4 May 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 3! It is difficult to fathom how quickly this term is moving. I encourage everyone to especially focus on good health habits over the coming weeks as we move into the cooler months, traditionally the cold and flu season, of the year.

P&C Mother’s Day Stall – THIS WEEK – Tuesday, 3 May-Friday, 6 May

Our wonderful P&C are once again running a Mother’s Day Stall for our students to be able to purchase gifts for the special female caregivers in their lives. Gift prices are very competitive, and all profits go towards school fundraising projects which include playgrounds, shade structures and resources.

This year payment can either be made with cash or vouchers purchased through your child's tuckshop account on Flexischools. Please see the P&C information regarding the stall later in this newsletter.

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.

Changes to quarantine requirements for close contacts - Department of Education notification

• Close contacts who do not have COVID-19 symptoms no longer need to quarantine. Students who are close contacts must notify their school that they are a close contact.
• For 7 days after becoming a close contact, students over the age of 12 must wear a face mask while outside of their home, including at school, and when outdoors if unable to physically distance. Queensland Health also recommends that children under the age of 12 wear a face mask when it is safe to do so.
• It is recommended that students undertake a rapid antigen test (RAT) on the first day they leave home, and every second day (e.g. days 2, 4, and 6) until they are no longer a close contact.

Close contacts who develop COVID-19 symptoms must not attend school and should isolate until their symptoms resolve.

Rapid antigen tests (RATs)

Schools are not providing RATs to staff or students who are close contacts. Close contact staff and students will need to source and administer their own tests. However, our school is continuing to provide RATs to staff and students who develop COVID-19 symptoms while at school.

NAPLAN 2022 – Year 3 and 5

Our students in Years 3 and 5 will be undertaking NAPLAN testing online in May. This will be the second year that our school has undertaken the tests online. Conducting NAPLAN online 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.

Testing will occur during the period 10 – 20 May, where students will complete one test every second day in most instances. Students will need to bring their headphones with them (this was listed as an item on the booklist).

Parents and caregivers of children in 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 linked below 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

Assistant Regional Director (ARD) VISIT THIS WEEK

Our new supervising ARD, Mr Phil Sweeney, will conduct his first visit to our school – Thursday, 5 May 11am-1pm. We will endeavour to get Mr Sweeney around to as many classrooms as possible to meet staff and students and familiarise himself with our school site and facilities.

FREE PARENTING SEMINAR

Raising Resilient Children – find out more about cyber-safety

Tuesday, 17 May 2022: The Willows SS TCBC – 6:30pm-8:30pm

Many parents worry about what their kids are doing online but aren’t sure how to best protect them. We all do our best to supervise our children’s online activities, but there are also other steps we can take. That’s why we’re proud to be hosting a Triple P Seminar to help all Townsville families give their children useful skills and strategies to manage their emotions, overcome challenges, and handle situations such as unpleasant online interactions. Whatever stage of life your child is at or what challenges you are facing as a parent, the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program can help make raising kids easier, and help you guide them towards a happy and successful adulthood.

Triple P’s Raising Resilient Children Seminar offers tips on how to develop your child’s ability to cope with problems, now and in the future, in real-life and online.

HELP YOUR KIDS COPE WITH LIFE’S UPS AND DOWNS – INCLUDING ONLINE

• Problem-solve with your child, to help them stay safe and manage risks online
• Support your child’s ability to manage emotional ups and downs
• Manage screen time and set age-appropriate boundaries
• Know what actions to take if your child is being bullied online
• Help your child cope with stress and setbacks and stay positive

The seminar is fun and friendly and it’s FREE! It’ll help kids AND parents take the drama out of family life (and screen time) so everyone can deal with issues calmly and more confidently.

REGISTER NOW FOR THE FREE SEMINAR: visit the Triple P website to learn more and book your free spot.

Triple P is a world-renowned program (developed in Queensland!) that has already helped more than 4 million children and their families, and is currently offered free of charge to Queensland parents and carers of children up to 16 years. Triple P also offers other seminars, group workshops and one-on-one consultations, as well as Triple P Online, Teen Triple P Online, and Fear-Less Triple P Online (web-based courses you do in your own time, at your own pace). There are also a range of Stepping Stones Triple P programs, which are tailored specifically for parents of a child with a disability. New Fear-Less Triple P helps parents of anxious children and teenagers.

Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) Week 3 & 4 Rule Focus: Show Respect through Words and Actions

Over the next two weeks of Term 2 our PBL school focus will be on showing respect through words and actions. At The Willows SS we promote showing respect to everyone in our school community by using our kind words and actions. We are reinforcing that respect means showing that you care about someone else’s feelings, wishes and rights. Your support in enforcing these values and expectations with your child is also much appreciated.

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 4799 1333 or emailing admin@thewillowsss.eq.edu.au

If your child is absent from school on any given day and we are unaware of the reason for the absence an SMS message will be generated asking you to contact the school regarding your child’s absence. Students are encouraged to come to school on every day they are well enough to attend.

Have a wonderful third week back at school. We wish all the wonderful female caregivers in our school community a fantastic Mother’s Day on Sunday – you deserve to be spolit!

Our next newsletter for Term 2 will be issued on Wednesday, 11 May.

Warm regards,

Michelle Donn
A/Principal

General News

GUIDANCE OFFICER WEEK (2-13 May)

This Guidance Officer Week (2 to 13 May), it's timely for us to celebrate, thank and promote our school guidance officer (Wednesday-Friday), Ms Courtney Chisnall. We are very appreciative of the wonderful work Ms Chisnall does in collaboration with our Student Services team.

Guidance officers are specialist teachers who deliver a broad range of services to school community members. They contribute to the development of a comprehensive student support and wellbeing program that is responsive to the needs of the school community.

Guidance officers may work directly with students in addition to working with a student's teachers, school support personnel, family, other specialists or external support providers.

Support offered by guidance officers includes providing advice and counselling on educational, behavioural, vocational, personal, social, family, and mental health and wellbeing issues.

FREE PARENTING SEMINAR – RAISING RESILIENT CHILDREN

KIRWAN HIGH OPEN DAY – YEAR 6

Upcoming Events

Defence News

HELLO and WELCOME TO ALL DEFENCE FAMILIES

Week 3 - I would like to wish all MUMS a VERY HAPPY MOTHERS DAY for this Sunday. I hope that you have a wonderful day spent with your loved ones and receive special gifts from your children.

For the last two weeks we have been busy at Kids Club making gifts for Mums. All the students who attend were super keen to make a gift to take home for Mum. There will be lots of Lucky Mums who will receive a special gift made with love from your special little one.

Defence students are welcome to attend Kids Club every break, every day.

After speaking recently to some parents who are transitioning out of the Defence lifestyle, I realised that not many people are aware that there is a Transition Seminar available in Townsville to attend. This seminar is for all members and partners to attend to receive information regarding your transition into civilian life. Call 1800 624 608 or visit the link below for a date and time to attend the next available seminar. The member can also contact a Transition Coach to support them through their journey and access appropriate support. The coach will work with them for up to 2 years after their transition date to reach their goals. Don’t wait - contact them now and receive support. A must do if transitioning.

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 linked 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 refer to the link below:

We are living in an ever-changing world and your loved one may be asked to go away with work at any time in their career. Please send me an email if your loved one is away/going away as it can be very emotional and challenging for your children and yourself. I can offer support to you and assist your children while at school. Please call for a chat or email me.

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. Geckos Family Centre is open Mon-Thur from 9am-4pm and Fri from 9am-3pm. Geckos has a playground that is open all day every day – from dusk until dawn – with access to toilet, parking and cold water facilities. 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.

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 MemberandFamilyHelpline@defence.gov.au or follow on Facebook for updates.

DATES TO REMEMBER

DMFS FAMILY FUN DAY Saturday 14th May - Townsville ADF members and families – you are exclusively invited to our Family Fun Day at Melville’s Farm. Entry to our Family Fun Day is FREE to all local ADF members, partners & families. You can meet new Defence families, catch-up with old friends and mingle with the staff from DMFS Townsville. Food and drinks will be available to purchase on the day or pack a picnic and snacks.

Where: Melville’s Farm, Alligator Creek.
When: Saturday 14 May, 3-6pm.
Registration: Eventbrite – Melville’s Family Fun Day

10 FSB MOTHERS DAY COCKTAIL PARTY FRIDAY 6TH May - 10 FSB will be hosting a Mother’s Day Cocktail Party, at the Townsville RSL, Friday night 6 May, 2022. All 10 FSB current serving Mum’s, spouses/partners & guests are invited to attend. Cost of the event is $20pp.

Where: Townsville RSL - Flight Room
When: Friday 6 May, 6:30pm-8:30pm
Registration: Try Booking – 10 FSB Mother’s Day Event

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 or contact Hannah Galliner 0484 544 451/1300 566 525

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

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO ALL MUMS, HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY XXX