9 March 2022

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Pride

2022 School Explicit Improvement Agenda (EIA):
Every Student is a Reader and a Writer – Aim for the ‘A’
Inclusivity: Everyone Counts!
Wellbeing and Engagement for All

Welcome back to Week 5 of our 8-week teaching and learning Term 1. Over the past week our Prep students were photographed for the Townsville Bulletin, we celebrated National Be Kind Day by remembering that kindness was our superpower, we experienced modified eating and play breaks due to the ongoing heatwave conditions, we had a visit from Hands on Wildlife and the vast majority of our students excitedly participated in 75 Star Rewards activities.

School Photos COMING UP – 23-25 March (Wed-Friday Week 7)

Please see the School Photo Flyer within this school newsletter for details of how to order your child’s school photos. Photo order envelopes have previously been dispatched to all students and sibling photo forms are available in the office. These envelopes contain comprehensive information about the packages available and instructions for ordering. The timetable for school photos will be published in next week’s newsletter so parents will be aware when classes are having their photo taken and can ensure students are dressed in full school uniform. Please note any classes having their photos taken on Wednesday, 23/03 are to wear full school uniform NOT sporting house shirts. No Senior shirts are to be worn for school photos. Advanced Life photographers advise us that school photographs will be returned 4-6 weeks after photography days.

School Operations – Relaxing of COVID-19 Restrictions

From 6pm on 4 March, the Back to School Plan is no longer in place, and schools have now returned to COVID-normal operations with some additional considerations outlined below:

• Face masks are no longer required to be worn by staff or students in schools, on dedicated school transport or at other education workplaces. Staff and students who wish to wear a face mask at school may continue to do so. We are still able to supply masks to students if needed.
• Schools will continue to supply RATs to staff and students who become symptomatic at school throughout Term 1. Queensland Health Isolation Guidelines regarding positive COVID cases and close contacts still apply.
• Schools can resume assemblies and other large gatherings, and parents, carers, volunteers, contractors and other external workers are now permitted on school sites. Our year levels will re-commence face-to-face year level parades and whole school special occasion assemblies have been re-instated.
• Critically essential worker provisions - the department, and all state schools, are not making use of these provisions. The department has determined that allowing close contacts into a school setting would be high risk.

Parent-Teacher Meet and Greet – Thank You

We have looked forward to the relaxing of restrictions and the opportunity to invite all our families into our school and classrooms to speak with their students’ teachers. Thank you to the many families who were able to take advantage of the opportunity on Tuesday afternoon – it was wonderful to see so many parents in attendance. Positive home-school partnerships enable success for our learners.

DATE CLAIMER: 2022 Student Leader Investiture Ceremony – re-scheduled to Friday, 11 March

We have re-scheduled the previously postponed Student Leader Investiture Ceremony to Friday, 11 March, commencing at 9:15am in the TCBC Hall. Year 3-6 students, staff and the parents/caregivers of our student leaders are cordially invited to attend. Further information has been distributed to student leader families. I am very much looking forward to congratulating our 2022 leaders.

Containers for Change information – support our school!

If you are an avid recycler you may like to donate your funds raised to our school!
Did you know that The Willows SS has its own Scheme ID?
Our Scheme ID is C10185045 and all donations are greatly appreciated.

To find out more about the scheme visit the link below or get the Containers For Change Qld app.

Payment for Handwriting texts (P-4)

P-4 families have now been invoiced for this year’s Handwriting Textbook. This invoicing was advised to families at the top of the 2022 Booklist distributed last year. The school pre-purchases these textbooks in advance to remove the requirement for each individual family to source or order this text and to ensure this is available to students from Day #1. Thank you in advance for your attention to this invoice.

2022 Voluntary Contributions - $40 per student and $80 per family

The costs of providing instruction, administration and facilities for the education of students enrolled at a school are met by the State Government. Voluntary financial contributions are used by the school to provide an enhanced educational service and to supplement resources available for student learning, recreation and comfort.

The Willows State School has maintained a consistent level of voluntary financial contributions for the past few years, approved by the P&C. Please see the Parent Information Sheet regarding Voluntary Financial Contributions below. If you wish to make a voluntary financial contribution to the school please pay at the school office.

Thank you in anticipation of your support.

COVID-19 Positive Cases notification to school community

Over the past week we have continued to be notified of positive test results for COVID-19 in our school community.

May I remind you to continue to:

• Monitor yourself and your family for COVID-19 symptoms that can include fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, headache, fatigue, diarrhoea, vomiting or nausea, loss of smell and/or taste.
• Stay home if displaying any symptoms, or feeling unwell. You should attend your local Queensland Health testing clinics where students are prioritised to get a free rapid antigen test (RAT).
• Continue to follow all Queensland Health advice.

If students become symptomatic while at school, you will be contacted to collect them. You will also be provided with a free rapid antigen test (RAT) to administer at home.

If your child tests positive to COVID-19, please follow Queensland Health guidelines for reporting the test result, isolation and quarantine.

More COVID-19 related information is available from:

TWSS Parents and Citizens Association Annual General Meeting – 2022 Executive

The Annual General meeting of The Willows State School Parents and Citizens Association was held on the evening of Tuesday, 8 March. Congratulations to the following members who have been voted into 2022 Executive positions:

• Sonya Rogers (President)
• Rachel Ratten (Vice-President)
• Jackie Vaggs (Treasurer)
• Belinda Barattucci (Secretary)

On behalf of our entire school community I sincerely thank Sonya, Rachel, Jackie and Belinda for their commitment to the school in taking on these roles in 2022.

A very big thank-you to the outgoing 2021 Executive Team members for their substantial contributions to the P&C in 2021 and past years. Special thanks to:

• Rachel Ratten (2021 President)
• Darien Williamson (2021 Vice-President)
• Wanda Austin (2021 Treasurer)

General Meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:00pm in the TCBC Conference Room. All parents and community members are most welcome to attend. There are a number of sub-committees that parents and community members can get involved with, such as the OSHC, Tuckshop and Fundraising sub-committees. The next General Meeting of the P&C will be held on Tuesday, 19 April (first day of Term 2).

The Willows SS 25 Year Anniversary Celebration - 2022

This year The Willows SS will be celebrating its 25 Year Anniversary. The official opening date of The Willows SS was 13 August, 1997. The committee is currently working on a number of plans and events to celebrate this special occasion.

If anyone has any ‘memorabilia’ from past years at the school that could be shared for a display, it would be greatly appreciated. Any support that can be offered for the 25 Year Anniversary Planning Committee would also be much appreciated. Please contact the school or P&C to find out how you can be involved. Many hands make light work.

Warm regards,

Michelle Donn
A/Principal

General News

THREE WAY CONVERSATIONS

CYBERSAFETY IN QUEENSLAND STATE SCHOOLS

Cybersafety refers to online behaviour that is safe, appropriate and responsible. To help prevent cybersafety incidents, students are taught how to use technology appropriately and responsibly and behave in ways to enhance their own safety. Cybersafety is covered in our Technology and Health curriculum in years 4,5 and 6.

The Cybersafety and Reputation Management team plays a key role in maintaining the integrity of the department's reputation with regards to cybersafety. The team have developed programs to help primary students understand and remember what they should and shouldn't do online. They will be visiting our school soon and a letter will be sent home regarding their visit.

The team will also be holding a 1hour parent session from 3.30 to 4.30pm in TCBC Conference Room on the same day. We welcome you to attend this session as this is a great opportunity to have all your cybersafety and online questions answered by the Departments specialised team, as well as find out more about the trending online platforms your children are using. Please look out for the letter being sent home.

SCHOOL PHOTOS – HOW TO ORDER

THE WILLOWS WARRIORS PREP-PREP PLAYGROUP

Upcoming Events

Defence News

HELLO and WELCOME TO ALL DEFENCE FAMILIES

It’s Week 5 already and still so HOT! I hope you are all well and healthy.

We have a busy couple of weeks coming up in the Defence calendar. Next Wednesday 16th March at 8am on the school oval we will be having our March On for Soldier On. 96 students and staff are required to register to walk 1km around the oval to replicate the 96km of the Kokoda Track. We are participating in this venture to honour the courage and sacrifice of our veterans both past and present. Students can register with me in L pod. You can also make donations to Soldier On at:

We appreciate your support for this worthy organisation.

Defence Parents Meet and Greet Afternoon Tea is set for Thursday 17th March at 2pm in L Pod/Defence Room. It is a great opportunity to meet new families and network. Please send your RSVP to my email or call me on 4799 1333. Don’t forget to let me know if you have any dietary requirements. I hope you can make it for a chat and a cuppa. I look forward to meeting you then.

Welcome Party for New Defence Students is on Wednesday 23rd March at 2nd break. All new students will receive an invitation to attend. Again, let me know if there are any special dietary requirements I need to be aware of.

Anzac Day is fast approaching and I have a special request. Would there be a Defence parent, serving or ex serving who would be interested in being a Guest Speaker for our Anzac Day Ceremony on Friday 22nd April? It would be special to have a school family member involved in the event. If you are interested in participating, please let me know so I can complete the appropriate Defence paperwork to make this happen. Thank you in advance.

Kookaburra Kids is a worthy organisation for children aged 8-18 years, who have a parent serving and ex serving members of the ADF with a mental illness as a result of their military service. They provide fun activity days, camps and mental health education. Go to their website at the link below to read more or call Hannah in Townsville on 0484 544 451 to register. It is a wonderful way to meet new friends and have fun.

If you just posted into Townsville this year/in the last 18 months, your children may be eligible for Education Assistance. This is available for students who move to a new school due to a posting. You have 18 months to apply and use the Education Assistance. If you have posted in this year and would like your children to benefit from some extra tutoring, you can do so NOW. Just contact the Defence Member and Family Helpline 1800 624 608 or email education.supportprograms@defence.gov.au for the form. I have copies of the Education Assistance form at school that I can have the teacher sign and return home with student upon request. One hour of tutoring per subject (Maths and English) for up to 14 weeks can be accessed. Reports are no longer required to access this service. Please contact me if you have any further questions about the form. This is a valuable resource to assist students with their learning and therefore assist with their transition into a new school. This builds self-confidence and resilience in children. I am always available to answer any questions about your students transition into their new school. You can ring the Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608, visit DMFS website or collect the forms from me.

Training/Courses/Exercise/Deployments can be a challenging time for children and the family at home when a loved one goes away for a period of time. It would be most appreciated if you could contact me if/when this happens. This is important so I may support and assist your child with understanding the rollercoaster of emotions during this challenging time. Call, email me or drop in for chat at school.

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, Mums and Bubs, 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 or phone them on 07 4411 7031 for more details.

City of Townsville, Work Skills Traineeship Intake is currently recruiting their next Work Skills Intake. There is a flyer attached for more information.

TO BE UP TO DATE WITH WHATS ON IN TOWNSVILLE CHECK THE LINK BELOW, follow on Facebook or call 07 4411 7031.

DON’T FORGET to Register for DMFS mailing list NOW at MemberandFamilyHelpline@defence.gov.au or follow on Facebook for updates.

The DMFS Townsville office would like to welcome their newest staff members to the team: Education Liaison Officer-Jessica Stark

Family Liaison Officer (part-time) – Kim Lazarevic
Defence Social Worker – Jacqui Belsak
Defence Social Worker – Mary Pearson
Military Support Officer (Army) – MAJ David Long &
Military Support Officer (RAAF) – SQNLDR Lisa Power

DATES TO REMEMBER

March On for Soldier On Walk - Wednesday 16th March at 8am on school Oval. Looking for 96 students to volunteer and participate in this morning activity with me. Students can register their support by signing up at L Pod. To donate to Soldier On and support the mental health of our veterans go to:

Any support is most appreciated.

Defence Parents Afternoon Tea - Thursday 17th March at L pod. Young children welcome. Come along for a cuppa and a chat and meet new families. Please register your name and any dietary requirements. See you there.

1,2,3, Magic and Emotional Coaching is happening again and starts on Wednesday 16th March. I have attached a flyer for more details.

123 Magic & Emotion Coaching - March.pdf

Geckos Family Centre - Easter Bun-Anza is on Saturday 9th April from 5-7.30pm. Tickets are heavily subsidised and available via a link. Amusements, Australian Army Band, 2 course meal, face painting and lots more. Check Facebook for more details. Weekly activities include Parents, Bubs and Bumps, Sewing and Craft and CAM Kids. Tickets are free but essential for these activities.

IMPORTANT

Defence Family Helpline 24/7 - 1800 624 608 - Need Help give them a call

Open Arms support former and current serving ADF personnel and their family members can use the service also call 1800 011 046 www.openarms.gov.au

Mates4Mates – Townsville FRC 4771 9600 townsville@mates4mates.org

Café now Open from 9am-12.30pm every day, you are welcome to attend for a chat and to have a look around.

The Oasis Townsville for Ex-ADF Community in Townsville hello@theoasistownsville.org.au

Dirty Books Café – 1 Staging Camp Avenue, Oonoonba – 07 4759 8777

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

DSNG Defence Special Needs Group - 1800 037 674 http://dsnsg.org.au/

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

Geckos Family Centre Nth Qld Lavarack Barracks - Contact for enquiries on 07 4446 1238 or follow on Facebook.

Kookaburra Kids Charity Organisation Mental Health Service - 1300 566 525 www.kookaburrakids.org.au

Defence Holidays NQ at Lavarack Barracks (opp the Gym) - 07 4725 3842 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. Look forward to meeting you.

My hours are Monday to Friday 8:00am-3:30pm. Please phone me anytime for a chat on 4799 1333 ext 323, or email me cwhee36@eq.edu.au. I look forward to meeting you.

Correna Wheeler
Defence School Mentor

WHAT YOU DO HAS A FAR GREATER IMPACT THAN WHAT YOU SAY – STEPHEN COVEY.

Year Four News

Community Events & Notices