17 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 6 of Term 3.

I would once again like to thank all staff, and particularly the 25th Anniversary Committee members and P&C Executive, for their efforts in ensuring our Friday and Saturday 25th Anniversary ceremonies last week were so successful. We have received many positive comments about these and it is a credit to our entire school community’s beautiful collegial culture and spirit. The memorabilia display, including the 1997 and 2022 time capsule components has remained in place in the TCBC Conference Room all week for viewing by classes.

Congratulations also to our entire Athletics team who represented The Willows SS so well last Friday at the Inter-School Red Track Carnival – their effort and sportsmanship was a credit to themselves and our school values. This week we have our first 2023 Bulk Prep Enrolment Session on Thursday afternoon and of course, our P&C Fun Fair on Friday night which promises to be heaps of fun for all.

The Willows State School Fun Fair

We asked for help and you all overwhelmingly responded! Thank you to everyone who donated, whether it was a bag of chocolates or a voucher, and everything in between, it has all been gratefully received. Excitement is building for our Fun Fair this Friday night, bring a smile and a picnic blanket, and we hope you all have a wonderful time.

This week can you please...

1. Volunteer to help at your child's stall or email us if you can help with set up this week

2. Pre-purchase your unlimited ride pass before 5pm Thursday August 18!

3. Get cash CLASS STALLS ACCEPT CASH ONLY (ATM will be available on the night)

4. Pack your picnic blanket! There will be limited seating so bring a blanket

Ride Prices

Unlimited rides armbands: $35 presold and $40 on the night per child
Single ride tickets: $6-$8 depending on the ride
10 ticket deal: $50 for 10 tickets that can be shared

Stalls

Plant stall, disco & glow products, lucky dip, tombola, chocolate toss, bake stall, knock'ems plus the biggest cent sale we have had yet. Thermomix, Body Shop, Pimpin Pooches, Love Louise, ENJO and Stomping Elephants.

Raffles

Win a Weber BabyQ in our raffle which has been kindly donated by Aaron Harper MP.

Food Trucks

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

25 Year Anniversary Memorabilia

We still have limited stock available of our TWSS 25 Years Pins and Drinks Coolers which will be available from the office or at the Fun Fair.

Personalised 25 Year Anniversary Commemorative Pavers due Week 10, Term 3

Be a part of history and add your name to our 25 Year Anniversary paved area which will be located close to the Admin block. Prices start from $38 for a single paver. Contact the office or email the P&C for a copy of the order form.

Clean up The Willows Week – Week 5

Wow! This was a huge success and had our school looking immaculate for our many visitors across the 25th Anniversary Celebrations week-end. It was pleasing to hear students holding each other accountable for their actions as well – ‘See a paper, pick it up.’ Special thanks to Mrs Carter for her initiative in coordinating this. It was a very difficult decision to find a stand-out winning zone as everyone had done such an amazing job, however I finally determined E Pod classes were the winners! The prize was lunch on Tuesday for all E Pod students, catered by the tuckshop.

DATE CLAIMER: 2023 BYOx Program Parent Information Session – Wednesday, 24 August 4:45pm

Next week a further 2023 BYOx Program Parent Information Session will be held with parents to be provided with the Student/Caregiver BYOx Charter, BYOx Device Specifications and BYOx Program Commitment Forms. Only one further Parent Information Session has been scheduled for later in this term. Families are required to make a firm commitment to participate in the program by the end of Term 3. Please contact the school to request further information or to book in for a Parent Information Session if needed.

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.

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.

More information can also be found on the Education website.

Have a wonderful week. I am very much looking forward to seeing many of our parent community at our Fun Fair on Friday evening.

Our next newsletter for Term 3 will be issued on Wednesday, 24 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

Defence News

HELLO and WELCOME TO ALL DEFENCE FAMILIES

Week 6 - Last Friday was our 25th Anniversary Parade and we were very fortunate to have Warrant Officer David Boye, Local Observer Elder, didgeridoo player Cody and Defence member all from 3rd Brigade perform Yidaki/Respect of Country. It was awesome to see and the students’ smiling faces were evidence that they enjoyed it also. Rachel and Paul from Shed 3 presented us with the beautiful Mosaic Art which the Year 4-6 Defence students were involved in making. The piece of art will be displayed in the school for all to appreciate. Jessica Stark (EDLO) from DMFS was also present for the parade. As part of the ceremony, I received a certificate for 15+ years of service at The Willows SS as DSM. A proud moment for me as I love this school and working with the students here is a sheer joy. It was lovely to see Defence families present at school on the Saturday for the unveiling of the time capsule. A truly special occasion for our wonderful school.

ADF Equip Parental Absence Program will be held at school in Week 7 and 8. 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 3.15-4.45. The program is designed to provide Defence students with support and strategies whose parents are away from home at numerous times. There are limited spaces available, so please contact me for a permission letter 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.

If you are POSTING out this year and you have any questions about what to do and new schools, please give me a call.

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 which has been lots of fun. Please remind students to come down to L Pod at playtime to make 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

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 Townsville 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

YOU CAN HANDLE ANYTHING THIS WEEK BRINGS

P and C News

Tuckshop News

Thank you to Robyn and Sandra for all their years of service in the Tuckshop. We would like to wish them both good luck for the future as they have decided to move on. We will be welcoming some new faces over the next few weeks.

Father's Day Stall - Monday 29 August - Thursday 1 September

Our annual Father's Day stall is happening in Week 8 just before Father's Day on Sunday 4 September. This fundraiser is an opportunity for your child to purchase a gift for their father, grandfather or other important person. We love seeing the thought that goes into each child's gift. Our affordable range of gifts are priced from 50c to $10. More information and your child's class times will be sent home in a note in the coming weeks.

WE NEED YOUR HELP! These stalls simply cannot run by themselves. If you have an hour to spare during the stall times, please let us know by email or visit our volunteer sign up page from the link below.

Colour Explosion School Fun Run Week 10 - 14 September

Get your white t-shirt ready! The big day is coming! We are so excited to host our Colour Explosion School Fun Run. If you have not received your Colour Run fundraising note and booklet, please email the P&C.

Next P&C Meeting

Our next meeting is Tuesday 13 September at 6pm in the TCBC. All are welcome to attend. Contact the P&C by email pandc@thewillowsss.eq.edu.au.

Music News (The Pitch)

Prep News

What a busy week it has been in Prep! We are working hard for our 75 Star Rewards time, making sure we fill our chart so we can join in on the disco fun!

In English, we have been listening for rhyming words in stories and working on creating a four-line rhyme to present to our peers.

In Maths, we have been identifying different events on different days of the week and asking questions to collect and analyse data.

Year One News

During this term, 1B SCU have been focusing on their computer skills using the new mobile labs. With the help of our technology teacher Mr Menzies, we have been learning how to use PowerPoint by adding text and inserting pictures. We have been having so much fun. This also links back to our previous PBL school focus of ‘Deadly Devices Deserve Kindness’ by educating students on how to use technology safely, respectfully and appropriately.

Last week we were involved in ‘Clean Up The Willows Week.’ We picked up rubbish from around our pod and eating area. All the children were very enthusiastic and eager to ensure our school remains clean at all times.

Year Two News

Year 2 Science

This term, in Science, the Year 2 students have been learning about life cycles. They have been representing the life stages of animals through pictures and have been able to add descriptions of what occurs at each stage. Students then use a Venn Diagram to compare the life stages of two different animals. These notes are then used in written paragraphs to explain what is the same and what is different.
Students have also been learning to communicate their ideas and understanding using a range of scientific vocabulary.

Students have also been learning to communicate their ideas and understanding using a range of scientific vocabulary.

Year Three News

This term, Year 3 has been conducting various scientific investigations into the behaviour of heat to explain everyday observations. The Year 3 students have also been learning to describe how safety and fairness are considered in investigations and use diagrams and other representations to communicate their ideas and findings.

We are so excited to see their progress and results with their culminating task – ‘How to heat up a marshmallow without the use of a fire or oven’ – YUM!

Year Four News

Over the last few weeks, Year 4 has been busy investigating sustainable practices in HASS. Year 4 were lucky enough to be able to go on an excursion to the waste facility and have a visit from Councillor Russ Cook. Students had the opportunity to ask Councillor Cook many questions about how his council division works and what his roles are in bringing sustainable practices to Townsville. The students were thrilled to be able to have this opportunity and awarded Councillor Cook a Certificate of Appreciation from TWSS Year 4 students.

Year Five News

Week 5 sees the Year 5’s wrapping up their animation unit and bringing their cartooning skills to a close. We have gained some valuable IT skills throughout the completion of this unit, with some students using Movie Maker as a platform to record content and others employing the character selections available on Storyboardthat ?? to build their character avatars. Additionally, we’ve had fun filming and recording both ourselves and our friends to voice our ethical dilemmas. Our finished products will be shared in class and in some classes across year levels.

Our new unit of English will focus on an analysis of poetry. Specifically, we will examine the poem Mother Earth which possesses some poignant messages about our planet and our treatment of it. Along the way we will explore other poetry types to consider how authors use various language features and text structures specific to the genre of poetry. Stay tuned!

Finally, Year 5 are looking forward to the forthcoming School Fun Fair to be held this Friday August 19th. We are on the CAKE STALL!!! As such, we are seeking contributions to the stall of cakes/ bakes/ slices and other treats like toffees and cake pops. Contributions can be delivered to the school in the lead up to the Fair on the 18th and 19th where they can be stored in the TCBC fridges. If you think you are available to help out on the stall for 30mins or so, this would also be greatly appreciated. Please inform your Year 5 teacher or contact the Office/P&C to forward your availability.

Year Six News

It has been a busy week in Year 6 BYOX! The students of 6C DAV have been hard at work!

In class the students have begun their HASS research project which asks them to compare and contrast data of varying types to answer an inquiry question. We have chosen to look at Third World Countries and analyse what makes their situations so difficult for those living in the area. We have accessed Google Earth, World Data Bank, World Health Database and more in search of interesting facts, figures, graphs and images that provide deep understanding of the interconnectedness of a country’s management.

It hasn’t all been screens in 6C DAV. This week we spent some time outside with our buddies from 2B GRI to help them with Clean Up Willows Week. I saw some budding leaders during this time and all students conducted themselves as responsible mentors for the younger generation of Willows students. Together we collected 6 big buckets of rubbish from garden beds and felt a strong sense of community and teamwork during the project! 6C DAV students reflected on how they interacted with younger people in an assistance role and all of them agreed that it was valuable to continue in the future.