16 June 2022

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Pride and Key Messages – Michelle Donn

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 a chilly Week 9 of Term 2. We now have just 7 school days left in Semester 1. School will conclude for this semester on Friday, 24 June and re-commence for Term 3 on Monday, 11 July.

Congratulations to all staff who contributed to organising our extra-curricular offerings for students last week in ‘Backflips for Bullying’ (Wednesday) and a visit from the Australian Ballet (Thursday) – these were very much appreciated by students and contribute to the holistic learnings and opportunities that our school offers. It was wonderful to see so many staff and students looking super warm and comfy in their PJs last Friday as well – thanks to our Student Council and Mrs Carter for coordinating this as a fundraiser for their chosen charity – Ronald McDonald House. Together we raised just over $800 – an amazing effort. I am looking forward to seeing what our student councillors come up with next term.

This week we look forward to our Year 4 students showcasing their technology talents through their ‘Holey Moley’ golf courses, the Music Gala Concert late on Wednesday afternoon and our Athletics Carnival on Friday. Parents/caregivers are most welcome to attend both the Music Gala and Athletics Carnival and don’t need to register prior – we proudly look forward to showcasing our students’ considerable (and diverse) talents with our school community. 

2023 BYOx Expression of Interest Process

The Willows State School is continuing to grow the successful introduction of the BYOx laptop program for students in Years 4, 5 & 6 in 2023.

Participation in the program is voluntary and we are currently seeking expressions of interest from families for students who may be interested in participating in the BYOx program at The Willows State School in 2023.

• Students who are currently in the BYOx program do not need to attend an information session and will receive a program re-commitment letter in Term 3 2022. This will give the student and family the opportunity to elect to stay in the program in 2023 or opt out for 2023.

WHAT IS BYOx?

BYOx stands for ‘Bring Your Own’ device. The BYOx program maximizes learning opportunities as students have 24-hour access to school resources through their device.

BYOx devices will have access to the same resources as school owned devices including filtered internet via the schools wireless network and FREE software.

This device MUST BE a windows based laptop and meet the minimum specification as outlined by the school.

Parent Information Sessions

Parent Information sessions will be held in Term 3 for interested students and families. To participate in the BYOx program the parents and students must attend a session to receive more detailed program information.

Please complete the survey below if your child is interested in participating in the BYOx program in 2023 and indicate which information session the family will likely attend.

Please note that completing this survey does not indicate a firm commitment to moving forward into the program.

Survey Link:

Semester 1 2022 Student Reports – to be emailed in Week 10 from Wednesday, 22 June

The Willows State School will be emailing Report Cards again this semester. To ensure all parents and caregivers receive their child/children’s Report Cards, it is important that the school has your current email address recorded in OneSchool. If you are unsure that the school has your correct current email address, please ring/email the office to confirm.

Report Cards will be emailed to all parents/caregivers recorded as receiving correspondence.

Report Cards may get lost in a ‘Junk’ folder. To help avoid this, you can add the address from which report cards will be generated - Application.ONESCHOOL@qed.qld.gov.au to your list of safe senders now.

2021 School Annual Report – now available for viewing

Each year by June 30, schools are required to publish a ‘School Annual Report’ listing the major school achievements for the previous year. This is to be made available for viewing from the school website and via a direct link in the school’s newsletter by the end of term. Please follow the following link to view:

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 .

Further information about the NCCD can be found on the NCCD Portal

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 (Weeks 9 and 10) our PBL school-wide focus is on 'Be Responsible - It's the Willows Way'. Staff and students will look at ways they can be responsible both at school and at home. This topic fits well with the last 2 weeks of the term and the responsibility that is needed from all students to finish the term strong.

Your support in 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 in Week 10. 

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, Student Absence Line 4799 1366 or emailing admin@thewillowsss.eq.edu.au .

Have a happy, healthy and safe week. Our final newsletter for Term 2 will be issued on Wednesday, 22 June.

Warm regards,
Michelle Donn
A/Principal

General News

TUCKSHOP

Please note that the Tuckshop is CLOSED on the last day of Term 2, 24th June, 2022.

2022 INTERHOUSE ATHLETICS CARNIVAL – FRIDAY 17 JUNE

This Friday 17th June is our annual Athletics Carnival in which parents are welcome to attend.

This whole school spectacular commences with our Preps to Year 2 from 9am -11am. This is followed by our Year 3s -Year 6s from 11am-2.55pm. We hope you are able to come down and cheer your child on through various athletic themed events spanning both track and field.

Please remember to check the timetables to see when your child is competing in each event – remember they are organised by their year of birth.

We look forward to seeing you on Friday.

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.

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.

Peek at Prep

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

Defence News

HELLO and WELCOME TO ALL DEFENCE FAMILIES

Week 9 - Brrrrr, it has been a bit chilly in the mornings for me, what about you?

Term 2 is nearly over and the holidays will soon be here. Remember to contact Geckos for their school holiday program and register your children for some of the terrific activities they have on offer. There are limited spaces so be quick!

Last week at KIDS Club we made spiders and did some painting - everyone enjoyed the activities. This week it is National Buddy Day so students will be able to make a fun “Buddy,” produce a card or give a quote to their Buddy/friend. Please remind students to come along to Kids Club which is open both break times every day in L pod. We also have board games and Lego available.

Last week my husband and I attended the very informative ADF Member and Family Transition Seminar here in Townsville. This is a must to attend if you are planning to transition out of the ADF in the next 18 months. The seminar discussed all the requirements you must consider when you are planning on leaving the ADF. It is recommended not to leave planning to the last minute when considering what you and your family should do. There are so many tips, hints and people to talk to about this transition to civilian life. Contact dmfs.transitions@defence.gov.au for how to get started and who to talk to so book it NOW!

Contact Defence Holidays NQ on 07 4752 3842 for loads of information on where to go and what to see around our area in the school holidays. Cairns, Mackay, Winton, Charters Towers and Port Douglas just to name few great places to visit. Talk to them and book a holiday now!

Looking for Child Care? The Coral Sea Child Care Centre in Kirwan is part of the One Tree Defence Child Care Unit, offering priority access for Defence families in Townsville. Additional information about this service can be found by visiting One Tree Community Services website.

If you or a loved one has left/or is going away to be part of RIMPAC 2022, can you please let me know. During this period of parental absence children can feel emotional and worried. These times when a loved one is 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 be valuable when supporting emotional students. Thank you to those parents who have already informed me that they are going away. Safe travels and I look forward to hearing from you.

Emergency Support for Family Scheme (ESFS)

Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) can provide short-term financial assistance to an ADF member’s dependants in an emergency or crisis situation. This support is given when the member is absent from home for service reasons or unable to care for their dependants for a medical reason. The emergency event must be unforeseen, sudden and be beyond the immediate coping mechanisms of your family. The ADF member, their dependants or the member’s Commanding Officer can seek emergency support under ESFS by contacting the Defence Member and Family Helpline on 1800 624 608 or our office on 4430 3879.

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 go to the link below:

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 THE LINK BELOW, 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

Saturday 25th June 10am-1pm - The Oasis Townsville is celebrating their 1st Anniversary and are having an Open Day to celebrate. Veterans, ADF members, their families and the Townsville community are invited to attend. Come along and listen to the 1RAR band and watch the Highland Dancers.

When: Saturday 25 June, 10am-1pm
Where: The Oasis Townsville, 1 Staging Camp Avenue, Oonoonba

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 CAN HANDLE ANYTHING THIS WEEK BRINGS

Student Council News

PJ DAY

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.

Plant Stall Donations Week 9 - Week 10

From Week 9 to Week 10 we are asking for donations for the OSHC's Plant stall. All donations can be given to class teachers, dropped directly to the office or directly to OSHC. Items needed include: pots, potting mix, clippings from plants, plant feeder, seed packets.

Glass Jars

Please keep your glass jars! We will accept any size, clean and with the label removed if possible.

Community News

Brisbane Heat Cricket School Holiday Program

Sports Holiday Program

FQ Academy & MiniRoos Holiday Clinics

Football Queensland is hosting clinics for thousands of young footballers aged 6-14yrs across the state during the Winter holidays.

The FQ Academy & MiniRoos Holiday Clinics will be held throughout Queensland, providing opportunities for junior players to learn new skills, make friends and have fun. The clinics will be delivered side-by-side at the same time and venue, providing an engaging and fun holiday outing for the whole family!

To find out more please visit the link below:

Townsville

Date: 4 – 6 July 2022
Time: 9am – 12pm
Location: 1300SMILES Active Park
Cost: $70 early bird fee

Burdekin

Date: 4 – 5 July 2022
Time: 9am – 12pm
Location: Burdekin FC
Cost: $60 early bird fee (two-day clinic)

Ingham

Date: 6 – 7 July 2022
Time: 9am – 12pm
Location: Ingham FC
Cost: $60 early bird fee (two-day clinic)

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 .