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Term 4 Week 2 Newsletter - Monday 21st October 2024

From the Principal

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Term 4 Week 2

As we embrace this final term for 2024, our classrooms are buzzing with creativity and curiosity. I encourage all families to stay engaged with our school community. Whether it’s attending upcoming events or simply checking in with your child about their school day, your involvement makes a significant difference.

HAPPY WORLD TEACHERS' DAY!

On October 25, we celebrate World Teachers' Day, a special occasion to honour the incredible contributions our educators make to the lives of our students and the wider community. Our teachers inspire, motivate, and nurture the next generation, and their dedication deserves our heartfelt appreciation.

I invite all parents and students to take a moment this week to express your gratitude to your teachers. Whether it’s a handwritten note, a simple 'thank you,' or sharing a memorable moment, your kind words can make a significant impact.

Let’s come together to celebrate our teachers and acknowledge their hard work and commitment. Your support helps create a positive and encouraging environment for our students.

Thank you for joining us in this celebration!

KINDNESS AND COURTESY AT KISS 'N' DROP

As we continue to foster a supportive and nurturing environment for our students, I want to take a moment to address an important aspect of our school community—kindness and courtesy, particularly during our busy pick-up times at the Kiss and Drop Zone on Purchase Rd.

We understand that many families are juggling multiple commitments, and pick-up can often feel rushed. However, it’s essential that we all prioritise safety and respect for one another, including staff members doing their job. Courteous behavior, such as allowing space for others, following traffic rules, and showing appreciation for our staff's efforts, goes a long way in creating a positive atmosphere.

NATIONAL NUTRITION WEEK

Last week, from October 14 to 20, we celebrated National Nutrition Week! This year's theme emphasised the vital role that vegetables play in our diets and overall health. As we explore the importance of nutrition, we encourage our students to embrace a variety of colourful veggies, which not only nourish our bodies but also enhance our learning and energy levels.

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 usually 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.

https://education.nsw.gov.au/schooling/school-community/child-protection/child-protection-policy-guidelines/resources

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

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

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 2

Monday 21st October 2024

Students in Stage 1 (Year 1 and Year 2) enjoyed an informative excursion to Gibberagong Environmental Education Centre, at Kuring-gai Chase National Park, last week. Thank you to Mrs Robbins, Mrs Walters and the Stage 1 teachers, for planning this event.

Tomorrow morning, we warmly welcome students of Kindergarten 2025 and their parents, to the first of three orientation sessions, at our school. Our new Kindergarten students will be busy in classrooms, while parents are listening to the first of three information sessions, in the annexe. The orientation session commences at 9:15am. Thank you, Miss Nelson, for your coordination.

All parents are cordially invited to attend the K-6 Assembly, this Thursday, commencing at 1:35pm under the COLA. Kindergarten students and some of our band students, will be performing items at this assembly.

The Concert Band will be performing in the hall, for all Year 2 and Year 3 students, this Thursday afternoon, after the K-6 Assembly. This will give students an opportunity to consider joining the JPPS bands in 2025.

Have a positive week.

If you can be anything, be kind.

Adela King
Deputy Principal

Welcome Kindergarten Students and Parents 2025

Stage 1 Excursion to Gibberagong

Showing images 1 - 8 of 25

HPGE (High Potential and Gifted Education) repeated

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 5^th 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. Students will complete four assessments, based on literacy and numeracy. The testing will take approximately two hours to complete.

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.

Term 4 Diary Dates

Tuesday 22nd October - Kindergarten 2025 Orientation Session 1
Thursday 24th October - CTHS Transition to HS session at JPPS
Thursday 24th October - K-6 Assembly 1:35pm under COLA - Kindergarten performance
Thursday 24th October - Band Concert for Year 2 and Year 3 students
Tuesday 29th October - 9am Year 5 Student Leadership 2025 nominations close
Tuesday 29th October - Kindergarten Orientation Session 2
Wednesday 30th October to Friday 1st November - Year 5 Narrabeen Camp
Monday 4th November - Year 5 Student Leadership candidates speech writing
Tuesday 5th November - Kindergarten Orientation Session 3
Tuesday 5th November - Year 5 Leadership candidates speak to Stage 3
Tuesday 5th November - HPG 2025 classes - 3pm applications close
Monday 11th November - 10:35am Remembrance Day Service under the COLA
Monday 11th November - Year 2 Swim School commences and continues for 2 weeks
Monday 11th November - 7pm P&C Meeting via Zoom
Wednesday 13th November - 11:20am Year 5 Leadership Assembly (parents invited)
Thursday 14th November - Kindergarten Excursion to Calmsley Hill Farm
Monday 18th November - HPG assessment program commences for 2 weeks
Wednesday 20th November - Stage 2 History Excursion
Thursday 21st November - Stage 2 History Excursion
Thursday 21st November - 1:35pm K-6 Assembly under COLA
Tuesday 3rd December - last scripture classes for 2024
Tuesday 3rd December - 10:45am Helpers' Morning Tea in annexe
Thursday 5th December - 1:35pm K-6 Assembly under the COLA
Monday 9th December - 9:10am Year 6 Graduation Assembly under the COLA
Monday 9th December - 11:30am Year 3 and Year 4 Celebration of Learning COLA
Monday 9th December - 1:45pm Year 5 Celebration of Learning Assembly COLA
Tuesday 10th December - 9:10am Kindergarten Celebration of Learning Assembly COLA
Tuesday 10th December - 11:30am Year 1 and Year 2 Celebration of Learning Assembly
Wednesday 11th December - planned release of Semester 2 student reports
Wednesday 11th December - Student Talent Showcase
Wednesday 11th December - 5:45pm - 8:30pm Year 6 Farewell Dinner
Friday 13th December - Year 6 Mini Fete
Monday 16th December - Bronze Medallion Morning Tea with Principal
Tuesday 17th December - 10:30am Principal's Morning Tea in hall (parents invited)
Tuesday 17th December - Class parties at school
Wednesday 18th December - last day of term for students
Friday 20th December - last day of term for staff

Our School Expectations

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

This week's expectation is:

Respect: Line up quickly and quietly when the bell rings

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:

Jessica (KNE), Seren (4D), Karla (KH), Nicholas (3/4B), Shreyas K (3/4B), Orianna Z (KH), Orrick Z (1KR), Salome (4T), Vihaan (2K), Aarvin (4T), Brendan (3S)

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 4 Principal's Morning Tea, will be held in the hall, at 10:30am, on Tuesday 17th December. Parents of recipients are cordially invited to attend.

Congratulations:

Charlene L (3B)

Silver Award

These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 1:35pm this Thursday 24th October, under the COLA. Kindergarten and Intermediate Band students will perform at this assembly.

Congratulations:

Jia K (6G), Nicholas S (4T), Jade N (3S), Miya J (4T)

Gold Award

Congratulations:

Jia K (6G), Kelly S (4MM), Thomas W (5B), Spencer L (4MM)

Bronze Medallion

A morning tea for Term 4 Bronze Medallion recipients, will be held on Monday 16th December, at 11am in the Principal's office.

Congratulations:

Jia K (6G), Emily S (6MW), Armaan H (5/6H)

Silver Medallion

From the Teachers

Student Representative Council News

The SRC is raising money for the Make A Wish Foundation. The Make A Wish Foundation raises funds to grant wishes for seriously ill children. There will be a pyjama (PJ) themed mufti day held on Wednesday 6^th November for students. Students may wear pyjamas with school hats and school shoes. It is a gold coin donation for participation, and we would really appreciate your support. See flyer below.

Thank you.

Mrs Barr
SRC Coordinator

Stage 1 Gibberagong Excursion

Last Wednesday, Stage 1 students had an absolute ball on their excursion to Gibberagong Environmental Education Centre!

They started their journey via bus, which for some was their first time. Year 1 were even lucky enough to go on a double decker bus.

Once they arrived, students spent the day in their classes with the Gibberagong educators, learning all about nature around us. Students went on a bushwalk and learnt all about different plants and animals along the way. They also participated in an Indigenous symbol treasure hunt, which required them to use navigational skills. Students saw Indigenous rock art, and lots of animals including a Diamond Python. They explored a rainforest where they felt the change of temperature created by the tree canopies. At the end of the day, they learnt how to create a nature map to represent what they had done throughout the day.

Not only did they learn many new things, they were super excited to be able to connect some of the tier 3 words they have been learning in class to the outdoors, including 'ecosystem', 'roots' and 'evergreen'.

Here are some of the highlights shared by our students:

1W: Students in 1W loved seeing the python, completing a leaf boat race in the creek and looking closely at the natural materials through little magnifying glasses.

1B: Loved learning how to cool down by hugging a tree (A traditional Aboriginal Skill) finding natural shelter underneath a giant fern branch and tasting the salt off a mangrove leaf.

1KR: Enjoyed using their mapping skills to find the hidden rocks in the treasure hunt and walking down to the rainforest to feel the cool water.

2RJ: Appreciated that the day was all hands-on. They enjoyed looking for insects, using a magnifying glass to look at things in nature and creating maps using twigs, stones and dried leaves. The most memorable for everyone would have to be the birds swooping down stealing our food, and how they fought amongst themselves for food.

2K: Loved learning outdoors and being in nature all day.

2L: Students loved being explorers and using the magnifying glass in the bush! See photos attached for the red leaf and the moss they found!

Mrs Adele Walters

Stage 1 Excursion

Showing images 1 - 8 of 11

Congratulations Shanaya

Shanaya won a singles tennis tournament organised by the CHTA during the school holidays. She was the winner out of 10 participants, which was a wonderful achievement. Congratulations Shanaya!

Mrs Kat Townsend
4T Classroom Teacher

ICAS Results

All the ICAS examinations for 2024 are complete. The School will receive the certificates in coming weeks and they will presented this term.

If parents wish to access their child's personalised report earlier please follow the link below with instructions from the ICAS website

https://www.icasassessments.com/support-icas/#:~:text=You%20can%20access%20your%20child's,%2D5%20weeks%20for%20Writing).&text=Find%20your%20child's%20TAP%2DID,a%20previous%20year's%20ICAS%20certificate.

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.

https://volunteersignup.org/RAFL8

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.

Cherrybrook Technology High School is hosting a Fundraising Night on Saturday, October 26th, to raise money for its sister school in Papua New Guinea, Sogeri National School of Excellence. All profits from this fundraising night will go towards building and improving their boarding accommodation and sporting facilities.

Sogeri National School of Excellence has 641 students, and 31 staff within the school. Students from across Papua New Guinea are selected to attend based on academic merit, often requiring them to leave their homes and families. The school's housing, dormitory accommodations, and sporting facilities are in need of improvement. Your attendance will help provide these essential resources, giving the students a much-needed sense of comfort and support while they are away from home.

Join us for an unforgettable event filled with excitement and fun! Enjoy a variety of games and trivia that will challenge and entertain, while being captivated by great public school entertainment. Don’t miss out on the chance to win amazing door and raffle prizes. Plus, get ready to excite your tastebuds with delicious Sri Lankan delights made with care by Jaya's Kitchen, a catering company owned by a CTHS family!

This is an event you won’t want to miss, so grab your tickets now and join us for an evening of unforgettable fun and community spirit!

More Info: https://cths.nsw.edu.au/information/upcoming-events/

Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/cths-sogeri-partnership-dinner

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/