17 September 2025

Principal’s Pride

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Community Members,

Welcome to the final week of Term 3. How quickly this term has flown by! What a busy and productive Week 9 we had as a school community – so many wonderful celebrations with Eisteddfod, R U Okay? Day, and P&C Colour Fun Run.

This week we will be busy as usual with the finalisation of teaching, learning and assessment and a range of extra-curricular activities such 75 Star Celebrations, Year 2 Excursion, Year 5 Excursion and the U10 Blackhawks Rugby League Gala Day on Friday.

Year 6 Leaders Shine at Regional Workshop 🌟💻

Four of our Year 6 leaders proudly represented The Willows in a live cross to the Townsville workshop on “A Whole-School Approach to Digital Learning”  for Principals and School Leaders from across North Queensland. 🎥✨

They spoke with confidence about ‘Digital Learning’, sharing their knowledge, experiences and how learning has evolved with the introduction of BYOx at The Willows. From using QLearn and Microsoft Suite to embracing interactive and adaptive ways of learning, our students showcased just how engaging and innovative digital education has become.

They also reflected on the growing role of AI in education and the exciting possibilities it holds for the future of learning. 🤖📚

We are incredibly proud of our leaders for their confidence, insight and vision for the future of education. 👏💛

P&C Colour Fun Run

Thank you to everyone for your tremendous support of the P&C’s major fundraising event for the year. Extra-special thanks to all our P&C Volunteers, Mr Madeley, Miss Deuble, Mr Brandon and Mr Tod for their coordination of this day. Thanks also to Mrs Evans, Miss Lester, Mrs Zonta and Mr Anderson for volunteering to be slimed – the 10 randomly selected children (who had raised over $50) loved it!!! (not to mention the impromptu additional sliming of Mr Tod).

Congratulations to PYC (Mrs Zonta’s class) for being the highest fundraising class in the school – earning them the glory and ‘extra luxury’ of the VIP tents on the day. 

The final P&C Meeting for this term will be held on Wednesday, 17 September at 6pm in D Pod. All are most welcome to attend. 

Eisteddfod

What fantastic results our students have achieved over the past week. Thanks once again to our Music Teacher, Mrs Fiona Coleman, and our Instrumental Music Teachers for their guidance to our young singers and musicians – we are very fortunate to have their specialist expertise available to our students. Thank you to our parents and caregivers as well for your ongoing support of student home practise, rehearsals and performances. To revisit all of our successes at this year’s Eisteddfod, go to our official school Facebook page.

Some of the highlights include:

• Senior Choir (Novelty section) – Third
• Chamber Strings – Highly Commended
• Senior Choir (Unison section) – First
• Senior Choir (Folk section) – Second
• String Trio – Second
• Wind Quintet – Highly Commended
• Junior Choir Championship – Second
• Junior String Orchestra – Highly Commended

A special mention to our Music Captain, Adam Argall, on receiving the Young Accompanist Award! Adam was nominated in the Under-25 Accompanist category for his outstanding work accompanying the Senior Choir in the folk section on violin and the Junior Orchestra on piano. Well done Adam—enjoy your $100 prize!

Student Leaders 2026 – Selection Process Timelines

Nomination booklets and application letters for current Year 5 students applying for Student Leadership roles in 2026 were due to be submitted last week. Shortlisting of candidates for the various student leadership roles has now commenced.

Interviews for shortlisted School Captains and School Vice-Captains will be conducted in Week 1 and Week 2 of Term 4, with speech presentations by nominees for Music and Sports Captain roles occurring during Week 3 of next term.  I look forward to being involved in the selection of our next group of student leaders – it is certainly going to be a very difficult task once again.

2026 BYOx Program – Year 4 and 5

Thank you to the families who were able to come along to our Term 3 BYOx Parent information Session. We will be holding one further session in Term 4 at 5pm on Wednesday, 8 October. The sessions provide an opportunity to learn more about the DoE QLearn platform being utilised, to hear directly from current BYOx teachers and ask questions. Please contact the school to request further information if you are unable to attend any of the offered sessions. Please also notify the school as soon as possible if you have made the decision to include your child in the BYOx Program in 2026 as class planning occurs during Term 4.

Term 3 Silver Star Acknowledgement Letters and 75 Star Rewards

As part of our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) Whole School Reward System, at the conclusion of every term, students who have not received any ‘Major’ behaviour incident referrals during the term, will receive a special congratulatory Silver Star Acknowledgement email to their parents/caregivers’ email address. We hope this gives you the opportunity to celebrate your child’s excellent adherence to school expectations with them.

75 Star Reward Sessions

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

I am looking forward to seeing a significant number of students being successful in attaining either or both of these positive acknowledgements of their classroom efforts in Term 3.

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 around lost items for you and your family.

Blue Card Requirements

FINAL REMINDER: Important Changes to Blue Card Requirements – Effective 20 September 2025

From 20 September 2025, the rules around which parent volunteers require a Blue Card are changing.

Parents volunteering in activities that their own child is participating in will generally not need a Blue Card. However, there are important exceptions. A Blue Card will be required if:

• The volunteering activity does not involve your own child.
• The volunteering is to attend overnight excursions or camps.
• The volunteering role includes close personal contact with another child.
• The parent is a restricted person.

This change may affect parents who assist with activities such as the Mother’s Day and Father’s Day stalls, Colour Run, Gardening, or other school events where their child is not directly participating.

If you are a parent and plan to volunteer for activities not covered by the new exemption rules, you must hold a Blue Card linked to The Willows State School by 20 September 2025.

For details on how to apply for a volunteer Blue Card, please visit the Blue Card Services website:

We encourage all families who regularly volunteer to review these changes to ensure compliance before the deadline.

If you require any assistance with this process, please contact Barbara Anderson, Business Manager on 4799 1333.

2026 ENROLMENTS – NOW OPEN FOR ALL YEAR LEVELS 

Our school is now taking enrolments for the 2026 school year, please get your enrolment forms in early, to inform school planning. Should you know of friends or family looking to join our great school, please inform them that they are also most welcome to contact the school for further information and to obtain an enrolment package.

Prospective 2026 Prep students and parents/caregivers may like to consider attending a Willows Warriors Pre-Prep Program session on a Wednesday to support the transition and orientation process to school. Please contact our school office to obtain further information about this free program.

Is your Prep-Year 5 student transferring to another school in 2026?

We would appreciate early notice if your child, or children, will be transferring to another school in 2026. Please inform the office by phone on 47 991 333 OR email admin@thewillowsss.eq.edu.au at your earliest convenience.

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

SPRING HOLIDAYS FORWARD NOTIFICATION

Just a reminder that school will conclude for Term 3 on Friday, 19 September. The Tuckshop will be closed for cleaning on this day.

We will look forward to seeing everyone back at school happy and healthy on Tuesday, 7 October for the commencement of an action-packed Term 4.

Keep a watch on our school these holidays

With the holidays fast approaching, we need you to look out for after-hours crime in our school. 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.

Happy Holidays!

I would like to wish all staff, students and The Willows school community a wonderful Spring vacation.  I am sure everyone is looking forward to some well-earned rest and relaxation.  Stay safe and healthy and cherish your time with friends and family. 

We look forward to continuing our ongoing positive partnership with you in your child’s education in Term 4.

Have a wonderful week. Our first newsletter for Term 4 will be issued on Wednesday, 8 October.

Warm regards,

Michelle Donn
Principal

Upcoming Events

Year Level Parade Times

Positive Behaviour Learning (Safe, Respectful, Responsible)

Fortnightly Focus

Our last focus for the term is ‘Find a Solution. Talk it Out. Meet in the Middle.’ The expectation at TWSS is when there’s a conflict, we talk it out calmly and respectfully, work together to find a solution, and meet in the middle by making fair compromises.

When conflict arises finding a solution is important, it is important to try and understand each person’s point of view by talking it out honestly and calmly. This helps people to understand and decide what they can do to fix it. Instead of ignoring the issue or getting angry, people communicate to understand each other and work through the problem. Finally, compromise or agree to something halfway between both sides.

When two people want different things, they both give up a little and agree on something that’s fair for both.

We are encouraging students to follow these three steps when solving conflicts:

1. Find a solution to the problem.
2. Talk it out to understand each other.
3. Meet in the middle if you both want different things.

Rewards – Week 10

This 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 if needed.

NO Icy Cups for Sale on Wednesdays

Icy cups will not be sold in Week 10. They will be sold again in Week 2, Term 4. Thanks for your support this term.

YSS – Younger Smarter Stronger

Our Term 3 groups for YSS were completed last week.

Thank you to Mr Davies who ran the YSS programs for our Year 4 & 5 boys and girls this term.

Again, YSS was highly successful, and all the students engaged with the program.

Defence News

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

I have been on leave for Week 10, so I’d like to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday break.  I look forward to seeing you all in Term 4. 

There are lots of great ways to introduce students to the positive effects of moving to a new location. It is important to remember to be POSITIVE when you talk about moving. Meeting new friends, going to new places to play and eat and maybe being closer to family and old friends. When you have secured a house or close to, reach out to the Education Liaison Officer in the state. Search schools in the area then contact the school for enrolment forms and reach out to the DSM at the school. Contact the DSM before you arrive. Please reach out to me if you would like more details or guidance.

The attached flyer provides information that can support you and your family with the transition into a new school. Details include how to contact the Education Liaison Officer at DMFS which are an advisory service designed to inform Defence families on relocation and schools.

If you are POSTING and your family will be leaving the school for another location/school, please let me know. Phone, email or call into my room for a chat. You can also access the link listed below for a list of schools who have a Defence School Mentor. You are welcome to contact the DSM at your new school for Defence family support and to discuss your impending relocation.

The attached flyer provides information that can support you and your family with the transition into a new school. Details include how to contact the Education Liaison Officer at DMFS which are an advisory service designed to inform Defence families on relocation and schools.

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.

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 Townsville, is a fun organisation that 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 the website www.kookaburrakids.org.au   

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

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. See Facebook or phone 4411 7031.

TO BE UP TO DATE WITH “WHATS ON IN TOWNSVILLE” CHECK     whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au

IMPORTANT EVENTS/DATES TO REMEMBER

Child of the ADF Medallion Ceremony

Come join us for a special medallion ceremony to honour the children of our ADF members. This in-person event will take place at the Wirraway Club at RAAF Base Townsville. This event 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. Children are only eligible to obtain the medallion once, so if they have already received a Child of the ADF Medallion here in Townsville, or any other location, please do not register them again.

When:             Friday, 19 September
Time:               5.30pm – 7.00pm
Where:            Wirraway Club, RAAF Base Townsville
Tickets:           Eventbrite – Child of the ADF Medallion Ceremony
***This event fills quickly so register now***

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 or walk in  

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

Dirty Boots 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

DFA (Defence Families of Australia) NQ Delegate Eden Santos 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 Wednesday or email me cwhee36@eq.edu.au

Have an awesome week!

Correna Wheeler
Defence School Mentor

The Pitch (Music News)

Music News – Issue 14 Term 3 Week 9 / 10

Congratulations to our amazing Choirs and Instrumental students!

What an incredible effort at the 2025 75^th Anniversary of the Townsville Eisteddfod! Music is truly alive and thriving in our city, and it was fantastic to see so many talented young musicians proudly representing their schools.

Our 150 students took to the stage with nerves of steel, performing with confidence, joy, and pride. The standard of competition was outstanding across every session, yet our students shone thanks to their dedication to rehearsals and lessons. The positive feedback from adjudicators reflected just how impressive their performances were!

We are extremely proud of every single student – your hard work and commitment really paid off. A huge thank you also goes to our supportive parents for ensuring students arrived on time, prepared, and performance-ready – your efforts make all the difference.

Well done, everyone – what a fantastic achievement!

Here are our outstanding results:

• Senior Choir (Novelty section) – Third
• Chamber Strings – Highly Commended
• Junior Concert Band
• Senior Choir Championship
• Senior Concert Band
• Senior Choir (Unison section) – First
• Senior Choir - Folk section – Second
• String Trio – Second
• Wind Quintet – Highly Commended
• Percussion Ensemble
• Junior Choir Championship – Second
• Junior String Orchestra – Highly Commended

Date Claimer

AUSTA Strings Fest
31 October – 2 November, 2025

The 'AUSTA NQ Celebration of Strings' Festival is an annual workshop which brings together hundreds of the string players from primary schools in the Townsville region for a great concert celebrating the fun of string playing. For students up to Year 8, in five massive orchestras, our concert promises to be a hit, especially for an auditorium full of adoring family and friends. Notes are being sent home this week. It is a great experience for the strings children. 

Copy of the schedule - 

 If interested, please register following this link - 

Instrumental Recruiting 2026

Testing for our potential new students has now taken place, and all children who applied will receive their letters of offer in Term 4, Week 2/3. If you missed testing but are still interested in joining our program, please contact myself or through the office as soon as possible.

A reminder that our 2025 first-year instrumentalists will need to return their instruments at the end of Term 4 so they can be cleaned and prepared for our 2026 beginners.

All continuing students will now need to purchase their own instrument (except for children playing larger instruments that can be loaned again). Now is the perfect time to start searching for a good quality secondhand instrument.

Junior/Senior School Choir

Fiona Coleman

Please note there will be no choir rehearsal in Week 10. Rehearsals will resume in Term 4 as we begin preparing for our Christmas celebrations, Performers’ Concert, and Graduation ceremonies.

Music Shirts, Folders/Music, School Instruments/Fees

All instruments will be collected by Friday, 28 November (end of Week 8) for repairs and cleaning and to get ready for our 2026 instrumentalists. 

Instruments for Sale

If your child is upgrading to a new instrument and you would like to sell the current one, we’d be happy to list it in the next newsletter. Simply email me the instrument details along with your contact information.

Musically Yours,
Fiona Coleman

“Music can change the world because it can change people.” – Bono
“Where words fail, music speaks.” – Hans Christian Andersen

The Pulse (PE News)

Prep News

It has been a great term for lots of fun learning. Our presentation of a retell had Prep Rabbitt going on a school picnic. It was a great chance to have fun, but also to draw and retell the experience.

Our Book Parade Day is always a highlight of our school year. It’s great to see our young readers share their love for reading and books. 

 Science has been hands on with the task of designing wind ornaments that will hopefully be waterproof and durable.  You’ll see them all dancing in the wind if you come and visit us down in the Prep area.

Year One News

Wow! It has certainly been a VERY busy term. The Year 1 cohort has been learning how to solve word problems using addition, subtraction, group and equal sharing strategies. They have worked with 2D shapes and 3D objects as well as working with mass, length and capacity.

The students have played a wide variety of games and excitedly presented these to their friends with confidence and conviction. They used persuasive skills as well as time connectives to retell how to play their chosen game.

We have also been busy with Book Week, Anti-Bullying events, 75 Star events and of course The Colour Run. Next term is only going to be more eventful as we wrap up the year and I can't wait to see what it brings.  

Happy Holidays from the Year 1 Team.

Year Two News

English

Students have worked so hard this term on writing a persuasive speech where they are trying to convince their listeners to go on a picnic to a chosen place. Students have included high modality verbs, rhetorical questions and have used emotive language to make their speech very persuasive! This week, students have been practising their speech and have started presenting their speeches to the class. Students have changed the tone in their voice and have been extremely confident in their presentations. Students in 2A also made a presentation including photos to play while they were speaking to make their speech more engaging for their audience.

Colour Run

Last Friday we also had our Colour Explosion Fun Run! Students in 2A got a photo before they were covered in colour but didn’t get one afterwards as we were so excited watching the teachers get slimed!

Excursion

This week we had an amazing excursion to Riverway! Students visited the library where they got to go for a library tour. We then explored the junior fiction area and read a story together. Students played on the playground and played some games on the grass area. We all joined together to have a picnic under the shady trees. It was great to see all students getting along and enjoying spending time with students from the other Year 2 classes. 

Year Three News

Our Year 3 students have just completed their English speaking tasks for Term 3. They have created a spoken text to express a preference and opinion about a favourite activity.

Students have had several opportunities to rehearse their presentation with peers and staff. They have been practising varying their tone, pitch and pace for audience, purpose and emphasis. Students have been having fun using our new mini microphones and Ipads to record their presentations. Well done Year 3.

Year Four News

Term 3 has been a busy term and there have been many events like Book Week, Colour Run and so much more. Today we will be talking about Book Week and Colour Run. Let's start with Book Week. Book Week was three weeks ago, but it felt like yesterday. Book Week is all about celebrating your favourite books and dressing up as characters from them. Our beloved dance troupe and Miss Hansen planned the Book Week performance. Every Book Week, Miss Hansen comes up with amazing ideas for parades like this year's Book Week theme which was the Magic School Bus. Every year after the parade we all gather up and walk around to show our fabulous costumes.

Now we can talk about Colour Run!! And it is everyone's favourite running event. The most exciting part is the obstacles and while you are doing them you get sprayed with a rainbow variety of colours. At the end of the run you get a yummy scrumptious Zooper Dooper!🤩. Thank you to Mr Madeley, Ms Deuble and the P&C for their great organisation of this fun event. There is so many other fun events but there's too many fun events to talk about so Stella and Thea out.

Written by Stella and Thea

Year Five News

Let us persuade you!!

In Year 5, we have been hard at work writing our persuasive speeches. Students have written very convincing arguments as to why our school needs bubblers on the oval, a swimming pool, more football posts and even healthier food choices from the tuckshop.

We are particularly enjoying the presentation element and are working hard to ensure we use appropriate tone, pitch, body language, expressions and gestures.

Year Six News

Term 3 is nearly complete, and we have grown so much! In this newsletter edition, we are going to celebrate the achievements and creations from each subject.

In English, we created vlogs about local community dilemmas. From tilapia fish to parking on The Strand, students covered all bases with genuine improvements to consider.

In Maths, we created board games whilst calculating the percentages each colour and square type covered. We took on some pretty tricky challenge cards, which showed what we know about fractions. 6C have become confident in measurement, decimal operations, perimeter, area and angles as well as 2D shapes and 3D objects.

For Science, 6C learned about all things electricity. Building circuits, testing insulators and conductors and drawing circuits made our learning fun.

Along the way, we had lots of fun by enjoying various extra-curricular activities such as Athletics, Camp, Red-Track, Book Week, Kindness Superhero Day, R U OK Day, AFL Garbutt Magpies, Les Stagg and the Colour Run!

Community News

Citilibraries Holiday Program

SU Australia