21 May 2025

Principal’s Pride

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Community Members,

How fortunate we are to live in North Queensland and enjoy beautiful Autumn weather. This week we once again have a number of special events and extra-curricular activities/excursions occurring.  Not only do we have the Year 4 Townsville Material Recovery Facility Excursions, Year 5 Flying Fox Incursions, Inter-school Cross Country trials and the continuation of Inter-School Season Sport for Netball and Rugby League – we also have our much awaited Under 8s Celebrations for Prep to Year 2 on Friday afternoon. We are looking forward to having many of our parent and community members join us for this event – there will be many activities to enjoy participating in with your child.

Please ensure you keep up to date with all school communication channels around events to avoid any potential disappointment for you and your child.

This week we will  be acknowledging our students for their first 75 Star Rewards for the term – please continue to support us in encouraging your child to work hard to attain participation in their year level’s positive recognition activities twice per term.  These celebrations of success provide important motivation.

Communicating with your child’s school NEWLY RELEASED DoE resources

“We value open and respectful communication with parents and carers, to support student learning”

At the end of Term 1, 2025, the Minister for Education and the Arts committed to releasing a set of consistent state-wide expectations for communication between parents/carers and their child’s school.

Last week, the department released the Communicating with your child’s school set of resources. These resources are designed to support respectful communication between parents/carers and schools to promote positive school engagement. Our school community thrives when staff, parents/carers and students can share good news, talk about issues and have respectful conversations.

Specifically, the Communicating with your child’s school guideline outlines clear, consistent expectations for how parents/carers can engage with their child’s school, including appropriate contact channels, response timelines, and processes for raising concerns respectfully.

These tips support strong parent/carer partnerships in our school:

• contact school administration offices for general inquiries
• follow school process to request meetings with teachers and staff
• use polite language in all messages.

Strong parent and school partnerships are key to support your child to achieve their best. 

Let us know if:

• your child will be absent
• you are concerned about your child’s learning, safety or wellbeing
• there are changes to your child’s medical information or family circumstances
• you need to make or change a school appointment.

We will:

• keep you up to date about your child’s learning and engagement
• offer parent/carer-teacher interviews twice per year
• participate in pre-organised meetings for complex or sensitive issues
• provide school updates and opportunities for feedback.

Find out more about these guidelines in Queensland state schools: 

National Volunteer Week (NVW) - Monday, 19 to 25 May

National Volunteer Week is a chance for all of us to celebrate and recognise the vital work of volunteers and to say ‘thank you.’ Together, through volunteering, people are changing communities for the better. This year’s theme is: Connecting Communities. As a school we are extremely grateful for the volunteer support our school receives, particularly for extra-curricular activities, sporting events and P&C related events and fundraising activities.  We always welcome additional volunteers, please contact the school if you are interested in assisting in any way. 

All volunteers are required to complete a short DoE mandatory training package prior to commencement and depending on their circumstances, may require a Volunteer Blue Card.

P&C Day – Friday, 23 May

As part of National Volunteer Week, we also acknowledge and celebrate P&C Day on Friday. Without the generosity of our dedicated and inspiring P&C executive, members and volunteers many initiatives and events within our school simply could not be offered.  Both our Tuckshop and Outside School Hours Care services (OSHC) are businesses operated by the P&C. I would like to personally thank every P&C member, past and present, who has donated and continues to donate, countless hours of their time to ensuring ongoing excellence in our offerings and services to community, staff and students. They are to be commended for the tireless work they do each year to improve educational facilities and resources which contribute to  student academic, engagement and wellbeing outcomes in our school.

The National Excellence in  Teaching Awards

The National Excellence in Teaching Awards is a community-centred awards program, started by the NEiTA Foundation in 1994 supported by Futurity, to honour exemplary teaching in Australia and New Zealand.

Community members are invited to nominate an eligible teacher, principal, or early childhood educator for a NEiTA 2025 Award via the online nomination form:

 2025 National Excellence in Teaching awards. 

These awards recognise inspirational, talented and committed teachers who make a significant impact on their students, school and community.

Winners will receive a $5,000 or $10,000 professional development grant.
Nominations close 27 June.

School-led Review

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

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 - TODAY
• 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

HELP REQUESTED - TWSS NAIDOC Celebrations

During Week 1 of Term 3 (14-18 July) we will be celebrating NAIDOC Week with a range of activities. 

Our school NAIDOC Week Committee has commenced initial planning and is seeking the support of any parents/caregivers who have skills in playing traditional indigenous instruments, as we would be keen to share their talents with our students and school community, either through video footage or as a live performance at school during NAIDOC Week.  If you are interested in assisting with any aspect of our NAIDOC Week celebrations, please contact the school on 47 991 333 or email admin@thewillowsss.eq.edu.au

School Road Safety

School road safety is a matter that requires whole of community awareness and commitment. 

Improving the safety of school travel for all children is reliant on the involvement and engagement of schools (including staff, students and parents), local government (Townsville City Council) and state authorities such as the Department of Education Infrastructure Team, Queensland Police Service, Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and bus operators. 

This week I will focus our road safety community awareness on Two- minute loading zones.

Two- minute loading zones

Two- minute loading zones around schools are installed for parents to pick up and deliver their children quickly and safely.

Unfortunately, they are often misused by motorists who park and stay longer than the allocated time or leave their vehicles to enter the school. This can lead to traffic problems as motorists queue to enter the loading zone and end up blocking the flow of traffic.  This causes people to get impatient and take risks.

Often motorists are unaware of the implications of overstaying the regulated time. Police will visit schools periodically during the year. Motorists could receive a traffic offence/parking notice if found to be parking in marked areas longer than the times on the signs.

Thought for the Week:

Have a wonderful week. Our next newsletter for Term 2 will be issued on Wednesday, 28 May.

Warm regards,
Michelle Donn
Principal

Upcoming Events

Year Level Parade Times

General News

UNDER 8’S DAY – Friday 23 May

P and C News

Mother’s Day Stall

Thank You for supporting our Mother's Day Stall. We hope you all enjoyed the presents that were lovingly chosen for you.

A huge shout out and THANK YOU to Sonya Rogers, and Trina E for their ongoing dedication to our Mother’s Day Stall and the time and love they volunteer each year behind the scenes and during the week of the stall. Thank you to each and every volunteer that came along and donated their time to help during the week. It makes a huge difference to the kids and supports the teachers when we have friendly faces from our community helping. We appreciate you.

Congratulations to our Mother's Day Stall raffle winners! All winners have been notified.

National Volunteer Week 19 to 25 May

National Volunteer Week 2025 celebrates the power of volunteering to bring people together with the theme ‘Connecting Communities’. The Willows P&C would like to acknowledge the spirit of connection and the incredible impact volunteers have in building our thriving and inclusive community at The Willows State School. Thank you to all of our current and past volunteers for being a part of our community.

P&C Day is on the 23 May, we celebrate P&C day as part of National Volunteer Week and take a moment to recognise and give thanks to all of the members of our P&C. We appreciate your dedicated service and contribution to building a strong, sustainable and successful P&C to support our school community and give every child every chance in education and life.

Next P&C General Meeting

We hold our general meeting every third Wednesday of the month during term time. Our next meeting will be Wednesday 21 May at 6pm in D Pod. There will be a School-led Review before our meeting starting at 5pm and all are welcome to attend.

The Pulse (PE News)

Season Sport

Netball

• The Mixed Team played Calvary and won 8 points to 6.
• We are yet to receive the information about this week’s game for the Mixed Team. We will let the team know as soon as we receive this information.
• The Senior B Girls Team played Holy Spirit and were defeated 16 points to 2.
• Please note the Willows Senior B team are playing Carinity Senior A Team this week to prevent them both having a bye and is a scratch match.

Rugby League

• The A Team played Calvary and won 22 points to 6.
• The B Team played St Anthonys and went down 30 points to 48 in a very entertaining game.

Sporting Schools

This week sees the start of our Sporting Schools lunch time clubs with 3 sports coming to the Willows:

• Monday (first break) - NRL Club for Years 1 & 2
• Wednesday (first break) - Hockey Club for Years 4, 5 & 6
• Thursday (first break) - AFL Club for Years 4, 5 & 6

These clubs run from Week 5 to Week 9.

NQ Netball Cup and The Bill Nettle Challenge (rescheduled Friday, 27 June)

The NQ Netball Cup and Bill Nettle Challenge that were washed out in Term 1 have been re-scheduled for the last day of Term 2, Friday 27 June. Students had already been selected and forms completed for this event.

Positive Behaviour Learning (Safe, Respectful, Responsible)

FORTNIGHTLY FOCUS

The new fortnightly focus is ‘Kind Words, Gentle Hands’.

EXPECTATION - At The Willows State School students use kind words and gentle hands to show they are safe, respectful and responsible both in the classroom and playground.

Students will identify ways that they can express their thoughts and feelings positively using kind words only. This includes communicating through online platforms and emails.

It is also important to not ask your friends to send messages on your behalf or to listen to these messages as they can be misunderstood and often lead to unnecessary problems.

We encourage students at TWSS to take responsibility for their own actions and words as everyone has the right to feel safe at school. Please chat with your children about how they can use their kind words to solve problems.

ICY CUPS FOR SALE WEDNESDAYS

• Icy cups will be sold on Wednesday 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.

75 STAR REWARDS - Week 5

Congratulations to all the students who have been frequently caught being Safe, Respectful and Responsible for the first 5 weeks of Term 1 and are attending our first round of 75 Star Rewards.

The teachers and students will have fun celebrating excellent behaviour for learning this week. Some of the activities planned are undercover play, construction, craft, computers, iPads, board games and outdoor games.

DEADLY CHOICES – Term 1

Our Term 1 groups for Deadly Choices received their shirts on Monday this week.

We thank Alex and the team from TAIHS who came into the school to run the Deadly Choices program, our Year 6 students loved it this term.

THANK YOU COFFEE

• ‘Thank You Coffee’ came back to The Willows State School today, Wednesday 21^st May.
• The staff at TWSS love it when they visit and appreciate the great start to the day.
• Thank You Coffee is part of Northreach Baptist Church. Please help support this wonderful service. Below is a message from the Coffee Cart team:

As it's the start of a new year this is a reminder that THANK YOU Coffee is a community outreach project designed to bring hope and joy into the workplace by coming alongside chaplains, welfare officers and staff management to support them in practically caring for their staff by providing a space to enjoy a coffee made with love.

In the space of three years, we have given out over 10,000 cups of coffee and we can only continue to sustain this model through the support of your Pay-It-Forward donations.

We appreciate your partnership in this as we desire to continue to be an encouragement to others in our community. 

NATIONAL WALK SAFELY TO SCHOOL DAY

Last week we celebrated National Walk Safely to School Day at TWSS. A big shout out to Mrs Bala for sourcing the food for the students to enjoy when they arrived at school. Thanks heaps to all the staff that supported the event and joined in on the walk. Students used the crossing and practised road safety as they listened to music thanks to Mr Tod’s boom box. It was great to see so many parents join in as well. Proud Willows Day!

Defence News

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

May your week be filled with awesomeness and wonderful happenings. Here are a couple of photos showing some of the activities from last week’s Parental Absence program. It was a relaxed afternoon for students filled with learning and talking about what it feels like and what to do when a loved one is absent from the family. Hope this sparked many conversations at home. If you have any feedback, please let me know.

Last week was Inter Families Week and Defence students were encouraged to draw their Defence family and write, “What Defence family means to me”. Students expressed their feelings from the heart.  I have included some photos.

Over the next three months, there will be lots of activities/exercises taking place in the area and this will involve many members and families in our Defence community. Busy times are here with members being absent from the home, with no contact with families. The absence can cause a rollercoaster of emotions within the family dynamics and children here at school. A reminder that if a loved one is going away/will be absent from the family, please send me an email or call so I can support your children here at school. They may experience challenging days, and I understand how this can impact the parent left at home. It is essential to keep a routine at home for children during this time. My door is open for a chat anytime or email me cwhee36@eq.edu.au

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

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. 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

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.

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.

Register to receive newsletter and updates dmfs.townsville@defence.gov.au follow on Facebook.

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

My Dad and Me – Bikes, Scooters and BBQ’s

ADF Dads, Father figures and kids in Townsville are invited to Grab your helmets, pump up those tyres, and get ready to roll — it's time for some wheely good fun with My Dad & Me! Whether you're cruising on a scooter, tearing it up on a bike, or wobbling along with training wheels, this is your chance to hit the track with Dad (or a favourite grown-up).

We’ll throw in a BBQ to fuel your laps, plus a fun and friendly way to learn some road safety tips along the way. It’s all about making memories, meeting other Defence dads, and proving once and for all who’s faster — you or your old man!

Date:                     Saturday, 24 May 2025
Time:                    9.30am - 11.30 am
Venue:                 Wadda Mooli Park, Elliot Springs
Tickets:                via Eventbrite

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 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

IT TAKES A BIG HEART TO SHAPE LITTLE MINDS