1 June 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 7 of Term 2. Last week we had a number of special events and extra-curricular activities/excursions occurring. Please read below for a short recap of the Bill Nettle Rugby League Cup and NQ Netball Cup – a very big thank you to Mr Paul Madeley, Mrs Jenny Deuble and Mrs Lenna Smith, for their coordination of our teams.

We also recap last Friday’s Under 8’s Celebrations for our P-2 students. A very big thank-you to all staff involved in the organisation and running of this event – it was wonderful to see our young students having fun with their family members.

This week our Year 6 staff and students have been enjoying the beautiful outdoors and a range of activities, including stand-up paddle-boarding, raft building, radio rogaine, archery and catapult, whilst at camp on Magnetic Island Monday-Wednesday. You can keep updated with all the news and photos of our students ‘in real time’ by visiting our official The Willows SS Facebook page.

Bill Nettle Rugby League Cup – Reflections from Coach, Mr Paul Madeley

Last Friday saw the Year 6 football team compete in the Bill Nettle trophy at Brothers Leagues club.

A last-minute draw shuffle had seen us placed into a pool alongside Southern Cross, Weir, Proserpine and St Anthony’s.

The team faced up against a strong Southern Cross side in their first match which saw them go down 3 tries to zero. The team then rallied round and took the field against Weir which was a close contest with both teams scoring 3 tries each. As Weir scored first, they took the points but the team took solace in a much-improved performance. Game 3 saw the children play a very strong Proserpine side who went up by two tries very quickly, however the team dug in and pressured the Proserpine defence to give us our first try. From then on it was all Willows but sadly they were unable to capitalise on the pressure. The final pool game saw the Willows team pitted against St. Anthony’s, who scored 3 break away tries. Willows rallied and came close to scoring several times but each time they were held up.

Despite the overall scores, the children took heart in the improved performance they displayed in each game as they grew as a team. We look forward to seeing them improve even more in the future.

NQ Netball Cup – Reflections from Coach, Mrs Jenny Deuble

On Friday, 27 May, 17 upper school students attended the NQ Netball Cup. Our students were divided into two teams (Green and Gold) with each team playing five games each.

Green started well with a win to start and went down to stronger teams as the day progressed. Gold drew two, won 2 and lost 1.

All the girls played really well with some tremendous improvement made by many of the inexperienced players. A big thank you to the parents who came along and supported our teams.

The girls expressed that they had a great day and a really positive experience.

Under 8’s Day Celebrations

Our Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 students had a lovely afternoon on Friday celebrating Under 8’s Day. They took part in an afternoon of fun activities, where they had the freedom to choose what they wanted to do.

Our special guests from the Queensland Ambulance Service and Queensland Police Service were very popular, and students thoroughly enjoyed patting police dog, Cannon, riding on the ambulance stretcher and being bandaged.

Our Willows Mascots (Willow the wallaby, Olive the owl and Waldo the wombat) also got to join us for some of the fun, and we appreciate the help from our Year 6 leaders who guided them through the area.

A very big thank you to all of the families who came along to help us celebrate.

Teaching Staff Capability Development - Cluster Moderation

Next Monday afternoon teaching staff from The Willows SS will meet with their cluster colleagues from Weir SS and Rasmussen SS to engage in Cluster Moderation of student English writing samples. This always provides a wonderful opportunity to engage in professional conversations with our colleagues to ensure consistency of judgments about student achievement on English summative assessment tasks against aspects of the Australian Curriculum achievement standards.

National Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week is held from 27 May to 3 June, commemorating significant milestones in the reconciliation journey: the successful  1967 referendum  on 27 May and the 1992 High Court  Mabo decision  on 3 June.

In the spirit of reconciliation:

• Find out more about  Queensland Government's Reconciliation Action Plan   – for all department employees, and all Queensland Government employees.
• Read the story of  Mabo decision   and what it means for reconciliation.
• Find out more about our shared histories, cultures, and  achievements  , and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving  reconciliation in Australia  .

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)

Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about supports provided to students with disability. These relate to legislative requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, in line with the NCCD guidelines (2019).

Information provided about students to the Australian Government for the NCCD includes:

• Year of schooling
• Category of disability: physical, cognitive, sensory or social/emotional
• Level of adjustment provided: support provided within quality differentiated teaching practice, supplementary, substantial or extensive.

This information assists schools to:

• Formally recognise the supports and adjustments provided to students with disability in schools
• Consider how they can strengthen the support of students with disability in schools
• Develop shared practices so that they can review their learning programs in order to improve educational outcomes for students with disability.

The NCCD provides state and federal governments with the information they need to plan more broadly for the support of students with disability.

The NCCD will have no direct impact on your child and your child will not be involved in any testing process. The school will provide data to the Australian Government in such a way that no individual student will be able to be identified – the privacy and confidentiality of all students is ensured. All information is protected by privacy laws that regulate the collection, storage and disclosure of personal information. To find out more about these matters, please refer to the Australian Government’s Privacy Policy from the link below

Further information about the NCCD can be found on the NCCD Portal (https://www.nccd.edu.au).

If you have any questions about the NCCD, please contact the school. Data submission in Queensland state schools is required to be finalised by early in Term 3.

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.

DATE CLAIMER: P&C Fun Fair – Friday, August 19 – Term 3, Week

Please note this date in your calendar NOW. Please also view the more detailed information provided by the P&C later in this newsletter regarding year level stalls and requests for donations over the coming weeks. Your support with our Fun Fair is much appreciated. All funds raised go back into the enhancement of school facilities.

Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL)

Over this current fortnight (Week 7 and 8) our PBL school-wide focus theme will be ‘Be a Bully Blocker.’ This focus is designed to reinforce the messages that will be shared by the ‘Backflips Against Bullying’ team who will be performing at The Willows State School in Week 8 on Wednesday, 8 June. At The Willows we promote all members of our school community deserving to come to school feeling safe and respected. Our classes will be learning ways to use words to solve problems and how to help people if they see bullying happening. Your support is discussing these values and expectations with your child is also much appreciated.

I am also looking forward to the vast majority of our students continuing to work hard and follow our school rules to achieve participation in our 75 Star Rewards and/or Silver Star Rewards at the end of the term.

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, 8 June.

Warm regards,
Michelle Donn
A/Principal

General News

WELL DONE SHAE

On Tuesday, 31 May, Shae competed in NQ Cross Country where she came 2nd in her age group. Shae has been selected to attend the State Championships on the Gold Coast in July. Congratulations Shae on a super effort!

2022 ENROLMENTS – NOW OPEN FOR ALL YEAR LEVELS

Our school is now taking enrolments for the 2023 school year, please get your enrolment forms in early. Should you know of friends or family looking to join our great school, please inform them that they are welcome to contact the office for further information and to obtain an enrolment package.

Prospective 2023 Prep students may also like to consider attending our Willows Warriors Pre-Prep Program on a Wednesday as a great transition and orientation process. Please contact our school office for further information about this.

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.

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

The Willows State School Fun Fair on August 19 from 5pm-9pm

The countdown is on to The Willows State School Fun Fair happening in Term 3! Our year levels have all nominated to caretake a different stall and over the coming weeks we will be asking for small donations from our whole school community to help each year level.

From Week 6 to Week 8 we are asking for donations for the Year 3's Tombola stall. Glass Jars (any size, clean and with the label removed if possible) & prizes for our jars. All donations can be given to class teachers or dropped directly to the office. Some donation ideas include but not limited to:

• hampers
• gift cards
• bottles of wine (must be dropped directly to the office by parents)
• boxes of chocolates
• stationery
• homemade jams
• craft packs
• soft toys
• games
• gardening items
• jewellery
• cosmetics
• hair clips and ribbons
• tools
• books
• lego
• bags lollies or chocolates
• photo frames
• pet items

Thank you for all of your support! If you are interested in having a stall at the fun fair please get in touch by emailing us at pandc@thewillowsss.eq.edu.au . All stall holders must have their own public liability insurance. There is no fee to have a stall but we are asking for a product or gift card donation.

Defence News

HELLO and WELCOME TO ALL DEFENCE FAMILIES

Week 7 - DON’T FORGET all Defence Parents/Caregivers are invited to attend the BIGGEST MORNING TEA this FRIDAY 3RD JUNE IN TCBC CONFERENCE ROOM FROM 2-3PM. Mums and Dads, I hope you can come along and show your support for the Cancer Council as they do amazing work. You can bring a friend or your spouse, the more the merrier (small children are also welcome). You can donate via the link below or on the day. I hope to see you there. Please join me to support this wonderful organisation. I have attached a flyer below with contact details and link to make donations.

What a family, fun-filled afternoon last Friday was at the Under 8’s Day. I witnessed loads of smiling faces as students dressed in cams and pretended to be soldiers. Some students did not want to leave the display as they were having so much fun. Here are just some of the many smiling faces.

I know there will be some parents leaving home soon for training exercise offshore. If you are going away, please email me with the details of when you are going and possible return date so that I am able to support your loved ones here at school. These times when you are away can be very challenging for the whole family at home. Some days at school may be a rollercoaster of emotions and having this information can very be valuable when supporting emotional students. Thank you to those parents who have already informed me they are going away. I appreciate your support.

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.

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 visit the website 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

Biggest Morning Tea Friday 3rd June TCBC Conference Room 2-3pm - All Defence parents/caregivers are invited to attend. This is one Morning Tea not to miss. Small children are welcome. Please come along to support the Cancer Council and say Hi.

Please RSVP Correna on 4799 1333 or cwhee36@eq.edu.au.

IMPORTANT

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

DMFS Office at Nathan Business Centre on Ross River Rd, call 07 4430 3879

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

YOU MILITARY SPOUSE, ARE STRONG ENOUGH FOR THIS LIFE. WHATEVER COMES YOUR WAY.

Community News

Little Athletics Queensland

Little Athletics Qld is hosting the annual LAQ Winter Carnival on the 25th and 26th June at the TSP – Townsville Sports Precinct and extending an invitation to children of all abilities aged between 6-16 to nominate for track and field events. Don’t miss out on your chance to nominate for this fun event. For more information and the nomination form, click on this link.