10 August 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

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Community Members,

Welcome back to Week 5 of Term 3 everyone! This week we celebrate the mid-point of Term 3, 75 Star Activities and our 25th Anniversary celebrations across August 12-13. I am looking forward to being able to be part of these ceremonies to acknowledge and celebrate the significant journey our school has been on in such a short time span. I am sure it will be quite a nostalgic time for many of our long-serving staff and visitors especially.

Today we held a Fun Fair Free Dress Day – thank you to our entire school community for your generous contributions to making our Fun Fair a great success!

I would like to congratulate our rugby league team who participated in the Les Stagg knock-out competition on Monday night. The team fought hard against strong competition in Kirwan SS. We are all very proud of the way in which they represented our school. Thanks to Mr Madeley for his work in preparing and coaching the team. Best wishes also to our entire Red Track Athletics team who will represent The Willows SS on Friday. Thank you to Ms Deuble and Mr Madeley for your generous contribution of your time to training and coordinating our students’ participation over a number of weeks.

2023 BYOx Program – for Year 4, 5 and 6 students in 2023

This week a further 2023 BYOx Parent Information Session was held with parents provided with the Student/Caregiver BYOx Charter, BYOx Device Specifications and BYOx Program Commitment Forms for perusal. Two further Parent Information Sessions have been scheduled for later in this term. Families are not required to make a firm commitment to participate in the program until the end of Term 3. Please contact the school to request further information or to book in for a Parent Information Session if needed.

2022 School Opinion Survey – Parents/Caregivers – closes Friday, 12 August

The annual suite of School Opinion Surveys will be conducted in Term 3. All families, school staff and students in target year levels (5, 6) are invited to participate. We encourage you to take this opportunity to have your say about what our school does well and how we can improve. I have included some information below for your reference:

• Families with one or more enrolled children at our school will receive one invitation to complete the survey. The parent/caregiver to receive the invitation is selected based on information and email address in OneSchool.
• Participation is by invitation only. There is no generic survey link that can be used by all parents. Each link is unique and can only be used once by the parent. One parent per family will receive the survey link via email. No logins or passwords are needed.
• The survey invitation email uses the subject line: School Opinion Survey for parents/caregivers, 2022; parents should check junk email folders if it can’t be found.
• The survey will take approximately 5 minutes to complete using a computer, tablet or smart phone.
• Parents/caregivers who do not have access to the internet at home are welcome to complete their survey online at school. School computers/tablets can be made available upon request if needed.

25 Year Anniversary Celebration – Whole School Assembly – THIS FRIDAY

On Friday, 12 August from 9:15-10:45am a special whole school assembly will be conducted in the TCBC to celebrate the achievements of our school over the past 25 years! We would love our parent community to come along and help us celebrate this special milestone. The school’s inaugural Principal, Mrs Carol Buchanan, will share her memories, there will be some musical performances by our combined choir, a slideshow of photos throughout the years and the presentation of the P&C and Defence community 25th Anniversary gifts for our school.

25th Anniversary Memorabilia

The P&C has organised some 25th Anniversary Memorabilia to be on sale from Friday, 12 August.

• Pins - $5 (with magnetic backs)

• Coolers - $8

• Pavers – Forms have now been distributed to students (oldest in the family). Please contact the school if you have missed receiving one of these. The pavers will be laid at the entrance to the school.

1997 Time Capsule Opening: On Saturday, 13 August, a short ceremony from 10.00am-11.00am will be held at school to officially ‘unveil’ the contents of the original time capsule and share the items to be placed in the new time capsule – to be opened in 2047. Everyone is most welcome to attend.

DATE CLAIMER: P&C Fun Fair – Friday, August 19 – Term 3, Week 6 – 5-9pm

Please note this date in your calendar NOW. The Fun Fair is the P&C’s major fundraising event for 2022. Your support with donations for Year Level Stalls and volunteering at our Fun Fair is much appreciated. All funds raised go back into facilitating the enhancement of our school facilities and resources for your child.

• Fun Fair Flyers have now been distributed. The flyers provide advice about the process for pre-purchasing online unlimited ride bands for $35.
• A second note for parents promoting signing up to volunteer on your child’s Year Level Stall and promoting donations for Year Level Stalls has also been distributed. You can sign up to volunteer here:

Reasonable Adjustments Resourcing (RAR)

The Department of Education has released a new resource allocation model for students with disability, replacing the Education Adjustment Program (EAP).

The Students with disability – Reasonable adjustments resourcing (RAR) model provides additional teachers and teacher aides to help schools make reasonable adjustments for students with disability.

RAR provides resources for all disabilities including Autism, intellectual disability, vision, hearing and physical impairments as well as Dyslexia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and mental health conditions — based on the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability adjustment levels. Support will be provided for students included in NCCD as receiving adjustments under the highest three levels. This means we can receive support for students who may not have been recognised under the EAP.

RAR will also provide additional teachers and teacher aides for anticipated adjustments for Prep and other new students at our school, so students will get earlier support if they have a diagnosed disability.

Schools will commence transitioning to the new model over the next two years — 2023 and 2024 — and by 2025 all state and special schools will be resourced, based on the adjustments which schools report making for students with disability.

No schools will receive fewer resources during this transition period. Schools that report providing adjustments for more students, or making more intensive adjustments, will gradually be provided with more resources.

I have attached the Students with disability – Reasonable adjustments resourcing – Information for students and families fact sheet which provides some more detailed information about RAR. More information can also be found on the Education website at https://education.qld.gov.au/students/students-with-disability

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.
• 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.

Have a wonderful week. I am very much looking forward to meeting many of our past staff and school community members of this weekend’s 25th Anniversary celebration.

Our next newsletter for Term 3 will be issued on Wednesday, 17 August.

Warm regards,

Michelle Donn
A/Principal

General News

BOOK WEEK

2023 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.

Upcoming Events

Positive Behaviour Learning

Student Council

Defence News

HELLO and WELCOME TO ALL DEFENCE FAMILIES

Week 5 - As you are aware, POSTINGS are out now and you should know if you will be leaving our school at the end of the year. Please email or call me to let me know when and where you will be moving to. This gives me the opportunity to have a conversation with the student to discuss any concerns or worries they may be having. We can research the new school and talk about what the new school may offer. We can also discuss how to make new friends as this is always on their mind.

In Week 7 & 8 this term there will be an ADF Equip Parental Absence Program held at school. This is a newly developed program to replace the Kidsmart program specifically for Defence students. It will be held after school over 2 sessions in L Pod. First session is on Thursday 25th August and the second session is on Thursday 1st September from 3.15-4.45pm. The program is designed to provide Defence students with support and strategies for when parents are away from home. There are limited spaces available, so please contact me for more information if you are interested.

OPEN ARMS has released their timetable of programs for the second half of the year. Attached is a list of all programs available. Contact OPEN ARMS on 1800 011 046 for support and to reserve your spot.

Kids Club was very busy last week, with many of the students making gold medals for the Commonwealth Games. This week we have been making tiny dinosaurs with pegs; lots of fun. Please remind students to come down to L Pod at playtime to do an activity or just play a game with friends. It’s great to see so many smiling faces.

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 still under renovations. The internal facility will be closed until further notice. 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

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 21st August - ADF members, couples and families are invited to bring your dogs to our Dogs Day Out! Join us for morning tea and enjoy the company of other dog lovers while your furry mates are actively socialising.

Where: Kirwan Dog Park
When: Sunday 21 August from 9:00am – 10:30am
Registration:   Eventbrite - Dogs Day Out

COFFEE CONNECTIONS Thursday 1st September - ADF members and families in Townsville, we’d love to see you at Grandmas, North Ward for this month’s Coffee Connections. Whether you’ve been in Townville for a while now, or have just arrived, everyone’s welcome.

This is a self-funded activity. Attendees are responsible for the cost of purchasing/providing their own food and drinks. Children are welcome under parent/guardian supervision.

Where: Grandmas, North Ward
When: Thursday 1 September from 9:30am - 11:30am
Registration: Eventbrite - Coffee Connections

TROPICAL FRIDAY BAREFOOT BOWLS (ADULTS ONLY) Friday 2nd September - Couples and singles, mums and dads, and other adult family members are invited to join us at barefoot bowling adults-only fun night out.

Enjoy a social evening with barefoot bowls and a BBQ on us. While the name of the game is barefoot bowls, socks / thongs / completely flat soled shoes are permitted on the green. While we’d love to see your brightest tropical themed outfits, please keep in mind that the bowls club dress rules require neat casual clothing and no singlets.

Where: Cutheringa Bowls Club, West End
When: Friday 2 September from 6:30pm
Registration: Eventbrite - Barefoot Bowls

Save the Date - DMFS Townsville Annual (almost) Amazing Race

DMFS Townsville will be holding the ever-popular (Almost) Amazing Race at Jezzine Barracks on Friday 9 September. Tickets for this event will be released during August, so be sure to look out for the event on our Eventbrite page.

IMPORTANT CONTACTS

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

WE DON’T HAVE TO ALWAYS AGREE WITH ONE ANOTHER, BUT IT’S IMPORTANT THAT WE LEARN TO RESPECT EACH OTHER.

P and C News

This year's fun fair promises to be HUGE! We have Rides and Slides joining the party providing the following rides:

Dodgem Cars, Mega Twister, Inflatable Playground, Chair-O-Plane, Cups N Saucers, Willy the Worm, Gladiator, Mechanical Bull, Cars Slide, Bungee Run, Bouncy Boxing, Giant Slide, Rock Wall, Rocking Ship, Inflatable Slide, 33mt Obstacle Course, 2 x Jumping Castles, Animal Farm and Timmy the Train.

Plus the novelty items – Laughing Clowns, Fairy Floss, Crave Frozen Yogurt.

Purchase an armband for unlimited rides for only $35 presold and $40 on the night. (Single ride tickets will be $6 each for smaller rides and $8 for the big rides). We will also have a Ticket deal of 10 tickets for $50 for those people that would like to share amongst 2 or 3 children.

Our classes are all running stalls including plant stall, disco, lucky dip, tombola, chocolate toss, bake stall, knock'ems plus the biggest cent sale we have had yet.

Enter into our Weber BBQ raffle which has been kindly donated by Aaron Harper MP.

Townsville Food Trucks will be there so come down for dinner with the family.

We also have a market stall featuring local businesses including Thermomix, Body Shop, Pimpin Pooches, Love Louise and Stomping Elephants.

Open to the public.

Trybooking link to purchase ride passes:

25 YEAR ANNIVERSARY MEMORABILIA

To commemorate the school’s 25 Year Anniversary, we have the following memorabilia for sale:

Pins $5 - small pins with a magnetic backing with the school logo, 25 Years and the dates.

Drink coolers $8 - locally produced coolers with the 25 year anniversary banner.

Personalised Commemorative Pavers - Prices start from $38 for a single paver with 3 lines of text. $95 for a double paver with 6 lines of text. $129 for triple pavers with 9 lines of text. Order forms will be sent home.

COLOUR RUN

The big day is coming! We are so excited to host our Colour Explosion School Fun Run in the afternoon on the 14 September, 2022. Parents are invited to attend. On the day, make sure your child brings a white shirt for the Fun Run! They will be covered in non-toxic, high quality colour powder from head to toe! They will also need a water bottle and their hat.

Did you know? Students raise three times more when they fundraise online! Visit the link below to create your child’s cybersafe fundraising profile. Instructions are in your child’s sponsorship booklet. You have until 16 September 2022 to fundraise, so make sure you get cracking!

Next P&C Meeting

Our next meeting is Tuesday 13 September at 6pm in the TCBC. All are welcome to attend.

Community News

TOWNSVILLE CRICKET BLAST PROGRAMS