Term 1 Week 5 Newsletter - Monday 24th February 2025

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Term 1 Week 5

Monday 24th February 2025

Dear Parents and Carers

At John Purchase Public School, we believe that every student’s voice matters. That’s why we are proud to have a Student Representative Council (SRC) that empowers our young learners to share their ideas, opinions, and concerns. The SRC plays a vital role in our school community, and we want to highlight the many benefits it brings to our students and the wider school environment.

1. Empowering Leadership Skills:
Being part of the SRC allows students to develop essential leadership skills. They learn to work collaboratively, make decisions, and take responsibility for their actions. These experiences help to build confidence and prepare them for future challenges.

2. Encouraging Communication:
The SRC provides a platform for students to express their thoughts and feelings about school life. This open line of communication fosters an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued. It also encourages students to articulate their ideas and listen to their peers, enhancing their communication skills.

3. Building Community:
When students take part in the SRC, they contribute to the sense of community within our school. They work together on projects, events, and initiatives that benefit their classmates, helping to create a positive and supportive atmosphere for everyone.

4. Enhancing Engagement:
Students who feel that their opinions matter are more likely to engage with their learning. The SRC encourages participation in school activities and initiatives, leading to a more vibrant school culture where students are excited to be involved.

5. Promoting Responsibility:
As representatives of their peers, SRC members learn the importance of responsibility and accountability. They understand that their actions can impact others, inspiring them to be thoughtful and considerate in their decision-making.

The Student Representative Council not only amplifies student voices but also fosters a sense of belonging, community, and responsibility among our young learners. I thank Mrs Lizarraga for facilitating the SRC this year and look forward to witnessing the positive impacts it will bring to our school.

All student leaders, including the SRC, Sporting House Captains, Band Captains and Library Monitors, will all be inducted at this Wednesday's assembly, commencing at 1:35pm, under the COLA. Parents are cordially invited to attend.

Also on Wednesday, after school, all parents are invited to come along to classrooms, to hear about learning programs and organisational aspects of our school life. Please note that 1T's session will now occur this Thursday, at 3:30pm. A timetable and map are included below for your reference. Support staff and I will be on site to provide directions, if required. Additionally, our wonderful Assistant Principals, have each prepared the term's learning overviews and trajectories for parents. This information will be emailed directly home to all parents on Thursday morning.

Please be advised that a case of whooping cough (Pertussis) has been reported at school. An information flier appears below for your reference.

Huge thanks to Miss Davidson and her support crew, for coordinating this Thursday's swimming carnival at Knox Aquatic Centre. Parents are most welcome to come along and join the cheer squad along the pool deck.

Have a positive week!

If you can be anything, be kind.

Regards

Adela King
Relieving Principal

Parent Information Evening 2025 

Who: All parents are cordially invited to an information evening after school, presented by class teachers. Each session will last for approximately 45 minutes.

Where: In classrooms - Please see the map published below.

When: Wednesday 26 February 2025

Times:

4:45pm Kindergarten Parent session commences 

5:30pm Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2 except 1T) Parent session commences 

6:15pm Stage 2 (Years 3 and 4) Parent session commences 

7:00pm Stage 3 (Years 5 and 6) Parent session commences 

Additional notes:

Class 2-O session will be held in the hall annexe.

Class 1T session will now occur at 3:30pm on Thursday 27th February.

2025 Class Structure 

Kindergarten and Year 6 Buddies

6B and KNO had a fantastic afternoon bonding with their buddies, last week, while diving into a science lesson about materials. The students worked together to search for and identify glass, wood, and metal in their surroundings. It was a fun and hands-on way to explore the properties of different materials, all while strengthening their friendships. We're excited to see how these new connections continue to grow in 2025!

Working Mathematically in 4ML

When I popped in to visit 4ML last week, students were learning to generate and describe patterns by using known number facts and strategies. Miss Moore posed this question: "Addition is easier than multiplication. Do you agree or disagree?"

Congratulations Cody C

During the December/January school holidays, Cody (from 3ES) was among 1170 young changemakers who contributed to making over 6500 meals, breakfast boxes, snack packs, and care packs for vulnerable communities across Sydney. They also wrote thoughtful, encouraging messages to be shared with those in need.

The kindness and willingness to serve, of the student volunteers, truly embodies the values of generosity and community spirit.

We are proud of you Cody!

2025 Parent Volunteer Induction Training

All parents (and grandparents) interested in assisting in classrooms or on an excursion, this year, are invited to attend a special training session, presented by Mrs Robbins.

When: 9am Thursday 6th March

Where: School hall

Child Protection - A Shared Responsibility (repeated)

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 the NSW Department of Education’s Child Protection Policy.  Here are the key points you need to know:

• Policy Overview: The policy provides direction and guidance for staff regarding child protection, including training, reporting on safety, supporting children and young people, and monitoring, evaluation, and reporting requirements.
• 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 parent volunteers 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.
• Training: Volunteers are required to be informed about indicators of abuse and neglect, as well as reporting procedures. Please ensure you sign up for the training provided by the school if you are volunteering to assist at school
• Supporting Children and Young People: Volunteers should cooperate with efforts to coordinate service delivery and decision-making with relevant service providers and inform students about their rights and available support avenues.
• Monitoring and Review: The implementation of this policy is monitored regularly to ensure its relevance and accuracy.

Risk of harm within the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 relates to the impact of abuse and neglect on a child or young person. The following indicators  in tis link have been developed from research and clinical experience over recent decades. One indicator in isolation may not imply abuse or neglect. Each indicator needs to be considered in the context of other indicators and the child’s or young person’s circumstances. The lists are not in hierarchical order. Reference: https://education.nsw.gov.au/schooling/school-community/child-protection/child-protection-policy-guidelines/resourcesThank you for your commitment to the safety and well-being of our students.  Your dedication is invaluable to our school community.

Child Protection and Parent Volunteers (repeated)

INFORMATION FOR VOLUNTEERS

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.

Training: Volunteers are required to be informed about indicators of abuse and neglect, as well as reporting procedures. Please refer to the indicators in the JPPS Volunteers and Non-DoE Staff document that you must sign at the school office. 

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

Always stay in sight of the classroom teacher. Leave the door open. You need to protect yourself as well as the child.

All teachers are trained in the up-to-date procedures to follow.

ANY information disclosed is confidential!

Selective High School & Opportunity Classes

Parents must understand that the NSW Department of Education does not support students being removed from the school day to attend tutoring preparation for examinations. These absences will be recorded as unjustified. 

'Students with too many unjustified absences from school will be brought to the attention of the selection committee. The selection committee is reluctant to offer placement to those whose attendance might not allow them to benefit fully from placement in an opportunity class or selective high school.'

Visit: education.nsw.gov.au/shs-oc

Extracurricular Groups (repeated)

The information published below provides a guide for parents. Our coordinating teachers communicate directly to parents and students regarding dance and choir activities. When considering after school activities provided by facility hirers, please contact the organisers concerned, for the most up-to-date costs and timetables on offer.

NAPLAN 2025 (repeated)

Students in Year 3 and Year 5 will be completing assessments in Literacy and Numeracy next month. If you want to know more about the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9, refer to the parent and carer brochure, available in a wide range of languages: https://nap.edu.au/naplan/for-parents-carersExternal link

Students new to NAPLAN can visit the public demonstration site to become familiar with the online testing process. Remember that excessive preparation or external tutoring for NAPLAN is not necessary.

Visit the site today: https://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/public-demonstration-siteExternal link

Student Health Care Needs and Emergency Contacts (repeated)

We welcome information from parents about your child's health, even if you are not requesting specific support from our school. Our school asks for medical information when you enrol your child. It is also important that you let us know if your child’s health care needs change or if a new health condition develops. Information about allergies, medical conditions such as asthma and diabetes and other health care related issues (including prior conditions such as medical procedures in the last 12 months) should be provided to the school by parents. Please provide this information in writing to the principal. This will greatly assist our school in planning to support your child’s health and wellbeing. Please also remember to notify staff in the school office of any changes to your contact details or to the contact details of other people nominated as emergency contacts. We appreciate your assistance in this regard and assure you that any information you provide the school will be stored securely and will only be used or disclosed in order to support your son or daughter’s health needs or as otherwise required by law.

Anaphylaxis (repeated)

John Purchase Public School is concerned about the safety and wellbeing of all our students. Many of you will know someone who is affected by anaphylaxis, a life threatening allergic reaction. Our school does its best to be an allergy aware school. Staff have had training in severe allergy management and we have implemented a number of strategies to help keep students at risk of anaphylaxis as safe as we can. We have over 25 students who live with the risk of anaphylaxis to foods and insect stings. Whilst these children are being taught to care for themselves at an age appropriate level, we ask that you help us educate your child on the importance of not sharing food with others, washing hands after eating and calling out to an adult if they think their friend with allergies is sick. With increased awareness and understanding of anaphylaxis, you will be able to help protect those around you.

To learn more about anaphylaxis and food allergies, go to www.allergyfacts.org.au

and www.allergy.org.au

Staff members are trained in identifying an anaphylactic reaction and responding to this potentially life threatening situation. If parents would also like to complete the training, it is available online at no cost. Go to https://www.allergy.org.au/about-ascia/about-ascia-e-training

ATTENDANCE MATTERS (repeated) 

To support you in monitoring your child’s attendance, we encourage parents to access the Parent Portal in School Bytes where you can view your child’s attendance levels on a visual map. This map provides a clear view of your child’s attendance rate, calculated on the number of actual and partial days attended as a percentage of the total possible school days for the term. Attendance summaries will also be included in your child’s half-yearly and yearly reports.

Instructions for accessing this information through the Parent Portal are provided below. If you need any assistance setting up or navigating the portal, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our business manager, Mrs Clare Cattell.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR HOW TO SEE ATTENDANCE DATA ON SCHOOL BYTES (repeated)

Once you have set up your Parent Portal account in School Bytes (see below information in 'From the Office' news) you will be able to view your child's attendance data.

In the Parent Portal you will see a tab called 'attendance' on the top bar of the page. This will bring you to your child/ren's attendance information.

COMMUNITY CHARTER

The School Community Charter outlines the responsibilities of parents, carers, educators and school staff in NSW public schools to ensure our learning environments are collaborative, supportive and cohesive. It describes expectations regarding communicating with our school, that respectful communication is a right and the importance of working together in partnership to maximise the learning and wellbeing outcomes for our students. Please take some time to look at the charter attached.

2025 Term Dates & Holidays 

TRAVEL SHOULD BE TAKEN DURING SCHOOL VACATION PERIODS, RATHER THAN DURING THE SCHOOL TERM

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 - The last day of term is Friday 11 April. 
• 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 1 Week 5

This Wednesday, 26th February, at 1:35pm, we are excited to officially induct our 2025 student leaders during a special assembly under the COLA. These leaders are stepping into important roles that will help strengthen our school community. Through their leadership, they will develop essential skills such as collaboration, decision-making, and responsibility—skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. We look forward to witnessing their growth and the positive impact they will have on our school!

Later that same day, our class teachers will host Parent Information Sessions about our learning programs in the evening. These sessions will take place on school grounds, and we kindly ask that parents arrange for child-minding. Additional staff will be available near the administration block to assist with directions to the classrooms. For your convenience, a school map is displayed on the wall of the administration block. At the end of the week, we will email parents important information from all stage teams, including learning trajectories and administrative guides.

Also, this Thursday, 27th February, we will hold the annual JPPS Swimming Carnival at Knox Aquatic Centre. Miss Davidson and her team have been working diligently to coordinate this exciting event.

Lastly, a friendly reminder for parents: students in Year 3 and above wishing to ride bicycles to school must apply for a 'bike licence' annually.

Thank you for your ongoing support, and we look forward to an exciting week ahead!

Irene Robbins
Relieving Deputy Principal

Term 1 Diary Dates 

• Friday 31 January - All staff return
• Thursday 6 February - All students K-6 return
• Monday 10 February - 7pm P & C Meeting via Zoom (refer to Zoom link in P&C section below)
• Monday 10 February - Kindergarten Best Start assessments continue over the next few weeks
• Tuesday 18 February - 7:30am Stage 2 Dance Auditions in hall
• Thursday 20 February - 7:30am Stage 3 Dance Auditions in hall
• Friday 21 February - 7:30am Stage 1 Dance Auditions in hall
• Tuesday 25 February - K-6 Police Talks in the hall
• Wednesday 26 February - 1:35pm Student Leaders' Induction & Awards Assembly under COLA
• Wednesday 26 February - Parent Information Evening on site
• Thursday 27 February - JPPS Swimming Carnival at Knox Aquatic Centre
• Tuesday 4 March - planned date for scripture classes to commence
• Thursday 6 March - Zone Swimming Carnival
• Thursday 6 March - 9am Parent Volunteer Induction Training
• Friday 7 March - Summer PSSA competition begins for Stage 2 and Stage 3
• Monday 10 March - P&C Meeting via Zoom
• Wednesday 12 March - NAPLAN testing period begins
• Wednesday 19 March - 1:35pm Harmony Day and Awards Assembly under COLA
• Thursday 20 March - JPPS Cross Country Carnivals
• Monday 24 March - School Photograph Day (class, individual, sibling portraits)
• Monday 24 March - NAPLAN testing period ends
• Tuesday 25 March - 4 Students Leaders to Halogen Conference
• Tuesday 25 March - 9:30am Parent Interview booking site opens
• Tuesday 1 April - 10:30am Principal's Morning Tea for Bronze Award recipients
• Wednesday 2 April - 11am Morning Tea for Bronze Medallion Recipients in Principal's office
• Friday 4 April - 9:30am Parent Interview booking site closes
• Monday 7 April - Parent Interview week commences
• Monday 7 April - 7:00pm P&C AGM/GM at school in annexe (confirmed)
• Friday 11 April - 9:15am Easter Hat Parade and Awards Assembly under COLA
• Friday 11 April - last day of 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: 

Responsibility: Be responsible for the choices you make

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. The acceptance of awards closes for administration at 9am every Thursday morning.

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, at the Monday morning assembly, 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:

Liam H (2-O), William H (3ES), Jasinta Z (3L), Katrina K (3L), Arianna J (3L), Ahaan K (3L), Darcy LG (5D)

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) 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 1 Principal's Morning Tea, will be held in the hall, at 10:30am on Tuesday 1st April. Parents of recipients are cordially invited to attend. 

Silver Award

These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 1:35pm on Wednesday 26th February, under the COLA. This assembly will also be a special event to induct new student leaders. Parents are cordially invited to attend.

Congratulations:

Nirvi K (4ML), Luca C (5/6B), Eloise S (5D)

Gold Award

These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 1:35pm on Wednesday 26th February, under the COLA. This assembly will also be a special event to induct new student leaders. Parents are cordially invited to attend.

Congratulations:

Kiera G (5/6B)

Bronze Medallion

These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 1:35pm on Wednesday 26th February, under the COLA. This assembly will also be a special event to induct new student leaders. Parents are cordially invited to attend.

A morning tea for Term 1 Bronze Medallion recipients, will be held on Wednesday 2nd April, at 11am in the Principal's office.

Silver Medallion

These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 1:35pm on Wednesday 26th February, under the COLA. This assembly will also be a special event to induct new student leaders. Parents are cordially invited to attend.

Gold Medallion

These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 1:35pm on Wednesday 26th February, under the COLA. This assembly will also be a special event to induct new student leaders. Parents are cordially invited to attend.

SZAPP

Szapp is our handy mobile app for communications if your child/ren are on an excursion, at a dancing/sporting event or if there are any last minute changes to a timetable.  From time to time there are delays in buses returning to school on time or, there are unforseeable changes to an event that we need to get information to you in a hurry.  An example of this is when it rains and PSSA sport training is held before normal school hours.  Training can be cancelled so we need to notify you that training is off so you don't bring your child/ren to school as early.

The weekly newsletter can also be viewed via this app. 

Please help us by following the instructions below and install it on your device.  It would be a great idea to turn notifications on for this so you are notified immediately of any changes.

FROM THE CANTEEN

Swimming Carnival: Just  a reminder that if your child is going to the Swimming Carnival on Thursday. Please do not order lunch through Flexischools for them. Flexischools lunches are only available if your child is at school. Volunteers needed:  our school canteen is in urgent need of volunteers to help keep it running smoothly!  We have a couple of days where we desperately need an extra helper - specifically Wednesday and Thursday. If you can spare time from 9.30-1.15 once a month, please email jpps.canteen@gmail.com or call us. Your support makes a huge difference- thank you in advance!

JPPS UNIFORM SHOP

Opening Hours (School Days):

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

Dear Parents,

1. We are temporarily unable to accept donations of pre loved uniforms until further notice, as our shop currently has an excess of stock. We appreciate your kindness and understanding.
   
2. Recently, we have received requests from parents to exchange items without full packaging. To avoid disappointment, please note that all size exchanges must be made within 14 days of purchase, with the item in its ORIGINAL packaging and accompanied by the receipt. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to process exchanges for items that do not meet these conditions.
   

Thanks for your understanding!

Regards 

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.