9 June 2016

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Dear parents, friends and students,

As we head towards the holidays and we have our children around a great deal more it’s worthwhile considering what social skills we want and could concentrate on, for our children. The following is an article by Michael Grose – An Australian author of nine books on parenting:

School brings different types of learning, including social interactions and how to make friends. Parents can lay the foundations at home by teaching their children these seven important social skills.

Children who are able to form friendships when they start school are happier at school and also learn better. More significantly, positive friendships have long-term implications for social and indirectly academic success. Friendships skills are generally developmental, but they don’t develop in isolation. Children acquire these skills when they play with their siblings and interact with children and adults outside their family.

Today’s children grow up with fewer siblings, fewer opportunities for unstructured play and less freedom to explore friendships than children of even ten years ago.

Parents can help children develop important social competencies by teaching them sociable behaviours at home, being good role models and providing opportunities for children to play with each other in a variety of situations.

HERE ARE 7 IMPORTANT SOCIAL SKILLS TO HELP CHILDREN TO DEVELOP:

1. Ask for what you want

Help children ask for what they want. It means they don’t throw tantrums, whinge, and sulk or expect parents to guess what’s on their minds. While we need to be patient with toddlers, we need also to give older children the chance and opportunity to ask for what they want. Sometimes we need to ignore shrugs and grunts and expect them to articulate their wishes. This is the basis of civil behaviour, as well as a basic human skill.

2. Good manners

Teach children good manners, in particular the three ‘power words’. These words are very persuasive because they have a way of breaking down barriers and people’s defences. These three words are: your name; please; thanks. These terms are the basis of good manners, and, when used, will increase the likelihood of getting what you want.

3. Sharing

Sharing is a basic social skill. Developmentally, very young children like to keep their possessions themselves. As they get older and move into Pre School and beyond the notion of sharing becomes a pre-requisite for playing with and forming relationships with others. Other children like to play and be with those who share their time, possessions and space with them. Sharing is the start of empathy as it shows sensitivity to other people’s feelings.

4. Holding a conversation

Holding conversations with others is a lifetime friendship skill. Conversations require self-disclosure, which can be challenging for some children. Good conversationalists give of themselves, but also take an interest in the person they are talking to. Many children forget that good conversations are two-way events, and tend to focus solely on themselves.

Children within conversations need to learn to ask good or interesting questions; to take turns when speaking and to show you are listening by making eye contact and not interrupting.

5. Winning and losing well

Children need to learn to win without rubbing others noses in it, and lose gracefully without throwing tantrums and making excuses. Wanting to win is natural, but they need to do so in a way that they maintain a relationship with other players so they will play again. Losing may make children feel bad, but children need to control their negative feelings so that others will play with them again.

7. Handling fights and disagreements

Disagreements happen in families and among friends. The key is to make sure disagreements don’t lead to the breakdown of friendships. It’s important to get across to children that having an argument or disagreement doesn’t mean that a friendship is over. Strong friendships, like strong family relationships, withstand disagreements. In fact, they only serve to strengthen friendships.

The results of a number of studies indicate that children can be taught friendships skills. The strategies are simple and revolve around teaching children a range of friendly behaviours such as: talking with others while playing, showing an interest in others, smiling, offering help and encouragement when needed, a willingness to share and learning how to enter a game or social situation.

As parents we often focus on the development of children’s academic skills and quite easily neglect the development of important social skills, which contribute so much to children’s happiness and wellbeing.

STAFFING UPDATE

It is with great pleasure that I can announce that the two acting deputy principal positions have been filled permanently. Mrs Souter will continue in her role and Mr Chris Wicks will be coming in to fill the position made vacant by Mrs Brazzale’s departure. Ms Grey has won the position of deputy principal at Annandale State School.

It is with a great deal of regret that I have to inform you that I have been appointed to a school at the Gold Coast for the start of semester 2. As a result of a number of personal concerns, my wife and I have made the decision to move south to be with our adult children. The new principal should be announced late this week or early next week. They will take the role on in an acting capacity and a merit selection process will occur to fill the role substantively in 2017.

Have a great week.
Jeff

CODECLUB NEWS

UNDER 8’S DAY

Prep, Year 1, and Year 2 students participated in an afternoon of fun activities to celebrate Under 8’s Day on Friday 27th May. Many parents, grandparents and younger siblings came along to join in the celebration as well. The theme for this year’s event was ‘Early Learning, Everyone Benefits.'

Teachers and teacher aides organised a variety of activities such as pirate hats, bubble blowing, puppet making, slime, playdough, dancing, straw necklaces, and many more.

It was a great afternoon and so good to see such a large number of parents and community members having so much fun! Children are to be congratulated for their excellent behaviour which made the event a fantastic success. Sincere thanks to all teachers, teacher aides and parents for their active involvement.

During the afternoon many parents were asked to fill in a short survey about our school. See some of the fantastic responses below:

What is working well at The Willows State School?

• Morning reading in the Main CPA
• Children’s attendance
• Keep up the amazing work / school is doing a great job
• Inviting families to participate in activities with children / community feel of the school
• P&C – great feedback
• Dedicated teachers who have great rapport with children
• Parent/teacher communication
• Happygrams
• Updates in newsletters
• Children know what is expected of them
• Teachers and aides who are doing a fantastic job
• Children are happy to come every day!
• Friendly and approachable staff
• Supporting student
• Online newsletters

ASSEMBLIES

The next assemblies are ….

• Senior Assembly (3-6) on Friday the 10th of June
• Junior Assembly (P-2) on Friday the 17rd of June
• There will be no assembly on the last week of school.

YEAR 6 CAMP

Our camp numbers have now been finalised. Please ensure that all camp forms have been returned to teachers as soon as possible.

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.

RSPCA DRIVE

REMINDER THAT WE ARE STILL COLLECTING FOR THE RSPCA and this is finishing at the end of the term. If you have not donated something and would like to, please hand your donations in to the office. 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.

LIFE EDUCATION

This year we are again offering students the option of engaging with Life Education ”Talk About it” program regarding puberty. The school recognises that you are the primary educator of your child on issues surrounding their sexuality, however we believe we can work together to help children stay safe by encouraging healthy attitudes. The TALK ABOUT IT program by Life Education includes information on puberty incorporating physical growth and emotional changes, relationships and the concept of self. It is designed to help students understand and cope with this important phase of development. The lesson being conducted will focus on the physical, social and emotional changes experienced during puberty, and helping students understand and cope with this important phase of development.

This program will be run the week beginning the 1st of August i.e. week 4 of Term 3. The lessons will be taught by an experienced educator from Life Education. The classroom teacher will accompany their class and will also be present to assist. All students will initially be together and then boys and girls will be split to discuss more specific issues relating to the management of puberty. The cost of this program is $6 per student. Life Education has also offered to run a free Parent Workshop. More information and permission forms will be going out to students very soon.

PE NEWS

The Interhouse Athletics Carnival will be held on Wednesday 22 June and Thursday 23 June. The program is attached.

Students recently represented The Willows at the Interschool Cross Country. All students showed fantastic sportsmanship and represented the school with remarkable efforts being displayed.

Montaya H had an outstanding afternoon coming 3rd in her age group and then last week represented Thuringowa at the NQ Regional trials where she finished 5th.

All students that were in The Willows Cross Country Squad showed dedication to training and their enthusiasm and I am sure this will follow over into our Athletics carnival on the 21st and 22nd June.

CHAPPY CHAT

What a term so far! I am loving every second of being the Chappy at The Willows and it puts a big smile on my face every time I hear ‘Chappy’ from across the playground, at the shops, or even at the Cowboys games.

Things are still winding down from Chappy Week, I completed the Chappy Challenge last week by doing the challenge the most voted for.... Birds Nest Hair!

Here’s a pic in case you missed it! (I think some people just thought I felt like dressing up for the day. They were real twigs and leaves everyone!)

I have been running the FRIENDS program for a small group of grade 3 and 4 girls and also the Triple P program for interested parents. If you think you would be interested in finding out more about the Positive Parenting Program, please contact Chappy Libbie at lkutu0@eq.edu.au as another 8-week night session will be starting in Term 3.

I love getting around to lots of classrooms and at the moment I visit around 10 different classes each week to help them with school work, work individually or just be a smiling face in the room. Thanks to all the teachers who have invited me in!

I also got the opportunity to watch the Year 6 NRL Development Cup team play Monday night last week. Although the boys didn’t come out with the win, I have to say how proud I was to be cheering on Willows that night. I know they did their best and they have a great school spirit which I love.

Remember:

Life is like a camera, focus on what is important, capture the good times, develop from the negatives, and if things don’t turn out – just take another shot! – Unknown.

Keep working hard and enjoying yourselves. Don’t lose the joy of the game in the pain of a loss.

I am running a camp for high school age students from July 4-8 here in Townsville called SMADD (Song, Music, Art, Drama, Dance). If any parents out there have high school aged kids who may be interested, here is the link for more info:

Here is the promo video link to get a taste of what we do on camp:

This Saturday, the church I go to, Willows Presbyterian Church down on Carthew Street is running a Winter Fair from 8am-1pm including BBQ, jumping castle, Chappy Popcorn, fairy floss, cake stall, games and activities, coffee, book stalls etc. All proceeds from the day will go to the Townsville Women’s Centre. Come on down to support a great cause and have a fun morning with the family!

That’s about it for this term from me. The Term 2 Sausage Sizzle will happen again on the last day of term and order forms will come out soon. This is another great way to support school chaplaincy at The Willows SS.

Have a great day!
Chappy Libbie

P&C NEWS

Hi everyone,

The P&C are looking for volunteers to help out on Election Day (2nd July) at the school with the sausage sizzle. If you can help for an hour or two, see Rosie at the tuckshop.

Tuesday 14th June is our next Fun Fair meeting. If you are able to help out before, during or after the Fun Fair, or have any ideas about the Fun Fair then this is the meeting for you. All new faces are welcome.

P&C meetings have now changed to Wednesday nights. Wednesday the 22nd June will be our next P&C meeting. We realise that this is State of Origin night so it will be a quick meeting.

Dates for P&C meetings later in the year are: 20 July, 17 August, 14 September, 12 October, 9 November. Please add these dates to your diary.

School holidays are approaching fast. If you need Vacation Care please contact the OSHC friendly staff on 4723 7748 for details.

Did you know that we have a Facebook page? To access this page, just Like Willows State School P&C.

TUCKSHOP NEWS

We would like to thank our volunteers for the continual support they give. If there is any time you can give to volunteer, please come and see Rosie or call on 4799 1346.

As the end of Term 2 is approaching, please don't forget that we will be CLOSED for orders on FRIDAY 24th June. We will however be open for TREATs at 1st break on this day. Lolly bags, soft drink, chocolate slice and ice-creams will be for sale with prices starting at 50c. Be sure to get in quick on the day so you don't miss out. We hope all families enjoy the holidays and look forward to term 3.

Cheers
The Tuckshop Ladies

DEFENCE AND MOBILE FAMILIES

Welcome to All Families,

Term 3 is set to be a busy term, so start organising now. On Saturday 3rd September 3BDE will host the annual Legacy Ultra Trail Run. This is open to individuals and corporate groups. We encourage all of our Year 4 -6 students to sign up for the NQ Defence Legacy Junior 5km Trail run and Army obstacle course. The holidays will be the perfect time to start training.

The event is open to the public and children. hildren 12 years and under require parental supervision to participate. Parents participate for free.

For more event details go to the event Facebook page NQ Defence Annual Legacy Fundraiser Event or the attached flyers.

Registrations close 2 July (during the school holidays). Please go to trybooking.com/195972 for more event details and registration.

The day is complemented with the Lavarack Barracks Open Day 2016, which will provide an opportunity for the local community to have hands on experience with Army equipment set up in a field environment. Guests will be able to support teams competing in the trail run including watching them challenge each other through the conduct of the obstacle course, a gun run and a stretcher carry.

Teams are requested to fundraise for Legacy through

RAAF TOWNSVILLE DOGS DAY OUT – FRIDAY 22ND JULY 7.30AM – 9.00AM SOROPTIMIST PARK

Please support this great cause and give a rescue dog a great day out. See flyer for further details.

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

Students have been enjoying playdough and making craft to support their favourite Origin team. (NSW!). 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

½ Violin for sale

If you are looking to purchase a secondhand ½ violin for your music student, there is one for sale. Contact 0408 127 776 for more details.