16 February 2018

Newsletter Articles

Date Claimers

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents/Guardians and Community

It is fantastic to see our students attending and learning every day. We have seen our youngest learners start to read, write and demonstrate numeracy skills! This is fantastic to see and equally great to see that students are having a go and excited to come to school each and every day. Our Prep students have settled well and are learning the routines. I was really proud to see their year level parade and was impressed with how well they could concentrate and enjoy the celebration of their classmates for learning, behaviour and attendance. Well done Preps!

Across our school we see that students are getting used to changed structures. These structures and routines are important in a school of 990 students.

Over the past fortnight the Day 8 processes were completed. This process is a state-wide process that determines school funding, staffing and classes. I am pleased to say that we have commenced with 990 students, enabling our 40 classes across Prep-6 to remain as is. The enrolment management plan will now be strictly enforced to ensure that classes remain within the state-wide target sizes.

I would also like to congratulate and thank parents/guardians who have made their voluntary contributions this year. This has been a significant improvement on previous years and as a result allows us to purchase necessary resources for all student’s learning. Thankyou!

Out and about in our classrooms the work of our students learning is rewarding.

Over the course of the 2017 school year, we engaged in a school-wide process to provide us with the direction and feedback required for continuous school improvement. This enabled us to make some changes across a number of areas, update some of our key facilities and areas and, as a school team, we are looking forward to 2018 where our Explicit Improvement Agenda items are:

• Literate and Numerate Students – focus on Reading
• Australian Curriculum (8 Key Learning Areas) - introducing Digital Technologies
• Positive Behaviour for Learning (P.B.L.)
• Community Connections – successful transitions Kindy-Prep and Year 6-7

Our work as a staff has already commenced from 2017 to now in these areas. Our 3 day Pupil Free Day program was designed around each of our Explicit Improvement Agenda Areas. Staff were engaged in a number of key professional learning opportunities and have hit the ground running in their own learning and in our classrooms! Congratulations to all staff for your work leading up to the start of our school year!

Each State School is required to have a Responsible Behaviour Plan for managing Student Behaviour. Our School has done significant work on this over the course of the last 2 years and we have again reviewed this. As a school, we work within a bigger education system. Our school has realigned the Responsible Behaviour Plan to the Positive Behaviour Learning Framework (an evidenced based system that is strongly supported by DET and the North Queensland Region). As a result of this realignment we now introduce the following changes to “The Willows Way”:

As Successful Learners We are:
Safe
Respectful
Responsible

This is The Willows Way!

Kind regards
Helen McCullough
Principal

BEFORE SCHOOL ROUTINE

At 8am we have limited supervision which is why we have the following in place as part of our duty of care:

All students who arrive from 8am onwards are to go to the Main CPA.

At 8.20am Years 3-6 students are taken to TCBC where they wait until they are released to go to class. Prep-2 students remain in the Main CPA and are released in time to go to class by 8.45am.

No student should be arriving at school prior to 8am. The school is not open and there is no supervision provided.

The Outside School Hours Care facility is an option for parents to book/use and parents/carers who have early starts and late finishing times are encouraged to access this facility.

ATTENDANCE

Every student in our school is important to us and we are committed to providing personalised education suited to their needs. The very first step in that is maximising learning time and we believe that if students attend every day and every learning minute of the day we are improving their opportunities for academic success.

Students can come to school from 8am. If they arrive at 8am they go to the Main CPA. At 8.15am year 3,4,5, and 6 students are escorted by at teacher to TCBC. Students are expected to be at school in the classroom ready to start work at 8.45am. Students who are late to school are encouraged to complete any work missed in their own time. Please note that lateness and early departure have an impact on student learning.

THE WILLOWS WAY IS 100% ATTENDANCE.

Just a little bit late doesn’t seem much but did you know…….

LEARNING STARTS AT 8.45AM

YEAR LEVEL PARADES

This year our students will have year level parades weekly and full school parades as scheduled on our school calendar.

Note the time and place for all year levels.

Prep – Monday 8.45 am in Junior CPA
Year 1 – Monday 12.50pm in Junior CPA
Year 2 – Tuesday 8.45am in Junior CPA
Year 3 – Monday 2pm in TCBC Conference Room
Year 4 – Tuesday 2.30pm in TCBC Conference Room
Year 5 – Mondays 11.40am in TCBC Conference Room.
Year 6 – Mondays 2.30pm in TCBC Conference Room.
Parents/Guardians are most welcome to attend.

APPOINTMENTS WITH STAFF

Throughout the course of any day and week, the administrative and teaching staff of The Willows have significant commitments to the Teaching and Learning of our students. If you are needing to see one of the staff, please help us by arranging an appointment time at a mutually beneficial time. This can be done by contacting our office, email or by talking with us.

RELEASE OF STUDENT INFORMATION AND REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

Our school follows the departmental policy in regards to releasing information which is very clear as to what we can provide. At no time, will information regarding student attendance, performance or other matters be provided via telephone to any member of our school community or beyond.

The information that we are able to provide is information from Student Profiles recorded on the State School System One School. Prior to releasing the profile, staff need to de-identify the record and time must be afforded for this to occur.

Parents who are needing information about their child to take to external appointments need to request this through the front office.

All requests from legal, medical and other external agencies, need to be addressed to The Principal.

Forms and surveys for information for medical providers are to be provided to front office to Deputy Principals. Please do not give these directly to class teachers as this delays the requests significantly.

At no time in our communication with parents do we discuss another child or their circumstances etc. Please avoid embarrassment and in all communication with us, focus only on your child/ren.

PBL NEWS

PBL FOCUS
Stop, Look and Listen!

The students at The Willows are being explicitly taught focus lessons for positive behaviour each week so that every student can develop the skills to be successful in learning every day at school. This fortnight the students are being taught that when a teacher gives a cue, the students need to stop what they are doing, look at the teacher and listen for instruction. This assists us to transition quickly and quietly so that learning time is the priority.

Positive student behaviour in the classroom is being acknowledged using a star chart. If your child collects 75 stars on their classroom chart they will be acknowledged and rewarded with an afternoon of fun. This will occur on Friday, Week 5 in the last session. If your child has no Major behaviour incident reports this Term they will receive an invite to our reward day on the last day in week 10. This will be decided by the year levels and will be published in the next newsletter.

Thank you for your continued support.

SCHOOL DIARIES

At The Willows State School our year 3,4, 5 and 6 students use student diaries. We believe that this diary is an important learning tool as it helps students to be organised and self- reflective. Our diary has been customised and is used frequently in the classroom as a learning tool. It also provides a a quick way to send messages to and from school regarding upcoming events and general communication.

The cost is value for money at $10.00 as we have personalised this diary to suit the needs of our students. In the diary we have added:

• Our School Responsible Behaviour Plan including our expectations matrix.
• Details regarding our homework policy, personal technology device use, uniform, ICT and media consent agreements.
• Pages to allow students to note assessment results, reading levels and set their own learning goals
• Goal setting, managing stress, time management, health and study information
• Anchor charts relating to whole school reading strategies, writing processes, writing narrative and persuasive (steps to success), spelling rules and generalisations and problem solving strategies in mathematics
• Written methods re addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and number fact strategies
• The times tables, mathematical planes and solid shapes
• World maps and the solar system
• General facts about Australia
• Code of Conduct for travelling on buses
• Blank Timetables and tear away absence slips

If you haven’t already paid for the diary please pay at the office as diaries will soon be handed out to students for use.

STUDENTS WHO HAVE PAID HAVE BEEN ISSUED A DIARY.

YEAR PREP NEWS

Look what we are
Learning in prep!!

Year 1 NEWS

In English we have been learning to identify how a character feels by looking for the words used by the author in the text as well as picture clues. This writing sample is by Olivia and drawing by Jett, both from 1HAM.

Year 2 NEWS

Year 3 NEWS

Thank you for attending the Year 3 information evening.

Over the last three weeks we have been learning how to write persuasive letters to the editor. Students have been examining the local persuader and writing a range of persuasive paragraphs to show their point of view.

We are looking for parent helpers to assist with changing the home readers. If you are able to help please contact your teacher.

Thanks,
YEAR 3

Year 4 NEWS

YEAR 4 POETRY

Year 4’s first unit of English has focused on Poetry. All classes are currently reading and analysing many humorous poems. These are some photos of the students in 4MIL and 4NOS working on their poetry in English lessons.

We have looked at the structure of a poem. This means:

• How many verses there are in the poem.
• The length of the lines in the poem (long, short or both).
• Rhyming words and rhyming patterns.
• Rhythm when we read the poem (the beat).
• Repetition within the poem.

We have also been learning about Poetic Devices that the poet may use. These include:

• Alliteration – same sound at the beginning (ripe red raspberry).
• Onomatopoeia – sound words (bang, buzz, sizzle).
• Nonsense Words – made up words.
• Spoonerisms – swap the first letters of words (take a shower becomes shake a tower).
• Neologisms – Combining 2 words (chocolate + delicious = chocolicious).
• Puns – funny use of words with more than one meaning (Maths teachers have lots of problems).

Students with the English Learning Wall.

Year 5 NEWS

Year 6 NEWS

In English the students have been learning to analyse and compare text structures and language features that authors use to influence readers. This leads into the current unit where the students will write their own imaginative, short story.

We have also been learning about the significance of the contribution of “Henry Parkes” leading to Australia’s federation in 1901.

Our students actively use the classroom learning walls to assist them as they progress through a unit.

Year 6 camp

Our Year 6 camp is fast approaching. Medical forms have been sent home. Please return them to the office asap.

Please be aware that final payment must be received by the 21st of February.

Student Council News

Our 2018 student council has started planning for several events this term. We are hoping that all of The Willows State School students will get involved in the following activities. We look forward to some fun and memorable moments.

• Morning mentor program – reading with lower school (Student Services officers)
• Lunch mentor program – soccer with lower school (Student Services officers)
• Eating Duty Mentors – helping students at eating time (Student Services officers)
• Investiture (all leaders receiving their badges)
• Harmony Day (School Captains/Vice Captains & Student Council Captains and Student Council)
• Free Dress Day (School Captains/Vice Captains & Student Council Captains and Student Council)
• Earth Hour (Environmental Officers)
• Fun Run (Sports Captains/Vice Captains)
• School Disco (Student Council)
• Newsletters and Photos (Publicity Officers)

We will keep you posted as the term progresses.
Publicity Officer (Tara)

Tuckshop

Welcome back to 2018 and welcome all our new family’s to TWSS.

We would like to thank all our returning volunteers Christine, Juana, Michele, Johno, Wanda and Em for their continued support!

Our volunteers are what makes the day to day running of our busy little Tuckshop possible.

In saying that, we would love to see some new faces as well and volunteers are always welcome even for an hour in the morning.

We are especially looking for any volunteers who would be available every 2nd Tuesday, Wednesday, 2nd Thursday and always welcome on a Friday.

Our new Menu for 2018 came home last week with a few little changes and new items.

Our new Lunch Packs are on the menu this year. They include a Jam or Vegemite Sandwich, Popcorn, Sultana box and a Milk Cup for $6.50.

Also new to the menu is our Chicken Caesar Wraps on a Thursday, more daily choices and Pies/Sausages Rolls are only available Monday’s and Friday’s.

Just a reminder that bags are 10c if lunches are ordered through the window or sent in without a bag.

If you are short on time or coins why not give our online ordering a go. Go to website below, all you need to do is register and follow the prompts and your child’s lunch will be delivered to them. This is available for 1st and 2nd break. No need to find bags or coins in the morning or worry if they have remembered to put their order in the box. Win win!!

We are going Green and students will only be offered a straw for Slushies and milk cups.

If there is anyone looking for food scraps for chickens or compost come have a chat with the ladies.

Keep an eye out on the schools Facebook page and Flexischools for any weekly specials.

We hope you all have a fabulous 2018.

From
The Tuckshop Ladies
Rosie, Nadine, Anita, Megan and Robyn

P&C News

Family Movie Night

Come along to our Family Movie Night on Friday 2nd March! We are planning a night of fun, with Despicable Me 3 on the big screen in TCBC. We’ll have food vans for dinner, snacks, popcorn, ice-cream and drinks will be available. It should be a great night!

Flyers about the Family Movie Night have been sent home this week. You are able to pre-purchase tickets from the tuckshop until 2pm Wednesday 28th February. Pre-purchase your family tickets to receive a free popcorn coupon. You will be able to buy tickets at the door. Cost of tickets - $5 single pass or $20 family pass (for a family of 5).

Come along for a great evening of fun!

Meet and Greet

Thanks to everyone who came to our Meet and Greet, and to those who stayed for our first meeting for the year. If you weren’t able to come, or are keen for more information, please get in contact with us via Facebook or through the school.

Voluntary Contribution

There are many areas in the school that don’t receive direct funding to operate, and the P&C asks for a Voluntary Contribution that we pass directly to the school to assist with this. This goes towards anything from sunscreen to additional learning materials.

If you didn’t contribute this through the Kookaburra Bookpacks, will you please consider paying this at the school office? Every little bit helps make our school learning environment even better! The contribution is $40 for a single child, or $80 for a family.

Colour Run!

Get ready for a blast of colour at our Fun Run! We’re participating in the School Run4Fun Colour Explosion on Friday 23rd March. Our competitive Fun Run will be in the morning, with the Colour Run in the afternoon. Sponsorship forms will be heading home soon, as this event can help raise funds for our great school while having heaps of fun at the same time!

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Our AGM will be held Tuesday 13th March at the TCBC. We welcome anyone to come along to be part of our P&C. As part of this meeting, all executive positions and sub committees will be declared vacant and elections will take place.

The Athlete’s Foot

If you are needing to buy shoes, for yourself or your kids, don’t forget our support from Athlete’s Foot. For every pair of shoes you buy, The Athlete’s Food will donate $5 to our school! Simply mention that your kids go to our school when you buy shoes from the Castletown or Willows stores.

Facebook

Like us on Facebook to keep up to date with school and P&C events. (Search for The Willows State School P&C.)

See you round!

Jason
P&C President

DEFENCE NEWS

Hello and we are half way through the term already.

Thanks to all the parents who attended our Morning Tea. It was great to meet you all and see so many new faces. Hope everyone has settled into their new homes and all children are settling into school. If I did not get to talk to you and you had some concerns about Education Assistance Scheme or any other queries please phone me or call into my room anytime. I would love to have chat.

Finally, I have met all the 60 new students, welcomed them to The Willows and they have received their welcome packs. They are all so positive and enjoying being at their new school. We had our welcome party last week and it was amazing. All students who attended had party food and spoke to other students who were also new to school. It was a great time for all students. It was great to see so many smiling, happy faces there.

The Year 6 defence students had a special guest visitor last Friday. Tyla from Kirwan High who has won the Premiers Anzac Prize 2018 visited and has requested we decorate 5 Commemorative Crosses. All students had a great time and were interested in Tyla’s request. Tyla will collect them in 4 weeks and take them on her trip to the Battlefields of Villiers-Brittoneux and Belgium and place them at grave sites or memorials. We will plan the art and decorate during break times. Students are keen to work their magic and create unique master pieces for Tyla.

Don’t forget the Welcome to Townsville Expo is this Saturday 17th February at the Townsville Stadium from 10:00am-1:00pm. You can find out all about Townsville and lots more. See you there.

All new defence families please note that the Kidsmart Relocation Program has been delayed and will start in week 5 (a must for ALL students who have started at school this year due to a posting). 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. The program covers things like assisting kids cope with feelings when being stressed or anxious, tips on handling emotions and learning great relaxation techniques. Sessions will start Wednesday 21st February and run every Wednesday for 4 weeks. Held at school in L Pod from 3:15pm-4:45pm. Afternoon tea will be provided. DCO Social Workers will facilitate the program here. Please call me to register.

Reminder to parents please let all defence students be aware the Defence Room is open every break in L Pod for defence students to call in for a chat, meet new friends, colouring-in, play board games and make craft. Monday and Tuesday Kids Club is on at OSHC during 1st break for craft, games and fun and then every other break Defence Room is open in L pod for defence students to access. All defence students can bring a friend.

The role of a DSTA in schools is to provide support to students, wellbeing, work to build resilience skills and combat challenges associated within the defence family at school. Approximately 20% of our school students are from Defence Force families. If you have any questions please give me a call anytime.

You are always 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.

If you 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 me/teacher 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. 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 is the 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. 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. You can also 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.

Dates and activities to remember

Welcome to townsville expo will be held at murray sports complex, annandale on saturday 17th february 10:00am-1:00pm.

Stay Connected with all the information about what’s happening with DCO.

LOST GLASSES

A pair of student glasses have been lost. They are dark green on the outside and light green on the inside of the arms. They have Cooper on the side. If you have these glasses will you please hand them into the office.