17 May 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 5 of Term 2 – It is very difficult to believe we are entering the mid-week of our term already. This week we have a number of extra and co-curricular events occurring - Prep Vision Screening, Year 4 Waste Excursions and National Walk Safely to School Day. We will also hold a full school assembly in TCBC at 2pm on Friday afternoon to showcase the work of our instrumental music students and dance troupe. Please note all details regarding these events are communicated via this weekly newsletter, distributed hard copy notes and/or official school Facebook page in order to prevent disappointment for you and your child.

DATE CLAIMER: FREE Mental Health event hosted at TWSS – THURSDAY THIS WEEK

Switch4Schools is all fuelled up and hitting the road! The team will be at The Willows State School from 6:00pm-7:30pm on Thursday, 18th May as part of the Switch It Up Tour! In collaboration with the Queensland Government and Queensland Association of State School Principals (QASSP), experienced TV commentator, psychologist and tech entrepreneurs, Phil Slade and Roshelle Weir, are visiting 12 locations throughout Queensland as part of a state-wide initiative to help children and teens to manage their emotions and succeed in school and life.

The tour is aimed at putting great strategies—called ‘switches’—in parents’ and educators’ hands through sessions that combine storytelling, humour and science.

There are still spaces available. See the link to register for this FREE event at

Walk Safely to School Day – Friday, 19 May

Now in its 24th year, National Walk Safely to School Day (WSTSD) is an annual event when all Primary School children are encouraged to walk safely to school.

• Friday 19th May 2, 2023 – Week 5
• Students will assemble at the Junior League Carpark from 8:00-8:15am – there will be no supervision until 8am so students cannot arrive beforehand
• At 8:15am we will walk to school, using the supervised crossing then continue walking to the Sandstone Drive gate and complete 2 laps of the junior oval before going to their designated duty areas.
• As they enter the gate Mrs Donn will give the students a sticker.

National Volunteer Week (NVW) - Monday, 15-21 May

National Volunteer Week is a chance for all of us to celebrate and recognise the vital work of volunteers and to say ‘thank you.’ Together, through volunteering, people are changing communities for the better. This year’s theme is: The Change Makers. As a school we are extremely grateful for the volunteer support our school receives, particularly for extra-curricular activities, sporting events and P&C related events and fundraising activities. We always welcome additional volunteers, if interested please contact admin@thewillowsss.eq.edu.au. All volunteers are required to complete a short DoE mandatory training package prior to commencement.

P&C Day – Friday, 19 May

As part of National Volunteer Week, we also acknowledge and celebrate P&C Day on Friday. Without the generosity of our dedicated and inspiring P&C executive, members and volunteers many initiatives and events within our school simply could not be offered. Both our Tuckshop and Outside School Hours Care services (OSHC) are businesses operated by the P&C. I would like to personally thank every P&C member, past and present, who has donated and continues to donate, countless hours of their time to ensuring ongoing excellence in our offerings and services to community, staff and students. They are to be commended for the tireless work they do each year to improve educational facilities, resources and student outcomes in Queensland state schools.

The Willows State School Attendance Strategy – 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 47 99 1333 or emailing admin@thewillowsss.eq.edu.au.

Students are encouraged to come to school every day they are well enough to attend. Our current whole school attendance YTD is 91.5%. We are committed to maximising learning days for all students to ensure the best possible learning outcomes can be achieved.

Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) Fortnightly Rule Focus: Kind Words – Gentle Hands

Over Weeks 5 and 6 of Term 2 our PBL school focus will be 'Kind Words – Gentle Hands.' At The Willows State School students use kind words and gentle hands to show that they are safe, respectful and responsible both in the classroom and playground. Students will identify ways that they can use safe, gentle hands and how they can match this with kind words.

We encourage students at TWSS to take responsibility for their own actions and words as everyone has the right to feel safe at school.

Your continued support in also enforcing these expectations with your child is much appreciated.

Have a wonderful Autumn week. Our next newsletter for Term 2 will be issued on Wednesday, 24 May.

Warm regards,
Michelle Donn
Principal

General News

WHOLE SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS ASSEMBLY

Whole School Performing Arts Assembly will be on Friday the 19th of May in TCBC Hall 2pm and parents are welcome to attend. This assembly will showcase performances from our Senior Concert Band, Senior Choir, Junior Choir, Strings Ensemble and Dance Troupe.

PEEK AT PREP

U8’S DAY

Upcoming Events

Year Level Parade Times

Positive Behaviour Learning

Permission Forms

Defence News

HELLO TO ALL DEFENCE FAMILIES

I hope all Mums had a wonderful day last Sunday. This week is “National Families Week”. Take care of your family and make time to have a conversation with each other. Meal time is when most families sit down together so try my ‘Six of the Best’ questions.

Today, what was the best thing:

1. I saw

2. I ate

3. I did for me

4. I did for someone else

5. I received

6. I found funny

Positive experience-GRATITUDE.

Please contact me with any worries/concerns that your children may be experiencing. This could be due to a loved going away, loved one not well or impending departure of a loved one. This information will assist teachers when they notice changes in a student. Support measures can then be put in place.

If you have posted into location in the last 18 months, you can access Education Support through defence for tutoring. The member must complete these forms and they can be accessed at ADF Pay and Conditions Manual or you can contact DMFS Helpline on 1800 624 608 for more details. This scheme gives students access to 14 hrs of tutoring for Maths and English which must be applied and used within 18 months of posting into a new location. Give me a call to discuss further. Flyer below with details.

The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay has started and will be arriving in Townsville on 27th May. The relay has begun in France and is a 6-month journey worldwide to pay homage and acknowledge veterans’ families. The torch will travel over 50 000km with 45 Legacy Club Stops Worldwide. They are looking for Volunteers to assist here in Townsville. If you are interested in volunteering, go to The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay 2023 website for more details. Looking forward to seeing you at this event.

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. For more details on activities contact Hannah Galliner on 0484 544 451 or check out the website

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. There are weekly organised events plus a huge brand-new playground area outside. Stop in and meet the friendly staff for a chat and a cuppa. Follow them on Facebook or phone 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

BAREFOOT BOWLING AND DINNER – Child-Free Event
When: Friday 19 May 6:00pm-8:30pm
Where: Cutheringa Bowls Club
Registration: Eventbrite - NFW Barefoot Bowling and Dinner

DOGS DAY OUT
When: Saturday 20 May 9:00am-11:00am
Where: Kirwan Dog Park
Registration: Eventbrite - NFW Dogs Day Out

DEFENCE FAMILY SUNDAY FUNDAY
When: Sunday 21 May 12:30pm-2:30pm
Where: Townsville Tenpin & Fun Centre
Registration: Eventbrite - Defence Family Sunday Funday

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

WHAT WE INSTILL IN OUR CHILDREN WILL BE THE FOUNDATION UPON WHICH THEY BUILD THEIR FUTURE – STEVE MARABOLI