6 October 2017

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

As I welcome you back to school for Term 4, it is important that we reflect on our last week of Term 3 – a sensational week (as always at The Willows)…

Congratulations to all of our students, staff, parents and community that attended the Grand Book Parade on our last day of Term 3. We have some very talented students and staff (and parents every costume looed fantastic – well done!). I would like to thank our Book Week Committee, Mrs Platt, Mrs Milne, Mr Lynn, Mrs Carter, Mr Schimke and Mrs Holder and student performers for an entertaining, informative and fun celebration of Reading.

As you know, learning to read and comprehend is one of our key improvement areas at The Willows State School. Daily we resource student reading groups and monitor student progress against our Regional Targets particularly in the Early Phase of Learning (Prep-3). This year we have commenced before school reading support to assist students and we have installed significant work into the teaching of reading through our Master Teacher, Mrs Paula Prideaux alongside Mrs Gausden and Mrs Platt. Our work in this area is showing great improvement and we thank parents for getting behind their child/ren and reading daily with them.

The last day of school Term 3 also saw a number of our students participate in the Annandale Cup Football Carnival. Our school spirit and the level of skill and sportsmanship by our teams were excellent and I congratulate each player who took the field. The Willows team spirit also extends to the sidelines, it was great to see many parents and family members supporting our team and I thank you for your ongoing support.

Last term we finalised the School Strategic Plan (2018-2021) through the verification process. The plan has now been endorsed by myself, our P and C and the Assistant Regional Director. This plan will be uploaded to our school website on the front page. It outlines the direction of our school for the next 4 years in aspects of our school life. We look forward to your continued support of our school and working with our teachers to ensure that every student received the high quality of education that our school is proud to achieve consistently.

Over the course of the last 3 weeks we have had a number of staff successfully obtain positions in curriculum and behaviour support at other locations:

• Mrs Nicole Lindgren has been appointed to Cranbrook State School as a learning support teacher and will continue in this position in 2018.
• Mr Kyle Sanim has been appointed as Behaviour Support Teacher for Term 4.

We wish Mrs Lindgren and Mr Sanim all the best with these opportunities.

We welcome new staff members to our team:

• Mrs Gatehouse (Year 2) and Miss Payne (Year 6).
• Mrs Kate Haines has been appointed as HoC – Student Behaviour and Services. This position has been created for Term 4 and beyond to assist our school to develop and implement Positive Behaviour Learning (PBL). PBL is a system and an evidenced based approach to supporting behaviour and focuses on the positive reinforcement of expected behaviour within the school. As this work continues to unfold, we will provide regular updates to our school community. I trust you will all make our new staff feel welcome.

Term 4 is always a very busy time in schools. As we finish the year strong, our teachers and students are finalising the year of learning, teachers are reporting and there are many celebrations that are on our calendar. Please check into our Facebook page regularly as the term progresses and information around these celebrations are fed out. We look forward to a positive and productive term and your ongoing support of our school.

Kind regards

Helen McCullough
Principal

Date Claimer

3 WAY CONVERSATIONS

In Week 2 Term 4 we will again have our ‘Three Way Conversation’ to discuss your child’s academic progress and next learning steps.

At the ‘Three Way Conversation’ the roles will be:

Teacher – reports back on academic progress and discusses their next learning steps.
Child – shares achieved goals and future goals.
Parent – discusses ways to support continual academic improvement.

Our three way conversations will be held in the TCBC Conference Room on the following dates.

P-2 Wednesday the 11th of October from 3.15 to 8pm
3-6 Thursday the 12th of October from 3.15 to 8pm

Reminder that booking is electronic and can be accessed using the following url.

Bookings close on the Monday the 9th of October at 9am.

We look forward to seeing you there.

YEAR 5 STUDENTS PREPARING FOR LEADERSHIP

It is that time of the year where we are starting the selection process for our school leaders for 2018. All current year 5 students will be considered leaders and role models of the school as they become our school seniors in 2018. We do, however, have some students in leadership positions i.e. School, Music & Sports Captains, Student Council Captains, Publicity Officers, Environmental Officers and School Services representatives.

All students participated in our leadership day on Thursday 5th October. On this day students reflected on what it is to be a leader and participated in several activities designed to enhance their leadership capabilities, group work skills and team building strategies.

After the leadership day, students are invited to nominate themselves for student leadership positions for 2018. From this list of students we will shortlist and then successful students will be invited to participate in a workshop for leadership application writing. From the applications students will be shortlisted and invited to attend an interview and then selected students will present a speech to their peers. Successful student leaders will be announced at Assembly on 17th November 2017. A handover ceremony will be conducted at the Graduation Awards morning on Wednesday the 6th December 2017 and a badge pinning ceremony will be conducted in the New Year (2018).

This is a very important process in our school year and we look forward to developing the leadership skills in all of our students and selecting student leadership positions for 2018.

YEAR 6 PHOTO AND YEARBOOK

Last year the year 6 yearbook was a hit so we are going to do it again this year. Our Year 6 students will have their cohort photo taken on the 19th of October. Any new students in year 6 that arrived after our school photos will also have their photo taken. All year 6 students who have permission to be involved in the yearbook will receive a copy at the end of the year. Please ensure that your student is dressed in either a senior shirt or school uniform for the cohort photo. We will also do a fun shot so students can bring a silly dress item.

YEAR 6 END OF YEAR EVENTS

Please find below some information regarding three events being held for year 6 students to celebrate their final days with us at The Willows State School. A permission form has gone home with students. Please be mindful of payment dates as we are approaching the end of the year and they are not negotiable.

Year 6 Graduation Ceremony

When: Wednesday the 6th of December 9.00 – 11.30am
Where: The Carol Buchanan Centre (TCBC)

We invite our families to join us in seeing our year 6 students as graduates of The Willows State School. Academic awards and the leadership handover will occur along with speeches and the sharing of lots of memories. Students will be given a yearbook and gift as they cross the stage one last time. Students MUST wear correct school uniform, shoes and appropriate jewellery and hair accessories. Students plus family are invited to attend this special occasion. Morning tea and cutting of the cakes will occur at the end of the ceremony. Photos will be taken of the students receiving their certificates and copies will be available for purchase that evening from the library. Students may leave with their parents after morning tea to prepare for their Graduation Dance. An invitation for families will be sent out later in the term.

Year 6 Graduation Dance

When: Wednesday the 6th of December 5.30 – 8pm
Where: The Carol Buchanan Centre (TCBC)

Students will dance for their parents and attending staff of The Willows State School. At the end of the formal dancing, parents will leave and the disco celebrations will commence. Finger food and drinks will be provided for the students and this is included in the overall cost. Please collect students by 8.00pm from TCBC. Please note that the dress for this event is smart casual and it is not an expectation that families spend a fortune on attire.

Year 6 Fun Day at the Barra Farm

When: Thursday the 7th of December 8.45 to 3pm
Where: The Barra Farm
Transport: Students will be transported to and from the Barra Farm by bus.
What to bring: Bag, water bottle, hat, sunsafe free dress, towel, togs +swim shirt for swimming, morning tea. spending money for purchase of extra drinks if they wish, closed in shoes and thongs.

Students will have a fun day together as a cohort and celebrate at the Barra Farm. The Barra Farm has barra fishing, an inflatable aqua park including jumping pillows, climbing walls, swings, hamster wheels, bumper crafts and a giant water slide. They will need to bring their own morning tea and water bottle but they will be provided a pizza lunch & Drink. The cost for this activity includes the entry, bus trip and lunch.

CURRICULUM NEWS

Curriculum News – Kym Clay (Acting Head of Curriculum)

Earlier this year, our staff voted to adopt the C2C version of the Australian Curriculum for Health and Physical Education, Japanese, Design Technology and The Arts (including Music, Dance, Drama, Visual Arts and Media). It has been a steep learning curve but our students are reaping the rewards of the professional learning and are highly engaged in these subjects. We thank all of the parents who have donated all sorts of resources for things like pinball machines, wind chimes, animal safe houses and spinning toys. Kirwan High School are also excited to hear that we are delivering the full suite of Arts subjects as many of our students have applied for their Creative Arts Academy.

GUIDANCE OFFICER NEWS

Welcome back to Week 1 Term 4. My name is Narelle Thomas (Miss Narelle) and I am the Guidance Officer based at The Willows State School. I began at TWSS in January this year. I am at the school Monday to Friday each week and can be located in S Pod. I share a room with Bill Armit, the Behaviour Support Teacher. This year in S Pod, we have tried to create a safe space with relaxation music, minimal lighting, posters and wall hangings so that students who may be feeling anxious or upset have a calm place to sit and reflect.

Over the next few newsletters, I would like to share with you some parenting tips, which I hope you may find beneficial. Please feel free to drop into S Pod for a chat if you have concerns about your student.

Encouraging good behaviour

A positive and constructive approach is often the best way to guide your child’s behaviour. This means giving your child attention when they behave well, rather than just applying consequences when they do something you do not like. Some tips for encouraging good behaviour include:

• Be a role model
  Use your own behaviour to guide your children. Your children watch you to get clues on how to behave – and what you do is often much more important than what you say. For example, if you want your child to say ‘please’, say it yourself. If you don’t want your child to raise their voice, speak quietly and gently yourself.
• Catch your child being ‘good’
  When your children are behaving in a way you like, give them some positive feedback. For example, ‘Wow, you’re playing so nicely. I really like the way you’re keeping all the blocks on the table’. This works better than waiting for the blocks to come crashing to the floor before you take notice and say, ‘Hey, stop that’.
• Get down to your child’s level
  When you get close to your children, you can tune in to what they might be feeling or thinking. Being close also helps the child focus on what you’re saying about their behaviour. If you’re close to your child and have their attention, you don’t need to make them look at you.
• Listen actively
  To listen actively, you can nod as your children talk, and repeat back what you think your child is feeling. For example, ‘It sounds like you feel really sad that your blocks fell down’. When you do this, it can help young children cope with tension and big emotions like frustration, which sometimes lead to unwanted behaviour. It also makes them feel respected and comforted. It can even diffuse potential temper outbursts.
• Keep things simple and positive
  If you give clear instructions in simple terms, your children will know what’s expected of them – for example, ‘Please hold my hand when we cross the road’. In addition, positive rules are usually better than negative ones, because they guide your child’s behaviour in a positive way. For example, ‘Please shut the gate’ is better than ‘Don’t leave the gate open’.

Many years ago, I watched a YouTube clip called “Children see Children do”. I encourage you to watch it. A very powerful clip that really demonstrates the impact that we, as adults, have on our children.

Enjoy your week and your children
Narelle Thomas

MUSIC NEWS

If you were unable to see your child perform at the Eisteddfod, you are invited to our Performers Cight to be held on Thursday 19th October where they will do it all again.

INSTRUMENTAL RECRUITING 2018

If your child is interested in learning an instrument and starting in our instrumental program for 2018, you are also invited to be guests at our performer’s night and be entertained by our current members and see what our program has to offer and what your child may be part of from 2018.

We have very limited spots for our new recruits to our instrumental program for 2018. This is determined on instrumental teachers, time allocation, school instruments and current students already in the program. All children in years 2 & 3 will receive an application to apply for testing. Any child in years 4 & 5 who would like to be considered can come and collect an application form from the music room or office. Acceptance to the program is based on subject achievement, behaviour, parental support and whether or not your child is physically attributed to their chosen instrument. Application forms will be sent home shortly.

Education Queensland states that only children in years 2 are invited to the strings program and years 3 - 5 for woodwind, brass and percussion. If your child in year 2 is not interested in learning a string instrument, you are asked to wait until the next intake at the end of next year.

Forms must be returned no later than Friday 20th October so your child can be physically tested on their chosen instrument in week 4. You will be notified of your child’s success by week 6 and are expected to attend an Information Evening on Wednesday, 15th November to find out further information. If your child is accepted, there will be a cost of purchasing instrumental requirements (book, folder, stand, accessories), music fee levy of $50 and an instrumental hire fee of $100 for the year unless a violin/viola player. We look forward to seeing our prospective players join our program for 2018. If you have further questions, please come and see us.

Fiona Coleman and Trevor Schimke

DEFENCE NEWS

Hello all Defence Families.

Welcome back to Term 4. Hope everyone had a great holidays and spent time re-uniting with family and friends. It was wonderful to spend some of my holidays relaxing with my family and the rest of the time chilling in Darwin with my husband.

Congratulations must go to the Cowboys for making the Grand Final. What an amazing team effort by all. Who spent most of the weekend on the couch watching all the sport?

This term is going to be full on for the DSTA with so many activities coming up. The Kidsmart Relocation program starts next Thursday 12th October, school photos, prep open day, Remembrance Day, Year 6 high school experience day, Graduation ceremony just to name a few. During this whole term I will be busy organising and delivering Farewell Packs to all defence students leaving, as well as holding a farewell party for those students leaving and a Year 6 Defence party. Kids Club will still be on every Monday and Tuesday at 1st break and my room in L Pod will be open on the other breaks for students to attend for activities. Also Pupil Free day for students is Monday 16th October.

REMEMBRANCE DAY Ceremony will be held in week 6 of this term. I am requesting the services of a member of our school community to be a guest speaker at our school service on Friday 10th November. If you are a defence parent/family member and would like to speak to our students about what Remembrance Day means to you, please email or call me. Thank you in advance for your support.

ARE YOU MOVING SCHOOLS? IF YOU ARE POSTING OUT OR MOVING SCHOOLS THIS YEAR please make sure you contact the office/classroom teacher and DSTA to inform of students last day of school and where you will be moving to. This information is much appreciated by myself so I have time to give a Farewell Pack to the student. The school also appreciates this vital information for further planning. Look forward to hearing from you.

KIDSMART RELOCATION PROGAM is being held again for all defence students here at school. It starts next Thursday 12th October, so call now to register as there are limited spaces. The program is a four week program for primary aged kids to help them manage postings and relocation. Tyler Turtle is the mascot for the program which helps the kids learn how to manage change, stay connected with friends and meet new people. It covers things like assisting kids cope with feelings when being stressed or anxious. Provides tips on handling emotions and learning great relaxation techniques. Sessions will start Thursday 12th October and run every Thursday for 4 weeks. Starting at 3:15pm-4:45pm in L Pod. Afternoon tea will be provided. If I know you are being posted I will send you out a registration form to complete and return. A must for all students who are moving this year.

Geckos Family Centre is celebrating its 10th Birthday on Sunday 15th October from 11:00-14:00. Only $10/family includes jumping castle, Petting Zoo, Rock Climing and much more for all to enjoy. Bookings are essential. Read flyer for more details.

If you are finding life’s challenges overwhelming my door is always open. Don’t forget you are welcome to come to L pod for a chat/cuppa, any day from 8:00am until 3:00pm. The office can phone ahead to make sure I am in my room or you can email me to arrange a time. Talking with others can help to put things in perspective. See you soon.

Want to know about upcoming DCO programs, events, and activities or information about events and services in the wider North Queensland community you need to be on the mailing list. You can e-mail DCO office in Townsville dco.townsville@defence.gov.au and leave details, name, member name, address, email, mob/home number, children’s names or collect a form from me. I have attached a copy of the form below.

Deployments are a part of the Defence Force family lifestyle. PLEASE LET THE SCHOOL KNOW IF A LOVED ONE IS GOING AWAY. 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.

EDUCATION ASSISTANCE is important for all students. The EAS Education Assistance SCHEME- is where 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 assistance to complete the form. 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 updates from DCO. Contact them directly at dco.townsville@defence.gov.au or phone 07 4753 6539.

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 AND ACTIVITIES TO REMEMBER

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT MOVING/RELOCATION AND MOBILITY? Session to answer these questions and more at the RAAF Base on Wednesday 18th October from 9-11am.

Are you looking for a Job? Come and join Employment Pathways Workshops.

VVCS NQ GROUP PROGRAMS AVAILABLE NOW FOR VETERANS, PARENTS, PARTNERS AND FAMILIES TO ATTEND, CALL 1800 011 046 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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.

Defence Family Helpline operates 24-7 on 1800 624 608 or e-mail defencefamilyhelpline@defence.gov.au.

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 find the link below(eligibly applies)
Defence Special Needs Support Group- 1800 037 674 for local delegate details

DFA Defence Families of Australia – 1800 100 509

National Delegate for Northern Queensland - nth.qld@dfa.org.au

Remember I am available anytime from 8:00am until 3:30pm, 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 week and remember You are remarkable, just by being you!

Correna Wheeler