Term 3 Week 9 Newsletter - Monday 16th September 2024
From the Principal
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Term 3 Week 9
INSTRUCTIONAL ROUNDS
On 4th and 5th September 2024, our school participated in a series of descriptive lesson observations as part of our Instructional Rounds initiative. Instructional Rounds aims to enhance educational practices and foster professional growth within our network of schools. Key findings highlighted high levels of student engagement, effective questioning techniques, and a positive, supportive classroom environment. The recommendations provided will support our school in further developing a culture of thinking in our classrooms.
During the rounds, the team engaged in focused lesson observations in 16 classrooms from Kindergarten through to Year 6, across various key learning areas, including: history, science, maths, and English. The key focus was around our Problem of Practice:
Are we developing a culture of thinking in our classrooms?
• How is questioning activating critical thinking, curiosity and metacognition?
• How are students communicating their thinking?
Findings and Recommendations:
The instructional rounds highlighted several positive practices at John Purchase Public School:
- Active student engagement and collaboration
- Effective questioning techniques to stimulate critical thinking
- Encouragement of student communication and sharing of ideas
- Positive and supportive classroom environments that promote risk-taking
- Selection of challenging tasks to support deep thinking and problem-solving
Celebrations:
A celebration wall was created, as shown below, to showcase successful practices contributing to a vibrant learning culture, including student engagement, effective questioning, and the use of high-quality tasks.
Key Findings:
- Clarity: Clear alignment between lesson intent and student tasks
- Curiosity: Tasks encouraging student curiosity and engagement
- Metacognition: Students engaging in metacognitive processes throughout lessons
- Challenge: Tasks presenting an appropriate level of challenge to students
- Thinking Routines and Scaffolds: Effective use of various routines and scaffolds to support learning
- Questioning: Facilitative and constructive questions from teachers, promoting deeper thinking
- Student Agency: Encouragement of learner agency and self-regulation
We are proud of the positive practices observed during the instructional rounds and look forward to further enhancing our students' learning experiences.
THE CELEBRATION WALL
FREE HOME INTERNET FOR ELIGIBLE FAMILIES
The Australian Government’s School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) offers free home internet for eligible families. To qualify, families must have a child enrolled in an Australian school, not have had an active nbn® service in the past 14 days and live in an area with nbn® access. Families can check eligibility by contacting the National Referral Centre via 1800 954 610, visiting its website, or emailing studentinternet@anglicarevic.org.au.
Families and carers can apply until 31 December 2024. Eligible households will receive free home internet until 31 December 2025.
REPEATED - APPLICATIONS FOR EXTENDED LEAVE (TRAVEL)
TAKE VACATIONS WITHIN THE SCHOOL VACATION PERIOD
As mentioned in the newsletter very recently, I have received a significant increase in requests for extended leave (travel), with the numbers of requests received this term being unprecedented. While I understand the benefits of students travelling and spending quality time with family, vacations should be taken out of the school term and should be taken within the 11 weeks of scheduled school vacation periods. School vacation periods are included below for your convenience.
Please note applications for travel during school term require supporting travel documentation and moving forward, will often not be approved.
CHILD PROTECTION RESPONSIBILITIES (repeated)
VOLUNTEERS: IMPORTANT INFORMATION
(including P & C Volunteers)
Thank you for your commitment to the safety and well-being of our students. Your dedication is invaluable to our school community.
We want to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students in our care, and as such, it’s essential for you to be aware of this Child Protection information.
Part A: Working With Children Requirements
Please ensure you:
- Sign in at the office using the QR code and show photo ID each time you are volunteering.
- Complete the Declaration for Child-related Workers: https://education.nsw.gov.au/content/dam/main-education/policy-library/public/implementation-documents/pd-2005-0264-07.pdf
Part B: Child Protection Requirements
Here are the key points you need to know:
- Responsibilities: All staff, including volunteers, have a responsibility to report any concerns about the safety, welfare, or wellbeing of children and young people. This includes identifying risks of harm and providing support where necessary.
- Mandatory Reporting: Volunteers are considered mandatory reporters under NSW legislation. This means you have a legal obligation to report any suspicions or concerns of child abuse or neglect. If these become apparent while volunteering in the school, these should be communicated immediately to the Principal or relieving principal or the most senior person in attendance at school. You can also make reports directly to the Department of Communities and Justice. The phone number for the Child Protection Helpline is 132111.
- Training: Volunteers are required to be informed about indicators of abuse and neglect, as well as reporting procedures. Please refer to the link below, which outline key indicators of abuse and neglect. An overview of indicators is also available at the front office.
Mrs Leonie Cole (LaST) provides training for Volunteers, which is compulsory at our school for school volunteers (including those helping in and out of the classroom such as on excursions). This training is highly recommended for P & C volunteers as well. Please leave a message at the school office if you would like to attend Mrs Cole's next training session.
2024 Term Dates & Holidays (repeated)
PLEASE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ARRANGE TRAVEL DURING SCHOOL VACATION PERIODS, RATHER THAN DURING THE SCHOOL TERM
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
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 - Friday 31 January to Friday 11 April
- Autumn school holidays - Monday 14 April to Friday 25 April
- Term 2 - Monday 28 April to Friday 4 July
- Winter school holidays - Monday 7 July to Friday 18 July
- Term 3 – Monday 21 July to Friday 26 September
- Spring school holidays – Monday 29 September to Friday 10 October
- Term 4 – Monday 13 October to Friday 19 December
- Summer school holidays (Eastern) – Monday 22 December to Monday 26 January 2026
From the Deputy Principal
Term 3 Week 9
Monday 16th September 2024
Parents are cordially invited to attend our Book Character Parade and awards assembly, this Thursday, 19th September. Please note the earlier start time of 9:30am, under the COLA.
We are delighted to announce that our school aims to offer High Potential and Gifted (HPG) classes in 2025. This specialised program is designed to cater to the unique needs and abilities of students who demonstrate exceptional academic potential and talent. We understand the importance of providing opportunities for our high potential and gifted students to excel and thrive academically. Our dedicated team of educators is committed to creating a supportive and stimulating environment where these students can reach their full potential.
The application process for entry into our school's HPG classes will commence next term. Parents of students currently in Year 2, Year 3, Year 4 and Year 5, will be advised about the application process, this week. Students currently in 3/4B, 5J and 5/6H, do not need to re-apply. Students will undergo assessments at school to determine eligibility for the program. It is important to note that class structures will not be finalised until next year. Parents will be informed about placements in Term 1 2025.
Invitations to the end of term Principal's Morning Tea, were distributed to Bronze Award recipients last week. Parents of these students are cordially invited to join the celebration in the hall, at 10:30am on Tuesday, 24th September.
Have a positive week!
If you can be anything, be kind.
Adela King
Deputy Principal
HPGE (High Potential and Gifted Education)
The NSW Department of Education recognises that high potential and gifted students require support to optimise their growth and achievement. Professor François Gagné suggests that potential exists along a continuum, where, given optimal conditions, high potential can lead to high performance and achievement. Gagné outlines that students may exhibit potential in one or more domains including intellectual, creative, social-emotional, and physical.
At John Purchase Public School, we offer a rich and varied educational program, combining academic, cultural and social opportunities, designed to assist each student to fully develop his or her skills, in a happy and supportive classroom environment.
We believe that high potential and gifted students benefit from:
- an opportunity to learn with their like-ability peers;
- an opportunity to experience a rigorous and challenging curriculum;
- experiencing high cognitive tasks and
- being supported in their special interests and talents.
John Purchase Public School is staffed by supportive teachers, who plan both skills-based and critical thinking programs, to address syllabus requirements. High potential and gifted students benefit from participating in learning that is rigorous and incorporates extension and enrichment activities. These activities allow students to extend basic concepts and to connect their personal interests within a differentiated curriculum. All John Purchase Public School staff are committed to providing an outstanding education. Learning programs are based on NSW syllabuses. However, the content of our special programs within the high potential and gifted classes, are further differentiated to meet the needs of these students. Planned teaching strategies include:
- compacting of the curriculum
- basic skills expansion
- higher order thinking
- student choice
- open-ended tasks
- advanced content
- acceleration in curriculum areas
- collaborative learning
In 2025, we plan to provide High Potential and Gifted (HPG) classes at our school. The quantity and structure of the classes will be dependent on student numbers in Stages 2 and 3, as well as staff available next year. Selection of students for HPG classes, is based on test performances and the limited availability of places within the classes formed in 2025. Please note that students currently in HPG classes, remain in the HPG cohort. Therefore, students currently enrolled in 3/4B, 5J or 5/6H, do not need to re-apply.
If you would like your child to be considered for HPG class placement in 2025, he/she must participate in the assessment program at our school. There is no charge for this.
Application forms must be returned to the school office by 3pm Tuesday 5th November 2024. No late applications will be accepted. All candidates who have submitted their applications by the due date, will be tested over the two weeks, commencing Monday 18th November 2024.
All assessments will be completed during school hours, at flexible times determined by the coordinator. A testing timetable will not be published.
Parents will be notified if their child is offered a placement at the beginning of the 2025 academic year. Numbers of students accepted into an HPG class may vary from year to year, as school and grade student numbers impact how many HPG places are available.
Year 5 Leadership Day
Last week, our Year 5 students embraced their leadership skills during our very own JPPS Leadership Day! Students took part in a series of fun and challenging activities designed to develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. The day was filled with exciting team challenges which encouraged students to take initiative and collaborate with their peers. Students celebrated their achievements by enjoying delicious pizzas and reflecting on what makes a good leader! We are very proud of how well our students worked together and demonstrated their leadership abilities. It was a fantastic day of learning, growth and bonding! Thank you to Miss Dorabjee for coordinating the event with Year 5 teachers and students.
Term 3 Diary Dates
- Thursday 19th September - 9:30am K-6 Assembly and Book Character Parade
- Tuesday 24th September - 10:30am Principal's Morning Tea in Hall
- Wednesday 25th September - 11am Bronze Medallion Morning Tea in Principal's Office
- Friday 27th September - Last day of Term 3
Our School Expectations
Congratulations to our students who have demonstrated our school expectations of Respect, Responsibility and Aspire.
This week's expectation is:
Responsibility: Be safe and walk on hard surfaces
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:
William T (KH), Thavindu R (KH), Nathan P (1B), Rithvik P (1KR), Ava S (1KR), Elaine C (2K), Shivanyaa A (2K), Ryan L (3B), Kai B (3/4B), Frederick L (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
The Term 3 Principal's Morning Tea, will be held in the hall, at 10:30am, on Tuesday 24th September. Parents of recipients are cordially invited to attend.
Congratulations:
Jennifer Q (2RJ), Orlando G (2RJ), Leon W (2L), Neyanshi K (3N), Numair K (3N)
Silver Award
These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 9:30am on Thursday 19th September, under the COLA. This assembly will feature the whole school Book Character Parade, where students are invited to come to school, dressed as their favourite book character.
Congratulations:
Frederick L (3/4B)
Gold Award
These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 9:30am on Thursday 19th September, under the COLA. This assembly will feature the whole school Book Character Parade, where students are invited to come to school, dressed as their favourite book character.
Bronze Medallion
These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 9:30am on Thursday 19th September, under the COLA. This assembly will feature the whole school Book Character Parade, where students are invited to come to school, dressed as their favourite book character.
A morning tea for Term 3 Bronze Medallion recipients, will be held on Wednesday, 25th September, at 11am in the Principal's office.
Congratulations:
Aarika D (6FG)
Silver Medallion
These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 9:30am on Thursday 19th September, under the COLA. This assembly will feature the whole school Book Character Parade, where students are invited to come to school, dressed as their favourite book character.
From the Teachers
JPPS Book Character Parade
9:30am: Under the COLA
Thursday 19th September
Kindergarten Muru Mittigar Incursion
The ‘GOT IT’ team who work for the NSW Department of Health and the NSW Department of Education are presenting a NEW AND DIFFERENT highly recommended online webinar 'Wanting ideas for how you can stay connected to your child in those difficult limit setting moments?' They have invited the JPPS community to join in for FREE!
The online webinar is for all parents and carers of students from Kindergarten to Year 6.
Please see the flyer for details of the webinar and a registration QR code. You can also find the live registration link above the flyer in the school newsletter.
If you have any questions about the webinar, please contact me on 98753100 Tuesday or Wednesday.
Leonie Cole
Learning and Support Teacher/Coordinator
ICAS Results
All the ICAS examinations for 2024 are complete. The School will receive the certificates in coming weeks and they will presented early Term 4.
If parents wish to access their child's personalised report earlier please follow the link below with instructions from the ICAS website
Mrs Danielle Musgrove
From the P & C
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.
Uniform Shop (repeated)
JPPS Uniform Shop Opening hours: 8:30-9:30am every Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Friendly Reminders:
- Any size change of items has to be arranged within 14 days upon purchase with FULL packaging and receipt shown ONLY. Any used items or missing packaging will definitely NOT be accepted. Thanks for your understanding.
- To shorten your waiting time in the shop, we highly 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 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.
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/
