7 September 2018

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Dear Parents, Carers and Community

The last fortnight has been a very quick one. There is much to be proud of at our school and we certainly are proud of the everyday learning and behaviour of our students. Students at The Willows are well supported to achieve their potential and this fortnight we have celebrated student reading and writing across our school. It is fantastic to see students sharing their learning with us and being proud of their progress and achievement every day. Our teachers and support staff do a fantastic job each and every day to ensure that our learning environment is vibrant, fun, engaging and each and every student has clear learning and behaviour goals. Congratulations to all of our team at The Willows!

Over the course of our school year we have been implementing Positive Behaviour Learning, which is the framework of our Responsible Behaviour Plan. As part of our support for all students at The Willows State School we have a range of initiatives and options in our before school and lunch time programs. These options include before school games and also our reading program. During lunch times there is much more to do including our Defence Kids Club, supervised play (usually sport or games with Chappy or Mr Armit), chess, Ipads and games. It is excellent to see students using these areas as part of their fun at school. I would like to thank all of our teachers and support staff for the work they do each and every day to support every student at The Willows State School. We are fortunate to have the dedication and commitment of staff to these additional offerings at our school.

Each year our school is provided with significant funding to provide support for early literacy at our school. In 2017-2018 our focus has been on delivering daily reading in our four lesson sequence, designed to assist students with fluency, comprehension and independence at reading levels that are instructional. Each of our learners are progressing in reading which then makes learning in all other areas accessible. Reading is a gift and I encourage all parents to read nightly with their child/ren. With book week fast approaching, let’s make an extra effort to enjoy some of the great readers that Mrs Platt and the team have displayed in our library. We also look forward to seeing many parents/community at our annual book week parade on the last Friday of term!

Our Year 6 Camp 2 students had a fantastic time at Kinchant Outdoor Education Centre. Many of the activities that were offered on this camp were based around student leadership, overcoming challenges and teamwork. The students and staff did an excellent job and we should be feeling very proud of each participant. Thankyou to all of our staff who went on camp and provided a positive, worthwhile and memorable experience. I am pleased to announce that we have been able to secure dates for 2019 at Kinchant Outdoor Education Centre.

This week we welcomed new enrolments for the 2019 school year. Our youngest learners are getting ready for Prep and they are excited, as are we! This year upon enrolment students in Prep 2019 will receive a welcome bag full of goodies to help parents/children transition into school. If you are looking to enrol, you will now need to contact the office to secure your place at The Willows in 2019. We look forward to the open day which will be held in Term 4. Further details will be provided to parents through email and facebook communication. Thankyou to our team of volunteers who assisted in ensuring a smooth enrolment process. We had lots of families attend and with the many staff we were able to work quickly and thoroughly to welcome our new families. Great job!

The end of term is near, every day counts at The Willows. Thankyou parents for your ongoing support of our excellent school.

Kind regards

Helen McCullough
Principal

DATE CLAIMER

BEFORE SCHOOL PROCEDURES

All students are seated and supervised in the Main CPA from 8am.

At 8:15 am

Yr 3 – 6 students move to TCBC

Prep – Yr 2 students move to Junior CPA

Please remember your hat every day.

Students will have a quiet activity and the opportunity to have some outside movement time prior to learning.

At 8:45 am All students move to classrooms to commence learning.

To help our students we ask that parents and family members model the following behaviours at our school

• Sit quietly
• Listen to the speakers
• Follow instructions
• Keep noise to a minimum

We appreciate you being a part of our Respectful community and modelling our expectations.

The Outside School Hours Care facility is an option for families 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…….

Arriving late and leaving early can take up a lot of learning time.

Reminder that students arriving after 9am need to come through the office.

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 8.50am 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.

NAPLAN STUDENT SURVEY

The Queensland Government is undertaking a review of NAPLAN in the Queensland context, to better understand the impacts NAPLAN is having on learning and teaching within the state.

The first stage of the Review, conducted in June 2018, focused on consultation with parents.

The second stage is now underway, with consultation extending to students, teachers, principals and other key education stakeholders across Queensland.

Queensland students in years 3 to 10 are now invited to provide feedback on their experiences with NAPLAN, via an online survey. Students wishing to participate will require the consent of a parent or carer, who can assist with completing the survey at home.

The survey link is available at the link below

This project has received ethical clearance from both the Australian Catholic University and the Department of Education. Further information on the student survey and the Review are provided within the survey link.

LIFE EDUCATION – TALK ABOUT IT – YEAR 5

This year we are offering students the option of engaging with Life Education ”Talk About it” program regarding puberty. The school recognises that you are the primary educator of your child on issues surrounding their sexuality, however we believe we can work together to help children stay safe by encouraging healthy attitudes. The TALK ABOUT IT program by Life Education includes information on puberty incorporating physical growth and emotional changes, relationships and the concept of self. It is designed to help students understand and cope with this important phase of development. The lesson being conducted will focus on the physical, social and emotional changes experienced during puberty, and helping students understand and cope with this important phase of development.

This program will go from Monday the 15th to the 19th of October. These lessons will be taught by an experienced educator from Life Education and will be part of the Year 5 Health Unit. The classroom teacher will accompany their class and will be present to assist. The cost of this program is $10 per student.

Life Education is also offering a free Parent Information session on Tuesday the 11th September 5.00pm. This will be held in our TCBC Conference Room.

3 WAY CONVERSATIONS

In Term 4 week 2, we will again be inviting you and your child to meet with your class teacher in a ‘Three Way Conversation’ to discuss your child’s academic progress and next learning steps. We encourage our students to be ‘Active Learners” and participate in these conversations to strengthen the child’s ownership of learning as well as our relationship with parents as partners.

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.

All three way conversations will be held in the TCBC on the following days:

P-2 – Wednesday 17th of October 3.15-8pm
3-6 - Thursday 18th of October 3.15-8pm

To book your time use our electronic booking system. Information regarding electronic booking will come out this week and you will be able to book your time over the holidays and in Week 1 of Term 4.

YEAR 5 LEADERSHIP DAY

It is that time of the year where we are starting the selection process for our school leaders for 2019. All current year 5 students will be considered leaders and role models of the school as they become our school seniors in 2019. We do however, have some students in leadership positions i.e. School, Music & Sports Captains, Student Council Captains, Publicity Officers, Environmental Officers and Student Services representatives.

All students will participate in our leadership day on Thursday 11th October (1st week of Term 4). On this day students will reflect on what it is to be a leader and will participate in several activities designed to enhance their leadership capabilities, group work skills and team building strategies. It will be an opportunity for us to identify leadership potential and we will provide students with an opportunity to reflect and set goals for their last year of primary school.

Students will receive a sausage sizzle lunch for morning tea and an ice-block. They will need to ensure they have a hat and water bottle to participate in the outdoor activities.

After the leadership day, students will be invited to nominate themselves for student leadership positions for 2019. 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 the 23rd November 2018. A handover ceremony will be conducted at the Graduation Awards morning on Wednesday the 12th December 2018 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 2019.

DSTA News

“MILITARY CHILDREN WILL SAY GOOD-BYE
TO MORE SIGNIFICANT PEOPLE BY AGE 18
THAN THE AVERAGE PERSON WILL
IN THEIR LIFETIME”

Hello all Defence Families.

Big Thank you to all parents who attended our Morning Tea last week. Special Thanks to everyone who made yummy food. It was great to be able to swap recipes and share ideas around cooking. This is a very integral part of a student’s life to be eating yummy, healthy food. Thanks heaps to everyone for assisting in the making of the remaining poppies. Our school has been involved in The Armistice Centenary Art installation. This year will mark 100 years since the signing of the Armistice Treaty. This project will engage Queenslanders from across the state to be involved in the creation of at least 57 705 poppies, to reflect the same number of selfless Queensland soldiers who enlisted in the First World War. Our school have completed 1075 poppies and they will be sent to Brisbane as part of the display. The completed display will be travelling around Qld for all to visit. All the poppies will be placed in eight acrylic letters which spell REMEMBER, and will stand 3 metres high and 16 metres in length. The art installation is due to visit Townsville between 6th October and 11th November 2018. I have requested another 500 poppies for our school. Thank you to all those involved.

Most of the postings are out, so if you are moving please contact me and the office ASAP. Information regarding students last day of school and where you will be moving to is important to the school. This information is much appreciated by myself so I have time to visit and talk about the transition to another school and also give a Farewell Pack to the student. If your children have the defence passport please bring them in to me to be stamped before you leave. 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. The program is an interesting 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 in Term 4 Week 3 Wednesday 24th October and run every Wednesday for 4 weeks. Starting at 3:00pm - 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.

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 the 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. You can ring the Helpline for updates 1800 624 608.

Are you a member of the FREE ADF Family Health Program? If you said No you should be. Just read the fact sheet below and register now to access the FREE health benefits available to all defence families.

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.

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.

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.

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

School Holiday Fun September. Bookings Essential, all activities are $5

12th September Preparing for Posting Info Session

13th September Women Being Well Workshop Session 1

Women Being Well – FREE workshop

VVCS will be hosting a 2-session workshop for women to promote wellbeing through self-care, developing skills to manage stressful situations and developing coping mechanisms through a strengths-based and skills-based focus.

When: Wednesday 12 & Wednesday 19 September from 5.00 – 8.00pm

More info/ register: call 1800 011 046

19th September Mums, Bellies and Babes

4th October - Coffee Connection-West End Teahouse

14th October Walk to Remember

Sands in Townsville commemorates Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day with the annual Walk to Remember. The Sands Townsville annual Walk To Remember allows parents, families, friends and members of our community to unite and participate in a memorial service, butterfly release and walk around ANZAC Park

When: Sunday 14 October from 7.00am Where: ANZAC Park

To register:

26th October The (Almost) Amazing Race

ADF families in Townsville are invited to jog, walk or even sprint their way through a series of checkpoints and challenges in a race against the clock

This event is for everyone, including families with prams, teens, couples and single members. We’ll be looking for the best dressed team with the most original name on the day, so put together your team and have some fun!

Teams of 2-5 people can be entered. Why not team up with your work mates?

Refuel after the race with a tasty sausage sizzle

Where: Jezzine Barracks When: Friday 26 October from 4.30 – 6.00pm

More info:

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

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 or visit the link below (eligibly applies)

DFA Defence Families of Australia – 1800 100 509 or visit the link below
National Delegate for Northern Queensland – Chandell Derham at 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 week

Correna Wheeler