Term 1 Week 8 Newsletter - Monday 17th March 2025

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

Term 1 Week 8

Monday 17th March 2025

Dear Parents and Carers

As we recognise Harmony Day this Wednesday 19th March, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight our commitment to celebrating diversity and fostering an inclusive environment for all students. Harmony Day is a wonderful occasion to reflect on our rich multicultural community and the values of respect, understanding, and acceptance.

In our school, we believe that every student deserves to feel safe and valued, regardless of their background. To support this vision, we have appointed an Anti-Racism Contact Officer (ARCO) who plays a crucial role in promoting anti-racism initiatives and providing support to students and families. Mrs Gill Scott, our ARCO, is dedicated to addressing any concerns related to racism and ensuring that our school remains a welcoming space for everyone.

We explicitly teach anti-racism as part of our curriculum. Through various programs and activities, students learn about the importance of acceptance, empathy, and the celebration of differences. We engage in discussions and workshops that empower students to stand against racism and promote positive relationships among peers.

This Harmony Day, we encourage all families to come to the K-6 Assembly at 1:35pm on Wednesday afternoon, wear orange, and share stories that celebrate our diverse cultures. Together, we can nurture a community where every student feels proud of their identity and connected to others.

This Friday, 21st March, recognises the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It is an important opportunity for us to reflect on the past and consider the ongoing impact of racism and what we can do to address and prevent it from occurring. Our collective action can create the change that is needed to advance equity for all.

Thank you for your ongoing support in fostering a harmonious and inclusive school environment.

Have a positive week!

Let's accomplish BIG things with a Have a Go Mindset!

Regards

Adela King
Relieving Principal

Parent Teacher Interview Bookings

Parent-teacher interviews are a vital opportunity for fostering strong partnerships between families and schools, particularly for K-6 children. These meetings provide a platform for parents to gain insights into their child's academic progress, social development, and overall well-being. By collaborating with teachers, parents can better support their child's learning journey, ensuring that each child receives the encouragement and resources they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom. Your involvement makes a significant difference in your child's educational experience! Our teachers value the opportunity to meet personally with parents to discuss each child's learning journey.

Parent Teacher Interviews will be held in the week commencing Monday 7th April, for all classes, except 5/6H. (5/6H interviews will be held in the week commencing Monday 5th May. Please use the separate booking links below.)

When I open the site tomorrow morning, parents are invited to book an interview time with their child's teacher using one of the links below. The School Interviews booking site shows teacher availability and remains open from 9am tomorrow until 9:30am on Friday 4th April.

Booking Link

https://www.schoolinterviews.com.au/code/64rfx

Booking QR Code

5/6H Parent Teacher Interview Bookings

5/6H Parent Interviews will be held in the week commencing Monday 5th May. Please use the unique booking links for 5/6H below. Parents are invited to book an interview time with Mr Hayman using one of the links below. The School Interviews site shows teacher availability and opens tomorrow at 9am and will be closed at 9:30am on Friday 4th April.

Booking Link

https://www.schoolinterviews.com.au/code/terma

Booking QR Code

Dancers Commence Rehearsals

Our school dance troupes have commenced rehearsals before school. Last week, I popped in to see Stage 1, with Mrs Walters and Miss Shine, hard at work!

Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

A case of whooping cough has been reported in Stage 3. Please refer the the fact sheet from the NSW Department of Health, below.

P & C Annual General Meeting

Please be advised that the AGM and General Meeting of the P & C will be held on Monday 7th April, commencing at 7pm in the school annexe. At this meeting, all positions will be declared vacant.

Nominations for positions are now being advertised and interested parents are invited to complete the form below and submit this to the front office prior to the AGM.

NAPLAN 2025 (repeated)

Students in Year 3 and Year 5 will be completing four assessments in Literacy and Numeracy commencing on Wednesday, 12th March. The assessment program will conclude on 24th March. Assessment timetables will not be published to the wider community. Class timetables will be modified to accommodate the assessments.

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

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.

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 8

All parents are most welcome to join in the crowd at this Thursday's Cross Country Carnivals on Greenway Oval (for some Yr 2s and Yrs 3-6) and at school (for K, Yr 1 and some Yr 2s).

Next Monday, 24th March, the School Photographer will be visiting us at JPPS! All students are required to wear their full summer uniforms (not sports uniforms).

We trust that all parents have had the opportunity to complete the Third-Party Permission form for school photographs on School Bytes. This form must be filled out for students to be included in class portraits or group photos. If you are yet to complete this permission, we do ask that it is completed by this Thursday, 20th March.

To ensure everything runs smoothly on photo day, it’s essential that each student returns their own order envelope, even if payment is included in a sibling’s envelope. If you would like to order family portraits (for school siblings only), please stop by the administration office to collect a separate order form. We ask that students bring these forms back to school on photo day.

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
• Tuesday 18 March - 9am Parent Interview booking site opens
• 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 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 
• 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: 

Respect: Be the change. Racism No Way

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:

Chelsea W (1/2R), Noah S (2B), Sherlock Y (2B), Kingston S (2-O), William H (3ES), Krish J (4B), Queena L (4D), Isobel M-C (6R)

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. 

Congratulations:

Joshua R (4ML)

Silver Award

These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 1:35pm on Wednesday 19th March, under the COLA. This assembly will be the Harmony Day Assembly. 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 Wednesday 19th March, under the COLA. This assembly will be the Harmony Day Assembly. Parents are cordially invited to attend.

Congratulations:

Darcy L-G (5D), Sofia L-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 19th March, under the COLA. This assembly will be the Harmony Day Assembly. 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 19th March, under the COLA. This assembly will be the Harmony Day Assembly. 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 19th March, under the COLA. This assembly will be the Harmony Day Assembly. Parents are cordially invited to attend.

Harmony Day 2025 (repeated)

Harmony Day celebrates Australian multiculturalism and the many diverse cultures students represented in our school.

All parents are invited to the Harmony Day Assembly, at 1:35 pm under the COLA this Wednesday, 19 March, 2025.

We look forward to celebrating the day with you. Students are encouraged to wear orange coloured clothing or cultural dress. Please ensure students’ shoulders are covered and they wear enclosed shoes.

On Wednesday 19th March, the canteen will be providing a variety of orange foods for students to purchase on Harmony Day. Lunch orders will still be available as usual.

A big thank you to our executive staff, teachers and school canteen who are supporting the day!

Mrs Gill Scott and Mrs Rebecca Taylor
JPPS EAL/D Teachers

SPORTS REPORT

Summer PSSA results 

Stage 2 vs Beecroft Public School

Tee Ball

JPPS Boys 14 won to RPS 1
JPPS Girls 7 won to RPS 6

League Tag 

JPPS Boys 3 lost against RPS 4
JPPS Girls 2 lost against RPS 6

Stage 3 vs Roselea Public School

Soft Ball

JPPS Boys 14 won to RPS
JPPS Girls 3 lost to RPS 6

League Tag 

JPPS Boys 9 won against RPS 6
JPPS Girls 5 won against BPS 3

Miss Laura Davidson
Sports Coordinator 

Congratulations to all students who participated in the Zone Swimming Carnival on the 6th of March at Sydney Olympic Park!

It was a fantastic day of competition, and we're thrilled with everyone's efforts.

A special Congratulations to Alastair for qualifying for the Sydney North competition for the following events: 50m Butterfly, 50m Freestyle, 200m medley, 50m backstroke. What a huge achievement and we wish him the best of luck!

Laura Davidson
Sport Coordinator 

Important Message to Year 6 Parents and Carers - Year 7 2026 (repeated)

Dear Parents and Carers of Students currently in Year 6 in 2025

Even though the school year has only just begun, parents and carers must begin the online process of enrolling your child into high school for 2026. You will need to complete an expression of interest (EOI) form using the following link: 

Enrolment form (for moving on from Year 6 to 7). Applications are ONLINE.

The expression of interest will let you indicate which school you would like your child to attend in Year 7. 

If your child will not be attending an NSW Government high school next year, please let us know by completing a placement not-required form. 

If you are unsure whether they will be attending a NSW Government school, such as if you have applied for a private school or moving interstate, we ask that you still complete an EOI and follow up with your school once a decision has been made. 

The online process will guide you through your options and collect the information required to make the process as smooth as possible. 

For further information, including translation instructions, please visit: year 7 High school enrollment.

Mrs Adele Walters

Stage 3 Relieving Assistant Principal

STEM CLUB NEWS

In 2023, STEM Club was home to the Game Changer Challenge, with teams of five students from years 3-6 participating. Two teams completed the challenge and were recognised by the NSW Department of Education for their amazing projects.

This year, the Game Changer Challenge is back! Students years 3-6 who are interested in learning more about the Game Changer Challenge are invited to meet with Mrs Lizarraga on Wednesday at recess in the computer room.

The Game Changer Challenge is the department’s award-winning design thinking competition. Open to public schools across the state, the challenge centres on discovering solutions for a real-world, wicked problem by applying classroom learning.

“The 2025 priority areas are: Planet, People, Places. Inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.”

Students participating will be required to spend some time each week outside of school hours to work on the problem at home.

Students will also need to make a commitment to their team to continue until the end of the competition (unless unforeseen circumstances make it impossible to finish).

Weekly progress meetings with Mrs Lizarraga in lieu of STEM Club will give students time during lunch to discuss their project and get regular help and feedback.

I hope to see some keen year 3-6 Game Change Challengers on Wednesday at recess.

Jessica Lizarraga
Science and Technology teacher

LOST PROPERTY

The lost property boxes are sitting on the benches outside the admin block.  The office staff are happy to deliver your child's items back to their class if their name is clearly visible.

If your child has misplaced something please check these boxes regularly.

STUDENT TRAVEL PASSES

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.

Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: some rural and regional operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.

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.

SZAPP - repeated

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.

HOW TO SET UP THE PARENT PORTAL ACCOUNT IN SCHOOL BYTES - Repeated

IMPORTANT: To ensure that the registration process works smoothly, and you can link your account to your child, make sure that you use the same email address that you have provided to the school upon your child’s enrolment.

The School Bytes Parent Portal can be accessed via an app on your mobile device or your computer. The Parent App can be found on your mobile device’s app store. 

Please find detailed information on the below link on how to set up a parent portal account. 

https://support.schoolbytes.education/hc/en-us/articles/5184859634191-Parent-PortalSet-up-your-parent-portal-account

How to login and use Parent Portal?

Open the portal link and login: https://portal.schoolbytes.education/auth/login

Currently, we are using the following modules:

• Payments - to get a statement of account and make payments for fees and excursions.
• Activities - to check the current events and give a consent to participate and pay any fees attached to an activity.
• Forms -  to give consent for any permission forms, submit change of details form or extended leave applications.
• Attendance - to view and manage your child's attendance, including creating future absences and responding to attendance alerts as required.

P & C Annual General Meeting

Please be advised that the AGM and General Meeting of the P & C will be held on Monday 7th April, commencing at 7pm in the school annexe. Nominations for positions are now being advertised and interested parents are invited to complete the form below and submit this to the front office prior to the AGM.

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

FROM THE CANTEEN

Volunteers needed urgently!

Our school canteen is in URGENT need of volunteers to help keep it running smoothly!  We have a few days where we desperately need an extra helper - specifically Wednesday and Thursday. If you can spare time from 9.30am - 1.15pm once a month, please email jpps.canteen@gmail.com or call us. Your support makes a huge difference -

Thank you in advance!

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.