5 May 2017

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Dear Parents/Carers and Community

The ANZAC Day Ceremony at The Willows was very well done and I congratulate our School Captains, Charlie and Jack and Vice Captains, Maddy and Cory for their excellent public speaking skills. Our school brass band, our choir and our entire student body were exceptional at this event.

A special thankyou also to Mrs Winter and Mrs Wheeler for organising this full school ceremony and to our guest speakers FLTLT Kristina Filippi and CPL Gareth Loftus, Bugler -Mr Jason Curtis and bagpipes - Jack Lestone (past student). Congratulations to you all!

I would also like to thank the many parents/carers who came and supported the Thuringowa Community ANZAC event on the 25 April. Proudly The Willows students, staff and parents and community paid our respects to the service men and women.

3 WAY CONVERSATIONS / PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS

It has been excellent to see so many parents and students take up the opportunity of 3 Way Conversations. The opportunity to sit with class teachers and view and discuss the work that has been occurring and student progress and academic achievement has been fantastic! We also thankyou in advance for completing the short survey which will be used to help us structure future parent/teacher/student opportunities. I would like to thank my Deputies, Debbie McCoy, Cameron Tod and Patricia Winter for organising this process and all teachers for their professionalism throughout the 2 weeks.

NAPLAN 2017

In Week 4 our Year 3 and 5 students sit NAPLAN (National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy). This testing is a point in time snapshot of students learning in the areas of Literacy and Numeracy. Below is the testing schedule.

Our Year 3 and 5 teachers have been working with students on test readiness and I wish all of our students the very best on test days. Parents/Carers will receive the NAPLAN student report later in the year. Our school receives also a full school report which helps us plan for future teaching and learning around the literacy and numeracy capabilities. If parents/carers have any concerns around NAPLAN, please contact your Cameron Tod (Year 3) and Patricia Winter (Year 5) in the first instance.

END OF SEMESTER REPORTS

Each year it is a requirement of State Schools to provide parents/carers with an End of Semester Report Card. The written report about student academic progress and achievement. These report cards will be issues in the first 2 weeks of Term 3.

ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL

Attendance at school is compulsory. At our school the majority of our students attend 95% or more each year. This is to be celebrated! If for any reason (sickness, sorry business, family situations) your child needs to be away, please make sure that you provide the reason. We are clearing up the unexplained absences at our school and we thank you in advance for your ongoing support with this.

SUPPORTING OUR P and C

It is excellent to see many parents attend our P and C meetings. These are held each month in our TCBC. Please check the P and C Facebook Page out for regular updates on fundraising initiatives and other school information. The P and C Fun Run raised just over $11000 for our school – fundraising efforts benefit all students at our school so thankyou to all who supported!

I would also like to thank members for organising the Mother’s Day Stall. It is great to see our students select small gifts in appreciation of mums, grandmothers and carers. Happy Mother’s Day to our special mums, carers and grandparents – I hope the kids spoil you rotten!

Have a fantastic fortnight everyone!

Kind regards
Helen McCullough
Principal

CHAPPY CHAT

Food for Thought

In recent weeks I have been amazed at the generosity of both individuals and organisations in our region who have come together to assist and support people who have been affected by recent natural disasters.

Can you imagine how great it would be to live in this area if we were all looking out for people’s needs at all times, not just in times of turmoil? Today, try opening your eyes to the needs of others around you and whenever you can, offer to help. You will discover that there is a real feeling of fulfilment and satisfaction that comes from knowing that you have made a positive difference to someone’s day.

Consider the idea that – the more you care for others, the more they care for you.

SMADD NQ 2017 (Song, Music, Art, Drama, Dance) NOW OPEN TO PRIMARY STUDENTS

SMADD is happening again this year and THIS YEAR it is now open to students in Grade 5-6 as well as high school students. Chappy Libbie is directing it along with another local primary school chappy Peita Russell. SMADD is a day camp held right here in Townsville. Brochures and promotional video to come! Head to the link below.

SMADD NQ is the ultimate creative arts camp! You’ll have the opportunity to engage in song, music, art, drama and dance, working alongside a group of incredibly talented leaders who share your passion for The Arts. Explore your talents, or try something new, and build on your creative arts skills! We’ll also experiment with how to bring faith and creativity together.

Cost: $150 (includes all activities and food)
When: 3-7 July
Where: Northreach Baptist Church Hall and Facilities

Chappy Week

In Week 5 this term, we will be having lots of fun at school celebrating all things Chaplaincy. This will also be a great week to raise money and awareness of the Chaplaincy role here at The Willows. More information will be available on posters around the school in the coming weeks.

Here’s what is planned so far:

There is a lot happening this term! I will also be around to support students and staff through NAPLAN in Week 4. Thanks in anticipation for your support of chaplaincy at The Willows. If you would like to know more about how to support Chappy Libbie or would like to make a once-off or regular tax deductible donation please head to:

Have a joy-filled term,
Chappy Libbie

BOOK FAIR

Coming Soon to your School Library!

Library will be open for purchases from:

Monday 22nd May – Friday 26th May only.

Purchases can be made:

• Before school from 8.30 – 9am each day
• During 1st lunch breaks each day and
• After school each day from 3 - 4pm.

Cash, credit card and online payments accepted. No Eftpos available.

All Last Stock Items will be ordered on the last day of the Book Fair and will arrive back to school within 2 weeks.