25 August 2021

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Pride

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Community Members,

Welcome back to Week 7 of Term 3. We are now into our final 20 school days of the term with plenty of teaching and learning to still be accomplished.

Congratulations to our school Senior Rugby League team for their success in the Les Stagg Cup on Monday night. The team were victorious over Heatley SS and have now progressed through to the GRAND FINAL against Holy Spirit next Monday night, 30/08 6:30pm at Jack Manski Oval. The team displayed great courage and sportsmanship in their semi-final and were very deserving of their success. Many thanks to Mr Madeley, Ms Deuble and Mr Tod for their ongoing coaching and management of our team.

Congratulations to the following students who were presented with their School Athletics Day Age Champion Medals on Tuesday:

Born 2009 Boys: Spencer W
Born 2009 Girls: Tara R
Born 2010 Boys: Kohlt M
Born 2010 Girls: Shabella D
Born 2011 Boys: Jackson M
Born 2011 Girls: Zoey B
Born 2012 Boys: Cohen G
Born 2012 Girls: Latoya M

Due to gathering restrictions preventing full school assemblies at this stage, these were presented at Year Level Assemblies.

Teaching and Learning

On Wednesday, 25/08, 9:30am-12:30pm NQR Assistant Regional Director, Mrs Lesley Pecchiar, will be visiting our school to discuss and view the implementation of the school’s explicit improvement agenda as communicated through the current School Strategic Plan and AIP. Members of the leadership team will be involved in this visit at various points in time. This ARD visit will also coincide with TWSS Term 3 Triple Zero Community of Practice Visit. School representatives from Rasmussen SS, Oonoonba SS and North Shore SS will attend our school site 9:30-11:00am, with a focus on viewing the teaching of reading in Prep classrooms.

Adopt-a-Cowboy Program – Matty Bowen Visit

On Thursday last week we were very fortunate to have a special visit from Matty Bowen. Some of our junior and senior students enjoyed his participation in their regular Physical Education lessons.

Extra-Curricular and Co-Curricular Activities

Congratulations to our Year 3/4 and Year 5/6 STEM teams who competed in the Townsville Grammar Junior Lego Competition last week, both showing great resilience and working well together as teams. The Year 5/6 team took out the competition for building the fastest car using the Lego We Do robotic kit, winning the competition 2 years in a row. Mr Menzies reports that the students showed amazing problem- solving skills and were critical with their modifications of their vehicle to ensure their investigation and car met the competition guidelines.

Congratulations to our school Athletics team who competed at Red Track last Friday. The students represented themselves and their school to the highest standard and should be very proud of their efforts in achieving their personal best. Thanks to all staff who trained and coached our students in the lead up to the event. Three students from our team were selected to be part of the NQ Regional Athletics Team – congratulations to:

Elsie-Mae N: 100m and 200m
Spencer W: 100m and 200m
Cohen G: High Jump

Best wishes to our Under 10 Junior Rugby League team, who will be competing in the Blackhawks Challenge on Friday. A very big thank you to all staff involved in coaching the students to be the very best they can be and in making their participation possible.

Extra-Curricular Photos

On Thursday 26th and Friday 27th August the extra-curricular and leader group photos will be taking place. A list of groups having their photos taken can be found in General News. Please note Year 6 students are NOT to wear their Senior Shirts for the photos.

3 Way Conversations

We will be inviting you and your child to meet with your class teacher in a ‘Three Way Conversation’ week 9 of this school term on the 8th and 9th of September to discuss your child’s academic progress and next learning steps.

All “Three Way Conversations” will be held in classrooms and letters will be sent home in the next few weeks giving you information regarding bookings.

Student Leaders 2022 – Selection Process Timelines

Our current Year 5 students who have displayed interest in nominating for student leadership positions in 2022 are currently busily competing their student captain passports and student leader application letters. Application letters are due by Friday, 10 September (Week 9), ready for shortlisting in Week 10. Interviews for School Captains and School Vice-Captains will be conducted in the first week of term 4, with speech presentations by nominees for Music and Sports Captains roles occurring during Week 3 of next term.

DATE CLAIMER: State-wide Student Free Day – Friday, 3 September (Week 8)

As in previous years, please note there will be a Student Free Day (SFD) on Friday, 3 September (Week 8, Term 3). There will be no school for students on this day. Please ensure supervision is organised for your child.

COVID-19 Update - Health, Safety & Wellbeing Information

The recent situations across Australia have continued to remind us all about reinforcing and maintaining all ‘COVID-Normal’ conditions – hand sanitisation, adult social distancing, reinforcing coughing/sneezing into elbow/tissues and not attending the school site if unwell.

Should any emergent lock downs or school closures be required by Queensland Health these will be communicated via the usual Schoolzine, email and Facebook school communication channels.

Remember: Queensland Health continues to be the authoritative advice for all COVID-19 related health inquiries and can be contacted on 13 42 68.

Quadrennial School Review (QSR) – Parent & Community Engagement Survey - closes Friday

As previously mentioned, this term The Willows SS is engaged in a Quadrennial School Review process to develop a new School Strategic Plan 2022-2025. This process involves extensive consultation with parents, community members, staff and students in order to develop a vision for the strategic direction of the school in future years. An online parent survey is NOW available for your convenience and your support in completing this is much appreciated. All feedback is most welcome. The online survey will close THIS WEEK at 5pm on Friday, 27 August.

The Willows State School Attendance Strategy – Every Day Counts!

School attendance is compulsory under the Education Act. If children are going to be absent from school for any reason parents are requested to inform the school by phoning 47 991 333 or emailing admin@thewillowsss.eq.edu.au. Students are encouraged to come to school every day they are well enough to attend – so much new learning occurs every day. We only have 20 days left in this school term and plenty of learning to still be achieved.

We have an AIP goal to achieve whole school attendance at 93% across 2021. After Term 3, Week 6 we are still sitting at 91.5% YTD.

2022 ENROLMENTS – NOW OPEN FOR ALL YEAR LEVELS

Our school is now taking enrolments for the 2022 school year, please get your enrolment forms in early if possible. Should you know of friends or family looking to join our great school, please inform them that they are also most welcome to contact the school for further information and to obtain an enrolment package.

Prospective 2022 Prep students and parents/caregivers may like to consider attending a Willows Warriors Pre-Prep Program session on a Wednesday to support the transition and orientation process to school. Please contact our school office to obtain further information about this free program.

Thanks to those families who attended our first 2022 Enrolment Session last week – it was an absolute pleasure to meet new families and students who will become a part of our school community.

Have a wonderful ‘almost end to Winter’ week – stay healthy and happy. Next week we will have the P&C Father’s Day Stall (Monday-Wednesday) and the Student Council ‘Rock Your Socks’ Day on Thursday.

Thank you for your ongoing support of your child’s education.

Warm regards,

Michelle Donn
A/Principal

General News

RACQ STREETS AHEAD – YEARS 3 TO 6

This term, the RACQ Streets Ahead road safety program is being delivered to our Year 3 to Year 6 students focusing on pedestrian, passenger and riding safety. Resource Packs with age appropriate activities and videos demonstrating strategies are available here below. These will assist you to continue to teach road safety, implement the strategies your children have learnt and apply them to your everyday lives.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR PHOTOS

3 WAY CONVERSATIONS

BOOK WEEK – 15 SEPTEMBER

Theme – Old Worlds, New World, Other Worlds

Children’s Book Week is a special annual event that offers students, the opportunity to engage with stories at a deeper level of understanding, encouraging creativity, critical thinking and text discussions. During our Book Week/Term celebrations student have visited the library and had lots of fun, participating in engaging activities, focusing on quality children’s literature.

Our Book week celebrations at TWSS will culminate with a Book Week performance and dress up parade in Week 10, on Wednesday (first session).

Prep – Year 2
9am Wednesday - 15 September (TCBC)

Years 3 – 6
10am Wednesday -15 September (TCBC)

We encourage all students to dress up and join in the fun!

STUDENT COUNCIL FUNDRAISER

WILLOWS WARRIORS

Upcoming Events

Year Level Parade

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 – Tuesdays 8.45am in Multi-Purpose Learning Centre
Year 5 – Mondays 2.40pm in Multi-Purpose Learning Centre
Year 6 – Tuesdays 8.45am in TCBC Conference Room

Parents/Guardians are most welcome to attend.

P and C News

Father's Day Stall

Monday 30th August - Wednesday 1st September

This year the P&C is holding a Father’s Day Stall so that students can purchase a special gift for their father, grandfather and other important person. Gifts range from $0.50 to $10 and students are asked to bring along no more than $20 to spend. We advise that money should be brought to school in an envelope with the student’s name on it. Do not take money to the office – students will need to take money with them to the stall

PY to Year 5 classes have been allocated a time to attend the stall and make their purchase. The stall is also open at break times all days for Year 6’s, or for those who wish to shop with siblings, or for those who missed their allocated class time.

Look out for a note coming home this week with your child's allocated class day. Please send us an email if you have not received your note by Friday.

Anyone who is able to assist at the stall during school hours please email willowspandc@gmail.com or visit our volunteer sign up page:

Your help will be greatly appreciated!

Colour Explosion School Fun Run

Did you hear the exciting news? We are hosting a Colour Explosion School Fun Run with Australian Fundraising! The brightest day at school is coming! The School Colour Explosion™ Run will be held in the final week of Term 3 on Thursday September 16th.

Fundraising is open and you should have received your fundraising booklet. Thanks for supporting our school and we hope to see you at the event. Happy Fundraising!

Become a Member

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.

Our Next Meeting

The P&C meets on the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 6pm-8pm. Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday 14 September 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.

Defence News

HELLO ALL DEFENCE FAMILIES

Week 7 Update – WOW, what a great week! Life at school has been very busy, checking in on students in classes, receiving emails and calls from many parents informing me of upcoming postings and preparing Farewell Packs for students leaving at the end of the year.

A BIG Thank you to the parents that have contacted me about their upcoming posting or concerns regarding students’ loved ones being deployed overseas at the moment. Challenging times for all. Remember to call me or stop by my room for a chat. Also, Geckos Family Centre at Lavarack is open if you want to drop in. It was wonderful last Thursday to meet some of the new and current parents and students at the Prep Enrolment afternoon. Any questions about starting at our school next year please contact me. DON’T FORGET THAT LAVARACK BARRACKS OPEN DAY IS THIS SATURDAY 28TH AUGUST FROM 10AM-2PM. Come along and have heaps of fun. Proceeds from the day go to Legacy. Have a super week.

Posting are being relayed out to members, if you know you/and your family will be moving on this year, please contact me so I am able to support each student with their transition to a new school and deliver a Farewell pack before they leave our school. Students can become very emotional leading up to their move and have lots of questions for you. All posting students look forward to receiving their FAREWELL PACK and Signature Bear to take with them. If I am not informed I cannot support or make sure they receive their Pack. Starting at a new school comes with lots of questions and worries. It will make the transition less difficult for everyone if the family can remain positive throughout this time. Parent talk should always be positive about new locations and access this brilliant online resource at the link below. This is an amazing on-line resource to ADF members and families to find information on their new posting location. Packed with information about what to do and see in the city/area you are moving to. If I am aware you child/ren will be leaving at the end of the year I can discuss the moving process and emotions related to this. They will also receive a Farewell Pack to keep.

REMEMBER OPEN ARMS is available to YOU and your family - Veterans and Families Counselling Former and current serving ADF personal and their families can use the service. Call 1800 011 046 for more information.

DCO is now DFMS (Defence Families and Family Support) Townsville office call on 07 4430 3879. Online you can find them at the link below, Facebook @DefenceMemberFamilySupport . Defence Member and Family Helpline is 1800 624 608. Defence Social Workers are available for you to access at DFMS office. Appointment required.

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. Check availability due to exercise.

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

EVENTS TO REMEMBER

NEW DMFS Book Club EOI - After receiving a few new enquiries, and as our original after-hours book club is full, we’re considering running a second book-club during school/business hours here at the DCO Townsville office, located in Aitkenvale. To gauge a 2nd book-club’s viability, if it’s something you’d be interested in, could you please complete our Mentimeter survey online:

Geckos’ Sunset Cruise – 16th October – tickets on sale 5th August - Geckos is calling you aboard to enjoy a night of great company whilst Sealink spoils you with a private function admiring the sunset on the water, overlooking the night lights of Townsville City, The Strand & Magnetic Island. This event is for persons over the age of 18yrs only.

What is included in your $50 ticket (usually $95)?

2-hour sunset cruise: 16th of October, 5pm - 7pm
1 x welcome drink for each guest
Antipasto platters
Live entertainment

Tickets open on Thursday the 5th August via the link below (Please note this event is for persons over the age of 18yrs only.)

Lavarack Barracks Legacy OPEN DAY-Saturday 28th August. 3rd Brigade will be hosting their annual Lavarack Barracks Legacy Open Day on Saturday 28th August from 10:00am – 2:00pm.

This is a fundraising event with all proceeds from the day going directly to Legacy.

Your attendance and support will be greatly appreciated

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

DMFS Townsville Office: 07 4430 3879

Need to find them online? New home is www.defence.gov.au/members-families

Defence Family Helpline 24/7 call 1800 624 608 memberandfamilyhelpline@defence.gov.au

Open Arms call 1800 011 046 www.openarms.gov.au

Mates4Mates – Email: townsville@mates4mates.org or call the Townsville FRC on 4771 9600

DFA (Defence Families of Australia) nth.qld@dfa.org.au Larissa Ostermann 0418 796 561

Beyondblue.org.au www.australia.gov.au

Geckos Family Centre-Nth Qld Lavarack Barracks, contact WO2Nicole Lickorish 07 44446 1238

Kookaburra Kids Tvl- 1300 566 525 www.kookaburrakids.org.au

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 full of learning and FUN for all students when they stay positive. They also develop RESILIENCE SKILLS AND FRIENDSHIPS.

Correna Wheeler
Defence School Mentor

Community Events & Notices

POSITION VACANT – TEMPORARY CASUAL CLEANER

20 hours per week until 17 September, 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