8 February 2023

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Pride

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Community Members,

Welcome to Week 3 of Term 1. This week we are very busily engaging in a range of extra- and co-curricular school events. Today our Willows Warriors (Pre-Prep program) commenced, our student leaders attended the GRIP Conference and Inter-school swimming trials were conducted before school. On Thursday we will host our first Assistant Regional Director, Mrs Suzanne Currin, (ARD) school visit and on Friday we will hold our 2023 Student Leader Investiture Ceremony commencing at 9:15am in the TCBC Hall. Year 3-6 students, staff and the parents/caregivers of our student leaders are cordially invited to attend.

2023 Parent Meet and Greet

Our annual ‘Parent-Teacher Meet & Greet’ afternoon was held on Tuesday, 7 February from 3:15-4:15pm. Thank you to those parents/caregivers who were able to attend and learn more about what their child is learning this year, and discuss classroom rules and routines. We value strong home-school partnerships and are very grateful for your engagement with us in this event.

Student Council

This Friday will be the first meeting of our 2023 Student Council. Student Council comprises all the appointed Year 6 leaders and newly voted Year 4 and 5 classroom representatives. I am looking forward to working with the ideas and enthusiasm of our new generation of student leaders under the expert guidance of Mrs Barra.

QParents

The Willows State School will soon be providing our parent community with the opportunity to register for QParents.

The QParents web and mobile application provides a more convenient, easier way for parents and legal guardians of Queensland state school students to interact with their child’s school. Parents will have secure, online access to their child’s student information, anytime, anywhere, through a smartphone, tablet or computer.

QParents allows parents to connect instantly with their child’s school to access and manage their child’s student information, including:

• Attendance and absence details, as well as the ability to notify the school of an absence
• Academic report cards
• Viewing unpaid invoice details, payment history, and making payments online
• Viewing and updating personal student details, including medical conditions and address
• Enrolment details

QParents will assist both staff and parents in sharing and responding to information in an efficient and effective way. It won’t replace the traditional ways you communicate with our school, but it will provide another way to communicate with us.

The benefits of QParents

Convenience and time savings for parents

• Parents can view or update their child’s details, pay invoices and report absences without having to call the school or come into the office.
• Secure 24/7 online access.
• Available anytime, anywhere — access QParents on your smart phone, tablet or computer on a web browser or using the app (iPhone or Android).

Greater transparency of information

• Improves accountability between parents and schools by providing parents with timely access to their child’s information online.
• Allows parents to engage more deeply in their child’s schooling.

Improved administration efficiencies for schools

• Allows schools to streamline their administrative processes and cut down on printing.

What is a QParents Account Owner (QPAO)?

The school will nominate parents or legal guardians for each student to be QParents Account Owners (QPAOs). QPAOs will be able to register for QParents to access and manage the student’s information online, view the student’s information and submit requests to update some of the student’s details.

QPAOs will also be able to invite other people (such as another family member), to view the student’s information. Once invited, these people can register for QParents as “delegated viewers”. A delegated viewer can see the student’s details, but cannot make updates.

Registering for QParents

You will receive an invitation email or letter from us containing your unique invitation code. Simply follow the instructions in that email or letter to complete the QParents account registration process. Initial registration and addition of students to your account must be done on a desktop or laptop computer. Once registered, you will then be able to access QParents using your mobile device (via web browser or by downloading the iPhone or Android App).

If you do not want to register, you may advise us not to send you any more invitations, and your child’s student information will not be available to anyone through QParents. Or, if you want another parent to be the QPAO, you can advise us and we will send them an invitation email or letter with their own unique invitation code.

Identity verification

To obtain full access to student information, as part of their QParents registration, users must complete an identity verification process. QParents offers two options for identity verification – online and offline.

For fully online verification (the fastest option), you will need to verify 100 points of the following identity documents online:

If you cannot verify 100 points of the above ID documents online, you may still register for QParents, but you will need to attend the school to verify documentation in person after you have registered online.

Full instructions on how to verify your documents and what you may need to bring to the school will be provided as part of the invitation and registration process.

For more information regarding the online identity verification process, see:

Please note that QParents does not maintain copies or records of any identity documents used for account verification, either online or offline.

‘Time Out’ Poster – Keeping your child and other children healthy

We love to see all of our students at school every day they are well enough to attend. On some occasions however, your child may become unwell. Please view the following Queensland Health ‘Time Out’ poster to see recommendations for keeping your child at home.

NAPLAN Online

Our students in Years 3 and 5 will be undertaking NAPLAN Online testing in Term 1 this year (15 – 27th March). Previously, NAPLAN assessments were conducted during May however in 2023, testing has moved to Term 1 to allow for an earlier return of results that can be used to inform teaching and learning. Our school commenced moving to NAPLAN online in 2021, and it brings many advantages including a test design that offers test items tailored to students’ knowledge and ability levels.

Years 3 and 5 online test sequence:

1. writing (paper for Year 3 only)
2. reading
3. conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation)
4. numeracy

• Year 5 students must complete the writing test within the first two days of the test window.
• Each student must complete the reading test before they sit the conventions of language test.
• Catch-up sessions are scheduled for students who are absent for testing sessions, where possible.

NAPLAN Online numeracy, reading and conventions of language are tailored or adaptive tests. Tailored testing provides a more engaging test for students and a more precise assessment of student performance. Students at each year level start with a similar set of questions. Depending on each student’s answers, the next set of questions may be easier or more difficult, giving students greater opportunity to demonstrate what they know.

We will also be participating in a national practice test on 13th, 14th and 15th March. This is an excellent opportunity to fine tune any technical and logistical needs, as well as familiarise students and teachers with the online testing process. Students will need to bring their headphones with them (this was listed as an item on the booklist). Student data is de-identified and will not be collected or monitored throughout the test.

Parents and caregivers of children in these NAPLAN year levels will need to be aware of important information relating to privacy, which can be found on the NAPLAN Online Queensland website’s parent information page.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to visit the NAPLAN Online Public Demonstration site linked below to view models of the online testing and provide students with further opportunities to interact with the platform.

For further information regarding NAPLAN Online, including privacy statements, please visit the link below:

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 regarding Voluntary Financial Contributions later in this newsletter. If you wish to make a voluntary financial contribution to the school, please pay at the school office.

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.

FINAL REMINDER: 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 1366 (Student Absence Line), phoning the office on 4799 1333 or emailing admin@thewillowsss.eq.edu.au . 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 rate is currently sitting at just under 94%YTD.

Have a wonderful week – our next newsletter will be issued on Wednesday, 15 February.

Warm regards,

Michelle Donn
Principal

General News

Volunteer’s Induction 2023

We will be holding a Volunteers’ Induction session on Thursday 16th February at 9am in our TCBC Conference Room.

If you plan to volunteer in our school during 2023, this is a mandatory requirement, prior to commencing your volunteering.

Volunteer activities at The Willows State School may include:

• Changing home readers in lower school
• P&C activities such as Tuckshop, Colour Run, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day stalls etc.

Light refreshments will be provided.

If you are unable to attend at this time, and plan on volunteering in our school, please let our office staff know and alternative options for completing this induction will be discussed.

SCHOOL PHOTOS

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

A BIG HELLO TO 2023 AND WELCOME TO ALL DEFENCE FAMILIES

I expect all new families to Townsville are settling into their new homes and children are finding their way around their new school. Taking things slow and steady is always a better option as settling into a new school can take time and perseverance, but it will happen. Call me 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.

Remember, if you are going away for work and will be away from home for an extended period of time, please let me and the classroom teacher know. We can provide support for your child if they start to become emotional during this time. Please contact me through the office or e-mail me if you have any concerns/worries regarding your child/ren or if you just want to have a chat. You can also contact Open Arms on 1800 011 046 for support.

Everyone is invited to attend the Defence Parents’ Meet and Greet being held this Friday, 10th February at 9am in L Pod. I am looking forward to meeting lots of Defence parents, so please come along. After school drop off, walk over to L Pod and have a cuppa and a chat with me and meet Jessica Stark the EDLO from DMFS. You will get to see our Defence Room/Kids Club which is open every break to all Defence students and friends. This is a fun, relaxed place to visit at school. I look forward to seeing you.

DON’T FORGET TO VISIT The Welcome and Information Expo on this Saturday 11th February, see flyers below.

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

Geckos Family Centre-North Queensland is at Lavarack Barracks and is officially open to drop in. They have weekly events on, a huge brand-new playground area outside so stop in and meet the friendly staff for a chat and a cuppa. Follow them on Facebook 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

If you have 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 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. 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 Defence room at L Pod. The meet and greet is an informal gathering to meet other spouses and network. Jessica Stark EDLO from DMFS will be present. 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.

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

YOU, MILITARY SPOUSE, ARE STRONG ENOUGH FOR THIS LIFE – WHATEVER COMES YOUR WAY!

Community Events & Notices

RONALD McDONALD LEARNING PROGRAM

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 the link below or call 1300 610 355