17 November 2021

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Pride

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Community Members,

Welcome to Week 7 of Term 4 – it is difficult to comprehend where the year has gone. I have had the greatest pleasure recently in seeing the ‘learning distance travelled’ by so many of our students in 2021, especially in their reading and writing development. It is when I see this incredible growth and the pride students feel in achieving their personal goals that I reflect on the success of the teaching and learning happening every day in every classroom. I wish all students a successful final few weeks of their 2021 school year.

Last week’s Remembrance Day Ceremony was beautifully led by our Student Leaders and respectfully participated in by our students – thank you for your support of this important tradition.

Our school was also once again very positively showcased through the Prep Open day sessions last Friday. I would like to congratulate the entire staff on their contribution to this – from the moment families were welcomed into the office, to the moment they departed, they encountered positive and supportive staff willing to assist and proud to share the wonderful opportunities available at TWSS. Thank you to Woolworths at The Avenues for their provision of fruit for the healthy snacks our students enjoyed.

2022 Booklists

These will be made available on the school website and school Facebook page in the next couple of days. Booklists will also be emailed to each year level tomorrow to the email addresses recorded in OneSchool for parents and caregivers.

Cluster Inter-school Moderation

This week on Monday afternoon 3:30-5:30pm, The Willows SS teaching staff met across sites with teaching staff from Rasmussen SS and Weir SS to engage in school moderation of Semester 2 English student assessment folios in order to quality assure curriculum standards.

Thank you to all teaching staff for your ongoing commitment to working with our cluster colleagues to intentionally collaborate, learn from each other through professional dialogue and quality assure our understanding of AC standards. Work with this cluster of schools is planned to continue into 2022.

Teaching and Learning – Report Cards

Teaching and learning will continue to be our focus right up until the end of the school year. You can assist your children to “finish strong” by ensuring they are in full attendance, read every day and complete their homework when required. The Willows State School will be emailing Report Cards again this Semester. To ensure all parents and caregivers receive their child/children’s Report Cards, it is important that the school has your current email address recorded in OneSchool. If you are unsure that the school has your correct current email address, please ring/email the office to confirm.

Report Cards will be emailed to all parent/caregivers recorded as receiving correspondence.

Year 6 Graduation Ceremony, Year 6 Pizza Party, Rite of Passage and End-of-Year Excursion

Notes have been distributed to all Year 6 students regarding arrangements for the Year 6 Graduation Ceremonies to be held on Tuesday, 7 December, the Year 6 Pizza Party on Wednesday, 8 December and the Year 6 End-of-Year Excursion and Rite of Passage on Thursday, 9 December. Please contact the school office if your child has not brought home a note as yet or you have any queries about these events.

Water Safety and Swimming Program – commences next week on Tuesday, 23 November

In Term 4, The Willows State School is offering a Water Safety and Swimming Program for Year 2 and 4 students as part of the Physical Education Program. Notes have now been distributed to all students who have returned their permission forms and finalised payment. Please contact the school office if you have any queries about this or have not received a note.

BYOx Program Letters

All students who committed to the BYOx Program for 2022 (currently specific students in Year 3, 4 and 5) will receive a confirmation letter advising them of the final updated device minimum specifications, intune onboarding instructions and advice about technical set-up assistance available at the Book Drop Off session in January (if needed). Please don’t hesitate to contact the school should you have any further queries at this stage.

HR Update

At the P&C meeting last week, Rosie Helander announced her intention to resign from her Tuckshop Convenor role at the end of the school year to pursue other career endeavours. After 8 years of leading the tuckshop team, Rosie will be sorely missed by the entire school community. An advertisement to fill this position is currently open, with the P&C actively seeking to recruit a suitable replacement in the near future.

25 Year Anniversary Committee Meeting - update

Thank you to those who expressed interest in attending, or were able to attend last week’s first committee meeting. Carol Buchanan, the inaugural Principal of TWSS, was in attendance and keen to take an active role within the committee. It is wonderful to have Carol’s support and learn more about the history of the school’s development. As an advance date claimer, the committee is currently planning a whole school assembly official celebration on Thursday, 11 August 2022, P&C Fun Fair on Friday, 12 August and the Opening of the Time Capsule on Saturday, 13 August (the school’s official opening date). I look forward to sharing further exciting plans as they are progressed.

DATE CLAIMER: Student Council Free Dress Day – 19 November

2022 Student Leader Announcements – letters to be distributed Thursday, 18 November

Year 5 students who nominated for student leadership positions will be notified on Thursday this week whether successful or unsuccessful. The number and calibre of applicants was truly outstanding this year and it was a challenging process for the panel and class teachers. All student leader applicants will receive a letter to share with their caregivers. The school community will be more broadly officially advised of the 2022 Student Leaders at the conclusion of the Senior Academic Excellence Awards ceremony in Week 10 on Tuesday, 7 December.

Online program to help families of children with eczema

Every day, thousands of Australian children suffer the effects of eczema, and families struggle with managing eczema and children’s behavioural and emotional adjustment.

Healthy Living Triple P is an adaptation of the successful Triple P - Positive Parenting Program, offering practical ideas and support for parents of children with eczema. This innovative online program is designed to help parents manage their child’s eczema more easily, help children cope with their eczema and emotions, prevent and manage difficult child behaviour, and reduce the impact of eczema on families.

Over the next few months, parents of 2-10 year old children with eczema are able to access Healthy Living Triple P free of charge as part of a research project through the Queensland Children’s Hospital, Griffith University, and the University of Queensland. For more information, visit the link below, contact Dr Amy Mitchell on (07) 3735 6462, or email healthyliving@uq.edu.au.

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 6, we are now sitting at 91.2% 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 NEW STUDENT ENROLMENTS – NOW OPEN FOR ALL YEAR LEVELS – ONE FINAL SESSION THIS YEAR

Our school is still taking new enrolments for the 2022 school year. Please get your enrolment forms in as soon as 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.

The final Willows Warriors session (Graduation and Christmas Party) will be held on Wednesday, 24 November.

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. Our next P-6 Enrolment Session after that will be held on Wednesday, January 19 2022.

Positive Behaviour for Learning – The Willows Way – Safe, Respectful, Responsible
In keeping with our new PBL focus ‘Random Acts of Kindness’ ….

Have a wonderful week. Our next newsletter for Term 4 will be issued on Wednesday, 24 November.

Warm regards,

Michelle Donn
A/Principal

General News

SWIMMING LESSONS TIMETABLE – Year 2 and 4

GRADUATION AND RITE OF PASSAGE INFORMATION – Year 6

FREE DRESS DAY - 19 November

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

NEXT P&C MEETING IN 2022

Our next P&C meeting will be on Tuesday 8 February 2022 at 6pm in the TCBC.

KRISPY KREME UPDATE

We had a huge response to our Krispy Kreme fundraiser so thank you to everyone that supported it. We had over 500 dozen doughnuts ordered!! Due to the high demand we weren’t able to book the original pickup date.

Pickup for Krispy Kreme orders will now be at school pickup time on Wednesday 24 November from the TCBC kitchen.

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.

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.

Defence News

HELLO ALL DEFENCE FAMILIES

UPDATE for Week 7 - Thank you again to everyone who shared our Remembrance Day Ceremony at school. I am so proud of the students for being respectful and have attached some photos from the ceremony.

This week I have started to deliver Farewell Packs to students and we’ve discussed where they are going and what school they will be attending. We’ve also had lots of conversations about why they are leaving and why they have to leave all their friends. Please reassure students that if they have not received their Farewell Pack yet that I have not forgotten them. It takes a little time to see all the students who are leaving.

If you haven’t already, please advise the office and myself if you are moving schools so your child/ren can receive a pack. This time can be a very challenging time for children and in the coming weeks, I am holding a Relocation session all about feelings and strategies on what to do to make the transition smoother.

Defence Leavers Farewell Party is planned for next Friday 19th November and invitations will be included in the Farewell Packs for those students posted. Please remind students to attend in L Pod at second break next Friday. There will be party food, drinks and a fun time for all who attend.

A Pizza Party for Year 6 Defence Leavers will be held on Friday 26th November at second break. Invites will be sent out to students soon.

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.

The Oasis Centre is NOW OPEN to all Veterans of Townsville. Oasis Art Veterans Furniture Workshop is calling for HELP NOW. Call in Thursdays from 10am-1pm for Community projects, woodwork, craft and restoration. It’s a great place to call in for a chat and a cuppa with mates. The Oasis Centre is located at Shed 3, 15 Oonoonba Rd or call 0466 644 740 for more details.

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. 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 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 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. Let’s enjoy a relaxed lunch at The Bohle Barn. The Bohle Barn is a family friendly establishment, has great meals and a state-of-the-art kids play area. There is also plenty of parking available on-site and it’s easy to find! This is a self-funded lunch. 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.

Friday 19th November - DEFENCE STUDENTS POSTED/FAREWELL PARTY - in L Pod at 2nd break. Party food and drinks. A fun session with friends before leaving our school. Please inform of any dietary requirements. Students will stay for lunch and playtime before returning to class for afternoon session. Contact Mrs Wheeler with any questions.

SAVE THE DATE: Geckos Xmas Party – Saturday November 20th

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

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

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

Open Arms call 1800 011 046

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

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

THINK POSITIVE AND POSITIVE THINGS WILL HAPPEN

Community Events & Notices

Little Lifesavers

Learn to Live Disability Services

POSITIVE PARTNERSHIPS