30 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 our final week of Term 1. After a very busy and interrupted 10 weeks, students are coming to the end of their Term 1 learning. Students who are well enough to be at school are requested to be in full attendance until the last day of term. School will conclude for Term 1 on Friday, 1 April and re-commence on Tuesday, 19 April. Please be advised that the Tuckshop will be closed on Friday, 1 April.

Amongst the teaching and learning last week we managed to include a range of extra-curricular and co-curricular events – school photos, Cyber-Safety presentations, Netball trials and NAPLAN Practice Testing to name but a few. Once again, a very big thank-you to all staff who contributed to the organisation and smooth implementation of these activities.

This week we continue to be busy with 3 Way Conversations, 75 Star and Silver Star Rewards, Year 6 Student Leader GRIP Conference, Cross-Country Trials and a Cowboys Development Visit to name but a few events.

HR Update

• Mrs Claire Franklin has indicated her intention to retire from the Department of Education. Claire’s last day of work with us will be the end of Week 5, Term 2 (Friday, 20 May). A recruitment and selection process to fill the permanent vacancy of Head of Special Education Services at The Willows State School will commence as soon as possible.
• Miss Renee McDowall will be finishing up at The Willows SS for the remainder of the year on Friday. We wish Miss McDowall all the very best in her future endeavours. Ms Emmaleen Korosec will be replacing Renee as the Year 1 / 2 teacher from the start of Term 2.
• Thank you to Mrs Keryn Munro for her work this term in backfilling Mrs Fiona Scarr. We are pleased to advise that Mrs Scarr will be returning from leave in Term 2.
• Next term we welcome back Mrs Siobhan Moule from leave as a Local Relief Teacher for 3 days per week.

3 Way Conversations

Thank you to all parents who took up the opportunity to meet with their child’s teacher/s to discuss their child’s progress during Term 1. I trust that the opportunity to view your child’s work, portfolios and classroom learning walls provided clarity around the demands of the curriculum and how student progress is monitored and assessed over time. Positive and informed home-school partnerships are essential for our students’ success and your ongoing support of your child’s learning journey is much appreciated.

NAPLAN 2023

The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) has now officially advised schools:

From 2023, the following changes to NAPLAN will occur:

• NAPLAN testing will move to mid-March Term 1.
• In 2023, NAPLAN will be held from Wednesday 15 March to Monday 27 March.
• The existing three-yearly NAP sample assessments (which involve some students) in Years 6 and 10 in Science, Civics and Citizenship, and Digital Literacy will move to Term 2.
• Separate opt-in assessments in these same domains and year levels will also be available in Term 2 each year for any school. Science will be available in 2024, with Civics and Citizenship added in 2025 and Digital Literacy in 2026. Results will be available to participating schools to support teaching and learning but will not be reported publicly.

Moving the tests forward mean this data will be available earlier in the year to inform teaching and learning programs as well as giving parents/carers information about their child’s performance earlier in the year.

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.

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.

Face masks – Message communicated by the DoE Emergency Response Team Chair

From 4 March mandatory mask requirements were relaxed and masks are no longer required in schools, including for staff, students and visitors. Masks must still be worn by anyone aged 12 years or older in a range of settings:

• on public transport
• healthcare settings
• residential aged care
• disability accommodation
• prisons and detention centres
• airports and on planes.

**Please note the information links below also state that children under 12 are exempt from mask wearing unless unwell with COVID-19 symptoms.

A staff member or student displaying COVID-19 symptoms while at a school camp must always wear a face mask until they have been picked up from the camp, excursion or school.

For 7 days after ending isolation or quarantine , staff and students who return to school after having COVID-19 or were close contacts are required to wear a face mask. When returning from isolation or quarantine, face masks must be worn anywhere indoors or when travelling in shared transport other than their family car. Face masks must also be worn outdoors if physical distancing cannot be maintained.

Further information is available in the Public Health Face Masks Requirements Direction (No. 5) , and in the additional information to help people understand what the direction means.

Term 1 Silver Rewards

As part of our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) Whole School Reward System, at the conclusion of every term a Silver Rewards celebration is held to acknowledge the exemplary behaviour of students. There are clear guidelines around who is eligible to attend these events. Students are ineligible to attend if they have received a ‘Major’ behaviour incident referral during the term.

75 Star Rewards sessions are also held twice per term – at the conclusion of Weeks 5 and 10. To be eligible to attend, students must have accumulated 75 Stars on their chart – these are provided by teachers for following school rules, expectations and routines.

Lost Property

Please view the lost property box located in the Main CPA if you are looking for your child’s lost items of clothing, lunchboxes or drink bottles. All unclaimed items are disposed of at the end of each term. Lost property will be displayed during break time in the Main CPA this week. Ensuring all property brought to school is clearly labelled with your child’s name greatly assists in minimising frustration for you and your family.

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.

The School Watch program is a partnership between the Department of Education and Training, the Queensland Police Service and the State Government Protective Security Service. It aims to reduce vandalism, theft and arson in Queensland schools.

Easter Vacation & Term 2 Date Claimers

I would like to wish all staff, students and our entire The Willows SS school community a wonderful Easter 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. I look forward to seeing everyone back at school happy and healthy on Tuesday, 19 April for the commencement of what promises to be an action-packed Term 2. Some upcoming events to look forward to include our ANZAC School Assembly on 22 April, ANZAC Day March on 25 April, Inter-House Athletics Carnival on 17 June, P&C Mother’s Day Stall 3-6 May and Under 8’s Afternoon on 20 May to name but a few.

Have a wonderful week – our first newsletter for Term 2 will be issued on Wednesday, 20 April.

Warm regards,

Michelle Donn
A/Principal

General News

Student Council News – Colours for the Kids Fundraiser

Interschool Cross Country Trials

Peek at Prep

THE WILLOWS WARRIORS PRE-PREP PLAYGROUP

Upcoming Events

Positive Behaviour Learning

Defence News

HELLO and WELCOME TO ALL DEFENCE FAMILIES

Week 8 and the final week of Term 1. I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very relaxing two weeks holiday. I hope you are able to have some time off and spend it with your families as it has been a stressful time for lots of families. We have so many wonderful places to visit right on our doorstep - take an hour or two and go for a drive and see what our local area has to offer. You could also visit Geckos in the holidays for fun activities and to have a chat with other Defence parents. Have fun and travel safe.

Happy Easter to you all and enjoy the many treats you will receive.

REMINDER - Thuringowa Anzac Day March will be held on the public holiday, Monday 25th April (Term 2 Week 2). The school meets up from the carpark at 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 collect 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. Our school Anzac Day Ceremony will be held at school on Friday 22nd April starting at 9:30am (Term 2 Week 1). We will be selling badges, wristbands and silk ribbons for Anzac Day when we return to school in Term 2.

Please send me an email if a loved one is away. It can be an emotional time and challenging for some children. I can offer support and assist them at school. Please call for a chat or email me.

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 https://kookaburrakids.org.au 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 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 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 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

They’ll be out and about soon enough, so if you haven’t met them already, they’re looking forward to meeting you soon!

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

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 .

Correna Wheeler
Defence School Mentor

HAVE A HAPPY EASTER AND A VERY RELAXING HOLIDAY, SEE YOU IN TERM 2.

Music News (The Pitch)

Prep News

In Prep this term, we have been learning the sounds s,a,t,p,i,n. We have also begun writing the sounds we hear in words during reading groups.

In English, the Prep students have been retelling their favourite stories, and talking about what they have liked and disliked in the story.

Mathematics has been fun, as the children have learned multiple ways of sorting objects and learning all about numbers.

Year One News

We are almost at the end of this very busy first term and wow, we definitely deserve a holiday break! We have been so busy in English showing what we understand about how we connect to and have opinions about stories. Maths has had us working on our first Guided Inquiry where we investigated what we could find out and collect data for within our classrooms, Science has had us stating how we have seen our school environment change over the years and how that could have impacted any of the living things that may have lived in those habitats. Lots of thinking and lots of explaining!

We can’t wait to have our learners back refreshed after the holidays to get into our Term 2 learning.

Year Two News

In Science this term, Year 2 have designed their own lunchboxes! Students have created their lunchboxes using recycled materials. After creating their lunchboxes, we conducted two tests. One was to test the strength of their lunch box and the other was to test the water resistance of it. We have had a lot of fun making the lunchboxes and learning about the properties of different materials!

Year Three News

Health

In Health, we have focused on individual identity and the changes that take place due to our family and environmental influences. We have investigated positive interactions and emotions related to these interactions.

This unit of work has linked to our Positive Behaviour Learning focus of Kindness.

Some of the year 3’s watched a little story about ‘Chrysanthemum’ to demonstrate the effect of negative interactions by screwing up a heart every time someone said something nasty.

Year Four News

BYOX Program

In 4E PRO students have been working really hard in all curriculum areas. Students are particularly enjoying working on their laptops through the BYOX program. 4E PRO have been enjoying doing research in HASS and Science, engaging and improving their English Twits chapter, learning new ways of doing Maths on the computer and improving their reading levels through recording themselves on Teams. Although we do a lot of engaging learning on the laptops, 4E PRO a doing a great job of adjusting and transitioning from some work being done in work books, groups or computers, depending on the lesson.

We are excited to see where the rest of this year takes us in the year 4 BYOX class and cannot wait to share more of our work.

Year Five News

Over the past 7 weeks, Year 5’s in HASS have been learning to investigate the characteristics of places and using evidence to draw conclusions about a preferred place to live.

We learned how to describe the interconnections between people and the human and environmental characteristics of places. We also interpreted data to identify population density in Spain and Finland and describe its global location.

Year Six News

Everything is full steam ahead as Year 6 students enter their final week of a very busy Term 1. At this time of term, learning is always our main focus. Students are doing a great job making sure assessments are getting done to wrap up the term. In Maths, students are investigating and solving problems involving area to find out how many chairs best fit into the TCBC for a concert. During Science, students have finished an investigation to determine whether certain materials are reversible or irreversible. In HASS we created a Triarama that summarises the roles and responsibilities of each of the three levels of government in Australia. There has also been lots of opportunity to focus on PBL with some very engaging sessions creating no bullying banners which the students loved.

Community Events & Notices