18 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 to Week 5 of Term 2 – It is very difficult to believe we are entering the mid-week of our term already. Thank you to the parents who were able to attend Tuesday evening’s free Triple P parenting seminar regarding raising resilient children in terms of cyber-safety. The facilitator provided our families with useful skills and information to assist their children in handling situations such as unpleasant online interactions.

This week brings the conclusion of NAPLAN testing for Year 3 and 5. Catch-up sessions are also able to be offered this week to students who may have been absent on a testing day. We will also hold a full school assembly on Friday afternoon to showcase the work of our instrumental music students and dance troupe. This coming week-end (Saturday, 21/05) our band and ensemble students will be participating in Fanfare. We wish all of our students representing our school at Fanfare the very best and know they will do themselves and their school proud. We are very fortunate to have such dedicated staff committed to providing our students with a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities at The Willows SS.

REMINDER: Under 8’s Celebrations have been moved to Friday, 27 May

STEM INNOVATION GAMES at the World Science Festival

Congratulations to our STEM team who attended the STEM PUNKS competition last Saturday with our Technology specialist, Mr Tim Menzies. Students used their design thinking skills, problem solving strategies and creative flare to solve real world challenges.

Despite being a relatively young group, the team made the finals! Please see Mr Menzies’ detailed information and photos later in this newsletter. We are now looking forward to hosting our own inaugural Robotics competition at The Willows SS in Week 10. Thank you to Mr Menzies for his coaching and guidance of our team.

Civic Reception

On Monday night I had the pleasure of accompanying our two School Captains, Kasey Austin and Lewis Robinson, to a Civic Reception organised by the Townsville City Council to welcome the 27th Queensland Governor Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeanette Young, PSM to Townsville. The students had the opportunity to meet Dr Young and other local political representatives.

Staffing Update – Mrs Claire Franklin’s Retirement

On Friday, 20 May, we will farewell Mrs Claire Franklin, our Head of Special Education Services to retirement. Mrs Franklin has worked for the Queensland Department of Education for 33 years taking on a number of roles in that time. Mrs Franklin’s roles have included Teacher-Learning Difficulties, Senior Advisory Teacher roles for Speech-Language Impairment, Intellectual Impairment and Hearing Impairment, Teacher-in-Charge of the Special Education Unit at William Ross SHS and 13 years as Head of Special Education Services at The Willows State School. We will very much miss Claire’s leadership, wisdom and contributions to our school, however wish her all the very best as she deservedly embarks upon the next phase of her life.

Walk Safely to School Day – Friday, 20 May

Now in its 23rd year, National Walk Safely to School Day (WSTSD) is an annual event when all Primary School children are encouraged to walk and commute safely to school. Staff will discuss these road safety messages with children at school.

Further information and resources to promote this event can be found from the link below

National Volunteer Week (NVW) - Monday, 16-22 May

National Volunteer Week is a chance for all of us to celebrate and recognise the vital work of volunteers and to say thank you. Together, through volunteering, people are changing communities for the better. This year’s theme is: We are Better Together. Whilst COVID restrictions have meant the ability for less volunteers in our schools in recent years, we are extremely grateful for the support our school receives, particularly for extra-curricular activities, sporting events and P&C related events fundraising activities.

P&C Day – Friday, 20 May

As part of National Volunteer Week, we also acknowledge and celebrate P&C Day on Friday. Without the generosity of our dedicated P&C executive, members and volunteers many initiatives and events within our school simply could not be offered. Both our Tuckshop and Outside School Hours Care services are businesses operated by the P&C. I would like to personally thank every P&C member, past and present, who has donated countless hours of their time to ensuring ongoing excellence in our offerings and services to community, staff and students.

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.

Quarantine requirements for close contacts

• 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.

25th Anniversary Committee Update

This year The Willows State School will proudly celebrate 25 years of educating young people. A full school assembly to celebrate this milestone will be held on Friday, 12 August with the time capsule unveiling to occur on Saturday, 13 August. Further information about the programs will be communicated next term.

25th Anniversary Memorabilia options completed/being finalised:

• Check out our 25-year anniversary banner along the Sandstone Drive side of the school!
• Pavers which can be purchased and engraved with your child’s/family name. These will be laid in the main entrance area to the school – further information to be shared shortly
• 25-year Anniversary lapel pins will go on sale next term
• The P&C are also funding the installation of Honour Boards for the administration block foyer. These will record the names of the student leaders for the past 25 years and into the future. Past and present principals will also be captured

DATE CLAIMER: Fun Fair – Friday, August 19 (afternoon-early evening) – please note this in your calendar.

Positive Behaviour for Learning

Over Week 5 and Week 6 of Term 2 our PBL school focus is 'Be Persistent and Resilient'. At the Willows we promote showing persistence and resilience everyday through our work in the classroom and relationships with our friends and teachers. Your support in discussing these values and expectations with your child is also much appreciated.

Coming up at the end of this week, we also have our 75 Star Awards. I look forward to the vast majority of our students following our school rules and achieving this milestone.

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 happy, healthy and safe week. Our next newsletter for Term 2 will be issued on Wednesday, 25 May.

Warm regards,

Michelle Donn
A/Principal

General News

Prep Vision Screening at The Willows State School – 19-21 July, 2022

The Primary School Nurse Health Readiness Program aims to optimise the health and wellbeing of Queensland children during their transition to primary school, with a key focus on vision screening for prep students. This program is a state-wide initiative and offers free vision screening to prep students in state, catholic and independent schools.

Registered nurses based in communities across Queensland work with the support of Children’s Health Queensland to deliver the screening service and capture important data about the health of Queensland children.

At The Willows State School the vision screening process is scheduled to take place on 19, 20 & 21 July. Consent forms will be emailed to parents/carers for completion online. If you require a printed copy of the consent form please contact our office.

Vision screening is vital in early childhood, particularly for conditions such as amblyopia, or a ‘lazy eye’ which, if not detected and treated early, can lead to blindness. Vision loss can result in children struggling at school and having poor learning outcomes and can also lead to behavioural issues and difficulty with concentration. The Primary School Nurse Health Readiness Program provides the opportunity for visual abnormalities to be detected early and, in turn, minimise the impact on a child’s learning.

If visual abnormalities are found during a child’s screening tests they will be referred to an eye health professional for further assessment. The Primary School Nurse Health Readiness Program will follow-up with parents/guardians to discuss the outcome of this further assessment.

SCHOOL DENTAL VAN

The school dental van will be here from Monday, the 16th May, 2022. Dental forms were sent home with each student in Term 1.

The Offer of Dental Treatment is not compulsory and is an individual decision for each parent.

If you would like to access this service and have not already returned your form, please do so as soon as possible.

Additional forms are available from the office.

UNDER 8’S DAY

STEM Innovation Games

On Saturday 5th of May, 2022 five students competed in the STEM Innovation Games using Minecraft at the World Science Festival, held at the Tropical Museum of Queensland. Students used their design thinking skills, problem solving strategies and creative flare to solve real world challenges. The Students worked amazingly as a team and won their heat and made it to the finals. Students had to design and build a flying car station for the future in 45 mins. They worked extremely hard competing against 4 other schools in the final, unfortunately they didn't come away with the win. They redesigned the ice-cream shop on the Strand to encourage more tourists to the area. All students said it was the best Saturday ever and wanted to be in next year’s competition.

Upcoming Events

Positive Behaviour Learning

Student Council News

CHARITY FUNDRAISING EVENT – PJ DAY

Our Student Council have brainstormed, voted and planned our next school fundraising event. The students have decided on a PJ day! It will be great to see all the staff and students come to school, dressed in their favourite pjs. The Student Council hope to raise $1000, so come dressed up and bring your gold coins. All funds raised will be donated to our school charity, Ronald McDonald House.

Please ensure clothing worn is appropriate for school, sun-safe and students are wearing normal school footwear (no slippers).

PJ Day is on Friday 10 June 2022 – Gold Coin Donation

BACKFLIPS AGAINST BULLYING

P and C News

P&C Day 20 May and National Volunteer Week 16-22 May 2022

National Volunteer Week is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering. Volunteering is widespread and diverse with millions of people volunteering every year to support communities across the country.

During National Volunteer Week we would love to thank all of our hardworking P&C members for the tireless work they do each year to improve the Willows State School's facilities, resources and student outcomes.

Mother's Day Stall

Thanks to those who supported our Mother's Day Stall. We hope that you loved the gifts that the children carefully chose for you. All profits raised go towards our long term fundraising goals which include upgrading playgrounds and all-weather access to all classrooms.

School Jumpers

With the weather getting cooler now is a great time to purchase The Willows State School's official jumper. They feature the school logo on the front, The Willows written on the back, warm lining and a zipper. Available now at The School Locker.

Senior shirts & school bags are also available.

Save the date for our 2022 Fun Fair

We are happy to confirm that August 19 has been locked in as the date of our biannual fun fair.

We hope you and your family are able to join us for a night of rides, stalls, food trucks and entertainment. We will be posting more information over the weeks to come.

We are currently taking expressions of interest for market stalls. Stalls must hold public liability insurance and a current blue card.

If you are interested in helping out with the planning of the fun fair, we will be holding a zoom meeting on Thursday 19 May at 8pm. Please email us if you would like to receive an invite.

Next P&C meeting

Our next P&C meeting will be held on Tuesday 14 June at 6pm. Please arrive 15 minutes earlier to ensure gate access. New parents & community members are always welcome. Come along and find out how to get involved in your school.

Contact us by emailing pandc@thewillowsss.eq.edu.au

Defence News

HELLO and WELCOME TO ALL DEFENCE FAMILIES

Week 5. I hope everyone is staying healthy and keeping well. It’s hard to believe we are already half way through the term.

If you have posted into location in the past 18 months and are interested in education support for your children, please contact me for the details. Education Assistance is available through Defence to provide extra tutoring for students to achieve their full potential. There are more details listed below.

Defence Families of Australia are looking for your support. They are looking for several local families to participate in a photography project to highlight some of the unique benefits and realities of Defence family life in a natural and candid way. Each shoot may take around three hours and is proposed for June/July 2022. It sounds like fun for the family. There is a flyer attached with contact details.

It would be great if you could inform me if a loved one is away for a period of time with work or training as the loved ones at school may also require some special support from their DSM.

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.

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 www.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.

Geckos Family Centre at Lavarack Barracks is excited to announce that large renovations will occur to the internal facility from 5 May – 30 June, 2022. The internal facility will be closed for this set period over this time. All weekly groups, school holiday activities and special events will continue (at various locations). The playground will remain open for families to utilise throughout this period. 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 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.

DATES TO REMEMBER

DOGS DAY OUT Sunday 22nd May - Calling ADF families in Townsville with 4-legged fur-babies, we’d love to meet your dogs at our ‘Dogs day out’ event. Join us for morning tea and enjoy the company of other dog lovers while your furry mates actively socialise.

Where: Riverside Off Leash Dog Park, Cranbrook.
When: Sunday 22 May 9-10:30am.
Registration: Eventbrite – Dogs Day Out

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 . I look forward to meeting you.

Correna Wheeler
Defence School Mentor

ONE KIND WORD CAN CHANGE SOMEONES ENTIRE DAY