24 February 2021

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Dear Parents, Carers and Community,

Welcome to the mid point of Term 1. Time certainly goes fast and our learners at The Willows are doing an exceptional job in their learning on a daily basis.

EVERY STUDENT IS A READER AND A WRITER – AIM FOR THE ‘A’

At The Willows State School our teaching staff and students are very clear on what they must know, do and think to receive the very best possible grade in their subjects. This year we have a heavy focus on writing – a skill that is essential for access and success to all other learning areas of the Australian Curriculum.

Each week, our year level teams, Deputy Principal, HoD’s and coaches meet together to examine the work of our students and identify the precise teaching and learning that must next occur for students to feel and be successful in their learning. These meetings are very focussed and fun – we get to see the amazing work and effort of our classrooms and share great strategies, ideas and next teaching steps.

This strategy is made possible for our teachers through the provision of specialist subject areas and our students are loving the Technologies experiences with Mr Menzies as an example.

INCLUSIVITY – Everyone Counts!

All schools follow the inclusive education policy and at The Willows we have been on this journey for many years. Students access their learning alongside their peers and with the support of our non-teaching and teaching staff. Not all people learn the same. Some people need specialised equipment, assistive technology, additional explicit teaching, guided tables and a range of other highly effective strategies.

Inclusivity also means that we all have a part to play in belonging to our school. We value diversity within our school in a range of ways and are respectful of individual differences. These core values are taught through our PBL lessons and a range of other curricular based offerings.

POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR LEARNING

This week our students are very excited to be part of the first 75 STARS reward. A mid-term reward for following classroom expectations. The 75 STARS rewards is at the discretion of each class teacher and the rewards are designed in collaboration with our students.

POSITIVE PARTNERSHIPS

Over the past week there has been some fantastic examples of community partnerships entering our school and adding value to the effective and high quality education for our students. I would like to thank the following community partners for their time, effort and generosity to our school:

1. Food Bank Australia has committed a further 5 years of support to our school Toast Room and Breakfast Program.
2. All Stars – for an inspiring and motivating talk with our Years …..
3. Deadly Choices – visits us every Friday to run the Deadly Choices Program for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
4. Defence Mentor
5. Scripture Union – Chappy Brooke

SCHOOL REVIEW AND PLANNING

With staffing allocations and resource allocation now finalised and our Annual Implementation Plan and Investing in Schools Agreements approved, we are proud of our school improvement over the last 4 years. Early in Term 2, the Education Improvement Branch reviews our school over 3 days and our team is excited to share the fantastic work that The Willows as a collective team have achieved. Once the review is finalised, our school receives a report which then enables us to work with all stakeholders to develop the 4 year plan (2022-2026). Further information about the review can be found at https://bit.ly/3nFr8Di and in future information through our newsletters.

Kind regards,

Helen McCullough
Principal

GENERAL NEWS

SCHOOL PHOTOS

WILLOWS WARRIORS

VOLUNTARY FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION

P and C News

February 2021

Joining the P&C is a great way to get involved in your school community, keep up-to-date with what’s happening at the school, contribute to your child’s education and make new friends.

The P&C Association is a group of volunteers working together to improve the facilities and opportunities available at the school.

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

The Willows State School Parents & Citizens Association will hold this year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) at 6pm, Tuesday 9th March 2021 in the Willows State School TCBC (Conference Room). All staff, parents and citizens of the Willows State School community are invited to attend.

The Willows State School P&C’s focus is to support the school, staff and students by providing funding for enhanced services, resources and improvements to the facilities of the school.

At the AGM, there will be:

• A call for membership for this year
• The adoption of the updated Model P&C Constitution
• The endorsement of the 2020 Auditor’s Report
• The endorsement of the 2021 Student Protection Risk Management Strategy
• The adoption of the 2021 Strategic Plan and Budget, and
• Nominations and election of the 2021 Executive Committee, positions vacant include:
  o President
  o Vice President
  o Treasurer
  o Secretary
  o Grants Officer
  o Fundraising/Events Coordinator

There is no expectation that everyone who attends the AGM will then join as a member. If you are interested in observing what happens at a P&C meeting, please come along.

Sandwiches and cake provided.

School Banking Program

The P&C is excited to announce the Commonwealth Bank School Banking program is now running again. All you need to get involved in the School Banking program is open a Commonwealth Bank Youthsaver account.

School Banking day is Wednesday (starting 10th March). Each week you need to take your banking book and deposit to the tuckshop (through your class tuckshop box). Do NOT send your bank book and deposit to the office, as it cannot be accepted by the office, only the tuckshop. If this is your first time, send in your account number.

If you would like to know more about School Banking, please visit

P&C Contributions

The Willows State School P&C have recently contributed:

• new helmets to the very grateful PE Department
• equipment for Mr Menzies’ Robotics and Coding Club

Sports Shirts, School Bags & School Hats

Sports shirts are ONLY AVAILABLE from The School Locker and will no longer be sold through the tuckshop. The School Locker have advised that they will be receiving more stock in the next few weeks.

The Willows State School bags are now available exclusively from The School Locker.

School hats can still be purchased from the tuckshop and can be ordered via the Flexischools app or website. School hats are also available from The School Locker.

Our Next Meeting

The P&C meets on the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 6pm-8pm. Our next meeting, which is also our AGM, will be held on Tuesday 9 March 2021.

Contact us!

Like us on Facebook to keep up to date with school and P&C events. (Search for The Willows State School P&C.) Alternatively, you can contact us via email at willowspandc@gmail.com

Thanks,
Belinda Barattucci
Secretary

UPCOMING EVENTS

Defence News

HELLO ALL DEFENCE FAMILIES

Week 5 already! Last week was go, go, go with lots of rain and finally having our Welcome New Defence Students party on Friday. I could not postpone it for another week as lots of students were becoming disappointed when it was cancelled. So, rain hail or shine it went ahead. There were lots of smiling faces at the party and party food. All students meet new friends from Prep-Year 6. Hope all parents heard about it at home time. A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL STUDENT HELPERS from Year 4-6, whose valuable support was most appreciated before, during and after the party. Their support assisted in making for a successfully party. Great Work Everyone.

Kidsmart Relocation Program after school was CANCELLED last week due to low numbers of students registered. If you have just posted in and would like your child/ren to attend please let me know so I can organise a program for the future. Program designed for students who have recently relocated. Strategies for how to manage change, stay connected with friends, meet new people, coping with feeling stressed, anxious, tips on how to handle emotions and relaxation techniques. Lots of fun, great opportunity to meet new friends and build resilience. Facilitated with staff from DCO and DSM.

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

OPEN ARMS GROUP PROGRAM SCHEDULE-please check out the wonderful programs that are FREE and being held at Open Arms. Programs include Mental health, Relaxation, Relationships, Anger and Parent Coaching. Something for everyone.

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

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

YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE A FABULOUS DAY TODAY!!

Community Events & Notices