7 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 8 of Term 2. We now have just 12 school days left in Semester 1. It has been a busy week as we are getting closer to the end of the teaching and learning cycle with a range of assessment tasks requiring completion across learning areas.

This week in extra-curricular events we hosted a P-3 Parent Reading Information Session on Monday, our lunch-time ‘Sporting Schools’ activity groups continue in full swing and some of our students will be participating in a STEM Competition being hosted by North Shore State School on Friday. As the cooler weather increases, please continue to reinforce good hygiene practices with your children, including hand washing multiple times per day, hand sanitisation and staying home if unwell.

Over the last few weeks of term, we have a number of special events for our students to participate in, including the Student Council Crazy Sock fundraiser on Wednesday, 14/06, Music Gala Concert on Thursday, 15/06, Inter-House Athletics Carnival on Friday, 16/06, Choral Fanfare on Saturday, 17/06 and 75 Star and Silver Star Rewards in Week 10. I encourage every student to remain in full and regular attendance at school every day they are well enough to do so.

QCOHS (Queensland Child Oral Health Survey)

The Willows State School is pleased to partner with The University of Queensland and Queensland Health to conduct the Queensland Child Oral Health Study (QCOHS) 2021-24. The study will provide important information about Queensland children’s oral health and dental care that will underpin future strategies to improve child dental health.

Children have been randomly selected by the QCOHS Team from all the students at TWSS to participate in the QCOHS. Participation includes parents completing a questionnaire and a free dental check-up for your child. The dental check-up will be conducted at school in Week 10 of this term.

Parents of selected children received email correspondence about this last week. A Schoolzine message was also distributed to parents last week. Your participation in this project is completely voluntary and you are free to withdraw from the research at any time.

If you would like your child to participate in the study, please follow the links in the invitation email to complete the consent form and online questionnaire. The research team will be in contact with you to confirm specifics of when the dental check-ups will occur.

Teaching Staff Capability Development - Cluster Moderation

On Monday afternoon, teaching staff from The Willows SS met with their cluster colleagues from Weir SS and Rasmussen SS to engage in Cluster Moderation of student English writing samples. This twilight session provided a rich opportunity to engage in professional conversations with teacher colleagues to ensure consistency and rigour of judgments about student achievement on English summative assessment tasks against aspects of the Australian Curriculum achievement standards.

Semester 1 2023 Student Reports – to be emailed in Week 10 from Wednesday, 21 June

The Willows State School will be emailing Report Cards again this semester. To ensure all parents and caregivers receive their child/children’s Report Cards, it is important that the school has your current email address recorded in OneSchool. If you are unsure that the school has your correct current email address, please ring/email the office to confirm.

Report Cards will be emailed to all parents/caregivers recorded as receiving correspondence.

Report Cards may get lost in a ‘Junk’ folder. To help avoid this, you can add the address from which report cards will be generated - Application.ONESCHOOL@qed.qld.gov.au to your list of safe senders now.

This year there has been some changes to reporting comments for the learning areas. Each learning area will now state the expected aspects of the year level achievements standard that all students have engaged with during the semester. Your child’s rating will indicate to what standard they have completed summative assessment tasks related to the aspects of the achievement standard.

The Code of Conduct for Students Travelling on Buses

Supporting Safe and Responsible Travel for all

A significant number of school students in Queensland travel on buses to attend school. All students have the right to a safe and enjoyable journey between home and school. In the morning, a pleasant trip to school can set the tone for a day of productive learning. The purpose of the Code of Conduct for School Students Travelling on Buses is to provide guidelines for the expected standards of student behaviour. The Code outlines what behaviour is required from students while waiting for the bus and while travelling on the bus.

While the vast majority of school students behave appropriately when travelling on buses, from time to time a small number behave inappropriately and this can affect the safety and comfort of the journey for fellow passengers. The actions of students misbehaving on buses can affect the ability of bus drivers to concentrate and compromises the safety of the journey.

Examples of appropriate behaviour include paying the correct fare, respecting other people and their property, waiting for the bus in an orderly manner, remaining seated in a calm manner while on the bus and refraining from creating unnecessary noise.

The Code also outlines unacceptable student behaviour that will not be tolerated, including fare evasion, wilful damage of property, disrespect, verbal and physical violence towards the driver and other passengers. There are clear consequences in the Code for students that display such behaviour. Students will be held responsible for their behaviour and if deemed to be in breach of the Code, provisions will be enforced. Depending on the extent of the breach, consequences for misbehaviour range from a warning to a student being refused travel on the bus. The parents of any students found to be in breach of the Code will be notified and the student will be held accountable for their actions.

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.

Star 106.3 School Visit held on Monday

On Monday we were fortunate to receive a quick visit from the Star 106.3 team, Crystal, Anthony & Jack (videographer) as part of our entry in the ‘School of the Year’ competition.

On their visit they engaged with some of our student leaders to show off our wonderful school and discuss the upgrades we wish to make with the prize money if we were successful. Thanks so much for your support over the previous weeks. Voting has now closed.

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

Over Week 8 of Term 2, our PBL school focus will continue to 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 Winter week. Our next newsletter for Term 2 will be issued on Wednesday, 14 June.

Quote for the Week:

Warm regards,

Michelle Donn
Principal

General News

MUSIC GALA

PEEK AT PREP

BOOK WEEK – 25th AUGUST

Upcoming Events

Year Level Parade Times

Positive Behaviour Learning

Defence News

HELLO TO ALL DEFENCE FAMILIES

It is Week 8 and we are getting closer to the end of term. The last few weeks have been quite busy at school with assessments being completed. It is IMPORTANT that all students attend school every day, unless they are unwell. When they return they may have to complete unfinished tests and this can be very worrying for some students. If you are having trouble with students not wanting to come to school, please contact me and we can organise a drop off point and rewards chart. This may help with a smooth transition into school. Please send me an email cwhee36@eq.edu.au so I can provide support at school. Always contact me with any worries/concerns that your children may be experiencing.

Thank you to those families who have informed me that they will be away for an extended period over the coming months due to exercises/training. I am aware that this time is going to be quite hectic for some families and some students will be worried/sad as a parent will be away. DMFS are offering an ADF Equip Absence Support Program this month for families and children. The two sessions will take place on Tues 13th and 20th June at Geckos Community Centre at Lavarack Barracks.

We celebrated Queensland Day on Tuesday 6th June by making flags and drawing pictures of what we love about our State. Thursday 8th June is National Best Friends Day, so tell your friends how much they mean to you. We made cards to share. Attached below is the DMFA flyer with all that is happening with defence this month. It is a must read.

If you have arrived this year, remember that 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.

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 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 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: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/637007997067

*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

Building Better Relationships - Townsville June.pdf

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 any time 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

8th JUNE-NATIONAL BEST FRIENDS DAY. TELL YOUR BEST FRIENDS HOW SPECIAL THEY ARE TO YOU.

Music News (The Pitch)

Willows Warriors News

Prep News

English

In English, we have been working really hard on writing with capital letters to start, full stops to finish, finger spaces in between our words and writing the sounds we can hear. The Preps’ writing is amazing!

HASS

In HASS, we are learning about how objects can help us remember special memories from events that have happened in the past. PY/1F have been making objects out of playdough that remind us of special events.

Maths

In Maths, we have been using pattern blocks to make shape patterns. PY/1F have been exploring a pattern shape app on the iPads.

Year One News

This week in Year 1 we have been very busy finishing off assessment. Students have been working hard and trying their best in their subjects.

In English, we are finishing off our unit where the students have been creating a character description about Mr Wintergarten from the story ‘Rose meets Mr Wintergarten.’ Students enjoyed being creative and designing a mask of Mr Wintergarten to explore the character further and participate in acting out the story.

In Math, we have been learning all about Australian money and the value of the different coins and notes. Students have had lots of hands-on learning by putting the fake coins in order of value and counting the coins to make pretend purchases.

In Science, we have been using different materials to make boats, with the goal to have a boat that floats and can carry some items. Students have been testing their problem-solving skills and adapting when challenges arise.

Year Two News

Recently in Year 2, the students participated in Under 8’s Day, alongside other students from Year 1 and Prep. An afternoon filled with lots of fun, left all students with a big smile on their face!

An activity that sparked lots of engagement from students was friendship bracelet making. Students were able to use their fine motor skills to decorate a bracelet and match with their friends and siblings.

Year Three News

Year 3 enjoyed exploring the characteristics and features of animals at Billabong Sanctuary.

We had fun patting and holding snakes and crocodiles and having up close encounters with many wallabies, turtles and kangaroos.

Year Four News

This Term in Health, Year 4 have been learning all about the Healthy Eating Guide and how this should inform their choices when it comes to food.

Many were surprised at the amounts of salt and sugar in some of their favourite Take-Aways and snacks, as well as the actual amount of vegetables and fruit that a 8-10 year old should be eating on a daily basis.

To start the unit, we explored what we all eat in a typical 24 hours, then compared that to the recommended amounts of foods and finally designed a week of healthy eating plans that fit the guideline for our age brackets.

Year Five News

Our Year 5 students have been busy learning new skills in Technology this semester. They had to identify the internal components of any device of their choosing and explain the purpose. Together we learned how to transfer electrical energy from an iPad to a Sphero to make it move, make a sound and light up using coding blocks. Their final task got the students to be game creators to build a Scratch Maze game addressing an issue. This has been a very engaging unit to develop our skills.

THURINGOWA SHS MUSICAL

35 students from The Willows State School expressed an interest in seeing Thuringowa State High Schools 2023 theatre production “The Vampire Strikes Back.” It was an excellent morning with an intermission sausage sizzle. The students had a great time meeting the cast and crew.

Thank you to Thuringowa High for this opportunity.

Year Six News

Students in 6A are enjoying creating the biggest pyramid they can using an A3 piece of paper for Maths. At this time of term, learning is always our main focus across all learning areas. Students are doing a great job making sure assessments are getting done to wrap up the term. There has also been lots of opportunity to focus on PBL with some very engaging sessions over the previous weeks where students have been writing kindness notes and displaying in our class. Year 6 had the opportunity to watch the Kirwan State High School’s final performance of their Addams Family musical which they all thoroughly enjoyed.

The Kirwan Musical of The Addams Family©

Alfie and I thought the musical of The Addams Family was absolutely amazing. The actors were professional and resilient when they got something wrong. They played their roles well and the leads did a great job at remembering their lines. Kirwan was very kind for inviting us and letting us experience the dress rehearsal. It was thoughtful of them to also organise the buses. We all agree this was a great opportunity to see the creative arts pathways that Kirwan have to offer their students and something we can look forward to.

By Kiowa

Community News

HEAT CRICKET – SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM

CIRCUS QUIRKUS

TOWNSVILLE TRIATHLON AND MULTISPORT FESTIVAL

The Townsville Triathlon and Multisport Festival is coming up quickly on Saturday 19 August 2023.

It is important for us to have as many local families as possible! The event is open for 7-13 year olds and all Kids will receive a free gift and a medal at the finish line.

For over 20 years we've welcomed many local families to come and have a crack at the event, which is designed for absolute beginners as well as regular competitors. No matter someone's fitness level, the distances are achievable and the goal for those who come along is to finish and have a great time.

LITTLE ATHLETICS – COLES WINTER CARNIVAL