2 November 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 5 of Term 4! What an incredible week of showcasing the talents of our students occurred last week during State Education Week! Our Performers’ Concert last Wednesday evening was nothing short of spectacular, with the applause of the audience being testament to the amazing talents of our musicians, dancers and singers. Throughout last week our classes also showcased a broad selection of learning achievements through posts on our official school Facebook page. Thank you to all those parents and community members who visited our page to ‘like’ our students’ efforts.

A very big thank-you also to our wonderful, supportive P&C for their acknowledgement of all staff on Staff Appreciation Day celebrated last Friday, 28 October.

Amongst all the focussed teaching and learning we are still busily engaged in, it is also once again an action-packed week for special events and extra-curricular activities this week. This week brings 75 Star Rewards celebrations, the continuation of Life Education for Prep, Years 2 and 4, Year 5 ‘Talk About It’ sessions, a final 2023 Prep Bulk Enrolment Afternoon and ‘Tuckshop Day.’

I would also like to wish our students representing the school in the First Lego League Competition on Sunday all the very best. I know you will be wonderful ambassadors for our school. A big thank-you to Mr Menzies for his efforts in developing our team across many lunch-time club sessions.

It is difficult to believe we are also almost half-way through the term. Keep reminding your child to ‘Always do their best’ (our PBL fortnightly focus) and to ‘finish the year strong.’

Heat

We are continuing to experience warm weather. Please remind students about bringing water bottles to school, regular consumption of water at school throughout the day, wearing hats if outdoors and seeking shady areas for play. It is also timely to remind students about wearing sunscreen to school and considering frozen bricks in their lunchboxes to maintain food hygiene.

Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) – 75 Star Celebrations

Later this week we celebrate our students who have achieved 75 Stars – congratulations to all who have been successful in attaining this positive acknowedgement of their efforts so far this term. These recognition processes occur at the end of Week 5 and Week 10 each term and are a great goal for our students to strive for.

Tuckshop Day – Friday, 4 November 2022

The daily efforts of our tuckshop convenor, Katrina, and her band of workers and volunteers who support our students and our school have been tremendous again this year. Our tuckshop provides a great service that helps out families who have to juggle many different tasks at the start of each day and provides healthy food to nourish students to study and play hard throughout the day.

On Tuckshop Day, this Friday, 4 November, I would like to encourage everyone to say a very special thank you to our wonderful Tuckshop team. Congratulations, Katrina, Tia, Lisa and Lenore – we are so grateful to have you!

Traffic rules and regulations - Safe School Travel

For the safety and wellbeing of all students, community members and staff, caregivers are reminded to continue to obey all traffic rules and regulations around the school especially critical during busy drop off and pick up times. Please note the signage indicating where parking/standing is permitted, particularly along Bilberry Street, to avoid disruption to traffic flow and potentially dangerous situations arising.

Internal Audit (Monday, 31/10-Thursday, 3/11)

This week, Susan Jones, DoE Principal Internal Auditor, will be onsite conducting the three-yearly audit of the school’s operations. The objective of the internal audit is to provide assurance that key legislative, policy and procedural obligations are being met across enterprise risk areas including:

• Child/student safety
• Workplace health and safety of staff and the community
• Security of confidential and personal information
• Fraud and corruption

2022 Christmas Card Competition – Phillip Thompson OAM MP – Federal Member for Herbert

Mr Thompson has invited our school to participate in a fun activity which could see our students’ artwork take pride of place on his 2022 Christmas card, which will be going out to all constituents in the electorate of Herbert.

Students in years Prep to Year 3 are invited to draw and colour a Christmas-themed artwork to fit the theme Christmas in the Tropics. Designs must be done in landscape orientation.

The worksheet entry form can be collected from S Pod.

The worksheet would need to be signed by a parent/guardian before being returned to the school office by Friday, 11 November 2022. Mr Thompson’s office will then arrange to pick up the artworks on Monday 14 November 2022. We have been advised artwork cannot be considered after this date.

A winner, second and third place will be selected from each year group from Prep to Year 3, with the selected entries to be printed on the official Christmas card. The winning student from each year group will each receive a $50 Toyworld gift card.

Also, a big congratulations to one of our Year 1 students, Numayer, who is a finalist in Aaron Harper MP’s Christmas Card competition. Please go to Aaron Harper MP Facebook page and vote for Numayer’s entry so that he can win!

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 within our enrolment catchment zone 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 best support their transition and orientation to school. Please contact our school office to obtain further information about this free program. Our current Pre-Preps have recently received their complimentary ‘Willows Warriors’ school polo shirts and are really looking like they are ready for school next year! All new attendees over the next few weeks will also be eligible to receive a free school polo shirt. Our 2023 Prep Open Day will be held on Thursday, 10 November and our Willows Warriors sessions will conclude for the year on Wednesday, 30 November.

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, complete the online survey distributed through Schoolzine 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

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 4, we are sitting at 87.9% YTD (another slight improvement) 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, 9 November.

Warm regards,

Michelle Donn
Principal

Upcoming Events

Positive Behaviour Learning

P and C News

P&C News

Thank you for all your support of our fundraisers in Term 3. It was a huge term with the 25 Year Anniversary, Fun Fair, Colour Run and Father’s Day Stall all happening within a few weeks of each other. Collectively, over $30,000 was raised!

We would like to thank the following businesses for their support of our Fun Fair: Tennis Blast, RACQ, Aaron Harper, Cowboys, Scentsy (Lara-Ingram Kemp), The Flower Station, Alli A Active, Russ Cook, Cool It Air Conditioner Cleaning and Maintenance, Shimmer By Shannyn, SeaLink NQ, B In the Doghouse, The Watering Can, Woolworths, Kuranda Koala Gardens & Birdworld Kuranda, NQ Marina Fresh Seafoods, Booty Lishus Beauty, Fasta Pasta, Teresa's Body Shop Pamper VIPs, Stomping Elephants, Jodie Gravener Thermomix, Ingham Road Seafoods, Big W, Coles Willows, Cowboys Leagues Club and Cakes on Carthew.

25th Anniversary Memorabilia & Fun Fair Glow Products for sale

We have limited stock of our 25th anniversary memorabilia and leftover fun fair glow products available. Think ahead for Christmas parties and New Year’s Eve! Please return the form below if you would like to purchase any of the following. All products are limited stock - don’t miss out!

Download the attached form to order.

Position Vacant: OSHC Educators

The Willows State School Outside School Hours Care is seeking passionate and enthusiastic, professional child care educators to join our dynamic team for a variety of shifts. The successful applicants must be committed to creating a safe, welcoming and stimulating environment for children.

Please email our OSHC for more details on the application process and requirements on willowscare@bigpond.com

Position Vacant: P&C Treasurer (Volunteer Role)

Do you love budgeting? Are you passionate about The Willows State School and want to make a real difference for the school? We are looking for a volunteer to fill the Treasurer role. All training is provided so no experience is necessary. This is a great opportunity to learn life skills, get your toe in the door on a change of career and become a part of our small, dedicated team.

Please email us at pandc@thewillowsss.eq.edu.au to apply or come along to our next general meeting to see what is involved.

Tuckshop Day Friday 4 November

Tuckshop Day is this Friday November 4th. Our tuckshop provides a great service that helps out families who have to juggle many different tasks at the start of each day and some good food helps the students study and play through the day. We don’t take their hard work for granted and it is great to see parents and grandparents putting up their hands and getting involved with our school. Thank you everyone.

Grab a colouring in page from the Department of Education website or do a drawing of your own and drop it off to let the tuckshop team know you appreciate them. Don’t forget to say a very special thank you when you visit the tuckshop!

Last General Meeting for 2022

Our last general meeting for 2022 will be held next Tuesday November 8 at 6pm in the TCBC. Children are welcome to join you. There will be light refreshments available thanks to our fabulous tuckshop.

Defence News

HELLO and WELCOME TO ALL DEFENCE FAMILIES

It’s Week 5 and my leave is over. I’m looking forward to seeing and chatting with students and families again, then I will commence farewells with students who are moving on at the end of the year.

REMINDER, IF YOU ARE BEING POSTED and will be leaving our school at the end of the year, can you please email me or the office with this information. Postings should have been rolled out by now so most of you will know if you will be moving on. If you have already enrolled at a new school, please let me know and I will contact the DSM to arrange a visit with your new school before arriving. I will also have conversations to assist students with any questions they may have associated with the move. 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. 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 children or defence matters, please contact the office with details and they will pass on the message to Brooke. Brooke is only at our school on a Friday, 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 the link below:

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

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

BEING A PARENT IS ONE OF LIFE’S MOST DIFFICULT AND REWARDING TASKS. KEEP A JOURNAL TO TRACK AND HONOUR YOUR GROWTH, CHALLENGES AND ACHIEVEMENTS.

Permission Forms

YEAR TWO AND YEAR FOUR - SWIMMING (22nd to 29th November)

YEAR SIX FUN DAY AND GRADUATION (7th to 8th December)

Community News

GECKO SPORTS

SCHOOL SAVVY POP-UP SHOP