29 October 2025
Principal’s Pride
Dear Parents, Caregivers and Community Members,
Welcome to our Week 4 Newsletter.
This week brings another busy week of teaching and learning and extra-curricular activities as we acknowledge and celebrate State Education Week, World Teacher’s Day and Day for Daniel together.
A massive thank you to our entire school community for your generous support of our P&C’s Halloween-themed Musical Bingo fundraiser last Friday night. Your support of our school community and hard-working P&C is much appreciated. Please see the P&C section of this newsletter for all information regarding how you can support their final fundraising endeavour for the school year.
Semester 2, 2025 Performer’s Concert
As a key celebration during State Education Week, we proudly showcased the works of our Choral and Instrumental Music students at our FINAL Performers’ Concert for 2025.
It was great to acknowledge and celebrate our students’ achievements and growth across 2025 in ‘The Arts.’
World Teacher’s Day – Friday, 31 October – ‘Teachers make a difference’
Our teachers make a difference every single day, educating, inspiring and supporting our students.
This year we say thank you to our teachers for creating the future. We acknowledge and show appreciation for the many ways in which teachers fulfil their important role in our school communities and for the positive impact they have on the lives of students.
I feel very proud, humbled and privileged every day to work with the wonderful The Willows State School teaching team and commend them all for their ongoing passion and commitment to the learning and wellbeing of all students at our great school.
State Education Week (27 to 31 October) - Great stories start here
This year we will again showcase and celebrate State Education Week with our school community through facebook posts sharing student work. The theme for 2025 is 'Great Stories Start Here'. Queensland state schools provide the pathways for students to reach their full potential and to create their own stories.
State Education Week is an opportunity to promote the great work being done at The Willows State School to help each and every student fulfil their unique potential. Look out for exciting daily Facebook sharing of our students fulfilling their potential and creating their own stories this week!
I would personally like to acknowledge the combined efforts of all staff at The Willows State School in catering to the differentiated needs of all our learners and ensuring the state education system continues to be great – both now and well into the future.
Day for Daniel - Friday, 31 October
Day for Daniel is a National Day of Action to raise awareness of Child Safety, Protection and Prevention. Students need to hear important child safety messages so they can –
- recognise safe and unsafe situations using safety clues
- react to keep themselves safe
- report unsafe situations, unsafe phone and online incidents.
On Friday, students and staff are asked to wear red. NO GOLD COIN DONATION. Teachers will utilise the resources from the Daniel Morcombe website and the Daniel Morcombe Child Safety School Curriculum with students during this week. Parents can also access the Daniel Morcombe website and show their children the many videos and activities available at this site:
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 highlights page.
This week I am sharing Parent/Caregiver survey responses relating to the questions encompassed within the ‘Fairness/Clarity of rules’, ‘Safety’ and ‘Partnerships’ themes. 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.
2026-2029 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.
TWSS 2026-2029 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.
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 TWSS Student Support Network.
Student Support Network
The Willows State School is proud to have a comprehensive Student Services Support Team (SSST) in place to help the social, emotional and physical wellbeing of every student. In addition to the assistance provided by class teachers, we have a team of professionals whose dedicated roles are to help ensure our school is an inclusive, nurturing environment.
Students can approach any school staff member at The Willows State School to seek assistance or advice. If they are unable to assist, they will provide guidance and help ensure the student is connected to the appropriate representative of the Student Support Network.
Roles and Responsibilities
The table below outlines the key roles within our Student Support Network and their responsibilities:
Role | Responsibilities |
Principal | - Leads the school community to develop, articulate, and commit to a shared educational vision focused on quality learning outcomes for all students. |
Deputy Principals | - Assists the Principal in leading the school community to develop and commit to a shared educational vision. |
Guidance Officer | - Supports students with specific difficulties, identified by the Leadership Team, through the provision short term counselling and check ins. |
Head of Special Education Services (HOSES) | - Leads the Inclusion Team to ensure students with disabilities are supported under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). |
Head of Department (Student Services) | - Leads the Student Wellbeing and Engagement Team to foster a positive and inclusive school culture. |
Head of Department (Teaching and Learning) | - Leads the Curriculum Team to ensure all students have access to the Australian Curriculum in alignment with the K–12 Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Framework. |
Inclusive Teaching and Learning Team | - Ensures students receive necessary adjustments through classroom support in an inclusive model. |
Student Wellbeing and Engagement Team | - Provides individual and group support to help students engage with learning. |
School-Based Psychologist | - Supports students identified, by the Principal, with mild to moderate mental health concerns through tailored therapeutic interventions. |
Defence School Mentor | - Monitors the social and emotional wellbeing of students from defence families. |
Chaplain | - Supports the supervised play room and lunch programs/activities. |
Additional Support Services
In addition to the school-based support network, parents and carers should be aware that regional and state-wide support services are available to supplement the assistance provided by the school. For more information about these services and their roles, please contact a member of the school Leadership Team.
FINAL REMINDER: Phillip Thompson OAM MP Christmas Card Competition
Phillip Thompson has invited our school to participate in a fun activity which could see some of our students’ artwork take pride of place on his 2025 Christmas card, which will be going out to all constituents in the electorate of Herbert.
Students in years Prep to Year 3 are invited to draw and colour a Christmas-themed artwork to fit the theme Christmas in the Tropics. Designs must be done in landscape orientation.
The worksheet would need to be signed by a parent/guardian before being returned to the school by Thursday, 30 October 2025. His office will then arrange to pick up the artworks on Friday, 31 October 2025. Artwork cannot be considered after this date.
A winner, second and third place will be selected from each year group from Prep to Year 3, with the selected entries to be printed on the official Christmas card. The winning student from each year group will each receive a $50 gift card.
Interested students are able to obtain worksheets from S Pod.
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 was 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 5 November.
Warm regards,
Michelle Donn
Principal
Upcoming Events
DATE CLAIMER | |
29 October | Prep Bulk Enrolments |
31 October | Day for Daniel |
World Teachers Day | |
31 October-5 November | Life Education (Prep and Year 2) |
5 November | Mixed Touch Gala Day |
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 | |
Defence Farewell Party (11am) | |
P&C Meeting (6.00pm) | |
27 November | 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 |
P and C News
Our Musical Bingo Night was held last Friday and we loved seeing our Willows community dressing up, getting into the games and making the night special. Thanks to everyone that attended!
Funds raised from these events all go back into the school where extra support is needed.
Tuckshop News – Halloween Menu
Positive Behaviour Learning (Safe, Respectful, Responsible)
PBL Fortnightly Focus
We will continue to focus on ‘Safe Choices’ and creating safe environments both online and offline.
This is in alignment with Australia’s largest child safety education and awareness day, ‘Day for Daniel’. The theme for 2025 is "Safe Spaces," which emphasizes creating safer online and offline environments for children.
Throughout this fortnight students are learning how to make smart, safe choices. They will be able to identify early warning signs in their body indicating they don’t feel safe, and we will be teaching the strategies needed to seek assistance in unsafe situations at school, home, online and in our community.
Day for Daniel a day dedicated to raising awareness of child safety will be held on Friday 31st of October this year.
To show our support and commitment to promoting child safety we encourage everyone to wear red on this day.
The key message is to empower children to "Recognise, React, and Report" unsafe situations.
Day for Daniel – Friday, 31 October
Defence News
Hello and welcome to all Defence families/caregivers and students,
Next week starting Monday, 3 November all students are invited to participate in the RSL initiative “Draw to Remember” at school. A Guest Speaker from the RSL will be at school to talk about the significance of this important day. Starting Monday for the whole week at first and second break our students will have the opportunity to do chalk drawings on the concrete near the Knowledge Centre. Students will be encouraged to draw “What Remembrance Day means to them”. Then on Friday, an RSL member will return and take photos of students chalk drawings. Please encourage students to join me in this activity. You are also invited to attend the “Remembrance Day” Whole School Ceremony on Tuesday, 11 November from 10.30am in the TCBC and afterwards join us for Morning Tea.
Posting out this year? Please contact the office and myself. I am available for a chat on Monday to Wednesday from 8.00am to 3.30pm in P2. Please call in. Always reach out to your chosen new school directly and request an enrolment pack. Please reach out to me if you have any more questions.
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
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
YOU SPARKLE, YOU SHINE, YOU ARE ONE OF A KIND!
Pitch News
It’s Performance Concert Week!!
Yesterday, we showcased the works of our Choral, Instrumental and Dance Troupe students at our Performers’ Concert along with a Visual and Media Arts display. That was our final concert for the year in conjunction with celebrating the hard work of all our students over the year in State Education Week.
Date Claimer
WHAT’S ON – TERM 4 | |
Week 4 | State Education Week |
Week 4/5 | AUSTA Strings Festival |
Week 4 | Performers’ Concert |
Week 7 | Remembrance Day Service |
Week 8 | All loaned instruments to be returned for service and cleaning |
Week 9 | Prep to Year 3 Christmas Concert |
Week 10 | Year 6 Graduation |
AUSTA Strings Fest
31 October to 2 November, 2025
Please follow the link and register if you haven’t done so. The 'AUSTA NQ Celebration of Strings' Festival is a great experience for the strings children.
Copy of the schedule - https://www.austa.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Orchestra-Workshop-Timetables-1.pdf
If interested, please register following this link - https://www.austa.asn.au/events-list/qld/
Instrumental Recruiting 2026
Notifications for our new recruits in the 2026 Instrumental Program will be sent out in the next couple of weeks. Apologies for the delay as we have been finalising numbers and still testing some children. Thanks for your patience — we can’t wait to welcome our new musicians! If you have any questions when you have received your letters, please notify us so we can assist.
Junior & Senior Choirs
Fiona Coleman
I’m thrilled with the incredible progress your children have made in their singing — their voices are sounding stronger, more confident, and full of expression! Their hard work and dedication really shine.
Don’t forget, our next special performance for Senior Choir is on Tuesday, 11th November, for Remembrance Day. Parents and friends are welcome to join us at 10.30am in TCBC.
Music Shirts, Folders/Music, School Instruments/Fees
All instruments will be collected by Friday, 28th November (End of Week 8) for repairs and cleaning and to get ready for our 2026 instrumentalists.
Instruments for Sale
If your child has outgrown their instrument or upgrading, I’m happy to advertise through the newsletter. Please send information to fcole7@eq.edu.au including instrument type, brand, size, contact details and your asking price and I will publish in next newsletter. All communication and selling is to be done between the buyer and seller not the school. Keep a look out on Facebook Market Place.
Musically Yours,
Fiona Coleman
“Life is one grand sweet song to start the music.” ~ Ronald Reagan
“Do not neglect your music, it will be a companion which will sweeten many hours of life to you.” ~ Thomas Jefferson
The Pulse
Interschool Swimming
🏊♀️ Last Tuesday, a small but mighty team of Willows swimmers represented our school at the Interschool Swimming B Carnival! 🏅
🌧️ The carnival was postponed from Term 1 due to weather, but that didn’t stop our amazing students from diving in and giving it their best effort! Despite having a few event vacancies in the team, they swam their hearts out and finished 7th overall – securing our place in the B Schools Carnival for 2026! 💪💦
👏 A huge thank you to our incredible staff, parents and families for supporting our training sessions and cheering on our swimmers. It was wonderful to see the students’ confidence grow and their fitness improve throughout the lead-up.
💙 We are so proud of our Willows swimmers – what an amazing effort! 🌟
Lane | School | Aggregate | |
1 | Calvary | 253 | |
2 | North Shore | 128 | |
3 | St Anthony's | 244 | |
4 | Holy Spirit | 176 | |
5 | Annandale Christian College | 210 | |
6 | The Willows | 132 | |
7 | St Joseph's Mundingburra | 280 | |
8 | Marian | 216 | |
Interschool Mixed Touch Carnival
The Interschool Mixed Touch Carnival will be held on 5th November. The squad has been selected, and training is on Tuesdays at first break.
Prep News
English
In English, we have been working on writing a retell from a familiar story. PYC have written their retell about Harry the Dirty Dog.
Science
In Science, we are investigating how objects move and what we can do to affect their movements. We have been finding out what are the best properties to move something down a ramp and how we can make it go faster or slower.
Warriors Visit
We were lucky to have Mrs Tropea and the Warriors visit us for a look at big school this week. We loved listening to Mrs Tropea’s story and painting a pig with them.
Year One News
It’s been a very busy few weeks in Year One!
In Maths, our students have been mastering pattern making and skip counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s. They’ve been using a variety of classroom materials to create collections and discover fun patterns in numbers. It’s wonderful to see so many curious mathematicians at work!
Every Friday afternoon, classes 1A and 1B head to the computer lab to team up with their Year Six buddies. Together, they’ve been practising typing skills and exploring educational maths games. The Year One students love learning alongside their mentors, and it’s been heartwarming to see the friendships and teamwork grow each week.
In English, students have been diving into stories to strengthen their reading and comprehension skills. They’ve been reading texts carefully, answering questions about the content and structure, and sharing personal connections to the stories. Class 1A has also been enjoying the much-loved Australian classic Possum Magic as inspiration for their creative writing recounts.
In Science this term is all about light and sound. We have been busy investigating various musical instruments and discussing the sound that each of them make.
Year Two News
English
This term, students are learning all about narratives. In 2A, students read Elmer the Elephant and explored the text structure and language features. We then also created our own Elmer the Elephant to display in the classroom.
Science Experiment
In Science this term, we are learning all about the Earth’s resources and exploring ways to conserve them. We have started looking at soil types and have planted some seeds in different types of soil to identify which soil was the best for growing plants. We are having lots of success with one soil that is growing very healthy plants!
Year Three News
It has been an exciting couple of weeks in Year 3 with lots of learning taking place.
In English, students have been focusing on reading and comprehending a text. They have been exploring topic-specific vocabulary, language features and literary devices in a narrative. 3C have been busy finding examples of onomatopoeia (words that sound like they mean eg BANG!) and similes (comparing one thing with another using like or as). Students then had a go writing their own similes that tied in with the narrative.
In Maths, students have been exploring numbers beyond 10 000. Students must order numbers from smallest to largest and vice-versa. 3C had fun using place-value games to come up with the biggest 5 or 6 digit numbers they could think of. This was also a good way to practice our turn-taking skills and building our resilience when playing games with our peers.
Year Four News
The Year 4 students attended First Aid in Schools session on Wednesday 15th of October. At First Aid, we learned the recovery position, CPR to Baby Shark and what DRSABC stands for. Danger, Respond, send of help 000, Airway, Breathing and Circulation. At The Willows State School, we give respect to First Aid and everyone at The Willow State School. In TWSS we can now help people that are hurt, that is why First Aid can help them. First Aid can help people that are hurt or in danger.
From Alora Cannings 4D
On Wednesday October the 5th, people from St. John’s Ambulance came to teach us how to be safe and what to do when in danger or when someone is hurt. We learned how to do CPR to baby shark and when in danger call triple zero. We learned what D,R,S,A,B,C stands for. DANGER (stop check it is safe), R stands for RESPONSE (can you hear me?), A stands for AIRWAYS (check mouth blocked or clear), B stands for BREATHING (are they breathing?) C stands for CPR (30:2 no matter who) D stands for DEFIB [AED] get an adult.
From Esther Pivi 4D
Year Five News
In English, the Year 5 students are reading a chapter book called ‘The Callers’ by Kiah Thomas. The students are enjoying this fast-paced fantasy story with its interesting characters, engaging magic, other worlds and thought-provoking adventures.
As the students read through each chapter they are practising their skills in writing chapter summaries. They are also studying the various language features / text structures / themes within each chapter of the book. Here is a Chapter 10 summary:
A short summary of ‘The Callers’ by Kiah Thomas
Quin Octavius belongs to a powerful family of Callers in Elipsom, all able to summon objects at will. But Quin cannot. When the day of his test arrives, rather than calling something into being, he makes something disappear and is thrust into the strange land of Evantra. In Evantra he meets Allie, and together they uncover the truth: the objects summoned in Elipsom are not created but stolen from Evantra’s people and natural world. With this knowledge, Quin is faced with a decision: remain complicit with his family and society, or fight for justice and change.
Year Six News
In Year 6 this term, we are learning about fair testing experiments in Science. They have been working hard to identify the different variables and which ones are measured, changed and stay the same. This is to prepare for our yeast experiment coming in the next few weeks. To practise for this, classes have been conducting other experiments to check the fair test method. For example, we were testing the growth of mould on bread when they are in different locations to determine the best location to store bread.
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