1 November 2019

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S PRIDE

Dear Parents/Carers and Community,

Over the past fortnight we have had much to celebrate and it is always fantastic to see our year levels contributing to our school newsletter. I would like to congratulate our Year 3 students and teachers for their excellent behaviour and learning at their recent excursion to Jezzine Barracks. Our students behaviour was commended by members of our public and it is fantastic to hear about their learning (see their article).

The Willows Music

The Willows State School is a proud state school who is able to offer a sensational music program to our students. Through the support of Department of Education and the leadership team of The Willows through our priority to resource music, our school is able to offer choirs, strings, brass, woodwind and percussion, bands and our very own rock band.

A significant amount of resourcing, time and effort goes into creating a music program and I thank Mrs Fiona Coleman and Mr Trevor Schimke for the ongoing commitment and dedication to our school and our students. I also would like to thank Mrs Winter who is program manager for our music program and is responsible for ensuring that our events and participation in our community is well advertised and supported. Equally I thank our visiting Instrumental Teachers Kelly Clarke-Flesser, Carla Mulligan, Ian Brunskill and Ruby Johnson and accompaniest, Jo Batterham. Our instrumental teachers service a number of state schools and we appreciate their high level of dedication to our students at The Willows.

I also congratulate all parents, carers, and families – your support to the practice of music, early mornings, afternoon and extracurricular events is a sensational show of support to our school and the music teachers.

Last Wednesday we celebrated the year of learning and achievement in our Music Program at The Willows. Our students did a fantastic showcase of their learning and we congratulate all involved for an enjoyable and entertaining evening.

The Willows Student Leadership

Recently our Year 5 students engaged in their Leadership Day. I was very proud of our Year 5 students and teachers. The high level of engagement in the numerous activities provided by Kirwan State High School, Thuringowa State High School and JCU was fantastic. Students who have nominated and been supported in their nominations have then engaged in a Writers Workshop and we are at the stage of shortlisting for the positions of School Captains and Vice School Captains. Once all positions have been filled, these will be announced at a special parade later this term.

As part of our school organisation for 2020 students and staff have also voted for the Charity that we will support in 2020. As a student representative group, students fundraise for their school and also a community organisation and cause. The 4 organisations they were able to choose from were:

1. Ronald McDonald House
2. Reef HQ Turtle Hospital
3. Townsville Hospital Foundation
4. The Cure Starts Now

The final voting process will be a poll on Facebook (live to our parent group) this weekend and the final count and result will be announced along with our Student Leaders. We thank you in advance for getting behind our student leadership and their efforts in 2020.

Staffing Updates and information 2020

As we plan ahead for the 2020 school year, the teacher transfer process has started along with the recruitment and selection of a number of roles across the region and the state.

The following teachers have been successful in the transfer process commencing 2020:

We will be saying farewell to:

• Mrs Patrice Evans (North Shore SS)
• Mrs Sandra Annert (Currajong SS)
• Mrs Madonna Bell (Cranbrook SS)
• Miss Jessica Kleinschmidt (Agnes Waters SS)
• Mrs Tania Hammond (Belgian Gardens SS) and
• Mrs Rachel Landman Tyrie (Northern Beaches State High School)

We welcome to The Willows State School in 2020 the following teachers:

• Mrs Debbie Murray (from Aitkenvale SS)
• Ms Amanda Lester (from Heatley SS)
• Miss Megan Treacy (from Woodstock SS)
• Miss Natasha Neilsen (from Woodstock SS)
• Miss Siobhan Moule (permanently appointed)
• Miss Michelle Spry (from South East Queensland)
• Mrs Kerrie-Anne Humphries (returning from leave)

Each of our staff come with experience from other state schools across our region and we look forward to their contribution to our school team.

We are receiving a number of requests from parents around class placement for 2020. We welcome these requests, but also remind parents/carers, that all teachers are fully qualified and no teacher requests will be accepted. All reasonable requests will be considered but are not guaranteed. All requests should be made in writing and sent to admin@the.willowsss.eq.edu.au

Classes are not finalised until the start of the 2020 school year and after Day 8 procedures (which is a standard process for all State Schools to ensure resource needs are met). If you have any questions or concerns regarding this process, please speak to one of our Deputy Principals.

Facilities and Infrastructure Update

The final stages of procurement for the shade structure at our school (to be constructed between library, D Pod and Toilets) is near complete. The construction will largely take place in the school holiday period with an anticipated completion date of February/March 2020 (depending on weather). The area is a multi-purpose learning and play area for our students. This project is a State Government grant and parents/carers and community are able to view the concept maps in our front foyer of our administration block.

The front of our school is currently being concept designed to allow for a multi-purpose space to be constructed for teaching and learning and play. The Student Council and Publicity Officers have actively sought student ideas for this area and we look forward to the construction phase.

Thank you to all members of our school community for their patience and support as we work towards our school upgrades.

Kind regards,

Helen McCullough
Principal

GENERAL NEWS

Notes and payments

Please encourage your student to return their permission forms and notes directly to the office at the student windows. All payments should be paid direct at the office and not to the class teacher. This ensures that all money is receipted and families are issued with receipts immediately.

Payments can be made at the office every day between 8:00am and 3:30pm, using cash, debit or credit cards.

Direct deposits can be made using the following details:-

The Willows State School
BSB: 064 823
Account: 1022 1460
Reference: (Student's surname and Roll Class) e.g. Brown 2BOU

Important: If you use the direct deposit option, please ensure you USE A CLEAR REFERENCE. We will be unable to receipt your account if we don’t know who the deposit belongs to.

Update of Student Records

It is important that we have the most up to date student records for your child/ren. This includes addresses, contact phone numbers for parents and emergency contacts, and media consents. We are currently updating our student records and all students have received forms to take home for completion.

• Update of Student Records
• State School Consent Form (Media Consent)
• Third Party Website consent forms

Please complete and return all forms to the office ASAP.

Any queries can be directed to the office 4799 1333 or office@thewillowsss.eq.edu.au

Planning for 2020

Is your student returning to The Willows State School in 2020? Forms were sent home last week regarding this. Please return the form, or contact the office via phone or email to let us know if your student is intending on continuing at The Willows State School in 2020.

Academic Excellence Awards – Each Semester (data generated through reporting periods)

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.

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.

DENTAL VAN

Toothbrushing Song

UPCOMING EVENTS

Positive Behaviour Learning

Well Being

Secure Attachments

Secure attachment is classified by children who show some distress when their caregiver leaves but are able to compose themselves knowing that their caregiver will return. Children with secure attachment feel protected by their caregivers, and they know that they can depend on them to return.

How do I create a secure attachment?

1. Hold and cuddle your child
2. Make eye contact with your child
3. Watch and listen to your child
4. Comfort your child when they are distressed
5. Speak in a warm, soothing tone of voice.
6. Maintain realistic expectations of your child
7. Practice being fully present and interact with your child
8. Practice being self-aware of your triggers

For those parents/ guardians who would like more information, organisations such a Centacare, offer courses such as “Circle of Security” which is an internationally recognised parenting program that focusses on building attachment security.

Narelle Thomas
Guidance Officer

Defence News

HELLO TO ALL DEFENCE FAMILIES

Week 4 is here already and we are nearly half way through the term. A Big HELLO and WELCOME to all the new defence families from all over the world that have started at our school over the last few weeks. Hope you are settling in well to your new surroundings. Please remember to sign up to the DCO mailing list for what’s happening for defence families at dco.townsville@defence.gov.au. If you have any questions please give me a call at school/email or stop by my room in L Pod any day of the week for a cuppa and chat. A Special INVITATION extends to all parents/families to attend our Remembrance Day Ceremony at school on Monday 11th November from 10:30pm in the TCBC. Farewell parties for all defence students leaving the school due to posting and Year 6 defence students will be held in week 8&9 of term. Invitations will be sent home with students. Remember to let the school know if you are posting/leaving this year. Last week’s Kidsmart Deployment was well received with all students learning valuable tips. Register with me now for the Kidsmart Relocation Program of 2 sessions starting in week 8&9 (details below). Moving schools can be a very challenging time to students. The program provides helpful tips and strategies for students commencing at a new school. Farewell Packs will also be delivered to all defence students before they leave the school. Any questions regarding postings and deployments please contact me anytime during school hours.

POSTING should be through to members and families by now. If you know you are going to be leaving the school at the end of the year, please complete the form sent home and return to school. You can contact me with the details so I can support the student with the transition to a new school and make sure they receive their Farewell pack before they leave. Any questions about schools please contact me.

If you have a partner who has or will be Deployed and your child is not coping with the change please send me an email or call me to discuss your concerns. This time can be very traumatic for a child who is missing this special person. I can talk to them and we can put some ideas and strategies in place to assist with coping at school and home. It is important to recognise their concerns and to acknowledge to them that you are there for them anytime. Emotions run high, with parents away and on deployment. This can be an emotional rollercoaster for many children. Stay positive and always keep the lines of communication open and give a cuddle to your child when they are emotional. Always talk to each other and try to keep the daily routine the same. School is a safe and friendly place to come. Also talk to the teacher.

Kidsmart Relocation Program later in Term 4 WK 8&9 Wed 27th Nov and Wed 4th Dec (2 sessions ONLY after school). If you are being posted and worried about how this will affect your children please register your interest NOW. This program assists children with strategies and coping skills related to moving to a new school and making new friends. PLEASE REGISTER BY CALLING OR EMAILING ME NOW.

Kookaburra Kids gives kids a break in a fun, positive and safe environment and provides an opportunity for them to meet other kids in similar families and develop new friendships. Anyone can refer a child to the program either online or by contacting the local office during business hours, at the link below or Townsville Co-ordinator Louisa Calvert on 0410 896 923 (Tues & Wed 9-5 and Mon & Thurs mornings). Will keep you posted with activity dates and camps. Donations and volunteers are also welcome. Lots of fun. FREE activities.

Go to the link below for an amazing on-line resource with loads of information for defence members and their families if you are trying to find clubs, groups, activities for children, and what to see and do on their new and present location. A MUST DO.

Tutoring Assistance- There are 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, visit DCO website or collect the forms from me. Also paperwork is required in the form of reports from leaving and gaining schools. More Information go to

DATES TO REMEMBER

Sunday 3 November-Disaster Ready Day

The cyclone season is from 1 November – 30 April. Learn how to prepare for a natural disaster at this free community event.

Come to Disaster Ready Day for demonstrations on sandbagging and emergency repairs to windows, get to know your storm tide zone, and find out what to do in a disaster situation.

Visit over 30 exhibitors and pick up a few giveaways along the way. Stay for the food stalls and free kids amusements!

Visit the link below, Townsville's one-stop shop for critical information about the local area in times of disaster.

Thurs 7 November The Ceramic Pantry 12-16 Fulham Rd Pimlico, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

An ADF families event: Christmas coffee and ceramic art, Townsville by Defence Community Organisation – Townsville

ADF families are invited to join us for a Christmas celebration with a twist of art at Ceramic Pantry. We’ll meet up for our regular coffee catch up and spend time creating a ceramic masterpiece. Let the kids create works of art to use as Christmas gifts for the grandparents.

This is a self-funded activity. Attendees are responsible for the cost of purchasing their own food, drinks and ceramics. Ceramics including mugs, coasters and platters start from $8. There is a great range under $20. Children are welcome.

To ensure we book enough seats for everyone, RSVPs are essential. Please note the earlier start to allow plenty of time to find your inner Picasso. Book all above events on below site

Friday 8 November Another Almost Amazing Race-Contact DCO

Geckos at Lavarack Barracks has a jam packed program of activities for everyone from single members to families. If you haven’t visited the Centre lately, head down and check out the great work happening there. From Boot Camps to Date Nights, there are some fantastic events planned. So you don’t miss out on any of their upcoming events, like “Geckos Family Centre – North Queensland” on Facebook. There are lots of activities happening through DCO and Geckos every month, so keep an eye out.

Friday 15 November Girls Night In – Pink Ribbon Fundraiser

Saturday 23 November Geckos Annual Christmas Party. Bookings for this event have not opened yet. The Christmas Party is always popular with families and books out quickly.

Follow geckos Facebook so you never miss an event.

DON’T FORGET to Register for DCO mailing list NOW at dco.townsville@defence.gov.au

Defence Family Helpline 24/7 1800 624 608

Open Arms call 1800 011 046

Mates4Mates – Email: townsville@mates4mates.org or call the Townsville FRC on 4771 9600

Current or ex-serving members of the Army, Air Force or Navy who have experienced a physical injury or mental health issue. As a direct result of their service can access services from Mates4Mates to assist with recovery. Immediate family members can also access a wide range of support services. The services we provide are:

• Physical Rehabilitation,
• Psychological Services,
• Social Connection Activities,
• (RAC) Rehabilitation Adventure Challenges, and,
• Employment and Education Support Services.

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

Kookaburra Kids Tvl-Louisa Calvert 1300 566 525/0410 896 923 at the link below.

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 who develop these life skills will be ready for the future.

Have a great week
Correna Wheeler
DSM

WE NEVER LOSE
WE EITHER WIN
OR LEARN

Music News (The Pitch)

Prep News

This term in Maths, Prep Row have been learning about numbers, through words and pictorial representations.

In English, we are learning how to write a letter to a character. We make sure we have a greeting, a message, a sign off and a P.S. The students have been busy writing letters to their friends telling them all about their favourite toys.

In History, this term PYROW have been learning about special events (special memories) from our past and how we celebrate these events. Events such as birthdays, Easter, Christmas, etc.

In Science the children have been discussing how objects move and what these objects are made of.

Year 1 News

This term, Year 1 students are learning to create a multimodal procedure in English. They are learning to provide details such as when and how in a procedure and to select command verbs.

In order for students to be successful during this activity, they had to discuss and highlight the command verbs and happenings in the procedure. Students then had a fun time following the procedure and creating their own paper plate seagull!

We are now using our new knowledge to begin planning and creating a procedure for a disgusting sandwich!

If your child has access to a computer at home, we encourage them to practise their Powerpoint skills at home.

Year 2 News

Year 2 Dance

Year 2 have been busy this term creating dance routines using 2D and 3D shapes. This has blended well with unit 4 maths where we are also investigating 2D and 3D shapes. In this lesson, students listened to the explicit information about the dance learning intention and the success criteria. Students then ventured outside to work collaboratively to create their own dances. Within the dances, students used 2D shapes including triangles, circles, squares and rectangles and 3D shapes including cubes, hexagons, pentagons, pyramids and spheres.

Year 3 News

Year 3 (Geography Unit 2)

Last Thursday the year 3 students were fortunate enough to go on an excursion to the Jezzine Barracks. The excursion was in line with their Geography unit for term 4. The purpose of this unit is for students to recognise that people have different perceptions of places, and how this influences views on the protection of places. The significant place chosen was the Jezzine Barracks where students understood the significance of area, identified what the Jezzine Barracks is used for and why it is used for different purposes. Students were also required to draw a sketch map and a field sketch which is a part of their assessment task. The year 3 students really enjoyed the day learning about the Jezzine Barracks and why it is significant.

Year 4 News

In Year 4 this term we are learning about sustainability and caring for our environment in Geography. In this unit we will look at the 4R’s (Recycle, Reduce, Reuse and Replace), waste management systems in our community and also focus on what systems we have in place for waste in our school.

In 4NOS and 4MIL we combined the techniques from our Art unit and Geography together. Our weekly focus was collage, so we reused old magazines and collaged the Mobius loop, which is the international symbol for recycling.

Below are some pictures of our students having fun, whilst learning about how to keep our planet cleaner!

Year 5 News

This term in technology the Year 5 classes have begun designing a product that will assist them to coexist with the wildlife in our school.

The task asks them to design and make a product that is sustainable, durable and meets the design challenge.

The children have examined how designers have developed products which allow wildlife to coexist in urban areas. They are manipulating recyclable products to construct a prototype of their design which will then be evaluated based on a success criteria.

Below are some action shots of the children in 5 ASH as they construct their design solutions.

Year 6 News

Science

We are learning to develop an investigable question and design an investigation into simple cause-and-effect relationships including identifying variables to be changed and measured and potential safety risks. To collect, organise and interpret data to identify environmental factors that contribute to mould growth in bread and explain how scientific knowledge helps to solve problems.

Community Events & Notices

The Smith Family Saver Plus Program

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 the link below.

My Time

Indigenous Carers Needed