Term 4 Week 5 Newsletter - Monday 11th November 2024

Each week, our newsletter can be translated into many different languages, by selecting your preferred language, from the drop down menu, above.

Term 4 Week 5

2025 Dates and Organisation

We have recently been notified by the Department of Education that there will be increased School Development Days at the beginning of each year, starting in 2025. The date for ALL students (K - 6) to resume in all Eastern Division NSW Public Schools is Thursday, 6th February. The teachers will be involved in Professional Learning for four School Development Days from 31st January to 5th February. 

In order for 2025 class organisation to operate smoothly, we ask that parents please let us know in writing if students are leaving John Purchase or will be returning from holidays late in 2025, using the links to the relevant form below. Thank you for your cooperation.

Planning for 2025 - Is your child leaving JPPS at the end of this year? (repeated)

If your child is in Kindergarten to Year 5 and is leaving the school at the end of this year, please complete the relevant Google Form using the link in the green box below. There is no need to complete this form if your child is in Year 6.

Will your child be returning to school late in 2025? 

Students return to school on Thursday 6th February, 2025. Is your child (or children) returning to school after this date?

If so, please complete the form using the link below.

Selective High School and Opportunity Class applications are open from 7 November 2024 to 21 February 2025

Selective high school Year 7 entry in 2026: Apply when your child is at the end of Year 5 or the beginning of Year 6.

Opportunity class Year 5 entry in 2026: Apply when your child is at the end of Year 3 or the beginning of Year 4.

Selective high schools and opportunity classes are 2 of the ways the NSW Department of Education supports high potential and gifted students.

What are their benefits?

• Students learn alongside, and form friendships with, other high potential and gifted classmates.
• Special teaching methods allow students to learn at a quicker pace and in more detail.
• Research shows that students benefit both academically and socially when learning with classmates who have similar abilities.

Selective high schools and opportunity classes are not zoned so you can apply to ones outside your local enrolment area.

Do you speak another language? Translated resources are available in 13 languages on our website: edu.nsw.link/shsoc_languages

Is a selective high school or opportunity class the right fit for my child?

A selective high school or opportunity class might be a great fit if your child:

• learns quickly
• asks complex questions
• is highly motivated
• has a good memory
• is intensely focused in their area of interest

Where are selective high schools (Year 7-12) located?

There are 4 types of selective high schools:

• fully selective high schools, where all students attending the school have high potential or are gifted
• partially selective high schools, where there is a mix of students who have high potential or are gifted and local area students
• 4 agricultural selective high schools, including 3 boarding schools
• Aurora College, which provides online selective classes for rural and remote students in their local host schools.

Search for a selective high school near you at Find a selective high school.

Where are opportunity classes (Year 5-6) located?

There are 2 types of opportunity classes:

• full-time opportunity classes in selected primary schools
• Aurora College, which provides online opportunity classes for rural and remote students in their local authorised host schools.

Search for an opportunity class near you at Find an opportunity class.

Students successfully placed attend the opportunity class full-time in Years 5 and 6. In most cases, students who have accepted a place in an opportunity class will leave their current school to attend the school with the opportunity class.

Discuss the opportunity with your child and look through the information together on the Selective high schools and opportunity classes website and in the student resource hub:

• Applying for a selective high school: Student resource hub
• Applying for an opportunity class: Student resource hub

Fair and equitable access

The Equity Placement Model helps make access fairer for more high potential students in our community.

We know that some students may be missing out because they experience educational disadvantage.

Under the model, up to 20% of places in each selective high school and opportunity class are held for:

• students from low socio-educational advantage backgrounds
• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students
• students from rural and remote locations
• students with disability.

These students still receive offers based on their performance in the placement test.

Learn more at Fair access.

The application process

Complete the online application.

Applications close on 21 February 2025.

Once your application has been submitted and processed, your child will need to sit a computer-based placement test. Learn more at Application process.

Ready to apply?

Apply online at shsoc.education.nsw.gov.au

Further information

Visit Selective high schools and opportunity classes.

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:

1. Sign in at the office using the QR code and show photo ID each time you are volunteering.
2. 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 (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

2025 NSW Term Dates and School Holidays

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. School development days are Friday 31 January, Monday 3 February, Tuesday 4 February and Wednesday 5 February. Students in Years K to 6 begin on Thursday 6 February.
• Autumn school holidays - Monday 14 April to Friday 25 April
• Term 2 - Monday 28 April to Friday 4 July. School development days are Monday 28 April and Tuesday 29 April. All students K - 6 begin on Wednesday 30 April.
• Winter school holidays - Monday 7 July to Friday 18 July
• Term 3 – Monday 21 July to Friday 26 September. The school development day is on Monday 21 July and all students K- 6 start on Tuesday 22 July.
• Spring school holidays – Monday 29 September to Friday 10 October
• Term 4 – Monday 13 October to Friday 19 December. The school development day is Monday 13 October. All students K - 6 start on Tuesday 14 October.
• Summer school holidays (Eastern) – Monday 22 December to Monday 26 January 2026

Term 4 Week 5

Monday 11th November 2024

Thank you for coordinating today's Remembrance Service, Miss Brennan.

Lest We Forget.

Students in Year 2 have been afforded the opportunity to participate in a two-week swim school, commencing today. Thank you to Mrs Robbins, for coordinating such an important extra curricular and potentially, life saving, activity. As we have previously published, the statistics of children drowning in Australia, are quite disturbing.

At 11:20am, this Wednesday, Year 5 student leadership candidates will be presenting their speeches to students in Year 2 to Year 6, prior to the elections taking place. At JPPS, we have transitioned to using confidential, electronic ballot forms. Parents of the candidates are most welcome to be a part of the audience on Wednesday.

Kindergarten students will be enjoying an excursion to Calmsley Hill Farm, this Thursday, with Mrs El Bazouni, Mrs Hooper, Miss Shine and Miss Nelson. This is always a highly anticipated event, organised by the Kinder team.

Do try to pop in to the online P & C meeting, commencing at 7pm this evening. The link appears further below.

Have a positive week.

If you can be anything, be kind.

Adela King
Deputy Principal

Remembrance Day 2024 - Lest We Forget

Term 4 Diary Dates 

• Monday 11th November - 11:25 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: When using computers be safe online

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:

Nathan W x2 (3/4B), Brayden M (3S), Daniel S (3/4B), Gemma L (3S), Ava L (1KR), Lucas (KO), Yaara (KO), Queena L x3 (3N), Noah S (1KR), Olivia X (3S), Isabella H (3/4B), Wesley (5B)

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:

Sophia C (5D), Dennis W (1W), Christopher H (3N), Noah S (1KR), Edin B (5D), Holly B (1W)

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.

Congratulations:

Adelyn W (4MM)

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:

Arya G (6G)

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:

Holly Mc (6G), David R (6G)

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.

SPORTS REPORT

Summer PSSA results 

Stage 2 vs Pennant Hills Public School

Tee Ball

JPPS Boys 14 won to PHPS 7
JPPS Girls 8 lost to PHPS 14

League Tag 

JPPS Boys 4 tied against PHPS 4
JPPS Girls 5 won against PHPS 4

Stage 3 

BYE

Laura Davidson
Sports Co-ordinator

ICAS 2024 

We are happy to announce that we have received the certificates for the 2024 Mathematics assessment. 

Students who received a merit or above will be presented with their certificate at the morning assembly (8:55am) on Monday 18 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 

Stage 2 Basketball Incursion

Last week, all Stage 2 students took part in an exciting sporting incursion.

Coaches from the Hills Basketball Association visited our school to teach students basketball skills. Everyone had a great time learning techniques and improving their game. It was a fantastic opportunity for the students to develop their skills while having fun!

Thank you,
Laura Davidson

From the SRC

Last Wednesday 6^th November, our school  was a cosy sight as students traded their uniforms for their comfiest PJs.The JPPS school community raised $650 for the Make A Wish Foundation. 

We would like to thank you all for your generous donations. The money raised will go towards granting the wishes of seriously ill children.

Mrs Barr
SRC Co-ordinator

LOST PROPERTY

Please don't forget to check for any items your child has lost!

The tubs are located outside the administration building and often are overflowing.  We'd love to get these items back to your children but many are unlabelled.  The office staff go through these tubs regularly to return lost items an we have our GA's walk around at the end of each week collecting any that have been left in the playground areas.

We cannot do anything with items that cannot be identified.

Any leftover items will be donated to charity at the end of term.

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.

P & C Meeting Monday 11 November

Tonight at 7pm

Join Zoom Meeting
https://nsweducation.zoom.us/j/66329097129?pwd=ey6L4t7QojWBQDI2Yh1N2PhXiX4yPq.1

Meeting ID: 663 2909 7129
Passcode: JPPS


One tap mobile
+61290008825,,66329097129# Australia
+61370182005,,66329097129# Australia

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 9:30am-1:10pm 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.

https://volunteersignup.org/RAFL8

Uniform Shop

There are some special arrangements for the opening dates as below. Please arrange your order placement ahead.

Shop Closure for 2024 Year End Stocktake : 2/12 - 4/12 (Mon - Wed)

Shop Open for 2025 Term 1:

31/1 (Fri) 8:30-9:30am
4/2 (Tue) 8:30-9:30am
5/2 (Wed) 8:30-9:30am
6/2 (Thur) 8:30-9:30am
7/2 (Fri) 8:30-9:30am

Opening Hours (School Days):

8:30-9:30am every Monday, Wednesday, Friday

Online Ordering & Pick Up In Shop:

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/

Friendly Reminders:

Any size change of items (except hats & socks) 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. 

Thank you. 

Pace 
Uniform Shop Manager

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/