of any updates with rescheduling when it becomes available.

Bill Nettle and Netball Cup

At this stage both of these one-day gala events are going ahead. Nominations have been submitted for the due date Wednesday 26 March in preparation for next week. When seeking confirmation, we were told that Friday (28 March) there may be more information regarding the weather.

Cross Country

We had scheduled the trial for the Interschool Cross Country for earlier this term to allow for six weeks conditioning, but postponed due to the weather. We have rescheduled it for Thursday 24 April, week 1, term 2. A Cross Country Nomination to Trial letter will be sent home for students wishing to trial next week which will require parent consent. Students selected will participate in the Interschool Cross Country on Tuesday 20May. Please note the Interschool Cross Country is an after-school event at Bicentennial Park, Queens Road, Hermit Park and transport is provided by parents.

Defence News

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

Welcome to a wet Week 9. Attached are the details for the holiday program at Mates 4 Mates - be quick to get a spot for your children. This week we had a visit from Scott Klima from the RSL for the activity “Postcards of Honour”. Students in Year 3 will be drawing and writing a letter to a Veteran on what Anzac Day means to them. These postcards will then be delivered to Veterans in Townsville. Reminder that the Anzac Day Ceremony at school will be held on Thursday 24^th April at 9.30am in TCBC. Everyone is welcome to attend. Merchandise will be for sale on the first day back in Term 2, ranging from 50c to $7.

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 you can ask me for a flyer. 

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

For what’s coming up in Townsville for Defence Families see attached flyer or register to receive their newsletter and updates dmfs.townsville@defence.gov.au or follow on Facebook.

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

Did you know that you can walk into DMFS office (Private and Confidential) at Nathan Business Centre Corner Ross River Road and Nathan Street during business hours to speak to a Social Worker/Councillor 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.

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 
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

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

Have an awesome week!

Correna Wheeler
Defence School Mentor

Community News

LITTLE LIFESAVERS