22 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 back to Week 9. Students are busily engaged in the completion of a number of units of work over the next seven days. School will conclude for Term 1 next week on Friday, 31st March and re-commence on Monday, 17 April.

Amongst all the focussed teaching and learning last week we managed to include our Cross Country Trials and Student Council’s Term 1 fundraiser, Colours for the Kids. Congratulations to the students who have been selected to participate in the Inter-School Trials early next term. The Student Council’s efforts in promoting Colours for the Kids and their chosen charity also raised an impressive $923.35 for Ronald McDonald House. A very big thank-you to all staff, parents and students who so generously contributed to the success of these events – it is certainly a collaborative team effort.

This week on Tuesday we acknowledged Harmony Day by wearing an orange shirt. Students will learn more about respecting and accepting diversity as we focus in our PBL lessons on the theme ‘At TWSS we all belong’ over the next fortnight.

Over the last two weeks of this term we will also continue to be busy with a range of extra-curricular and co-curricular events – Three Way Conversations, 75 Star Rewards, Silver Rewards, Cross Country Training, P-2 Bravehearts Show, P-2 Easter Parades, Bill Nettle Cup and NQ Netball Cup to name but a few. Please note the organisational details of these events (as outlined in this newsletter, distributed notes and/or on our school Facebook page) to avoid any disappointment for your child.

Three Way Conversations – to be held face-to-face in classrooms NEXT WEEK

Information was previously distributed to all students advising parents of the process to book individual meeting times with their child’s class teacher and other specialist/support teachers as required. We encourage parents to take this opportunity to meet with their child’s teacher to discuss their child’s progress during Term 1. Please contact your child’s class teacher if you require a meeting and there are no available timeslots.

The ‘Five Questions’ (based on Lyn Sharratt’s research) will be a framework utilised during discussion.

Five Questions Teachers can ask their students:

1. What are you learning?
2. How are you doing?
3. How do you know?
4. How can you improve?
5. Where do you go for help?

Parents are our learners’ first teachers. We recognise how hugely influential parents can be in the learning for, with, and beside each student. There are also 5 questions for parents, middle leaders, leaders and system leaders as well.

Five Questions Parents can ask their children:

1. What did you learn today?
2. How did you do?
3. What did you do if you didn’t understand?
4. How can you improve on your learning?
5. What are you most proud of?

NAPLAN TESTING – Year 3 and 5 students – has continued THIS WEEK

Our Year 3 and 5 students have been working hard to complete their tailored NAPLAN tests to the best of their abilities. Parents are reminded that NAPLAN tests represent a point-in-time snapshot of student performance.

The remaining NAPLAN test schedule for our Year 3 and 5 students this week is as below:

School Photos THIS WEEK – 22-24 March (Wednesday-Friday)

The timetable for school photos has previously been published so parents will be aware when classes are having their photo taken and can ensure students are dressed in full school uniform. Please note that Senior Shirts are NOT to be worn for school photos. They will need to wear the normal school polo shirt. Advanced Life photographers advise us that school photographs should be returned 4-6 weeks after photography days are completed. Please note photography times below:

P&C Annual General Meeting (AGM) and 2023 Executive

The Willows State School Parents & Citizens Association held their AGM on Tuesday 21st March 2023. Congratulations to the following parents who have been successful in being voted into executive positions:

President: Sonya Rogers
Vice President: Peter O’Connell
Secretary: Belinda Barattucci
Treasurer: Talitha Mulder

Traffic and Student Safety

We are aware that pick up and drop off times can be busy due to the size of our school.

We continue to work closely with our Regional DoE Infrastructure Branch, Queensland Police Service and the Townsville City Council in relation to current parking, pick up/drop off and traffic concerns.

To ensure the ongoing safety of all students, staff, parents and community members who access our school, we appreciate your cooperation and courtesy with the following:

• Abiding by ‘No Standing’ zones. Please see the below map for relevant zones
• Using the pedestrian crossings when walking with your child/ren to your car and encouraging your child/ren to use the pedestrian crossings rather than walking through traffic in the Stop, Drop and Go area for instance
• Being mindful of residential properties that surround our school and abiding by parking rules related to drive ways, traffic islands and footpaths
• Accessing if needed, the additional parking that is situated a short walk through the easement and to the side of the rugby league grounds.

Thank you for your support in ensuring our entire school community are able to access and depart from our school site in a safe manner.

Have a wonderful week – our final newsletter for the term will be issued on Wednesday, 29 March.

Warm regards,

Michelle Donn
Principal

General News

UNIFORM DONATIONS

Do you have any uniforms at home that you no longer need?

Has your child had a growth spurt and grown out of their school shorts?

We are always keen for secondhand uniform donations, especially little shorts and skorts. We use these at school for the little “accidents” that sometimes occur and also for students who always seem to find a puddle or a patch of mud!

It is also a good idea for Parents to pack spare clothes – just in case, especially for the little ones. We get very busy at school and sometimes these little accidents happen. It’s all a part of learning.

EASTER BONNET PARADE – PREP, YEAR 1 AND YEAR 2

WILLOWS WARRIORS

Upcoming Events

Year Level Parade Times

Positive Behaviour Learning

Permission Forms

YEAR 6 CAMP

Defence News

Week 9 is here already! Monday was International Day of Happiness so hope you all put a SMILE on someone’s face and spread happiness throughout your life.

We had another busy week in the Defence room. Students have been creating Easter crafts and colouring in as Easter is just around the corner. We will continue with Easter activities until the end of term.

As this is Naplan time at school, remind students this test does not count to their school results and they should just try their best. Some mornings can be challenging and students may want to stay home. Every child has to come to school every day, this is a requirement for their learning. Being at school is important for your child’s education and it is where they learn and play with their peers which is part of their social and emotional learning. A Rewards Chart is a great strategy to put in place. The aim would be to come to school for five days in a row and when this happens they receive something that you both have agreed on. I have attached a sample Rewards Chart below to copy and adjust to suit. Give it a go. Be positive, keep routine, give them a hug (then leave), wish them a wonderful day and let them know you’ll see them in the afternoon. If you have any worries, please call me 4799 1333 or e-mail cwhee36@eq.edu.au .

The Defence Room in L Pod is open Monday to Friday both breaks. Please remind students to visit for a chat, play games, make craft or visit with a friend.

If you have posted into location in the last 18mths you can still access 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. See attached flyer for details.

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. Magnetic Island camp is organised for March and Ice-Skating in April. For more details on activities contact Hannah Galliner on 0484 544 451 or check out the website linked below:

For what’s coming up - 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 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. School holidays are coming up so contact Geckos for activities that are on during this time. 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. See flyer below for details.

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

DATES TO REMEMBER

GECKOS EASTER BUN-ANZA! Saturday 25th March 4:00-7:00pm

Kicking off at 4:00pm, 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

INTERNATIONAL HAPPINESS DAY – SPREAD HAPPINESS WHEREVER YOU GO!

Community News

GECKO SPORTS – EASTER SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM