17 February 2021

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Dear Parents, Carers and Community,

Last week we held our Student Investiture. This annual celebration recognises our Student Captains, Vice Captains, Music Captains and House Captains at our school. We also recognise those students who have been selected by their peers as Student Council Representatives for their class.

At The Willows, we certainly acknowledge that the school and home connection is very important and it was very moving to see our parents present their young person with their badge.

I would like to congratulate all of team who put together a fantastic ceremony and especially thank our fantastic singers who sang our National Anthem with confidence. Of course a shout out to our students who shared the experience…not bad for our first parade in exactly 12 months!

I would also like to congratulate our specialist teachers. It is fantastic to hear of the sporting schools’ extra-curricular activities for students in lunch breaks being organised and ready to go. It is fantastic to see students engaging in the Robotic and Coding Clubs and we look forward to our music teachers showcasing bands, performances and choirs. The students of our school are very fortunate to have highly committed staff that do whatever it takes to provide these activities.

Supervised play option is also a very popular place for our students with our Chaplain and BST’s leading the social skilling for many students who choose to have structure and enjoy board games, conversations and building activities. Coming soon, is a lunch time drumming activity by Chappy Brooke and already we see strong connections forming with our students.

Our Tier 2 programs, Younger Smarter Stronger, Girls with a Purpose, Ned Talks and Brain Talks are in full swing. These programs are short and targeted interventions and supports for students and I am proud that as a school we are able to provide these opportunities to our students. Behaviour Support Teachers are highly valued at our school and crucial in the implementation of Tiered supports across the Positive Learning Behaviour Framework. A shout out to Kate Haines, Sam Carter and Jackie Nosworthy who have all of the intended programs in place from start of year for our learners.

Our school is a great school, filled with happy children who love learning. Our students are very proud of their progress and achievements and rightly so, they work hard alongside our staff. Thank-you students, staff and parents, our school team is amazing!

Stay connected with us, many celebrations are on our Facebook Page.

Kind regards,

Helen McCullough
Principal

GENERAL NEWS

SCHOOL PHOTOS

WILLOWS WARRIORS

VOLUNTARY FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION

General Information:

• A voluntary financial contribution operates at The Willows State School. Parents/caregivers are strongly encouraged to participate as your contribution makes a direct difference in the resources available for your child/ren. It assists us to provide them with an enhanced range of learning materials and equipment.
• The purpose of the contribution is to enhance the level of resources available so that maximum student outcomes can be achieved by providing Library and Reference Books, Home Reading Books, Art and Craft Materials, Sporting Equipment and Classroom Technologies.
• All contributions to this scheme are gratefully received and make a significant difference to the education opportunities of all students.
• Payment does not cover items such as general stationery, admission to sporting venues, excursions and transport costs.
• Payment is now due to enable us to be a great school for your child/ren and every cent will be used to support your child/ren this year at The Willows State School.
• The Willows State School has maintained the current contribution of $40.00.

Specific Conditions:

• Parents who are experiencing financial difficulties may make a Payment Plan with the Business Manager to pay the contribution via regular instalments. All discussions will be held in confidence.

How can you pay your contribution?

Payment can be made at the office every day between 8:00am and 3:30pm, using cash, debit or credit cards. You may also pay your contribution by direct deposit into the school bank account.

Details are as follows:

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.

We thank you for your support of our voluntary contribution scheme. Please read the following information about the scheme. Please don’t hesitate to contact the office if you require any further information.

Barbara Anderson - Business Manager

UPCOMING EVENTS

Positive Behaviour Learning

Defence News

HELLO ALL DEFENCE FAMILIES

Week 4 what a fabulous week. A BIG THANK YOU to all the parents who attended afternoon tea on Monday. It was lovely to meet the new parents to our school and also the existing ones. Some networking was happening and lots of conversations about moving and children settling into a new school. If you missed this one you can always catch the next one. Just remember that when starting a new school, it can take time and always stay positive as this has an important impact on children. What they hear is what they believe. You can contact me with any concerns you may be having with your child/ren settling in.

Please remember to sign up to the mailing list for what’s happening for defence families at dco.townsville@defence.gov.au or collect a sheet from me.

Geckos Family Centre at Lavarack Barracks is a tri-service facility providing services, support and activities to enhance family resilience in the North Queensland Defence Community. Geckos offers a range of formal and informal activities catering to Defence members, partners and families such as playgroups, parent groups, boot camps, yoga, and sewing group. Check out their Facebook page to keep up to date with the activities and events held throughout the year: Geckos Family Centre

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 access tutoring up 18 months from when you move to a new school due to a posting. Ring the Defence Family Helpline 1800 624 608, visit DCO website or collect the forms from me .More Information go to the link below.

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 teacher and myself so we can best support them. Conversations are an important part of a child’s learning. I have found some practical tips for starting conversations with children. Let me know how it worked for you.

WELCOME TO YOUR NEW LOCATION There is an amazing online resource available for ADF members and families to find information regarding their posting location. Go to www.defencecommunityhub for loads on information about your new location. Must see.

Deployments or going away to support Covid and 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 you child at school during this emotional rollercoaster. Remember the 3 “R”’s RULES, RITUALS AND ROUTINES. Also talk to the teacher. Check DCO website for more details.

RESILIENCE IS MY SUPERPOWER flyer attached. It is great positive reinforcement for children. Print out and stick to child’s door.

EVENTS TO REMEMBER

February 8th, 15th, 22nd & 1st March - Operation Reflect and Connect

Due to the popularity of our first Operation Connect & Reflect for 2021, we’ve created a second program!

Operation Connect & Reflect is a four week program for Defence partners. The program explores various art modalities, meditation and mindfulness and reflect on how these can be used as part of a self-care routine. There will also be the opportunity to connect with fellow Defence partners in a relaxed and friendly environment. No artistic experience is necessary! Light refreshments provided.

If you booked tickets for the original after-hours program and would prefer to attend this one during the day, please cancel your existing ticket/booking.

When: 4 weeks from Monday 8th of February, then Mondays 15th, 22nd & 1st of March.
Time: 9.30am – 11.30am
Where: DCO Townsville Office – Nathan Business Centre, 340 Ross River Rd, Aitkenvale
Tickets: DCO Townsville Eventbrite
More info dco.townsville@defence.gov.au or phone 07 4753 6539

Wednesday 3rd March-FamilySMART/KidSMART Programs

DCO will be facilitating a combined FamilySMART/KidSMART four week absence program commencing on Wednesday 03 Mar 21. This is an after-hours program at Geckos, running from 5:30 – 7:30pm.

TO BE UP TO DATE WITH WHATS ON IN TOWNSVILLE CHECK

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) 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

My hours are Monday to Friday 8:00am-3:30pm, phone me anytime for a chat on 4799 1333 ext 323, or e-mail me cwhee36@eq.edu.au.

School is FUN for all students by staying positive and developing RESILIENCE SKILLS AND FRIENDSHIPS.
Correna Wheeler
Defence School Mentor

SPEAK TO YOUR CHILDREN AS IF THEY ARE THE WISEST, KINDEST, MOST BEAUTIFUL AND MAGICAL HUMAN BEINGS ON EARTH, FOR WHAT THEY BELIEVE IS WHAT THEY WILL BECOME.
BROOKE HAMPTON.

Music News (The Pitch)

Prep News

We have had such a busy start to the term. In English, we are learning to retell and connect to a story. In PYTRE, we have been practising retelling events from the beginning, middle and end and we have discussed what we like and dislike about texts.

In PYTRE, we have been learning about the numbers to 10. We have practised forming the numbers using linking blocks, playdough and beads. We practise counting to and from 20 and we count all the way to 100 everyday! In Maths, we are learning to sort a collection of objects. This week we have been practising sorting objects by colour and size.

Year 1 News

In the year one Art unit, students have been exploring the representation of emotions in portraits and looking at how different colours can represent a variety of emotions. As part of this unit, some classes have been making colour monsters.

Year 2 News

This term in Health, Year 2 are exploring ways to keep themselves and others healthy and safe in the classroom and around the school. We have been discussing the importance of tucking our chairs in, keeping bags on the port racks throughout the day, picking up rubbish, and washing our hands with soap. Can you spot all of the unsafe things in this picture?

Year 3 News

Year 3 – English

Over the last few weeks students in year 3 have been exploring persuasive texts. Students have learnt about modality (strong and weak words), evaluative language and other persuasive language techniques so they can be successful in the construction of their own persuasive texts. Students have enjoyed exploring different types of persuasive texts and have had a lot of fun constructing their own!

Year 4 News

The year 4 teachers have been busy focusing the learning for English Unit 1 on writing a new chapter for ‘The Twits”. All students have enjoyed revising and learning new language features to make their chapter engaging and enjoyable to the audience. The Twits is a narrative structure, so text structure has played an important role for the planning of their new chapter. We have enjoyed reading a variety of amazing ideas and working with the students to produce some amazing writing. It has been great to see the use of the learning wall (picture below) to increase the understanding and writing skill of our students.

Year 5 News

After a wonderful start to Term 1 with PBL and settling into our classes the following table is an outline of our Curriculum focus for this term. All classes are well into their learning for each subject area and children are able to show knowledge and skills in various tasks they have undertaken so far. Well done everyone!

Here are some Term 1 Learning Walls in our Y5 classrooms

Can you spot which curriculum areas they are for?

Year 6 News

In year 6, we are continuing with our English unit where students will be writing a short story where the main character overcomes a conflict. As part of this unit, students have been analysing the narrative elements of a variety of short stories. Many of the students have enjoyed Morris Gleitzman’s book Give Peas a Chance whilst also learning how figurative language helps to create humour.

In maths, we are close to wrapping up our unit on data, where students have been analysing and making informed decisions using the data displayed in a variety of different graphs. In 6SWE, students were highly engaged in measuring each other to determine where to graph their results, on a dot plot, labelled with a range of measurements.

The year 6 students have also begun their learning in Digital Technologies on data collection and information systems and are working towards creating an interactive spreadsheet to collect reading data.

Community Events & Notices