7 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 Week 9 of Term 3! I hope everyone enjoyed their first Spring week-end for 2022 and had a wonderful Father’s Day celebration as well. It was wonderful to induct our new Adopt-a-Cop, Constable Nate Heyboer, into his role in our school community last week and be treated to some pre-Eisteddfod performances of our Choir and Instrumental Music students. This week we will continue to work hard towards the completion of our Term 3 teaching and learning across the curriculum.

In the last week of term, we are looking forward to the P&C’s Colour Explosion Fun Run on Wednesday the 14 September, 75 Stars, Silver Star Awards, Hearing Health Screening, the Blackhawks U10 Rugby League Challenge and a Tesla Solar Vehicle visit to Year 4.

R U OK? Day https://www.ruok.org.au

This annual national day of action to remind us to check in on our family, friends and co-workers is officially celebrated on 8th September (Thursday) in 2022, although ANY DAY is a good day to ask the question. This year’s motto is ‘no qualifications needed.’ You may notice some of our staff wearing yellow on Thursday in deference to this day.

2022 School Support Staff Recognition Week (SSSRW)

This week is School Support Staff Recognition Week. It is a time where we acknowledge and celebrate all our support staff for their valuable contributions to the effective and efficient running of our school. Their hard work and dedication make a significant difference to our students, teachers and the school community.

I would sincerely like to thank all The Willows State School support staff for the important work they do each and every day. We would not be able to support our students to achieve their learning and wellbeing goals without you.

At The Willows SS we have a tradition of celebrating all school employee group appreciation days on the same day. This year it will be on Friday, 28 October (Term 4, Week 4) during State Education Week.

3 Way Conversations (Parent-Teacher-Student Meetings) – THANK YOU

3 Way Conversation Meetings were very well attended again this term. Thank you for your positive partnership with our school staff. If you were unable to attend on this occasion, please make contact with your child’s class teacher or the school office to coordinate an alternative meeting time if required.

Extra-Curricular Activities – Eisteddfod

Over Week 9 and 10 a large number of our students will be participating in Eisteddfod performances. I wish all of our participating musicians and singers the very best and look forward to sharing news of their achievements in future newsletters. I know they will represent our school with pride. Thanks to our Music Specialist Teacher, Mrs Fiona Coleman, and our Instrumental Music Teachers for their passion, energy and commitment to helping develop our young musicians and singers to be the very best they can be.

2023 Student Leaders

Our Year 5 students are well on their way with their 2023 Student Leadership journey they have embarked on.

Passports are being signed and checked by teachers and on Tuesday Mrs Winter and Mrs Nosworthy ran a ‘Writer’s Workshop’ for the students to gain a deeper understanding into what it is to be a school leader and the process required when writing their applications.

Students were supported in the planning of these applications by Mrs Barra and Chappy Brooke as well.

All passports and application letters are due for submission on Monday 12th of September.

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 47 991 366 or emailing office@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. We have 7 school days left in this term and plenty of learning to still be achieved each day. Our whole school attendance % currently sits at 87.7% YTD, striving for 90%+.

2023 ENROLMENTS – NOW OPEN FOR ALL YEAR LEVELS

Our school is currently taking enrolments for the 2023 school year. Please get your enrolment forms in now if 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 to facilitate class and teacher planning in Term 4. Please contact the school to request further information if you have missed the sessions.

FINAL P&C Meeting for Term 3 - Tuesday, 13 September at 6pm in the TCBC Conference Room – all welcome.

REMINDER: 25th Anniversary Memorabilia – now available until sold out from school office

• 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.
• 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.

SPRING HOLIDAYS FORWARD NOTIFICATION

Just 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.

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

Our final newsletter for Term 3 will be issued on Wednesday, 14 September.

Warm regards,

Michelle Donn
A/Principal

General News

SCHOOL DENTAL VAN

The school dental van has been here since Monday 16th May, 2022. Dental forms were sent home with each student in Term 1.

The Offer of Dental Treatment is not compulsory and is an individual decision for each parent.

If you would like to access this service and have not already returned your form, please do so as soon as possible.

Additional forms are available from the office.

Upcoming Events

Positive Behaviour Learning

Defence News

HELLO and WELCOME TO ALL DEFENCE FAMILIES

Week 9, I’m hoping all Dads, Grandads and Carers had a wonderful, caring day on Sunday.

Thank you to all families who participated in ADF Equip Parental Absence program. I hope there were many conversations had regarding parental absences. I have received positive comments from students who attended. If there is any feedback that you would like to give me, please send me an email or give me a call.

POSTINGS have been rolled out now so most of you will know if you will be moving at the end of the year. If you are moving, can you please contact me by phone or email ASAP and also let the school office know. This is important for me to plan a farewell activity and assist students with any questions associated with the move. The office also needs to know 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 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.

R U OK? DAY is Thursday 8th October. Take the time to ask your spouse, family members, friends and work colleagues ARE YOU OK? 1. Ask are you OK? 2. Listen 3. Encourage action 4. Check in. By checking in, you could be the one who makes the difference for someone who is emotional and is requiring support.

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 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 THE LINK BELOW:

DON’T FORGET to Register for DMFS mailing list NOW at MemberandFamilyHelpline@defence.gov.au or follow on Facebook for updates.

DATES TO REMEMBER

COFFEE CONNECTIONS - BRUNCH IN THE BUSH (Thursday 6th October)

Townsville ADF families, this month we’re heading to the Thuringowa Branch of the RSL for our ‘Coffee Connections’ where you can come for a cuppa and cake from 10.30am and/or stay for lunch from 11.30am.

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: RSL Thuringowa Branch, 13 Kelso Dr Kelso
When: Thursday 6 October from 10:30am - 12:30pm
Registration: Eventbrite - Coffee Connections

DEFENCE FAMILY FUN DAY MELVILLE’S FARM (Saturday 8th October)

ADF families, come along to the biggest North Queensland Defence member and family event of 2022!

Entry to our family fun day is on us and exclusive to all local ADF members - singles and couples, and their partners and immediate families.

From tractor rides to giant slides, farm animals galore and much more to explore, there’ll be something for everyone to see and do.

Where: Melville’s Farm, 45 Alligator Creek Rd, Alligator Creek
When: Saturday 8 October from 3:30pm-7:00pm
Registration: Eventbrite - Defence Family Fun Day

WELLBEING DAY ‘BARRY’S PLACE’ LAVARACK BARRACKS (Monday 10th October)

Townsville Defence members and/or their family members and spouses are invited to our Wellbeing Day as part of QLD Mental Health Week.

Come along and enjoy a mix of wellbeing activities, including mindfulness exercises, yoga and sound immersion.

Morning tea will be provided on arrival and lunch is on us.

Where: Barry’s Place (3CER) Lavarack Barracks
When: Monday 10 October
Registration: Eventbrite - Wellbeing Day

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

R U OK? DAY – STOP, ASK, LISTEN, ENCOURAGE, CHECKIN. MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO SOMEONE’S DAY.

P and C News

Colour Explosion School Fun Run – Wednesday 14 September

WOW! You have all been working so hard! Because of you, we have already raised a WHOPPING $10,070.85 out of our $40,000 goal! Keep it up, we have two weeks left to get there! We got this. Don't forget to start your online profile to access the bonus gifts.

25 Year Anniversary Pavers - ORDERS CLOSING 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.

Father's Day Stall

Thank you to everyone who supported our Father's Day stall this year. We hope you all enjoyed being spoilt with your well-considered gifts this year. We would like to give a special mention to our President, Sonya, and the fabulous volunteers who help run the stall every day.

Next P&C Meeting

Our next meeting is Tuesday 13 September at 6pm in the TCBC. All are welcome to attend. Entry is through the pedestrian gate near the OSHC building/staff carpark. Contact the P&C by email pandc@thewillowsss.eq.edu.au.

Community News

JUNIOR X - AFL