6 October 2016

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Term 4 is always an exciting time at schools, there is so much learning that needs to happen at the end of the year and everyone has one eye on next year. This is certainly the case for The Willows as we complete this year and start planning for 2017.

Strategically the school’s focus will be in term 4:

1. Assessment Literate Learners – students understanding what each lesson is about and what they need to do to be successful. It is also about ensuring that each child understands what is required for them to achieve an ‘A’ or ‘B’ or ‘C’. This is making such a difference to students understanding of what is being asked of them to know and do.
2. School Responsible Behaviour Plan- The current plan is coming to an end, it will however continue until the new responsible behaviour plan is signed off by the school and P & C. We are currently reviewing how we operate and deal with behaviour as a whole school. I have previously stated there is no tolerance for disruptive or physical behaviour. We need to ensure the consistency and processes are clear for ever student, parent and staff member in the school. The Learning and Wellbeing Committee are currently working on this to implement fully for 2017.
3. School Review of 2016 and Creating the Annual Implementation Plan for 2017. Reviewing the year that has been and creating the strategic plan for the school for the next 12 months. Like any large company this is vital for continued direction of the school.

Term 4 will also be the last term for the year 6 students at The Willows. It is always rewarding to see students complete their primary schooling and starting to make the transition from children to adults. There will be more opportunity in the term to talk about the significant contribution of the 2016 cohort.

This term our year 5 students will be ‘stepping up’ on Thursday as they participate in their Leadership Day. It will be an exciting day. Olympians and Sports Stars will be speaking about their role as leaders as well as all of the activities that students will participate in, to develop their thinking about how to treat and support others.

Staffing

I want to wish Deb McCoy all the best on her role as Deputy Principal. Deb will bring some consistency to the leadership team. Deb will be filling in for Cameron Tod over the next two weeks, becoming the 4th Deputy for 5 weeks then filling in for Amanda Souter for the last 3 weeks.

Very sad news last term that Mr Lynn Year 4, was diagnosed with cancer. Mr Lynn is undergoing treatment this term and started chemotherapy last week. Mr Lynn had cancer a couple of years ago and survived, however it has come back and has spread. Mr Lynn has taken the term off to seek treatment. We wish Mr Lynn all the best with his recovery.

I would like to welcome new teachers to The Willows, Rachel Landman-Tyrie on 4LYN, Nicole Demaine 5MAC, as well as Scott Wilson and Bonnie Stewart (returning) will be sharing PE.

Requests for 2017

Between now and the end of the year, teachers will be placing children in class groups for next year. We invite your input here to help our decision making process.

You are invited to provide information by describing an educational setting that suits your child/ren or any particular requirements that need to be met to assist us in making the most appropriate class placement for your child/ren. Teachers when making these placements already consider this however, there could be factors that you may want to voice as parents that we are unaware about.

Please note that requests for a specific teacher cannot be made, however, requests based on educational reasons will be considered.

Regards

Chris

STUDENT FREE DAY – MONDAY 17TH OCTOBER

Please note there is no school for students on this day as it is a staff professional development day.

LEADERS FOR 2017

In the first week back of Term 4 on Thursday the 6th of October our year 5 students will all be participating in our Leadership Day. On the day students will do rotational activities designed to build leadership skills, teamwork, participation and communication. Teachers will be looking out for students who show leadership potential and guest speakers will be coming to talk about their roles as leaders. Students who are interested in nominating for leadership positions can submit a form at the end of the day. We will shortlist applicants and those students will participate in a writer’s workshop in preparation for their leadership application on Tuesday the 11th of October.

TRANSITION

Over term 4 The Willows will be working very closely with our neighbouring high school to provide opportunities for transition. Students have already had visits from Kirwan High and Thuringowa State High. It is very important that at this stage you have secured enrolment at the High School of your choice. In Term 4 we will be asking students where they are going so that students can participate in transition days with participating schools.

YEAR 6 PHOTOS

Year 6 students will have their photo taken Thursday the 20th of October. This photo will be included in the yearbook. Please ensure that your student is dressed in full school uniform (senior shirt if they have one). Following the serious photo will be a silly photo where they can include a silly wig, hat, hairdo or accessories for fun.

YEAR 6 GRADUATION

All year 6 students will soon be receiving a letter with details regarding graduation. There will be a fun day organised for Tuesday the 6th of December, Graduation Ceremony on Wednesday the 7th of December from 9 to 11.30am and Graduation Dinner and Disco on Wednesday the 7th of December from 5.30pm to 8.30pm. The total cost will be $60. Please return your permission forms and money by Friday the 11th of November.

CHAPPY CHAT

Hello and welcome to Term 4!

I know this term will go quickly but it’s so easy to look down the barrel of ten weeks and think the end will never come. I just want to encourage everyone to keep calm and take one day at a time. I’m sure everyone’s holidays probably went very quickly and if you are like me you began questioning around 2pm on Sunday or Monday if you had really made the most of the school break or even the long weekend.

This term, keep reminding yourself to embrace each day and don’t sweat the small stuff. It will make the countdown to next holidays and Christmas just a little smoother.

In saying that I do hope the last two weeks went well for you all and I would like to say a big welcome to the new families joining us at The Willows this term, I look forward to meeting all of you and chatting with you sometime.

The Willows Shopping Centre Santa Parade is on again November 17th and we would love to have an even bigger group represent our school this year. We had a wonderful time last year and we are in with the chance to win great prizes for our school if we have an exciting group of students present. See below for 2015 Parade photos!

If your child is interested in attending the parade, there will be an Expression of Interest and Theme Deciding Meeting Tuesday October 11 at second break in the TCBC. Permission notes will be sent out with those interested. Once these have been returned by October 20th another note detailing the theme and outfits etc will be sent to those who have returned the permission notes. We aim to keep the cost minimal if anything at all. Please be aware the theme will be something along the lines of ‘the spirit of Christmas’/’the gift of giving’ etc to help students and the community focus on the needs of other people at Christmas time, not just receiving gifts.

Triple P

Triple P with Chappy will begin this Friday night at 6.30. Please call Chappy at the school or on 0438 154 641 or email elizabethk@chappy.org.au for more info and to register.

Have a wonderful term!

Chappy Libbie

DEFENCE AND MOBILE FAMILIES

Welcome back all Defence Families to Term 4. Hope you had a great holiday.

I would first like to say Farewell to Louise who has decided to leave us. Thank you for being such a great support throughout your time here at The Willows State School. Good Luck at your new schools.

FAREWELL FROM LOUISE

This is my final entry for our newsletter as I bid The Willows a fond farewell. This term sees me begin the Defence Program at both Kelso State School and Thuringowa High. I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you to all our wonderful Defence students and their families. It has been a privilege to be a part of your lives, to see student’s spirits rise and resilience grow during challenging times and enjoy their personalities and character when they are at their best. I truly believe Defence children are amongst the brightest and most resilient young human beings because of the unique lifestyle they lead and this will see them grow into amazing global citizens of the future. Working with your children has given me a wonderful education on so many levels; and the lessons they have taught me. Their never ending kindness, strength, compassion and optimism will be carried with me always. To my wider Willows family, I thank you too, for always showing patience, understanding and being incredibly supportive of the Defence Program. I know we have the best school and best Defence program in the country due to the support we give each other. I have genuinely enjoyed coming to work each day and will miss each and every one of you and especially Friday cricket!! Oh, and UNO!!

RESULTS FOR ADF FAMILIES SURVEY

GECKOS UPDATE

Make some cash on that trash or grab some treasure at the Monster Garage Sale.

CHILDRENS CHOIR

Why not join the children’s choir and meet some new friends while enjoying a passion for music.

POSTINGS

Many students have already let me know they are expecting to post out at the end of 2016. Please let teachers and office know as a soon as you know. Additionally, if you require any information regarding a new posting locale or simply a chat please call in and see me.

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

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. The entitlement is 14 weeks at 1 hour per week per subject. Forms are available online or from me here at school. There is a list of teachers available for tutoring before and after school. Please ask your teacher or phone me for further details.

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.

Your Defence Aide is 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 me a call if you would like our assistance.

CONTACTS

Defence Community Organisation is available to all Defence members and their families.

Contact Defence Family Helpline operates 24-7 on 1800 624 608.
Mates4Mates (Family Recovery Centre) 40 Anne Street – 4771 9600

Veterans and Veterans Families – 1800 011 046

DFA Defence Families of Australia – 1800 100 509

National Delegate for Northern Queensland -

Remember I am available anytime from 8:00am until 3:00pm, Monday to Friday.

Parents are very welcome to stop by L Pod or contact me via email or phone. Students can call into L Pod throughout the day.

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

Have a Great Day and see you soon.

Correna Wheeler