Translate

Term 2 Week 6 Newsletter - Monday 2nd June 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.

PLEASE NOTE THE NEXT NEWSLETTER WILL BE PUBLISHED ON MONDAY 16 JUNE, DUE TO THE KING'S BIRTHDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY ON 9 JUNE

Term 2 Week 6

NEW RESOURCES FOR PARENTS

The parent and carer information hub has new resources to help parents and carers take action to support their child’s development in the first 5 years of life.

We encourage you to explore the new content at https://www.nsw.gov.au/family-and-relationships/early-child-development

The resources and videos include tips and easy-to-follow activities parents and carers can do at playtime, mealtime and bedtime to help give them the best start in life. There are resources for different ages including newborn, baby, toddler and preschool.

The hub also features:

information, services and resources on health, learning, education and wellbeing
a dedicated section for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families
resources for children, parents and carers with disability
a language translation tool and hearing and speech assistance.

The campaign aims to drive engagement with the content and drive traffic to the hub. You can also watch and share the wonderful video via YouTubeExternal link.

National Reconciliation Week

ACKNOWLEDGING ABORIGINAL PERSPECTIVES

John Purchase Public School acknowledges and pays respects to the Aboriginal peoples of this area for caring for the land on which our school now stands. We pay our respects to the Elders past, present and emerging. Although Aboriginal perspectives are woven into the learning of our students in units of work they complete, this week we acknowledge and reflect upon two very significant dates in the calendar of our country. National Sorry Day (26 May) and National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June).

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

The dates for National Reconciliation Week are the same each year; 27 May to 3 June.

These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.

27 May 1967 On this day, Australia’s most successful referendum saw more than 90 per cent of Australians vote to give the Australian Government power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and recognise them in the Census.

3 June 1992 On this day, the Australian High Court delivered the Mabo decision, the culmination of Eddie Koiki Mabo’s challenge to the legal fiction of ‘terra nullius’ (land belonging to no one) and leading to the legal recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of lands. This decision paved the way for Native Title.

It is important for Reconciliation to live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This week, we acknowledge National Reconciliation Week (NRW). In National Reconciliation Week, we honour the work of previous generations and remind ourselves of the obligation we share for future generations. Our voices will help contribute to a more reconciled Australia.

About the theme

The National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 2025 theme, Bridging Now to Next, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future. Bridging Now to Next calls on all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us. In the #NRW2025 theme artwork created by Kalkadoon woman Bree Buttenshaw, native plants − which are known for regenerating after fire and thriving through adversity − symbolise our collective strength and the possibilities of renewal. This is a time for growth, reflection, and commitment to walking together. Australia’s history of reconciliation is not a linear one, we have made great strides and experienced disappointing setbacks. Twenty-five years ago, Corroboree 2000 brought together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous leaders in a historic call for reconciliation. We continue that work in 2025, inviting all Australians to join us in Bridging Now to Next – building a more united and respectful nation. (From Reconciliation Australia Website)

Dancing to Victory – Eva Shines on Stage!

We are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Eva, who recently performed her very first Lyrical solo at the Energy Express Eisteddfod in Pennant Hills. Competing in the Modern Lyrical Solos 8 Years & Under category, Eva was awarded 1st place among six competitors — an incredible result for her solo performance!

Earlier this month, on 4 May, Eva also received 1st place for the same solo at the St George Dance Eisteddfod in the Lyrical Solos 8 Years & Under category.

These accomplishments mark a very special milestone for Eva and are a wonderful reflection of her dedication, hard work, and passion for dance. Well done, Eva!

Kiss and Drop Zone – Safety First!

To keep our students safe and traffic flowing smoothly, please follow these important guidelines when using the Kiss and Drop area:

Always slow down and be prepared to stop at the school pedestrian crossing. Never queue across it—this blocks visibility and endangers children and carries a fine over $500 and the loss of 2 demerit points
Do not queue at the back of the Kiss and Drop zone. If it’s full, continue driving around the block or the next roundabout until space becomes available. Otherwise you are blocking the traffic behind you.
Stay within 3 metres of your vehicle and limit drop-off or pick-up to under 2 minutes. If you stay in the zone beyond 2 minutes you can be booked. If your child is not waiting, please go around the block or roundabout, so that other parents can pick up their children.

Please refer to the information below for further information.

Let’s work together to keep our school zone safe for everyone.

Parking_Brochure_English.pdf

NEW OOSH SERVICE - ENROL NOW! (repeated)

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.

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 Relieving Deputy Principal

Term 2 Week 6

Monday 2 June 2025

Dear Parents and Carers

Last week we embraced National Reconciliation Week with a series of engaging activities that encouraged our students to reflect on our shared history and the importance of reconciliation. This year’s theme, “Bridging Now to Next,” inspiring us to connect the past with our future, fostering understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

In 4B they began their week by discussing the significance of the dates that are celebrated during Reconciliation Week, which commemorate two landmark milestones in Australia’s reconciliation journey – the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision. These discussions helped our students deepen their understanding of the ongoing importance of these events, in shaping our nation’s history.

One of the highlights of their week was holding a Yarning Circle, where students shared their thoughts on what they learned about ‘Reconciliation’ and how they can contribute to the journey of reconciliation in the future. This inclusive space allowed everyone to express their ideas and reflect on the importance of listening and learning from each other.

As part of the activities, 4B also participated in a community installation art project that showcased the theme ‘Bridging Now to Next’. This artwork serves as a visual reminder of their commitment to reconciliation and the part we all play in the journey moving forward.

In another Yarning Circle, students also explored the deep connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have with the natural environment. They discussed the concept of land ownership, learning that for many Indigenous cultures, it is not about owning the land, but rather being a part of it. To appreciate this connection, 4B took a moment to sit quietly, listen to the gentle sounds of nature around them – the rustling of leaves and the songs of birds – fostering gratitude for the beautiful and treasured environment we share and the responsibility we have to protect it for future generations.

4B hope that by sharing their learning, they can inspire others to think deeply about what it means to reconcile and that together, we continue to bridge the gap between the past and the future for all.

Thank you Mrs Button, for sharing 4B’s powerful learning.

Irene Robbins
Deputy Principal (Rel)

My New Gallery

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: Follow the rules of the game

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:

Hayley C (KNO),Skylar X (KNO), Emma C (1KR), Logan (2B), Audrey L (4D), Hayden T (4D)

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: