Term 4 Week 10 Newsletter - 11 December 2023
From the Principal
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Term 4 Week 10
This Friday 15th December is the last day of school for students from Kindergarten to Year 6. The staff will be at school for the school development days next Monday so that they can further familiarise themselves with the mathematics syllabus, deepening their understanding of number talks. As this is the final newsletter for 2023, I would like to thank our wonderful school community for the support and positive and appreciative energy you provide for the children and our school.
Wherever you are travelling, whatever you are doing, I wish all of our families all the best for a safe and happy holiday period. Be sure to read the section below about keeping safe during this period.
If you are leaving John Purchase, a big thank you for being part of our school and I wish you every success and happiness.
For those who are returning, I look forward to welcoming you back to another awesome year in 2024!
Stay safe, well and happy and let's all remember to be especially kind and thoughtful, and to find time to rest and recharge the batteries over this busy period!
Wishing you all a wonderful and safe holiday season filled with joy, laughter, and cherished moments.
PROUDLY PRESENTING OUR STUDENT LEADERS FOR 2023
Rachel B | Liam K |
Holly Mc | Aayansh G |
HOLIDAY SAFETY
As we approach the much-anticipated school holidays, I wanted to take a moment to share some important reminders about keeping the children safe during this time of relaxation, celebration and fun. With a few simple precautions, we can make this holiday season both enjoyable and secure for everyone.
Road Safety: Navigating the Path to Fun
Whether you're embarking on a family road trip or enjoying local activities, road safety is paramount. Please remember to:
Buckle Up: Ensure everyone in the vehicle is securely fastened with seatbelts and appropriate child restraints.
Stay Visible: If walking or cycling, wear bright and reflective clothing, especially during low light conditions.
Be Mindful of Speed: Respect speed limits and exercise caution, especially in unfamiliar areas.
Water Safety: Dive into Fun Responsibly
As the weather heats up, water activities become a popular activity. Keep these water safety tips in mind:
Supervision is Key: Always supervise children near water, whether it's a pool, beach, or even a bathtub.
Swim with a Buddy: Encourage children to swim with a friend or family member and never alone.
Know the Limits: Be aware of each child's swimming ability and stick to designated swimming areas.
- Enrol Your Chld/ren in a Learn to Swim Program
Stranger Danger: Educate and Empower
In unfamiliar environments, it's essential to reinforce the importance of stranger danger:
Establish Boundaries: Teach children about personal space and the importance of not accepting gifts or rides from strangers.
Trust Their Instincts: Encourage children to trust their feelings and instincts. If something doesn't feel right, move away
Emergency Contacts: Ensure children know who to contact in case they feel uneasy or encounter a situation that makes them uncomfortable.
Cyber Safety: Navigating the Digital Playground
As technology continues to play a significant role in our lives, cyber safety is a crucial aspect of keeping our children secure:
Open Communication: Foster open conversations about online activities and establish guidelines for internet usage.
Privacy Awareness: Remind children to protect their personal information and report any suspicious online behavior.
Balanced Screen Time: Encourage a healthy balance between online and offline activities to support overall well-being.
By reinforcing these safety measures, we can create an environment where our students can make the most of their holiday break while remaining safe.
CONGRATULATIONS ISABEL!
Last week we congratulated Isabella and Erisa for winning first place in the 2023 Novice Pom competition, which was held in Melbourne. And this week we also enthusiastically congratulate Isabel (Year 2) for achieving this amazing accolade. Well done. We are so very proud of the girls!
SHOP SAFELY THIS CHRISTMAS
Learn how to navigate the festive frenzy in the lead-up to Christmas.
It’s easy to get caught up in all the festive cheer and spirit of gift-giving, but don’t compromise on your digital safety! Cyber criminals are ramping up their efforts to sneak into Australian wallets.
The ACCC’s National Anti-Scam CentreExternal link is reminding Australians that online scams are rife at Christmas, with the highest number of scams reported in the last three months of each year.
Stay safe online during the festive season
Keep an eye on your bank statements
Pay close attention to your financial records, like bank statements and credit-card transactions. This is a good first line of defence against identity theft and fraud. If you keep on top of it, you will be able to flag any suspicious activity and contact your bank immediately to stop further transactions.
Shop wisely for technology
The eSafety Commissioner's Gift GuideExternal link can help you choose tech gifts that are both fun and safe for your kids. It will also help you develop your understanding of the digital playground, especially in the world of online gaming, and the trendiest gifts, including gaming memberships, virtual currencies, drones, smartphones, wearable tech and more.
Know how much items should cost
Have a general sense of how much items you want to purchase should cost. This will encourage you to make comparisons with reputable retailers in the market, and quickly realise if prices are too good to be true. Even though it may look like a great deal, it is possible to get an item that doesn’t match the description, is counterfeit, or not receive any item at all.
Be aware of scams
Online shopping scams
Scammers can create near-identical replicas of popular Australian retailers or gift websites and advertise on social media or search engines. Always shop with trusted websites and pay securely using a credit card or online payment services.
Delivery/parcel scams
Fraudsters send messages about deliveries being stuck in customs and request confirmation of delivery/payment details. Never respond or open links in emails or text messages – instead, reach out directly to the business to confirm.
Charity scams
Cyber actors cash in on tragic events like a humanitarian crisis or natural disaster by asking for donations to fake organisations. Independently search charities and check that a website is legitimate before donating.
Flight and accommodation travel scams
Scammers set up fake airline or ticket websites that look genuine to lure you into purchasing tickets. Always book through legitimate websites, and be cautious when purchasing cheap tickets. If you're ever unsure whether a business is legitimate, check their Australian Business NumberExternal link
STAFF GIFTS - REPEATED
As we approach the end of the school year and the festive season, some families like to give small gifts to their teachers. While this is a lovely gesture, it is certainly not expected. While cards with special messages and other small tokens of appreciation convey thoughtful appreciation, please be advised that Department of Education staff members are unable to accept gifts with a value greater than $50 (unless it is a combined class gift valued at less than this amount per contributor). Staff members must declare and then politely decline gifts greater than this value, as well as any cash or cash vouchers (of any amount).
Thank you for your understanding.
ATTENDANCE MATTERS - RIGHT UP TO THE LAST DAY OF TERM THIS FRIDAY!
As we head into the end of school year, it remains important that your child attends school every single day. Being at school is the best place for students to learn as well as to keep social connections and build life-long skills.
We understand that families are eager to see and reconnect with loved ones and take a well-deserved break, but please remember that planned travel should only be taken during scheduled school holidays.
Students should be at school every day during school terms, including until the end of term, unless they are sick or are absent for a justified reason.
Missing a day here or there may not seem like much, but absences add up and can negatively impact your child's learning and wellbeing. When your child misses one day a week, that’s 40 days of school and 8 weeks of learning in one year. Over an entire school journey this adds up to 2.5 years of lost learning.
We want to do everything we can to help all students be at school every single day, because every day counts. If you have any concerns or questions please talk to me, the front office staff or your class teacher.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL IN 2024?
If your child is going to be leaving the school and you have not notified the office or if your child/ren is/are going to be absent on the first day back, can you please let the school know in January by email: johnpurch-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au
This will ensure we can firm up enrolment numbers quickly at the beginning of the school year.
When the children return to school on Thursday 1 February for Years 1 to 6, they remain in their 2023 classes for the beginning of the 2024 school year, while enrolment numbers are finalised.
Drop off and pick up arrangements for the first day will be communicated next year.
Will your child be returning to school late in 2024? (repeated)
Students return to school on Thursday 1st February, 2024. Is your child (or children) returning to school after this date?
If so, please complete the form below.
End of Year Events Calendar (repeated)
Our end of year events allow us to celebrate our many achievements, to reflect on the many people who have supported our school and to wish everyone all the best for next year and beyond. The special celebrations are summarised below and further details will be sent out in due course.
K - 6 Celebrations of Learning
This is held in the COLA at the times listed below. Awards are provided to each student from Kindergarten to Year 6, to acknowledge their progress and achievements this year. It will be wonderful to welcome parents and visitors to the ceremonies, so that you can see your child/ren receive their award. The dates and times are listed below:
- Kindergarten - Tuesday 12 December at 11:30am
- Years 1 & 2 - Monday 11 December at 9:10am
- Years 3 & 4 -Monday 11 December at 11:30am
- Year 5 & 4/5B - Monday 11 December at 1:30pm
- Year 6 - Tuesday 12 December at 9:10am
Year 6 Graduation Assembly
As we reflect on the students' journey throughout primary school and wish our Year 6 cohort all the best as they begin the next chapter in their lives, we are delighted that we will host a Year 6 Graduation assembly. This is being held on Tuesday 12 December at 9.10 am, so we ask that you put this date and time into your calendars.
Year 6 Formal
We are delighted to hold a Year 6 Farewell Dinner and dance on Wednesday 13 December.
Class or Grade Parties
Each year the children celebrate the end of the year and the upcoming holiday period by having class picnics. The parties will be held on Thursday 14 December. Please do not send children with treats that contain nuts or nut products and ensure ingrdients are listed on the item, as we have children who have severe allergies.
Talent Quest
A Talent Quest showcasing students' talents will be held on Wednesday 13 December.
2023 - 2024 Term Dates & Holidays
PLEASE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ARRANGE TRAVEL DURING SCHOOL VACATION PERIODS, RATHER THAN DURING THE SCHOOL TERM
Term 4– Students last day for 2023 will be Friday 15 December
Summer school holidays for all students K - 6 begin on Monday 18 December (for students) to Monday 29 January 2024.
Term 1 2024- School Development Days (Tuesday 30 January 2024 and Wednesday 31 January 2024). The school and office will be open as teachers return for professional learning, planning and preparation.
Years 1-6 students return to school for 2024 on Thursday 1 February 2024. Kindergarten 2024 commence on Tuesday 6 February 2024 (information will be emailed home to Kindy families regarding Best Start interviews and the first day, in late January). Term 1 concludes Friday 12 April.
Autumn school holidays- Monday 15 April 2024 to Friday 26 April 2024.
Term 2 2024- Monday 29 April 2024 (students return Tuesday 30 April) to Friday 5 July 2024.
Winter school holidays- Monday 8 July 2024 to Friday 19 July 2024.
Term 3 2024- Monday 22 July 2024 (students return Tuesday 23 July) to Friday 27 September 2024.
Spring school holidays- Monday 1 October 2024 to Friday 11 October 2024.
Term 4 2024- Monday 14 October 2024 (for staff AND students) to Wednesday 18 December (for students) and Friday 20 December (for staff) 2024.
From the Deputy Principal
Term 4 Week 10
Monday 11th December 2023
Congratulations, Year 6 students and Year 6 teachers, for preparing and running a terrific mini-fete for students, on Friday. Huge thanks to Mrs Murray, for her coordination, to our parent supporters, and to our wonderful administration staff, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, to support the mini-fete.
I look forward to joining Year 6 students and school staff, for Year 6's farewell evening, this Wednesday night, at Dural Country Club.
Mrs Scott has been busily coordinating the 2023 Talent Showcase, which will be held at school this Wednesday. Hers was a difficult task, as we certainly have many talented performers at JPPS, to select.
As advised last week, due to the Stage 1 Celebration of Learning Assembly today, any outstanding Purchase Prides and awards to Year 6 students, will be handed out at 8:55am this Thursday morning, 14th December. Parents are most welcome to attend.
Class parties will be held this Thursday and parents are reminded to refer to the class notes that have been distributed, regarding any food-specific, party arrangements.
While staff are engaging in further professional development next week, this Friday, 15th December, will be the last day of school for all students.
As this is the last newsletter for 2023, may I take this opportunity to wish you and your family, a very safe and joyous, festive season. I hope everyone gets a chance to spend some quality time with family and friends, to rest and re-charge, before the new school year.
In a world where you can be anything, be kind.
Adela King
Deputy Principal
Year 6 Mini-Fete
Fun, food, drinks, sport, mind-challenges, indoors, outdoors, shopping, all was on offer, aplenty, last Friday! Thank you for supporting our mini-fete. Congratulations everyone!
Congratulations Stage 1 Bronze Award Recipients
These students received their Bronze Awards at the Principal's Morning Tea, last week.
Congratulations Stage 2 & Stage 3 Bronze Award Recipients
These students received their Bronze Awards at the Principal's Morning Tea, last week.
Year 6 Graduation and K-5 Celebrations of Learning Assemblies 2023
You are cordially invited to these assemblies, under the COLA. Should wet weather impact organisation, messages will be issued via SZapp on the day of the event.
- Early Stage 1 (Kindergarten) - Tuesday 12th December at 11:30am
- Stage 1 (Years 1 & 2) - Monday 11th December at 9:10am
- Stage 2 (Years 3 & 4) - Monday 11th December at 11:30am
- Year 5 & 4/5B - Monday 11th December at 1:30pm
- Year 6 Graduation Assembly - Tuesday 12th December at 9:10am
How to access my child's Semester 2 Report
Semester 2 student reports are now available via the Impromation Parent Portal. New parents are reminded to ensure that the registration process has been completed. Please refer to the access instructions below.
Our School Expectations
Congratulations to our students who have demonstrated our school expectations of Respect, Responsibility and Aspire.
This week's expectation is:
Respect: Place all rubbish in the bin
Purchase Pride Badges
Purchase Prides 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. The shelf has been moved to just inside the office foyer, for greater convenience. The ten awards need to be bundled together and clearly labelled with the student’s name and current class.
Award recipients will be presented with a coloured Purchase Pride badge, the week after their name is published in this newsletter.
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.
Please keep Purchase Prides in a safe place at home, until after the holidays!
Congratulations:
Pippa B x4 (6FG), Femi A x4 (6G), Arya M (6H)
Class Awards System
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 shelf has been moved to just inside the office foyer, for greater convenience. 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.
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) now received by 9am on Thursday morning, 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
Any final awards to Year 6 students, will be presented at 8:55am, on Thursday morning, 14th December.
Congratulations:
Femi A (6G)
Silver Award
Any final awards to Year 6 students, will be presented at 8:55am, on Thursday morning, 14th December.
Congratulations:
Pippa B (6FG), Femi A (6G)
Gold Award
Any final awards to Year 6 students, will be presented at 8:55am, on Thursday morning, 14th December.
Congratulations:
Pippa B (6FG), Femi A (6G)
Bronze Medallion
Any final awards to Year 6 students, will be presented at 8:55am, on Thursday morning, 14th December.
Congratulations:
Mia B (6FG)
Silver Medallion
Any final awards to Year 6 students, will be presented at 8:55am, on Thursday morning, 14th December.
From the Teachers
Year 6 Walkout Procession (repeated)
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are thrilled to announce an exciting and symbolic event—our Year 6 Walkout Procession! As our Year 6 students prepare to embark on their next educational journey, we invite you to join us in celebrating this momentous milestone.
Date: Friday 15th December 2023
Time: The procession starts at 2:30pm and will approximately finish at 2:50pm
Location: Students will finish at the office to meet parents for photos.
We encourage all parents and families to gather at the finishing point (office) to cheer on our Year 6 students as they finish their walk.
We look forward to seeing you at the Walkout
Samantha Nelson
Stage 3 Assistant Principal
Year 6 Mini Fete
Our much-loved mini fete was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone, under sunny skies, on Friday. Congratulations Year 6 students and huge thanks to our coordinator Mrs Murray and the Year 6 teachers, parents and SASS staff.
Kind Regards
Samantha Nelson
Stage 3 Assistant Principal
Art Club
Students created a three panel poster to inspire others to take care of our environment!
Pictured below are Amy (1B), Arianna (1B) and Veronica (1B).
Many thanks.
Miss Barrett 🌼
JPPS Talent Showcase 2023
Thank you to all the students who auditioned this year!
What amazing talents our students have at John Purchase. Congratulations to the 13 student acts who have been selected for the performance, which will be on Wednesday, December 13. Those students and parents have been notified of the performance times, and requirements.
Mrs Scott (Event Coordinator)
A huge congratulations to Michael W who received an Outstanding Achievement BAZA and Beecroft PSSA Sportsperson of the Year award, on Monday 4th of December at the Beecroft Awards for Zone Achievement in Sport. His award was presented by a former JPPS Student and Sydney Swans Academy player Olivia Morris.
Well done Michael!
From the Office
Lost Property (repeated)
Please don't forget to check for any of your child's lost uniform items before the end of the school year.
Please also remember to label your child's clothing clearly so our staff can return these items to the students directly.
School Travel Applications 2024 (repeated)
2024 school travel applications are now open.
Students who need a School Opal card or travel pass for 2024 can apply here. A new application will need to be submitted if they are applying for the first time, or if they are requesting additional travel entitlement because of new shared parental arrangement (e.g. joint custody).
Students who change address, school, or have received an expiry notification from Transport for NSW for their school travel entitlement should renew or update their details before the end of Term 4. This will ensure that schools can endorse applications, and entitlements remain valid for the start of the 2024 school year. School Opal card holders will have the changes applied to their existing card.
If a student’s distance eligibility has changed based on their grade (i.e. grade two to grade three), the system will automatically update their entitlement if they meet the new criteria. If they do not meet the new eligibility criteria, we will send them an expiry notification via email.
Students who have an entitlement approved under a medical condition that is due to expire will receive a notification advising them to re-apply.
Term Bus Pass holders will receive a notification to re-apply.
Students in the Opal network applying for an Opal card (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their Student Opal card at their nominated postal address. Cards will be mailed out from January 2024.
From the P & C
P & C Meeting 7pm Tonight via Zoom
Zoom MeetingTime: Dec 11, 2023 07:00 PM Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
Join Zoom Meeting
https://nsweducation.zoom.us/j/64372186388?
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Meeting ID: 643 7218 6388 Passcode: JPPS
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Meeting ID: 643 7218 6388
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Meeting ID: 643 7218 6388Passcode: 342282
PARENT VOLUNTEERS
Are you interested in volunteering?
At John Purchase Public School, there are many opportunities to be involved and to support our P and C.
- P & C positions
- Special events
- Canteen
- School Uniform Shop
Volunteering helps you connect with people in the community.
If you would like to get involved, please put your name down at the canteen (for volunteering in the canteen), email our president, Richard at richardw@jppspandc.org.au or at the front office (for volunteering for other P and C roles).
P & C Volunteer Sign Up Form
Please remember to sign up to volunteer using the volunteer sign up form. This will assist in planning for next year. See the below link to the sign up form.
FROM THE CANTEEN
Lunch Choices: With the end of the year fast approaching, just a reminder that we will be running out of some lunch items - this will show up on Flexischools to make it easier for you to chose another option. Sushi will be available right up until the canteen's last day - Wednesday 13 December.
Last day for Canteen 2023 - Wednesday 13 December: Our last day for lunches will be Wednesday 13 December as we will be closed for cleaning Thursday and Friday.
Volunteers for 2024: We are still looking for more volunteers for next year. We had an amazing response from our incoming kindy class of 2024, but we still have some days where we need more help so if you could spare one day a month, please contact Snoewy or Anna on jpps.canteen@gmail.com.
Thank you – a massive thank you to all our amazing volunteers who have helped out this year with ensuring all the students get fed. We could not operate the canteen without volunteers and we are very appreciative of all the time busy parents put in to help out. To those parents who will not be returning next year due to their children going to high school or changing work commitments, thank you so much for your years of volunteering. It has been lovely working with all of you and we have had a lot of fun days in the canteen with you.
We look forward to seeing a lot of you back next year and also welcoming some new faces.
Thank you once again and we wish everyone a relaxing holiday break.
Important Notice: Uniform Price Adjustment
From Term 4, we'll be adjusting prices on some uniform items. The new price will be on the school website and uniform shop on the first day of Term 4 (9 October 2023).
This adjustment is necessary due to rising supplier costs over the past five years. The P&C runs the store as a service to the school community and proceeds of the store are returned to the school as P&C donations. We really appreciate your understanding for both the price increase and the benefit to the school of having the uniform shop service.
Thank you for your continued support.
The pricing of some uniforms has been adjusted and please refer to the updated price list, effective from Term 4.
The special opening arrangements for 2024 kindy orientation days are:
7 Nov (Tue) 8:30 -11:00am Kindy Pack order pick up at the Uniform Shop
7 Nov (Tue) 8:30 -11:00am Size exchanges at the Uniform Shop
*Uniform Shop Closure & special arrangement*
- 29/11-1/12 (Wed-Fri): year-end stocktake, shop & online shop closed
- 8/12 (Fri): last opening day of shop in Term 4
- 11/12-15/12 (Mon-Fri) 8:30-9:30: online order pick up at canteen ONLY, uniform shop closed
- 25/1/2024 (Thur) 9:00-11:00: First opening day, Term 1 2024
Pace Tang
Uniform Shop Manager
From the Community
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.
CLEANING POSITION
If you are interested in a cleaning position in a local school, please use the Q Code below.