15 September2021

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Pride

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Community Members,

Welcome back to the final week of Term 3 everyone! This week we have continued to have a number of extra-curricular events occurring – Book Week Parades, P&C Colour Explosion Fun Run, No Major rewards, 75 Star rewards and the conclusion of our Eisteddfod participation.

School will conclude on Friday, 17 September. I look forward to seeing everyone back at school happy and healthy on Tuesday, 5 October for the commencement of an action-packed Term 4.

School will resume on Tuesday, 5 October as Monday, 4 October is a Public Holiday.

2021 School Support Staff Recognition Week (SSSRW)

This week is School Support Staff Recognition Week. It is a time where we acknowledge and celebrate all our support staff for their valuable contributions to the effective and efficient running of our school. Their hard work and dedication make a significant difference to our students, teachers and the school community.

I would sincerely like to thank all The Willows State School support staff for the important work they do each and every day. We would not be able to support our students to achieve their learning and wellbeing goals without you.

At The Willows SS we have a tradition of celebrating all school employee group appreciation days on the same day. This year it will be on Friday, 29 October (Term 4, Week 4) during State Education Week.

Queensland Child Protection Week (QCPW) – Protecting children is everybody’s business

In Queensland the week is coordinated under the banner of the Act for Kids organisation. The theme seeks to highlight the bigger picture in addressing child abuse and neglect, particularly the role of schools, family and community in ensuring the health and wellbeing of our youth.

Staffing Update

• This week we welcomed Mrs Michelle Menzies to our staff in an STL&N role. Mrs Menzies is replacing Mrs Ginnard whilst on maternity leave.
• I am pleased to advise that Miss Barbara Anderson has been successful in applying for an A07 Principal Education Officer role, in North Queensland Regional Office for Term 4, 2021 with the possibility of extension. An EOI has been disseminated to source a replacement Business Manager. Miss Anderson will continue at The Willows SS to assist with transition and orientation of the successful applicant in Week 1, Term 4.
• Thank you to Mrs Sarah Platt for taking on the A/Head of Special Education Services role whilst Mrs Claire Franklin was on leave. Thanks also to Mrs Keryn Munro for replacing Mrs Platt in the Inclusion Teacher role during that time.
• At the commencement of Term 4, Mrs Paula Williams, will commence with us in a Local Relief Teacher role.
• Mrs Amanda Lester will be on long service leave for the first 2 weeks of Term 4. Mrs Lester will be replaced by Ms Carrie Kiernan.
• Mr Aaron Davies will be on paternity leave for 2 weeks from Wednesday of the first week of Term 4. Ms Kaycee Fairbrother will replace Mr Davies during this time.

Quadrennial School Review – UPDATE

I have now engaged with the Sub-Committee Chairs to refine the wording of the key “big picture” strategies for the School Strategic Plan (SSP) 2022-2025. A draft was shared with the P&C on Tuesday night for feedback and also emailed to our Assistant Regional Director. The review process will 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 after this meeting. The SSP will be uploaded to the school website and available for viewing in the school foyer later in Term 4.

NAPLAN Student Reports – issued THIS WEEK

Year 3 and Year 5 NAPLAN Student Reports have now arrived. These will be distributed (with an overview letter) to all students this week. Please contact the school if your child does not bring home a NAPLAN report or you wish to obtain an additional copy.

Book Week Parades – Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds

Today we held our annual Book Week Celebrations! What an amazing array of costumes and creativity we had! This year’s virtual Book Week Performance coordinated by staff was once again a treat to behold - thanks to the team of actors and technicians who worked hard to compile this for our enjoyment.

3 Way Conversations – Parent-Teacher-Student Meetings – thanks for your support

3 Way Conversation Meetings were very well attended again this term. Thank you for your positive partnership with our school staff. 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.

Eisteddfod – congratulations to our students!

Over the past week 130 of our students have participated in Eisteddfod performances. Our students have all represented their school with pride. Placings results:

• 2nd Place in Unison Chorus Year 6 and under
• 2nd Place in Folk singing unison
• 3rd Place Junior Primary Choral Championship
• 1st Place Senior String Orchestra

Thanks to Mrs Fiona Coleman, Mr Trevor Schimke, Ms Carla Mulligan, Ms Tina Greenfield and Ms Kelly Clarke-Flesser for their passion, energy and commitment to helping develop our young musicians and singers to be the best they can be.

Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) – 75 Star Celebrations

Later this week we celebrate our students who have achieved 75 Stars – congratulations to all who have been successful in attaining this positive acknowedgement of their efforts. These recognition processes occur at the end of Week 5 and Week 10 each term and are a great goal for our students to strive for.

2022 BYOx Program

One final Parent Information Session will be held – Wednesday, 5pm - 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 able to be determined and communicated. Please contact the school if you have not attended a Parent Information session and wish to register for the final one or obtain an information package.

Student Leaders 2022 – Selection Process Timelines

Nominations for Student Captain roles in 2022 closed on Friday last week. Shortlisting has now commenced.

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 – it is certainly going to be a difficult task.

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 (Term 4, Week 2). 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

It is important that we all continue to reinforce and maintain 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. School staff have actively been preparing for an emergent response if required.

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 have an AIP goal to achieve whole school attendance at 93% across 2021. After Term 3, Week 9 we are still 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 during Term 4 to support the transition and orientation process to school. Please contact our school office to obtain further information about this free program.

Keep a watch on our school these holidays

With the holidays fast approaching, we need you to look out for after-hours crime in our school. If you see something suspicious, please don’t attempt to personally intervene. Call School Watch on 13 17 88 and let the local police or State Government Protective Security Service deal with the matter.

Happy Holidays!

I would like to wish all staff, students and The Willows school community a wonderful Spring vacation. I am sure everyone is looking forward to some well-earned rest and relaxation. Be safe and cherish your time with friends and family.

On a personal note, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the entire staff and community for your support this term – it has been much appreciated. I look forward to continuing as the A/Principal during Term 4 as Mrs McCullough’s role in Regional Office has been extended .

Have a wonderful week. Our first newsletter for Term 4 will be issued on Wednesday, 6 October.

Warm regards,

Michelle Donn
A/Principal

General News

COLOUR EXPLOSION – THURSDAY 16 SEPTEMBER

Every student who has raised $10 or more can choose a prize! Pick a prize from your highest category, or mix and match smaller prizes.

Prizes can be ordered online or with your sponsorship booklets. Online prize ordering closes Friday 17 September. Sponsorship booklets and money will be accepted at the school office until Friday 8 October. Prizes CAN NOT be ordered after this date. ALL sponsorship booklets and money MUST be returned to the school office.

If you get stuck, your sponsorship booklet contains everything that you need to know.

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.

Positive Behaviour Learning

Defence News

HELLO ALL DEFENCE FAMILIES

Week 10 Update - WISHING EVERYONE A VERY HAPPY HOLIDAYS. It has been wonderful to see so many defence students popping into Kids Club at lunch times to say Hi and have a chat about what they have been doing. Last week we got creative and made beautiful bracelets. Some students have been dressing up and enjoying the display I have in my room. This week students can get inventive with a JUNK FOR FUNK activity with cartons and paper. Lots of imagination is used in the creation of these amazing pieces of art. Please remind students to drop in to check out the activities. On Friday of week 10 we will be decorating biscuits at the Kids Club - Friday Fun Day.

In week 1 & 2 of Term 4 I will be on leave. Nicole Mason will step in as DSM for week 1 only, so you can contact her through the office or email nmaso46@eq.edu.au.

Thank you to all the parents who have contacted me in regards to posting/moving to another city and school. In Term 4 students who are posted out will receive their Farewell Pack before leaving our school. This time of the year can be very stressful for students as they prepare to leave their friends. It’s a good idea to focus on what it may be like at a new school, how to make friends and look at the move as a new adventure with lots of great things to see and do. For families who will be leaving our school soon I have attached a flyer “Moving Schools - a checklist for Parents” which is a great tool to prepare for the transition into a new school. Also, you must checkout this amazing online resource for ADF members and families about what to see and do, in your new location. Good luck with moving plans and hope all goes well.

Geckos are holding a Posting Party on 3rd November so register now, information in dates to remember. Geckos are also holding some awesome School Holiday activities in September so check out their Facebook page for more details. Always make the most of our beautiful climate and get out and see all the amazing sites around Townsville. If you are looking for somewhere to go for a quick holiday check out the Defence Holidays NQ website. They are a non-profit organisation that provide affordable holidays for Defence Force Personnel. Their office is at Lavarack Barracks or you can contact them on 07 4725 3842.

Next term is Remembrance Day and I am requesting a Veteran from our school community to be the Speaker for our ceremony at school. If you know of a Veteran who would like to speak on this day please contact me for more details. Your support is greatly appreciated.

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.

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 http://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

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.

Geckos School Holiday Activities September - Mini Golf Wed 22nd Sept, Chipmunks Fri 24th Sept, Ten Pin Bowling Wed 29th Sept, Ninja Parc Fri 1st Oct. Check Facebook page for more details.

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

Wednesday 3rd November Geckos Posting Party at Geckos Lavarack Barracks from 5-7pm - come in your brightest, tropical attire and get ready to party. The event is for Defence families posting out of the Townsville region.

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 or 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.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND ENJOY THE TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

Correna Wheeler
Defence School Mentor

DON’T WAIT FOR THINGS TO GET EASIER, SIMPLER, BETTER.

LIFE WILL ALWAYS BE COMPLICATED. LEARN TO BE HAPPY RIGHT NOW.

Music News (The Pitch)

Prep News

We have had a great few months of learning in Prep Rabbitt. Our rhymes were amazing with everyone presenting their rhymes to the class.

For Fathers’ Day we made our dad’s email cards with a drawing of ourselves with our special dads.

In maths we have been collecting data and working out what our answers mean.

Our Science unit has had us investigating different materials. We had to create a wind ornaments and think of Scientific questions.

Year One News

In year one maths, students have been together in groups to come up with an activity for their checkpoint challenge. The students got to participate in each groups activity and collected data at the end to help them answer the inquiry question ‘does it matter which way you complete a checkpoint challenge?’ The year one students demonstrated great team work and had a lot of fun completing all of the activities with their classes.

Year Two News

In Year 2 this term, the students have been writing their first informative text. The structure of the text includes paragraphs including the following information:

• General information about the animal
• A description of what it looks like
• Its habitat – where it lives
• Its diet – what it eats
• Predators – the enemies of the animal

We have practised this structure using the Sugar Glider.

The assessment task involves getting the students to use the same structure to write an informative text about the Northern Blossom Bat. Here are some examples of our work.

Year Three News

In Science Year 3 have been doing a lot of experimenting. They have been making sure they use fair tests to discover how heat transfers through different objects. They have learnt to read thermometers and write scientific reports.

Year Four News

This Term in Year 4 we have been exploring Measurement; this includes length, area, weight, time and money.

This has allowed for many hands on activities to explore ways we can measure with informal units, such as their own feet, 2D shapes and student height.

Year Five News

During Terms 3 and 4, Year 5 students are engaging with a Media Arts unit titled Light and Shadow. This unit compliments the Term 3 Science unit which focusses on light. The students are exploring light and shadow in media art forms and how they can create representations and meaning for an audience. The students are storyboarding a narrative using fruit characters, lighting and movement. 5DLES have commenced creating their iMovies.

Year Six News

Purpose of assessment: To participate in a panel discussion to analyse and evaluate the style of an individual author

Students in 6EVA have been looking at two different books by the author, Elizabeth Honey. Students have looked at the characters in the story, the plot, text structure, visual features and language features. At the end of the week students will perform in a panel discussion about which book they believe was the best.

Year 6 High School Enrolment (2022)

Community Events & Notices