Term 4 Week 3 Newsletter - Monday 28th October 2024
From the Principal
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Term 4 Week 3
WELCOME 2025 KINDY STUDENTS AND PARENTS
I am thrilled to share that we held the first of three transition sessions for our incoming Kindergarten students for next year. It was a joyful morning as we welcomed our future kindy children into our school community.
During this session, our new students had the opportunity to explore their classrooms, meet this year's kindergarten teachers, and engage in fun activities. It was heartwarming to see the smiles and laughter as they made new friends and began to discover the wonderful experiences that await them at our school.
We look forward to the next two transition sessions, which will further support our incoming students as they prepare for their exciting journey into Kindergarten. Thank you to Miss Nelson for her leadership and to the staff who made this morning so successful.
SWIM SCHOOL: SWIMMING IS A VITAL SKILL WHICH COULD SAVE A LIFE
As part of our commitment to student safety and well-being, we encourage all parents to prioritise swimming education for their children. The National Drowning Report 2024, released by Royal Life Saving Australia in partnership with Surf Life Saving Australia, reveals a concerning increase in drowning incidents, with 323 fatalities reported in the past year—16% higher than the ten-year average.
Learning to swim is not only a valuable life skill but also a crucial measure for preventing drowning. This is why our school offers a dedicated swim school program for Year 2 and Year 3 students. We are thrilled to see such high participation from our Year 2 students this year, highlighting the importance of early swimming education.
Swimming is not only a popular pastime but also an essential skill that can save lives. Let’s work together to ensure our children are safe and confident in the water. Thank you for supporting our swim school program!
CHANGES TO THE DoE ENROLMENT POLICY
WHOOPING COUGH
There has been a case of Whooping Cough reported to the school. Please see the below NSW Health Fact Sheet for further information.
DO YOU KNOW THE RULES AROUND PARKING?
Please take a moment to review the parking education flyer included below. It outlines important parking rules and guidelines that can help keep our students safe and potentially save you money on fines. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated!
LITHIUM - ION BATTERY SAFETY
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 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 3
Monday 28th October 2024
Kindergarten students were shining stars, as they performed at last week's assembly. Our Intermediate Band also rocked the audience! Congratulations!
It was delightful to be able to engage with our new Kindergarten 2025 students, last week. Lots of happy faces were evident in all classrooms! We look forward to welcoming parents and students back again, to session two, tomorrow morning. This is an exciting time as we embark on a wonderful journey of learning and discovery together.
A reminder that Year 5 nominations for 2025 student leadership positions are due to the office by 9am tomorrow morning. Next Monday, 4th November, the leadership candidates will be announced to Year 5 students and the candidates will create their speeches independently at school.
On Wednesday, our Year 5 students will be attending the Sydney Academy of Sport, at Narrabeen, in order to participate in a three-day outdoor education camp. This experience is designed to foster personal and social development through engaging activities in a natural setting. Participation in the camp will help our students build essential skills such as teamwork, leadership, and resilience, while also promoting physical fitness.
The activities planned align with the NSW PDHPE syllabus, which emphasises the importance of personal and social capabilities alongside health and physical activity. This camp will not only deepen our students’ connection to the environment but also encourage them to reflect on their health and wellbeing. I look forward to seeing our students grow and thrive in this enriching experience and I sincerely thank Miss Brennan for her coordination of the camp and the staff attending: Miss Dorabjee, Mrs Murray, Mr Hayman, Mrs Musgrove and Miss Brennan.
Good luck to Guhan, as he represents our school and zone, at the State Final of the Premier's S-p-e-l-l-i-n-g Bee, later this week.
Have a positive week.
If you can be anything, be kind.
Adela King
Deputy Principal
Welcome Kindergarten 2025 Orientation Session 2
Band Program 2025
Last Thursday, our Concert Band, led by conductor, Mr Ben Miesch, gave a special performance in the hall, for our students in Years 2 and 3. What a wonderfully unique experience, being part of an instrumental group and having opportunities to perform before audiences. It's time to consider joining one of our bands in 2025!
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 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. 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.
Congratulations Silver Award Recipients
These awards were presented at last week's K-6 Assembly.
Congratulations Gold Award Recipients
These awards were presented at last week's K-6 Assembly.
Congratulations Bronze Medallion Recipients
These awards were presented at last week's K-6 Assembly.
Congratulations Silver Medallion Recipient
This award was presented at last week's K-6 Assembly.
Term 4 Diary Dates
- 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 Outdoor Education Camp at Sydney Academy of Sport, Narrabeen
- 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:
Responsibility: Stay in supervised areas
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:
Matthew (1KR), Bhavya (5J), Tanaya (2L), Jessica (2L), Brian X (KO), Abhay (2L), Cecilia S (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:
Ahaan K (2L), Jaime L (4T)
Silver Award
These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 1:35pm on Thursday 21st November, under the COLA. Parents are cordially invited to attend.
Gold Award
These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 1:35pm on Thursday 21st November, under the COLA. Parents are cordially invited to attend.
Congratulations:
Zachary D (6FG)
Bronze Medallion
These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 1:35pm on Thursday 21st November, under the COLA. Parents are cordially invited to attend.
A morning tea for Term 4 Bronze Medallion recipients, will be held on Monday 16th December, at 11am in the Principal's office.
Congratulations:
Ryan W (6FG)
Silver Medallion
These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 1:35pm on Thursday 21st November, under the COLA. Parents are cordially invited to attend.
Congratulations:
Cara C (6MW)
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 6th 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
SPORTS REPORT
Summer PSSA results
Stage 2 vs West Pennant Hills Public School
Tee Ball
JPPS Boys 15 lost to WPHPS 19
JPPS Girls 7 lost to WPHPS 14
League Tag
JPPS Boys 3 lost against WPHPS 11
JPPS Girls 7 won against WPHPS 5
Stage 3 vs Dural Public School
Softball
JPPS Boys 6 won against DPS 3
JPPS Girls 11 won against DPS 1
League Tag
JPPS Boys 8 won to DPS 7
JPPS Girls 5 lost to DPS 9
Laura Davidson
Sports Co-ordinator
ICAS 2024
We are happy to announce that we have received the certificates for the 2024 Science assessment.
Students who received a merit or above will be presented with their certificate at the morning assembly (8:55am) on Monday 11 November 2024.
Any student who sat the test and received a participation will be presented with their certificate by their classroom teacher over the coming weeks.
Mrs Musgrove
From the P & C
FROM THE CANTEEN
2025 Volunteers: We are sadly losing some Year 6 parents who have spent many years helping out in the canteen - without our volunteers, we would not be able to offer the canteen service so we are incredibly grateful to them. We are looking for more volunteers for 2025 so if you can spare a few hours from 9.30-1.10 helping out in the canteen preparing students lunches, please stop in and see Snoewy or Anna.
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.
School student travel information for parents and students
School Travel Passes
Applications are now open for 2025 School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) travel.
Students in the Opal network applying for an Opal card (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their School Opal card at their nominated postal address from mid-January 2025.
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.
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.
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/
