24 July 2020

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S PRIDE

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Community Members,

Welcome to Week 2 of Term 3. The first fortnight of school was certainly a quick one and it was fantastic to see a number of student extra-curricular initiatives re-launch or commence in line with the altered operating guidelines for schools in Term 3. Congratulations to all students and staff involved in the following:

• Instrumental Music
• Choirs and Bands
• Before School Reading
• Robotics Club – New Club!
• Year 5/6 Sport (Friday Afternoon) in place of Inter-School Sport Seasons

Across our Prep-Year 6 classes there is fantastic learning occurring with all subject areas now required for Semester 2. It is fantastic to see students attending, progressing and achieving and the high expectations of learning and behaviour are in full swing across our school. Over the past fortnight, I have seen fantastic examples of student engagement and it is great to see all of our students striving for their personal best in their learning. Thank you to the students, staff and wider community for making every effort to get to school and focus on learning.

2021 ENROLMENTS – Our school is now taking enrolments for the 2021 school year, please get your enrolment forms in early. Should you know of friends or family looking to join our great school, please inform them that they are welcome to contact the school for an enrolment package.

PARENT / TEACHER INTERVIEWS – At this stage our parent teacher interviews will go ahead in late term 3, early term 4 depending upon the status of COVID 19. Please keep an eye out for community message updates regarding our interview framework.

REPORT CARDS - Semester 1, 2020

The Department of Education has advised schools to provide a modified academic report to parents for all students for Semester One, 2020. This report should, at a minimum, include a level of achievement rating (A-E or equivalent) for English, Maths, Science and one other learning area which has been communicated in previous newsletters and correspondence home.

Please be aware that this semester's results will be based on evidence able to be gathered in Terms 1 and 2 during school-based learning. Student absences, due to COVID 19 in Term 1, may result in scheduled tasks being incomplete. All level of achievement ratings will be based on completed assessment tasks only.

The Willows State School will be emailing Report Cards this semester rather than printing them. Reports will be emailed home in the coming week. Report Cards will only be emailed to the parent/caregiver recorded as ‘receives correspondence’. If a duplicate or printed Report Card is required, please also notify the office of this.

ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING SEMESTER 1, 2020

At The Willows State School, Semester 1 reporting will include student achievement and progress for English, Mathematics and Science and one other learning area that was completed in Term 1, selected by the teachers of each year level. This is listed below for each year level.

COVID-19 UPDATES AND INFORMATION

Our staff at The Willows are putting in tremendous efforts each and every day to ensure the safety of students and staff at our school. There are changed conditions in all ways we do business in schools and in the wider community. These changes are really important and we all play a part in following the instructions, guidelines and health advice and alerts. The continued efforts at The Willows include the following:

• Additional cleaning throughout the school day in all high touch areas of our school
• Continuous handwashing and hand sanitising procedures throughout the day with a focus on before and after eating
• Changed conditions of meetings (online forums and social distancing when face-to-face and with essential business appointments)
• Continued washing down of all play equipment and high usage equipment each day (twice a day for playground equipment)
• Changed practices regarding social distancing in all areas to ensure that safety guidelines are aligned to the safety recommendations and guidelines for schools
• Voluntary staff at all gates up until 3.30pm each afternoon to assist with Stop, Drop and Go procedures as we vacate over 950 students from school in a safe and timely manner
• Continued provision for working parents to access Outside School Hours Care should students require supervision before and after school hours
• Minimising school volunteers and visitors
• Quarantining measures of items and/or use of gloves and cleaning as required.

The ways in which we respond and continue to work together is absolutely critical to ensure that we minimise risk to our school community within the school fence line. We call to our parent and community members to assist us with outside the gates and on the busy roads around our school. We are aware now of the changed traffic conditions due to roadworks and we call for all drivers to behave in a safe, respectful and calm manner during this busy time.

Our staff are out on duty until 3.30pm each school day – we do this to keep all students safe. Please respect our staff, we are doing our best and all we can within our control. We are not law enforcement officers, so any unsafe driver behaviour that compromises safety of others should be reported to the local authorities.

I commend my crossing supervisors, staff and our students for their efforts at the end of each school day and thank them for the almighty effort and time spent each and every day for our Willows students. You are appreciated!

Thank you to parents and students who are using the pedestrian crossings. We still have a number of students and adults not using the crossings and therefore putting their safety at risk. We cannot stress enough the importance of using the pedestrian crossings! Crossings are official crossing areas of safety and must be used. Please talk in depth with your children reinforcing the key messages from our RACQ Road Safety lessons and please model appropriate safe behaviour when using crossings at the correct and designated areas. This message is for the safety of all students, parents and motorists.

DATE CLAIMER: Student Free Day – Friday, 4 September (Week 8)
The SFD usually scheduled for Monday of Week 3, Term 4 has been moved by the Department of Education from 2020 onwards to the Friday of Week 8, Term 3. This year the date is 04/09/2020.

Thank you for your ongoing support, patience and understanding. We have much to be proud of at The Willows! We look forward to a positive Term 3 refocussing on our core business of teaching and learning.

Kind regards
Helen McCullough
Principal

UPCOMING EVENTS

General News

BUS SERVICE

I’m pleased to advise that as bus charters for school related activities are operating within the same guidelines as school transport services (carrying only students), an extension of the exemption from physical distancing requirements is within the intent of the COVID-19 restriction measures.

ROADWORKS

P and C News

Positive Behaviour Learning

Well Being

Narelle Thomas
Guidance Officer

Defence News

HELLO TO ALL DEFENCE FAMILIES

Welcome back to the start of term 3. I hope everyone had wonderful holidays with family and friends and that you were able to have many fun times together. It has been great to talk to students about their holidays and what they did. I spent my holidays completing final room reno at my home, going for walks at Pallarenda Beach, cooking, driving to Burdekin Dam Falls, watching Netflix and spending time with my family. Geckos have recommenced activities, so be sure to have a look on their Facebook page for updates.

We have been able to recommence KIDS CLUB in L pod. Kids Club is for all defence students and they are able to attend at both play break times. It has been awesome to see so many familiar smiling faces back to Kids Club. During weeks 1 and 2, we have all had lots of fun painting and playing board games as well as making Lego structures. Please remind your children that they are welcome to come along with a friend to play games, paint, make craft, play with Lego or just chill during both play break times.

Some parents have been sent to different locations to support borders for an unknown period of time. This can be a difficult time and if your child is experiencing some separation anxiety please inform the class teacher and myself so we can best support them. Please contact me at school or via email to discuss strategies.

Postings are starting to happen again and concerns regards to moving and new schools for children. Please let me know as soon as you receive confirmation that you will be posting out, as there is information that I can pass onto you to assist with the transition to a new school.

Be aware there is a New Posting App coming out soon. “Posting Connect” is a new platform currently being developed to streamline the posting experience by guiding ADF members. “Posting Connect” is being released later this year. This will provide a single location from which users can manage posting tasks and access the information they need relative to their posting requirements. For monthly updates, and to learn about opportunities to be involved in improving the PostingConnect platform prior to its planned release later this year, sign up for the online PostingConnect Newsletter at

I have also attached a useful flyer “Moving School Checklist for Parent’s” tips for moving.

Education Liaison Officers are part of Defence Community Organisation’s education advisory service, designed to inform, prepare and empower Defence families when they are relocating and changing schools. They are located in each state and territory and have extensive knowledge about the local schools and education systems as well as the unique needs of Defence children.

To contact your nearest Education Liaison Officer, call the Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608 or check the DCO website for more details.

Deployments or going away to support Covid - this can be a very challenging time for all involved. While your partner is deployed and you are at home with the children, there may be times when you feel like a single parent. Though the situation is temporary, there are financial, emotional and day to day adjustments you will need to make as you adjust with this deployment. I have information I can give to you to assist at this time. If you inform me before the deployment starts I can support and check in with your child at school during. Remember the 3 “R”’s RULES, RITUALS AND ROUTINES. Also talk to the teacher. Check DCO website for more details.

If you have any questions please give me a call at school or email me any day of the week with any questions regarding postings and deployments. Contact me anytime during school hours. Don’t forget to check out RESILIENCE IS MY SUPERPOWER flyer attached. It is great positive reinforcement for children. Print out and stick to child’s door.

Here is a list of 9 Mental Health Activities to do with your Children. Worth a look.

Useful sites

DCO are offering some activities so please check the DCO Townsville Updates Page for more details. Please remember to sign up to the mailing list for what’s happening for defence families at dco.townsville@defence.gov.au

Call Defence Family Helpline 1800 624 608 or Open Arms 1800 011 046 with any questions.

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 .More Information go to

EVENTS TO REMEMBER

Defence Health Shopfronts are back at Geckos Family Centre on Thursday 23rd July from 10am-1pm. Book a 20min apt with Barbara from Defence Health.

My Dad and Me-Backyard Olympics on Saturday 25th July for ADF kids and Dads from toddlers to tweens join in the fun. Zone Mum Free. Limited Tickets, Must register each person.

Dr Seuss Themed Picnic- Tuesday 18th August from 10am at Queens Gardens.

Follow Defence Community Organisation on Facebook so you will be the first to know when the event is posted. Another option is to register for notifications on our Eventbrite page so you will never miss a DCO Townsville event

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/defence-community-organisation-townsville

GECKOS FAMILY CENTRE IS CLOSED at Lavarack Barracks. Follow on Facebook or call 07 4411 7031.

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

Café now Open from 9am-12.30pm everyday, welcome to attend for a chat and look around.

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

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

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

Aim to assist to support defence students at school by developing their RESILIENCE, CARING, FRIENDSHIP AND TRUST.

Correna Wheeler
Defence School Mentor

STRIVE FOR PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION.

Music News (The Pitch)

Prep News

This term in English we are looking at rhyming words. We are working on creating a rhyme and listening to lots of great rhyming books. Once we have completed our rhyme, we will present it to our class.

Our home reading program is starting again. We have been working hard on our phonetical sounds and sight words in Term 2, but the readers will help us to track towards reading a Level 9 reader before we start Year 1.

In maths we are learning to write and answer questions that provide yes and no data. We are also working on learning days of the week and activities we do on these days.

Our special place is the focus of our HASS unit. Last week we named features in our classroom and took photos of them. Next we will be making maps and models of our classroom.

Construction mat

Science is going to be fun this term. We will be making wind ornaments for our outdoor space. Our goal is to make them durable enough to stay outside. This means we need to think hard about what materials we should use.

Our PBL award session was so much fun at the end of last week. We had a Teddy Bears’ Picnic and to finish off our special day we made some very cute teddies. We also had a classroom movie session, which was also a great celebration.

Year 1 News

In English this term we are learning to create a new character for a familiar story. We have been using the Anthony Browne book “Willy the Wimp” and discovering the existing traits and actions of characters in the book.

In Maths we are learning to measure and order objects according to their length.

In Science we are exploring features of the day and night sky to help us describe objects and events that we encounter in our everyday lives.

Year 2 News

Welcome back to another busy Term at The Willows!

Year Two have been engaged in a brand new Maths Unit about using calendars and identifying months and seasons in a year. The children have enjoyed making spinners to help identify which months fall in which season as well as different ways to remember how many days are in each month.

Our PBL focus this fortnight includes the children creating posters to learn about RESPECT: through words and actions.

Year 3 News

Our Maths learning this term is going to be jam packed with units on number, money, measurement, multiplication and time! Already, and always, we have been exploring number. We are learning how to classify numbers as either odd or even, continue number patterns, recall addition facts for single-digit numbers and recognise the connection between addition and subtraction.

Here is Latoya demonstrating her knowledge of odd and even numbers.

Year 4 News

In HASS Grade 4 students are learning about the different aspects of life in Australia before, during and after European settlement. The students in 4MEN were using their researching skills to find facts related to European settlement. Students worked in collaborative learning groups to find a fact for each letter of the alphabet. Students used iPads, Learning Wall and fact sheets to find their facts.

Year 5 News

We are delighted to return to regular parade protocols after we have been doing online assemblies for the past few weeks. It has been awesome sharing everyone’s excellent attendance, excellent learning and excellent behaviour together this week.

This week also began the start of our Friday sport program where students could choose between netball, football, technology and dance. The first week was a raging success with all students extremely excited to go again for Week 2.

Year 6 News

Although it was a very ‘different’ Semester 1, we still have so much to be proud of! The year so far has been filled with exciting learning and challenges but most of all it has been filled with fun! Here is a snap shot of our year so far. Cannot wait for what the second half of year 6 has waiting for us.

Science- We investigated the transformation of energy to electricity and learnt how to make circuits to power lightbulbs and buzzers. Lots of fun was had testing what components to use in order to conduct our electricity.

Maths- Our Guided Inquiry included lots of hands on learning. We measured, stepped out, calculated and concluded how many chairs could fit onto a space. We used many mathematical concepts such as area, volume, capacity, multiplication, division and measurement conversions.

The Arts- We learnt about how artists can express their views, feelings and thoughts about an issue through their art. In Year 6 we analysed other artists’ work and created our own sculpture that expressed our point of view about an issue.

Design Technology- This unit of design technology had us thinking about how to design and produce a package that could effectively transport an edible plant. The package needed to be cost effective, transportable and sustainable as well as accommodating the plant’s needs.

And we finished with a bang! Crazy Hair and Sock day.

Community Events & Notices