28 July 2016

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

It was a fantastic effort by our School ATSIAP Team at the recent Interschool competition. ATSIAP stands for - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aspirations Program. The students performed at James Cook University in six categories including a play performance, a persuasive speech, an impromptu commercial, a quiz, completed a piece of art work and wrote a poem. The aim of this challenge is to educate young Indigenous students about their culture allowing them to become more aware of current issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This program provides opportunities for the students to develop confidence and to promote individual and group learning and team cooperation whilst learning. Our team performed exceptionally well, Lily Foster’s persuasive speech on ‘Bullying’ won first place. Well done to Team Willows.

Absences

All State Schools will be moving to same day notification for absent students starting 2017. You will be asked to complete an information form so we can check our records and update them. As time goes by it is often missed that details are not up to date at school. This is an opportunity to ensure that the school and home can communicate effectively. The notifications will be sent out by text and in the future report cards will be sent home via email addresses. Schools that have already implemented these strategies have had very successful outcomes and feedback from their parent groups. Thank you in advance for ensuring your child’s detail are up to date.

I would like to thank the families that have taken the time to speak with me, over the last three weeks. I am extremely impressed with how the school works together over a large campus. 41 classes coming together each and every day is an interesting concept. My concern about coming into a large school is that it can sometimes lose the ‘country’ feel. I don’t believe that I have seen that at The Willows. The Staff here are extremely proud of what they have achieved and what they are doing each day with the students in front of them. Congratulations to the whole of the community for making a great school possible.

Regards Chris

ASSEMBLY

The next assemblies are ….

• Senior Assembly (3-6) on Friday the 29th of July.
• Junior Assembly (P-2) on Friday the 5th of August.
• Senior Assembly (3-6) on Friday the 12th of August.
• Junior Assembly (P-2) on Friday the 19th of August.

YEAR 6 CAMP

Our year 6 students went on camp last week and it was a huge hit. Students participated in some great activities with camp staff and our teachers. The weather became a little challenging at one stage but the students were very clear in indicating that the rain was a bonus as it created some great mud puddles for play. On senior assembly on the 12th of August we will have a little movie to share some great images and memories of camp and parents are most welcome to come along and watch.

A huge thankyou has to go to our staff who continue to make great activities like this achievable for our students. Camps require a lot of supervision and teachers give up their own personal time. We thank their families also for being ok with their absence.

Thank you so much to Ms Andersen, Mrs Bird, Mr Sanim, Mrs Plat, Ms Holder, Mr Schimke, Mrs Hewitt, Mrs Bridson and Mrs Fayers. Also a huge thank you to some parents who came along and assisted with supervision.

LIFE EDUCATION

Reminder that Life Education ‘Talk about it” is occurring this week. Please see previous newsletter for details. There is also a free parent workshop on Thursday the 28th of July at 5pm in the TCBC Conference Room.

SCHOOL DISCO

Our next school disco will be on Thursday the 4th of August in TCBC. Juniors (P-3) will be from 5 to 6.15pm and Seniors (4 to 6) will be from 6.30pm to 8pm. The cost is $3 and food and drinks will be available for purchase on the night. The theme will be “Colours” and all money raised goes to Relay for Life. Get a group of friends together and dress in the same colour.

YEAR 5 CHARTERS TOWERS TRIP

Our year 5 students have received permission forms for their upcoming excursion to Charters Towers. In year 5 students investigate the colonial period in Australian History. They focus on significant events such as the gold rush and they go to Charters Towers to further their knowledge and understanding of that era. They view some of the equipment used and even get to try their luck at gold panning. They also visit a Miner’s cottage and do the Venus Battery guided tour and the museum tour. The following classes go on these dates.

Payment & Permission slip as due on Wednesday, August 17.

2017 PREP ENROLMENTS

Prep Enrolment Packages ARE NOW available for collection from the office. For siblings of existing students, only a Birth Certificate is required to be presented. For all new families to the school, a Rates Notice or Lease Agreement (in the parent's name) is required AND a Birth Certificate for the enrolling student. NO ENROLMENT PACKAGES WILL BE GIVEN OUT WITHOUT THE AFOREMENTIONED DOCUMENTATION.

PARENT SURVEY

You were recently sent home a School Opinion Survey to complete online. If you have not already done so, could you please complete the survey. The survey is open until Friday 29th July 2016. This is your opportunity to have your say about your school, so please take the time to share your opinion.

NATIONAL COLLECTION OF DATA ON SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH DISABILITY

Collecting data on school students with disability helps teachers, principals and education authorities support the participation of students with disability in schooling on the same basis as students without disability.

All Australian Governments have agreed to work together on the annual collection of data on school students with disability.

All Australian schools participate in this annual data collection.

The data provided to the Australian Government is aggregated data only. Please be reassured that the Department will not provide on to another organisation any data that can identify an individual student. The only data being collected at the school level to be reported nationally is the:

• number of students in the school who are provided with an adjustment to address a disability;
• level of adjustments we provide for those students; and
• broad category of disability.

Consultation with parents is important not only for the data collection but also to ensure you are aware of the adjustments being provided to support your child. We will therefore continue to consult with you.

While only data that cannot identify your child will be submitted outside of the Department, if you do not wish for your child’s details to be included, please let me know.

Information and fact sheets are available to help you make a decision from the:

• Department’s website: http://education.qld.gov.au/curriculum/disability-data-collection.html
• Australian Government Department of Education website: http://education.gov.au/nationally-consistent-collection-data-school-students-disability

Alternatively, if you have any queries about the collection or use of this data I encourage you to contact me directly.

Claire Franklin
Head of Special Education Services

THE CHALLENGE GAMES – A CARNIVAL FOR STUDENTS WITH A DISABILITY

The purpose of The Challenge Games is to provide two days of fun, friendship and participation in a range of sport and fun activities for school students who have a disability. These activities include running, jumping, throwing and team events plus many other fun/novelty activities. Students may participate in as many or few events as they wish, according to their own level of interest and ability. Whilst the aspect of fun and participation will remain the focus of the Games, it will also allow for the identification of students from all schools, state or private, who may be interested in competing at further school, regional or state level in formal Track and Field events.

The carnival will be held at the Townsville Sports Reserve, Warburton Street, North Ward. As a school, competitors from The Willows State School will be competing at the games on Thursday 28 July, however parents who would like their child to participate on the Wednesday can make personal arrangements for their child to attend under parental supervision. More information can be found on the website:

BOOK CLUB – ISSUE 5

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 payment.

Book Club orders close this Friday 29th July.

No late orders will be accepted.

Thank you

Michelle
Book Club Coordinator

QPARENTS – YEAR 3

We are starting a rollout of QParents to year 3 parents. A letter and information was sent home last week. If you haven’t already done so and are interested in using QParents please return the form to the office. Please contact the office if you have not received a letter.

General information about QParents is attached.

SCHOOL BANKING

The Commonwealth Bank are running an exciting competition during Term 3. Students who demonstrate regular savings will have the chance to win one of hundreds of prizes.

Students must make three or more school banking deposits during term 3 for a chance to win a Star Saver prize including 50 camping kits, 90 instant cameras and 200 magazine packs.

What’s more, students who complete the fun Stargazing online activity, along with making their three deposits during term 3, will also go in the separate draw to win one of 50 Supernova prizes – PlayStation 4 packs. Students can complete the Stargazing activity online at any time during Term 3 by visiting:

1,2,3 MAGIC AND EMOTION COACHING

Are you dealing with difficult behaviour?

Do you wonder if there is a better way to manage the parenting challenges that you face?

The Willow State School is offering a 1,2,3 Magic and Emotion Coaching Course. This 3 session program is designed to help parents build skills to manage children’s difficult behaviour. It teaches key ideas about children’s abilities, the common problems that parents face and ways to help make parenting as enjoyable as possible.

When: Thursday 27 October, Thursday 3rd November and Thursday 10th November (6 hrs total)
Time: 1pm-3pm
Where: TWSS Conference Room
Cost: $10 for the course booklet

Please email Jodie Gausden jgaus1@eq.edu.au before Monday 17th October to book in.

CHAPPY CHAT

Hello! Only Week 3 and it’s been a great term so far with lots going on.

Operation Christmas Child has begun for the term. Please read the later article in this newsletter.

I am enjoying still getting to know so many students, teachers and families, and especially all the new people to our school. Welcome! Please come and introduce yourself, I work at the back of F Pod and would love to meet you and tell you a bit about what I do, and hear from you too.

The Year 5 and 6 Dance Troupe performed wonderfully under a bit of stress at the end of last term and I would like to congratulate everyone involved! I am looking forward to a very exciting and new style of dance we are doing this term. Dance Troupe practices on Wednesdays at 1st Break.

I am away at Chappy Conference in Week 4 with lots of other school chaplains from across Queensland and other parts of Australia. I will miss you all! If you would like to chat with me, please send me an email: lkutu0@eq.edu.au. Thanks.

Each day in the tuckshop, Chappy Popcorn is made to help me with my fundraising. That means sometimes I am busy cooking popcorn in the tuckshop when I would much rather be out in the classrooms or supporting students if they need me. If anyone would like to learn how to make popcorn and help me out a lot, I am looking for popcorn volunteers on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays and any Tuesday in August. Due to being away for the first week of August I especially would love volunteers any day of that week, except Thursday. I would also love a couple of volunteers for popcorn for the disco night as I am still away. Please email me if you would like to know more, full training provided (trust me, it is very simple).

Triple P Program Term 3

The next Triple P Program will begin Term 3 Week 5. I hope to make this program a night session so more parents can make it along. Again, please email me if you are interested and would like more information. It is a free program, and has been found by people in this school and around the world to be very useful in dealing with everyday issues in raising children. Everyone can get something out of this program, even if it is just a new idea of how to work out a bedtime routine, reward charts or getting ready on time. It is an eight week program. I am happy to chat with you anytime.

Thank you and have a wonderful term!
Chappy Libbie

P&C NEWS

Treasurer

We have a new Treasurer. At our P&C Meeting last week, we welcomed Wanda as our new Treasurer! Long term member and recent Treasurer Nicky stepped down due to changing circumstances, but Nicky did continue for a few months beyond her resignation to help us out, which was greatly appreciated. Thanks Nicky for your time in this role, and for allowing us to lean on you a bit longer than expected. Congratulations Wanda, and thanks for stepping up! We know our finances are in good hands.

Father’s Day Stall

Our Father’s Day Stall will once again run in late August and early September (during the week before Father’s Day). For those new to the school, each class can attend the stall in their allotted time, and students can purchase small gifts for their fathers, grandfathers, etc. We have a fresh selection of items this year, at a range of costs from 50c through to $6.50.

We are also asking for donations of small items from our parent community, either for sale (bookmarks, cards, craft, other items), or for use in our raffle. If you can help with this, we'd love to hear from you!

Late update Mother's Day stall profit $6874.

Fun Fair

The Fun Fair is on Friday the 26th of August from 5pm - 9pm. This is our school’s biggest fundraiser for the year. Any donations or assistance with The Fun Fair is appreciated. Anyone interested can contact Tanya Eddy by emailing tmeddy@bigpond.com.

Fun Fair - Pre-purchased Wrist Bands for Rides

Tickets to the rides at our Fun Fair can be pre-purchased again this year. Students should have brought home a note about this. For those new to our school, there are a range of Fun Fair rides appropriate for all year levels. Lots of fun!

A wrist band allowing UNLIMITED rides is $25 per child if pre-purchased through the school. These will go home in the days before the Fun Fair. All students who buy a wrist band prior to 24th August (two days before the Fun Fair) will also go into the draw to win a Samsung Tablet! (You can buy wrist bands on the night, but they do cost more.) Look out for a note in your child's bag.

The Tuckshop is still looking for volunteers. If you can help, please see Rosie.

Remember to like us on Facebook "Willows State School P&C" to stay up to date with news and upcoming events.

P&C Team

TUCKSHOP NEWS

What a flying start to term 3. Thank you very much to our dedicated volunteers, Michele Walker, Donna Ross, Allanah Collet, Juana Scott, Christine Neeb and Jan Gall. We appreciate all of the help you give in the tuckshop.

Don't forget, if you have any spare time please call in and lend a hand. We will be looking for volunteers for the upcoming school disco. If you are interested in helping please let Rosie know.

Specials are back....

TACO TUESDAY $3.50
WEDGES WEDNESDAY $4.00
FRIED RICE FRIDAY $4.00

Please don't forget no fingerbuns on Monday and no hot dogs on a Tuesday.

Cheers The Tuckshop Ladies

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Hello!

Boxes have been delivered to all classrooms so please start bringing in items to put in your child’s class box.

Importantly, each box also needs $9 for it to be sent. Please place a small donation in an envelope labelled Operation Christmas Child and place in the wall at the office. This will act as a donation towards Scripture Union Chaplaincy at The Willows State School which will then be used to send the shoeboxes.

We have a $500 target for every box to be sent. Please be aware, any extra funding will go towards School Chaplaincy at The Willows.

If you would like to do a box (or more!) from your family, you can order printed shoeboxes from operationchristmaschild.org.au/resources. Please pay for your box shipping online, print the barcode and glue it on your box so you can TRACK YOUR SHOEBOX. Fill your box with the following:

• Something to wear (eg hat, t-shirt, socks, sandals, beanie)
• Something to love (doll, teddy)
• Something to play with (ball, car, game, marbles)
• Something special (bag, sunglasses, craft kit
• Something to clean with (toothbrush, soap and washer, hairbrush, hair clips)
• Something to learn with (book, pencils, sharpeners, pens, colouring pencils, chalk)
• A note and photo from your family
• Pay online and track your box! -

Please NO: items that leak/melt (eg toothpaste), war toys/violent/scary items, food, used/damaged/breakable items, gambling-related items (eg cards, play money), or religious literature.

THIS IS DUE TO CUSTOMS AND GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS. Boxes will need to be delivered to Chappy Libbie no later than Friday 9th September (Week 9), or before, with their barcode on them.

Thank you for your generosity and kindness,
Chappy Libbie

DEFENCE AND MOBILE FAMILIES

Welcome to All Families,

Thank you to those families for coming to our last day of term afternoon tea. It was very relaxing and I’m sure I had sugar overload from too many chocolate biscuits. We will have our next informal gathering Friday 22nd July from 1.45pm if you would like to attend. We have a couple of exciting events happening this term so keep an eye out for further information.

PINTEREST

Defence families know all too well the ups and downs of deployments, postings, travel and getting a new home up and running. We are all looking for great ideas to help make that transition easier and make our house a home; Pinterest is full of these great tips and ideas. The DSTA from Good Shepherd, Loretta, has created a wonderful page where DTM’s and DSTA’s of Townsville share their ideas for deployments, moving, friendship and other helpful hints and craft ideas.

Please follow our page Pinterest- dstadtm and have a look at some of the beautiful ideas we share.

POSTINGS

Postings are beginning to trickle through more regularly this term. Many students have already let us know they are expecting to post out at the end of 2016. Please ensure you inform the office, your student’s Teacher and Defence Aides. We like to ensure the students and their families are well supported during what can be a tough time. Additionally, if you require any information regarding a new posting locale or simply a chat please call in and see Correna and Louise.

Term 4 will see individual and personalised farewells for students along with a fun group get together to farewell all our friends.

SENSORY WORKSHOP

For those interested in an interactive and informative workshop about children with sensory issues.

YOUTH HUB COURSES FROM ‘ME TOO’

These courses are for children looking to learn life skills such as social skills, anger management and other coping techniques. The ‘Me Too’ team consists of a psychologist and social workers. You can get inspired with the ‘CREATIVE’ group, fitness and discipline with boxing classes or feed the soul at the living skills and social group ‘US TOO’. See attached flyers for further information

THE YOUNGER HEROES CAMPS

The Younger Heroes is a program designed to bring a returned serviceman or woman and his/her child, on a four-day camping program on a private property at the base of Mt Warning in Northern NSW. It is about sending a positive message for the child to assist with building resilience, realising their own inner physical and mental strength and learning to appreciate the work of their father or mother all through elements of physical fitness, group activities and shared experiences. For further information regarding the camps please refer to the attached flyer.

LAVARACK OPEN DAY 3 SEPTEMBER

Details of the Trail Run and Open Day has altered slightly from previous correspondence. Please have a look at the new flyer attached.

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 gotten straight into tutoring, we know you will be rewarded for all of 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

Thank you to the families for the donation of boxes and bits and pieces for collage and construction. Pet rocks will be arriving soon. Kids Club 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, DSTA and the office 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.

Please find attached details of the POCKETS of LOVE that is a lovely thing for family to do while a loved one is away.

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