1 February 2023

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Pride

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Community Members,

Welcome back to Week 2 of the 2023 school year. Students have been settling back into classroom and playground rules and routines extremely well and we thank you for your continued partnership with us around this.

It is also pleasing to note how well our students are abiding by our Student Dress Code. This is a component of our Student Code of Conduct 2021-2023 and endorsed by the P&C Association.

Our seven BYOx classrooms last week successfully navigated the challenges of ‘onboarding’ to the school network 183 home devices. It was also wonderful to see even our youngest school members (Preps) displaying considerable growth in independence across the week.

There have been a number of notes issued home over the past week as we start to establish permissions for a range of upcoming school events. Please ensure you are aware of payment and permission timelines to avoid disappointment for your child. Most events involve external providers who require firm numbers and payments in advance.

Safe School Travel for all

Travelling to and from school can be a very busy time – especially in wet weather. At the start of the year it is also additionally hectic as new families and students establish new entry and exit points. Parents are respectfully asked to assist our staff in keeping their children safe by reminding students:

• Roads and footpaths are not a place to play – look out for traffic all the time and only cross roads at the designated SAFE school crossing points supervised by a ‘lollipop’ person
• At STOP, DROP and GO wait for parents to pull into the loading zone in their cars – staff will call students by surname to enter cars when parked in the zone and it is safe to do so. Surname cards were re-distributed at the start of the school year. Should you still require one to display on your car dashboard please contact the school
• When riding scooters and bicycles wear protective equipment correctly
• When travelling in a car, remember to put on your seat-belt in an age-appropriate seat
• When travelling by bus, remain seated at all times and show respect to the driver

2023 Class Arrangements

As of today, we have 931 students effectively enrolled and distributed across 38 P-6 classes. School funding and staffing arrangements will be definitively finalised after the Day 8 Enrolment Census to be completed tomorrow. I currently anticipate however there will be no changes to our current school staffing and class structures.

Parent Meet and Greet

Our annual ‘Parent-Teacher Meet & Greet’ afternoon will be held NEXT Tuesday, 7 February from 3:15-4:15pm. This will be a great opportunity to meet other parents and teaching staff and ask questions, whilst also learning more about what your child will be learning this year. We look forward to having as many of our parents as possible attend.

Please note that Term 1 Curriculum Overviews for all year levels are available for viewing later in this newsletter.

Prep Handwriting Texts – Student Resource Scheme (SRS)

This week all Prep families will receive information regarding the purchase of the Prep Handwriting text through a school Student Resource Scheme (SRS).

How does the SRS work?

• The SRS is a user pays scheme
• Families may choose to ‘opt in’ or ‘opt out’ of the SRS
• Families who ‘opt in’ to the SRS will be invoiced and supplied with a copy of the Prep Handwriting text: ‘Writing Time F QLD Beginner’s Alphabet’
• Families who ‘opt out’ of the SRS must purchase and provide their own copy of the Prep Handwriting text: ‘Writing Time F QLD Beginner’s Alphabet’

Further information is provided to all Prep families in the notes distributed home. Please contact the school if you have a Prep student and do not receive the notes or have any questions about the SRS.

Students in Years 1-4 were required to purchase their own relevant Handwriting texts as included within the 2023 Booklists and are not participating in the SRS in 2023.

Supervision before school

Main gates to the school grounds in Sandstone Drive and Bilberry Street are unlocked each day at 8:00am. Any student P-6 who enters the school grounds from 8:00-8:15am must go to the Main CPA (directly behind Administration Block) where there is adult supervision. There is no playing on equipment prior to school. From 8:15am supervision of students is split into different areas – Prep-Year 2 in the Junior CPA and Year 3-6 in the TCBC Hall.

Modifications for the first 2 weeks for P-2 ONLY

This week Prep students have been transitioning to the Junior CPA for supervision from 8:15am. In Week 2 ONLY Year 1 and 2 students will remain in the Main CPA for supervision from 8:15am to support our Prep student transition process. Usual procedures as outlined above for before school supervision will commence from Week 3 (Monday, 6 February).

Supervision after school – Stop, Drop and Go

Families making use of our Stop, Drop and Go drive-through zone in Bilberry Street are requested to ensure all traffic rules and regulations are followed to ensure safety for all students, community members and staff. Staff supervise children waiting to be collected in this area. Parents are requested to clearly display their surname card on their car front dash to enable our staff to efficiently call their children to the collection point. New surname cards will be distributed to the eldest in the family this week.

2023 Voluntary Contributions - $40 per student and $80 per family

The costs of providing instruction, administration and facilities for the education of students enrolled at a school are met by the State Government. Voluntary financial contributions are used by the school to provide an enhanced educational service and to supplement resources available for student learning, recreation and comfort.

The Willows State School has maintained a consistent level of voluntary financial contributions for the past few years, approved by the P&C. Please see the Parent Information Sheet below regarding Voluntary Financial Contributions. If you wish to make a voluntary financial contribution to the school, please pay at the school office.

Home-School Communication

Our school newsletter, Willows Pride, is issued weekly each Wednesday of the school term. The newsletter is emailed, uploaded to the official school Facebook page and uploaded to the school website linked below. It is vitally important that the newsletter is engaged with as it is our primary source of communicating key school messages, events and timelines. Please contact the school to update any changed email addresses to ensure the newsletter is being distributed to the correct address.

P&C

The first P&C Meeting for 2023 will be held on Tuesday, 21 February. Meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6:00pm in the TCBC Conference Room. All parents are most welcome to attend. Your support is vital to ensure fundraising initiatives can occur. The P&C is also a forum in which you can contribute ideas to the enhancement of the school.

All executive positions will be declared vacant at the P&C AGM to be held on Tuesday, 21 March.

Transition statements for 2023 Prep students – school transition email address

All parents of 2023 Prep students are requested to share their child’s Kindergarten Transition Statement with the school should they not already have done so through organising permission with their kindergarten to share. Transition statements provide very useful information about children’s progress and support needs and assist teachers in planning to cater to their students. Kindergarten Transition Statements can be emailed to: transitions@thewillowsss.eq.edu.au

Student Absences – 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 4799 1333, emailing or sending a message. If your child is absent from school on any given day and we are unaware of the reason for the absence, an SMS will be generated asking you to contact the school regarding your child’s absence. Our whole school attendance is currently above 94% which is above target and something we are hoping to maintain moving forward. Every day children are well enough to be at school we want to see them!

Have a wonderful week – our next newsletter will be issued on Wednesday, 8 February.

Warm regards,

Michelle Donn
Principal

General News

WILLOWS WARRIORS

SCHOOL DENTAL VAN

Dental forms have been sent home with each student in Prep.

If you are new to our school and would like the opportunity to go to the School Dental Van, forms are available from the office.

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

If you would like to access this service, please do so as soon as possible.

*Please note that the school dental van will be moving on to another school on Thursday the 23rd February, 2023.

Upcoming Events

Year Level Parade Times

Positive Behaviour Learning

Defence News

HELLO AND WELCOME TO ALL DEFENCE FAMILIES

Hi everyone, my name is Correna Wheeler and I am the Defence School Mentor at TWSS. I hope the first couple of weeks of transitioning back into school was filled with happy days and much excitement. I know some students have found the school process a little overwhelming and that is normal. It is important to keep the routine for children the same each morning and the process will become easier for everyone. The tears will also become less. If you are finding the morning drop-off a challenge, please let me know and I can meet you at class for a handover into the classroom. This support has been of great use to many families. I have also started meeting new students in class with a Welcome Pack and a chat.

Students also have access to my Kids Club/Defence Room every day in L Pod at break times. Students are welcome to visit for a chat or make a craft activity, read a book, play Lego and meet new friends. Always remember to stay positive at school and take each day as it comes. Settling into a new school will take time and perseverance, but it will happen. If you have any concerns regarding your child/ren, please call me on 4799 1333, e-mail cwhee36@eq.edu.au or you are welcome to drop by my room in L Pod for a chat, Monday to Friday.

Welcome Morning Tea for parents will be held on Friday 10th February at 9-11am in L pod, I look forward to seeing you there. The Welcome and Information Expo is Saturday 11th February, see flyer below.

DON’T FORGET to Register NOW to receive newsletter and updates at dmfs.townsville@defence.gov.au or follow them on Facebook for events, morning teas and social gatherings for Defence families.

CONTACT OPEN ARMS on 1800 011 046 for support also.

If you have posted into Townsville this year or in the last 18 months you 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 then 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. This is a valuable resource to assist students with their learning and therefore assist with their transition into a new school.PLEASE REMOVE – IT WAS IN TWICE 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 available for families to access. Check Facebook for availability and schedule. Weekly groups, school holiday activities and special events are happening. BE QUICK, call them on 07 4411 7031 for more details.

TO BE UP TO DATE WITH WHATS ON IN TOWNSVILLE CHECK

DATES TO REMEMBER

Defence Parents Morning Tea – Friday 10th February 9-11am

You are invited to attend a Morning Tea for Defence parents in the Defence room at L Pod. The meet and greet is an informal gathering to meet other spouses and network. Food and drinks will be available. Please join us for a cuppa and a chat. RSVP me with any dietary requirements. Look forward to seeing you there.

Where: L Pod
When: Friday 10 February 9:00am-11:00am
RSVP: cwhee36@eq.edu.au

DMFS Welcome and Information Expo – Saturday, 11th February

Defence Member & Family Support Townsville invite ADF members and families to our Welcome and Information Expo!

Discover what the Townsville region has to offer you and your family with over 100 exhibitors including local community and sporting groups, Government organisations and other service providers.

Where: Townsville Stadium, Murray
When: Saturday 11 February, 10:00am-1:00pm
Registration: Eventbrite - DMFS Welcome & Information Expo

Photographs will be taken at all DMFS events. Please let our staff know if you do not want your family to be photographed. Photos may be used on our social media channels or in a DMFS publication.

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 – office is at the Nathan Business Centre or 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 is currently under renovation

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

STAY POSITIVE

Music News (The Pitch)

Willows Warriors News

Prep News

We have had an amazing first week in Prep! All of the students are doing such a great job and are settling into their classrooms. We have been working really hard to remember all the new rules and routines at school.

In PYD, we have spent a lot of time getting to know each other, making friends and have been working on learning the names of everyone in our class. We have started learning letter sounds and have been practising sequencing events from a story.

Year One News

Welcome to Year 1

The Year 1 children have started the year off well and are beginning to settle into class and school routines. We have been working hard on understanding and following our school rules:-
Be respectful, Be responsible, Be safe.

In English we have been learning about narratives (made up stories). We have been discussing why we read narratives and their special structure.

In Maths we did an Enquiry about “Which colour is the most popular in a box of smarties?”

Year Two News

The Year 2’s have been off to a busy week of settling back into our classroom and school routines. We have been practising how we walk around the school, making sure we are nice and quiet so we don’t disrupt other classes. They had a tour of their new eating area and play areas. They get to play on the whole oval and now have a different playground! This week students also brainstormed some of the ways they can be Safe, Respectful and Responsible to follow our PBL focus, and are doing an amazing job at sticking to it!

Year Three News

Welcome to Year 3 at The Willows State School.

Class routines are well underway and a lot of fantastic work around the Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) framework is evident in all classrooms. This fortnight we are focusing on our reminder that At the Willows we are safe, respectful and responsible.

We are very excited that we have already had such an amazing week with our new students, and are looking forward to a great year. We have 6 classes so far with 8 teachers; Mrs Johnston (3A), Miss Hansen (3B), Mrs Rodger (3C), Miss Nielsen (3D), Mrs Moule (3E), Ms Ashworth (3F) and Mrs Gatehouse (3A and 3F). We sent out emails earlier introducing ourselves and sharing our emails in case you have any questions. If you did not receive these emails but would like our email addresses, then please let the office know.

What we are learning in Year 3 this term

English Unit 1 “Analysing and Creating Texts”

This term in Year 3, we’ve already kicked off with some persuasive writing for English. We are trying to persuade you (their parents) to get a pet and Mrs Donn to let us go on an excursion!

Maths

In Maths, this term we will be covering number, position and location and chance.

Science

In Science we are learning about the spinning Earth.

HASS

In HASS we are learning about our unique community with a focus on ANZAC day.

Health

In Health we are learning about what makes a good friend and managing change and emotions.

I hope everyone had a restful holiday so that we can show focus and determination to strive to be excellent.

Year Four News

Welcome back to Term 2!!!

The Year 4 students have had a fantastic start back this term! This week 4E have been having a fantastic time during English reading the book ‘The Twits’ by Roald Dahl.

Learning Intention: Create an imaginative new chapter for a book.

Students have drawn a picture of the main characters of the story and brainstormed some words to describe these characters. 4E have also been learning how to navigate their laptops to start writing their English Twits chapter, although we do a lot of engaging learning on the laptops. Students are doing a great job of adjusting and transitioning from some work being done in work books, groups or computers, depending on the lesson.

We are excited to see where the rest of this year takes us in the year 4 BYOX class and cannot wait to share more of our work.

Year Five News

Year Six News

The school year has started strong in Year 6 with all classes taking off with lightning speed towards their goals! Students met their teachers, sorted their belongings and became familiar with classroom routines. The cohort have settled beautifully and have already engaged with some of their first learning activities in Year 6!

In 6C BYOx students have started using digital graphing software to create side-by-side column graphs and draw conclusions based on the data and evidence. Students have been working on making their justifications thorough and using evidence to support their responses.

The students in 6C have said that BYOx is “good because it gets you free thinking while you’re doing your task” and “it is saving a lot of paper and you can write more on a laptop when you get given a question to answer.” Looking forward, the students of 6C and the Year 6 cohort are adjusting well to their new role as young leaders of the school.

Community News

TOWNSVILLE HOCKEY

TOWNSVILLE HOCKEY EXPO

SAVER PLUS

Saver Plus – helping take the stress out of back to school time

The Saver Plus community program has helped over 55,000 Australians take the stress out of back to school time. It’s free for eligible people to join.

At Saver Plus, we pair you with a savings coach while you budget and save over the next 10 months. You attend online workshops to learn tips, tricks and information to grow your budgeting and savings skills. Once you reach your agreed savings goal, ANZ matches your savings dollar-for-dollar, up to $500. You can use that money towards education costs such as uniforms, text books, laptops or extra-curricular activities such as sport or music.

You could be eligible to join Saver Plus if you:

• have a Centrelink Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card
• are at least 18 years old
• have some regular income from work (you or your partner) including casual, part-time, full-time or seasonal (we also accept child support and carer’s payment as income)
• have a child at school or attend vocational education yourself.

If you’re eligible, start now and we’ll help take the stress out of next year’s back to school.

To find out more, or to apply, go to www.saverplus.org.au or call 1300 610 355