Term 1 Week 7 Newsletter - Monday 11th March 2024

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Term 1 Week 7

NAPLAN TIMETABLE

Please refer to the NAPLAN timetable below. These dates may change due to factors such as technology issues.

Wednesday 13th March - Year 3 and Year 5 Writing
Thursday 14th March - Year 3 Reading
Friday 15th March - Year 5 Reading

Monday 18th March - Year 3 Conventions of Language
Tuesday 19th March - Year 5 Conventions of Language
Wednesday 20th March - Year 3 and Year 5 Numeracy

P & C UPDATE

Thank you to the P and C and the volunteers who assisted with the Welcome BBQ on Friday afternoon - a lovely initiative to welcome families to the new school year. 

As mentioned in previous newsletter editions, tonight is the P & C Annual General Meeting, where all posiitons will be declared vacant. Parents are warmly invited to come along and to nominate for positions. Please refer to details below for more information.

ATTENDANCE

WORKING WITH CHILDREN REQUIREMENTS FOR VOLUNTEER PARENTS - REPEATED

PART A: Parents or close relatives of a student

Parents or close relatives of a child who volunteer at their child’s school are usually exempt from requiring a WWCC clearance, regardless of whether they are engaged in child-related work. This includes those engaged by the P&C.

Screening and identification

• The school must conduct a check on the DoE system.
• The school must sight one form of photo ID with the person's full name, date of birth, current address, and photo).
• The person must show a photo ID when signing in.

Declarations

• The person must complete a Declaration for child-related workers. Those exempt from the WWCC requirement should complete all relevant sections in this declaration, including part 1, part 3 and part 4 (section C).

PART B: Non-relative volunteers

Anyone over the age of 18 volunteering at a school, who is not a parent or close relative of a child attending the school at which they are volunteering, is considered a specified volunteer.

This person does require a Working With Children Check.

Screening and identification

• Before these workers can commence duty, the school checks the DoE system to ensure the person has a current screening with DoE and that they hold a valid WWCC clearance.
• The person must show a photo ID when signing in

Declarations

If the person does not exist on the DoE system, or does not have a WWCC, a screening request must be submitted and processed before they can begin. To screen a specified volunteer we must sight their photo ID with their full name, date of birth and current residential address. We must also obtain the following documents:

• Declaration for child-related workers
• WWCC clearance number

Once the screening has been submitted and authorised, the applicant must wait until they are cleared by DoE before they can be engaged.

2024 Term Dates & Holidays (repeated)

PLEASE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ARRANGE TRAVEL DURING SCHOOL VACATION PERIODS, RATHER THAN DURING THE SCHOOL TERM

Kindergarten 2024 commence on Tuesday 6 February 2024

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 30 September 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

Term 1 Week 7

Monday 11th March 2024

Our Stage 3 students will walk to CTHS tomorrow morning, to enjoy the eagerly-awaited production of 'High School Musical'.

The National Assessment Program for Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN), for students in Year 3 and Year 5, commences this Wednesday. Wednesday's focus area will be writing. Year 3 students will be using a paper format, while Year 5 students will complete their writing tasks online. NAPLAN assessments will then continue over different days, for the classes involved, for the next two weeks.

Students in the Year 3-6 Choir will be performing at the Pulse Alive concert, in the Ken Rosewall Arena, at Homebush, this Thursday evening. Mrs Green and Mrs Collier have been very busy rehearsing with the choir since the commencement of term.

Next week is Harmony Week, across Australia. It is a time to celebrate Australian multiculturalism and the successful integration of migrants into our community.

John Purchase Public School prides itself on being a highly multicultural community. Approximately 80% of students come from a Language Background Other Than English (LBOTE). An enormous variety of different cultural backgrounds and languages are represented at JPPS. After English, the most common languages represented in our school families include Mandarin, Cantonese, Hindi, Korean, Tamil and Persian.

On Wednesday 20th March, JPPS officially recognises Harmony Day, to celebrate the inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background. Students are invited to wear orange coloured clothing, or cultural dress. All parents are cordially invited to the Harmony Day assembly, at 1:35pm under the COLA, on Wednesday (not Thursday), 20th March.

A reminder to the community that the P&C meeting tonight, will commence in the school annexe, at 7pm.

Have a positive week!

In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

Adela King
Deputy Principal

EAL/D Professional Learning

More than one third of NSW public school students come from a background in which languages other than English are spoken in the home. At John Purchase Public School, this figure is closer to 80%. LBOTE students are those students who speak a language other than English in the home, or have a mother, father or guardian who speaks a language other than English in the home. These students are identified as LBOTE students – Language Background Other Than English.

Many LBOTE students use standard Australian English in social and learning contexts. Some LBOTE students are classified as EAL/D (English as an Additional Language or Dialect) students, who receive some form of EAL/D support at our school. They are students whose first language is a language or dialect other than Standard Australian English, who require additional support to assist them in developing English language proficiency. They are students who have been assessed on the EAL/D Learning Progression as Beginning, Emerging, Developing or Consolidating phases of English language proficiency. These students require explicit and systematic support in English language learning. Approximately 24 percent* of NSW public school students are EAL/D learners.

Diversity exists within EAL/D learners as it does within all student groups. EAL/D learners may have been born in Australia or overseas, be here permanently or temporarily. They may be Aboriginal and have Aboriginal ways of using English or speak a traditional language or Kriol. EAL/D learners come to our classes with a wide variety of home language proficiency and education levels.

Some EAL/D learners have a strong educational background and well-developed first language skills. Some may be high potential and gifted. Other EAL/D learners include students with a disability or learning difficulty. These students join our classes in any school year and can be at any stage of learning English and on any phase of the EAL/D Learning Progression.

All EAL/D students bring into our classrooms rich experiences, abilities and knowledge developed in their first language and cultural background. The diversity of our LBOTE and EAL/D learners is a strength for our JPPS classrooms and a resource to be harnessed as we program, plan and implement teaching and learning experiences.

After school, last week, some of our staff engaged in professional learning, specifically targeting the assessment of EAL/D learners and use of the EAL/D Learning Progression. Mrs Scott (EAL/D teacher) led this professional learning session.

(*Source: NSW Department of Education)

Kindergarten Science

KH students are pictured below, conducting their scientific experiments, last week. They were observing and discussing the changes in a variety of materials, when saturated with water.

Term 1 Diary Dates updated 14.2.24 (repeated)

• Tuesday 6th February - Early Stage 1 (Kindergarten) students commence
• Monday 12th February 7pm - P & C Meeting via Zoom
• Thursday 15th February - School Photography Day One (Year 6 group, Kindergarten 2018, all current class and individual student portraits)
• Monday 19th February - 7:30am Stage 1 (Years 1 & 2) dance auditions
• Wednesday 21st February - 7:30am Stage 2 (Years 3 & 4) dance auditions
• Wednesday 21st February - Parent Information Evening at school
• Thursday 22nd February - JPPS Swimming Carnival @ Knox Aquatic Centre for Years 3-6 (& some Year 2s)
• Friday 23rd February - 7:30am Stage 3 (Years 5 & 6) dance auditions
• Monday 26th February - 9:30am via Zoom Parent Volunteer Training Session
• Thursday 29th February - 1:35pm under COLA 2024 Leaders' Induction Assembly
• Friday 1st March - Summer PSSA competition begins
• Tuesday 5th March - SRE classes planned to commence
• Thursday 7th March - Zone Swimming Carnival @ Sydney Olympic Park
• Friday 8th March - P&C Welcome BBQ 
• Monday 11th March - 7pm P & C AGM & Meeting at school
• Tuesday 12th March - Stage 3 Excursion to CTHS musical production
• Wednesday 12th March - NAPLAN period commences
• Thursday 14th March - Pulse Alive Primary Choral Performance (new date)
• Wednesday 20th March - 1:35pm Harmony Day Assembly under COLA (new date)
• Thursday 21st March - JPPS Cross Country Carnival for Years 3-6 (some Yr 2s) (new date)
  
• Thursday 28th March - 9:15am Easter Hat Parade Assembly under COLA
• Good Friday Holiday - Friday 29th March
• Easter Monday Holiday - Monday 1st April
• Tuesday 2nd April - 10:30am Principal's Morning Tea for Term 1 Bronze Award recipients and their parents
• Wednesday 3rd April - Bronze Medallion recipients' morning tea with Principal
• Monday 8th April - Parent/Teacher Interviews held at school this week
• Monday 8th April - 7pm P & C Meeting (to be confirmed)
• Friday 12th April - last day for 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: accept the decisions of the referee or umpire

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.

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, 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:

Arianna J (2K), Amelie J (3S), Jade N (3S), Ethan K (4D), Rhea D (5D), Shreekumaran S (4MM), Timothy W (3/4B)

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) now 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

These awards will be presented to recipients at the Principal's Morning Tea, towards the end of Term 1. This event will be held in the hall at 10:30am, on Tuesday 2nd April. Parents of recipients, are invited to attend. 

Congratulations:

Orson G (2L), Shreekumaran S (4MM)

Silver Award

These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 1:35pm on Wednesday 20th March under the COLA. All parents are cordially invited to attend. This assembly will also be the JPPS Harmony Day Assembly.

Congratulations:

Isobel M-C (5B), Ethan K (4D)

Gold Award

These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 1:35pm on Wednesday 20th March under the COLA. All parents are cordially invited to attend. This assembly will also be the JPPS Harmony Day Assembly.

Congratulations:

Kian K (6FG)

Bronze Medallion

These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 1:35pm on Wednesday 20th March under the COLA. All parents are cordially invited to attend. This assembly will also be the JPPS Harmony Day Assembly. A morning tea for the term's Bronze Medallion recipients, will be held for students in the principal's office at recess, on Wednesday 3rd April.

Congratulations:

Cara C (6MW)

Silver Medallion

These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 1:35pm on Wednesday 20th March under the COLA. All parents are cordially invited to attend. This assembly will also be the JPPS Harmony Day Assembly.

The ‘GOT IT’ team who work for the NSW Department of Health are repeating a highly recommended online webinar 'Interested In Ideas To Support your Child's Emotions?' They have invited the JPPS community to join in for free!

The online webinar is a two session presentation for all parents and carers of students from Kindergarten to Year 6. 

Please see the flyer and registration link below for details of the webinar.

If you have any questions about the webinar, please contact me on 98753100 Tuesday or Wednesday.

Mrs Leonie Cole  
Learning and Support Teacher/Coordinator  

Transition to Year 7 2025

This week the 'Moving into Year 7 in a NSW Government School 2025' information pack will be sent home with all Year 6 students. It provides information on how to complete the Expression of Interest for High School for students currently in Year 6.

 
The Expression of Interest should be submitted online from 6 March 2024 to 28 March 2024 via the below website. This site has a detailed timeline to support parents in their child's application for High School. https://year7.enrol.education.nsw.gov.au/?schoolCode=4572 

Please contact the office, your child's classroom teacher or Mrs Musgrove should you have any questions regarding this process.

 
Thank you 
Mrs Danielle Musgrove Stage 3 Assistant Principal 

SPORTS REPORT

Summer PSSA results 

Stage 2 vs Roselea West Public School

Tee Ball

JPPS Boys 14 won to RPS 8

JPPS Girls 12 tied to RPS 12

League Tag 

JPPS Boys 6 lost against RPS 10

JPPS Girls 2 lost against RPS 7

Stage 3 vs Roselea Public School 

Softball

JPPS Boys 11 won against RPS 8

JPPS Girls 11 won against RPS 8

League Tag 

JPPS Boys 12 won to RPS 8

JPPS Girls 8 lost to RPS 11

Kind Regards, Laura Davidson

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.

https://volunteersignup.org/RAFL8

JPPS Uniform Shop 

Opening hours: 8:30-9:30am every Mon, Wed, Fri

 
Friendly reminder: To shorten your waiting time in the shop, we recommend all parents order uniforms online and arrange pick up. Items can be changed if there is a sizing issue.

https://uniforms.jppspandc.org.au/

Thank you.

Pace

Uniform Shop Manager

FROM THE CANTEEN Volunteers needed:  We are still looking for some volunteers to help fill some canteen days where we have no volunteers. 

 The days we have free are:- the 1st Monday of the month with the first date being 1 April,- the 5th Monday (there are only two in the year - 29 April and 29 July),- the 5th Wednesday (there are only three in the year - 29 May, 31 July, 30 October),- the 5th Friday (there are only four in the year - 29 March, 31 May, 30 August, 29 November).

If anyone is available to help on any of these days it would be greatly appreciated as particularly Wednesday and Friday are two of our busiest days. 

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.

Want to do something life-changing in 2024? Why not volunteer at JOHN PURCHASE PUBLIC SCHOOL as an Ethics teacher!  

Ethics classes can only be offered as an alternative if we have volunteer teachers. Volunteers can come from our parents, grandparents, friends and local community, from every walk of life. Primary Ethics offers full, free training, lesson scripts and teaching support.

Ethics encourages children to listen closely and to develop their opinions through ethical reasoning. Ethics helps kids develop confidence and empathy. As an ethics teacher, you’ll get a lot out of it too!

If you have an hour a week and want to ensure children at our school can access this valuable program, go to: https://primaryethics.com.au/volunteer/ethics-teacher/

Join us under the stars at Westfield Hornsby's Rooftop Cinema for an unforgettable movie night on Saturday, 16 March!

We have teamed up with @Westfield Hornsby for a screening of the sensational movie of 2023, Barbie, and we want you to join us! 

Grab your tickets now, reserve your bean bag for the ultimate comfort and take advantage of the chance to win amazing prizes, including Westfield Gift Cards, Event Cinema tickets, toys and more!

The festivities will commence at 6pm, with the movie starting at 7pm.

All proceeds from the event go towards Lifeline H2HS's crisis support and local community services.

Book now: https://events.humanitix.com/hornsby-rooftop-cinema

Warm regards

Liz

Elizabeth Lovell

Chief Executive Officer

Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney