5 November 2025
Principal’s Pride
Dear Parents, Caregivers and Community Members,
Welcome to Week 5 of Term 4! Last week was an incredible week showcasing the talents of our students during State Education Week! Our Performers’ Concert last Tuesday afternoon was nothing short of spectacular, with the applause of the audience being testament to the amazing talents of our musicians, dancers and singers. Throughout last week our classes also showcased a broad selection of learning achievements through posts on our official school Facebook page. Thank you to all those parents and community members who visited our page to ‘like’ our students’ efforts.
A very big thank-you also to our wonderful, supportive P&C for their acknowledgement of every staff member on Staff Appreciation Day celebrated last Friday, 31 October.
Amongst all the focussed teaching and learning we are still busily engaged with; it is also once again an action-packed week for extra-curricular activities. This week brings 75 Star Rewards celebrations, Life Education for Prep and Year 2, Draw to Remember and ‘Tuckshop Day.’
It is difficult to believe we are also almost half-way through the term. Keep reminding your child to ‘finish the year strong.’
Tuckshop Day – Friday, 7 November
The daily efforts of our tuckshop convenor, Katrina, and her band of workers and volunteers (Amanda, Petrina, Rebecca, Emmy, Josie and Gloria) who support our students and our school have been tremendous again this year. Our tuckshop provides a great service that helps families who have to juggle many different tasks at the start of each day and provides healthy food to nourish students to study and play throughout the day.
On Tuckshop Day, this Friday, 7 November, I would like to encourage everyone to say a very special thank you to our wonderful Tuckshop team.
Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) – 75 Star Celebrations
Later this week, we celebrate our students who have achieved 75 Stars – congratulations to all who have been successful in attaining this positive acknowledgement of their efforts so far this term. These recognition processes occur at the end of Week 5 and Week 10 each term and are a great goal for our students to strive for.
Traffic Rules and Regulations - Safe School Travel
For the safety and wellbeing of all students, community members and staff, caregivers are reminded to continue to obey all traffic rules and regulations around the school especially critical during busy drop off and pick up times. Please note the signage indicating where parking/standing is permitted, particularly along Bilberry Street, to avoid disruption to traffic flow and potentially dangerous situations arising.
2026 Student Leader Selection Process Update
All 2025 student leadership roles will be announced to the applicants on Monday, 10 November (Week 6) and more widely to our school community following that. As is our school tradition, an informal handover (‘passing the baton’) occurs between 2025 and 2026 student leaders at the conclusion of our Year 3 to 5 Academic Awards Ceremony, which will be held on Wednesday morning, December 10. Our 2025 Student Councillors are also acknowledged for their significant contributions to Student Council’s fundraising and consultation processes throughout the school year. All 2026 Student Leaders are formally inducted into their roles and presented with their badges at a Whole School Assembly to be held early in Term 1, 2026.
REMINDER: CONSULTATION REGARDING 2026-2029 TWSS School Strategic Plan
Following the School-led Review and the provision of the finalised Evaluation Report by the Validation Team, key school staff have drafted the 2026-2029 TWSS School Strategic Plan, according to the requirements of the updated DoE School Performance Planning Procedure. The draft document has now been uploaded to our school website and is available for viewing at the below link:
All feedback from members of our school community is most welcome and encouraged. Please feel free to email your reflections and wonderings to admin@thewillowsss.eq.edu.au
We will continue consultation upon this document with all employee groups and key stakeholders during upcoming Staff Meetings and P&C Meetings in Term 4.
The finalised document will be ratified by the P&C President and School Supervisor prior to the end of 2025 and will be uploaded to our school website for viewing.
REMINDER: CONSULTATION REGARDING 2026-2029 TWSS Student Code of Conduct
In alignment with the development of our new School Strategic Plan, our Student Code of Conduct 2024-2025, is also being reviewed to create the 2026-2029 version.
The draft document has now been uploaded to our school website and is available for viewing at the below link:
All feedback from members of our school community is most welcome and encouraged. Please feel free to email your reflections and wonderings to admin@thewillowsss.eq.edu.au
We will continue consultation upon this document with all employee groups and key stakeholders during upcoming Staff Meetings and P&C Meetings in Term 4.
The finalised document will be ratified by the Student Council, P&C President and School Supervisor prior to the end of 2025 and will be uploaded to our school website for viewing.
Each week in the Parent Community Newsletter, I will also share small sections for your perusal. This week we are showcasing the Student Code of Conduct section regarding our Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS).
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
At The Willows State School, we implement Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) as the foundation for our integrated approach to learning and behaviour.
MTSS is a preventative and differentiated model that is grounded in:
- Practical strategies.
- Targeted planning.
- Data-informed decision-making.
Using a problem-solving model, MTSS enables school staff to match increasingly intensive interventions to meet the specific needs of individual students. This ensures that every student receives the appropriate level of support to succeed academically, socially, and behaviourally.
Tier | Description |
| At The Willows State School, 100% of students receive an inclusive and differentiated curriculum that is responsive to their academic and behavioural development. Our approach focuses on the whole-school implementation of both the Australian Curriculum and Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) expectations. This involves:
|
| At The Willows State School, targeted instruction and supports are provided to approximately 10–15% of students who require more intensive assistance than Tier 1 services. These supports involve additional time and specialised services from a range of school-based staff to help students meet the required academic and behavioural standards. Tier 2 supports build on the foundation of lessons provided at Tier 1 and are designed to prevent the need for more intensive interventions. These supports are delivered to small groups of students with similar needs, offering:
The specific interventions provided at Tier 2 vary depending on the needs of the school’s student body but share the following characteristics:
If school data indicates that more than 10–15% of students require targeted services, this signals the need for a review of Tier 1 supports to ensure the quality of instruction and implementation meets the needs of the broader student population. |
3 | At The Willows State School, Tier 3 supports are provided to approximately 2–5% of students who require the most intensive support available. These supports are typically delivered in very small groups or on an individual basis, tailored to meet the unique needs of each student. Tier 3 supports build on the lessons and strategies provided at Tiers 1 and 2, becoming increasingly individualised and intensive. The goal is to identify and implement what is needed for each student to achieve success. These supports are informed by the results of a Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA) and include strategies designed to:
Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA) Many students requiring Tier 3 supports benefit from a simple or brief FBA, which identifies specific strategies to help the student succeed. For a smaller percentage of students, a comprehensive FBA may be necessary. This involves a more thorough process of data collection, teaming, and problem-solving to develop effective strategies. An even smaller percentage of students may require an intensive FBA and a wrap-around plan. This level of support may involve collaboration with external agencies and the use of rigorous problem-solving procedures to address complex needs. Monitoring and Review If school data indicates that more than 2–5% of students require individualised services, this signals the need for a review of Tier 1 and Tier 2 supports. Such a review ensures that the foundational and targeted supports are effectively meeting the needs of the broader student population. |
2025 Year 6 Students with Disability – Transition Sessions to Kirwan State High School
Kirwan SHS is coordinating additional secondary school transition sessions for all Year 6 students with a disability.
A letter with information around these sessions has been sent to the parents of students with a disability whose enrolment at Kirwan SHS is confirmed for 2026.
Students must be enrolled at Kirwan State High School for Year 7 in 2026 to attend these transition days.
Year 6 into 7 Transition Dates:
- Week 7: Wednesday 19 November 2025 00am-11.00am
- Key learnings: Transitioning to High School, Navigating the school campus
- Week 8: Wednesday 26 November 2025 00am-11.00am
- Key learnings: Understanding the timetable, Navigating the school campus
- Week 9: Wednesday 3 December 2025 – 8:45am-2:45pm (regional transition day)
Please contact Kirwan SHS if you have not received information regarding these sessions or need to finalise enrolment.
2025 School Opinion Survey data is now available
Parent/Caregiver, Staff and Student School Opinion Survey Data has now become available for viewing. Over forthcoming Parent/Caregiver Newsletters I will share some of the key themes, successes and areas for improvement.
Last week I included a ‘snip’ of the 2025 School Opinion Survey Parent/Caregiver survey responses relating to the questions encompassed within the ‘Fairness/Clarity of rules’, ‘Safety’ and ‘Partnerships’ themes. This week I am sharing ‘School culture’, ‘Teaching and learning’ and ‘Other’.
Whilst this is not shown within the data presented here, every single one of these items is higher than the comparative % for all Queensland state schools, all Queensland state primary schools and all NQR regional schools. This feedback provides valuable food for thought for us all and something to continue to strive to maintain and/or improve upon.
2026 BYOx Program – Year 4 to 5
Thank you to the families who were able to come along to our Term 3 and Term 4 BYOx Parent information Sessions. Please contact the school to request further information if you were 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 is occurring early in Term 4.
REMINDER: 2026 Prep Enrolments
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.
Our final Prep Bulk Enrolment Session will be held on Wednesday, 29 October, with our Prep Open Day Sessions for all enrolled 2026 Prep students occurring on Wednesday, 12 November. These sessions provide an excellent opportunity for families to learn more about our great school and our incoming Prep students to experience a classroom environment.
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.
Our next bulk enrolment session for 2026 Prep-Year 6 students will be held on Wednesday, 26 November.
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, email admin@thewillowsss.eq.edu.au OR complete the below survey at your earliest convenience.
The Willows State School Attendance Strategy – Every Day Counts!
Students are encouraged to come to school on every day they are well enough to attend. Our current whole school attendance YTD is currently 89.3%. We are committed to maximising learning days for all students to ensure the best possible learning and life outcomes can be achieved.
Please contact the school to speak with your child’s class teacher or relevant Deputy Principal in the first instance should you require any support with school attendance concerns. We have a number of student wellbeing and engagement staff who can assist families. It is vitally important to seek help to work through any worries early on, before concerns escalate or poor patterns of attendance become established.
Have a wonderful week. Keep encouraging your students to ‘finish the year strong.’
Our next newsletter for Term 4 will be issued on Wednesday 12 November.
Warm regards,
Michelle Donn
Principal
Upcoming Events
DATE CLAIMER | |
6-7 November | 75 Star Rewards |
11 November | Remembrance Day School Assembly (10.30am) |
12 November | Prep Open Day |
13 November | World Kindness Day |
25 November | ATSI Hearing Health Review Screening |
26 November | Variety All Abilities Unleashed Sports Day Excursion |
Bulk Enrolments Prep to Year 6 | |
P&C Meeting (6.00pm) | |
27 November | Defence Farewell Party (11am) |
Year 6 Defence Transition Party (1pm) | |
27 November-4 December | Swimming Lessons (Year 2 and 4) |
2 December | Year 5 Leadership Day at Kirwan SHS |
3 December | Year 6 Regional Transition Day |
4-5 December | 75 Star Rewards |
5 December | Defence Parent Celebration (9am) |
Prep to Year 3 Christmas Concert | |
Student Council Fundraiser (TBA) | |
8 December | Report Cards Emailed |
9 December | Year 6 Graduation |
10 December | Semester 2 Academic Excellence Awards |
Year 6 Social | |
11 December | Year 6 Kingpin Excursion |
Year 6 Rite of Passage | |
12 December | LAST DAY OF SCHOOL |
Year Level Parade Times
Prep | Monday 8.45am | Junior CPA |
Year 1 | Tuesday 8.45am | Junior CPA |
Year 2 | Monday 8.45am | Main CPA |
Year 3 | Tuesday 8.50am | TCBC |
Year 4 | Monday 8.45am | TCBC |
Year 5 | Monday 8.50am | TCBC |
Year 6 | Tuesday 8.45am | TCBC |
Permission Forms
Year 2 and 4 Swimming Lessons
Year 6 End of Year Activities
Positive Behaviour Learning (Safe, Respectful, Responsible)
PBL Fortnightly Focus
The new fortnightly focus is ‘Accept others, include everyone, and achieve together’ it highlights the importance of accepting and valuing others regardless of their race, diversity and differences so that everyone feels included and supported at TWSS.
When we show respect and embrace the differences of those around us, we build stronger connections and a positive sense of belonging. By working together, we create a school community that values kindness, empathy, and teamwork—helping every student to shine and achieve their best.
Students will learn what it means to accept others, include everyone, and work together to make our school a place where we all belong, achieve success and celebrate together.
Day for Daniel
Last week we wore red for Day for Daniel — Australia’s biggest child safety education and awareness day. The focus this year was to help students Recognise, React, and Report unsafe situations.
Last week our school-based police officer Senior Constable Marcus Muller organised and ran Day for Daniel activities in TCBC at second break. All of the students who participated in the activities were able to Recognise, React, and Report unsafe situations.
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 4 and are attending our first round of 75 Star Rewards for the term.
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
P and C News
🍎 Tuckshop Day – Friday, 7 November
This Friday, we celebrate our amazing Tuckshop on Tuckshop Day! I encourage you to drop by and say thanks to the Tuckshop team for all their hard work every school day getting the kids orders prepared and delivered. It’s no easy feat!
Thank you to:-
- Kat Weston - our Tuckshop convenor
- Amanda Gordon - our Operation Manager
- Rebecca Bird
- Emmy Nurhasanah
- Josie Tighe
- Gloria Folekene
- Petrina Etherden
Write a note or download a colouring-in page and drop it off to the Tuckshop this week to show your appreciation.
⭐ Thank you to our Teachers and Staff
Last Friday, our wonderful OSHC team baked and prepared morning tea for our teaching staff to enjoy during World Teachers Day as a way to say thank you for everything our teachers do every day.
🎄Christmas Raffle Coming Soon!
Our annual Christmas raffle will be online very soon! Keep an eye on our socials and this newsletter for the link. This year we will have a cash prize, Magnetic Island holiday package and more!
🗓️ Final meeting for 2025
Our final P&C meeting for the year will be postponed until the following Wednesday, 26 November at 6pm in D Block. It’s never too late to join the P&C. Come along meet us and hear about our plans for the new year.
Defence News
Hello and welcome to all Defence families/caregivers and students,
Week 5 is a very busy week. We have the RSL Draw to Remember activity taking place near the library. Every break time all students were encouraged to come along and get creative with chalk. Students have had fun drawing pictures on the concrete about “What Remembrance Day means to me?” Scott Klima explained what the activity was created for and returns on Friday to have a look at the drawings we have created. We have some very talented students at TWSS. A BIG Thank you to all who have participated. Check out the photos below.
***You are invited to attend the “Remembrance Day” Whole School Ceremony on Tuesday, 11th November from 10.30am in TCBC and afterwards join us for Morning Tea.***
Postings are out so please contact the office and myself. Thank you to the families who have contacted me advising about their relocation. I am available for a chat Monday to Wednesday from 8am to 3.30pm in P2. Please call in if you have any questions regarding your move. I recommend reaching out to your chosen new school directly and request an enrolment pack.
The attached flyers 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 www.dsng.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.
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 https://whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au
UPCOMING EVENTS/DATES TO REMEMBER
RAAF CHRISTMAS TREAT
RAAF Base Townsville are hosting their annual Christmas Treat. The Christmas Treat will include amusements, a BBQ, Santa photos and much more!
Date: Thursday, 13 November, 2025
Time: 4.00pm to 6.00pm
Where: Townsville Riverway
Tickets: $15/adult; $7/child; $40/family (2 adults & 2 children)
RAAF Base Townsville’s Christmas Treat - TryBooking
GECKOS’ CHRISTMAS PARTY
Tickets are available now but are going fast – grab them before they’re gone! The event is open to CURRENT serving Defence members and their families only. Activities, live entertainment, giveaways and food – what more could you ask for?
Date: Friday, 14 November, 2025
Time: 4.00pm to 7.00pm
Where: Geckos Family Centre, Lavarack Barracks
Tickets: $10/adult; $5/children 5-17yrs; children 0-4yrs free
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
REMEMBER THEM ALL, THIS REMEMBRANCE DAY
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