Term 2 Week 2 Newsletter - Monday 5th May 2025

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

Term 2 Week 2

We hope all our students and families enjoyed a well-deserved break and are returning refreshed and ready for the exciting term ahead.

Term 1 concluded with a burst of colour at our Easter Hat Parade, made possible by the support of our dedicated P & C. We’ve kicked off Term 2 with our ANZAC Service, where our students paid thoughtful tribute to those who have served our country.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to celebrate Mother’s Day with our school community this week. Our much-loved Mother’s Day Stall will run on Thursday, followed by a special Mother’s Day Breakfast on Friday morning. We warmly invite families to come along and share in the celebration and extend our gratitude to our very hardworking P & C. Please refer to further details below.

STAFF LEARNING FOCUS: HIGH POTENTIAL AND GIFTED STUDENTS

Last Monday, our staff participated in a School Development Day focused on an important statewide initiative: High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE). This was part of the NSW Department of Education's ongoing commitment to ensuring every student is known, valued, and cared for — and our school focus on ensuring all students are appropriately challenged and supported to reach their full potential.

Throughout the day, our staff engaged in three professional learning sessions designed to deepen our understanding and enhance our classroom practice:

🔹 Session 1: Understanding High Potential and Giftedness
We explored the differences between high potential, gifted and highly gifted, and considered how a wide range of differentiation tools can be used to challenge every learner. We were pleased to recognise many of these tools already in use at our school through our work on developing a culture of thinking — and also discovered new strategies we’re excited to try. 

🔹 Session 2: Finding High Potential in the Creative Domain
This session explored how we identify and nurture creativity in students. We learned that creativity is not limited to the arts — it’s an interdisciplinary strength that can appear in problem-solving, innovative thinking, and unique approaches across all learning areas. Creativity is about not just what the idea is, but how it is formed. We explored observable indicators of creative potential and reflected on how to better support this in the classroom.

🔹 Session 3: Social and Emotional Learning and Student Agency
This session highlighted how supporting students’ social and emotional growth builds confidence, voice, and engagement in learning. We listened to real stories about how student agency is strengthened through things like collaborative learning, student voice, and meaningful choice. We also reflected on whole-school opportunities such as the Student Representative Council (SRC) that empower students to lead and make decisions.

Thank you to Miss Scholz for coordinating and presenting the day.

How Can Parents Support Their Child’s Potential at Home?

Parents play an essential role in supporting your child’s growth. Here are a few ways you can help nurture high potential and creativity:

1. Encourage curiosity – Ask open-ended questions and explore big ideas together.

2. Celebrate effort, not just results – Praise persistence, creativity, and problem-solving.

3. Provide opportunities for choice – Let children have a say in their learning, hobbies, or projects.

4. Support creative thinking – Encourage new ways of looking at problems or completing tasks.

5. Create a thinking culture at home – Discuss ideas, wonder aloud, and model learning from mistakes.

6. Offer enrichment experiences – Museums, nature walks, coding, music, reading — all can inspire potential.

7. Value different strengths – Help your child recognise their unique talents, whether academic, social, or creative.

8. Encourage collaboration – Give opportunities for teamwork and shared decision-making.

9. Support emotional wellbeing – Help your child manage challenges and build resilience.

10. Stay involved – Partner with teachers and keep communication open about your child’s learning needs.

Together, we can nurture the talents and potential of every student. Thank you for your continued support in making our school a place where all learners can thrive. 

ROAD SAFETY

At this point in time, there is no available school crossing supervisor available to assist students to cross the road on Purchase Rd for the next three days. Please remind them of the following safety rules:

• Stop! Look! Listen! Think! when crossing the road.

• Take care whenever you cross.

• Don’t run across the road.

COOLER DAYS, WARMER UNIFORMS

As we have been experiencing much cooler weather, students will officially transition to winter uniform from Monday 19 May. We understand that the weather can be unpredictable at this time of year, so there will be a two-week leeway period to allow students to wear either their full summer or full winter uniform, depending on the weather and their comfort. This flexibility also gives families time to organise winter uniform items if needed.

Thank you for your support in ensuring our students are comfortable and appropriately dressed as we move into the winter season.

CURRICULUM UPDATE IN HUMAN SOCIETY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT (HSIE)

We are thrilled to announce that all stages from Kindergarten to Stage 3 are trialling the implementation of the new HSIE syllabus this year. This updated curriculum is designed to provide our students with a more engaging and relevant learning experience. Emphasising inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of historical and contemporary social issues, students will explore diverse perspectives and develop essential skills for their future.

To support your child's learning in HSIE, consider the following:

1. Engage in Conversations: Ask your child about what they are learning in class. Encourage them to share their thoughts and opinions on historical events, cultural practices, or current issues. This dialogue helps reinforce their understanding and develops critical thinking skills.

2. Visit Local Resources: Take trips to museums, historical sites, or cultural events. These experiences can make the content more tangible and relatable, allowing students to connect classroom learning with the real world.

3. Encourage Research Projects: Help your child explore topics they are passionate about within the HSIE syllabus. This could involve researching a historical figure, investigating local Indigenous culture, or looking into environmental issues in the community.

4. Utilise Online Resources: There are many educational websites and platforms where students can find additional information and interactive activities related to HSIE topics. Encourage them to explore these resources for further learning.

In the primary years, the HSIE syllabus focuses on developing skills such as inquiry, research, and communication, while covering content that includes Australian history, geography, civics, and citizenship. Students will learn about significant events, explore their local community, and understand their role as active citizens. By fostering a supportive learning environment at home, you can help your child thrive in their HSIE studies!

For more information, please visit the NSW HSIE Parent Guides and explore the details of the new HSIE syllabus.

WALKING STUDENTS TO OOSH

For safety reasons, parents are asked to walk the children through the school, rather than along our shared driveway.

Please refer to the map shown below which show the alternate route. The route through the school is slightly shorter (approx. 160 metres) than the existing route (approx. 170 metres) frequently used along the driveway. 

CONGRATULATIONS ALISTAIR

We are incredibly proud of Alistair for his outstanding effort and achievement at the recent State Public School Sport Association swimming event held at Olympic Park. Alistair competed in the 50m freestyle and 50m butterfly races, achieving a personal best time in both his heat and final. He finished 6th in the state for freestyle and claimed 1st place in the butterfly, earning a gold medal! How awesome!

Alistair will represent NSW in October in Melbourne. The Nationals will give Alistair the exciting opportunity to compete in additional age-specific events, including the 100m and 200m Individual Medley.

We can’t wait to see what Alistair achieves next — congratulations once again!

CONGRATULATIONS RISHI

We are thrilled to announce that Rishi has won the Gold medal at the Grappling Industries competition for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, held on 26 April 2025. Competing in the 9-year-old under 40kg category, Rishi delivered an outstanding performance. We are incredibly proud of his achievement!

CONGRATULATIONS KIRAN

Selection as an Honourable mention at the Young Archies, National Art competition.

A huge congratulations to Kiran J of Year 5 who was selected to be an Honourable Mention for the Young Archies, a National Portrait Prize. Kiran was one of 100 children of 3400 entries whose artwork will be exhibited. Her watercolour painting of her Pa, titled The Bee King is displayed on the Art Gallery of NSW website and will be part of the Salon des Refusés ( the Alternative Archibald Prize selection) at the SH Ervin Gallery 10^th May to 27th July.

A wonderful achievement for this budding young artist!

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 2 Week 2

Monday 5th May 2025

Dear Parents and Carers

Welcome back to Term 2 everyone!

Thank you, Miss Brennan, for your thoughtful preparation of the school's ANZAC Remembrance Service.

Recently, staff have been engaging in professional development, which has included building further knowledge about High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) and teaching EAL/D students. Additionally, we have updated our qualifications in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Anaphylaxis. All staff complete this life-saving training annually and the resuscitation chart below, is included as an emergency prompt to all community members.

Parent–teacher interviews remain an important way to discuss your child’s progress and achievements, and the majority of our parents met with staff last term for these highly valued meetings. Mr Hayman is meeting with 5/6H parents this week.

At the end of this term, we are introducing some updates to our students' school reports. The new format has been underpinned by NSW Department of Education guidelines, in response to feedback from parents and educators to make reports easier to read and understand. In summary:

* Your child’s report will still show their progress across all subject areas.

* Teacher comments will appear in English, Mathematics and the General Comment section, in line with department policy.

* The general comment for Kindergarten also covers all other Key Learning Areas (subjects) including, Creative Arts, HSIE, PDHPE, and Science and Technology.

* An updated achievement scale and descriptions for Years 1 to 6, and updated effort ratings for K-6, will be included, to provide a clearer picture of your child’s progress. I have included these scales and descriptions in the tables below.

The P & C have organised a Mother's Day Stall for students to go shopping at school this Thursday, so please remember to send students to school with a small amount of money to spend. On Friday morning, our mothers and grandmothers are cordially invited to attend an early morning breakfast at school, hosted by the P & C. There will also be a Zoom Meeting of the P & C at 7pm this evening.

I trust all mums and grandmothers have a very special day this Sunday 11th May!

Have a positive week and Happy Mothers' Day!

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

Regards

Adela King
Deputy Principal

Semester 1 Student Reports

Student reports will be distributed to parents via the Impromation Parent Portal at the end of this term. Information regarding this process will be distributed later in the term.

John Purchase Public School uses 'plain English' word descriptors for students in Years 1 to 6, to report on student achievement in each of the six Key Learning Areas: English, Mathematics, Creative Arts, Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE: History and Geography), Science and Technology and Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE).

In Kindergarten, the 5-point achievement and plain English scales are not used. Instead, Kindergarten teachers provide written comments for each Key Learning Area, describing student achievement in relation to syllabus expectations.

John Purchase Public School will continue to report on student effort. The updated descriptors shared below, can be used to support family conversations about learning.

Term 2 Diary Dates 

• Monday 28 April - Staff Development Day
• Tuesday 29 April - Staff Development Day
• Wednesday 30 April - Students return to school
• Wednesday 30 April - K-6 ANZAC Remembrance Service under the COLA
• Monday 5 May - 5/6H Parent-Teacher Interviews scheduled this week in administration block
• Monday 5 May - 7pm P & C Meeting via Zoom
• Thursday 8 May - P & C Mothers' Day Stall at school
• Friday 9 May - 7am P & C Mothers' Day Breakfast at school - to be confirmed
• Monday 12 May - Stage 2 Zoo Excursion
• Wednesday 14 May - 1:35pm K-6 Assembly under COLA - Stage 1 item
• Friday 16 May - Walk Safely to School Day
• Thursday 22 May - Zone Cross Country Carnival
• Wednesday 4 June - 1:35pm K-6 Assembly under COLA
• Monday 9 June - Public Holiday
• Thursday 12 June - JPPS Athletics Carnival at Greenway Oval
• Wednesday 18 June - 1:35pm K-6 Assembly under COLA Stage 2 item
• Thursday 19 June - Athletics Carnival Backup date in case of inclement weather
• Monday 30 June - Bronze Medallion Morning Tea with executive
• Tuesday 1 July - 10:30am Principal's Morning Tea for Bronze Award Recipients in hall
• Tuesday 1 July - 5:30pm Their Care (new before/after school provider) Information Session via Zoom
• Wednesday 2 July - Year 6 Excursion to Canberra (3 days)
• Thursday 3 July - Semester 1 Student Reports published on Impromation Parent Portal
• Friday 4 July - Year 6 return from Canberra
• Friday 4 July - Last day of Term 2

Our School Expectations

Congratulations to our students who have demonstrated our school expectations of Respect, Responsibility and Aspire.

This week's expectation is: 

Aspire: Read for learning and enjoyment

Congratulations Silver Award Recipients

These students were presented with their awards at the Easter Hat Parade Assembly, last term.

Congratulations Gold Award Recipients

These students were presented with their awards at the Easter Hat Parade Assembly, last term.

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:

Satvik (4B), Harvey S (1T), Samantha (1KR), Zali M (4B), Parinaz (1KR)

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

Bronze Awards will be presented at the Term 2 Principal's Morning Tea, for Bronze Award recipients. This special event will be held at 10:30am on Tuesday 1st July, in the school hall. Parents are cordially invited to attend.

Congratulations:

Reni C (4B), Matthew H (2B), Jancy Z (2-O), Autumn L (5/6B)

Silver Award

These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 1:35pm, under the COLA, on Wednesday 14th May. Stage 1 will be presenting an item. Parents are cordially invited to attend.

Congratulations:

Amber Y (4D)

Gold Award

These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 1:35pm, under the COLA, on Wednesday 14th May. Stage 1 will be presenting an item. Parents are cordially invited to attend.

Congratulations:

Samkit S (5/6B)

Bronze Medallion

These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 1:35pm, under the COLA, on Wednesday 14th May. Stage 1 will be presenting an item. Parents are cordially invited to attend.

A morning tea for Term 2 Bronze Medallion recipients will be held in the principal's office at recess on Monday 30th June.

Silver Medallion

These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 1:35pm, under the COLA, on Wednesday 14th May. Stage 1 will be presenting an item. 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, under the COLA, on Wednesday 14th May. Stage 1 will be presenting an item. Parents are cordially invited to attend.

NSW PUBLIC SCHOOLS STUDENT SURVEY

In Term 2, we are offering our students the opportunity to participate in the NSW Public Schools Student Survey. The survey gives students the chance to share their thoughts and feelings about life at school, including questions about their engagement, learning experiences and wellbeing at school.

Hearing directly from our students will help us understand what’s working well and where improvements can be made to our school. The survey is confidential, takes around 10 to 15 minutes to complete, and will be conducted online during school hours.

Participation is voluntary. If you prefer your child not to participate, please complete the opt-out consent form below and return it to the school. Further information about the survey is available at https://education.nsw.gov.au/npss

Please contact the front office if you wish to have this opt-out form in a different language.

Stage 2 Ceramics Art Exhibition

During Term 1, our Year 3 and 4 students explored ceramics as part of their Creative Arts program. Using clay, they designed, moulded, and crafted stunning ceramic fish. They learned essential techniques such as how to securely join pieces of clay to prevent breakage and eliminate sharp edges.

Once their fish were sculpted, students added colour and personality by painting them. A layer of glaze was then applied to give each piece a glossy, finished look.

In Week 10, the Hall was transformed into a vibrant art gallery as all of Stage 2 proudly displayed their ceramic creations. Each class had the opportunity to visit the exhibition, admire the diverse artworks, and appreciate the creativity on show. Many students also created fact sheets, labels, or additional artworks to accompany their pieces, explaining their inspirations and artistic choices.

Congratulations to Stage 2 on your imaginative and beautifully crafted designs!

Miss Moore 

Game Changer Challenge 2025

There are two new teams from John Purchase Public School taking up the Game Changer Challenge in 2025!

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.”

These Game Changers have an amazing opportunity to develop skills in critical and creative thinking, collaboration, communication, problem-solving, digital literacy and project management beyond the classroom and use these skills to address real-world problems. I'm very proud to be mentoring these two teams and supporting them on their Design Thinking journey!

Jessica Lizarraga
Science and Technology teacher

LOST PROPERTY

There is a huge amount of lost property in the boxes outside the administration building.

If you are missing any uniform items please come and check the boxes.  Sometimes students leave items lying around and it can take a day or two for them to make the administration office.  Please check and re-check for lost items when you are on site.

It is best practice to label your child's items clearly so the admin staff can return them to your child.

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.

P & C MEETING TONIGHT AT 7PM VIA ZOOM

Topic: P & C Mt via Zoom

Time: May 5, 2025 07:00 PM Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney

Join Zoom Meeting

https://nsweducation.zoom.us/j/69707765996?pwd=AXILYIhkavaVEdQl2aku9vkxpaPcyO.1

Meeting ID: 697 0776 5996
Passcode: jpps

One tap mobile
+61272530539,,69707765996# Australia
+61280156011,,69707765996# Australia

MOTHER'S DAY BREAKFAST

The P&C are holding a Mother's Day Breakfast this Friday morning from 7am.  All are very welcome.

We are also seeking volunteers for this event.  If you are able to give some time please sign up by using the second link below.

JPPS UNIFORM SHOP

Dear Parents

Today is my last day working in the uniform shop. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support. It’s been a real pleasure meeting so many lovely parents along the way.

Please join me in welcoming Ms Brenda, who will be taking over as the new shop manager. Please continue to give her your support. During this transition period, we recommend placing your orders online to help reduce waiting times in the shop.

Thanks again and wishing you all the best.

Pace

General Notes: 

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. 

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.