14 May 2021

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Congratulations to all of our team for an excellent week of teaching and learning at our school. It is fantastic to see students confidently learning and engaged in their classrooms with greater clarity of their learning across learning areas. Assistant Regional Director, Lesley Pecchiar, took time to visit and come on walkthroughs, visiting a number of classes across our school. An observable improvement, the next lift, was certainly part of her feedback to our team along with the excellent high quality and commitment to inclusive practices and co-teaching models enacted in a number of our classrooms. Congratulations Team Willows!

The coming week brings an exciting phase of our school journey, with our Full School review taking place on Monday-Wednesday. Our lead reviewer is Greg Brand and the team enjoyed talking with a wide variety and selection of students, staff, parents and partnerships members about our school improvement journey, practices and the work of our school. It truly is a privilege to lead our school and I look forward to providing the Executive Summary once this is provided to me.

Our Year 3 and 5 students have been engaged in the NAPLAN 2021 testing procedures. A shout out to Kayla Hawkins and Trish Winter for their excellent support and organisation behind the scenes. Our students have been calm, settled and have enjoyed the online nature of NAPLAN this year. Well done everyone!

Kind regards,

Helen McCullough
Principal

GENERAL NEWS

CHECK IN QLD APP

We’re using the new Check In Qld app to help keep you COVID safe the next time you attend an event at our school.

All you need to do is:

• download the app 👉👉 www.covid19.qld.gov.au/check-in-qld
• enter your details once
• open the app when you next visit us
• select ‘Check in Now’ and hover your smartphone over our QR code

Done!

Using this digital check-in means your details are stored securely by the Queensland Government for fast COVID-19 contact tracing if needed. #CheckInQld

AUSTRALIAN EARLY DEVELOPMENT CENSUS

Australian Early Development Census
Playing our part to build a national picture of child health

In early 2021, our school, along with thousands of others across the country will begin preparations for the fifth Australian Early Development Census (AEDC).

The AEDC gives us a national picture of the development, health and wellbeing of children in their first year of full-time school. Since 2009, the census results have helped communities, schools and governments plan services and develop better policies to target support for children and families.

Children don’t miss any class time, and parents/carers don’t need to supply schools with any new information for the census. The AEDC gives us data at a school and community level - it isn’t an assessment of individual children.

Some teachers have also noticed that completing the assessments made them more aware of the needs of individual children and the class as a whole and that the census results are useful in planning for transitions to Year 1 and developing class programs.

Participation in the AEDC is voluntary. Parents/carers don’t need to take any action unless they choose not to include their children in the census.

To find out more about the census and how communities are using the data to help children and families visit the AEDC website below.

If you have any questions, you can contact Deputy Principal Amanda Souter through our office.

WILLOWS WARRIORS

SCHOOL PARKING

We are aware that pick up and drop off times can be difficult due to the size of our school. We are working closely with the Queensland Police and the Townsville City Council in relation to the current parking and pick up issues. To ensure the safety of all who access our school, please note the following:-

• Do not park in no standing zones. Please see the below map
• Please use the pedestrian crossings and encourage your child/children to use the pedestrian crossings as well
• Do not walk through the traffic at the Stop, Drop and Go area
• Staff provide supervision at Stop, Drop and Go until 3:30pm every school day. These staff are responsible for ensuring the safety of your children inside our gates.
• Please be mindful of residential properties that surround our school – please do not park across their driveways
• Do not park on traffic islands or footpaths

Queensland Police have advised that they will be doing regular patrols and issuing infringement notices.

Thank you for your support in this important issue.

GATE SUPERVISION

Gate C (Sandstone Drive) is locked at 3.15pm. Any students remaining at 3.15pm will be escorted to Gate A (Stop, Drop, Go) where supervision is provided until 3.30pm.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Year Level Parades

Prep – Mondays 8.45am in Junior CPA
Year 1 – Mondays 8.45am in Junior CPA
Year 2 – Tuesdays 8.45am in Junior CPA
Year 3 – Tuesdays 2.40pm in Multi-Purpose Learning Centre
Year 4 – Mondays 2.40pm in Main CPA
Year 5 – Mondays 2.40am in Multi-Purpose Learning Centre
Year 6 – Tuesdays 8.45pm in Multi-Purpose Learning Centre

Parents/Guardians are most welcome to attend.

Positive Behaviour Learning

Defence News

HELLO ALL DEFENCE FAMILIES

Welcome to week 4 of the term. Hope all Mum’s had a Special Mother’s Day with the family. Maybe breakfast in bed, restful day with family or watching a movie. Mine was spent with family and my Mum at Pallarenda for breakfast. Beautiful place for a picnic and the beach is divine. If you haven’t been there do yourself a favour and go.

Here at school I have been checking in with students in class, making sure they are doing well with school and checking if there are any worries they may have. If you are concerned about coping with changes happening at home or school, please call or email me so I can make sure I stop by their class. Our Kids Club is always open at both breaks unless I am offsite. Remind students they are welcome to bring a friend and have some fun making craft or playing games. I am also available to have a chat with students at this time or I can make a time later to chat. I am also aware that some parents may be ready to go on exercise or training soon so if this is your family make sure you contact me. This also is a good time to contact the class teacher in case there are any changes that may occur at school. The more people who are aware, more support can be put in place. Saturday 15th May is International Day of Families, so make some time to do something as a whole family and the rewards will be shared by everyone. If you are posting or moving can you let me know so that I can give a Farewell Pack/Signature Bear to your student as a memento of their time spent at our school.

FIVE WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR CHILDS EDUCATION 1. Remind them learning happens for a reason. 2. Help them attend school every day. 3. Help them see school in a good way. 4. Let them know they are doing well. 5. Get involved in your child’s school.

DEFENCE SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORT GROUP- is available to defence families to access for all questions associated with children’s special needs. Contact Cherie Davies at cherie.davies@dsnsg.org.au for support.

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. Open most days offering daily activities for children and parents to attend.

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 the link below for loads on information about your new location. Must see.

Deployments/Exercises are continuing to happen again this year and this can be a very challenging time for all involved. While your partner is deployed/exercise 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/exercise. I can give support/information to you to assist at this time. If you inform me before the deployment/exercise starts I can support and check in with you child at school during this emotional rollercoaster. Students can find this time away from a parent especially challenging at home and school. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU FIND CHANGES ARE APPEARING IN YOUR CHILDS EMOTIONS/BEHAVIOUR DUE TO AN ABSENCE. Remember the 3 “R”’s RULES, RITUALS AND ROUTINES. Also talk to the teacher. Check DCO website for more details.

REMEMBER OPEN ARMS is available to YOU and your family - Veterans and Families Counselling provides 24 hr support and confidential counselling, group programs and suicide prevention training. Former and current serving ADF personal and their families can use the service. Call 1800 011 046 for more information.

Defence Social Workers are available for you to access at DCO office. Appointment required.

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

Australian Military Wives Choir Townsville

The AMW Choir welcomes wives, partners, girlfriends, mothers, daughters, sisters and female ADF members. If you love to sing, we’d love you to join us. No auditions or experience required.

For more info, or to register your interest, contact Michelle at coordinator.townsville@amwchoir.com

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.

REGISTER NOW for TVL Peer Network Workshop-Food and Mood on Fri 21st May from 10am-12noon. FREE for all ADF personal and their families. Eating right improves your mental health outlook and gives you more energy. For more information please read flyer attached.

EVENTS TO REMEMBER

DCO TOWNSVILLE BOOK CLUB

Starting this month!

Love to read? Want to meet some new friends? Why not join our new book club!

Our first month’s book will be available for collection from the Aitkenvale Library between

May 23rd and 29th, and our first book club meeting will be a social meet and greet at Juliette’s from 5pm – 6pm on Thursday May 27th.

Registrations are essential as places are strictly limited!

Email Michelle for more information or to register.

Wednesday 19th May-Wellbeing Wednesday

ADF partners in Townsville are invited to join us for our second Wellbeing Wednesday.

Take the opportunity to connect with other Defence partners in a relaxed atmosphere,

and explore ways to incorporate self-care and self-reflection into your day to day life.

No two sessions will be the same and each month we will focus on a different topic.

The theme for our May Session is: Create your life. Through meditation and the creation

of vision boards we will explore your preferred future and set goals to make your dreams a reality.

This is a free event and light refreshments will be provided

Where DCO Office, Nathan St, Aitkenvale
When 5.30pm - 7.30pm Wednesday 19th May
Registrations open soon @ DCO Townsville Eventbrite

TO BE UP TO DATE WITH WHATS ON IN TOWNSVILLE CHECK whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au

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

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
DSM Defence School Mentor

NOT ALL LEARNING CAN BE SHOWN

Music News (The Pitch)

Prep News

English

Prep Rabbitt and all the other Prep classes have been continuing their work on retelling familiar stories. Our focus this week has been on Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers. We have been building up our independence in writing sentences with letter sounds, capital letters, full stops and finger spaces.

Maths

We have been learning about 2D shapes and length. We will be successful when we can sort the shapes in different ways and compare the lengths of a variety of things.

HASS

There are lots of special events that we celebrate and commemorate. We have already learnt about Easter and Anzac Day. Mother’s Day is also special, so we have made electronic cards, crowns and flowers to give to the special people in our lives.

Year 1 News

This term in Science we are learning about the effects of changing a material to make a boat that floats. While making the boat, we are exploring how to predict, investigate and share our observations. Throughout the unit, the students have been investigating the strength of different materials. They have also been predicting what they think will happen if the material is wet, pulled or an object is placed on it and then testing it to see the results.

We have looked at materials such as wood, clay, alfoil, paper and crepe paper to determine which material will be best to make their boat. In 1MOU, the students enjoyed choosing between clay, paper and alfoil to practise making a container that will float. We explored what happens when you put the material in the water when the edges are high in comparison to if the material has no edges. The students enjoyed testing their containers to see how much weight they could carry by putting marbles in them.

Year 2 News

This term in Science, Year 2 students are exploring push and pull forces. Students are learning to make predictions, conduct investigations and record their observations using scientific language. Year 2 have been learning that when we push something it moves away from us, and when we pull something it moves towards us. Soon we will be making our own push or pull toy! Here are some images that Year 2 students have sorted to show the force required to move an object.

Year 3 News

In Maths we are learning to recall addition and subtraction facts and apply place value understanding to partition, rearrange and regroup numbers.

Year 3 have been using different strategies to solve word problems, such as partitioning with MAB blocks, using number lines, drawings, number expanders and number sentences. The students have also been revisiting a wide range of different strategies to add and subtract. For example, rainbow facts, double facts

Year 4 News

Every Student is a Reader and Writer in Year 4

This term in Maths, students have been busy revising everything they know about odd and even numbers, recalling multiplication and division facts, classifying angles and interpreting simple maps and investigating distances. I think that the kid’s favourite unit so far has been on mapping. So much so that they almost want to do maths in every session. Maybe it has something to do with learning using the iPads?

We also had a fair bit of fun completing a multiple choice quiz where students had to write their answers on a whiteboard.

It’s been a great term so far watching students learn concepts and put them into practise. Go year 4’s! And year 3’s in 3/4D!

Year 5 News

This semester in Visual Art students have explored the way artists use animal representations. They have seen a variety of work from sculptural artists of different cultures and used this as inspiration for their own sculptural artwork. Their sculptures reflect their own personality and the environment they live in. Last week 5E TER used air dry clay to make their artwork, paint it and then photograph it in the school environment. They also reflected on the making and exhibiting process.

Year 6 News

We are almost half-way through our units of work now and the year 6 students are fully engaged in their learning, whilst also getting excited about camp, which is coming up in just over 2 weeks now.

Science has been particularly interesting this term and the students have been fully engaged and working collaboratively to light up a light bulb and making a buzzer buzz. Great success was had by all students once they figured out how to connect the working components correctly. Not everything has been hands on though, as students have also learnt how to draw a circuit diagram. Over coming weeks, our learning in Science will take a focus on researching sustainable forms of energy sources.

Another exciting unit for the class has been our Health unit where students have been really interested to learn about the amount of physical activity that Australian students their age are required to do in order to stay healthy, how much physical activity students are doing across Australia and comparing it to our own class data. This week they have been interviewing each other to find out preferred physical activities and why they participate in them. This will lead to students creating their own physical activity game that year 6 students will enjoy playing.

Community Events & Notices

POSITION VACANT – TEMPORARY CASUAL CLEANER

20 hours per week until June 2021 with the possibility of extension

10am to 2pm Monday to Friday

Working with Children Blue Card essential and must be obtained prior to commencement.

Prospective employees must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or hold a permanent residence visa.

To apply, contact Barbara Anderson – Email: bsm@thewillowsss.eq.edu.au Phone: (07) 4799 1333

THE SMITH FAMILY – SAVER PLUS

Ease the pressure of school camp costs with Saver Plus and get $500 in matched savings to help out.

What is SaverPlus?

Saver Plus is a free ten month savings program that provides financial education and matches your savings up to $500 for educational expenses.

Can you join?

To be eligible to join Saver Plus you must:

• be 18 years or over;
• be a parent or guardian of a student attending school, or be attending vocational education yourself;
• have a current Health Care card or Pensioner Concession card;
• be receiving a Centrelink benefit, allowance or payment;
• have some form of regular income from work (you or your partner) OR receive child support;
• not have completed SaverPlus before.

Who do I contact to join?

Debbie Mitchell
Townsville Saver Plus Coordinator
Phone 0418 201 533

Email debra.mitchell@thesmithfamily.com.au

Find out more information at the link below

C & K KIRWAN COMMUNITY KINDERGARTEN