5 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 term of the 2022 school year! I trust everyone has had a wonderful Spring vacation.

I am very excited to advise that I have been offered and happily accepted the role of permanent Principal at The Willows State School. I am very honoured to be given this opportunity and am looking forward to continuing to work with the wonderful staff, students, parent community and committed P&C as we progress our school’s explicit improvement agenda together.

This term will be very busy and I encourage you to read our newsletter each week to stay informed about timelines for all school programs and events. This week across the state we acknowledge Queensland Mental Health Week.

Queensland Mental Health Week: 8-16 October

• Queensland Mental Health Week aims to shine a spotlight and build awareness on individual and community mental health and wellbeing and is also aligned to World Mental Health Day, which is held on 10 October every year.
• This week encourages all of us to think about our mental health and wellbeing, regardless of whether we may have a lived experience of mental illness or not, and encourages us to adopt help-seeking behaviours, when needed.
• This year’s theme is Awareness, Belonging, Connection which reflects the important factors and help-seeking behaviours, that help us maintain positive mental health and wellbeing.

Extra-Curricular Photos – THIS THURSDAY and FRIDAY

Please refer to the letter including the photo timetable and dress requirements included later in this newsletter. Notes have also been distributed to the individual students involved in photos for their information.

Message from Mark Bailey MP, Minister for Transport and Main Roads

In a world-first road safety initiative, new speed camera technology will soon target speeding drivers at selected school zones and roadworks sites across Queensland. The announcement of this two-year pilot was made as part of Queensland Road Safety Week (QRSW), which ran from 22 to 26 August 2022.

The pilot will involve speed cameras deployed in flashing school zone signs at a number of schools which have been selected based on a risk assessment conducted by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR). Selected schools will be notified before installation commences and additional signage will be installed prior advising of speed camera enforcement in the area.

Speeding continues to be one of the main contributing factors in deaths and serious injuries on our roads. We know school children are among our most vulnerable road users. This speed camera pilot will act as a deterrent to drivers, with fines and demerit points to be issued to those who fail to slow down. These fines are used to fund important road safety initiatives and education across Queensland.

Staffing Update

• The temporary HoD – Curriculum recruitment and selection process has now been finalised. I am very pleased to congratulate and welcome back to TWSS, Ms Kayla Hawkins, as the successful applicant for this role. Many thanks to Mrs Melissa Dinnison for her leadership in this area over the past few terms.
• Mrs Correna Wheeler, Defence School Mentor (DSM), is on leave for the first 5 weeks of Term 4. During her absence, Brooke Ocampo (Miss Brooke), a DSM at Pimlico SHS, will be filling her role on Fridays only.

Student Leaders 2023 – Selection Process Timelines

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 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 47 991 366 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 3, 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, 12 October.

Warm regards,
Michelle Donn
Principal

General News

Extra-Curricular Photos – 6th and 7th October

Teaching of Reading Information Session – 6th October

Upcoming Events

Positive Behaviour Learning

Defence News

HELLO and WELCOME TO ALL DEFENCE FAMILIES

Welcome back to Week 1! I hope everyone had a relaxing, wonderful holiday and are ready for the last term of the year. I am on leave and will be returning to school in Week 6. Brooke Ocampo is going to be at school as DSM on Fridays only 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. Please let all students be aware that Defence Room/Kids Club will only be OPEN on Fridays both breaks during the five weeks I’m away. I’m sure you will make Brooke feel welcome while she is here and I will see you all in Week 6.

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 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 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.

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

EVERY MORNING WE ARE BORN AGAIN, WHAT WE DO TODAY IS WHAT MATTERS MOST.

Prep News

Tea Towel Fundraiser - Order Form

Year 6 News

Graduation