9 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 6 of Term 4!

It is difficult to believe we are already half-way through the final term of the 2022 school year. Keep reminding your child to ‘try their best’ (our PBL fortnightly focus) and to ‘finish the year strong.’ This week we have had our final P&C Meeting for the year (Tuesday), 2023 Instrumental Music Recruitment Information Session (Wednesday), will engage with our enrolled 2023 Prep students at the Prep Open Day sessions on Thursday and cordially invite our entire school community to attend our whole school Remembrance Day Ceremony in TCBC from 10:30am on Friday.

First Lego League

A big congratulations to our FIRST Lego League team who competed last Sunday at CQ University. The Students came 3rd in the Robot Game out of 13 teams and won the 'Rising All Star' award. Students have given up many lunchtimes over the past five weeks to be ready for the competition, especially the last two weeks practising daily, sometimes even over both breaks. Thank you to the parents who supported the team on the day and helped get the students to the event. Special thanks to our Technology specialist teacher, Mr Menzies, for all his work and ongoing commitment in facilitating our team.

Instrumental Music 2023 Recruitment Information Session

Congratulations to all staff involved in our Instrumental Music Recruitment Information Session. It is wonderful to see so many enthusiastic new recruits across percussion, woodwind, brass and strings for 2023. Thank you to our Instrumental Music Teachers, Cara Mulligan, Tina Greenfield, Kelly Clark-Flesser and Ian Brunskill and school Music Teacher, Mrs Fiona Coleman, for their investment of time and energy into making the music program at The Willows SS a program of excellence.

Positive Behaviour for Learning – The Willows Way – Safe, Respectful, Responsible

Congratulations to all of our PBL Team, teachers and support staff who organised 75 Stars Rewards celebrations last week. Students had a fantastic array of activities available across our school and it was excellent to see the vast majority of our students achieving 75 Stars at the end of Week 5. I look forward to safe, respectful and responsible behavior continuing across the remainder of the term.

Final 2022 P&C Meeting – many thanks

On Tuesday evening the final P&C Meeting for 2022 was held. I would like to sincerely congratulate the 2022 P&C Executive, Sub-Committee chairs and every single member for their amazing efforts across 2022. The P&C is a small, yet active and incredibly passionate group of caregiver volunteers who are working hard behind the scenes in conjunction with the school to make The Willows SS the very best it can be. Their efforts are very much appreciated by the entire school community. Without a P&C operating the tuckshop and OSHC facilities, the school community would not have acess to these valuable services.

This year the P&C has been instrumental in fundraising through such events as:

• 25th Anniversary Celebrations
• Fun Fair
• Colour Run
• Mother’s Day Stall
• Father’s Day Stall

The P&C has provided donations to a range of school projects, including:

• Representaive sporting uniforms and sports equipment
• Music program representative polo shirts
• Chaplaincy program
• 25th Anniversary memorabilia – including Honour Boards in school foyer
• School building external painting
• Shade structure replacement
• Prep Eating Area concreting

Assistant Regional Director School Visit

Our supervising Assistant Regional Director, Suzanne Currin, visited our school today for her regular term visit. Ms Currin was impressed with the work she saw occurring in classrooms and also spent some time with leadership team members reviewing 2022 school progress against systemic performance indicators and co-planning for 2023 explicit improvement agendas.

Queen’s Jubilee Tree Planting Ceremony

Last Wednesday, Phillip Thompson MP, Federal Member for Herbert, attended The Willows State School for a short tree planting ceremony, with the School Captains and School Vice-Captains. The trees have been provided by The Planting Trees for The Queen’s Jubilee grant, commemorating Her Majesty’s 70 years of service to Australia and the Commonwealth. Many thanks to Chris Hains (P&C Grants Coordinator) for his successful submission to the program.

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 for pedestrians arising. Local community members have recently been expressing their frustrations to the local QPS station and officers have been visiting the area to assist with law enforcement.

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 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 receive a $50 Toyworld gift card.

2023 ENROLMENTS – NOW OPEN FOR ALL YEAR LEVELS

Our school is still taking enrolments for the 2023 school year - please get your enrolment forms in now, if you haven’t already done so. The last interviews for this year will be occurring on Thursday 24th November. 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.

All new attendees over the next couple of 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 are in the process of organising class compositions for 2023. We would appreciate 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 as soon as possible.

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 6, 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, 16 November.

Warm regards,

Michelle Donn
Principal

Upcoming Events

Positive Behaviour Learning

Defence News

HELLO and WELCOME TO ALL DEFENCE FAMILIES

Week 6 - Hi everyone, it is great to be back from my wonderful holiday. WA is the most amazing place to visit and I had the best time visiting all the beautiful places there.

This week we had a Veteran from the RSL visit our school to talk to students about Remembrance Day. The students had fun drawing pictures on the concrete “What Remembrance Day means to them.” I will add some photos next week. Please join us on Friday 11th November in the TCBC for our ceremony. Poppies and badges will be for sale all this week from L pod and around the school.

Reminder, if you are being posted and will be leaving our school at the end of the year, can you please email me and/or the office 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 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 throughout the week. Check out their Facebook page to keep up to date with the activities and events held throughout the week or phone them on 07 4411 7031 for more details. Don’t forget to check out their upcoming program for the school holidays.

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

TIME TO DINE DINNER (PARTNERS ONLY) – Friday, 25th November

Come along to our final partner’s-only night out of 2022 where you can catch-up with new and old friends, and farewell others that may be heading off on their next adventure.

Townsville Yacht Club is located in the heart of Palmer Streets eating precinct. With waterfront views, it sure is an event not to be missed. The DMFS team have booked a table on the deck where we can soak up the sea breeze and enjoy the company of new and old friends.

This is a self-funded activity. Attendees are responsible for the cost of purchasing their own food and drinks.

Where: Townsville Yacht Club
When: Friday 25 November 7:00pm-10:00pm
Registration: Eventbrite - Time to Dine

RAAF BASE TOWNSVILE CHRISTMAS TREAT – Thursday, 1st December

The Annual RAAF Base Townsville Christmas Treat will be run this year at the Base Gym. Come and join in the fun as we bring back the celebrations of a RAAF Base Christmas Treat. There will be loads of fun to be had, with rides, face painting, sausage sizzle and drinks with of course a visit from Santa.

Tickets are $10 per child, which covers Santa's gift. Please ensure you detail each child's age & gender for gift selection.

Where: Base Gym (RAAF Base Townsville)
When: Thursday 1 December 4:00pm -6:00pm
Registration:

2023 RSL QUEENSLAND PARTNER SCHOLARSHIPS - As the partner of a current or former ADF member, you’ve been paramount to your family’s stability. Now it’s time to green light your career aspirations or have the chance to upskill with an RSL Scholarship.

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

BE LIKE THE OCEAN, STRONG ENOUGH TO BE DESTROYED AND GENTLE ENOUGH FOR OTHERS TO FIND COMFORT IN YOUR PRESENCE.

Music News (The Pitch)

Permission Forms

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

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

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 icing biscuits with our friends.

In English, we have been learning about the story Pig the Pug and how we can change the ending to make it our own. We have had some brilliant ideas come through the minds of the Preps!

In Maths, we have been busy doing number work. Our job is to match numerals, number names and quantities which we enjoy doing through hands on maths rotations. We are also learning to count forwards and backwards, identifying missing numbers.

Year One News

The Year 1's celebrated their 75 Star celebrations last Friday. The students rotated through three fun activities that included games on the iPads, playing with Sphero's and Lego building. The afternoon was a huge success. Congratulations to all students for achieving 75 Stars.

Year Two News

In Maths, students have been learning to transform shapes with slides, flips and turns. They have been following instructions to relocate shapes, as well as creating their own. Students have also been drawing shapes in their grid books to match a transformation, concentrating on maintaining the size and shape when completing a slide or a flip.

Year Three News

Lately, the Year 3 students have all engaged in the RACQ Streets Ahead road safety program. This program focused on teaching our students the importance of pedestrian, passenger and riding safety. Specifically, the Year 3’s learned valuable lessons around the appropriate wearing and fitting of bike helmets, protective wear (elbow/knee pads) and how vital it is to wear bright coloured clothing when out and about, whether they are commuting by walking, riding, scootering or skating. Students were also encouraged to follow responsible behaviours while riding their vehicles.

The students engaged in many fun and interactive activities to ensure these messages were meaningful and relative. We all definitely had a blast throughout these lessons and have once again loved having this fabulous resource available to us!

Year Four News

The Year 4 students have been lucky to have a visit from Penny at RACQ! In 4E PRO we learnt road safety tips, safety on a bike and scooter, that a bike is a serious piece of equipment, bus etiquette and safety. Students participated in a range of fun activities related to bike, scooter and bus safety. Year 4 would like to say a big thank you to Penny from RACQ for teaching us about road safety and rules to help keep us safe!

Year Five News

For HASS this term we have been investigating democratic values and processes in the school community. With this, the students had to develop responses to situations that are happening in our school. Visual scenarios were created of various situations in our school. Then we were to come up with solutions to improve these. After analysing positives and negatives of our solutions we were then asked to justify which solution would be the best option.

Year Six News

The last Term of Year 6 learning is zooming by as students are engaging with some of the last pieces of assessment they will need to complete before leaving for High School. In 6C DAV, we have been using our devices to investigate different data sets to answer inquiry questions.

Students are programming spread sheets and creating graphs and tables on a variety of web pages to analyse and compare data on the music preference of Year 6 students. 6DAV has enjoyed predicting the most popular genre with most students convinced it is going to be country. As the year gets closer to its end, Year 6 are also excited for the upcoming Willows World Cup.

The WWC is an event that used to occur at The Willows called Coconut Cup. A teacher versus Year 6 students carnival designed to promote teamwork, community and physical exercise. Students had the opportunity to sign up to Netball, Oztag or Soccer and will compete against an enthusiastic team of teachers for the cup prize!