Term 1 Week 11 Newsletter - Monday 7th April 2025

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Term 1 Week 11

It's certainly a busy final week of school, as we hold the P & C Annual General Meeting, parent tecaher interviews and the Easter Hat Parade.

As we approach the end of first term, I extend a sincere thank you to staff and families for their continued support and partnership throughout the start of the school year.

I wish our John Purchase families a safe, restful, and enjoyable holiday break. May this special time provide the opportunity to relax and spend quality time with family and friends.

We look forward to welcoming all students back on Wednesday 30 April, ready for a successful and engaging Term 2.

CONGRATULATIONS MR HAYMAN

Congratulations Mr and Mrs Hayman! How delightful to share some happy news with our community. We enthusiastically congratulate Mr and Mrs Hayman on the arrival of their gorgeous baby girl, Aviendah Jessica. Aviendha was born on 30 March weighing 3.3kg and measuring 55cm. 

CONGRATULATIONS MRS MUSGROVE

Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Musgrove on the arrival of their beautiful daughter, Aurora Louise. Aurora arrived on Friday morning, weighing 4.02kg and measuring 53cm.

Outstanding Swimming Achievement – Congratulations, Alistair!

A huge congratulations to Alistair who competed at the Sydney North Swimming Championships at SOPAC. It was a challenging day with seven races, including heats and finals, but his dedication and effort paid off!

Al secured a place at the State Championships in two events:
🥇 1st place – 50m Butterfly (11yrs)
🥈 2nd place – 50m Freestyle (11yrs)
🏅 6th place – 50m Backstroke (11yrs)
🏅 4th place – 200m Medley (11-13yrs), an impressive effort against older competitors.

Alistair will be competing at the State Championships next Thursday and Friday—an incredible achievement! We wish him the best of luck as he takes on the next challenge.

Go, Alistair!

P & C Annual General Meeting (repeated)

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 by 3pm on Monday 7 April.

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 11

Monday 7th April 2025

Dear Parents and Carers

As we approach the upcoming holidays, I want to take a moment to raise the issue of responsible use of digital technologies at home and at school. In our increasingly connected world, it is essential for our students to develop healthy digital habits that not only enhance their learning but also promote their wellbeing.

During the holidays, children often have more free time, which can lead to increased screen time. We encourage you to set boundaries around device usage, such as designating specific times for technology use and encouraging outdoor activities and family interactions. Engaging in discussions about online safety, privacy, and respectful communication can also empower your child to make informed choices while navigating their digital environments.

At school, we continue to integrate digital technologies into our curriculum; ensuring that students learn how to use these tools responsibly. Our focus is on fostering critical thinking skills and understanding the impact of their digital footprint. We encourage parents to reinforce these lessons at home by discussing the importance of respectful online behaviour and the need to critically evaluate information found online.

Together, we can help our children build a balanced relationship with technology that supports their learning and personal growth. Thank you for your continued support in this important aspect of their education. I have attached the JPPS Digital Devices Guidelines below, shared previously with the community.

Parent Teacher Interviews commenced in the school hall today and continue throughout the week.

Don't forget that the P & C Annual General Meeting is tonight in the school annexe, commencing at 7pm.

All parents and grandparents are cordially invited to attend the Easter Hat Parade and Assembly this Friday, under the COLA, commencing at 9:15am.

The first day of Term 2 for students will be Wednesday, 30th April. We will hold our ANZAC Day commemorative service on that day, commencing at 10:30am, under the COLA.

The first newsletter for Term 2 will be published on Monday, 5th May. 

Wishing all school families a restful Autumn break.

Have a positive week!

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

Regards

Adela King
Deputy Principal

Responsibility: Be respectful online

Parent Teacher Interview Bookings - site now closed

Please  contact the school administraion staff on 9875 3100, if you have forgotten to make an appointment to meet your child's teacher and would like to do so.

Term 1 Diary Dates 

• 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

Congratulations Bronze Award Recipients

These are some of Term 1's Bronze Award recipients, who were presented with their certificates last week.

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 respectful 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. 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:

Advait G (1/2R), Jane R (6R), Olivia Z (3N), Stella (4B), Collin (3N), Arian P (1/2R), Evan  Q (3N), Eloise S (5D), Lucas L (1KR), Gemma L (4ML)

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 next Principal's Morning Tea will be held at the end of Term 2.

Silver Award

These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 9:15am, under the COLA, this Friday 11th April. This assembly will include the Easter Hat Parade, as it's the last day of term prior to the Easter break. Parents are cordially invited to attend.

Gold Award

These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 9:15am, under the COLA, this Friday 11th April. This assembly will include the Easter Hat Parade, as it's the last day of term prior to the Easter break. Parents are cordially invited to attend.

Bronze Medallion

These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 9:15am, under the COLA, this Friday 11th April. This assembly will include the Easter Hat Parade, as it's the last day of term prior to the Easter break. Parents are cordially invited to attend.

Silver Medallion

These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 9:15am, under the COLA, this Friday 11th April. This assembly will include the Easter Hat Parade, as it's the last day of term prior to the Easter break. Parents are cordially invited to attend.

Gold Medallion

These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 9:15am, under the COLA, this Friday 11th April. This assembly will include the Easter Hat Parade, as it's the last day of term prior to the Easter break. Parents are cordially invited to attend.

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

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.

PARENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR OUR EASTER RAFFLE

We need parent volunteers to help with the upcoming Easter Raffle.  If you could spare some time to help please sign up using the following link:

https://volunteersignup.org/74A3E

2025 P&C EASTER RAFFLE

Easter is fast approaching!

The Easter Raffle is the most popular fundraising event at JPPS. Please find the link below for how to purchase tickets in the raffle: https://rafflelink.com.au/jpps25-easter-raffle

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.