8 September 2021

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Pride

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Community Members,

Welcome back to Week 9 of Term 3 everyone! I hope everyone enjoyed their first Spring week-end for 2021. Thank you for supporting the P&C Father’s Day Stall last week and the Student Council’s “Rock Your Socks” day last Thursday. We are looking forward to the P&C’s Colour Explosion Fun Run on Thursday, 16/09 in the last week of term.

3 Way Conversations – Parent-Teacher-Student Meetings – Wednesday & Thursday THIS WEEK

There has once again been significant interest in our 3 Way Conversation bookings for this week. These meetings are held twice per year – once each semester – and are an important component of developing home-school partnerships around student learning. This afternoon our P-2 staff will engage with their parents/caregivers (with their students) who booked a meeting time, whilst Thursday afternoon will be for booked Year 3-6 3 Way Conversations.

These meetings will be held in individual classrooms. If you were unable to attend on this occasion, please make contact with your child’s class teacher or the school office to coordinate an alternative meeting time if required.

Staff Capability Development – Student Free Day

Last Friday teaching staff engaged in a number of professional learning sessions at school. The final session was a culmination of the extensive Quadrennial School Review process conducted in various forums over the course of this term. Thank you for your feedback and input into this process as parents and caregivers – it is much appreciated.

Following Friday’s presentations, I will now engage with the QSR Sub-Committee Chairs to refine the wording of the key “big picture” strategies for the School Strategic Plan 2022-2025. Drafts will be distributed to all staff and the P&C for feedback prior to being emailed to our Assistant Regional Director at the end of term for further feedback.

The review process will then culminate in a formal QSR Verification Meeting with the Assistant Regional Director in Term 4, Week 1 (Thursday, 7 October). I look forward to presenting the verified, signed version of the new Strategic Plan 2022-2025 to the entire school community. This will be uploaded to the school website and available for viewing in the school foyer later in Term 4.

Extra-Curricular Activities – Eisteddfod

From Wednesday, 08/09 through to Monday, 13/09 a large number of our students will be participating in Eisteddfod performances. I wish all of our participating musicians the very best and look forward to sharing news of their achievements in next week’s newsletter.

Thanks to Mrs Fiona Coleman and Mr Trevor Schimke for their passion, energy and commitment to helping develop our young musicians to be the best they can be.

2022 BYOx Program

Our third BYOx Parent Information Session will be held this evening from 5pm in the TCBC. This will be a repeat of the previous sessions. There have been around 100 families express interest in the program to date. One final Parent Information Session will be held – Week 1, Term 4 (06/10). Families do not have to make a firm commitment to participate in the program until the end of Week 1, Term 4 (08/10). Once participating numbers are finalised, 2022 class BYOx structures will be determined and communicated.

R U OK Day?

This annual national day of action to remind us to check in on our family, friends and co-workers is officially acknowledged on 9 September (Thursday). You may notice our staff wearing something yellow later this week in deference to this day.

2021 Book Week Celebration – Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds

It is time to choose your book character, get a costume ready and join in celebrating The Willows State School Book Week. This year’s CBWC theme is: Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds.

Book Week is a favourite time in the calendar for everyone at our school. This year Book Week is being celebrated at The Willows in Week 10. Students and teachers can come to school dressed as a book character on Wednesday 15 September.

Parents and families are welcome to come and see all the costumes at the Junior or Senior Costume Parades. Our students will view our school Book Week Virtual Performance in their individual classes during the day on 15 September. Looking forward to seeing everyone’s costume creativity!

Costume Parades:

9am: Prep – 2 Junior CPA
10am: 3 – 6 Library CPA

Costume: Book character, sun-safe clothing and school appropriate

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 THIS WEEK - 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 Captain roles occurring during Week 3 of next term. I look forward to being involved in the selection of our next group of student leaders.

Thuringowa Xmas Card Competition

Aaron Harper MP, State Member for Thuringowa, is once again inviting Prep-Year 3 students from primary schools within his Thuringowa electorate to participate in a competition to design, draw and colour the image that will appear on the front of his Xmas greeting card.

The prize for the winning design is a $100 Smiggle Voucher and a $200 Visa to the winning family.

An entry form in a format that will enable the designs to fit on the front of the card is available for collection from S Pod if needed.

The competition closes Friday, 15th October. Completed entries will be collected from the school office.

If you have any questions about this competition please contact Aaron Harper’s office on 07 4766 3100 or email thuringowa@parliament.qld.gov.au.

COVID-19 Update - Health, Safety & Wellbeing Information

The recent situations across Queensland 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.

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 7 days left in this school term and plenty of learning and extra-curricular events to be involved in.

We have an AIP goal to achieve whole school attendance at 93% across 2021. After Term 3, Week 8 we are sitting at 91.4% 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.

Warm regards,

Michelle Donn
A/Principal

General News

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!

WILLOWS WARRIORS

Upcoming Events

Year Level Parade

Prep – Mondays 8.45am in Junior CPA
Year 1 – Mondays 8.45am in Middle 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

Tuckshop Staff Vacancy

The Willows SS tuckshop team are looking for a new casual staff member!

• Between 5-9 regular hours each week during school terms – day/s to be negotiated
• Additional casual hours during catering events or to replace a staff member on leave
• Must have a sense of humour and love working in a team environment
• MUST have Qld Working with Children Blue Card (Paid) or be willing to obtain one at your cost (No Card, No Start applies)

Please email willowspandc@gmail.com indicating your interest in the 'Tuckshop casual position' – brief CV appreciated also

Father's Day Stall

We hope that all of our dads and special lads enjoyed the gifts the kids chose from our Father's Day Stall this year. Our stall would not be possible without the dedication and support from a small number of busy parents who volunteer their time and we are so grateful to them. The look of joy as the kids carefully choose their gifts makes it all worthwhile.

The Father's Day Stall raised $3950 profit! All funds raised go towards improving the facilities and opportunities available at the school. We are currently raising funds to upgrade playgrounds and shade structures.

Colour Explosion School Fun Run

Are you available on Thursday, 16 September? We are looking for volunteers to help with our Colour Explosion School Fun Run!

If you can help out, please email us at willowspandc@gmail.com.

We appreciate you helping us make our Colour Explosion School Fun Run the brightest day at school!

2021 Volunteer Induction

If you haven't had a chance to attend a volunteer induction this year it's not too late! The school will be holding a volunteer induction on TUESDAY 14th of September at 5:15pm in the TCBC conference room. Access is only available through the gate next to the OSHC building as the office will be closed at this time.

If you would like to volunteer at the school for the Colour Explosion then you will need to do a volunteer induction. If you have attended an induction in 2021 then you will not need to attend again. RSVP is not required.

Our Next Meeting

Our P&C meeting will be held directly after the volunteer induction in the TCBC conference room so why not stick around and enjoy a light supper and see what happens at the meetings. New members are always welcome.

Defence News

HELLO ALL DEFENCE FAMILIES

Week 9 Update - Only 2 weeks left for holidays, and all students are excited and looking forward to the break. Please remind students the Defence Room is open both breaks, every day of school and defence students are very welcome to attend with a friend. Activities, craft, games and Lego are available to enjoy.

Remember to check out the sites around Townsville and surrounding areas when you are on a break. There is so much to do locally or across the water at Magnetic Island. If you are looking for somewhere to go for a quick holiday check out the Defence Holidays NQ website. They are a non-profit organization that provide affordable holidays for Defence Force Personnel. Their office is at Lavarack Barracks or you can contact them on 07 4725 3842.

Thank you to all the parents who have contacted me in regards to posting/moving to another city. I appreciate you passing this information on to me as it means I can support and assist these students with their transition to another school. We can have chats about feelings and what emotions they may be going through before they leave this school and talk about what it may be like at their new school. Most of these students have been very positive and are looking forward to their new adventure and school. Please email me or give me a call if you would like to discuss further. Check out this amazing online resource for ADF members and families via the link below about what to see and do, in your new location. Enjoy your new posting and Good Luck on your new adventure to those who will be leaving our school soon.

Posting 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. If I am aware your child/ren will be leaving I can discuss the moving process and emotions related to this and 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 www.defence.gov/members-families, 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

Thursday 2nd September MWDU Info Sessions at Geckos Lavarack Barracks - DMFS and 3Bde will be holding 2 info sessions for TVL ADF members and their partners posting, or considering posting unaccompanied. Partners are strongly encouraged to attend.

Thursday 2nd September Coffee Connections Thuringowa RSL 10:30am-1:00pm - monthly informal coffee and catch-up, this is a self-funded event.

Wednesday 8th September Woman’s Wellness Day at Lachlan Wilson Centre, Lavarack Barracks from 9:00am-2:00pm - part of Women’s Health Week, ADF female members, spouses and adult family members are invited to our FREE Wellness Day. Child minding is available at Geckos for participants-spaces are limited.

Tuesday 14th September at Museum of Tropical Qld from 10:15am-1:00pm - ADF families join us for a free guided tour of the Museum, then stay for a chat over lunch at the Gallery Café. This event is at your own expense.

Thursday 7th October, Coffee Connections at Fat Dogz Hammett Street, 9:30am-11:30am - monthly informal coffee and catch-up, this is self-funded event.

Friday 22nd October The (almost) Amazing Race at Norman Park, Jezzine Barracks from 4:30pm-6:00pm - ADF members, ADF veterans and families of Townsville are invited to enter. Jog, walk or even sprint your way through a series of checkpoints and challenges in a race against the clock. Stay tuned for more information.

Register for these events on the DMFS Townsville Eventbrite page

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 DMFS mailing list NOW at dmfs.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

R U OK Day is a day to check in with family, friends and work colleagues. Ask R U OK? Show you care.

Community Events & Notices

POSITION VACANT – TEMPORARY CASUAL CLEANER

CERTIFICATE III IN HOSPITALITY

TOWNSVILLE GIRLS – CRICKET CLUB LEAUGE