18 June 2025

Principal’s Pride

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Community Members,

Welcome to a slightly chilly Week 9 of Term 2. We now have just 7 school days left in Semester 1.  School will conclude for this semester on Friday, 27 June and re-commence for Term 3 on Monday, 14 July. I encourage every student to remain in full and regular attendance at school every day they are well enough to do so.

This week we have Regional Choral Fanfare Performances for our Junior and Senior Choirs (Friday evening) and a Student Council Free Dress Day gold coin fundraiser (Friday).  A huge thank you in advance to all staff who contribute to the organisation, smooth running, success and enjoyment of these school community events. 

School Cleaner’ Day – Monday, 16 June

On Monday, we celebrated our wonderful School Cleaners by saying an extra big THANK YOU for all their hard work in keeping our school environment clean, safe and welcoming EVERY DAY.

Their knowledge, skills and care are truly appreciated.

REMINDER: Final P&C Meeting for Term 2 – Wednesday, 18/06 from 6pm in D Pod SWAT Room – all welcome.

2024 School Annual Report

Each year by June 30, schools are required to publish a ‘School Annual Report’ listing the major school achievements for the previous year against mandated system categories.  This is to be made available for viewing from the school website and via a direct link in the school’s newsletter by the end of term.  Our report will be available for viewing from Monday, 23/06 for those community members interested in perusing this.

Cooler Weather Uniform

As the cooler weather starts to creep in students have commenced wearing jumpers and trackpants to school.  Please ensure all clothing is clearly labelled with your child’s name so that any misplaced pieces can be easily returned to their owner.  Our school dress code lists plain navy-blue jumpers/trackpants as the preferred colour for winter clothing.  Jumpers with the school’s name and logo are also available for purchase from The School Locker if desired.

Semester 1, 2025 Student Reports – to be emailed in Week 10

The Willows State School will be emailing Report Cards again this semester. To ensure all parents and caregivers receive their child/children’s Report Cards, it is important that the school has your current email address recorded in OneSchool. If you are unsure that the school has your correct current email address, please ring/email the office to confirm.

Report Cards will be emailed to all parents/caregivers recorded as receiving correspondence.

Report Cards may get lost in a ‘Junk’ folder. To help avoid this, you can add the address from which report cards will be generated - Application.ONESCHOOL@qed.qld.gov.au to your list of safe senders now.

This year, due to the implementation of Version 9 of the Australian Curriculum for both English and Mathematics learning areas, the report card comments for these learning areas will appear a little different to those of the other learning areas.  English and Mathematics comments will reflect the specific unit content and tasks of the semester.  All other learning area comments will reflect the general aspects of the year level achievement standard that all students have engaged with during the semester. 

As we transition as a state-schooling system to additional Version 9 Australian Curriculum learning areas in 2026 – Science, Technologies and Health and Physical Education – you will notice further alignment of the comment banks to reflect the specific unit content and tasks of the reporting semester.

Your child’s rating for all learning areas will indicate to what standard they have completed summative assessment tasks related to the aspects of the achievement standard.

Peek at Prep is coming up!

2026 Prep enrolments at TWSS are now open.  We are currently advertising a Peek at Prep session to be held in Week 10 of this term on Wednesday, 25 June.  If you have a prospective Prep student for our school for 2026, please contact the school office to secure both you and your child’s place in this activity.

NAIDOC Celebrations

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

We are 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.  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 Photos Update

We have recently had a few parent enquiries regarding the anticipated arrival date of school photos.

Advanced Life have advised that our school photos have been printed and that we should expect to receive them next week. Thank you for your patience.

FREE Teen Triple P Online Program - Raise Resilient and Confident Teens

All families with children aged from 10 to 16 years can now get free, expert parenting tips and strategies via the online Teen Triple P – Positive Parenting Program. This free program, funded by the Queensland Government, provides ideas on how to positively support your teen’s emotional well-being, social skills and more.

• Create the best environment for your teen’s development
• Know how to promote new skills and respond to their behaviours and emotions
• Improve your relationship with your teen
• Raise happier, more confident and capable teens

You choose what works for you – adapt to suit your family, your values.

To start your free program today visit: www.triplep-parenting.net.au

Have a wonderful week. Our final newsletter for Term 2 will be issued on Wednesday, 25 June.

Warm regards,
Michelle Donn
Principal

Upcoming Events

Year Level Parade Times

General News

WILLOWS WARRIORS

In Week 10, 25 June (9.00 to 11.00am), we will be joining the morning and afternoon groups together and will be having a Teddy Bears picnic. We will start in the classroom and then progress outside to enjoy a morning of activities.

• Your favourite teddy                 
• Picnic food/snack
• Hat
• Drink bottle

Hope to see you all there,

Mrs Tropea & Mrs Hill

NQIM GALA CONCERT

RED FOOD DAY - Friday 20th June - Tuckshop Specials

PEEK AT PREP - Wednesday, 25th June 

Funding for The Willows State School to support globally competent learners

We are excited to announce that our school has received project funding through the Queensland Department of Education’s Growing Global Competence Fund.

Growing minds, Growing gardens: A sustainability initiative is an exciting initiative that will enrich student learning through activities such as sustainable gardening with the community and encourage students to take action for the wellbeing and sustainability of our communities.

We can’t wait to share stories, updates, and highlights from this exciting journey throughout the year. Stay tuned as our students put global competence into action!

FRESH FRUIT FRIDAY

We are excited to now offer students with opportunities to eat fresh fruit and vegetables. Fresh Fruit Friday is our weekly initiative to encourage healthy eating and fuel our students for learning! Each Friday, students can enjoy a delicious selection of fresh, seasonal fruit—promoting healthy habits and making healthy choices fun. Join us in celebrating Fresh Fruit Friday and helping our school community grow strong and healthy together! A big thank you to Woolworths Willows for supplying a box of fresh fruit and vegetables each Friday.

Our kids munch their way to better Health

P&C News

Our TUCKSHOP Is Hiring!

Are you looking for a fun & rewarding part time position that fits within school hours? Our busy tuckshop is seeking enthusiastic, motivated & friendly individuals to join our team! If you love working with children & have an interest in food, we would love to hear from you

This Position involves:

• Flexible roster - 15 to 20 hours per week
• Food preparation, cooking & baking
• Serving & interacting with students
• Working as part of our dynamic tuckshop team
• Maintaining a clean & safe working environment

Current BlueCard required. No Card, No Start. 

Apply at Tuckshop@twsspandc.org.au or call Kat 0423 664 968.

Galactic Donuts Fundraiser

School holidays are coming up and do we have a sweet treat for you! Support our P and C by purchasing a Galactic Donut voucher for only $19.90 for a 6 pack. You get the donuts, and we get your support, it’s a win-win!

Voucher sales open on Monday 9th June and close THIS Friday 20th June. Vouchers will be available for pick up from the tuckshop from the 24th of June.

Purchases can be made through the Flexischools app or by filling out the form below and handing it to the tuckshop.

Thanks for your continued support,

The Willows State School P and C

The Pulse (PE News)

NQ Netball Cup and The Bill Nettle Challenge:

The NQ Netball Cup and Bill Nettle Challenge is next week on the last day of Term – Friday 27^th June. Students had already been selected for this event. Nominations for this event are due on Wednesday 18^th June. Please inform the relevant teacher promptly if your child is no longer able to participate. Once we receive further information including the draw we will distribute the information to players and families.

Sporting Schools

Our Sporting Schools lunch time clubs were again a hit last week and continue this week. It is lovely to see the students further develop their physical and social skills and witness their progress over the sessions.

 Athletics

High Jump and 800m are now completed.

🌧️ POSTPONEMENT NOTICE 🌧️

🌟 Interhouse Athletics Carnival 🌟

Due to the weather yesterday and overnight and the current condition of the oval and running track, our Athletics Carnival has been postponed to:

📅 Thursday 17th July 2025 - Term 3, Week 1

We want to ensure a safe and enjoyable day for all students, staff, and families. Thank you for your understanding and support! 💛

🏅 We look forward to a fantastic day of fun – just a little later than planned! 💪🎽

Positive Behaviour Learning (Safe, Respectful, Responsible)

FORTNIGHTLY FOCUS

Our final Fortnightly Focus for Term 2 is ‘Be Responsible - It's The Willows Way’.

Teaching responsibility in the classroom is an important part of developing self-motivated learners.

Students will explore what being responsible means to them, what it means in the context of school, home and the wider community. Responsible behaviours and their consequences will be explored. Students need to understand their responsibility in relation to their learning, asking for help when needed, looking after and respecting their own and other people’s belongings and being a trustworthy member in our school community.

A large part of this is establishing habits through explicit daily routines and follow-through which promote responsible behaviour. Responsible behaviours are best developed when expectations are set high.

Friday 20^th June: Student Council Free Dress Fundraising Day

The Student Council is having a Free Dress Day this Friday 20th June.

The theme is ‘FREE DRESS’ – students can dress in whatever they like. There are some ideas below or you can wear your favourite shirt to school that is in your cupboard.

Remember it must be sun safe😊

It is a ‘Gold Coin’ donation – to raise money for the Student Council.

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.

Defence News

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

Another beautiful week in Townsville. Please join me at Biggest Morning Tea next Monday, 23rd June at school from 9.00 to 10.30am in L Pod/Defence Room. Bring a friend or relative along for a cuppa and a chat and support the Cancer Foundation. I look forward to seeing you there. Please RSVP for catering purposes. 

Hope you had a great time at the Coffee Connections catch up. Don’t forget to check out the Geckos page to see what’s happening in the holidays for children. Their activities are awesome, but they do book out so get in quick.

If the daily routine is getting you down, I am at school from 8.00am so come see me if you would like to chat. Life can also be emotional for children especially when they don’t know how to express their feelings/emotions. Try to make time to sit with them to have conversation. Conversation starter, what they are feeling and what was the worst and best part of their day. Normalise their feelings by saying you feel like that too sometimes, remember not to overshare too much with children. Reach out to DMFS Helpline 1800 624 608, if worried about responses or any concerns with family. I have attached a fact sheet.  

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. 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.

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. There are lots of new activities happening this month.

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 EVENTS/DATES TO REMEMBER

Defence Family Blacksmithing

Courses offered to family duos (1 adult and 1 child aged 12-16yrs).

Date:                    Monday, 30 June to Monday, 7 July
Time:                    9.00am to 4.00pm
Venue:                 The Oasis Townsville, 20 Darter Street, Oonoonba
Tickets:                Email – amanda@cuppacumbalongfoundation.org.au    

Battlefields to Footy Fields - Kids NRL School Holiday Coaching Clinic

Battlefields to Footy Fields in conjunction with DMFS Townsville are excited to announce our NRL coaching clinic for the July School Holidays. Bring the kids for a fun day of rugby league at our Come and Try Day! All skill levels welcome—learn to pass, kick and score with friendly coaches. Plus, enjoy a free BBQ and awesome giveaways. Come along, get active, and join the footy fun!

The session is for 6-12yrs. Lunch will be provided from 12.00pm to 12.30pm and all participants will receive a certificate & goodie bag with some NRL Merchandise.

Registration is essential. Please ensure participants arrive with sunscreen, hat, water and appropriate clothing and footwear for playing football.

Date:                    Saturday, 11 July 2025
Time:                   8.30am to 13.00 pm
Venue:                 Joe Baker Field at James Cook University, 1 Buchan Drive, Douglas
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

YOU ARE AMAZING, YOU ARE STRONG, YOU ROCK THIS!!!!!!

Community News

TOWNSVILLE CRICKET BLAST - HOLIDAY PROGRAMS

PACT ONLINE STUDY FLYER

JUNE-JULY SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM AT CITY LIBRARIES