22 February 2023

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Pride

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Community Members,

Welcome to Week 5 of our 10-week teaching and learning Term 1. Over the past week our Prep students were photographed for the Townsville Bulletin, we acknowledged Random Acts of Kindness Day, a number of caregivers attended our first Parent Volunteer Induction Program and we experienced modified eating and play breaks due to the ongoing wet weather conditions. This week brings a continuation of before school inter-school swimming team training, Hands on Wildlife (Year 5), Life Education lessons for Years 1,3,6 and 75 Star Reward celebrations P-6. I look forward to the vast majority of our students being able to participate in these activities.

Our sincere condolences

It is with great sadness that we wish to remember one of our beloved Year 4 students, Jhye Hoban, who passed away on Saturday morning after his 18-month battle with cancer. Jhye will be very fondly remembered by all, especially for his amazing smile, sense of humour, strength of character and for being a wonderful caring friend. Our thoughts, prayers and condolences are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

Many of our Year 4 students have attended school at The Willows State School with Jhye since Year 1 and have known of Jhye’s journey. I know this news is deeply felt by students and staff.

Members of the administration team, together with school support staff, Courtney Chisnall, TWSS Guidance Officer, and Rachel Taylor, Cluster Psychologist based at TWSS, will offer continuing support for students as needed over the coming days.

Your assistance in identifying to your child’s class teacher any concerns your child may express at home around this sad circumstance that would indicate a need for school support would be much appreciated.

Staffing Update

Natalie Schifilliti will conclude working at The Willows State School as A/Business Manager on Friday, 24 February. We wish her all the very best in her promotional role as A/Senior Finance Officer based in the NQ Regional Office. Barbara Anderson will return to her substantive Business Manager role at the school from Monday, 27 February (Week 6) after a stint in a regional role.

School Photos COMING UP – 22-24 March (Wed-Friday Week 9)

Please see the School Photo Flyer below for details of how to order your child’s school photos. Photo order envelopes will also be dispatched to all students when received from Advanced Life. These envelopes contain comprehensive information about the packages available and instructions for ordering. The timetable for school photos will be published in the Week 8 newsletter so parents will be aware when classes are having their photo taken and can ensure students are dressed in full school uniform. Please note any classes having their photos taken on Wednesday, 22 March are to wear full school uniform NOT sporting house shirts. Advanced Life photographers advise us that school photographs should be returned 4-6 weeks after photography days are completed.

Chaplaincy Recruitment – please share with your networks

P&C Meeting

The first P&C Meeting for 2023 was held on Tuesday, 21 February. It was an absolute pleasure to re-connect with previous P&C members and meet new members as well at the ‘Meet & Greet’ BBQ conducted just prior to the meeting.

Meetings are regularly held on the third 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 – many hands make light work. The P&C is also a forum in which you can contribute ideas to the enhancement of the school – all contributions are very welcomed.

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

TWSS Cleaning Review (27 February-1 March)

School cleaning reviews are regularly conducted by the School Facilities Operations Advisor, Caroline Milsop, as part of a 3 yearly program. The reviews focus on:

•          the standard of cleaning (internal and external), 
•          chemical management, 
•          training records, 
•          observations of cleaning practices, 
•          availability of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and
•          the condition of equipment. 

We look forward to engaging with this process and gaining feedback on our school practices.

Containers for Change information – support our school!

If you are an avid recycler you may like to donate your funds raised to our school!

Did you know that The Willows SS has its own Scheme ID coordinated by our P&C? Our Scheme ID is C10185045 and all donations are greatly appreciated.

To find out more about the scheme visit the link below or get the Containers

For Change Qld app

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 the Student Absence Line on 4799 1366, emailing the school or phoning the office. 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 now sitting at 92.8%YTD. We are aiming to maintain attendance over 91% across the entire school year. Every day your child is well enough to attend school we want to see them here!

Have a wonderful week – our next newsletter will be issued on Wednesday, 1 March.

Warm regards,

Michelle Donn
Principal

Upcoming Events

Year Level Parade Times

Positive Behaviour Learning

Permission Forms

PREP HANDWRITING BOOKS

Defence News

HELLO AND WELCOME TO ALL DEFENCE FAMILIES

Week 5 and we are half way through the term. It’s exciting to see so many students settling into school and becoming familiar with the routine of being at school every day. By week 5 students should now be familiar with this routine. If you are having some challenges with the morning drop off, please let me know, as I can meet you at class in the morning and assist with the transition. Remember school is fun, and filled with lots of learning! Also, a reminder that Kids Club/Defence Room is open every break for them to visit with a friend and have fun together. 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.

Kookaburra Kids is in Townsville - this organisation supports kids living in families that are affected by mental illness. They hold activities and camps for children which are all FREE. What’s booked in for Townsville is a Magnetic Island camp organised for March and Ice-Skating in April. For more details contact Hannah Galliner on 0484 544 451 or check out the website from the link below.

Education Support Program is also available to new Defence students. The aim is to provide the student with limited interim assistance to help overcome any immediate difficulties with their education as a result of posting. Read DMFS education support flyer below for details on how to apply or call 1800 624 608 now.

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.

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 can help build self-confidence and resilience in children. 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

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 whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au

DATES TO REMEMBER

COFFEE CONNECTIONS, CUISINE ON BOWEN – Tuesday, 7th March

Come along to Cuisine on Bowen for the March edition of Coffee Connections where you can meet other ADF families and get to know your local Family Liaison Officers. New to Townsville or have been here a while, everyone’s welcome!

This is a self-funded activity. Attendees are responsible for the cost of purchasing their own food and drinks. Children welcome under direct parent/carer supervision.

Where: Cuisine on Bowen, 53 Bowen Rd Townsville
When: Tuesday 7 March 9:30am-11:30am
Registration: Eventbrite - Coffee Connections

OPERATION CONNECT AND REFLECT - from Wednesday 8th March 5.30pm

Operation Connect & Reflect is a four-week program where we will explore various art modalities, meditation and mindfulness and reflect on how these strategies can be used as part of a self-care routine. There will be the opportunity to connect with fellow Defence partners in a relaxed and friendly environment. No artistic experience necessary!

Where: DMFS Townsville, Cnr Ross River Rd & Nathan St Cranbrook
When: 4 week program beginning Wednesday 8 March 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Registration: Eventbrite – Op Connect & Reflect

TIME TO DINE, SPOUSE SOCIAL DINNER – Friday 10th March 7.00pm

*** please note the location change

We are heading to Palmer's Bar and Kitchen. Come along to our first social dinner of 2023, where you can meet new friends, catch-up with old ones and if you haven’t already, you’ll meet DMFS Townsville’s Family Liaison Officers, Meagan & Kim. Palmer's Bar and Kitchen is located in the heart of the Palmer Street eating precinct. Time to Dine is an informal, social dinner for spouses that provides a great opportunity to make new connections in a relaxed and friendly environment.

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

Where: Palmer’s Bar and Kitchen, 12 Palmer St, Townsville
When: Friday 10 March 7:00pm
Registration: Eventbrite - Time to Dine

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

FRIDAY 24th FEBRUARY “AUSTRALIAN WAR ANIMAL DAY,” REMEMBER ALL ANIMALS

Community Events & Notices

TOWNSVILLE BASKETBALL FESTIVAL

PARKS HOCKEY CLUB SIGN ON