30 April 2025

Principal’s Pride

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Community Members,

Welcome back to Week 2. I trust everyone is taking some extra time to look after their health and wellbeing, especially as we start to approach the cooler months of the year. Please continue to reinforce good hygiene habits with your children – hand washing, use of hand sanitiser and tissues etc to decrease the potential spread of illness for us all.

Just a reminder that this coming week-end is a long week-end, as Monday is a public holiday for Labour Day.

Celebrating Guidance Officer Week - Support, Inspire, Guide

This Guidance Officer Week (Monday, 28 April to Friday, 9 May), we celebrate 77 years of guidance support in Queensland state school communities. Guidance Officers (GOs) provide counselling and advice on educational, career, personal, mental health and wellbeing issues for students. This week is an opportunity to highlight the great support our GOs provide in schools.

I feel very blessed to have Courtney Chisnall as our Guidance Officer at The Willows State School to work with not only our internal student support personnel, but a range of external inter-agency connections to provide quality ongoing support for our most vulnerable students and their families. Thank you, Courtney – we very much appreciate everything you do.

Message from Courtney Chisnall, TWSS Guidance Officer

Guidance Officers support students' mental health and wellbeing at school. I am known as Miss Courtney to our students at The Willows State School. I work with many of our students, to support them to feel happy, safe and successful. I am grateful to have been a part of the TWSS community over the past 4 years. In this role I am fortunate to work alongside students, staff, parents and external supports in the best interest of our learners. This includes short term counselling, regulation support, referrals, plans, meetings and organisation of events such as the Wellbeing Breaky in Term 3! I like to tell the students that I have the best job in the whole school, because I get to work (sometimes through play) to help our students to improve their mental health and wellbeing. If you feel like your child requires additional support, please reach out to your classroom teacher or the admin email, which they can then refer to me.

School ANZAC Day Ceremony and Thuringowa ANZAC Day Parade

Last Thursday we hosted our annual school ANZAC Day Ceremony in the TCBC Hall. It was wonderful to welcome the many parents and community members who were able to attend. Our students respectfully participated in the ceremony and received positive acknowledgement of their participation from our special guests. A big thank you also to the many students and parents who turned out on ANZAC Day to march with our school group. It was one of our biggest contingents in recent years – your support is much appreciated.

P&C Mother’s Day Stall – WEEK 3 – Tuesday, 6 May to Friday, 9 May

Our wonderful P&C are once again conducting a Mother’s Day Stall for our students to be able to purchase gifts for the special female caregivers in their lives. Gift prices are very competitive and offer great value for money. All profits go towards school fundraising projects which include playgrounds, shade structures and classroom resources.

This year payment can either be made with cash or vouchers purchased through your child's tuckshop account on Flexischools. Please see the P&C information regarding the stall and how you can sign up to assist, later in this newsletter. Your support of our P&C Fundraising efforts is much appreciated.

🌱 Growing Healthy Futures with Pick of the Crop 🌱

We’re thrilled to announce that our school is now part of the Pick of the Crop initiative — a state-wide program helping students learn where their food comes from and the importance of healthy eating. As part of this exciting collaboration, our school has received a grant to build a food garden on school grounds. This space will provide students with hands-on learning experiences aligned with the Technologies V9 Australian Curriculum, focusing on food production, sustainability, and design thinking — all while growing and harvesting their own produce to eat. This project supports our vision for sustainability, wellbeing, and real-world learning. We can’t wait to watch our garden — and our students — grow!

Even more exciting is the opportunity for our wider community to be involved. We’re looking forward to partnering with local growers, families, and community members to support the garden’s success and deepen our students’ learning.

Special thanks to Mr Menzies for his work in coordinating this initiative.

DATE CLAIMERS: School-led Review – opportunities for parents to provide input into the future 4-year direction of The Willows State School

In last week’s newsletter, when explaining the School-led review process, I mentioned that 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.

Some currently planned opportunities for parent input include:

• Evening Forum - Wednesday, 21 May 5pm-6pm – prior to P&C Meeting in D Pod
• Survey: Friday, 23 May – P-2 Under 8’s Day (school afternoon session) – feedback sought informally by school staff utilising a QR Code
• Afternoon Forum - Thursday, 12 June – 3:30-4:30pm – prior to Music Gala

If you missed participating in our short five question ‘snapshot’ survey about our school at 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.

‘Time Out’ Poster – Keeping your child and other children healthy

We love to see all of our students at school every day they are well enough to attend.  On some occasions however, your child may become unwell.  Please view the following Queensland Health ‘Time Out’ poster to see recommendations for keeping your child at home.  

Have a wonderful week. Our next newsletter for Term 2 will be issued on Wednesday, 7 May.

Warm regards,
Michelle Donn
Principal

Upcoming Events

Year Level Parade Times

Curriculum News

General News

UNDER 8’S DAY – Friday 23 May

Positive Behaviour Learning (Safe, Respectful, Responsible)

FORTNIGHTLY FOCUS

We will continue with the fortnightly focus, ‘Right Time, Right Place, Right Pace.’

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

Students will review our school wide expectations and take a close look at eating and playground area expectations. 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 across the school.

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.

ICY CUPS FOR SALE – Week 2

• Icy cups will be sold from Wednesday Week 2 at 2:55pm from the TCBC kitchen for the Year 3 to 6 students and Junior CPA for the Prep to Year 2 students.
• Icy cups are 50cents each and all money raised goes to Student Council.
• Student Council is raising funds for signage across the school to build on the school community spirit.

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

More information will come in next newsletters.

The Pulse

Season Sport

Netball

This Thursday will be our first round of Block Sport which will run for the next 6 weeks. We have 20 Year 6 students participating. We nominated a mixed team and a Senior girls team. The mixed team will play in the 12.30pm time slot and will play Weir State School on court 7. The Senior B girls team will play at 1.15pm against Bohlevale State School on court 15. We wish all the players the best of luck for their first game.

Rugby League

The 2 rugby league teams made up of our 24 students will begin their competition on Thursday in the Open Leagues. Team 1 in Open League A Pool B will face off against Bohlevale at 12:30pm; whilst team 2 in Open League B Pool A start their competition against Kirwan at 1:15pm.

Cross Country

On Thursday, we ran our cross-country trial with 54 students participating. The top 5 students for each category were selected to represent the school at the upcoming Interschool event on Tuesday 20May. Congratulations to all the successful students. Permission notices were handed out on Monday and are due back on Wednesday as training commences at 8am Wednesday on the school oval.

***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,

Week 2- Special Thanks to everyone who attended our school ceremony on Thursday, with much appreciation to CPL Young for being our guest speaker. It was a memorable occasion. Thank you to the students and staff who joined me very early for the Dawn Service. It was wonderful to see so many parents and students marching with us on Friday morning for the 110^th Anzac Day.

ADF Equip-Parental Absence program on Wed 14^th May at 12:45pm-2:45pm in L Pod. The program will be a 2hr session held during last session at school, facilitated by DMFS staff, Social Worker and DSM. Young children are given the opportunity to learn from each other, develop friendships and discover healthy ways to cope with the unique challenges of the Defence Lifestyle/Parental Absences. For ages 9 to 12 years old, with limited places. For more information contact Correna on 4799 1333 or email cwhee36@eq.edu.au

Child of the ADF Medallion - 09 May 2025. Join us for a special medallion ceremony to honour the children of our ADF members! This in person event will take place at the Geckos Family Centre in Townsville. It's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and recognise the sacrifices made by our military families. Don't miss out on this memorable event! The Child of the ADF Medallion is a small but important way of recognising the children who go through the emotional, and at times, difficult experience of having a loved one serve in the ADF. Participation in the Child of the ADF Medallion program is open to all recognised dependents of full time ADF members aged up to 18 years of age.

When:             Friday 09 May 2025
Time:              5.00pm – 6.30pm
Where:           Geckos Family Centre
Tickets:          Child of the ADF Medallion Ceremony – Townsville - Eventbrite

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

EVERY DAY IS A GOOD DAY!!!

Pitch News

Music News – Issue 6 Term 2 Week 1/2

WELCOME BACK TO TERM 2!!

This is a very busy term with many opportunities for your children to perform.  Keep up the fantastic attendance to lessons and rehearsals. Your efforts will be rewarded at our upcoming concerts. Please check the date claimer below.

Term 2 timetables were emailed to you from your Instrumental teacher. They were also handed to your child and emailed to class teachers. 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. 

A reminder also that children are being assessed this term. The report is a progress of how they are going. Your child needs to understand their results and ask themselves if they have met their goals and what they need to do to improve to meet their next lot of challenges.  Persistence, motivation and overcoming these hurdles makes us stronger and give us the ability to achieve and feel confident about our accomplishments. Please ensure children are aware of their lesson times and putting in the extra effort to showcase to the Instrumental teacher what they have learned during Semester 1. Be aware of your expectations and what is required from you for success. Practising and preparing for your assessment will assist in great results.  Good luck!!

Date Claimer

Junior & Senior Choirs
Fiona Coleman

Congratulations to the Senior Choir who debuted their first performance for the year at our ANZAC day service. Although a little nervous, they performed very well. They reflected on the performance during the next rehearsal and discussed what could be improved and set goals for our next big performance of Choral Fanfare. 

Choral Fanfare - Regional Festivals will take place on Friday, 6^th June at Pimlico Theatre. Please mark this date in your calendars.

Don’t forget – Seniors can access their performance songs on QLEARN. Lots of the children accepted the invitation and did practise. If you are having difficulty accessing it, please send me an email and we’ll find another way of helping your child with learning their part. 

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 during rehearsals. They are super excited and very keen to be practising at home.

Junior Choir are doing extra rehearsals during the week to make up for our disruptions last term with wet weather. For the next few weeks, they will be having sectionals. Children are aware of part 1 and part 2. I’ve also included extra whole Choir rehearsals to prepare for Fanfare. Please check timetable below.

Junior Choir will have extra rehearsals to prepare for Choral Fanfare in Week 7.
Monday - Whole Choir- First Break (Play/Eating)
Tuesday – (Part 1) First Break Play only
Tuesday – (Part 2) Second Break - Play only
Wednesday - Whole Choir- Second Break (Play/Eating)

Senior Choir - as per timetable
Thursday and Friday - First Break (Play/Eating)

Music Shirts, Folders/Music, School Instruments/Fees

It is a requirement that all children in the Music Program wear 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.

There are still some outstanding SRS & Commitment forms. Please contact office to set up payment plan or get a new note to confirm placement in the program.

Musically Yours,
Fiona Coleman

"Music is worth teaching because it empowers children spectacularly." - Richard Gill

Prep News

English this term involves us writing and reading a simple information text.  In Science, they are learning about living things and the Melville’s incursion will be a highlight that supports both subjects.

Reading, drawing and Labelling

HASS continues to focus on important and special events which has meant we have been discussing Anzac Day and Easter. The Preps need to be very proud of how they showed so much respect at their first Anzac Assembly.

Year One News

It has been a short start to Term 2 in Year 1 with Easter Monday and ANZAC Day on Friday. Students have been learning how to partition one and two-digit numbers. They have enjoyed partitioning numbers using a variety of different materials.

In English this term, Year 1 students are learning about information reports. In 1B, we had a go at finding and taking photos of the text structure of a non-fiction book with the iPads. We are also learning to answer questions about information reports and their topics.

We also spent some time this week discussing Anzac Day and the importance of commemorating this day. We have been busy making a wreath to lay for our Anzac Day Assembly.

Year Two News

Although it’s been a short week, Year 2 students have been settling back into our routines and diving into some exciting new learning units!

In Mathematics, we’ve begun exploring the concepts of time and number, including reading clocks to the hour and half-hour and understanding number patterns.

In English, students are learning about information texts, with a focus on identifying the difference between facts and opinions. We’ve also started looking at how to group information using noun and verb groups, with animals like frogs, butterflies, and chickens.

Our new Science unit is all about life cycles. We’re exploring how living things grow and change over time—starting with animals and insects the students are already curious about.

This week also marked an important moment of reflection as we learned about the significance of ANZAC Day. Students participated in meaningful classroom discussions and activities, including reading picture books, creating artwork, and writing messages of remembrance to honour those who have served.

We’re proud of how thoughtfully the students have engaged with this learning and look forward to another great week ahead!

Year Three News

Health – Feeling Safe

This term students will investigate how emotional responses vary and understand how to interact positively with others. Students will use decision-making and problem-solving skills to select and demonstrate strategies that help them stay safe in different situations.

We must say a big thank you to Mrs Wheeler who arranged for Scott Klima from the RSL to come and speak to the students about the importance of Anzac Day. Mr Klima answered lots of questions and handed out postcards for students to write a message to veterans. This week he collected our postcards to send to veterans around Australia for ANZAC Day.

Over the next few weeks, it would be great to take your family down to Anzac Park to view the cenotaph and visit the Jezzine Barracks Museum.

Year Four News

This term the Year 4’s are learning about the roles and responsibilities of local government. We will be attending an excursion to the Materials and Waste Facility in Week 5. Last week 4D made these pyramids to show the three levels of government and what each level is responsible for. 

Year Five News

This term in Grade 5, our students are diving into a universe of learning—literally! We're exploring the wonders of the solar system. In literacy, students are honing their research and writing skills by creating informative texts on a topic they are passionate about.

Health lessons have us thinking about healthy habits, including how to fuel our bodies and minds with good choices. In HASS, we’re learning about the roles and responsibilities in Australia’s legal system, helping students understand how our democracy works and how laws are made.

Finally, in Maths, we’re investigating multiples and factors, building strong number sense and problem-solving skills. It's been a very busy start to Term 2.

Year Six News

Welcome back to Term 2! We are excited for another busy and fun-filled term with many new concepts being introduced to our wonderful learners.

In Science, students will be learning about various natural disasters including earthquakes and cyclones. In 6D, students prepared an evacuation kit, taking items from various rooms to decide whether they were important items. Many students were surprised by some of these items including a whistle, handheld radio and non-perishable foods!

In English, students are reading a variety of texts and developing their comprehension skills. Students have been introduced to Migration by reading fact files from famous migrant, like Anh Do.

Community News

Interested in becoming a school crossing supervisor?