23 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 7 of our 8-week teaching and learning Term 1. Students are busily engaged in the completion of a number of units of work over the next 8 days. School will conclude for Term 1 next week on Friday, 1 April and re-commence on Tuesday, 19 April.

Amongst all the focussed teaching and learning last week we managed to include the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence (NDA) P-2 and Year 3-6 Parades and our Student Council’s Term 1 fundraiser, Colours for the Kids. The NDA Parades were the first opportunity for our 2022 School Captains to take the lead and they led the parades with confidence. Some highlights of the parades were hearing our class representatives from Year 3-6 make their anti-bullying pledges to their peers, our Prep students collectively pledging anti-bullying messages whilst waving their ‘hands’ and our entire school community learning to sign “At The Willows we say ‘Bullying. No Way!’” The Student Council’s efforts in promoting Colours for the Kids and their chosen charity also raised an impressive $837.20 for Ronald McDonald House. A very big thank-you to all staff, parents and students who so generously contributed to the success of each of these events – it is certainly a collaborative team effort.

Over the last two weeks of term we continue to be busy with a range of extra-curricular and co-curricular events – school photos, Year 4-6 Cyber-Safety presentations, NAPLAN Practice Testing for Year 3 and 5 students, 3 Way Conversations, GRIP Leadership Conference, 75 Star Rewards, Cross Country Trials and a Cowboys Development Visit to name but a few. Please note the organisational details of these events (as outlined in this newsletter and/or on our school Facebook page) to avoid any disappointment for your child.

School Photos THIS WEEK – 23-25 March

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. These envelopes contain comprehensive information about the packages available and instructions for ordering. The timetable for school photos is again published in this 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. No Sports shirts or Senior shirts are to be worn for the photos. Sibling photos can still be ordered but will need to be done by cash through the office, as online ordering has closed for this. The photographers have also advised that online orders have been suspended and the website will once again be available for online orders from Saturday 26th March for a period of two weeks. Advanced Life photographers advise us that school photographs will be returned 4-6 weeks after photography days.

3 Way Conversations – to be held face-to-face in classrooms in the last week of term

Information has now been distributed to all students advising parents of the process to book individual meeting times with their child’s class teacher and other specialist teachers. We strongly encourage parents to take this opportunity to meet with their child’s teacher to discuss their child’s progress during Term 1. The ‘Five Questions’ will be a framework utilised during discussion.

Powerful Questions to get to Know Learners and Learning – based on the research of Lyn Sharratt

Five Questions Teachers can ask their students:

1. What are you learning?
2. How are you doing?
3. How do you know?
4. How can you improve?
5. Where do you go for help?

NAPLAN Online in 2022

Our students in Years 3 and 5 will be undertaking NAPLAN testing online in May this year. Moving NAPLAN online brings many advantages including a test design that offers test items tailored to students’ knowledge and ability.

All students in Years 3 and 5 will participate in online practice tests THIS WEEK on Thursday and Friday. This is an excellent opportunity to fine tune any technical and logistical needs, as well as familiarise students and teachers with the online testing process. Please contact the school if you have any queries about NAPLAN testing at this stage.

COVID-19 Update regarding P&C Executive and Volunteers

Under the Chief Health Officer’s COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements for Workers in a High-risk Setting Direction, all workers, including volunteers must be fully vaccinated to enter a school site. We have now been advised that this applies to all times of the day (within school hours and also outside school hours). This means that members of the P&C Executive are required to be fully vaccinated to attend P&C meetings held at schools (regardless of the time of the meeting). Parents attending purely in their capacity as a parent (not as a member of the Executive or as a volunteer), are not required to be vaccinated to attend.

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 the link below

Staffing Update

• This week we welcomed back Mrs Claire Franklin, our Head of Special Education Services (HoSES), from leave. We would like to thank Mrs Jodie Robinson for her work in stepping into the A/HoSES role for the past 4 weeks whilst Mrs Franklin has been on leave.
• Ms Kayla Hawkins, our Head of Department – Teaching and Learning, will be taking on an A/Deputy Principal role for the last few weeks of this term at Annandale State School. We look forward to Ms Hawkins return at the start of Term 2.

COMMUNITY NOTIFICATION FROM BROTHERS LEAGUES CLUB

Brothers Leagues Club wishes to advise of the upcoming Laurie Spina Shield Rugby League Carnival to be held at Brothers Leagues Club on Friday 1st April (last day of school term).

Due to the number of players involved in the carnival, the number of people attending will have a significant impact on traffic flow moving through the Golf Links Drive, Hervey Range Road areas during the normal school / work commute on this morning between 7:00-9:30am.

Community members are requested to find an alternative route (where possible) to avoid the congestion and associated travel time delays on this day.

This week we acknowledge ‘Harmony Week’ – a week dedicated to celebrating Australia’s cultural diversity, inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. This is particularly pertinent to us at The Willows State School as one of our three key Explicit Improvement Agendas relates to ‘inclusivity. ’

Have a wonderful week – our final Term 1 newsletter will be issued on Wednesday, 30 March.

Warm regards,

Michelle Donn
A/Principal

General News

INTERSCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY TRIALS

Notes were distributed last Friday to students who were interested in trialling for the Interschool Cross Country team. If your child would like to nominate themselves, please fill out the below form, or see the office to get a copy.

THREE WAY CONVERSATIONS

SCHOOL PHOTOS – HOW TO ORDER

SCHOOL PHOTOS – SCHEDULE

YEAR 4 INCURSION – INDIGENOUS ART & CULTURE WORKSHOP

2022 NAPLAN ONLINE – YEARS 3 AND 5

Dear Parents and Caregivers

Our students in Years 3 and 5 will be undertaking NAPLAN testing online in May this year. We commenced moving to NAPLAN online in 2021, and it brings many advantages including a test design that offers test items tailored to students’ knowledge and ability.

Years 3 and 5 online test sequence

1. writing (paper for Year 3 only)
2. reading
3. conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation)
4. numeracy

• Year 5 students must complete the writing test within the first two days of the test window.
• Each student must complete the reading test before they sit the conventions of language test.

NAPLAN Online numeracy, reading and conventions of language are tailored or adaptive tests. Tailored testing provides a more engaging test for students and a more precise assessment of student performance. Students at each year level start with a similar set of questions. Depending on each student’s answers, the next set of questions may be easier or more difficult, giving students greater opportunity to demonstrate what they know.

We will also be participating in a national practice test on 24th, 25th and 28th March. This is an excellent opportunity to fine tune any technical and logistical needs, as well as familiarise students and teachers with the online testing process. Students will need to bring their headphones with them (this was listed as an item on the booklist). Student data is de-identified and will not be collected or monitored throughout the practice test.

Parents and caregivers of children in these NAPLAN year levels will need to be aware of important information relating to privacy, which can be found on the NAPLAN Online Queensland website’s parent information page .

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to visit the NAPLAN Online Public Demonstration site to view models of the online testing and provide students with opportunities to interact with the platform.

For further information regarding NAPLAN Online, including privacy statements, please visit

THE WILLOWS WARRIORS PRE-PREP PLAYGROUP

Upcoming Events

Defence News

HELLO and WELCOME TO ALL DEFENCE FAMILIES

Week 7 already and I hope everyone had a relaxing weekend. Our target for March On For Solider was reached which is great news! A HUGE thank you to all who donated. Soldier On appreciate all donations to support soldiers.

REMINDER that the school Anzac Day Ceremony and the Thuringowa Anzac Day March is held next term. Our Anzac Day school ceremony will be held at school on Friday 22nd April which is the first week back of Term 2. The Thuringowa Anzac Day March will be held on the public holiday, Monday 25th April. The parade takes place from behind The Weir State School and we march to the Riverway Cenotaph. If any students are interested in marching to represent the school, please ask them to see Mrs Wheeler in L pod to receive a permission form. The permission form has all the details and must be signed and returned to school before the march. Parents are also welcome to march with their children on the day. We will be selling badges, wristbands and silk ribbons for Anzac Day when we return to school in Term 2.

Geckos Family Centre has released their school holiday program. If you are interested in registering for the activities, please check their website or Facebook page to see the activities and how to register. Be quick as there are limited spots.

Students have been telling me their Dad/Mum have been sent on flood assist and they are not sure when they will be home. Please call or send me an email if this happening and if you have noticed any changes in your children. During this time when a loved one is away it can be very emotional and challenging for the children and I can offer support and assist them at school.

Geckos family Centre-North Queensland has some school holiday fun lined up for the upcoming school holidays. Tickets are heavily subsidised and limited. Activities include Tenpin Bowling, Chipmunks, Go-Karting and Reading Cinemas. Check their website or Facebook for links to book but be quick!

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 from 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 or 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 student’s 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. For more information go To Whom It May Concern from the link below

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 Whom It May Concern: BE UP TO DATE WITH WHATS ON IN TOWNSVILLE CHECK the below website, 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

All new students will receive an invitation to attend. Please let me know if there are any special dietary requirements I need to be aware of.

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 www.dsng.org.au

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

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. 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

TEACH LOVE INSPIRE

Community Events & Notices