8 October 2025

Principal’s Pride

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Community Members,

Welcome to the final term of the 2025 school year!  I hope everyone has had a wonderful Spring holiday and is feeling rejuvenated for the term ahead. We are experiencing some wonderful weather, and it is certainly warming up quickly. Please ensure children are attending school with a water bottle every day so they can keep well hydrated and a hat, so they are able to play outdoors.

This term will be very busy, and I encourage you to read our newsletter each week to stay informed about timelines for permission forms and payments for all school programs and events.  This term we will have Life Education for Year 5 (Talk about it), Prep and Year 2, First Aid in School presentation, 2026 Prep Open Day Sessions, Remembrance Day assembly, Performers Concert, Swimming lessons for Year 2 and 4, Year 6 Graduation, Academic Excellence Awards, Prep to Year 3 Christmas Concert and Semester 2 Reports.   Such an exciting and busy term with many opportunities for all our students to shine.

Our P&C will also have two exciting fundraising events this term – a Mega Christmas Raffle (to be drawn at the Prep to Year 3 Christmas Concert) and the Boooo-sical Bingo Night on Friday the 24^th of October.  Please see the P&C section of this newsletter for important information regarding how you can support both final fundraising endeavours for the school year.  If you would like to come along to a P&C meeting the first one will be on Wednesday, the 15^th of October at 6pm. 

This year, the King’s Birthday public holiday was the first day back, so school officially started on Tuesday the 7^th of October.  There are no more public holidays for the remainder of the term, so we hope to see all our students attending every school day to finish the year strong.   School attendance is very important because it directly impacts academic success, social development, and long-term outcomes. Missing school means missed learning and can lead to lower academic achievement and disengagement. Regular attendance establishes foundational skills, fosters social connections and discipline, and is a critical indicator of student success.

Queensland Mental Health Week

Queensland Mental Health Week goes from the 4^th to the 12^th of October and aims to shine a spotlight and build awareness on individual and community mental health and wellbeing.

The theme for Queensland Mental Health Week 2025 is a continuation of the 2024 theme, “Connect for mental health”. It emphasises the proactive measures we can adopt to nurture and support positive mental health and wellbeing for ourselves and our communities.

Connect for mental health focuses on four areas:

• Connect with self: Take care of yourself, do something you enjoy, make healthy choices, and seek help when needed.
• Connect with community: Create supportive and inclusive environments, look after one another, and connect with culture. Show kindness and initiate connection with those who are struggling.
• Connect with others: Foster relationships with loved ones, friends, family, and mob. Spend time with others and make meaningful connections.
• Connect with nature: Take a break from technology, spend time outdoors, embrace mindfulness, and take care of the world around you.

Our Guidance Officer, Courtney Chisnall, in consultation with community agencies and our P&C, has once again coordinated a school community Mental Health Week Breakfast at TWSS on Friday the 10^th of October from 8am. We welcome families to come along and make some connections with external agencies. We will have external representatives from TAIHS, Vibrant Futures, Feel the Magic, Open Arms, Police, NQDVRS, Townsville FIRE, Livin, Pick of the Crop, Life savers and Act for Kids. They will be available to chat about the support they offer, hand out freebies and engage with the kids. It’s going to be amazing!!

Student Leaders 2026 – Selection Process Timelines

Shortlisting of candidates for the various roles has now concluded.  Students received notification at the end of last term regarding the interviews/speeches they have been shortlisted for.   Interviews for shortlisted School Captains, School Vice-Captains and Cultural Captains will be conducted on Friday the 10^th and Monday the 11^th of October.  

Speech presentations by nominees for Music and Sports Captain roles will occur in week 3 on Thursday, 23^rd October.   I look forward to being involved in the selection of our next generation of student leaders.  We have some very keen students who have shown great interest in contributing to our school community.  It is certainly going to be a very difficult task making our final selections.

🌟 Dreamworld Scarecrow Competition 🌟

Our students have been busy creating something special for this year’s Dreamworld Scarecrow Competition! 💛💙 We built a North Queensland Cowboys player using garden waste and recycled materials left over from building our school garden 🌱—a true team effort showing creativity and sustainability.

🗳️ Voting is open

We’d love our school community to get behind our entry and help us take out the People’s Choice Award and a $2,500 prize for our school.

🔗 Vote here 👉 dreamworld.com.au/dreamworld-scarecrow-project

Here’s how you can help:
✅ Vote for The Willows State School North Queensland Cowboy
✅ Share the link with family and friends
✅ Win! Every voter goes into the draw to win one of two $500 EFTPOS gift cards 🎁

🗓️ Voting closes midnight, Sunday 12 October
🏆 Winners announced from Monday 13 October

Let’s show our Cowboys spirit and rally behind our scarecrow! 💙💛
#NorthQueenslandCowboys #DreamworldScarecrowCompetition #TeamWillows

2026 BYOx Program – Year 4-5

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

Natalie Marr MP – Thuringowa Christmas Card Competition

2026 ENROLMENTS - NOW OPEN FOR ALL YEAR LEVELS

Our school is still taking enrolments for the 2026 school year.  Please get your enrolment forms in as soon as possible, 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 to 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.

Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) Term 4, Weeks 1-2 Fortnightly Rule Focus

We are entering our final term of the year and students are expected to “Be Ready, Be Respectful, and Shine Bright in Term 4!”.

Being prepared, both mentally and physically is important. Students are expected to have materials ready and arrive on time to class with the growth mindset.  We expect them to have a go at all set work and activities.

‘Being Ready’ in Term 4 is especially important as it’s a time for consolidating our years’ worth of learning, reflecting on our growth and setting goals for the next year.

‘Being Respectful’  is the foundation of a positive learning environment. Being respectful helps build strong relationships and allows everyone to thrive in the classroom.

We show respect by;

• following all staff instructions, both in classroom and playground
• listening to others when they are speaking  
• treating everyone with kindness and fairness
• following school rules and playing safely in your correct spaces
• caring for your own property, including school equipment and others
• thinking about how our actions have an impact on the wellbeing and learning of others

‘Shine bright’ refers to students doing their best and showing their strengths. We ask them to be proud of who they are, keep going when things get tough and never give up! We celebrate their progress and achievements throughout the year!

Have a wonderful week. Our next newsletter for Term 4 will be issued on Wednesday the 15^th of October.

Warm regards,
Michelle Donn
Principal

Upcoming Events

Year Level Parade Times

Curriculum News

General News

Our Year 5 Students will be bringing a very important note home regarding Life Education.

Life Education Talk about it – “Welcome to Puberty” will be visiting us from Tuesday, 21 October to Thursday, 23 October. These lessons will be taught by an experienced educator from Life Education and will be part of the Year 5 Health Unit. The classroom teacher will accompany their class and will also be present to assist. 

Life Education is also offering a free Parent Information session on Wednesday, 15 October at 4pm. This will be held in our TCBC Conference Room. It is essential that you RSVP for this event by Monday, 13 October. This is a great time to ask questions about the lesson content and how you can support your child at home.

Positive Behaviour Learning (Safe, Respectful, Responsible)

Welcome back to Term 4, I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable break. Our team is looking forward to another productive term at TWSS.

Fortnightly Focus

The new fortnightly focus for Weeks 1 & 2 is “Be Ready, Be Respectful, and Shine Bright in Term 4!”. We are entering our final term of the year, and students need to be prepared, both mentally and physically. Students are expected to have materials ready and arrive on time to class with the growth mindset to have a go at all set work and activities. Being ready in Term 4 is especially important as it’s a time for consolidating our years’ worth of learning, reflecting on our growth and setting goals for the next year.

Respect is the foundation of a positive learning environment. We show respect by:

• following all staff instructions, both in classroom and playground
• listening to others when they are speaking
• treating everyone with kindness and fairness
• following school rules and playing safely in the correct areas
• caring for your own property, including school equipment and others
• thinking about how our actions have an impact on the wellbeing and learning of others in the classroom

Being respectful helps build strong relationships and allows everyone to thrive in the classroom.

Shine bright, do your best and show your strengths. Be proud of who you are! Keep going when things get tough, never give up! Celebrate your progress and things you have achieved throughout the year!

Student Leaders

Congratulations to all the students who submitted a 2026 Student Leaders Passport and application letter. The quality this year was outstanding!

We have shortlisted the students who applied for the leadership positions and letters were sent home to successful students’ last term. School Captain interviews will be conducted by Mrs Donn, Mrs Winter and Mrs Nosworthy on Friday 10^th and Monday 13^th of October. Goodluck to those students involved with the next stage of the process.

Sports and Music Captain speeches will happen on Thursday 23^rd October, Week 3.

Icy Cups for sale Week

• Icy cups will be sold from Wednesday Week 2 at 2:55pm from the TCBC kitchen for the Year 3-6 students and Junior CPA for the P-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

Congratulations to all the students who were frequently caught being Safe, Respectful and Responsible last term.

Remember that we are starting fresh this term, and everyone can work towards the 75 Star Rewards. Students are encouraged to work hard at making the best choices they can to achieve this.

Look at the Preps having a fantastic time at the end of last term.

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 10

Next

P and C News

The Willows State School P&C invite you to a🎃👻 Spooktacular Halloween Musical Bingo Night!

👻🎃Booooo-sical Bingo

Get ready for a fang-tastic night of music, mystery, and mayhem!
🕸️ Dress to impress in your creepiest, kookiest, or most creative Halloween costume!
🎶 Be entertained,  mark your cards, and win CASH PRIZES that'll make your wallet scream with delight!
🎁 Plus, be in it to win LUCKY DOOR PRIZES and snag the coveted BEST DRESSED AWARD!

🕷️ When the music plays, the fun begins... don’t miss the most thrilling bingo night of the season! 🕷️

Bring your A-game and your spooky spirit!
👹🎉 Let’s make this a Halloween to remember! 🎉👹

Date & Time: Friday October 24
Location: TWSS TCBC

Please see attached form to register your groups attendance and pre-order your bingo feast. Platter pre-orders close Tuesday 21 October. Alcohol will be available to purchase on the night. No BYO alcohol. Come along, have fun, support your P&C who support our school.

Defence News

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

Week 1- We are back to school and the holidays are over. My holidays were spent travelling to Fraser Island, Ipswich, Stanthorpe, Dalby, Cunnamulla, Roma and home. Had a wonderful time visiting friends and experiencing new places.  Hope everyone had a relaxing break. Please come and say HI to me at the DSM/DMFS table at the Wellbeing Breakfast this Friday at school from 8-9.30am. Let me know how your family are coping this year and if there are any postings or absences on the horizon. There will be resources available about coping with the defence lifestyle. This term can be very challenging for students who are faced with the thought of posting to a new school. If this is your family reach out to me for support. If you have locked in a house reach out to the EDLO in the area for advice on schools. Or reach out to your chosen school directly and request an enrolment pack. Complete and return to school before leaving town. This will assist with the process on arrival to your new location. Please reach out to me if you have any more questions. Flyer attached. I am available at school on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:00am-3:30pm in P2 room.

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 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

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.

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

Dad & Me: Fishing Fun – Saturday 11 October

Hey Defence Dads – here’s another one for just you and the kids!

Join us for some chilled-out time by the water, where it’s all about bonding, learning, and casting a line together. Whether you're a fishing pro or just keen to give it a go, this relaxed event is the perfect chance to spend quality time together.

The team from Reeling Veterans will be there to share their knowledge, help with the basics, and create a stress-free, fun environment for everyone.

This is a mum-free zone – it is all about dads and kids making memories - and maybe catching a fish or two!

Date: Saturday 11 October 2025
Time: 10:00am-1:00pm
Venue: South Townsville Recreational Park / Boat Ramp
Register: Eventbrite – My Dad & Me Fishing Fun

Connect & Support – Wednesday 15 October

Join us for a catch up over a cuppa, and enjoy the company of other partners at Coffee Connections!

This month we are visiting Jim’s Cafe and we would love to see you there.

Date: Wednesday 15th October 2025
Time: 0930-1100
Venue: Jim’s Café @ Wounded Heroes, Hyde Park Centre, Woolcock St, Hyde Park
Register: Eventbrite – Connect & Support

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

Community News

Brothers Junior Cricket 

2026 STAS Applications are Open

STAS applications for 2026 are now open.  Please see attached flyer for further information. 

Only the following guardians/parents need to reapply:

• New families who have not previously applied for STAS
• Families with students going from Yr6 to Yr7 (Yr 6 students get dated off the Translink system the day after school finishes for the year)
• Families who are changing their children's schools for 2026

If families are already approved for STAS and any of the above criteria does not apply – THEY DO NOT NEED TO REAPPLY as the students automatically roll over to the new year.

Student who currently have smartcards for all year levels, keep the cards for use again next year.  New cards are no longer issued each year.  Any changes to the students details on the cards are amended automatically on the cards.

Queensland Health Measles Alert

There have recently been measles outbreaks in various parts of the state.  Notably, alerts are current for Cairns, Gold Coast, Townsville and Mackay.  See link.   

Queensland Health advises that:

Measles is a highly infectious virus that is spread by coughing and sneezing or through direct contact with secretions from the nose or mouth. Symptoms usually start 7-10 days after contact with an infected person but can sometimes take as long as three weeks.

Symptoms

The initial symptoms of measles can include fever, lethargy, runny nose, moist cough and sore red eyes. This is followed a few days later by a blotchy, red rash which often starts on the face and then becomes widespread over the body.

What you should do

If you have any measles symptoms, you can arrange testing with your doctor or call 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for advice. If you think you may have measles, it is very important that you avoid public spaces. Please contact your GP and pathology services before attending so they can take appropriate precautions to avoid spreading measles to others. When you call, state that you have been in contact with a measles case.

Vaccination

Vaccination is an important step towards reducing the risk associated with vaccine preventable diseases and keeping people safe. People who have been vaccinated against or previously contracted measles are very unlikely to catch the disease even if they have been exposed. Those who are at highest risk of contracting measles include people who:

• have a weakened immune system or,
• were born during or after 1966 and have no documented evidence of having received 2 doses of a measles containing vaccine or
• have not been infected with measles before

Measles-containing vaccine is recommended for children as part of the National Immunisation Program at 12 months of age as MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine, and at 18 months of age as MMRV (measles-mumps-rubella-varicella) vaccine. Queensland has an extended Immunisation Program for:

• Children aged 6 months to less than 12 months who are travelling to a country where measles is endemic, or where outbreaks are occurring, both overseas and in Australia.
• People born during or since 1966 to have two funded doses of measles containing vaccine

If you are unsure of your vaccine status, contact your doctor to discuss whether you may need a vaccine.

The MMR vaccine is free and available at GPs and participating community pharmacies.

For more information:

• Measles fact sheet
• Call 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84)
• Vaccination Matters