3 November 2021

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Pride

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Community Members,

Welcome back to Week 5 of Term 4! What an incredible week of showcasing the talents of our students occurred last week during State Education Week! Our Performers’ Concert last Wednesday evening was nothing short of spectacular with the applause of the audience being testament to the amazing talents of our musicians, dancers and singers. Throughout last week our classes also showcased a broad selection of learning achievements through posts on our official school Facebook page. Thank you to all those parents and community members who visited our page to ‘like’ our students’ efforts.

A very big thank-you to the P&C for their acknowledgement of all staff on Staff Appreciation Day celebrated last Friday, 29 October. Thanks must also go to Mr Aaron Harper for his provision of a cake to celebrate World Teachers’ Day.

I hope everyone is feeling rested and ready to go for another action-packed week at TWSS. Amongst all the focussed teaching and learning we are still busily engaged in, it is also once again an action-packed week for special events and extra-curricular activities. This week brings 75 Star Rewards celebrations, RACQ Streets Ahead Lessons for P-2, the continuation of Life Education for Years 1, 2 and 4, a final Prep Bulk Enrolment Afternoon and ‘Tuckshop Day.’

It is difficult to believe we are also almost half-way through the term. Keep reminding your child to ‘make their words worth it’ (our PBL fortnightly focus) and to ‘finish strong.’

TWSS School Strategic Plan 2022-2025

Following endorsement by all key stakeholders, the final approved School Strategic Plan 2022-2025 has been uploaded to our school website and can now be accessed for viewing at the link below:

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 acknowledgement of their efforts so far this term. 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 marks the 25th Anniversary of The Willows State School!

Planning will commence shortly for 25th Anniversary Celebrations at The Willows SS in 2022. Anyone interested in participating in the organising committee is requested to provide their contact details to our front office staff.

Tuckshop Day – Friday, 5 November 2021

The daily efforts of our tuckshop convenor, Rosie, and her band of workers who support our students and our school have been tremendous again this year. Our tuckshop provides a great service that helps out families who have to juggle many different tasks at the start of each day and provides healthy food to assist students to study and play throughout the day.

On Tuckshop Day, this Friday, 5 November, I would like to encourage everyone to say a very special thank you to our wonderful Tuckshop team. Congratulations, Rosie, Nadine, Robyn, Sandra and Kerryn – we are so grateful to have you!

Christmas Card Competition – Phillip Thompson OAM MP – Federal Member for Herbert

Mr Thompson has invited our school to participate in a fun activity which could see our students’ artwork take pride of place on his 2021 Christmas card, which will be going out to all constituents in the electorate of Herbert.

Students in years Prep to Year 3 are invited to draw and colour a Christmas-themed artwork to fit the theme Christmas in the Tropics. Designs must be done in landscape orientation.

The worksheet entry form can be collected from S Pod.

The worksheet will need to be signed by a parent/guardian before being returned to the school office by Friday 12 November 2021. Mr Thompson’s office will then arrange to pick up the artworks on Monday 15 November 2021. We have been advised artwork cannot be considered after this date.

A winner, second and third place will be selected from each year group from Prep to Year 3, with the selected entries to be printed on the official Christmas card. The winning student from each year group will each receive a $50 Toyworld gift card.

Remembrance Day

Every year, on the 11th day of the 11th month we stop for Remembrance Day. On this day we remember and take time to reflect on the service and sacrifice of Australian servicemen and women in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations since the First World War. We will be holding our Remembrance Day Ceremony at The Willows State School on Thursday 11th November at 10:30am in the TCBC Hall. We will commemorate and pause for one minute’s silence to Remember all those service personnel past and present who have served or are still serving. If you are from a Defence family and would like to join us, please contact the office as we have limited seating available due to Covid Restrictions. Lest We Forget.

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 4, Week 4, we are still sitting at 91.3% YTD.

Is your Prep-Year 5 student transferring to another school in 2022?

We will shortly be starting the process of organising class composition for 2022. We would appreciate early notice if your child, or children, will be transferring to another school in 2022. Please inform the office by phone on 47 991 333 or email admin@thewillowsss.eq.edu.au at your earliest convenience.

Requests for specific factors to be taken into consideration for your child when organising class composition for 2022 are also able to be emailed to admin@thewillowsss.eq.edu.au.

2022 ENROLMENTS – NOW OPEN FOR ALL YEAR LEVELS – SESSION THIS THURSDAY!

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.

We are hosting a 2022 Prep Enrolment Session after school (3:30-5:00pm) THIS THURSDAY, 4 November in the TCBC hall. Please contact our office to book an appointment time if your 2022 Prep student is not already enrolled. Our final P-6 Bulk Enrolment Session for 2021 will be held on Thursday, 25 November 3:30-5:00pm – please contact the office ASAP to request an appointment time if needed.

Have a wonderful week. Our next newsletter for Term 4 will be issued on Wednesday, 10 November.

Warm regards,

Michelle Donn
A/Principal

General News

RACQ STREETS AHEAD

This term, the RACQ Streets Ahead road safety program is being delivered to our Prep to Year 2 students focusing on pedestrian, passenger and riding safety. Resource Packs with age appropriate activities and videos demonstrating strategies are available at the link 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.

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

LAST P&C MEETING FOR THE YEAR

Come along to our last P&C meeting for 2021 next Tuesday 9 November at 6pm in the TCBC.

LOCAL MATTERS AT THE GRILL’D WILLOWS

HOW IT WORKS

1. You probably know the drill. Order up and you'll get a token to vote in-restaurant or online. Use your token to vote for The Willows State School P&C.
2. Every burger equals a vote. You’ll get a token to vote with in-restaurant or when you order online.
3. Place your vote. At the end of the month the jar with the most tokens receives $300, the 2nd and 3rd are given $100 each.

CONTAINERS FOR CHANGE

TUCKSHOP DAY – 5 NOVEMBER, 2021

The daily efforts of our tuckshop workers have been tremendous this year. We should remember to say please and thank you every day, but on Tuckshop Day, Friday 5 November, we will say a very special thank you to this wonderful team.

We don’t take their hard work for granted. Thank you everyone.

FAMILY PORTRAIT FUNDRAISER - Sunday 21 November 2021

Bookings are now open for our family portrait fundraiser. The team from North Point Photos will be visiting our school to take professional family portraits in an indoor studio setting. The cost is only $20 and this includes one 8x10 photo.

Simply visit the link below and select the Willows State School and then choose an available time slot. Limited spots are available so book early to avoid disappointment.

Defence News

HELLO ALL DEFENCE FAMILIES

UPDATE for Week 5. It’s been a busy week for me getting out and about in the Defence Community. I was very fortunate to be invited, along with all DSM’s in the Townsville area, to attend a Morning Tea at Jezzine House hosted by 3rd Brig Brigadier Kahill Fegan and his wife Ilona. It was a beautiful morning with great company and awesome views. Afterwards, I visited the newly opened Oasis Centre, Home Base for the Veteran Community (current and ex ADF) which includes families, friends and our local community. There are loads of facilities including Veterans Lounge, Wellbeing Program, Dirty Boots Café, Collaboration Space, Brothers ‘N’ Books, Free Veteran Workshops and Employment Coordination Service. The centre is open 9am-3pm Monday to Friday. For more details call 4759 8777 or drop in, grab a coffee and have a chat with the awesome staff.

Our Remembrance Day Ceremony will be held on Thursday 11th November in the TCBC hall starting at 10:30am. Big thank you to students assisting with Poppy making at Kids Club. Poppies will be available to purchase with money raised going to the RSL. You are welcome to stay for Morning Tea after the ceremony. Many students at Kids Club made a card for their teacher last Friday to show their appreciation for World Teachers Day. Farewell Packs will be delivered to students in the coming weeks. A Farewell Party is planned for Friday 19th November and invitations will be included in Farewell packs for those students posted. A Pizza Party for Year 6 Defence Leavers will be held on Friday 26th November. Invites have been sent out to students. An Afternoon Tea for Parents will be held on Friday 3rd December. Please email me or give me a call if you would like to talk further.

Posting - If you are posting out soon, don’t forget to contact schools in your area for enrolment packs and remember to ask if they have a Defence School Mentor. You can check out school websites and contact the EDLO at DMFS in your posting area. Students can become very emotional leading up to their move and have lots of questions for you. If I am not informed I cannot support or make sure they receive their pack. There is an amazing online resource for ADF members and families about what to see and do, in your new location. Happy Moving.

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

Friday 5th November - Barefoot Bowling and BBQ - Calling all amateur and crackerjack lawn-bowlers! Couples and singles, mums and dads, and other adult family members are invited to join us for another one of our popular Tropical Friday Barefoot Bowling adults-only night out! Bowling and BBQ will be provided free of charge and full facilities are available at the Bowls Club. Please note this is a child-free event. Numbers are strictly limited so secure your tickets now!

Sunday 7th November – Council Ready Disaster Day -*FREE EVENT* from 9am-12 at Jezzine Barracks. Lots of information to assist Townsville residents get prepared for natural disasters.

Thursday 18th November - Out for Lunch - If you can’t make it to Coffee Connections this month, here’s another chance for us to catch-up before the craziness of school holidays and the silly season begins. The Bohle Barn is a family friendly establishment, has great meals and a state-of-the-art kids play area. There is plenty of parking available on-site and it’s easy to find! This is a self-funded lunch and attendees are responsible for the cost of purchasing their own food and drinks. Children are more than welcome under parent/guardian supervision. Register your attendance through Eventbrite so that accurate numbers for tables can be booked.

SAVE THE DATE: Geckos Xmas Party – Saturday November 20

Keep an eye on Geckos’ Facebook page and our November e-News for more info!

TO BE UP TO DATE WITH WHATS ON IN TOWNSVILLE CHECK THE LINK BELOW 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

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

Open Arms call 1800 011 046

The Oasis Townsville - 1 Staging Camp Ave, The Village, Oonoonba, Townsville hello@theoasistownsville.org.au 07 4759 8777 and Facebook

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

Geckos Family Centre-Nth Qld Lavarack Barracks, contact WO2 Nicole Lickorish 07 44446 1238

Kookaburra Kids Tvl - 1300 566 525

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

6TH NOVEMBER IS NATIONAL KINDNESS DAY - BE KIND TO ALL YOU MEET!!

Community Events & Notices

Learn to Live Disability Services

POSITIVE PARTNERSHIPS