25 August 2016

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

This Friday will be an exciting time for the school, with Family Fun Night. The amount of work that is in behind the scenes is unbelievable, I want to thank Tanya Eddy for being the co-ordinator and main driver to make the night happen. I hope you all have a wonderful time on Friday night. I am sure that the students will.

I have asked that the school undergoes a self-review of positive behaviour learning. There will be a number of initiatives relating to how we do things at The Willows. This will be an ongoing focus and will take some time. At the recent ATSIAP awards, one of our year 4 students spoke about Bullying: some of the key points she made:

• “We need modelled lessons in which we are shown how to interact with others rather than be told what not to do.”
• “Learning to stand up and stand strong.”
• “We need confidence to get help for ourselves.”
• “Being strong independent and confident. Everyone is beautiful.”
• “A Bully’s actions can stay with us forever. We need to stand united learn from the past hurts and stop every single bully in their tracks.”

These are certainly attainable goals and her words have now provided a vision of what we want for the school. One of the strategies will be “how do students deal with others” (stand up and be strong and confidence to help ourselves). At the moment, when students are met with challenges from other students, it is a fight or flight response. Fighting is not acceptable and consequences will be applied. Flight means there is unfinished business. The challenge for the school is embedding a consistent process to say “NO!” and actions that students can take that will ensure safe and clear responses. We do not use our hands or feet we use communication and take control of our actions.

We are at the beginning stages of this and you will see this work happening over the next 6 months.

Enjoy the fair!

Regards
Chris

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.

GUINNESS WORLD RECORD

Our students were privileged to have the opportunity to participate in the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS official attempt for the largest practical science lesson. They flew to Brisbane and went to the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre to meet up with students from all over Queensland. All students participated in a practical science experiment about Magnetic Fields and Shields.

The students walked away as successful record holders by breaking the existing record with 2895 students participating.

Sophie Fitzell, Kiara Ward, William Baillie, Sarah Swanson and Cory Preston came back very excited about the experience. Mrs McCoy their accompanying teacher said they did a fantastic job and were great ambassadors for our school. We would like to thank Virgin Australia, Life Sciences Qld, Central Queensland University and James Cook University for this wonderful opportunity. The event was presented by The Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist, in the Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY EXPO

The Willows State School held the Science and Technology Expo on Wednesday the 17th of August and it was a fantastic evening. We had a huge crowd and it was wonderful to see so many families attending. Our students and teachers did a great job of the displays and we were very impressed by our students’ explanations of the science and technology curriculum in every year level. The displays on the night covered a range of topics including: mystery sock experiment, heat production, features of day and night, materials and their properties, how living things grow, creatures and space, natural disasters, robotics, scratch animation, 3D printing and light and shadow. We would like to also thank Daniel Hobson the illusionist who put on an entertaining performance on the night. Dan is starting his own business and is available for birthday parties. His details are below. We hope to continue to see this event grow bigger and better every year.

BOOK WEEK Celebration 31st August 2016

Welcome to Book Week 2016!

The theme for Children's Book Week this year is 'Australia! Story Country' - Celebrating iconic picture books from over the last 70 years!

Book Week Parade will celebrate Australian stories, with a range of stories being presented to the children in class groups.

This year The Willows State School is celebrating the stories that made Australia! Come and join our celebration on 31st August. Times are:

9.10-9.50am for Prep to Year 2
10.10-10.55am for Years 3 to Year 6

Children are invited to come dressed as their favourite character in an Australian story, or just as their favourite character. Parents and caregivers are invited to mingle and enjoy our group activities.

We hope everyone enjoys our Book Week celebration!

PE NEWS

A large group of students attended the Red Track Athletics carnival on the 12th August. Overall we finished 6th in the 'A Group' schools and had 2 students invited to trial for the Northern Queensland Athletics team. Our relay teams competed strongly, with two of the Junior Boys teams placing - 7 years boys coming 1st and the 9 years boys coming 2nd. The senior squad also did exceptionally well in the field events, with 14 of our students placing. Also an honourable mention to our amazing cheer squad and teachers who came along to organise, encourage and support our athletes throughout the day.

Students from Years 1, 2, 3 and 4 are invited to participate in swimming lessons with Love2swim Swimming School at Kirwan Aquatic Centre. The program consists of 8 lessons beginning in week 6 of Term 4. Students will participate in two lessons a week over 4 weeks. Permission notes have already been sent out and are due back with the payment by Friday, 28th October 2016.

Aroon Edgar & Rebecca Williams
HPE Teachers

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.

P&C NEWS

Fun Fair

Each student should have brought home a map of stalls and activities which will be at the Fun Fair. The map is also attached.

Prepaid wristband orders are now closed. Wristbands will be sent home with your child today or Friday. Wristbands are able to be purchased on the night at a stand near the rides. Please note that they will be a higher cost than what was available from the school.

If you are donating cakes for the cake stall please drop them off on Friday at the Kitchen in the TCBC.

Looking forward to seeing everyone at the Fun Fair this Friday. Thank you for all your help.

P&C

TUCKSHOP NEWS

A huge big thank you to all our volunteers. Your continual support means a lot. These ladies include, Michele Walker, Donna Ross, Allanah Collett, Christine Neeb, Emma Sefton, Kirsty Stanborough, Juana Scott, Kristi Syme and Krystel Hahn. A few new faces in the last couple of weeks have been a pleasure. Don't forget if you have any spare time, please pop on in and lend a hand.

Please don't forget..... FINGERBUNS are NO longer available on Mondays and HOT DOGS are NO longer available on Tuesdays.

Tuckshop will be closed after 1st break Friday 26th August due to Fun Fair preparations.

Cheers

Rosie, Karen and Megan
The Tuckshop Ladies

KIRWAN HIGH CREATIVE ARTS ACADEMY

In 2017, Kirwan State High School is launching a Creative Arts Academy with a program of excellence in the performing arts. This will be replacing the Music Excellence program that was previously offered. The purpose of this academy is to develop students’ skills and abilities as performers, specialising in either Drama, Dance or Music.

We are holding auditions for this program on the 6th September at 3.30pm in the Performing Arts block, with applications due to the front office on the 2nd September. For parents who require more information about auditions, we are holding an information session in the Performing Arts block on the 23rd August, 2016 at 6.00pm.

As this is a new program, we would really appreciate if you could advertise these dates in your school newsletter and pass this information along to your Year 6 teacher/s and/or Performing Arts teacher.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me on the details below.

Kind Regards,

Jamie Hunt
Head of Department (Acting) | The Arts
Direct 4773 8159
Kirwan State High School

DEFENCE AND MOBILE FAMILIES

Welcome to All Families,

Monday 15th August, the school captains were invited to lay a wreath for the 71st Anniversary of the end of World War II commemoration ceremony at The Strand Cenotaph. Our captains were joined by other schools and community members for the lovely occasion. As always our Captains, Bella and Denzil represented our school proudly.

COLOURING IN COMPETITION

The colouring in competition was held at school again. This time it was for the Year 3-6 studentsand last week the ‘Colouring Crew Helpers’ awarded the lucky winners their amazing prizes at Senior Assembly. We appreciate the multitude of great entries and would like to give a Huge Thank You to those ‘Colouring Crew Helpers’ who are giving up their lunch breaks every day to facilitate the competition. Correna would not be able to have this competition without all the wonderful support.

Congratulations to the Year 3 Winner Tiffany 3 CRO and Runner-Up Jackson 3 AUS, the Year 4 Winner Chloe 4 GRA and Runner – Up Monique 4 NOS, the Year 5 Winner Cadence 5 THO and Runner – Up Kimmy 5 KRO and the Year 6 Winner Trinity 6 HOL and Runner – Up Diai 6 HOL. Now it is the junior school’s turn. A new competition will begin this week for those students in Prep – Year 2. Keep an eye out for the impressive posters and the many helpers with the entries to colour in. Good Luck and keep colouring.

DEFENCE SPOUSE PT CLASSES

If you are looking to get fit and socialise at the same time try the Defence Spouse PT classes. Every Wednesday @ Geckos Centre 6.30pm $5 per person.

LEGO

Recently Correna made a fabulous purchase of some beautiful Lego sets. Students have been eagerly awaiting the chance to build it. Last week the first part of the Fire Station was created and we have been busily working on the other pieces this week. Stand by for the finished product.

MARRIED WITH DEPENDANTS UNACCOMPANIED

Important information for families who may be considering remaining in a different locale while the Defence member posts.

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 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 of our friends.

#ThankyouAusVietnamVets

Year 6 students involved in the “thank you” card project commemorating the Battle of Long Tan 50th Anniversary were thrilled this week to receive a response from a veteran. It reads as follows:

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 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

Correna has made a fabulous “OLYMPICS’ wall in L Pod. There are lots of interesting facts, colouring sheets and current medal tally. The students have been enjoying recreating their own Olympic medals and Olympic rings. Pet rocks are finally here! We have also begun craft for Father’s Day, so Dads keep an eye out for some cool gifts coming home. 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, 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.

One of the many things we enjoy doing with the children are the ‘Welcome Home’ crafts. This fold out sign is a favourite amongst the students and this example is a particularly beautiful and neat creation.

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 Defence Family Helpline operates 24-7 on 1800 624 608.

Veterans and Veterans Families – 1800 011 046

DFA Defence Families of Australia – 1800 100 509

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 on cwhee36@eq.edu.au

Kind Regards,

Louise White and Correna Wheeler