31 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 7 of Term 2 – It is very difficult to believe we are down to the last 20 school days of Term 2 and that ‘Winter’ will officially commence on Thursday. A very big thank you to all staff for your efforts in coordinating a range of extra and co-curricular events last week. Year 3, 5 and 6 The Willows SS students were very busy off-site at a number of excursions. Whilst Year 3 attended Billabong Sanctuary after writing very persuasive letters to myself, our upper school students were very fortunate to be invited to the full-dress rehearsals of the Thuringowa SHS or Kirwan SHS musical productions which they thoroughly enjoyed.

Cooler Weather Uniform

As the cooler weather starts to creep in, students have commenced wearing jumpers and trackpants to school. Please ensure all clothing is clearly labelled with your child’s name so that any misplaced pieces can be easily returned to their owner. Our school dress code lists plain navy blue jumpers/trackpants as the preferred colour for winter clothing. Jumpers with the school name and logo are also available for purchase from The School Locker if desired.

Under 8’s Day Celebrations

Our Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 students had a lovely afternoon on Friday celebrating Under 8’s Week. They took part in an afternoon of fun activities, where they had the freedom to choose what they wanted to do.

Our special guests from the Queensland Ambulance and Queensland Police Services were very popular, as were our school Dance Troupe’s performances.

Our Willows Mascots (Willow the wallaby, Olive the owl and Waldo the wombat) were also able to join us for some of the fun, and we appreciated the help from our Year 6 leaders who guided them through the area.

A very big thank you to all of our families who came along to help us celebrate. It was wonderful to see our young students having fun with their family members.

National Simultaneous Storytime 2023

National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country. Now in its 23nd successful year, it is a colourful, vibrant, fun event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy, using an Australian children's book that explores age-appropriate themes, and addresses key learning areas of the National Curriculum for Foundation to Year 6.

This year, The Willows State School participated in reading ‘The Speedy Sloth’ at 11 am, Wednesday 24 May. As part of our celebrations, a number of activities were on offer in the library at lunchtimes as well as competitions for students to enter into. We had fantastic and creative entries this year, with many winners!

Design a medal for perseverance:
Junior school – Emelia S (Prep)
Middle school – Jayda R (Yr 2)
Senior school – Tori W (Yr 5) and Alice C (Yr 4)

Design a Sloth Speed Suit:
Middle school – Jayda R (Yr 2)
Senior school – Tori W (Yr 5) and Sophie W (Yr 4)

Create a story about a character who shows perseverance:
Middle school – Jayda R (Yr 2)
Senior school – Arya W (Yr 4) and Carmen (Yr 4)

Sincere thanks to Miss Hawkins, our Head of Department-Teaching and Learning, for her coordination of these activities and NSS.

Teaching Staff Capability Development - Cluster Moderation

Next Monday afternoon teaching staff from The Willows SS will meet with their cluster colleagues from Weir SS and Rasmussen SS to engage in Cluster Moderation of student English writing samples. This always provides a wonderful opportunity to engage in professional conversations with our colleagues to ensure consistency of judgments about student achievement on English summative assessment tasks against aspects of the Australian Curriculum achievement standards.

Star 106.3 is after the School of the Year where one lucky primary school will win $10,000 for a project that enhances their facilities and/or service delivery.

Once registered, it will be up to the Townsville community to vote for each school’s project so that Star 106.3 can find the top 5 schools. The Star 106.3 panel of judges will then determine which school project will win the $10,000.

The Promotion will run as follows:

Entries open Monday, May 15 at 9:00am and close on Tuesday, June 6 at 9:00am.

Public voting opens on Tuesday, May 23 at 4:00am via the Star 106.3 website and closes Wednesday, June 7 at 4:00pm. Voting can be completed through this link. Votes can be submitted once per day from each email address.

Our Entry (only 50 words allowed)

To win $10 000 would be invaluable to TWSS! We would purchase more sporting equipment and sets of soccer nets for our five ovals. This would provide additional opportunities for our 937 students to increase their outdoor fun, fitness and engagement with friends, creating a happy and safe playtime for all.

We would love our staff, student and parent community to support our nomination for sporting equipment by voting for us many times over the coming weeks! Star 106.3 School Visit – Monday, 5 June

Each entrant school will receive a quick visit from the Star 106.3 team. Crystal, Anthony & Jack (videographer) will come to our school at 9:30am.

On this visit they'll be collecting audio to use on air and video footage for their socials. We will be engaging some of our student leaders to show off our wonderful school and discuss the upgrades we wish to make with the prize money if successful.

National Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week is held from 27 May to 3 June, commemorating significant milestones in the reconciliation journey: the successful  1967 referendum  on 27 May and the 1992 High Court  Mabo decision  on 3 June.

In the spirit of reconciliation, some activities you may like to participate in, include:

• Register for the  Reconciliation Week Panel  where you will have the opportunity to deepen your knowledge and understanding about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history to Be a Voice for Generations.
• Find out more about  Queensland Government's Reconciliation Action Plan  – for all department employees, and all Queensland Government employees.
• Read the story of  Mabo decision  and what it means for reconciliation.
• Find out more about our shared histories, cultures, and  achievements  and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving  reconciliation in Australia .

The Willows State School Attendance Strategy – Every Day Counts!

Students are encouraged to come to school on every day they are well enough to attend. Our current whole school attendance YTD is currently 91.3%. We are committed to maximising learning days for all students to ensure the best possible learning and life outcomes can be achieved.

Having problems getting your child to school for some of these reasons?

• won’t get out of bed in the morning
• won’t go to bed at night
• can’t find their uniform, books, school bag
• slow to eat breakfast
• haven’t done their homework
• watching TV
• have a test or presentation to do, have an assignment to hand in
• it’s their birthday.

A set routine can help

• have a set time to go to bed
• have a set time to get out of bed
• have uniform and school bag ready the night before
• have a set time for starting and finishing breakfast
• set a time for daily homework activities
• speak about school positively
• be firm, send your child to school every school day including their birthday and the last day of term

What should I do if my child won’t go to school?

You should contact the school as soon as possible for advice and support.

*Check out the Queensland Government’s ‘Every Day Counts’ website for some great books, comics and animations with student, Jimmy, and his dog, Sam, regarding attending school!

Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) Fortnightly Rule Focus: ‘ Always do your best! ’

Over Week 7 and 8 of Term 2 our PBL school focus will be ‘Always do your best!’

At The Willows State School, we expect students to be responsible, ready to learn and always doing their best. We encourage students to ‘have a go’ even if things are difficult, especially in assessment time.

Your continued support in also reiterating the messages with your child about having a growth mindset and coming to school every day ready to learn, have a go and do your best is much appreciated.

Have a wonderful Autumn week. Our next newsletter for Term 2 will be issued on Wednesday, 7 June.

Warm regards,

Michelle Donn
Principal

General News

PEEK AT PREP

Upcoming Events

Year Level Parade Times

Positive Behaviour Learning

Defence News

HELLO TO ALL DEFENCE FAMILIES

Week 7 has been another busy, fun filled week. Last Friday was so much fun with Under 8’s Day. It was lovely to see the smiles on all the little faces when they had the opportunity to dress up in uniforms like their Mum or Dad. One comment was “I just look like my Dad.” Thanks to my great helpers from Year 5 and 6, Harper and Isla, who assisted the students and took some cute photos. If you would like me to send you the photo of your child, please contact me.

Our “Chill Out Nook” is almost ready for students to visit. I have been busy organising this area to make it as relaxed and inviting for all ages. The donated crocheted blankets will give the area that cosy, comfortable feel. Thank you again WVNA.

Please contact me with any worries/concerns that your children may be experiencing. This could be due to loved one going away, loved one not well or impending departure of a loved one (for training or courses).

On Saturday I was fortunate to Volunteer for The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay. The torch arrived in Townsville on Saturday and was walked from Lavarack Barracks to Jezzine Park at around 11:00am. This was a once in a lifetime experience and I feel very honoured to be part of this milestone. There were 20 torch bearers and each had a volunteer with 3 defence personnel walking alongside them the whole way. It was a chilly early morning start; I met some wonderful people and it was so worth it. Download the app to follow the torch on its journey to Melbourne.

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.

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 from the link below.

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

ADF EQUIP ABSENCE SUPPORT PROGRAM – Tuesday 13th and 20th June

Where: Geckos Family Centre
Register: from the link below.
*Numbers are capped at 10 students

BUILDING BETTER RELATIONSHIPS – Wednesday 14th – Friday 16th June from 9.00am-4.30pm
*See attached flyer on how to register

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 JUNE IS GLOBAL DAY OF PARENTS. BE PROUD OF ALL YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS.

Community News

PCYC Upper Ross

HEAT CRICKET – SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM