3 November 2016

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

2017 Leaders

This week Mrs Winter and I have had the pleasure of interviewing students for 2017 School Captains. It is a privilege to hear students speak of themselves and their goals for the school and their lives. Congratulations to all of the students who have made it through to the speeches and voting stage.

Lock Down

It is a requirement that all schools perform a fire drill and lockdown drill each term. When we have these we have let the community know through the Willows State School P & C Facebook site. Even when we have drills we have many students telling ‘whoppers’ at home about buildings burning down, or clowns running through the school.

Last Friday, we had a real lockdown. The way in which the students and staff handled the alarm was commendable. At this stage I am not able to give full details in regards to the reason why we had a lockdown, as it is under Police Investigation. Police will notify the school in regards to when the information can be given out. This could take some time, and this is just as frustrating for the school as it is for parents. I can assure you that all students were safe and any story that you have heard is far from the truth. I am sure that you understand that we do not want to interfere with the investigation and will abide by the Police direction.

I felt that it was better to inform you on Friday that a lockdown occurred than not say anything. Again, I hope that you understand.

Same Day Notification

The Willows has been preparing for the same day absence notification for some weeks. Last term we sent out an updated contact form which was sent to all families.

Unfortunately, we only received about 50% back. We have continued with the notifications being delivered via SMS and ask that parents either ring the office to ensure their contacts are correct or fill in the update when we send it out a second time. If you filled in the details form last term, please disregard the letter.

Regards
Chris

DENTAL VAN

The last day that the Dental Van will be at the school will be Thursday 10th November.

CHRISTMAS BOOKFAIR

Last day for Bookfair is Friday 4th November. Open from 8am - 9am and 3pm - 4pm.

DEFENCE AND MOBILE FAMILIES

Hello to all Defence Families.

Week 5 is already here and we are halfway through the term. School has been very busy, with some students talking about leaving and their new posting. Please remember to call the office, tell the teacher and let me know if you are posting out or moving to another school at the end of the year.

Kids Club is on Mondays and Tuesdays at 1st break. Please remind students to come along with a friend.

REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY will be held here at school on Friday 11th November in the TCBC starting at 10.30am. All families are welcome to come along and share this service with us.

OPERATION LIFE WORKSHOP

ASIST Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training Workshop is for veterans, families and mates and will be held in Townsville on Thursday and Friday 17-18th November, location to be notified. For more information call 1800 011 046 - flyer attached.

DEFENCE CHILDRENS 2016 CHRISTMAS PARTY @ GECKOS on 26th November from 1500h - 1800h, cost is $10. Bookings are required. For further information call 4411 7031. Flyer attached.

CHRISTMAS CRAFT WORKSHOP @GECKOS ON 12th NOVEMBER FROM 1100h-1500h.

Contact Geckos for more information.

NQ AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP NEWSLETTER

As attached.

RESULTS FOR ADF FAMILIES SURVEY are available now at the link below:

POSTINGS

It is important that you let me know if you are expecting to be posted out at the end of 2016. I have a Farewell Pack which includes a Signature Bear to give all defence students who are posted to a new location and starting a new school. 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 Part 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 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 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