4 June 2025

Principal’s Pride

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Community Members,

Welcome to Week 7 of Term 2 – It is very difficult to believe we are down to the last 20 school days of Term 2 and that ‘Winter’ has officially commenced. Students are busy finalising their teaching and learning and assessment pieces for Semester 1 over the next few weeks. Please assist us in reinforcing with your child to be especially ‘persistent and resilient’ (our fortnightly PBL focus) during this period.

This week we also have the continuation of Inter-School Season Sport for Netball and Rugby League for participating Year 6 students, our Year 4 to 6 Student Councillors will continue their engagement with the student community in seeking their voice input into our School-Led Review processes and NQ Choral Fanfare at Pimlico SHS for our Junior and Senior Choirs on Friday. We wish our choirs all the very best as they have been practising exceptionally hard under the expert guidance of our Specialist Music Teacher, Mrs Fiona Coleman. The choirs, alongside our instrumental music students, will have an opportunity to showcase their talents for all in our school community at our upcoming Music Gala to be held on the afternoon of Thursday, 12 June. 

Central Office Roadshow: NQR Principal’s Business Day

Last Tuesday, all principals from across North Queensland Region participated in a Central Office Roadshow to collaboratively review and refine the refreshed DRAFT education strategy for the Department of Education and The Arts from 2026. Both The Honourable John-Paul Langbroek MP, Minister for Education and The Arts, and The Director-General, Department of Education, Sharon Schimming, addressed principals regarding their vision for state education moving forward.

I look forward to sharing finalised documentation with our school community later in the school year.

National Chaplaincy Week (1 to 8 June)

Chaplaincy Week is an opportunity to celebrate the work of Scripture Union (SU) chaplains working in schools across Queensland and making a positive difference in each of their communities.  Did you know that 67% of all Queensland schools (primary and secondary) have a chaplain? That means more than 400,000 Queensland students have access to chaplaincy support.  We are very fortunate at The Willows State School to have the very talented, Chappy Ashlee Kent, as an integral member of our Student Wellbeing and Engagement Team. Chappy Ash’s friendly supportive presence and thoughtful work with staff, students and community members is highly valued and very much appreciated.  Please refer to the PBL section of this newsletter for further information highlighting how we are celebrating and acknowledging Chappy Ash this Chaplaincy Week.

School-Led Review

Opportunities for parents to provide input into the future 4-year direction of The Willows SS

Thank you to the parents who have previously provided significant input into our School-Led Review.

Your input and insights into what we are doing well and how we can improve are very valued. The feedback and reflections from all stakeholders will result in the development of the school’s Strategic Plan 2026-2029 by the conclusion of the 2025 school year.

This week I would like to share some School-led review feedback received by current and future caregivers regarding our Willows Warriors Pre-Prep Program, led by Teacher, Sue Tropea and Teacher Aide, Kerry Hill:

Parents were asked: How is Willows Warriors preparing your child to transition to school?

Responses focussed on such concepts as:

• Pre-prep activities = learning skills to be successful at Prep, such as lining up, sitting on the carpet, listening to another adult and putting their hand up
• Meeting potential new friends
• Becoming familiar and confident with school adults, specialist teachers and the school environment
• Being invited to, and included in, school events.
• Wearing their Willows Warriors uniform
• Developing fine and gross motor skills – activities that can be replicated at home.

I would also like to share some student feedback related to Domain 3 of the School Improvement Tool – Students were asked: “What processes do we have to create a safe and supportive environment?” Their responses have been represented in the below wordle:

I would also like to share some student feedback related to Domain 6 of the School Improvement Tool – Students were asked: “How do teachers make learning clear and engaging for students?” Their responses have been represented in the below wordle:

There will be a further opportunity for parent and community voice – all most welcome to attend:

• Afternoon Parent Forum - Thursday, 12 June – 3:30-4:30pm – prior to Music Gala

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. If purchasing new items this season, 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.  Our School Dress Code 2024-2025 is available for viewing on our school website/Forms and Documents tab/Documents.

Teaching Staff Capability Development - Cluster Moderation

Next Monday afternoon, teaching staff from The Willows SS will travel to meet with their cluster colleagues from Oonoonba State School to engage in Cluster Moderation for V9 English. This always provides a wonderful opportunity to engage in professional conversations with our colleagues to ensure consistency of judgments about student achievement expectations on English summative assessment tasks are reliable and valid across school sites.

Warm regards,

Michelle Donn
Principal

Upcoming Events

Year Level Parade Times

General News

PEEK AT PREP – Wednesday, 25 June

CHORAL FANFARE

Please see Fanfare running schedule attached. Times are approximate and dependant on how the day is running. 

Senior Choir will depart school at 9.30am for approximately a 10.50am start.

Junior Choir will depart school at 10.30am for approximately an 11.50am start.

All students will return to school by second break.

The Pulse (PE News)

Season Sport

Senior sport was washed out for Week 5.

Cross Country

Last Tuesday Eva-Shell and Novah competed in the Cross Country for the Townsville Team. Both girls competed well with Novah progressing to the next round to represent North Queensland.

NQ Netball Cup and The Bill Nettle Challenge – Friday 27 June

The NQ Netball Cup and Bill Nettle Challenge, washed out in Term 1, has been re-scheduled for the last day of Term 2, Friday 27^th June. Students had already been selected for this event. Letters will be distributed shortly with updated information.

Sporting Schools

Our Sporting Schools lunch time clubs were also rain affected this week with only hockey and rugby league going ahead. Students continue to enjoy these lunch time activities.

Athletics

• High Jump

On Friday we ran the competitive high jump for the 12-year-olds. Unfortunately, there were students away and injured so the final result is not yet available. We have scheduled the remaining age groups as follows.

• 800m

The 800m events for students 2013 to 2015 will be run in Week 8 on Thursday and Friday afternoons from 2.00pm.

Positive Behaviour Learning (Safe, Respectful, Responsible)

FORTNIGHTLY FOCUS

Our new fortnightly focus is ‘Be Persistent and Resilient!’ for week 7 & 8. At The Willows we show persistence and resilience everyday through our work in our classroom and in the playground when playing with our friends.

Being persistent means putting one foot in front of the other, no matter what. It means working hard to achieve something you haven’t got YET….

Resilience is the ability to cope when things go wrong. Resilience can also be described as: Bouncing back after difficult times. Dealing with challenges and still holding your head up. Giving things a go or trying your best. Being strong on the inside and knowing I can’t do this YET….

Please talk with your children at home about the focus and brainstorm some strategies to match.

CHAPPY WEEK

What is Chaplaincy Week?

Chaplaincy Week is an annual event organised by our chaplaincy provider, SU Australia, to raise awareness of the value of school chaplains. It is a great opportunity for our school to celebrate, thank and raise support for our school chaplain. This year Chaplaincy Week will be held from 1-8 June 2025.

Who is our School Chaplain and what do they do?

Our school chaplain is Chappy Ash, and they work as part of our school’s support team. They are a safe person for all students to connect with at school, providing a listening ear, caring presence and emotional or spiritual support. Chaplains are trained professionals, providing pastoral care for students struggling with personal or family issues, friendship difficulties, bullying, depression and more. Below is a little bit more about our chaplain.

Why do I choose to work as a Chaplain and what do I hope to achieve in my role?

I became a chaplain because of my love of listening to people and making them smile. I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to be the Chaplain as I get to be a person that has time to sit, listen and support. I have a passion for kindness, helping people and making them feel safe. It is a privilege to be a person that people know they can come to.

What do I do at school?

Some of the things that I do at school include:

• Helping students and parents at drop off who are having a tough morning.
• Helping students who are having a difficult day by visiting them to chat and do an activity.
• Supporting students that are going through a difficult period, by regular check ins once caregiver permission is granted.
• Being available for any student, parent or staff member who needs support.

What is an encouraging story that shows the impact of what I do? 

Students that I have been regularly checking in with have shown an increase in trust and their ability to share feelings and emotions. Now many of the students I work with will seek me out when having a difficult time which reduces negative emotional build up and improves classroom engagement.

What activities are planned for Chaplaincy Week?

Our school will be celebrating chaplaincy with the following activities.

• A colouring sheet activity that focuses on emotions will be provided to all classrooms
• Guess how many items in the jar with the winning student receiving the jar to take home.

How can I find out more about School Chaplaincy? 

If you have any questions about the Chaplaincy Service and the support, we can provide to you or your children, or you’d just appreciate someone to chat to, please feel free to contact Chappy Ash through the office administration. You can also find out more at suchaplaincy.org.au.

SCHOOL-LED REVIEW – Student Council Voice

Over the last four weeks, the student council have been giving their opinions on what makes a great teacher, the different teaching strategies used to support their learning and ways in which they think we can improve the school. They provided excellent feedback that has been shared with the staff.  Below are photos of the students hard at work and some wordles to show their thinking to some of the questions asked.

We asked the whole school from Prep to Year 6 for their voice to this question.

What is celebrated at The Willows State School?

What do you think are the characteristics of a great teacher?

What processes do we have to create a safe and supportive environment?

How do teachers make learning clear and engaging for students?

Defence News

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

Defence member absence is going to be very high throughout the coming months so please reach out to me at school via my email cwhee36@eq.edu.au or phone the office on 4799 1333. This can be a rollercoaster with many challenges along the way for all the family and there are many supports available to children and at home parents. All feelings are normal and having a loved one absent can be an emotional time. I have a vast understanding of what you are experiencing during the absence and am available at school Monday to Friday for a chat, my door is always open in L Pod.

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.

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 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 or email me cwhee36@eq.edu.au

Have an awesome week!

Correna Wheeler
Defence School Mentor

Community News

Cowboys Community Foundation

Cowboys Community Foundation’s first ever major fundraiser is now live, with an incredible prize up for grabs – a Toyota RAV4 Cruiser!

This fundraiser plays a vital role in keeping our community programs running – and we need your help to make it a success.

Tickets are $25 each, with only 12,000 available, and all funds raised directly support the delivery of our programs across North Queensland.

Every ticket sold helps us continue supporting your students – thank you for being part of it!

Raising Children Network

The Raising Healthy Minds app is a free, personalised, pocket resource to help parents and carers raise confident, resilient children. Co-designed with parents and experts and funded by the Australian Government, Raising Healthy Minds aims to support children’s social and emotional wellbeing with evidence-based information.  

You’ll find information on topics like dealing with worries and making friends, as well as ideas for day-to-day life, like creating family routines, looking after yourself as a parent, and building strong relationships.  

The app offers a mix of quick-read articles, videos and animations aimed at parents and carers of children aged 0-12 years. You can tailor information to the age of your child and opt-in to receive helpful tips.  

Raising Healthy Minds provides simple-to-use information at your fingertips with clear actions you can start today.  

Download from Google Play or the App Store or go to raisingchildren.net.au/rhm to learn more and raise a healthy mind 🧠 😊  

Ready-Set-Connect