2 April 2025

Principal’s Pride

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Community Members,

Welcome to the final week of Term 1. Students who are well enough to be at school are requested to be in full attendance until the last day of term, Friday, 4th April. School will re-commence on Tuesday, 22nd April (as Monday, 21 April is a PUBLIC HOLIDAY). 

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

Over the last week of this term, we will continue to be busy with a range of extra-curricular and co-curricular events – Three Way Conversations, 75 Star Rewards, Prep to Year 2 Easter Parades 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.

*** Please note Bill Nettle Cup and NQ Netball Cup have been postponed***

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

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. 

Three Way Conversations

Thank you to all parents who took the opportunity to meet with their child’s teacher/s to discuss their child’s progress during Term 1.  I trust that the opportunity to view your child’s work, portfolios and classroom learning walls provided clarity around the demands of the curriculum and how student progress is monitored and assessed over time. Positive and informed home-school partnerships are essential to succeed for our students and your ongoing support of your child’s learning journey is much appreciated.

Thank you to the parents who also took the time to complete a short survey – your insights are much appreciated and provide valuable input into our School-led Review.

75 Star Rewards - Term 1

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 attend these rewards sessions students must have accumulated 75 Stars on their chart – these are provided by teachers for following school rules, expectations and routines.

Congratulations to all of our students who have worked hard over Term 1 to be eligible to participate in these events.  I look forward to EVERY student striving hard to achieve participation in Term 2.

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 Prep to Year 2 Easter Hat Parades on the final day of the school term - Friday, 4 April. Winners do not need to be present to win and will be contacted via phone.

Notes regarding how to purchase tickets have been distributed to students, however if you missed this, please follow the link below…

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…

Lost Property

Please view the lost property box located in the Main CPA if you are looking for your child’s lost items of clothing, lunchboxes or drink bottles. All unclaimed items are disposed of at the end of each term. Ensuring all property brought to school is clearly labelled with your child’s name greatly assists in minimising frustration and expense for you and your family.

Keep a watch on our school these holidays

With the holidays fast approaching, your support in looking out for after-hours crime in our school is appreciated. If you see something suspicious, please don’t attempt to personally intervene. Call School Watch on 13 17 88 and let the local police or State Government Protective Security Service deal with the matter.

The School Watch program is a partnership between the Department of Education, the

Queensland Police Service and the State Government Protective Security Service. It aims to reduce vandalism, theft and arson in Queensland schools.

Easter Holiday & Term 2 Date Claimers

I would like to wish all staff, students and our entire The Willows State School community a wonderful Easter vacation. I am sure everyone is looking forward to some well-earned rest and relaxation. Be safe and cherish your time with friends and family.

I look forward to seeing everyone back at school happy and healthy on Tuesday, 22 April for the commencement of what promises to be an action-packed Term 2.  Some upcoming events to look forward to include our:

• Whole School ANZAC Day School Ceremony on Thursday, 24 April from 9:30am – all parents and community members are most welcome to attend
• ANZAC Day Thuringowa March on Friday, 25 April – notes have been issued to students regarding this. All interested students and caregivers are most welcome to march with us
• P&C Mother’s Day Stall - Tuesday, 6 May to Friday 9 May; and an
• Under 8’s afternoon on 16 May to name but a few.

Have a wonderful week and school holidays – our first newsletter for the term will be issued on Wednesday, 23rd April.

Warm regards,

Michelle Donn
Principal

Upcoming Events

Year Level Parade Times

General News

PREP to YEAR 2 EASTER PARADE

Positive Behaviour Learning (Safe, Respectful, Responsible)

FORTNIGHTLY FOCUS

The Fortnightly Focus for our last week of Term 1 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.

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

QUEENSLAND ENGAGEMENT AND WELLBEING SURVEY – TERM 2

Year 4 to 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 and 3.

Refer to the letter sent home at the beginning of this week.

REWARDS – Week 10

This week we are celebrating the students who have been frequently caught being Safe, Respectful and Responsible.

The teachers and students will have fun celebrating excellent behaviour whilst learning this week. Some of the activities that year levels are participating in are themed around Easter with Easter Egg Hunts, Easter craft and outdoor games.

ICY CUPS FOR SALE – Term 2, Week 2

• Thanks to all the families for supporting the Student Council this term, even though it has been difficult with the weather.
• We will resume selling on Wednesday in Week 2 of Term 2.

ADOPT-A-SCHOOL – Cowboys Visit

The Willows State School’s adopt-a-school Cowboys, Jordan McLean visited our school last Wednesday.

Jordan visited 6B and 6D and talked about effort and resilience in Year 6. They also discussed social media and how to use it effectively by showing respect through kind words and actions.

Sadly, the weather stopped a game from happening for the students.

Defence News

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

We are nearly at the end of a very wet Term 1. Happy Easter to you all. Enjoy the Holidays and stay safe. 

Anzac Day Assembly – Thursday 24^th April - All students and parents are invited to attend our Anzac Day Assembly, starting at 9:30am in TCBC.

Anzac Day Thuringowa March – Friday 25^th April – All students and parents are invited to attend the Thuringowa Anza Day March (Term 2, Week 1 – Public Holiday). The Willows State School will march to honour, respect and remember all service personnel past and present.  The parade will form up at 8:30am and start at 9:00am behind Weir State School, finishing at the cenotaph at Riverway.  Students are asked to wear full school uniform, hat, sunscreen and bring a drink bottle.  If you are interested in participating in the March, please collect a note from the office to take home to be signed and returned to the office.

A reminder that if you are going away soon for training, please send me an email so I can support your children here at school as they may experience challenging days and I understand how this time can impact their emotions and learning.

Anzac Day is approaching and to commemorate this event Veteran and Family Hubs: 2025 National Colouring Competition is being offered. Please see the attached flyer for details. A copy of the colouring in page is to be completed, along with entry form and submit them both to The Oasis Centre here in Townsville or bring to me at school. There are some great prizes this year! Your entry will first go to your local Veteran and Family Hub, and if you are the winner, they will submit your entry into the National competition, which will be announced on 25th April. Good luck and have fun.

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

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 GREATEST WEAPON AGAINST STRESS IS TO CHOOSE ONE THOUGHT OVER ANOTHER” - William James

Pitch News

Music News – Issue 4 Term 1 Wk 10 

We have arrived at the end of the Term 1. How quickly time has gone – but what great achievements from everyone so far. We look forward to sharing this progress with you at our Gala next term and for our Choirs at State Fanfare. 

Term 2 timetables will be emailed to you from your Instrumental teacher. If you don’t receive a copy, please let us know. Lessons and rehearsals will continue as normal Day 1, Week 1 of Term 2. Your child’s classroom teacher will receive a copy of the Term 2 timetable as will your child. Our goal this term is to have no interruptions to lessons and getting to lessons on time without reminders. Please ensure you have a copy of the timetable viewable at home to help with these organisational skills. There have been some minor changes with some groups. 

Attendance to rehearsals is getting better, but some children are still arriving late. Please keep up the practice over the holidays. Orchestra resumes on Tuesday, first day back of Term 2 at 7.40am. 

Have a great break!! We look forward to seeing you refreshed when you return for a busy term ahead!!

Date Claimer

Beginner Strings – Carla Mulligan

Please meet Ms Mulligan on Friday at 9.15am in Music room to warm up and prepare for your Easter performance. Good Luck!! I’m “Eggcited” to hear you!!

Junior & Senior Choirs  
Fiona Coleman

Our next performance is at our ANZAC day parade at school in TCBC at 9.30am on Thursday, 24^th April. You are invited to come to our parade. Children will be singing the Australian and New Zealand national anthem, A Perfect World and The Spirit of the Anzac.

Choral Fanfare is creeping up on us. Weather is still impacting some rehearsals – however we are trying to get around this and rehearse alternative times.

All Junior and Senior Choir students are preparing to participate in this statewide competition so it’s essential they are attending rehearsals. Both Choirs have been working extremely hard and attendance has been exceptional!!  Notes will be sent home with more information in Term 2. 

Regional Festivals will take place on

Friday 6th June at Pimlico Theatre.
PLEASE CLAIM THIS DATE!!!

A course on QLEARN has been created for Senior Choir to rehearse through their parts over the holidays. If each child knows their part - coming together as a group will make those harmonies and parts work nicely so we can focus on refining the musicality. I will let them know when that is active. 

Notes for Commitment for Choir were sent home a few weeks ago. Please return these to the office as soon as possible. Keep up the great work and keep singing over the holidays!!!

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. Please check with ADMIN to set up payment plan if needed. 

Reminder for music uniform - 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 worth teaching because it empowers children spectacularly." - Richard Gill

Prep News

What a busy week it has been in Prep! We are working hard for our next 75 Star Rewards time, making sure we fill our chart so we can join in on the Easter egg hunt!

In English, we have been sharing ideas about our favourite story. We have also been using our sounds to blend CVC words!

In Maths, we have been asking yes/no questions to collect, sort and compare data. We have also been participating in fun activities to learn number recognition to 10 and beyond.

In Science, we have been learning all about the weather including which clothes and activities suit a particular type of weather.

Year One News

Wow! What a term we have had. Our Year 1 students have certainly learned a lot this term. In Term 1, we have covered living things in Science, positional and directional language as well as data and statistics in Mathematics and have given a talk about a book in English. Not to mention we have all moved up into the Year 1 classrooms with our new teachers and new friends in our classes.  If Term 1 is any indication, Term 2 is going to be amazing!  

Have a safe and happy holidays, 
The Year 1 Teaching Team

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Year Two News

We discovered that we could make paper stronger by folding it, rolling it, gluing it together and scrunching it.

In our water test, plastic and foil proved to be waterproof. Fabric and dish cloth absorbed the water and then let the water through into the cup. Paper absorbed the water and then became weak and broke.

Year Three News

The Year 3 students have had an exciting and eventful time recently!

This week, we were fortunate to have a special guest from the RSL (Returned and Services League) come in to talk to the students about the important work the RSL does and the role it plays in supporting veterans. The students were very engaged and asked thoughtful questions, learning about the history of the RSL and the significance of ANZAC Day. It was a great opportunity for our young learners to connect with the community and learn about Australian history.

In addition, the students had their school photos taken this week! It was a fun and busy day with everyone dressed in their best clothes and looking their sharpest. We can't wait to see the beautiful memories captured in the photos.

Overall, it’s been a busy and enriching time for Year 3, and we look forward to more exciting adventures ahead!

Year Four News

This term in Year 4 Maths, students have been busy developing their skills across a range of exciting topics. From exploring symmetry to mastering fractions and conducting statistical investigations, our young mathematicians have been deepening their understanding through hands-on learning and digital tools.

We began by investigating symmetry, where students identified and created symmetrical patterns in nature, art, and everyday objects. They also explored grid referencing, learning how to navigate maps and locate points using coordinates.

Number skills have been a key focus, with students strengthening their number facts, including fractions. They have worked on representing fractions in different ways, comparing and ordering them, and applying their knowledge to solve real-world problems.

One of the highlights of the term has been our statistical investigations. Students designed their own surveys, collected data using digital tools, and represented their findings using column graphs and pictographs. This hands-on approach has helped them understand how data can be used to answer questions and make informed decisions.

We look forward to another exciting term of learning ahead!

In our strength test, plastic and fabric held over 200 marbles, paper held 75 marbles and aluminium foil only held 8 marbles.

Constructing our lunch boxes using the information from our experiments.

Year Five News

Year 5 - Maths

In Maths this term, our Year 5 classes have planned and conducted statistical investigations about sun safety, using the ‘Sun Smart App’ by Cancer Council to gather information about specific locations and when sun protection is needed the most.

The children have learned to pose questions to collect nominal and ordinal categorical and discrete numerical data, gather and interpret data and show their findings using a variety of graphs (data displays). All classes interpreted daily UV forecast data like the graph shown above. The children then compared the results of all three investigations to answer the question: Is your class sun smart?

Year Six News

This term in HASS, the students have been learning about the Henry Parkes and how he impacted the federation of Australia and then about the three levels of government we have in our country. The students have been working collaboratively to plan different public holidays that can be celebrated at the three levels, local, state and federal. After their planning, they will be presenting a bill to persuade the government about their chosen new holiday.