2 June 2017

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Dear Parents/Carers and Community

What a positive fortnight of learning at our school. We are seeing some excellent student results across learning areas and a significant improvement in student reading and writing. It is rewarding to see and have this learning shared with the Deputies and myself daily! Successful learners are always eager to share their progress and achievement and we thank our teachers for their ongoing commitment to our children daily.

Over the last fortnight we have seen significant work in our coaching of English. The Regional Partnership of our Curriculum and Pedagogy Support Team worked alongside us last week. The strategy of building consistency in our support for teachers and in turn our students generated much learning for us all - we never stop learning and this is why we love our work!

In total we have scaled up our support to allow for coaching to occur in our two focus areas of English and Reading. Across our school currently we have 32 teachers/admin/support working in the Instructions Coaching Cycles. The evidence of student learning has seen significant improvement in these areas. We look forward to sharing more with you student work samples.

Last week our Assistant Regional Director, Mrs Melissa Jackson visited our school. We visited many classrooms and talked with a number of students about their learning. We also discussed with students their learning in The Arts and Technology. Our students absolutely enjoy these subject areas and it was great to hear about their challenges and the thinking behind designing and creating various products. Congratulations The Willows on showing our visitor what we do well each and every day - learning!

The Student Report Cards will be issued early in Term 3. Report Cards focus on the academic, social and behavioural aspects of students. The report comments must be linked back to the Australian Achievement Standard (which is a full year of learning at each grade level). The A-E rating is clearly outlined at the front of each report and tells us how individual children are going with their learning. These guidelines can be found on the departmental website (P-12 Curriculum Framework). Sitting behind the report is the portfolio for each child which holds the assessment tasks. These are used during interviews to show parents how their child is going. These will be familiar for parents who came to Three Way Reporting. If you have any questions, please contact class teachers or Section Deputies around this.

Our Early Phase teachers are planning for a fantastic Under 8's Day! You may have seen our flyer and we welcome families to come along and celebrate being Under 8 - a time where it's fun just to be playful!

Mr Sanim, Mr Theodore and our NRL footy team are dominating at Brother's each Monday night at the NRL Development Cup! Congratulations to our team and good luck in the next game!

Our P and C team is working away at a number of fundraisers coming up. The Annual Fun Fair sounds like a blast and I look forward to it! It is also great to see many parents at our meetings and actively involved as volunteers at our school. We are a great school with a great community spirit and we welcome your input each second Tuesday of the month at our meetings.

See you out and about!

Kind regards
Helen

ROAD SAFETY

Please make sure that you are observing caution when using our drop and go and parking areas. All students must use the pedestrian crossing and all cyclists need to walk their bikes on footpaths. Please help us to be safe by talking with your child about safety before and after school.

SCHOOL CONTRIBUTIONS

Our school fees have slowly increased. Please speak with Chris Shann if you need a payment plan. Mr Tod is looking forward to the ice bucket challenge.

YEAR 5 ART & TECHNOLOGY

Students in year 5 have also been working with clay in their Visual Arts project. The name of the project was “The Animal Within”. Students focussed on representations of animals as companions, metaphors, totems and predators. They explored and explained the representation of values and beliefs in sculptural artworks by artists including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Asian artists. They then created their own sculptural animals to enhance meaning for an audience. Thank you 5 BIR for sharing your beautiful pieces of Art.

Our year 5 students have been at one with nature this term as they have been completing their technology unit. In the unit students investigated characteristics and properties of a range of materials, systems, components, tools and equipment and they evaluated their suitability for use. They then designed a product to be used in wildlife management. Have a look at some of the amazing bird house and frog resorts from 5AND.

SIBLING ENROLMENTS PREP 2018

Enrolment packages are now available from the office for Prep aged children for 2018. Eligible children must be turning 5 before 30th June 2018. Please bring the child’s Birth Certificate when you pick up your package.

Please note: Sibling enrolment forms, if submitted by 7th June, will receive a raffle ticket to go into a draw to win a TWSS school shirt for your Prep 2018 child! Please see office staff for an enrolment package.

GLOBAL TROPIC FUTURES PROJECT

Last year our students participated in the Global Tropic Futures Project and have been again invited to participate. Our students participating, Grace Q, William B and Emily F are participating in an online challenge virtual STEM program called Tropex Innovation. The students will be working with JCU staff including the Associate Professor of Sport and Exercise Science at JCU. They will be brainstorming, prototyping and pitching a solution to decreasing our sedentary lifestyle and what technologies we can develop to ensure the heat of our Tropics doesn’t impact on our need to live a healthy lifestyle. The students are very impressed with the innovative virtual platform that they will be collaborating in for the next 10 weeks. The Schools participating are The Willows SS, Weir SS and Thuringowa SHS.

KIDS WRITING WORKSHOP – FROM IDEA TO BOOK

This Thursday some of our year 5 and 6 students will be participating in the Gold Writer’s Workshop. In these workshops the students travel through the wonderful world of imagination, creativity, writing, editing (including one-on-one editing time with me), and publishing. At the end of the six workshops, a fantastic paperback book containing all of the students' stories is published, with every student receiving one book free as part of this Writing Workshop. We have had some fantastic publications so far and can’t wait for the next edition. A huge thank you to Fiona Quin from Stories Galore who is working with these students. The up and coming book will be available to read in the library.

OUTSTANDING PAYMENTS

Thank you to those who have paid for the diary and music book. However there is still a large number of payments for student diary $8.50 and music books $3.50 outstanding. If you are unsure if you've paid for these items please email Chris Business Services Manager bsm@thewillowsss.eq.edu.au

The invoices have been emailed to those who are on our mailing list and an outstanding invoice was given as a paper copy to your child recently.

Music books were given to every child from Prep to year 6 - $1585.50 still outstanding.

Diaries were given to each child from year 3 to year 6 - $2097.50 still outstanding.

The school doesn't make a profit on these items but does rely on payment to purchase the next year's resources. We would appreciate your prompt payment for these items.

SCHOOL WATCH

We Need Your Help - School Watch is a community based awareness and crime prevention program aimed at safeguarding schools against vandalism, theft and arson.

We depend on students, parents and all members of the local community to:

1. Look,
2. Listen and
3. Report

Do Not take any further action 131 788 or Police link 131 444

M2 MODULAR REMOVAL

On Thursday 1st and Friday 2nd June M2 Modular will be prepared for removal from our school site. This building has asbestos and will be dismantled and removed on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th June. The removal of this building will follow all asbestos removal regulations by a professional company. There will be strictly no entry on school grounds on the weekend of 3rd and 4th June.

Athletics Carnival

STUDENTS SELECTED FOR SPORTING TEAMS

Congratulation to the following students who have been selected to represent Thuringowa and North Queensland teams in the various sports. Well Done!!

P&C NEWS

Fun Fair

Planning is continuing for our annual Fun Fair! Keep 25th August free, and come along for a great night of entertainment and fun. If you know of any businesses looking for exposure who would like to help or donate, please contact Tanya on tmeddy@bigpond.com

Project Planning

We are in the process of planning our projects for the rest of the year, including the contributions towards school projects and activities. If you have suggestions or requests that you would like considered, please come along to a meeting, or drop us a line on Facebook to let us know. You might just have that great idea that the school needs!

Meeting Dates

We are returning our meetings to the second Tuesday of each month, unless otherwise advertised. This makes it much easier to plan and predict our meetings. This means our next meeting is Tuesday 13th June, in the TCBC, at 6pm. Kids are welcome. Hope to see you there!

Tuckshop Convenor (Temporary Contract) – Expressions of Interest

A reminder that an opportunity exists in our Tuckshop for a Tuckshop Convenor for an initial period of three months, commencing late term two or early term three (June/July 2017). Expressions of Interest are being called for experienced applicants who meet the required criteria. Applications will close once a suitable applicant is found. The Expression of Interest can be found below.

Facebook

We are 600 strong and growing… join us on Facebook! Search for “The Willows State School P&C” or click the link below. This page has school announcements and information as well as P&C related matters.

Next P&C Meeting is Tuesday 13th June, 6pm, in TCBC.

See you around!

TUCKSHOP NEWS

The Tuckshop would to thank the continual support of our volunteers! These people include Allanah Collet, Krystel Hanh, Christine McCurly , Stephan Johnston, Gaynor Pyman, Michele Walker and Nadine Matthews. Without your help we wouldn't have a successful tuckshop.

Did you know you can order your child's lunch ONLINE.... Simply go to the link below and follow the prompts. It’s an easy and great way to order lunch. You don't have to find paper bags, money, or worry that your child's lunch order will get lost.

Tuckshop will be CLOSED ALL DAY FRIDAY 23rd June. This is the last day of term!

Cheers
Rosie, Megan and Anita
The Tuckshop Ladies

DEFENCE NEWS

Hello to all Defence Families

It is hard to believe it is week 7 already. What a busy time it must be at home with members going on training courses and some heading off on deployments, while students are focussed learning at school. Please let me know if there have been any changes at home so I can support your child/children at school during this transition time.

Free activity for Defence families

You and your family are invited to register for The Build a Bear Workshop being held at the RAAF Base. What a fantastic activity for the whole family to be involved in and a great way to stay connected during a deployment. I am sure this will be a lot of fun. Details on how to register are below.

Congratulations to the all students who participated in The Art for ANZAC Day Comp your entries were amazing. There were many entries from all year levels, and a lot of effort went into every entry. Lots of colours were used and all very neat. We may have some budding artists in our midst. Apologies for the delay, but now we can announce the winners and Runner ups from The Art for Anzac Day Competition. The results are-

Prep Winner Riley B, Year 1 Winner Crystl D, Runner Up Wayne M, Year 2 Winner Nicole R, Runner Up Meike D, Year3 Winner Scarlett B, Runner Up Grace F, Year 4 Winner Connor S, Runner Up Linc M, Year 5 Winner April H, Runner Up Bailey P, Year 6 Winner Matt M, Runner Up Hunter T. All prizes have been delivered to students. Thank you again for all the students who contributed.

It is time again for a Morning Tea for all Defence Families to get together, meet new people and have a cuppa and a chat. Everyone is invited to join me on Friday 16th June (Week 9)in L Pod from 8:45am-11:00am. Please come along for coffee and cake. You are welcome to bring along a small plate of food to share. Look forward to seeing you then.

It is that time of the year again. Deployments are a part of the Defence Force family lifestyle and the impact of a parent’s absence due to a deployment can have a huge impact on the whole family, especially children. Sometimes, children lack the language to communicate or understand their feelings and can often express themselves with behaviour that is inappropriate or out of character. At TWSS we aim to support students during parental absence due to a deployment by; engaging the children in a variety of activities that allow them to identify the emotions they may feel during a parental absence; share their experiences with other defence children who may also have a parent away; read books especially written to help children cope with deployments; and create craft items at Kids Club to help the child communicate with the absent parent. Make sure you let your child’s teacher and DSTA know if you or a partner will be away for an extended period of time. Having this knowledge will go towards supporting the student at school.

IMPORTANT FOR STUDENTS: EDUCATION ASSISTANCE SCHEME

All defence families can access financial assistance for education costs incurred as a result of postings. Students may be entitled to up to 14 weeks of tutoring in any subject that has been identified by the school as representing a gap in learning. We may reimburse fees for tutoring required to fill any gaps in understanding or curriculum caused by changing schools. You have 18 months from starting at a new school to access and complete the tutoring. This scheme is very beneficial for students’. Please see me if you would like a copy or you can ring the Helpline for updates 1800 624 608

Are you on the DCO mailing List?

Join DCO Townsville mailing LIST NOW if you want to receive all updates from DCO.

Contact them directly at dco.townsville@defence.gov.au or phone 07 4753 6539.

If you have any enquiries or require assistance, the Defence Family Helpline will continue operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can be contacted on 1800 624 608 or email defencefamilyhelpline@defence.gov.au

Townsville Gone Troppo Newsletter

DCO Townsville's Gone Troppo Newsletter is available to view on the DCO website and click on the latest edition to download:

DATES TO REMEMBER

FREE Path to well-being Support for Defence Spouses - aims to equip partners of a currently serving member with strategies to assist with the challenges of a modern military career. FREE event at Wirraway Club, RAAF Base Tville on Thursday 1st June. Registration is vital.

Positive Partnership has a 1 day FREE Workshop - for school staff and families of a young person on the autism spectrum in Townsville on Tuesday 25th July. Registration is essential.

The Lavarack Barrack Open Day and Trail Run - will be held on Saturday 2nd September. Gates to open at 8am, gold coin donation on entry. Run for legacy 10km/21.2km, 5kmshort course and obstacle course. Registration closes 1st September at the link below:

FREE Build a Bear in Townsville-DCO are hosting a deployment evening for defence families to build a bear and stay connected during the deployment. What a great opportunity for the whole family. This will be held at the Wirraway Club RAAF base on Friday 16th June from 5pm-7pm. RSVP to dco.townsville@defence.gov.au or you can call DCO office 07 4753 6539.

Yoga Classes @ Geckos on Mondays 18.30-19.30 cost $5/session

Bootcamp Tuesdays and Thursdays @Geckos 18.00-19.00 cost $10/session.

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
Support and Mental Health Services for ADF Families
Townsville Community Mental Health- 4433 3000
Centacare-4772 9000
Relationships Australia-1300 364 277
Veterans and Veterans Families – 1800 011 046 (eligibly criteria applies)

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

Stay safe and have a great week
Correna Wheeler