8 March 2023

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Pride

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Community Members,

Welcome to Week 7 of our 10-week teaching and learning Term 1. We now have less than 20 days of teaching and learning left in this term.

Events-wise, this week brings the Inter-school Swimming Carnival, Ruth Young Hockey Gala Day, Autism Queensland and AVT-PI student visits. Our new fortnightly PBL focus is Hands Off! Be Strong! and I look forward to students demonstrating this every day in all interactions with peers.

Student Council – Colours for the Kids – in support of Ronald McDonald House – Friday, 17 March

Our 2023 Student Councillors have organised their Term 1 community fundraiser. All students are invited to wear ‘colourful’ free dress for a gold coin donation on Friday, 17 March. All proceeds raised are for their chosen charity, Ronald McDonald House.

NAPLAN TESTING – Year 3 and 5 students – commences NEXT WEEK

From 2023, NAPLAN testing has been moved to Term 1.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to visit the NAPLAN Online Public Demonstration site ( https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site ) 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.

The test schedule for our Year 3 and 5 students is as below:

2023 NAPLAN Test Schedule - Week 8 and 9, Term 1 2023

Changes to NAPLAN reporting from 2023

Education ministers agreed to change the way NAPLAN results are reported to parents and carers, now that all students are taking the tests online, and with the move to an earlier NAPLAN in March. The new proficiency standard will provide earlier, simpler and clearer information to parents and carers about their child’s NAPLAN achievement based on new, more rigorous national standards.

The new proficiency standard includes 4 measures of achievement for each year level to provide clear and simple information on how a child is performing based on their NAPLAN test result. If a student is in the Strong or Exceeding categories, it means they have demonstrated proficiency and are meeting the expected capabilities for their year level. If a child has not yet achieved proficiency, then they will either be in the Developing category or the Needs additional support category.

As all schools are now online, and the tests are earlier, reporting on changes over time at the school, state/territory and national level will start again from this year. This means results from 2023 on will not be directly compared with results from 2008 to 2022. Individual student reports will continue to show each child’s achievement against the national average and the range of achievement for the middle 60% of students in their year level.

Inclusive Education SCAN and ASSESS

In last week’s Staff Newsletter, I provided a brief overview of this process. It has now been confirmed that our review date will not be until Term 2. I will provide more detailed information once dates are finalised.

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 now been dispatched to all students and sibling envelopes are available in the office. 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. Year 6 students need to wear the normal school polo shirt and NOT senior 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 92.5%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

P and C News

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

The Willows State School Parents & Citizens Association will hold this year’s AGM at 6pm, Tuesday 21st March 2023 in the Willows State School TCBC Conference Room.

All staff, parents and citizens of The Willows State School community are invited to attend. You will be able to enter the school grounds only through the pedestrian gate on Bilberry Street located next to the staff carpark and OSHC building.

Key times to note:

5:00pm: Welcome to P&C - come a little earlier to meet the current exec team
5:30pm: Volunteer Induction - the school will run their compulsory induction for anybody wishing to volunteer in the school
6:00pm: AGM commences
6:30pm: P&C General meeting begins straight after our AGM. Everyone gets cake!

The Willows State School P&C’s focus is to support the school, staff and students by providing funding for enhanced services, resources and improvements to the facilities of the school.

Nominations of Executive Positions

At every AGM all executive positions become vacant and existing or new members can nominate for the roles. If there is more than one nomination for a role then it is put to a vote. Please email us if you are interested in nominating for any of the roles and we can send you more information and a nomination form.

Want to join the P&C?

New members are welcome at the AGM. There is no expectation that everyone who attends the AGM will then join as a member. Membership forms will be available on the night or download the form below.

Look forward to meeting you at the AGM.

Defence News

HELLO AND WELCOME TO ALL DEFENCE FAMILIES

This week in Defence Room we celebrated International Women’s Day. We talked about women having a positive impact in our community, made a banner to display, completed some activities and had a little celebration to remember all the achievements and say Thank you to all the Special women in our lives.

REMEMBER if you have posted into location in the last 18 months you can still access the Education Assistance Scheme. This is available for all school aged children who may require support in Maths and English. Contact the Helpline on 1800 624 608 for all details on how to apply. Just complete the form online and send an email to the teacher. With approval, your child can have access to 14 hrs of tutoring for both Maths and English through a private tutor. You can also contact me with any questions. Flyer below with details.

If you or your partner is going to be away on exercise or training for an extended period of time, please contact me so I can support your child while they are at school. Sometimes mornings can be challenging when a loved one is away. 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. Reassure your children that you will be there in the afternoon to collect them from school. Be Positive, Keep Routine, Give a Hug (then leave), “Have a wonderful day and see you this afternoon”. School is Fun! Remind your children that Kids Club/Defence Room is open every break for them to visit with a friend and have fun together. Call me on 4799 1333, e-mail cwhee36@eq.edu.au . You are welcome to drop into my room at L Pod for a chat, Monday to Friday.

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 www.kookaburrakids.org.au .

For what’s coming up - DON’T FORGET to Register NOW to receive 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 open to drop in. They have weekly events on, a huge brand-new playground area outside, 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. Flyer attached for details.

TO BE UP TO DATE WITH WHATS ON IN TOWNSVILLE CHECK whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au

DATES TO REMEMBER

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

GECKOS EASTER BUN-ANZA! – Saturday 25th March 4.00pm-7.00pm

Kicking off at 4pm, there will be amusements, music, tasty treats, a 2-course meal and a special visit from the Easter Bunny. Grab your tickets quick.

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

LET’S CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY - YOU ARE AMAZING!

Community News

TOWNSVILLE INCLUSIVE EDUCATION WORKSHOP