14 September 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 to the final week of Term 3. How quickly this term has flown by! This week we will be busy as usual with the finalisation of teaching and assessment and a range of extra-curricular activities such as the 75 Stars and Silver Star Awards, Hearing Health Screening, Blackhawks U10 Rugby League Challenge and Year 4 Tesla Solar Vehicle Visit to name a few. Today our students enjoyed another spectacular P&C Colour Explosion Fun Run made even more special by the Student Council’s Creative, Cool, Coloured Hair Day fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House falling on the same day.

A reminder that school will conclude for Term 3 on Friday, 16 September. We will look forward to seeing everyone back at school happy and healthy on Tuesday, 4th October for the commencement of an action-packed Term 4 as Monday, 3rd October is a Public Holiday.

Term 3 Silver Star and 75 Star Rewards

As part of our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) Whole School Reward System, at the conclusion of every term a Silver Star Rewards celebration is held to acknowledge the exemplary behaviour of students. There are clear guidelines around who is eligible to attend these events. Students are ineligible to attend if they have received a ‘Major’ behaviour incident referral during the term.

75 Star Rewards sessions are also held twice per term – at the conclusion of Weeks 5 and 10. To be eligible to participate, students must have accumulated 75 Stars on their Star Chart – star stamps are provided to students for following school rules, expectations and routines.

Congratulations to all students who have been successful in attaining either or both of these positive acknowedgements of their efforts in Term 3. I look forward to an even greater number of students being included in Term 4.

Lost Property

Please view the lost property box located in the Main CPA if you are looking for your child’s lost items of clothing, lunchboxes or drink bottles. All unclaimed items are disposed of at the end of each term. Ensuring all property brought to school is clearly labelled with your child’s name greatly assists in minimising frustration around lost items for you and your family.

Student Leaders 2023 – Selection Process Timelines

Nomination booklets for Student Leader roles in 2023 closed on Monday this week. Shortlisting has now commenced.

Interviews for School Captains and School Vice-Captains will be conducted in the second week of Term 4, with speech presentations by nominees for Music and Sports Captain roles occurring during Week 4 of next term. I look forward to being involved in the selection of our next group of student leaders – it is certainly going to be a very difficult task.

2023 ENROLMENTS – NOW OPEN FOR ALL YEAR LEVELS

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

Prospective 2023 Prep students and parents/caregivers may like to consider attending a Willows Warriors Pre-Prep Program session on a Wednesday to support the transition and orientation process to school. Please contact our school office to obtain further information about this free program.

2023 BYOx Program

All 2023 BYOx Parent Information Sessions have now been conducted. Thank you to the families who were able to come along to these. Families are required to make a firm commitment to participate in the program by the end of Term 3 (Friday, 16 September) to facilitate class and teacher planning in Term 4. Please contact the school as soon as possible to request further information if you have been unable to attend an information session and wish your child to be included.

REMINDER: 25th Anniversary Memorabilia – now available until sold out from the school office (cash or EFTPOS)

• Magnetic Pins - $5
• Coolers - $8
• Personalised Pavers – varying prices depending on size selected – see front office if you require a form.

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.
• follow all Queensland Health advice

COVID-19 Updated Mandatory Isolation Periods

As per the updated national and Queensland Health guidelines , from Friday 9 September 2022 the mandatory isolation period for COVID-19 will be reduced from 7 to 5 days, when a person tests positive for COVID-19 and does not have symptoms.

As a result, any staff or students who test positive for COVID-19 from last Friday can return to their school (or other Department workplace) after completing 5 days of isolation, if no symptoms are present.

Keep a watch on our school these holidays

With the holidays fast approaching, we need you to look out for after-hours crime in our school. If you see something suspicious, please don’t attempt to personally intervene. Call School Watch on 13 17 88 and let the local police or State Government Protective Security Service deal with the matter.

Happy Holidays!

I would like to wish all staff, students and The Willows school community a wonderful Spring vacation. I am sure everyone is looking forward to some well-earned rest and relaxation. Stay safe and healthy and cherish your time with friends and family.

On a personal note, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the entire staff and community for your support again this term – it has been much appreciated. I look forward to continuing as the A/Principal during Term 4.

Thank you for your ongoing positive partnership with us in your child’s education.

Have a wonderful week. Our first newsletter for Term 4 will be issued on Wednesday, 5 October.

Warm regards,

Michelle Donn
A/Principal

General News

EISTEDDFOD

Congratulations to all Choir and Instrumental students who participated in the in the annual 2022 Townsville Eisteddfod. Music is definitely thriving in Townsville. It was nice to see the amount of entries in the competition and lots of children representing their schools. Our 115 children were a little nervous but enjoyed the experience and performed with confidence and pride. The competition was of a very high standard in all the sessions we were competing in. All the attendance to rehearsals and lessons were rewarded. The comments were very positive to read in all sections they were involved in. Well done to all!!! We are very proud of you!! Thank you also to all the parents who ensured their children were at school on time, dressed correctly and with the right gear. Your help is greatly appreciated!

The following are our fantastic results:

• Choir – Novelty Section – Third
• Senior String Orchestra – Third
• Junior Concert Band – Did Not Place
• Choir Championship – Highly Commended
• Senior Concert Band – Third
• Choir – Unison Section – Third
• Choir – Folk Section – Highly Commended
• String Quartet – Highly Commended
• Wind Quartet – Third
• Percussion Ensemble – Did Not Place

If you were unable to see your child perform at the Eisteddfod, you are invited to our Performer’s Night Term 4 – Week 4 Wednesday 26th October at 4.30pm where they will do it all again.

If your child is interested in learning an instrument and starting in our instrumental program for 2023, you are also invited to be guests at our Performer’s Night and be entertained by our current members and see what our program has to offer and what your child may be part of from 2023.

INSTRUMENTAL PROGRAM

We have very limited spots for our new recruits to our instrumental program for 2023. This is determined on instrumental teachers, time allocation, school instruments and current students already in the program. All children in Years 2 & 3 will receive an application to apply for testing. Any child in Years 4 & 5 who would like to be considered can come and collect an application form from the office. Acceptance to the program is based on subject achievement, behaviour, parental support and whether or not your child is physically attributed to their chosen instrument. Application forms will be sent home Week 1 next term. Education Queensland states that only children in Year 2 are invited to the Strings program and Year 3 - 5 for Woodwind, Brass and Percussion. If your child in Year 2 is not interested in learning a string instrument, you are asked to wait until the next intake at the end of next year.

Forms must be returned no later than Friday 21st October so your child can be physically tested on their chosen instrument in Week 4. You will be notified of your child’s success by Week 5 and are expected to attend an Information Evening on Wednesday, 9th November to find out further information. If your child is accepted, there will be a cost of purchasing instrumental requirements (book, folder, stand, accessories), compulsory music program fee for all and an instrumental hire fee for the year, unless a violin/viola or percussion player. We look forward to seeing our prospective players join our program for 2023. If you have further questions, please contact Mrs Coleman.

Upcoming Events

Positive Behaviour Learning

Defence News

HELLO and WELCOME TO ALL DEFENCE FAMILIES

It’s Week 10 and HOLIDAYS are nearly here. As this is the last week of school for Term 3, I would like to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday. I hope all families have a restful and relaxing break from school. Make the most of this time together and go for a walk or a drive to all the wonderful places Townsville has to offer.

On Thursday and Friday, I will be having Just Dance and popcorn for Defence students in my room. Please remind them to come along. This will be a fun, relaxing break activity for Defence students to get ready for the holidays.

I would also like to let you know that for the first 5 weeks of Term 4 I will be on leave and returning in Week 6. During my absence, Brooke Ocampo who is a DSM from Monday to Thursdays at Pimlico SHS, will be coming to our school on Fridays to support the Defence students and families while I am away. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your children or Defence matters, please contact the office with details and they will pass on the message to Brooke. Due to Brooke only being available at our school on the Friday, please let all students be aware that Defence Room/Kids Club will be OPEN on Fridays only both breaks during the first five weeks of Term 4. Please make her welcome while she is here. I will miss you all.

REMINDER, IF YOU ARE BEING POSTED and will be leaving our school at the end of the year, can you please email me and the office with this information so that I can prepare farewell activities and packs for the students. Postings should have been rolled out by now so most of you will know if you will be moving on. If you have enrolled at a new school, please let me know and I can contact the DSM so students can have contact with their new school before arriving. I will have conversations to assist students with any questions they may have associated with the move. Our office will also have to be made aware of which students will not be returning next year. The time leading up to the transition out of one school to another can be challenging and emotional for most students and this may require some time for them to process. They may have lots of questions for you about the move. Please contact me with any concerns or queries about this process. I have attached very helpful flyers below to assist.

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. Open Arms is only a phone call away and available to support children and families.

Reminder to Defence Parents - did you know you child may be eligible for the Education Assistance Support Program? If you have posted into our location in the last 18 months and after your 3-way conversation with the teacher you have found that your student requires tutoring, Call the Helpline for details on 1800 624 608, more information below.

Education Assistance 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 students 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 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.

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 CANNOT CHANGE THE WIND BUT YOU CAN ADJUST YOUR SAILS. HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL AND I’LL SEE YOU IN WEEK 6.

P and C News

Colour Explosion School Fun Run - 14 September

Thanks to everyone that supported us at our Colour Explosion School Run 4 Fun! Fundraising will close this Friday, 16 September so it's not too late to get some last minute donations entered!

It is time to order your prizes

Every student who has raised $10 or more can choose a prize! Pick a prize from your highest category, or mix and match smaller prizes. Prizes can be ordered online or with your sponsorship booklet. If you get stuck, your sponsorship booklet contains everything you need to know.

Congratulations to all our fundraisers!

How do I order the incentive prizes?

You can order your child's prizes online between 8 August and 16 September OR complete the back page of your sponsorship booklet when you return your cash donations. Order one prize based on the total amount of dollars raised, or mix and match smaller prizes.

25 Year Anniversary Pavers - ORDERS CLOSING this Thursday September 15

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.

Port of Townsville Community Fund Grant

The P&C were recently successful in obtaining a grant from the Port of Townsville Community Fund, This was for the purchase of five laptops to be used as student devices in the school classroom and learning environments on-site.

The grant aligns with Port of Townsville’s value of “OPPORTUNITY”. The additional laptops available to students will enhance the school’s capacity to deliver advanced learning to more students, including the teaching of "coding" for basic program writing.

A big Thank You to Port of Townsville from all involved at The Willows State School for this grant.

Music News (The Pitch)

Prep News

As we head toward the end of Term 3, it is amazing to see how independent the Prep children are becoming in their learning. They are writing sentences, reciting rhymes with expression, reading short texts, problem solving successfully and explaining their learning with more confidence.

Year Two News

Throughout Term 3, Year 2 have been exploring and investigating a range of Math concepts.

We learned about fractions and divided shapes into halves, quarters, and eighths. We solved simple fraction problems by dividing collections of objects into halves, quarters, and eighths by using blocks.

Over the last few weeks, we measured the length, capacity and area of different objects using informal measuring tools. We used blocks, linking chains and paddle sticks to measure the length of our desks. To find the capacity of some containers we used fruit cups, teaspoons, and small red cups. Finally, to find the area of an object we used cards, tiles, and blocks.

Year Three News

In English this half of Term 3, Year 3 have been learning to prepare and present a spoken retell from a different character’s perspective from The Lorax. Students follow a narrative structure including writing an orientation, complication and resolution. Also incorporating language features such as evaluative language, noun groups, verb types and writing in past tense. We also encouraged students to dress-up as their character to perform! Here are some writing samples and character profiles from 3B DAV.

Our PBL focus lately has been recognising emotions and how to control them. 3A NIE has done some activities including making chatterboxes and illustrating a feelings jar!

Have a wonderful rest of the term.

From the Fantastic Year 3’s!

Year Four News

This term for Mathematics, Year 4 have been investigating mass, capacity, length and area. This has been a very engaging unit for everyone as we have been able to get our hands dirty and compare capacity of different containers, measure different areas of the school with trundle wheels and hefty items to compare their weight.

We learned the difference between area and perimeter, and how to use the perimeter to find the area. We learned that containers of different shapes can have the same capacity and how to accurately read scaled instruments.

Year Six News

Everything is full steam ahead as 6/5B TYE students enter their last weeks of a very busy Term 3. At this time of term, learning is always our main focus. Students in 6/5B TYE are doing a great job making sure assessments are getting done to wrap up the term.

In Maths, we have been investigating and solving problems involving the relationships between angles and constructing prisms and pyramids.

During Science, students have just finished investigating different energy sources and have loved making electrical circuits.

English has students writing a letter to an unknown Year 6 student at The Willows State School, 50 years into the future. We have enjoyed stepping back into the past to see just how quickly things change over time.

Community News

The last intake for 2022 for Dream, Believe, Achieve, training and employment program, will commence on Tuesday 4 October.

Dream, Believe, Achieve provides opportunity for unemployed people to gain a Certificate III qualification in Hospitality, participate in work experience and be supported into paid employment. The course is open to anyone aged over 15 years who is currently not employed.

After winning “Community Training Initiative of the Year” for the second time last year, Dream, Believe, Achieve are aiming to provide opportunity for as many people as possible to join them and achieve their training and employment goals.

Dream, Believe, Achieve would love to reach out to all caregivers wanting to get back into the work force.