19 October 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 Week 3 of Term 4. It is wonderful to see our students continuing to show excellent engagement in their learning across the school. Thank you for your support in assisting your child to “finish strong.” This week in extra-curricular activities we have the Variety Activate Inclusion Sports Day on Thursday, P-2 RACQ Streets Ahead Monday-Thursday and a school team participating in the TGS Robotics Competition on Thursday.

Loud Shirt Day – Friday, 21 October

On Friday our staff will acknowledge Loud Shirt Day – a day set aside to show support for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. We are encouraging all staff to wear ‘loud shirts’ and use this as a prompt to teach/communicate with students that we are doing this in support of students who have hearing issues.

State Education Week – 24-30 October – Week 4

This year we will again showcase and celebrate State Education Week with our community through Facebook posts sharing student work. The theme for 2022 is "Realising the potential of every student." State Education Week is an opportunity to promote the great work being done in Queensland state schools to help each student fulfil their potential. Look out for exciting daily Facebook sharing of our students fulfilling their potential next week!

2022 School Opinion Survey data is now available

Parent/Caregiver, Staff and Student School Opinion Survey Data has now become available for viewing. Over forthcoming Staff Meeting/Teacher Aide Meeting, Student Council, P&C Meeting and Parent/Caregiver Newsletter weeks I will share some of the key themes, successes and areas for improvement with all key stakeholders.

2022 Student Leader Interviews and Sport and Music Captain Speeches

Interviews for School Captains and School Vice-Captains were conducted last week. I felt very honoured to be part of a panel of leadership team members privileged to hear our next generation of leaders speak about their leadership role models and what they could bring to a leadership role at The Willows State School. Their demonstrated attributes, insights and reflections were remarkable and decision-making is going to be tight. Students who have nominated for Sport and Music Captain roles will now be participating in their selection and voting processes next week on Thursday and Friday. I wish all sport and music captain nominees the very best for their speeches. All 2023 leadership roles will be announced at the end of Week 8.

State-wide Principal’s Conference Key Messages

Last week Minister for Education, Industrial Relations and Racing, Grace Grace, announced the new DRAFT Queensland education strategy - Equity and Excellence: realising the potential of every student. When finalised, this will replace our current QLD education strategy – Every student succeeding.

The DRAFT new strategy reflects DoE focus on three areas to achieve equity and excellence:

• Educational achievement: because knowing each student’s learning progression is essential to making sure they are on track for positive educational outcomes
• Wellbeing and engagement: because being healthy, confident and resilient is a foundation for engaging in learning
• Culture and inclusion: because the diversity of our staff, students and school communities is our greatest strength.

The Director-General, Michael De’Ath, presented the rationale for system transformation and emphasised significant new aspects in the strategy, such as a renewed focus on collective responsibility for student outcomes and better aligned, highly differentiated regional and system supports.

The speaker program challenged some of our thinking around working within and across school boundaries. Maggie Farrar questioned how Queensland can realise the power and potential of collaboration within and between schools.

Derek Wenmoth encouraged leaders to learn from the past and look to the future, in order to provide modern learning relevant to students and communities. Professor Tony Dreise shared evidence and experience around the many facets of disadvantage experienced by First Nations peoples and highlighted the unique opportunity that schools and educators have to change the odds for all learners.

New Guidelines for a person diagnosed with COVID-19 or symptoms of acute respiratory infection

Queensland Health has published new Guidelines for a person diagnosed with COVID-19 or symptoms of acute respiratory infection, which replaces the Management of Diagnosed Cases of COVID-19 and Close Contacts Direction (No. 5).

From 14 October 2022, it is no longer mandatory to self-isolate at home if you test positive to COVID-19. If you have symptoms or have tested positive to COVID-19, Queensland Health strongly recommends you:

• stay home to isolate until you no longer have acute respiratory symptoms
• avoid entering hospitals, residential aged care facilities and disability accommodation services for at least 7 days and only when you no longer have any symptoms
• wear a face mask in an indoor setting and if you are unable to physically distance outside for at least 7 days after testing positive to COVID-19.

Message from the Dental Van Team

The current dental van located at TWSS will be serviced with graphic design wrapping to also occur. In order to facilitate this, the van will be moved from TWSS on Monday, 24/10 and will then return on Thursday, 27/10. It is anticipated the van will then remain at TWSS for the remainder of Term 4 and re-locate to another school in 2023.

Aaron Harper MP Christmas Card Competition (P-3)

Aaron Harper MP is once again inviting students from our school, Prep to Year 3, to participate in a competition to design, draw and colour the image that will appear on the front of his greeting card for his Thuringowa constituents.

He is offering a prize for the winning design (a $100 Smiggle Voucher) and a $200 Visa to the winning family to go towards their seasonal celebrations. The activity is open to all P-3 students who attend a Primary School in the Thuringowa Electorate and reside in the Thuringowa Electorate. The competition closes 4.30pm Thursday 27th October 2022.

Completed entries will be collected from the school office, by his electorate staff on Friday 28th October.

Entry forms are available from S Pod for interested students.

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 as soon 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.

Is your Prep-Year 5 student transferring to another school in 2023?

We will shortly be starting the process of organising class composition for 2023. We would appreciate early notice if your child, or children, will be transferring to another school in 2023. Please inform the office by phone on 47 991 333 or email admin@thewillowsss.eq.edu.au at your earliest convenience.

Requests for specific factors to be taken into consideration for your child when organising class composition for 2023 are also able to be emailed to admin@thewillowsss.eq.edu.au.

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.

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 47 991 333, the Student Absence Line on 47 991 366 or emailing admin@thewillowsss.eq.edu.au. Students are encouraged to come to school every day they are well enough to attend – so much new learning occurs every day. After Term 4 Week 1, we are sitting at 87.6% YTD and aiming to be over 90%.

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

Have a wonderful week. Our next newsletter for Term 4 will be issued on Wednesday, 26 October.

Warm regards,
Michelle Donn
Principal

General News

PERFORMERS CONCERT – 26th October

Upcoming Events

Curriculum News

Positive Behaviour Learning

Defence News

HELLO and WELCOME TO ALL DEFENCE FAMILIES

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.

Brooke Ocampo is the DSM on a Friday in my absence. Brooke will be available to support Defence students and families on this day. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child/ren or Defence matters, please contact the office with details and they will pass on the message to Brooke. Please let all students know that Defence Room/Kids Club will only be OPEN on Fridays both breaks.

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 your 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 go to

Geckos Family Centre at Lavarack Barracks is OPEN FOR BUSINESS. Weekly groups, school holiday activities and special events are back on again. The playground is also open for families to utilise during hours. 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

TROPICAL FRIDAY BAREFOOT BOWLS (ADULTS ONLY) – Friday 21st October Couples and singles, mums and dads and other adult family members are invited to join us at another one of our popular Tropical Friday Barefoot Bowling Adults-Only fun night out!

Enjoy a social evening with barefoot bowls and BBQ on us. Cutheringa Bowls Club, West End will provide all bowls equipment as well as demonstrations for anyone who hasn’t played before. 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, 21 October from 6:30pm
Registration: Eventbrite - Barefoot Bowls

Check DMFS newsletters or Facebook for details of Coffee Connections and upcoming activities.

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

THE LITTLE THINGS, THE LITTLE MOMENTS, THEY AREN’T LITTLE.

Prep News

Tea Towel Fundraiser - Order Form

LIFE EDUCATION – 28th October to 4th November

Year Two News

SWIMMING – 22nd to 29th November

LIFE EDUCATION – 28th October to 4th November

Year Four News

LIFE EDUCATION – 28th October to 4th November

SWIMMING – 22nd to 29th November

Year Five News

TALK ABOUT IT – 1st to 3rd November

HEALTH UNIT – Growing Up

Year Six News

Fun Day and Graduation