14 June 2019

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Teaching and Learning Update

The quality of teaching and learning in our classrooms is intensive, fun and engaging. Our students are doing a fantastic job in their classrooms and all parents should be feeling very proud. Success is measured in many ways and we always encourage students to strive for their personal best. Please follow our facebook page to get regular updates.

We have an exceptional staff who are dedicated to each student progressing, making an effort and achieving. Our staff are also committed lifelong learners who often spend many hours in their own time to mark, moderate and learn from each other. Over the last couple of weeks, our staff have been sharing what they are most proud of in their year levels at staff meetings. It has been exciting to see student writing, reading, behaviour, literacy capabilities and engagement feature. A shout out to The Willows Team!

Behaviour and Engagement Update

At The Willows State School the majority (93%) of our students consistently demonstrate The Willows Way: Be Safe, Respectful and Responsible. This is fantastic and we look forward to hearing feedback from the Regional Office SET data.

At The Willows State School, we are proud of our high standards in behaviour and in learning. These standards are very clear and the management of behaviour that occurs at school rests with school staff. Decisions are made in accordance with our Responsible Behaviour Plan, which is an endorsed document of our school and all parents sign the enrolment agreement that clearly states that the parents responsibility is to support school decisions. At no time, will staff discuss other children or consequences for children with other parents and nor should they be expected to engage in this type of inappropriate discussion. Thankyou to our parents that understand and respect the confidentiality of such matters.

We are happy to work with parents who support and/or reach out for support and respect the safety and learning of all students, staff and visitors at our school. Should you have questions or wish to discuss consequences issued by team members, you should first contact your child’s class teacher and Deputy Principal/Line Manager. I remind parents/carers that at no time will any staff at The Willows State School tolerate aggressive or inappropriate parent/carer behaviour.

Extra-Curricular Update

As a school we value a range of opportunities for our students not only within the classrooms but also in school sport and school music endeavours.

Congratulations to all students who participated at Red Track A Division Interschool Athletics last Friday. It is pleasing to see students participating, competing and showing excellent sportsmanship on the track and field. Congratulations to the following students who now trial for a place in the North Queensland Team Riley Carbone 6SMI – 100m, Alannah Kister 6BIR – 100m, 200m, Michael Williams 4MIL – Shot Put, Timothy Doll 5KRO – 800m and Charlie Siepen-Powell 4JOH – 100m

This year our choirs competed in the FanFare Choral Challenge at Kirwan State High School. Mrs Coleman and Mr Schimke have been working hard with our students to be ready for this competition and I commend our team for the award of Bronze in their categories.

This week we hosted our Adopt A Cowboy, Carlin Anderson to talk with our Captains and Year 6 Leaders. We then toured the ovals and play areas...yep our students loved the visit!

Coming soon, is the Colour Explosion, a fun run designed for all ages to enjoy while fundraising for our Parents and Citizens Association. In turn, the Parents and Citizens Association generously donate to our school for resources and upgrades that benefit all students at The Willows. In the past two years a significant financial contribution for technology and playgrounds have been donated. Thankyou for supporting this event and we look forward to getting our colour on! The last day of school is a white or light shirt day and tights/non-school shorts. Last year we had a great turnout of tutus just to add to fun. All items worn on the day should be older wear as participants will get coloured! Please read permission notes and disclaimers that have been sent home carefully.

Assessment and Reporting

Currently students are finalising their semester learning and every day is an important day at school. End of semester reports will be issued in the first week of Term 3 allowing our teachers and our support team to ensure that these are accurate upon print and distribution. If you require a second copy as a family, please contact the front office and your child/ren’s Deputy Principal/Line Manager. We look forward to reporting the progress, success and next learning steps to all parents/carers.

Facilities Update

As you would notice, the front of school has undergone re-structure as part of our Armistice Grant from 2018. This area now is an educational part of our school and has a number of QR Coded pavers that can clicked on for information about historical conflicts. Please take the time to come and see this excellent project. I would also like to thank Mrs Wheeler for her work in assisting to get this grant.

I would like to thank and congratulate all members of our school community for their support. The reporting through School Watch, QPS and the signing of the petition for the installation of school security fencing has been successful! Our school has been granted $700 000 by the State Government to install security fencing. Thankyou very much for your support and I would like to acknowledge our MP Aaron Harper for his ongoing support of our school. This work will commence very shortly, in the meantime, please continue to look out for our school and report any suspicious behaviour that you see.

In 2018, we were granted $400000 towards a new shade structure at The Willows. The architect and surveyors have been working towards the finalisation of these plans. We look forward to this work now commencing in the September Holidays.

SCHOOL ANNUAL REPORT

Each year our school publishes the School Annual Report to our website below. Please check in by the end of June to read the excellent work of 2018 across our school.

Kind regards

Helen McCullough
Principal

GENERAL NEWS

Has your student lost their glasses?

We have a number of prescription glasses that have been handed in at the office. Please check with the office if your student has lost their glasses.

Woolworths Earn and Learn

Woolworths earn and learn program provides our students with lots great resources. Bring your stickers to school or put them in our school boxes at Woolworths. We are nearing the end of the collection period so keep those sticker coming.

Willows Warriors

SCHOOL WATCH

We need everyone to look out for after-hours crime in our school. If you see anything suspicious, please don't attempt to intervene.

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

The following document outlines the curriculum for Term 2 for all year levels

We hope that you have enjoyed the many articles from all of our year levels showing you our curriculum, teaching and learning in the classroom. The first newsletter for next term will include a curriculum overview for term 3.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Positive Behaviour Learning

Positive Behaviour for Learning

At The Willows our students are Safe, Respectful and Responsible. Each week Year Level Parades acknowledge students demonstrating these values, with awards for academic achievement, excellent behaviour and attendance.

Our students also attend our Whole School Parades and are modelling appropriate behaviour and learning the etiquette for these events.

The students are working hard and displaying expected behaviours in all areas of the school. They are earning stars in readiness for the 75 Star reward with their class in Week 10. Most of our students are well on the way to gaining 75 stars and the Year levels have a variety of fun activities planned to celebrate. Waldo, Olive and Willow cannot wait to join in our celebrations of positive behaviour for learning.

75 Star Rewards - Week 10

Well Being

FROM THE GUIDANCE OFFICER

Options for dealing with children’s behaviour

Many problems with children can be avoided completely if parents remember four basic ideas

1. Give children positive feedback when they do the right thing.
2. Encourage children to share their experiences with you.
3. Create lots of opportunities for children to be involved with interesting and engaging activities.
4. Show a genuine interest in what they are doing.

There is a wide range of options for dealing with children’s behaviour. Here are some general principles on dealing with misbehaviour in children. If you follow these general ideas, many headaches over children’s behaviour can be avoided.

• Do set limits (… “no swearing”; “ride only up to the sign then come back”)
• Do praise your child for behaving appropriately (…”that’s good setting the table”; “thank you for helping”)
• Do respond to misbehaviour immediately, consistently and decisively
• Do respond to misbehaviour by describing what the child has done wrong (…”you ran over Johnny’s leg with your bike”)
• Do respond to misbehaviour by telling the child what would have been more acceptable (….”next time use your words to tell your sister that she hurt you. Do not push her.”)
• Do back up your instructions or reasonable requests by using natural or logical consequences, quiet time or time out (… “you didn’t put the rubbish out like I asked, you will miss out on 5 mins TV”)
• Do remain calm when speaking to a child who is upset or who has misbehaved
• Do speak calmly but firmly to your child when she misbehaves
• Do act quickly. Don’t threaten to act.
• Do deal with the problem yourself rather than threatening with someone else’s action
• Do try to prevent problems by ensuring that your child has plenty of interesting and engaging things to do
• Do discuss rules with your child and give him a chance to be involved in deciding on family rules
• Do expect reasonable behaviour from your child but don’t expect perfection

(from Every Parent - A positive approach to children’s behaviour by Matthew Sanders)

Defence News

HELLO TO ALL DEFENCE FAMILIES

WOW it has been a busy time at school for all. Very exciting news. Our school Commemorative Garden that has just been completed and is in front of the office, thanks to our Armistice Grant we received last year. It looks awesome, a must see. It has been a long time happening as work was delayed due to the floods. But is finally completed. Special Thanks to everyone involved for all your support and hard work on the project. Information for QR codes are still being updated, hope to be completed soon. It was great to see so many defence students competing at Red Track last week congratulations to all. Kids Club is open every break at L Pod for students to come. All defence students are welcome to attend and bring along a friend. Last week we were creative and made spiders/jellyfish from water bottles. All craft taken home, fun activities for all.

Kidsmart Deployment program is being held at Bohlevale SS soon. If you are interested in having your child attend please contact them. Flyer attached.

There are lots of activities happening through DCO this month, so keep an eye out. Coffee Connections scheduled for this month, 27th June at Odyssey Café on The Strand. Children are welcome and starts at 10:30am. My Dad and Me Playgroup-making Pizza’s is happening again on 22nd June a great activity for Dad’s and children alike. If you are thinking about re training there are some organisations offering some information on how to do this? Information below and remember to book to reserve a spot.

LOVED ONE AWAY ON DEPLOYMENT/COURSE. If you know that you/member will be away for a period of time please contact me so I can support the student here at school. This information is important to the extra support that can offer here at school and to assist in the positive learning and emotional wellbeing of the child at school. This can be an emotional rollercoaster for most students when a loved goes away. It is important that they know they have a support person at school they can turn to when they are feeling sad/upset. We can work together to make this transition as smooth as possible. Please contact me through the school office 47 991 333 or email cwhee36@eq.edu.au. My door is always open for a chat.

POSTING are starting to come through to members and families. If you know you are going to be leaving the school throughout/end of the year. Please contact me and the school with the details. I can support the student with the transition to a new school.

There have been some changes to the EAS forms for families to access tutoring for students who have posted in to a new school. You can ring the Defence Family Helpline 1800 624 608 or you can collect the forms from me. Also extra paperwork is required in the form of reports from leaving and gaining schools. Please contact me for more information.

Still trying to find clubs, groups, and activities for children, what to see and do, you must look at the website below, this is an amazing on-line resource for defence member and families to find information on their new location.

Rex D Dog Welcome Packs are available for the first time from Defence Housing in Townsville. If you have just arrived/posted into Townsville and would like a pack for your child, please contact them.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Join us for cuppa and cake and to soak up some sunshine to beat the winter blues. Why not make the most of your morning and take the kids to Rhyme Time at the Thuringowa Library first! New families are always welcome. Chandell from Defence Families Australia will be joining and she would love to hear about your family’s experiences in Townsville.

Take time out for a coffee catch up with the girls before the school holiday rush. Where better to relax and unwind than the beautiful Strand overlooking Maggie Island.

This is a self-funded activity with attendees purchasing their own food and drinks. Children are welcome.

8 August Dinner with a Difference – Games night @ The Courtyard (This will be a child free event) Registrations opening soon

RSL Queensland Employment Program for Partners. RSL Queensland has launched a new Employment Program to help the partners of current and former Defence members find meaningful employment

Are you a Defence partner and looking for work?

The nature of Defence service can present employment challenges for the partners and spouses of current and former service personnel. Families move extensively while Defence personnel are serving. As a result, partners’ careers are often interrupted, making it difficult for them to find meaningful employment. Tailored to your specific needs, the Partner program will help you open the next chapter in your career.

Changes to Partner Employment Assistance Program

IMPORTANT INFO:

Guidelines have recently been updated. Eligible ADF partners can now access PEAP funding within 2 years of a posting

Posting soon or just posted to a new location, or is your ADF partner transitioning on medical grounds? The Partner Employment Assistance Program (PEAP) can help if you are looking for work or changing jobs. PEAP aims to help eligible Australian Defence Force (ADF) partners with the immediate difficulties of finding employment when they are relocated with their partner as a result of their partner’s service.

WHAT DOES THE PROGRAM COVER?

If you’re an eligible ADF partner, you can apply for funding assistance of up to $1,500 to access professional employment services and re-registration costs. Professional employment services can include: development of a personalised résumé and/or résumé coaching, identification of transferrable skills, employment options and job placement advice, job search techniques and strategies, development of an online employment profile, application and selection criteria coaching, preparation and presentation coaching for interview. Professional re-registration costs include: mandatory fees for professional reregistration where required when moving interstate under state or territory legislation.

ELIGIBILTY

The program’s key eligibility requirements are that you are a recognised ADF partner and are accompanying your partner on posting to a new location. ADF members must have received their first posting notification following completion of their initial training. Applications can be made following the receipt of a posting order and should be lodged within 2 years of the effective posting date.

PEAP Application form -

Completed Forms can be sent to: DefenceFamilyHelpline@defence.gov.au

DON’T FORGET to Register for DCO mailing list NOW for all the upcoming events in your local area.

GECKOS AT LAVARACK BARRACKS is a place for defence members, partners and families to build friendships, socialise and access information to assist with the challenges of the defence lifestyle. Open most days with lots of events organised. A great place to meet other defence spouses and the younger ones can play together. Host of events and activities are organised.

Defence Family Helpline 24/7
1800 624 608

Open Arms
call 1800 011 046

DFA (Defence Families of Australia)
Chandelle Derham 0418 796 561 nth.qld@dfa.org.au

Geckos Family Centre-Nth Qld Lavarack Barracks
Contact for enquiries on 4411 7031

Defence Holidays NQ
07 4725 3842 at Lavarack Barracks opp Gym admin@defenceholidaysnq.com.au

If there are any changes with the home dynamics, please be sure to contact the class teacher/or myself so we can best support the student at school. I am available to talk anytime at school. My hours are Monday to Friday 8:00am-3:30pm, phone me on 4799 1333 ext 323, or e-mail me cwhee36@eq.edu.au anytime.

My aim is to assist to empower students at school by developing RESILIENCE, CARING AND TRUST. Students with these life skills will be ready for the future.

Have a great week

Correna Wheeler
DSM

Defence School Mentor

It's beautiful when someone recognizes and appreciates us for who we are, for how we are, without trying to change us, and without any judgment. Unconditional acceptance is the truest form of love.”
― Akiroq Brost

P and C News

General Meeting

The role of the P&C includes helping people come together, making suggestions to/asking questions of the Principal, getting to know each other, feeling that you can contribute to the school & having fun during this precious time of your child’s life. The more members we have actively participating in the P&C association the better we can achieve our objectives.

Please consider coming along to a P&C meeting and getting involved – it’s a great way to meet new people and really contribute to your child’s school experience.

The date for our next meeting will confirmed shortly.

2019 Fun Fair – 16 August

We are wanting to hear from market stall holders who may be interested in holding a stall at the Fun Fair. We are also after entertainment options, such as performers or sports demonstrators. Please spread the word and contact us if you are interested. Contact us at willowspandc@gmail.com or pm our Facebook page for an application form.

We have made a decision for the Tombola stall this year that we will use plastic cups instead of glass jars. Thank you to those who already have sent in glass jars, we will still make use of them.

Perhaps you might also start collecting knick-knacks to fill the Tombola jars. Ideas are: stationery items, chocolates (Freddo frogs, other varieties), USB sticks or small electronic goodies, chalk, novelty games, hair ties, costume jewellery, puzzles, basically anything that will fit in a glass jar. Any foodstuffs will need to remain inside their packaging within the jar.

We will also be holding a Children’s Second Hand Book Stall. If you are having a clean out of your kid’s book shelves, please consider sending the books to us. Please note – children’s books only, no adult fiction.

If you are ready to send in any goodies, please send these to our OSHC.

Thank you!

Prep News

Math

This week we have been learning about counting on and numbers that are more and less.

Science

In science this week, we have been making our pet enclosures. The students needed to think about how the pet was getting all of its needs.

Geography

In Geography this week, we have been learning about special places and the features that we can find in those special places. Students needed to make a model of the classroom as well as the playground.

Year 1 News

In Year One, we were lucky enough to recently have some of the crewmembers from the local Kirwan Fire Department visit. They showed us what they need to wear when entering a fire so that we are not scared when a firefighter might need to rescue us. They spoke about how we must “Get down low and Go, Go, Go!” and when stuck in a fire and if we ever catch on fire we must “Stop, Drop and Roll!”

The Fireman showed us around their truck. We had a look to see where they store the hoses, ladders and some of the tools they use to help people who are trapped in cars on the fire truck. We also got to have a go at holding the big fire hose, which was lots of Fun!

Year 2 News

Year 2 Science Fun

In our term 2 science unit, children were required to design a toy that moves with a push or a pull. They had to draw and label their toy and describe what happens when they push or pull their toy, using scientific topic specific vocabulary. The children then posed an investigation question relating to how they could move their toy in a different way by making modifications. All of the children have thoroughly enjoyed this hands on and inquiry based approach to learning. They have all been fully engaged in their learning and have enjoyed trying different materials and approaches to designing and making their own toy.

Year 3 News

Year 3 – Celebrating Dance

How we and others communicate stories and mood through dance is our focus for our Arts unit this term. The year 3 students are learning to perform, choreograph and respond to dance used in celebrations from a range of cultures and communities. As a starting point in the unit, the wonderful year 3 students have been exploring some dance elements and choreographic devices to see how we can use these to communicate different moods. It was fantastic to see the students in 3FAH so confident to create and then show some of their ideas in front of their peers with total confidence! 3FAH is planning an event-based theme for their dances, communicating stories and moods confidently through dance to another group of students within the school!

Creating mirroring movements with a slow tempo!

Year 5 News

Angle Art

In Year 5 children have been learning to estimate, measure and compare angles. They have been classifying angles as acute, obtuse, right, straight and reflex angles and a revolution (360 degree angle). They have been using a protractor to draw and measure angles using degrees. They have been constructing regular and irregular 2 D shapes using a set of angle sizes and relating angles to the hands on a clock. It has been an interesting unit of work and the children have extended their knowledge into making angle art.

Here are the steps involved:

1. Draw a straight line and mark each end with an A and B

2. Draw 10 -15 dots randomly on the page, to be the vertex of each triangle (imagine these are called B)

3. Connect each dot to the line using a ruler – A joins to B which joins to C

4. Continue step 3 until all triangles are made. Choose colours for each region on your artwork

5. Look at the beautiful designs created – have fun making your own!

Year 6 News

This week the year 6 cohort went for their Leadership Camp over to Magnetic Island. The students were very excited on Monday morning arriving at the ferry terminal ready to embark on the adventure that awaited. Students participated in a variety of activities down at Horseshoe Bay including Kayaking, Raft Building and The Amazing Race. Activities at the campsite included a variety of team building activities and challenges. On Wednesday, we all went for a walk down to Picnic Bay Beach and up to Hawkins Point lookout. All the students had an enjoyable 3 days trying new things and working with their peers.

Experiences of Parenting

Are You A Parent of a Child Aged 2 to 12?

The Parenting and Family Support Centre at the University of Queensland is conducting research into parents’ opinions about parenting and parenting programs. If you have a child between 2 and 12 years, we would love to hear your views on parenting and the services that are available to you as a parent. You will need to complete a short survey. To find out more or to participate please visit this link:

My Time

Hosting Opportunity

Townsville Shell Club Free Holiday Activity

Townsville Shell Club will be hosting its 50th annual Shell Show on the weekend of July 7th and 8th. We invite all students to come along to the Orchid Society Hall on the corner of Charles Street and Bamford Lane, Kirwan (opposite the Red Rooster) and be amazed at the wondrous world of shells in the displays and on the sales tables. Experts are available to answer any questions students may have about their own shells. The displays reinforce many STEM concepts taught in schools by providing concrete examples that will focus on improving performance of students of any age but are so interesting the kids will never know it’s learning!

There are age-appropriate activities organised for children. All children who attend will be given a free bag of shells. The Shell Show will also provide parents with a quiet sanctuary away from the roar of V8 engines while they view the exhibits.

Visitors are welcome on Saturday from 10am to 4pm and on Sunday from 10am to 2pm. Entry is FREE for students and adults only have to pay $2.00.

For further enquiries: call Marian on 4723 4925 or find The Townsville Shell Club on Facebook.