23 April 2025

Principal’s Pride

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Community Members,

Welcome back to what promises to be an action-packed Term 2 at The Willows State School! It is wonderful to see so many happy, relaxed faces ready to embark upon a new round of learning. We also have a number of special events occurring this term. Our whole school ANZAC Day Ceremony on Thursday, 24 April, Thuringowa ANZAC Day March on 25 April, P&C Mother’s Day Stall Tuesday 6 to Friday 9 May, Under 8’s Afternoon 23 May, Music Gala Concert 12 June and Inter-House Athletics Carnival 19 June, to name but a few. We are looking forward to many students, parents and community members taking up these opportunities to be involved in the life of our school and celebrate our students’ extensive talents with us. Please note all the date claimers which appear weekly in our Community Newsletter.

On an academic level, we are continuing this term to work towards achieving our Annual Implementation Plan goals relating to student improvement and achievement in English and Mathematics specifically. Our 2025 Whole School Prep to Year 6 English and Mathematics targets are:

Semester 1, 2025 Student Report Cards will be issued electronically for all students in the final week of this term.

School ANZAC Day Ceremony and Thuringowa ANZAC Day Parade

Our school ANZAC Day Ceremony will be held in TCBC on Thursday, 24 April from 9:30am. All parents and community members are most welcome to attend. I would sincerely like to thank in advance our Defence School Mentor, Mrs Correna Wheeler, for her coordination of our ceremony, our school leaders for their facilitation of the ceremony, Ms Brooke Sorbello, our Senior Choir and our special guest, parent and veteran, Corporal Aaron Young from 4th Health Battalion Lavarack Barracks, who will speak on behalf of the Australian Defence Force.

Students from each class will also respectfully acknowledge the ANZACs by participating in wreath-laying during the ceremony. ANZAC badges, ribbons and pins will be on sale at school this week during lunch breaks from a stall near the tuckshop – items range from $1-$7.

This year The Willows SS will once again be participating in the Thuringowa ANZAC Day March and Ceremony on Friday, 25 April. For students interested in participating, permission notes are still available from the school office. Please return permission notes as soon as possible if your child/ren are interested in participating so we can plan for staff supervision. Parents are also most welcome to attend and encouraged to walk with their children within our school group.

Staff and students will meet at the Weir State School carpark and form up from there. Staff will be there from 8:30am for students to be signed in. Students will need to be dressed in full school uniform (not House uniform) with a hat and water bottle. Umbrellas, ponchos and raincoats are also encouraged if the weather is wet. Further information regarding the March route and program can be viewed on the Townsville City Council website.

Please see more detailed information regarding ANZAC arrangements in the Defence Mentor section later in this newsletter.

School-led Review

As mentioned in an earlier newsletter this year, every four years, all state schools are required to participate in a full school review process. On this occasion, our school has been selected to conduct a School-led review. Across the course of this term there will be a number and range of opportunities for staff, student and parent/caregiver input into our School-led Review. 

The School-led Review Evaluation Report will need to be written by the end of Term 2, to be submitted to the SRR (School and Region Reviews) Validation Team for their consideration. The Evaluation Report will include a synopsis of our school’s improvement journey (findings), affirmations and suggested improvement strategies against each of the nine domains of the School Improvement Tool (SIT).

The Nine Domains of the SIT are:
Domain 1: Driving an explicit improvement agenda
Domain 2: Analysing and discussing data
Domain 3: Promoting a culture of learning
Domain 4: Targeting school resources
Domain 5: Building an expert teaching team
Domain 6: Leading systematic curriculum implementation
Domain 7: Differentiating teaching and learning
Domain 8: Implementing effective pedagogical practices
Domain 9: Building school-community partnerships

Members of the SRR Validation team will then attend our school site for 2 days in Term 3 (12 and 13 August) to conduct a number of staff, student and parent interviews to ‘validate’ our school-led review findings and seek to identify any blind spots and additional areas for improvement. 

Thank you in advance for your considered engagement in this process as we seek to celebrate both our significant distance-travelled since the last school review (2021) and the accomplishment of a number of goals planned for in our Strategic Plan 2022-2025. Your assistance in contributing your voice to envision the future for our school and develop our new Strategic Plan 2026-2029 is much appreciated and vital. I look forward to engaging with staff, students and community members in this process throughout the term.

If you missed participating in our short five question ‘snapshot’ survey about our school during Three Way Conversations at the end of last term, your responses to the questions in the QR code below would be much appreciated.  The survey will remain open for the next few weeks.

Queensland Engagement and Wellbeing Survey – Year 4 to 6 Students

As in previous years, Year 4 to 6 students will once again 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 and engagement. This information will allow us to better support our students and meet their needs.

Letters were sent home with information about the QEW Survey in Week 10 of Term 1. The survey sessions will take place in Term 2 – in either Week 2 or 3. The current timetable for implementation is below.

What is involved in participation?

Staff will arrange for students to take part in the Survey online during class time. It will take about 30 minutes to complete. If your child requires additional assistance, teachers and/or support people are able to help them.

Does your child have to participate?

Participation in the survey is voluntary. Choosing not to participate will not affect your child’s education in any way. Your child will also be asked if they would like to participate before starting the survey. They will be free to stop or withdraw at any time during the survey.

If you do not wish for your child to participate in the QEW Survey, please email your child’s class teacher or Mrs Jackie Nosworthy - jnosw3@eq.edu.au. If you are unable to access email, a phone call to the school office on 47 991 333 or note to indicate withdrawal are other options able to be accessed.

How will your child’s information be kept confidential?

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 Queensland Department of Education will store the data according to strict guidelines. The collection of information is in line with the Educational General Provisions Act (2006) and the Information Privacy Act (2009).

How will your child’s responses be reported?

Student’s answers will be de-identified. They will only be reported back to the school as part of their year levels’ results. No one at your child’s school will be able to see their individual responses.

Where can I get more information?

More information, including additional FAQs and survey questions, can be found on the Department of Education website:

If you have any further queries, you can also contact the QEW Survey team by email: QEWSurvey@qed.qld.gov.au.

Term 2 Silver Star Rewards and 75 Star Rewards

As part of our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) Whole School Reward System, at the conclusion of every term a Silver Star Rewards acknowledgement process is implemented to acknowledge the exemplary behaviour of students throughout the past term. Students are ineligible to receive this if they have received a ‘Major’ behaviour incident referral at any time during the term.

75 Star Rewards sessions are also held twice per term – at the conclusion of Weeks 5 and 10. To be eligible to attend these students must have accumulated 75 Stars on their star chart – these are provided by teachers for following school rules, expectations and routines.

I look forward to all students setting a personal goal NOW to achieve participation goals for both of these rewards celebrations/acknowledgements later this term. Your support and encouragement of your child in their personal goal-setting is much appreciated.

The Willows State School Attendance Strategy – Every Day Counts!

School attendance is compulsory under the Education Act. If children are going to be absent from school for any reason, parents are requested to inform the school by phoning 4799 1333 or emailing admin@thewillowsss.eq.edu.au.

If your child is absent from school on any given day and we are unaware of the reason for the absence an SMS message will be generated asking you to contact the school regarding your child’s absence. Students are encouraged to come to school on every day they are well enough to attend. 

We finished Term 1 at just under 91% attendance overall. We are aiming for 91%+ this term.

Have a wonderful (albeit short) first week back at school. Our next newsletter for Term 2 will be issued on Wednesday, 30 April.

Warm regards,
Michelle Donn
Principal

Upcoming Events

Year Level Parade Times

Positive Behaviour Learning (Safe, Respectful, Responsible)

FORTNIGHTLY FOCUS

The fortnightly focus to start Term 2 will be, ‘Right Time, Right Place, Right Pace.’

At The Willows, we are always on time, in the right place and moving at the right pace.

As Term 2 begins, it is important to take the time to review our school wide expectations with the students. Over the fortnight we will take a close look at eating and playground area expectations. Using the school map, students will walk around the school and identify where they eat, play and the out of bounds areas. This is particularly important as our first term playtimes were so hindered by the rain. Teachers will also take the time to revisit the expectations of each area, when the right time is to be in this area and the safe and calm way that movement occurs within this area.

At The Willows, the expectation is that we are in the right place, at the right time using the right pace. We follow our school rules, being Safe, Respectful and Responsible.

NO ICY CUPS FOR SALE - WEEK 1 OF TERM 2

• Icy cups will be not be sold in Week 1, Term 2.
• Thanks to all the families for supporting the Student Council this last term, even though the weather was not to kind to us.
• We will resume selling on Wednesday in Week 2 of Term 2 in both the kitchen and the Junior CPA.

DATE CLAIMER: National Walk Safely to School - Friday, 16 May

More information will come in next newsletters.

Defence News

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

Welcome back to Term 2. I hope everyone has had a very relaxing break and ready for Term 2.

You are invited to join us Thursday for Anzac Day School Assembly – Thursday 24 April. All students and parents are invited to attend starting at 9:30am in TCBC. Merchandise will be on sale at school from Tuesday 22 April. Please stay for Morning Tea after the service.

Anzac Day Thuringowa March – Friday 25 April – All students and parents are invited to attend the Dawn Service at 5:20am at Riverway Cenotaph and then join us for the Thuringowa Anzac 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.

Saturday, 26 April, Cowboys are hosting Titans in the Anzac Round at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. Purchase your tickets in person and present your Defence or RSL service ID to take advantage of the 2 for 1 ticket offer.

The ADF Equip Parental Absence Program is being offered at school again this year. Students aged 9 to 12 years old are invited to attend. The program has been introduced to schools and was developed to support defence children to adjust to the unique challenges they may experience due to Parental Absence. The program will be held at school on Wednesday 14 May from 12:45pm to 2:45pm in L pod. You must complete a permission note if you are interested in registering your child/children. DMFS staff, Social Worker and myself will be facilitating. Please contact me at school 4799 1333 or cwhee36@e.edu.au for more details.

A reminder that if you are going away soon for training, please send me an email/call 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.

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

Community News

Citylibraries – Upcoming Events

2025 Premier’s Reading Challenge