1 March 2023

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Pride

2023 Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) Focus Areas:
Educational achievement
Wellbeing and engagement
Culture and inclusion

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Community Members,

Welcome to Week 6 of our 10-week teaching and learning Term 1. It is difficult to believe we have now completed half of Term 1 teaching and learning and we will welcome in Autumn this week. It was wonderful last week to receive positive feedback from our incursion visitors, to engage with our very keen Student Councillors with Mrs Barra and to see the huge percentage of students participating in our first 75 Star Rewards celebrations for the year.

Events-wise, this week brings a continuation of before school inter-school swimming team training (thanks to all staff involved for your ongoing commitment) and Hearing Awareness Week. Our PBL focus is Kindness is my superpower and I look forward to students enacting this every day in all interactions with peers.

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 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 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

Community members have also raised safety concerns with the school about drivers not adhering to road rules, especially in relation to parking. For the safety of all in our school community we request all signage relating to traffic rules is adhered to.

2023 TWSS Annual Implementation Plan (AIP)

Our 2023 Annual Implementation Plan has now been endorsed by our supervising Assistant Regional Director, Suzanne Currin and the P&C. Our three focus areas are aligned with the core priorities of the DoE Equity and Excellence and are outlined at the start of this newsletter. This week our teaching staff have commenced engagement in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) professional learning as a core strategy to enhance the priority Culture and Inclusion. UDL is an educational framework based on research in the learning sciences including cognitive neuroscience, that guides the development of flexible learning environments and learning spaces that can accommodate individual learning differences.

Inclusive Education SCAN and ASSESS

As we are now at the mid-point year of our School Strategic Plan (SSP) (2022-2025) implementation we have been nominated by our Assistant Regional Director to participate in an Inclusive Education SCAN and ASSESS appreciative inquiry process as our SSP mid-point reflection. This scan and assess will most likely occur towards the end of this term or early Term 2 and will involve consultation with parents, community members, students and staff. I will provide more detailed information once timelines are finalised. Findings from this process will further inform our AIP Culture and inclusion priority.

DATE CLAIMER: P&C Volunteer Induction Training, AGM and Meeting from 5:30pm – Tuesday, 21 March

The meeting will commence with the annual Volunteer Induction Training for P&C members. All other interested parents/caregivers who missed our first Volunteer Induction session are also most welcome to attend. All executive positions will be declared vacant at the AGM commencing at 6pm.

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 have been dispatched to all students. 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.

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 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, 8 March.

Warm regards,

Michelle Donn
Principal

General News

EASTER BONNET PARADE – PREP, YEAR 1 AND YEAR 2

Upcoming Events

Year Level Parade Times

Positive Behaviour Learning

Defence News

Week 6 was filled with lots of fun and activities. Today, in the Defence Room, we said Happy Birthday to the Army and Navy. The room was decorated with posters and we had an interactive display including dress ups for students. The students also made Army and Navy characters to take home. Lots of fun for all.

Now we have approached the half way mark, younger students can get a little tired and unsettled with school routine. Children function better with a routine in the morning and on the way to school. Gently remind your child that every child has to come to school every day, as every day counts. Being at school is important for your child’s education. Parents Be Positive, Keep Routine, Give a Hug, “Have a wonderful day and See you this afternoon.” Remember School is Fun and remind students Kids Club/Defence Room is open every break for them to visit with a friend and have fun together. Settling into a new school will take time and perseverance, but it will happen. Call me on 4799 1333 or e-mail cwhee36@eq.edu.au . You are welcome to drop into my room at L Pod for a chat, Monday to Friday.

Next Wednesday 8th March is International Women’s Day. Take the time to celebrate your achievements so far in life and make plans of what you would like to achieve into the future. Well done to every woman.

Open Arms has released their Group Programs for January to July, so check out their website at OpenArms.gov.au for all the details.

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 linked 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 at dmfs.townsville@defence.gov.au the link below to receive a newsletter and updates or follow them on Facebook.

If you have posted into Townsville this year or in the last 18 months you children may be illegible 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 more detail so how to apply. This is a valuable resource to assist students with their learning and therefore assist with their transition into a new school. This extra support can build a childs self-confidence and resilience in their daily life.

Geckos Family Centre-North Queensland is at Lavarack Barracks and is officially open to drop in. They have weekly events on and 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

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

1st MARCH – HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUSTRALIAN ARMY AND ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY

Music News (The Pitch)

Willows Warriors News

Prep News

English

In English, we are learning how to retell a story and say what we like and dislike about it. Prep/1F have been using the iPads to take pictures of the pages in the book and then record our retell on it.

We have also been working hard in reading groups learning our letters and sounds and trying to blend them together into a word.

Library

Unfortunately, we are not able to borrow from our library yet as they are changing over the computer system. We are hoping to be able to begin borrowing from the beginning of March. We have been visiting the library to explore it though.

Year One News

The Year One students have been working so hard. Assessment is well underway and we absolutely appreciate everyone’s efforts to be at school all day, every day, on time and ready to work! The writing efforts in English have been wonderful and we are so excited to see the final products. The students got to visit the Life Education Team and meet Healthy Harold the Giraffe. The students found this very entertaining and informative. On Friday it was so great to see so many of our amazing Year One students reach 75 Stars! We had outside play with an obstacle course, trikes, and lots of toys. The students had a great time and are looking forward to collecting more stars for their next reward day in Week 10. Below are some photos from our 75 Star Rewards Day.

Year Two News

Over the last few weeks, the Year Two’s have been completing tasks involving collecting and representing data. This has consisted of students learning how to collect, organise and accurately represent data, then analyse and draw conclusions from this data.

We have enjoyed surveying our friends and finding out a bit more about them, like what their favourite junk food and favourite pets are! We have also used our computer skills to create a graph, where we learned that the shortcut key Ctrl + D could duplicate images. We used this to make a picture graph to match the data table.

The end of Week 5 also consisted of the first 75 Star Rewards Session for the year. Many of us were super excited to be able to bring a toy or game from home. We had lots of fun and enjoyed an afternoon playing with our friends.

Year Three News

In Year 3 we have been so busy! We have been to visit Harold at Life Education and explore our emotions and how to keep our body healthy.

On Thursday we had 75 Stars and students had a great time playing on iPads, computers, creating art, boardgames, playdough and playing outside. It is such a great achievement to get to 75 Stars and always a fun afternoon celebrating.

Our PBL focus for this fortnight has been Kindness is my Superpower. We created some amazing super heroes with kind super powers.

Year Four News

This semester in HASS, Year 4 are conducting an inquiry:

How can people use environments more sustainably?

Students are participating in a range of learning opportunities including:

• how people are changing the environment around them
• the impact of climate on people and animals in different countries
• how people living in different countries use their natural resources sustainably
• the role of local councils in promoting sustainability. Next Thursday, we will have Councillor Russ Cook visiting to discuss the role of our local council, and some of the waste management systems in place in Townsville.

Students in 4C have been working on posters to promote recycling at home

Students in 4C have been working on the link between people and their environment

Year Five News

Our Year 5 students had a visit from Hands on Wildlife. This is linked to our Science unit for this term where students are investigating the structural features and behavioural adaptations of animals. An animal handler from ‘Hands on Wildlife’ gave the students an example of structural features and behavioural adaptations by presenting a leaf tailed gecko and knob tailed gecko who inhabit different habitats.

Our students said the following:

Ava

We went to Hands On Wildlife and we saw a knob tailed gecko, a leaf tailed gecko, a bearded dragon, a blue tongued lizard, a spinifex hopping mouse, a squirrel glider and a saltwater crocodile. I thought the blue tongued lizard was interesting because it was big and slow, and it had smooth, scaly skin. The blue tongued lizard defends itself by opening its mouth and by showing red and poking its blue tongue out to scare predators away.

Ruby

My favourite animal presented was the squirrel glider. These animals are found in the bush and are nocturnal animals. They are sadly critically endangered by cats. Cats have sharp claws meaning they can climb trees and murder the squirrel glider in its sleep.

The Australian bearded dragon has incredible camouflage and protection defence. The side of its body is filled with sharp spikes and if it is in danger it will take a breath and puff the spikes out, like a puffer fish, to hurt any predator that tries to bite it.

Tessa

I thought the knob tail gecko was interesting because I learnt that they are nocturnal and it wiggles its tail in the sand to attract bugs. I found all the animals cute and interesting.

Faith

We went to Hands On Wildlife and learned about the leaf tailed gecko. If it is spotted by a predator it can wiggle its tail and the predator will eat the tail. While it is eating its tail, it can escape.

Year Six News

Everything is full steam ahead as students in 6A enter Week 6 of a very busy Term 1. At this time of term, learning is always our main focus. Students are doing a great job making sure assessments are getting done.

In Maths, students are wrapping up a unit on interpreting timetables.

During Science, students are learning to determine whether certain materials are reversible or irreversible.

In HASS, we are learning the roles and responsibilities of each of the three levels of government in Australia. There has also been lots of opportunity to focus on PBL with some very engaging sessions creating kindness posters, which the students loved.

YEAR 6 SAVER PLUS