Term 1 Week 3.pub - The Willows State School

THE WILLOWS STATE SCHOOL 9 FEBRUARY 2011
Phone: 47 991 333 Student Absence Line: 47 991 366 Fax: 47 234 665
Email: admin@thewillowsss.eq.edu.au
Website: www.thewillowsss.eq.edu.au
NEWSLETTER NO 2
Dear Parents
Our students have settled into their new classroom routines
very well with many examples of excellent teaching and
learning already underway. It’s amazing how quickly our
Preps and other new students to the school are settling in –
making friends and enjoying all the learning activities that
our school offers.
At The Willows, we believe in parents working together with
teachers as partners in student learning. During week four
(week commencing 14th February), parents will have the
opportunity to meet classroom teachers. These are very
important meetings to attend as the teachers will share with
you the Curriculum Overview, assessment and classroom
expectations and routines. Thank you to The Willows
teachers for organising these meetings during the evening for
parent convenience. Details are as follows:
• Provide a forum for parents, teachers and members of
the community to be involved with topics relevant to Prep
and primary education;
• Be involved in decision-making and reviews of school
practices;
• Fundraise for resources to support school programs; and
Conduct working bees to beautify the learning environment.
We encourage as many parents as possible to attend these
important meetings.
Regards
Dr Graham Foster
Principal
Prep Wednesday 16th February 5.30-6.30
Year 1 Monday 14 th February 5.30-6.30
Year 2 Thursday 17th February 5.30-6.30
Year 3 Monday 14th February 6.00-7.00
Year 4 Tuesday 15th February 6.00-7.00
Year 5 Tuesday 15th February 5.30-6.30
Year 6 Tuesday 15th February 6.00-7.00
Year 7 Thursday 17th February 5.30-6.30
Another opportunity to be involved in your child’s education
is by attending weekly assemblies – Prep to Year Three
Tuesday afternoon from 2.30 to 3pm and Years Four to
Seven Wednesday afternoon from 2.30 to 3.00pm. Both
assemblies are held in the Main CPA (near the tuckshop).
Thank you parents for your support – I look forward to
seeing you at the Parent Teacher Information evenings in
week four.
Student enrolment numbers have been confirmed for staffing
purposes. Due to an increase in student numbers and large
numbers in certain year levels we have had no choice but to
form composite classes including a Prep/One, Three/Four
and Five/Six. Parents of children affected have been
contacted directly. We are working hard to minimise the
disruption. Thank you in advance for your support and
understanding as we finalise classes.
We are very fortunate to have a highly effective and active
P&C Association that has provided significant support to
improving the school in numerous ways over the years. The
first P & C Association meeting for the new school year
took place last night from 7pm in the staffroom in the
administration building (meetings occur every second
Tuesday of the month). The Annual General Meeting will be
held on Tuesday 8th March. The committee is an
important part of the school community which aims to:
• Stimulate the interest of parents in the education of their
children and education in general;
CYBERSAFETY HELP BUTTON KEEPING FAMI-
LIES SAFE ONLINE
The Cybersafety Help Button is a new Australian Government
initiative, supported by the Department of Education
and Training, designed to keep children and families safe
online.
The downloadable button links to an online resource hub that
provides 24 hour access to cybersafety help and information.
Parents and carers are encouraged to explore the resources
and discuss the button’s use with their children.
To find out more visit the Department of Education and
Training website at www.education.qld.gov.au/
studentservices/behaviour/qsaav/cybersafety-button.html
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
15 February Defence Morning Tea
21 February Defence Medals Program
24-25 February Interhouse Swimming Carnival
25 March Fun Run
5-6 April Athletics Carnival

INSTRUMENTAL PROGRAM 2011
Congratulations to our new instrumental children joining our
program for 2011. Welcome back to our continuing
children. We hope to have a very successful fun-filled year.
Instrumental teachers have been in during the week catching
up with children and are preparing to start teaching in week
3. Timetables have been issued. If your child has not
received one – please come and see the music teachers. We
encourage children to take responsibility for their lesson time
and be organised for the day with instrument and music.
Brass & Percussion lessons are on Tuesday with Kelly
Clarke-Flesser kclar205@eq.edu.au
Strings lessons are on Monday with Caroline Lloyd-Doolan
clloy28@eq.edu.au
Woodwind lessons are on Wednesday with Alexia Hanschen
ahans102@eq.edu.au
All children in the music program will also receive an
enrolment contract that needs to be signed by both child and
parent. If children continually missing lessons or rehearsals
a note will be sent home to discuss your child’s placement.
Loan agreement forms will be issued this week for children
who wish to borrow a school instrument. A levy of $60 is
payable with the return of the form. No instrument will be
issued without the loan agreement form being returned.
Some children who have been in the program for a year and
the continuing students will be invited to be a member of our
concert band and orchestra. Rehearsals will start in week 3.
Concert band will rehearse on Wednesday mornings starting
at 8am and orchestra on Monday mornings starting at 8am.
We encourage students be here early to set up so that
rehearsals can begin promptly. Being part of a bigger
ensemble is a rewarding experience that has proven to
further enhance students’ musical understanding as well as
teaching important skills such as team work and
responsibility. If you have any issues or concerns, please
come and see us.
CHOIR YEARS 4-7
This year we are inviting students who show high musical
abilities to be part of our school choir. Notes will be sent
home this week. First rehearsal is on Friday, 4 th February at
1.50pm in the music room. If your child is new to the school
and in years 4 – 7 and interested in being part of this
extra-curricular activity, we would love to see them.
LIBRARY NEWS
Queensland Interschool Team Chess Competition.
Students are invited to represent their school and compete in
the Queensland Interschool Team Chess Competition. Round
one commences on Wednesday, 2 March at Ignatius Park.
Players compete in every round of the tournament, win or
lose. Email Mrs Platt to register. Chess club will commence
once our library refurbishment is complete. Children of all
ages and abilities are welcome to attend.
LIBRARY LOVERS DAY - 14TH FEBRUARY 2011
For centuries February 14 has been known as Valentine's
Day, a time beloved of romantics. Now a new era has begun
with Library Lovers everywhere claiming the day for the
objects of their special affection - Australia's libraries.
Australians love their libraries. Nearly half the population are
registered borrowers and over 108 million visits were
recorded in 2009-2010
Library Lovers Day Competition - 2011. Design a bookmark/poster
that celebrates/promotes this special event. Submit
your design to the front office by 3pm on Friday, 18 February.
Winners will receive a book voucher and a box of
chocolates.
Library Lovers day is a National initiative supported by PLA
(PublicLibraries Australia) & ALIA (Australia Library Association).
DEFENCE AND MOBILE FAMILIES
Hello to All Families,
Hope you and your families are all safe and well. We have
changed the date for the Morning Tea to next Tuesday 15 th
February. We thought this would be better suited in the
circumstances. We look forward to meeting you at our
Morning Tea at the Outside School Care Building.
The Medals program will be held here starting in week 6 of
Term 1. The program is for primary school children
Years 4-7 with the aim to assist them to build resilience
and to develop skills to manage with the absence of a
parent. It covers managing change, relaxation strategies
and building social support. Recommended for all students
with a parent on a deployment. Please phone us for more
details.
ACTIVITIES TO REMEMBER
* Defence Morning Tea – Hello and Welcome to our
School, is on Tuesday 15 th February in the OSHC here at
school from 9:00-11:00. Please come along for a friendly
chat and cuppa.
* Geckos @ Lavarack – Open House Morning Tea on Wed
16 th Feb from 9:30 am. Please check our noticeboard for
more activities. Phone 4411 1741 for more details or contact
www.armyintownsville.net
* TNFC at RAAF Base-Where everyone is welcome. Phone
Karen on 4752 1149 for more information.
Defence Community Organisation is available to all
defence members and their families. Phone 4753 6539 for
further information.
There is an information board located on the wall of the
Junior CPA between A and B Pod. This board contains
information on upcoming events for the Defence and School
Community. If you would like to speak to Louise or myself
on any matter we can be contacted through the Office
on 47 991 333 ext 323 or via e-mail. Correna on
cwhee36@eq.edu.au or Louise on lwhit325@eq.edu.au
Keep Smiling,
Correna Wheeler and Louise White.
Defence School Transition Aides (DSTAs).
KNOWING ME, KNOWING YOU AND GETTING
ALONG TOO.