9 June 2021

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Dear Parents, Carers and Community,

Positive Partnerships and Collective Leadership

I am continuously proud of our students and staff. Week 7 saw our team work across multiple sites in the Intra-School Moderation with Weir and Rasmussen State Schools. It was excellent to see the C and A standards holding strong at our school and across the majority of year levels, the confidence level and positive professionalism across all teachers in our schools. Thankyou everyone for your excellent participation.

Positive Partnerships - Under 8’s at The Willows State School

Under 8’s was nothing short of excellent and brought together our early years, student leaders and a significant number of parents and grandparents at our school. It was great to see our youngest learners interacting with so many activities and I congratulate Amanda Souter and all of our teachers and aides and student leaders for a sensational afternoon!

Collective Leadership - Year 6 Leadership Camp

The Year 6 Camp was an absolute hit this year and our students and staff had a fantastic camp experience, enjoying the different setting and challenging themselves in activities that we are unable to provide at school (raft building, abseiling and archery were among the greatest activities). I was really proud of our students and our staff for their effort and leadership across the 3 days – a shout out to you all!

Collective Leadership - Staffing Updates for Term 3

With excitement, I am writing to advise our school community that I have been appointed as Acting Assistant Regional Director, State Schools Performance for North Queensland Region for Term 3, 2021 with possibility of extension. This role is one that I have actively aspired to and I am looking forward to this opportunity for my professional growth in North Queensland Region.

In consultation with Assistant Regional Director, Mrs Lesley Pecchiar, I am also very pleased to announce that Mrs Michelle Donn, a highly experienced Principal, will be Acting Principal at The Willows State School. Mrs Donn is looking forward to joining The Willows team on Monday 12 July, 2021. I know that you will warmly welcome Mrs Donn to our school and continue to support our school vision ‘Excellence is the Standard’.

On a more personal note, I would like to thank The Willows State School students, staff, parents and community for your excellent commitment, support since 2017. The strength of The Willows State School is in the many hearts that work collectively for each and every student’s education. I am continuously proud and privileged to lead such an amazing team and I look forward to hearing the school improvement journey continue to thrive at The Willows.

Kind regards,

Helen McCullough
Principal

GENERAL NEWS

STUDENT COUNCIL EVENT - DRESS UP DAY

MUSIC GALA

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

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 2.40pm in Multi-Purpose Learning Centre
Year 6 – Tuesdays 8.45am in Multi-Purpose Learning Centre

Parents/Guardians are most welcome to attend.

Positive Behaviour Learning

Music News (The Pitch)

PE News (The Pulse)

INTERHOUSE ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

Parents are welcome to attend the Athletics Carnival. We remind you of the following COVID-19 and contact tracing guidelines:-

• Parents must enter via the school Administration building and follow the direction of The Willows State School staff
• Staff, students or visitors must not attend school sites if sick
• Regular hand washing and hand sanitising, particularly before and after eating, and after going to the toilet
• Physical distancing of adults apply to all adults on school sites

Check In Qld app

The Check In Qld app is used by The Willows State School to record attendance for contact tracing purposes. The QR code is located in the Administration building when parents, visitors, volunteers and contractors are signing in.

If there is a confirmed case of COVID-19, the Queensland Health Public Health unit will directly contact the school to confirm the presence of a confirmed COVID-19 case and will advise of any additional measures such as quarantine, self-quarantine or contact tracing. As per usual department protocols and in accordance with health advice, schools may be closed for a short time if there is a confirmed case. This time will be used to support contact tracing and specialist cleaning as required.

Defence News

HELLO ALL DEFENCE FAMILIES

Week 8 already. REMINDER that Monday 14th June I will be holding BIGGEST MORNING TEA for all Defence Parents/Caregivers to attend. It will be held in the Conference room of the TCBC from 8:30am-10:30am. Look forward to seeing you and having a chat. Please come along for a relaxing morning and kindly bring a donation for the Cancer Foundation. You can also donate online via the link below.

Please RSVP to me cwhee36@eq.edu.au at the earliest. Thank you in advance for your support.

At Kids Club we have been painting, making jewellery, wool craft and creating items. All students are enjoying making items to take home for themselves or give to parents. Kids Club is open 1st and 2nd break everyday. Students are welcome to attend.

With the holidays fast approaching remember Geckos School Holiday program is available again, with lots of fun activities. These holidays they have Mini golf, Inflatable Kingdom, Ninja Park and a visit to the Cinema. Just follow Geckos on Facebook and register with the link available. Get in quick to register as there are limited spots. SPOUSE REMINDER TO RENEW YOUR DCACC (DEFENCE ACCESS CARD) before 1st July as only new passes will be valid to access Defence sites. Visit a Defence Office with your ADF member to replace your card or your member can book an appointment through the DCACC Upgrade Portal. Call 1800 DEFENCE for further support.

While I’ve been checking in with students in their classrooms I have noticed that some students are a little unsettled and having difficulty coping with change.

Some helpful tips to use to Raise Resilient Children with Strong Coping Skills

1. Strike a balance between supporting and overprotecting.
2. Help children identify emotions and positive responses.
3. Encourage children to solve their problems.
4. Model skills and behaviour you want children to exhibit.
5. Help children determine their threshold and set their boundaries.

All great tips to support and encourage children to grow into strong Resilient students.

Always start the question with children as conversations are important. Any further questions please give me a call.

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 website 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. 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 – Defence members 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 or follow on Facebook.

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.

EVENTS TO REMEMBER

Monday 14th June-Biggest Morning Tea in TCBC Conference Room from 8:30-10:30am.

Please register with me cwhee36@eq.edu.au Donations go to the Cancer Council. See you there.

Saturday 26th June-My Dad and Me-Mini Chefs

ADF dads and their kids are invited to a morning that's all about dad and the kids. Each month offers different themed activities that allow dads and their kids to connect through fun. This month our theme will be 'mini chefs'. Keep an eye out on DCO social media for monthly details and remember, this is a mum free zone, so let her enjoy the morning off!

Where: Geckos Family Centre, Lavarack Barracks
When: 9.30am - 11.00am Saturday 26th June

Registrations open soon @ DCO Townsville Eventbrite

Keep an eye out for an e-Newsflash with more details and the ticket registration link later in the month.

Defence Biz Netwrk-10am Wednesday 2nd, 16th,30th June

Defence Biz Network invites Defence members, partners, and veterans who have their own small business (or are looking to start one!), to join a networking group that understands the unique challenges that Defence partners' businesses face and is there to support each other through it all. Not everyone understands these challenges, however the members of this group do!

For more information, contact Bonnie on 0475 444 159, or Emma on 0451 794 221, or email tsvdefencebiznetwork@gmail.com

Where

DCO Townsville Conference Room
Nathan Business Centre, 340 Nathan St Aitkenvale

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

DFA (Defence Families of Australia) nth.qld@dfa.org.au

Geckos Family Centre-Nth Qld Lavarack Barracks Contact for enquiries on 4411 7031

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. Have a great week.

Correna Wheeler
Defence School Mentor

BEING TOLD YOU ARE APPRECIATED IS ONE OF THE SIMPLEST YET MOST INCERDIBLE THINGS YOU CAN EVER HEAR!

Prep News

We have had such a busy week in prep! We are getting towards the end of the term and there is a lot happening.

In Science, we have been learning about living and non-living things. This week we pretended to be scientists and went outside and observed our healthy gardens around the school.

In Prep Treacy, we have been reading, writing and making simple words. The kids really enjoy practising these skills in different ways!

What a great afternoon it was for Under 8’s Day on Friday! It was so good to see the kids and everyone having a fun time! Thank you to all of the parents/ carers and families that attended, it was lovely to see everyone.

Year 1 News

In English, Year 1 students have been exploring poetry. Students have been learning to recite a poem with gestures and facial expressions, which they will present to their class. Year 1 have also been learning about the language features in poetry and making inferences with different poems.

In science, year 1 students are learning how they can physically change materials to make a boat that floats.

Year 2 News

Over the last few weeks and during the month of June, Year 2 have been and will be exploring wellbeing and positive mindset. The Year 2 teachers are challenging themselves by participating in the 2021 Push-up challenge to promote Mental Health. While in the classroom, we are learning about Positive Growth Mindset and the Power of Yet! There are many awesome activities happening within all Year 2 classrooms to help our students grow their own positive mindset. We have smiling minds, mindful breathing, guided meditation, cosmic yoga, as well the occasional push-up or star jump.

It’s all about believing that even if you fail at something, you can still succeed.

Year 3 News

In English, all classes have almost finished reading the entertaining Charlotte’s Web. We have enjoyed it thoroughly and are looking forward to each child becoming a character and taking on their mannerisms and expressions. Students have created a character profile to explore characterisation.

We have been practising our presentation and giving peer feedback for any improvements they need to make for their final performance. We are really looking forward to seeing any props/costumes or voice changes that students are going to do.

Year 4 News

Hello everyone!

We are past the halfway point for Term 2 and students have become confident and expressive Year 4 learners.

Over the past 4 weeks, students have been exploring culture in their Health unit, specifically how culture influences a person’s identity.

Learning intention: To identify how heritage and culture influence identity.

3/4NIE explored different versions of the game ‘Scissors Paper Rock’ and had plenty of fun playing versions from Indonesia, Philippines, Japan and Singapore. Many were surprised to find that the game changes according to country.

Here are some happy snaps of 3/4NIE playing a variety of ‘Scissor Paper Rock’ rounds:

Year 5 News

This semester in Digital Technologies Year 5 students learnt about how digital systems connect together to form a network. In the second part of their assessment they were challenged to create a maze game using visual programming. Their game had to solve a problem and include features such as movement, rewards, enemies and how the game would end. Students really enjoyed using Scratch (available at https://scratch.mit.edu), a block-based visual programming language where you can create your own interactive stories, games and animations. The screen shots below show some of the mazes and coding created by 5E TER students. Student worked collaboratively in small groups and relied on student “experts” to add more features to their games.

Year 6 News

We have been very busy in year 6, with lots of hands on fun since we got back from camp!

In Maths we are investigating our guided inquiry question by using simple strategies to reason and solve a shape and measurement inquiry question (What is the biggest pyramid you can make from an A3 sheet).

In science we are analysing requirements for the transfer of electricity in a circuit and describing how energy can be transformed from one form to another to generate electricity.

In English we are evaluating the use of language in a news report that influences the audience to accept a particular point of view about a topic.

Community Events & Notices

HEAT SCHOOL HOLIDAY CRICKET PROGRAMS

GIRL GUIDES

PARENTLINE - CYBERSAFETY

LITTLE LIFESAVERS

THE SMITH FAMILY – SAVER PLUS

GRANDPARENTS CONNECT