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Term 2 Week 3 Newsletter - Monday 12th May 2025

From the Principal

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 3

I hope all the mothers, grandmothers and mother figures in our community had a special day yesterday.

A big thank you is extended to our P & C and their helpers for organising the very popular Mothers Day stall and the scrumptious Mothers Day breakfast. I know there is much work behind the scenes and our community is very grateful.

CELEBRATING OUR MUMS

We hope all our mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures had a special day surrounded by love on Sunday. It was a wonderful opportunity to recognise the important role you play in the lives of your children and in our school community. We are grateful for all you do and hope your day was filled with joy, appreciation, and connection.

A heartfelt thank you to our P&C and the many parent helpers who made last week’s Mother’s Day celebrations so special. From the thoughtful Mother’s Day Stall on Thursday—where students delighted in choosing gifts—to the beautiful breakfast on Friday morning, it was lovely to see so many families enjoying time together. The efforts of our small but dedicated P&C team, and the many other parents who supported them, are truly appreciated by many.

"To the world you are a mother, but to your family you are the world."

NEW OOSH SERVICE

We’re pleased to announce our new Out of School Hours (OOSH) service: TheirCare.
Please refer to the Community section of the newsletter for more information about the service, how to get in touch and the invitation to the Information Session. Enrolment instructions will be sent out from early July.

CONGRATULATIONS OLIVIA

We are incredibly proud of Olivia

Just would like to share some good news with you that, in the last two weekends, Olivia performed her very first Ballet Classical Solo in two Eisteddfods, and she received the 2nd place in the IRBD Eisteddfod and 3rd place in the St George Dance Eisteddfod, which were very excellent results.

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

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.

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

From the Deputy Principal

Term 2 Week 3

Monday 12th May 2025

Dear Parents and Carers

I trust all of our mums had a special day on Sunday. I am happy to be able to share this image of my dear little grandson, who has just turned two! Very precious years.

There were many delighted shoppers, as students and their buddies purchased gifts for mums and grandmothers, at school last Thursday. Thank you to Natalie Campbell, Richard Walusimbi and all the parent volunteers, who assisted at the Mother's Day Stall.

Our P & C, led by president, Richard Walusimbi, also coordinated a scrumptious breakfast for mums, grandmothers, children and staff, at school, last Friday morning. Everyone was so appreciative, especially as volunteers were at school, so early in the morning. I thoroughly enjoyed my tasty breakfast! Thank you so much!

Parents are most welcome to attend the K-6 Assembly under the COLA, this Wednesday (not Thursday) 14th May, commencing at 1:35pm. Stage 1 students will be presenting an item.

Have a positive week and be kind to others!

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

Regards

Adela King
Deputy Principal

Shopping at the Mother's Day Stall

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Semester 1 Student Reports (repeated)

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
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
Friday 23 May - Winter PSSA competition begins for Stage 2 and Stage 3 teams
Monday 26 May - National Sorry Day
Monday 26 May - Gumnut & Wattle Debating Teams to Castle Hill PS
Tuesday 27 May - National Reconciliation Week
Wednesday 28 May - Stage Finals of Spelling Bee
Wednesday 4 June - 1:35pm K-6 Assembly under COLA
Monday 9 June - Public Holiday
Thursday 12 June - JPPS Athletics Carnival at Greenway Oval
Monday 16 June - 7pm P & C Meeting via Zoom
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 with parents
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:

Respect: Be kind to others

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:

Dhyan (1KR), Flynn L (1KR), Liori M (3N), Maariv (3L), Samara (1KR), Rudhvic (4B), Rhea D (6R), Amelie J (4ML), Spencer L (5/6B), Victoria X (3B), Anton T (5DM), Rafael (4D), Ronav R (1/2R), Jacob L (3ES), Cody (3ES), Daniel W (3N)

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:

Maariv G (3L), Anton T (5DM), Ariel C (3ES), Chloe A (5D)

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:

Nihal N (5DM)

Gold Award

Congratulations:

Shivani N (5D)

Bronze Medallion

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

Gold Medallion

From the Teachers

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

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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

From the Office

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.

From the P & C

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!

From the Community

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.