Term 1 Week 10 Newsletter - Monday 31st March 2025

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Term 1 Week 10

LEARNING  LABS

As we continue to prioritise dynamic, high impact professional learning around our focus area of ensuring rigour and challenge for our students, our teaching teams had the opportunity to learn about and participate in Learning Labs, with their stage teams.

What Are Learning Labs?

Learning Labs is a collaborative initiative where teachers come together to plan, observe, and reflect on lessons using specific thinking routines. The purpose is not just to observe an expert teacher, but to co-plan and experiment with new strategies that can deepen student learning and thinking. Teachers work together to design lessons that encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, and then implement them in real classroom settings. The process allows for real-time learning, adjustment, and continuous improvement.

MY FAVOURITE NO IN STAGE 1

In the 1T classroom, Mrs Townsend used the "My Favourite No" routine to explore the different ways to spell the long i sound, such as fly, buy, pie, and high. After students wrote a sentence using a variety of spellings, the teacher selected her "favourite nos"— responses with a great effort but some mistakes. Together, the class analysed the errors and discussed how they could improve. This powerful routine not only deepened understanding but also teaches children that mistakes are valuable learning opportunities!

FLOOR STORMING IN STAGE TWO

In 4D Science, students investigated metamorphosis using the Floor Storm routine. They examined and classified photos of various living and non-living things, with no single "right" answer. Through rich discussions, they justified their classifications; refining their reasoning and communication skills. As they observed patterns, they gradually uncovered the meaning of metamorphosis before the teacher formally introduced the concept. This inquiry-based approach sparked curiosity and set the stage for deeper learning.

THE EXPLANATION GAME IN STAGE THREE

Stage 3 students recently explored the wordless picture book Flotsam by David Wiesner, using the "Explanation Game" thinking routine. The goal was to spark curiosity and encourage students to interpret the story in their own way while justifying their reasoning.

Through this routine, students answered key questions:
🔹 What are you noticing?
🔹 What might be going on here?
🔹 What makes you say that?
🔹 What else could it be?

During the lesson, students worked in groups to analyse the storyline, leading to rich discussions, thoughtful questioning, and deep engagement. The teaching team was impressed by the level of collaboration and critical thinking on display. This experience highlighted the power of inquiry-based learning, where curiosity drives exploration and discovery!

P & C Annual General Meeting (repeated)

Please be advised that the AGM and General Meeting of the P & C will be held on Monday 7th April, commencing at 7pm in the school annexe. At this meeting, all positions will be declared vacant.

Nominations for positions are now being advertised and interested parents are invited to complete the form below and submit this to the front office by 3pm on Monday 7 April.

ATTENDANCE MATTERS (repeated) 

To support you in monitoring your child’s attendance, we encourage parents to access the Parent Portal in School Bytes where you can view your child’s attendance levels on a visual map. This map provides a clear view of your child’s attendance rate, calculated on the number of actual and partial days attended as a percentage of the total possible school days for the term. Attendance summaries will also be included in your child’s half-yearly and yearly reports.

Instructions for accessing this information through the Parent Portal are provided below. If you need any assistance setting up or navigating the portal, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our business manager, Mrs Clare Cattell.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR HOW TO SEE ATTENDANCE DATA ON SCHOOL BYTES (repeated)

Once you have set up your Parent Portal account in School Bytes (see below information in 'From the Office' news) you will be able to view your child's attendance data.

In the Parent Portal you will see a tab called 'attendance' on the top bar of the page. This will bring you to your child/ren's attendance information.

2025 Term Dates & Holidays 

TRAVEL SHOULD BE TAKEN DURING SCHOOL VACATION PERIODS, RATHER THAN DURING THE SCHOOL TERM

2025 NSW Term Dates and School Holidays

Please note: School development days for staff are included in these term dates and parents and carers should not send their children to school on these days.

• Term 1 - The last day of term is Friday 11 April. 
• Autumn school holidays - Monday 14 April to Friday 25 April
• Term 2 - Monday 28 April to Friday 4 July. School development days are Monday 28 April and Tuesday 29 April. All students K - 6 begin on Wednesday 30 April.
• Winter school holidays - Monday 7 July to Friday 18 July
• Term 3 – Monday 21 July to Friday 26 September. The school development day is on Monday 21 July and all students K- 6 start on Tuesday 22 July.
• Spring school holidays – Monday 29 September to Friday 10 October
• Term 4 – Monday 13 October to Friday 19 December. The school development day is Monday 13 October. All students K - 6 start on Tuesday 14 October.
• Summer school holidays (Eastern) – Monday 22 December to Monday 26 January 2026

Term 1 Week 10

Monday 31st March 2025

Dear Parents and Carers

I will be hosting the 'Principal's Morning Tea' at 10:30am tomorrow morning in the hall. Invitations were distributed to parents last week. If you are unable to attend, your child will still be presented with their Bronze Award.

Please don't forget that the online booking site for Parent/Teacher Interviews, closes this Friday morning.

Have a positive week!

Let's accomplish BIG things with a Have a Go Mindset!

Regards

Adela King
Deputy Principal

Young Leaders' Day

Mrs Walters accompanied our four student leaders to the Young Leaders' Day at the International Convention Centre at Darling Harbour, last Tuesday. Organised by Halogen Australia, the conference seeks to stimulate young people to lead; 'producing a generation of leaders who will burn bright on behalf of those they lead'.

Stage 2 Visual Arts

This term, Stage 2's visual arts program has been integrated with geography and science. Students have explored different artists from a range of art movements, and experimented with a variety of techniques and materials, including sketching, painting, water colours, acrylic paints, oil pastels, colour mixing and ceramics. The program allows students to make, appreciate and exhibit their artworks. Last week, I joined 3L students, guided by Mrs Lovell and visiting artist, Sophie Lovell, as we all learnt how to create unique fish, using clay pinch pot techniques. 3L's clay-making and some insect drawings are included below, as well as 4ML's paintings and completed 'pinch pot' fish.

Hat Making With Buddies

Students in K-2 have been enjoying the support of their buddies in higher grades, as Easter hat designs are being created in readiness for next week's final assembly for Term 1. Parents are cordially invited to the assembly at 9:15am on Friday, 11th April, under the COLA.

Parent Teacher Interview Bookings - site closes this Friday 4th April

Parent-teacher interviews are a vital opportunity for fostering strong partnerships between families and schools, particularly for K-6 children. These meetings provide a platform for parents to gain insights into their child's academic progress, social development, and overall well-being. By collaborating with teachers, parents can better support their child's learning journey, ensuring that each child receives the encouragement and resources they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom. Your involvement makes a significant difference in your child's educational experience! Our teachers value the opportunity to meet personally with parents to discuss each child's learning journey.

Parent Teacher Interviews will be held in the week commencing Monday 7th April, for all classes, except 5/6H. (5/6H interviews will be held in the week commencing Monday 5th May. Please use the separate booking links below.)

The site is now open. Parents are invited to book an interview time with their child's teacher using one of the links below.

The School Interviews booking site shows teacher availability and will be open until 9:30am on Friday 4th April.

Booking Link

https://www.schoolinterviews.com.au/code/64rfx

Booking QR Code

5/6H Parent Teacher Interview Bookings - Site closes this Friday

5/6H Parent Interviews will be held in the week commencing Monday 5th May. Please use the unique booking links for 5/6H below. Parents are invited to book an interview time with Mr Hayman using one of the links below.

The School Interviews site is now open and shows teacher availability. It will be closed at 9:30am on Friday 4th April.

Booking Link

https://www.schoolinterviews.com.au/code/terma

Booking QR Code

Term 1 Diary Dates 

• Friday 31 January - All staff return
• Thursday 6 February - All students K-6 return
• Monday 10 February - 7pm P & C Meeting via Zoom (refer to Zoom link in P&C section below)
• Monday 10 February - Kindergarten Best Start assessments continue over the next few weeks
• Tuesday 18 February - 7:30am Stage 2 Dance Auditions in hall
• Thursday 20 February - 7:30am Stage 3 Dance Auditions in hall
• Friday 21 February - 7:30am Stage 1 Dance Auditions in hall
• Tuesday 25 February - K-6 Police Talks in the hall
• Wednesday 26 February - 1:35pm Student Leaders' Induction & Awards Assembly under COLA
• Wednesday 26 February - Parent Information Evening on site
• Thursday 27 February - JPPS Swimming Carnival at Knox Aquatic Centre
• Tuesday 4 March - planned date for scripture classes to commence
• Thursday 6 March - Zone Swimming Carnival
• Thursday 6 March - 9am Parent Volunteer Induction Training
• Friday 7 March - Summer PSSA competition begins for Stage 2 and Stage 3
• Monday 10 March - P&C Meeting via Zoom
• Wednesday 12 March - NAPLAN testing period begins
• Tuesday 18 March - 9am Parent Interview booking site opens
• Wednesday 19 March - 1:35pm Harmony Day and Awards Assembly under COLA
• Thursday 20 March - JPPS Cross Country Carnivals
• Monday 24 March - School Photograph Day (class, individual, sibling portraits)
• Monday 24 March - NAPLAN testing period ends
• Tuesday 25 March - 4 Students Leaders to Halogen Conference
• Tuesday 1 April - 10:30am Principal's Morning Tea for Bronze Award recipients
• Wednesday 2 April - 11am Morning Tea for Bronze Medallion Recipients in Principal's office
• Friday 4 April - 9:30am Parent Interview booking site closes
• Monday 7 April - Parent Interview week commences
• Monday 7 April - 7:00pm P&C AGM/GM at school in annexe (confirmed)
• Friday 11 April - 9:15am Easter Hat Parade and Awards Assembly under COLA
• Friday 11 April - last day of Term 1

Our School Expectations

Congratulations to our students who have demonstrated our school expectations of Respect, Responsibility and Aspire.

This week's expectation is: 

Respect: Care for others and their property

Purchase Pride Badges

Purchase Pride awards recognise positive student behaviour on the playground and in the classroom. When students receive ten Purchase Pride award cards, these should be left in the boxes on the ‘award shelf’ inside the school office foyer. Each set of ten awards needs to be bundled together and clearly labelled with the student’s name and current class. The acceptance of awards closes for administration at 9am every Thursday morning.

Purchase Pride cards also have a 'tear-off' strip. This strip may be removed by the recipient and placed in the appropriate stage box in the award shelf, to go in the lucky dip draw, for a canteen voucher. Canteen vouchers are drawn by our SRC representatives, at the end of each term. Students are notified directly, if successful.

Award recipients will be presented with a coloured Purchase Pride badge, the week after their name is published in this newsletter, at the Monday morning assembly, during term time. This badge may be worn on the school uniform. Students are encouraged to hand in their awards regularly and not 'stockpile' them.

Congratulations:

Sharon (4B), Aryan x2 (4D), Nathan H (4D), Hudson T (2-O), Felipe L-G (3L)

Class Awards System

In addition to Purchase Prides, JPPS has an incremental class awards system. When a student has received ten class awards, these should be left in the boxes on the ‘award shelf’ inside the school office. The ten class awards need to be bundled together and clearly labelled with the student’s name, current class and award level reached. A clear, snap lock bag is ideal for this purpose! Students need to be responsible for their own awards, as replacements are not issued. Students are encouraged to hand in their awards, rather than 'stockpiling' them until Term 4, so they don't miss out on special celebrations, such as the Principal's Morning Tea.

10 Class Awards = Bronze   20 = Silver   30 = Gold   40 = Bronze Medallion  
50 = Silver Medallion   60 = Gold Medallion  75 = Platinum Medallion and Principal for the Day!

All awards (including Bronze) received by 9am on Thursday mornings, are ‘stamped’ and published in the next school newsletter, which is usually on the following Monday, in term time. At this time, I indicate when these awards will be presented. Silver Awards, Gold Awards and all Medallions, are presented at whole school assemblies. Please note that Bronze Awards are only presented at the end of each term, at the Principal's Morning Tea.

Bronze Award

The Term 1 Principal's Morning Tea, will be held in the hall, at 10:30am tomorrow, Tuesday 1st April. Parents of recipients are cordially invited to attend. 

Congratulations:

Serena W (1/2R)

Silver Award

These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 9:15am, under the COLA, on Friday 11th April. This assembly will include the Easter Hat Parade, as it's the last day of term prior to the Easter break. Parents are cordially invited to attend.

Congratulations:

Felipe L-G (3L), Aryan C (5D)

Gold Award

These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 9:15am, under the COLA, on Friday 11th April. This assembly will include the Easter Hat Parade, as it's the last day of term prior to the Easter break. Parents are cordially invited to attend.

Congratulations:

Aaron G (6B)

Bronze Medallion

These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 9:15am, under the COLA, on Friday 11th April. This assembly will include the Easter Hat Parade, as it's the last day of term prior to the Easter break. Parents are cordially invited to attend.

A morning tea for Term 1 Bronze Medallion recipients, will be held on Wednesday 2nd April, at 11am in the Principal's office.

Silver Medallion

These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 9:15am, under the COLA, on Friday 11th April. This assembly will include the Easter Hat Parade, as it's the last day of term prior to the Easter break. Parents are cordially invited to attend.

Gold Medallion

These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 9:15am, under the COLA, on Friday 11th April. This assembly will include the Easter Hat Parade, as it's the last day of term prior to the Easter break. Parents are cordially invited to attend.

Important Message to Year 6 Parents and Carers - Year 7 2026 (repeated)

Dear Parents and Carers of Students currently in Year 6 in 2025

Even though the school year has only just begun, parents and carers must begin the online process of enrolling your child into high school for 2026. You will need to complete an expression of interest (EOI) form using the following link: 

Enrolment form (for moving on from Year 6 to 7). Applications are ONLINE.

The expression of interest will let you indicate which school you would like your child to attend in Year 7. 

If your child will not be attending an NSW Government high school next year, please let us know by completing a placement not-required form. 

If you are unsure whether they will be attending a NSW Government school, such as if you have applied for a private school or moving interstate, we ask that you still complete an EOI and follow up with your school once a decision has been made. 

The online process will guide you through your options and collect the information required to make the process as smooth as possible. 

For further information, including translation instructions, please visit: year 7 High school enrollment.

Mrs Adele Walters
Stage 3 Relieving Assistant Principal

Years 3-6 Cross Country Ribbons 

On Thursday 20th March, we held our 3-6 Cross Country Carnival at Greenway. Ribbons will be awarded to the students who placed 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th in their event. They will be handed out at the morning assembly on Friday 4th April. 

Mrs Murray and Miss Brennan

Halogen  Young Leaders Conference 2025

The four school leaders, along with Mrs Walters, had the privilege of attending the 2025 Halogen Young Leaders Conference in the city last week. They had an absolute ball; read below to hear about the school leaders' reflections on the day.

Thomas Weeden

We walked into a ginormous centre, with purple lights and pumping music. Our heads were spinning with so many questions: What's going to happen? Where are we going to sit? Why is this guy playing the clinker game? We settled down and waited for it to start. Yahya even got to do the challenge! We were greeted after the game by some guys from a company called The Dance Curriculum, who taught us a dance and talked to us about how dance can help concentration and anxiety. We heard different people talk, like Thomas Duncan Watt, Katherine Laga’aia, Anthony Carroll, and Emma McKeon. I found Thomas the most engaging; he shared that it is okay to fail and that this will happen, and don’t let what others think change you, as they are probably jealous of something you have and they lack. We learned many things from the different speakers and even got our photo taken with them. I loved ending the day by getting a treat!

Aditi Dubey

The leadership conference was an educational and insightful experience, providing us with tips on how we can be better leaders and make our school a better place. The other school leaders and I were grateful to be able to meet four amazing leaders, who, in turn, shared with us amazing backstories about their lives. Catherine Laga’aia, the first speaker who is Moana in the live-action movie ‘Moana’, talked to us about the struggles she had to face as she left the life she had built for herself, for a different life altogether. She taught me that change does not always have to be bad. While Catherine left her whole life for the movie, she later said in her speech that she does not regret her decision. Her speech has inspired me to take new opportunities every day and to embrace them. I am sure that the other school leaders, including myself, cherish this opportunity, and we have learned a lot.

Yahya Malik

The Halogen conference was amazing! Along with the other four school leaders, I saw four unique famous people with different jobs and stories to tell. My favourite speaker was Thomas Duncan Watt; he had an energetic tone and shared his story with humour, which focused on failures leading to success. He is a writer/producer who has created scripts for shows including ‘The Deep’ and ‘Space Nova’, but he shared that this success did not come overnight. His dream was to write for ‘Star Trek’, and he is still setting his sights on this. He began his journey writing scripts and got knocked back many times, or as he said it, failed again and again, but he shared that he did not give up. He had a friend named John, and from when they were teenagers, they persevered through the challenges to meet their dreams and goals. He gave two quotes in his talk that stood out to me: “Every master was once a disaster” and “Every success was once a failure.” He went through years of disappointment and unemployment, but the message he shared was to never give up.

Meira Keller

After the recess break, we sat down in our seats and listened to the next speaker, Emma McKeon, who has won many gold medals at the Olympics. She dove into her story and shared her strategies on how she got where she is today. She explained that since she was five years old, she had a dream of swimming in the Olympics. This wasn’t a consistent dream, but her happy mindset and consistent determination towards achieving her goals made her dreams come true. Emma also taught us that you don’t need to set your dream and goal straight away; she stopped swimming at some point because she stopped liking it, but later, she realised that she missed it, and she tried lots of other things out. She told us that you can take your time to find your dreams and goals, but once you find them, believe in yourself and never give up. She told us, “Bravery isn't something you are born with; it is something you choose.”

Mrs Walters
Stage 3 Assistant Principal

STUDENT TRAVEL PASSES

Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply or update their details as soon as possible.

In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card. If outside Greater Sydney, parents should contact their local bus operator to discuss their travel needs.

Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: some rural and regional operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.

TERMS OF USE

Students using School Opal cards must tap on and tap off in line with the Opal terms of use .

This includes travel within the approved times between 6.30am and 7.00pm from Monday to Friday on school days only. Students must use their Child/Youth Opal card for any travel outside these times.

All students are required to comply with the Student code of conduct. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from travel.

SZAPP - repeated

Szapp is our handy mobile app for communications if your child/ren are on an excursion, at a dancing/sporting event or if there are any last minute changes to a timetable.  From time to time there are delays in buses returning to school on time or, there are unforseeable changes to an event that we need to get information to you in a hurry.  An example of this is when it rains and PSSA sport training is held before normal school hours.  Training can be cancelled so we need to notify you that training is off so you don't bring your child/ren to school as early.

The weekly newsletter can also be viewed via this app. 

Please help us by following the instructions below and install it on your device.  It would be a great idea to turn notifications on for this so you are notified immediately of any changes.

HOW TO SET UP THE PARENT PORTAL ACCOUNT IN SCHOOL BYTES - Repeated

IMPORTANT: To ensure that the registration process works smoothly, and you can link your account to your child, make sure that you use the same email address that you have provided to the school upon your child’s enrolment.

The School Bytes Parent Portal can be accessed via an app on your mobile device or your computer. The Parent App can be found on your mobile device’s app store. 

Please find detailed information on the below link on how to set up a parent portal account. 

https://support.schoolbytes.education/hc/en-us/articles/5184859634191-Parent-PortalSet-up-your-parent-portal-account

How to login and use Parent Portal?

Open the portal link and login: https://portal.schoolbytes.education/auth/login

Currently, we are using the following modules:

• Payments - to get a statement of account and make payments for fees and excursions.
• Activities - to check the current events and give a consent to participate and pay any fees attached to an activity.
• Forms -  to give consent for any permission forms, submit change of details form or extended leave applications.
• Attendance - to view and manage your child's attendance, including creating future absences and responding to attendance alerts as required.

P & C ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Please be advised that the AGM and General Meeting of the P & C will be held on Monday 7th April, commencing at 7pm in the school annexe. Nominations for positions are now being advertised and interested parents are invited to complete the form below and submit this to the front office prior to the AGM.

2025 P&C EASTER RAFFLE

Easter is fast approaching!

The Easter Raffle is the most popular fundraising event at JPPS. Please find the link below for how to purchase tickets in the raffle: https://rafflelink.com.au/jpps25-easter-raffle

PARENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR OUR EASTER RAFFLE

We need parent volunteers to help with the upcoming Easter Raffle.  If you could spare some time to help please sign up using the following link:

https://volunteersignup.org/74A3E

JPPS UNIFORM SHOP

Opening Hours (School Days):

8:30-9:30am every Monday, Wednesday, Friday

Dear Parents,

1. We are temporarily unable to accept donations of pre loved uniforms until further notice, as our shop currently has an excess of stock. We appreciate your kindness and understanding.
   
2. Recently, we have received requests from parents to exchange items without full packaging. To avoid disappointment, please note that all size exchanges must be made within 14 days of purchase, with the item in its ORIGINAL packaging and accompanied by the receipt. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to process exchanges for items that do not meet these conditions.
   

Thanks for your understanding!

Regards 

Pace
Uniform Shop Manager

FROM THE CANTEEN

Volunteers needed urgently!

Our school canteen is in URGENT need of volunteers to help keep it running smoothly!  We have a few days where we desperately need an extra helper - specifically Wednesday and Thursday. If you can spare time from 9.30am - 1.15pm once a month, please email jpps.canteen@gmail.com or call us. Your support makes a huge difference -

Thank you in advance!

Please note our school publishes community information for the convenience of families but does not endorse any activity, organisation, person or product.

JOHN PURCHASE PUBLIC SCHOOL accepts no responsibility for content on third-party websites and providing a link does not imply that the school endorses that website.