28 April 2016

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

Dear parents, friends and students,

ANZAC Day is a very special day for all Australians and no matter where you are the significance of the day and its importance to us both historically and culturally is demonstrated by so many people that, it is, in my opinion, our only truly national day of celebration. This year it was my first ANZAC Day both at The Willows and here in Townsville and I was moved by the level of genuine interest and respect that both military and non-military families had for the day.

Our parade at school last Friday was an example of this. The student leadership team very capably led the proceedings and the student body, responded with reverence and discipline. This was the first time this year the entire school assembled as one and this exemplifies the regard our school holds for the traditions and meaning of the day. The large number of community members who turned up for the parade typifies the esteem in which ANZAC Day is held and for the calibre of our school's assembly.

I wish to publically acknowledge the effort made by so many of our students to attend the march on ANZAC Day as well as our captains who also represented us at the dawn service. A big thank you to the parents who made it possible for the large number of students to attend. By giving up your time to allow your children to participate, you model to them discipline and respect which, in some small way is a broad reflection of the day as a whole. It's so important that we continue to keep the ANZAC Day traditions alive and well supported here in our beautiful garrison city and on what I saw last week we're on solid ground.

Lest We Forget

The strong focus we have this year in our 'Year of Dynamic Lift' is on lifting our overall student Levels of Achievement (LOA) in English, Maths and Science. Collectively our aim is to have at least 85% of the student population achieve at least a 'C' or above in each of the three subject areas. We have achieved this in many year levels already and each year level can further break down the target to the percentage of students they want to get to an 'A' or 'B'. Of course when we achieve the targets we set, we then agree on new ones to aspire to. We constantly monitor our students through a range of assessments and we triangulate our data with other standardised tests so we can be assured our teacher's judgements are accurate and reflective of the curriculum's achievement standards. What all this means is, that as parents, you can be comfortable in the knowledge that all of our staff regularly meet to ensure that the work that is done and the expectations of student performance is the same across a year level. It is not correct to think that one teacher marks more easily than another within a year level as our moderation processes ensure that we have consistency of teacher judgement across our school.

During week 5 our Year 3 and Year 5 students will undertake the National Assessment Program-Literacy and Numeracy tests (NAPLAN). These tests are conducted annually in all Australian schools and also include Years 7 and 9. The tests are conducted over a 3 day period and it is extremely important that all Year 3 and 5 students attend during the tests.

Have a great week,
Jeff

3 WAY CONVERSATIONS

We started the term with our "3 Way Conversations" and they were very successful. This is where we invite families to meet with their class teachers to discuss their student's academic progress and next learning steps. Creating 'Active Learners' is at the centre of learning and teaching and the 'Three Way Conversation' initiative aims to strengthen the child's ownership of learning as well as our relationship with parents as partners. Our teachers indicated that they were very busy and their interview schedules were full.

"I love the way my child could tell me what she had to do to improve in English".

"Teachers were very informative about where my child was at and what we could do at home to assist him".

"Teacher was very organised and I got to see my child's work. She explained my child's result in great depth. I was given examples of how my child can improve her work to get a better mark."

"The main focus of the conversation was academic but it was also nice to hear how my child is progressing socially".

RUGBY LEAGUE

Congratulations to Jayden S for making the U12 Thuringowa rugby league team and Jack W and Shonvel C for making the U11 Thuringowa team.

HOMEWORK CLUB

There is a Homework Club in the mornings in the Lab from 8am/ 8:15am for students in years 3-6. It is a good opportunity for students to catch up on homework and missed assessment.

STUDENT BANKING

Win a wildlife family adventure holiday to Australia Zoo!

This year School Banking is giving students the chance to win a family trip for up to two adults and three children to explore Australia Zoo and meet Bindi and Robert Irwin.

Students who make 15 or more School Banking deposits by the end of Term 3, 2016 will be automatically entered into the draw. This is a great way to encourage students to save.

If you would like to know more about School Banking, please ask for a 2016 School Banking program information pack from the school office.

P&C UPDATE

New President

This is my first P & C Update as the new President. I'll start by introducing myself. My name is Damien (Damo) Helander. I'm married with two children who attend The Willows State School. I'm hoping that with having a dad as President, more dads will put their hand up and get involved with not only the P&C, but helping in their child's classroom and around the school. With not only my children's best interests at heart, but all students, parents and the whole school community in mind, I'm very keen to get stuck into continuing the fantastic work of the current P & C and outgoing President Kylie Allison. On that note, I would like to thank Kylie for all her hard work and dedication she has put into the P & C over the last 11 years, 5 of those being President.

I'm really looking forward to getting involved with all aspects of the P&C, including the monthly meetings, fund raising and all other school activities. I can be contacted on 0424786807 or dbhelander@bigpond.com if there's any concerns or ideas you'd like to discuss.

Family Fun Fair

We have a Family Fun Fair meeting on Tuesday 10th May. Keep an eye out for updates on the Facebook page for dates and times of further meetings.

Fun Run Update

The winner of the IPod will be drawn at the next Junior Assembly 6th May. Students who returned their form before the due date and raised over $10 will soon receive a handball. We'll have final figures next newsletter.

A big thank you to Wanda Austin and Nicky Smith for all their hard work in the coordinating the fun run.

Sports Shirts

Sports shirt orders have now CLOSED. The shirts have been ordered and expected to arrive later this term.

Mother's Day

Mother's Day is coming up quickly and we need volunteers to help man the stall. If you can help out that would be greatly appreciated. The Mother's Day stall will be open from 29/4/16 to 6/5/16.

P&C Meeting

The next P & C meeting will be Tuesday 17th May at 7.00pm in the OSHC building.

Facebook

Are you on Facebook?? Be sure to "LIKE" the P&C page "Willows State School P&C". Thanks Jason Curtis for your efforts into keeping the page running.

Regards,
Damo

BOOK CLUB

Book club brochures were handed out last week. If you have not received your brochures please check with your child's teacher.

Scholastic now offer 2 easy ways to place your book club orders.

1. Order and pay for your purchases online before the due date for free delivery to your child's classroom.
   Any orders received online after the due date will be charged a delivery fee and delivered direct to your home address.
2. Complete the order form attached to the book club brochure and return to the school as below:
   - place all orders in a sealed envelope clearly labeled Book Club.
   - write your child's name and class on the envelope and on the order form.
   - place envelope in the money slot in the front office before due date.
   - payment can be made by cash (correct money please), cheques made payable to Scholastic or by credit card via phone direct to Scholastic.

Book Club orders close this Friday 29th April.

No late orders will be accepted.

Thank you
Michelle
Book Club Coordinator

DEFENCE AND MOBILE FAMILIES

Welcome to All Families,

ANZAC DAY CEREMONY

What a lovely ceremony. Thank you to our special guest, SGT Stephen White from MEOMS for his moving address. Likewise, thank you to 27 SQN, their continued support of our ANZAC Ceremony is deeply appreciated. Additional thanks goes to Bagpiper, Jack Lestone. What a wonderful tradition his musical accompaniment has become and thanks to Bugler, Jason Curtis for a moving performance.

Our School Captains, Bella, Denzil, Catherine and Ben, presented a very organised and professional ceremony. Well done – your practice and dedication paid off beautifully.

To Year Six speakers, Tahlia V, Gemma M and poetry reader Bodie S - congratulations on a superb presentation along with Indigenous students, Diai W and Tyla T. Lastly, the hidden flag bearer, Aiden C did a great job showing excellent timing raising and lowering the flag.

I hope the family and friends who attended enjoyed our ceremony. Thank you for supporting our students and honouring our ANZAC's.

THE MARCH

Our students marched beautifully on ANZAC Day to honour those who have served. Many students marched proudly in their school uniform and enjoyed the morning immensely. Congratulations. Enjoy the pictures.

ANZAC MERCHANDISE

Year Six students, Megan D, Alex C, Briarna S, Paige S, Tahlia S and Bailey M. gave up almost every break time over the past two weeks to sell mountains of ANZAC merchandise. Megan organised students and took care of every aspect involved with making sales. Her dedication and great leadership is deeply appreciated. I simply could not have survived the last week without her. The Willows is extremely proud to have such a trustworthy and amazing student.

DCO NATIONAL FAMILIES WEEK – DAY IN THE COUNTRY

DCO is celebrating National Families Week with a day in the country. Defence families are invited to attend a free event at Melville's Farm for a country experience like no other! Mark May 15th in your calendar.

TUTORING

Education Allowance Scheme – Remember it's never too early to begin tutoring. You have 18 months from your posting date to take advantage of the Education Assistance. Don't leave it until it's too late. Tutoring can begin at any time of the year for students so be sure to take advantage of this scheme before your 18 months ends.

Well done to all those students who have got straight into tutoring. We know you will be well rewarded for all your hard work. Remember to get tutoring started soon so you do not miss out on entitlements. This assistance is very valuable for your children. Most children find it builds confidence and they enjoy it very much. This scheme is aimed at minimising the disruption to a child's schooling, caused as a result of a defence posting. Reimbursement can be provided for tuition for primary and secondary students within the first 18 months of enrolment at the new school. The entitlement is 14 weeks at 1 hour per week per subject. Forms are available online or from the DSTA here at school. There is a list of teachers available for tutoring before and after school. Please ask your teacher or email your DSTA for further details.

SPOUSE PASS FOR LAVARACK BARRACKS

Please find attached forms to obtain a spouse pass to enable entry to Lavarack Barracks. This will allow spouses to attend functions, activities and services on base. Simply download and fill in the attached application form and follow these instructions:

1. Contact pass office to make a booking 4411 8812
2. Contact Geckos on 4411 1741 to arrange for them to greet you at the gate.

Alternatively, see Louise or Correna in L Pod for assistance and forms.

DCO INFORMATION

Sign up for the DCO mailing list to ensure you receive a Calendar of Events, the Gone Troppo magazine (a must have) and any relevant DCO information for our Defence Families. It is essential to be on the mailing list as information cannot be forwarded due to the privacy regulations. Find attached the mailing list authority form. DCOmailinglist.pdf Member_with_dependants_unaccompanied.doc

KIDS CLUB

Kids Club is a great way for children to get to know each other in a friendly, supervised environment. Please encourage them to come along and have some fun. They are welcome to bring a friend with them.

DEPLOYMENTS AND ABSENCES

Please make sure you let your Teacher, the Office and DSTA know if you have a member away. We like to ensure all students are supported during what can be a challenging time and allow them the chance to share their experiences with other students going through similar events. Additionally, if you are having difficulties or would like a chat, come in and see us or contact us via phone or email.

Your Defence Aides are located in L Pod behind the Outside School Building and families are most welcome to drop by any time for a chat. The lovely ladies at the office can direct you or give us a call if you would like our assistance. Again, please make contact as we are here to help in any way we can.

CONTACTS

Defence Community Organisation is available to all Defence members and their families. Contact can be made on 1800 624 608 24 hours.

Veterans and Veterans Families – 1800 011 046 www.dva.gov.au/vvcs
DFA Defence Families of Australia – 1800 100 509 www.dfa.org.au
National Delegate for Northern Queensland - nth.qld@dfa.org.au

Remember Louise and Correna are available morning and afternoon. Parents and students are very welcome to stop by L Pod or contact us via email or phone as listed below.

The Office on 47 991 333 or via e-mail - Louise on lwhit325@eq.edu.au or Correna Wheeler cwhee36@eq.edu.au

Kind Regards
Louise White and Correna Wheeler