26 May 2016

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Dear parents, friends and students,

Our focus on improvement is captured in this single page diagram

The work we are doing across the school is aimed at collectively achieving 85% or more of students achieving at a “C” or above level in English, Maths and Science. In some year levels that has already been achieved. There is a further focus on the upper two bands that is the ‘A’ and ‘B’ results and we are lifting those as well. Those targets are very specific for each year level and class teachers and are found in our class data action plans.

The journey to get there involves building staff capability which is noted on the left hand side and student knowledge building which is in the box on the right.

The learning walls, which are in every room have all of the information about current units of work and we have them for English, Maths and Science throughout the school. In the middle, is our school logo and our Year of Dynamic Lift symbol which we are working on this year. Your children are very used to having administration team members come into the rooms and ask the 5 questions for students.

What are you learning? (Has the student been made explicitly aware of learning intentions?)
How are you doing? (Is the student aware of their current level of achievement?)
How do you know? (Has the student received feedback on their current unit of work?)
How can you improve? (Does the student know what they have to do to get to the next level?)
Where can you go for help? (Does the student have more than one strategy to get help- i.e. the learning wall/class mate/ the teacher?)

This really encapsulates the work we are doing this year and builds on the 2015 work in the Year of The Active Learner.

I recently met with our local councillor, Russ Cook who has taken a keen interest in our school as part of his division. He is particularly interested in the car issues that occur after school around the stop drop and go area. Hopefully with more support we can have a re-visit of this issue from a broader road safety perspective.

CODECLUB

From 2016, Queensland will offer the new Digital Technologies Australian Curriculum in state schools from Prep to Year 10 where students will start learning coding and robotics. CodeClub is a great introduction to visual programming and progressing into coding languages. Any year 5 or 6 student can join CodeClub by attending the lab during 1st break Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. There are limited places.

Have a great week,
Jeff

WALK SAFELY TO SCHOOL DAY 2016

Primary school aged children across Australia took important steps towards a healthier future by participating in National Walk Safely to School Day on Friday 20 May 2016. We had a large number of excited children and parents take part in our event at The Willows.

National Walk Safely to School Day is a community initiative that aims to raise awareness of the health, road safety, transport and environmental benefits that regular walking (especially to and from school) can provide for the long term health of our children.

The annual event, now in its 17th year, encourages primary school aged children to walk to and from school, not just on Friday 20 May, but every day.

ASSEMBLY

The next assemblies are

• Senior Assembly (3-6) on Friday 27th May
• Junior Assembly (P-2) on Friday the 3rd of June
• Senior Assembly (3-6) on Friday the 10th of June

YEAR 6 CAMP

Our final camp numbers have been approved and we thank the many families who have either paid in full or have met the deadlines to our payment plan. The final payment is due on the 10th of June. Students who are going on camp have received forms to be completed by parents/guardians.

If you have any concerns regarding payment please talk to Christine Shann in the office on 4799 1333. Please note that we have had some inquiries regarding invoicing. It generally takes our system from 2 to 4 days to process invoices as it is controlled by our head office. If you have made payments and they are not showing up on invoices please take that into consideration.

CHAPPY WEEK FREE DRESS DAY

A successful Chappy Week!

Thanks to all the students and their families who made an amazing effort to get involved in Chappy Week 2016.

The week included games in the TCBC with some volunteers from Willows Presbyterian, face painting, lucky popcorn, Chappy dressed as student for a day and free dress day!

Last week we raised over $1500, what a result! Thanks so much everyone.

Chappy Challenge boxes are still available to vote for this week. What will you make Chappy do for a whole day this year?!

• Walk like a chicken?
• Have birdsnest hair?
• Make Chappy dance anytime someone says 'Chappy'?

Chappy loved going into lots of classes last Thursday and role model good learning behaviours and The Willows Way. Chappy got to visit PYCAR, 1BRA, 2GAT, 3BAT, 4NOS, 5KRO and 6HOL.

Stay tuned for what else is happening for Chappy this term and in the future. Chappy is looking at running the second lot of Triple P Program in Term 3.

There will also be a jar of lollies counting competition coming up soon!

Thanks again everyone!

Libbie Kutuzov
Chaplain

RSPCA DRIVE

Did you know that the RSPCA relies on donations and community support to fund 99% of their annual costs? Every year our student council run the RSPCA food Drive which delivers much needed resources. This year we have made a great start with donations coming into the office. Please keep your donations coming.

EDUCATION WEEK

Education Week and our open day were a big hit. It was wonderful to see so many parents visiting our school. There were a range of activities in progress from reading to scientific experiments and group challenges. We hope to be able to do a lot more activities like this to encourage our families to share the learning experiences.

NQ RUGBY LEAGUE REPRESENTATIVE

Congratulations to Jack W for being chosen as the North Queensland U11 halfback. Jack will travel down to the Sunshine Coast for the Vic Jensen cup!

MOTHER’S DAY RAFFLE

The winners of the Mother’s Day Raffle are:

• 1st prize - Lilly 5DRA
• 2nd prize – William 5DRA
• 3rd prize – Ryder PYWOO

LOST PROPERTY

Last week, a staff member lost a blue Alta Fitbit watch. If anyone has found this could you please hand it in to the office.

DEFENCE AND MOBILE FAMILIES

Welcome to All Families,

A BIG THANK YOU to all those amazing parents for attending our recent ‘Recipe Swap’ morning tea. There are some really easy and delicious recipes to try. We had yummy slice, cakes and lots more. Copies of recipes can be collected from L Pod. What a great way to meet parents who have children at the same school as you. This was a very informal gathering to attend to chat with other Defence parents.

Our next morning tea will be in week 10 on Wednesday 15th June. We look forward to seeing then. If you have any suggestions for the occasion please let Correna know.

It was also wonderful to see so many Defence families spending time in the classrooms to see the amazing work their children accomplish.

TABLE TENNIS

Grand Finals were amazing. The six competing students showed great sportsmanship and were a terrific example to the young spectators. Congratulations to Patrick, Kieran and Malachi on their win and well done to the Runner Ups Ryan, Hayleigh and Zade. Players will receive a trophy and prize at the Senior Assembly on Friday 27th Mayat 2.10pm.

A new competition will start next term for the grade 3 students.

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.

KIDS CLUB

Last week Kids Club celebrated Chappy Week with Chappy Libbie. Students donated 50c to have their face or hand painted and the students came in droves. With more than 200 hundred students lining up it was great to see so many displaying excellent patience and behaviour. We were so busy at 1st break we also had it at 2nd break so no one would miss out. It will be back to usual activities this week. It is held every Monday and Tuesday during FIRST break on the verandah of the Outside School Care building. Kids Club is filled with exciting activities ranging from colouring in, board and card games, trucks and cars, and various craft activities each week.

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