Term 4 Week 3 Newsletter 2021
From the Principal
OUR NEWSLETTER CAN BE TRANSLATED INTO MANY DIFFERENT LANGUAGES EACH WEEK BY SELECTING THE PREFERRED LANGUAGE IN THE DROP DOWN MENU ABOVE
A WARM WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL!
How exciting it was to welcome kindy and Year 1 students back to school this morning.
It was especially exciting to see the children playing, laughing and learning together, face to face, after 12 weeks of home learning.
We know that school is the best place to be for young children to learn together, with their teachers.
Take a look at what I saw from each of the classroom windows.
Our Kindy and Year 1 Students
WE ARE MAKING A BIG EFFORT TO MAKE OUR SCHOOL AS SAFE AS WE CAN
Take a look at the measures that we have in place to facilitate safety on the return to school. We are very appreciative of the support our parent community give us.
STUDENTS SHARE THEIR THINKING
Year 6 students have been reflecting on the pandemic from a personal, community and global perspective. They then reflected on how their thinking has changed over time. I'm sure you will agree, there is some insightful thinking here!
We are Ready to Support Students' Return to School
As mentioned in last week's newsletter, the teachers have participated in professional learning around how we can best support students' return to school. School leaders have also participated in training, exploring related themes. These have been some of the key messages:
While we understand that being face to face with peers and teachers provides an optimal learning environment, let's not assume that home learning during the lokdown period was all doom and gloom. John Hattie sites 14 studies and found some good news stories about home learning:
- Results from 2020 to 2021 did not show a decline in student learning.
- Attendance rates during home learning were high, with students uploading the work required.
- Challenges were met in a collbaorative and respectful way between home and the school.
- Parents gained insight into their children's learning.
- New skills, such as use of technology applications, were developed by students and staff.
- Some students found online learning to be more efficient.
- Students who were typically quiet at school increased the contributions they made and were more engaged.
We know that :
- Some students can't wait to return to school while others may feel fearful or anxious.
- Some students enjoyed the learning from home experience, while others did not.
- We can prepare students for the return (please refer to guidelines below which were also published last week in the newsletter).
- We can support students with a range of strategies, including:
- acknowledging and listening to students' feelings and concerns
- taking time to specifically re-establish routines and expectations
- creating a balance between learning and wellbeing in the first few weeks
- focusing on rebuilding connections
- supporting students who have struggled with learning from home
- noticing changes in behaviour and offer support where necessary
- harnessing students' IT skills
The table below shows what students in the research considered to be the best things and worst things about home learning.
Source: Hattie (2021) What we have learnt from COVID and how we can apply our new learning. Paper presented at the Victoria Education State Principals Conference, August 2021
STAY UP TO DATE WITH SZAPP
As mentioned in last week's newsletter, we will now be using SZAPP to send out updates and notifications and we encourage all of our families to download this app onto your phones. This will replace use of the Skoolbag app, effective today, 18th October.
ANAPHYLAXIS: CHANGES TO ASCIA ACTION PLANS
ASCIA have released updated versions of ASCIA Action Plans (2021). Current ASCIA Action Plans are valid for use throughout 2021 and are to be updated to the latest version when your child has their next review by the child’s doctor.
The updated ASCIA Action Plan form has been emailed out to parents of students with anaphylaxis and these are also available on the ASCIA website. Please return the revised form to the school office, once it is completed and signed by the doctor.
PLANNING FOR 2022: REPEATED FROM LAST WEEK
If your child is leaving the school at the end of this year or returning to school late at the beginning of 2022, please complete the relevant Google Form in the blue box below.
Successfully Transitioning Students Back to School
These are repeated from last week.
It has been more than three months since the majority of our students have been to school. Some children will feel excited to be back while others may feel indifferent and some may feel anxious. Read the helpful articles below for some sensible advice around supporting your children return to school. There are six separate articles. These are from Parenting Ideas, NSW Health (including the Got It team) and the DoE. They contain some great advice about preparing for the return, communicating with your child, re-estabishing routines and saying goodbye at the gate. It's not too early to start preparing now, so take a look at what the experts are saying.
Until next week, keep safe, happy and well!
Mrs Leonie Black
From the Deputy Principal
It's Week 3 and Kindergarten and Year 1 students are returning on site! A special welcome back to these students! How exciting!
Our staff attended professional development last week, in order to prepare for students returning to school. It was quite concerning to hear about some of the negative aspects of an extended lockdown.
Many students, across all local government areas, have spent lots of time 'gaming' during the lockdown period and may find it hard to put down the 'controller', as we return to face-to-face learning. Rose Glassock (DoE psychologist) has put together the information attached below, for teachers and parents to use to help young people review and reset their gaming/online time. It is aimed at young people who may need to readjust their gaming use with the return to school and parents who may need help in managing this. It does not address those students with significant gaming use/gaming addiction.
As always, please speak to your child's teacher, in the first instance, if you have any particular concerns.
Regards
Mrs Adela King
Deputy Principal
Cyberbullying and online behaviour
Sadly, some staff have reported issues caused by students using the internet inappropriately at home, in the first instance.
We recognise that it is not an easy task, especially in times of lockdown, however, a parent’s role in monitoring their child’s online activity is vital. Children may not always tell adults about cyberbullying through fear they may overreact and make the situation worse. Cyberbullying behaviour might include:
- abusive texts and emails
- hurtful messages, images or videos
- imitating others online
- excluding others online
- humiliating others online
- spreading nasty online gossip and chat
- creating fake accounts to trick someone or humiliate them
Please refer to information from the eSafety Commissioner at:
https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/cyberbullying
Parents are encouraged to watch for these signs:
- being upset after using the internet or their mobile phone
- changes in personality, becoming more withdrawn, anxious, sad or angry
- appearing more lonely or distressed
- unexpected changes in friendship groups
- a decline in their school work
- changes in their sleep patterns
- avoidance of school or clubs
- a decline in their physical health
- becoming secretive about their online activities and mobile phone use
Please speak to your child's teacher, if you have any concerns about the issues raised above.
What are our SRC reps up to?
Everyone knows that lockdown isn’t the best thing in life. Everyone is probably feeling bored and lonely during this pandemic, and that’s totally normal. Many things are different during this time, but we must always look on the bright side of life, even when things aren’t fun and happy. You could find a new hobby during lockdown, or you could call your friends! Anything that you desire can be done!
Lockdown isn’t the most fun thing in life, but there are some advantages that come with it. You can spend more time with family, read more books or maybe even watch more TV! There are always things to do in lockdown! I have been experiencing lockdown like the fun side of life. I have been camping in the car, which seems like a strange thing to do but trust me, it’s fun and exciting! I have taken advantage of lockdown to do more of the things I love. I have played some sports in my backyard like AFL and cricket! I have practised more dancing and gymnastics during lockdown. I have also called my friends and had many conversations with them. I have attended activities on zoom which have made me more active and happier. These are some of the things that make life exciting during lockdown! You may go bike riding with a friend or even go camping in your own backyard! There are many things to do in lockdown although you may not see it.
The best thing about lockdown is that you can spend more time with family, take a break whenever it is needed and do more of the things that you love! These are some of the advantages that have helped me cope through lockdown. Always remember to do what you love!
Ellen C 3P
During Covid lockdown, I’ve been mostly happy because I get to play with my siblings and half of the time, I forget that Covid really exists. I like to play with my siblings because they are funny in an unusual way and very playful. Many people think about the dark and unhappy side of Covid, but I think of the bright side. I get to spend more time with my family and have big family video calls altogether with my uncles, aunties, cousins, and grandparents, from both my parents’ sides.
Out of all the things that are happening, Covid won’t stop me, because I can come up with my own fun games or build fun and creative objects. My siblings and I play games like Roblox, Among Us and our most favourite game is Extreme Hide and Seek. For me, Covid is not bad because I can play with my siblings but sometimes when I go to sleep, I do think of how Covid is attacking and affecting people, and I pray for everyone’s safety and good health and that this disaster will end soon, once and for all.
During the school holidays I go to the park for walks and bike rides with my dad and siblings. We go to different parks around the area each day. My sister and I have bike races, in which we go as fast as lightning, and I love the wind blowing into my face. My mum organised playdates with my best friend Adam and his brother Elian. We ate McDonalds every day for lunch and practised our soccer skills. When my sister and I raced, Adam jumped in too. We had picnics with all my cousins, whom I hadn’t seen in forever and it was the best day of my life. We played in the playground and enjoyed the warm sun. My cousins, Adam and I, raced around the park on our bikes and had too much fun, our brains exploded.
I miss everyone and look forward to seeing all of you in my class, JPPS and my teachers next week. I hope everyone is safe, healthy, and happy.
Clynton L 3P
Hi JPPS Students and Parents!
“Keep your head to the sunshine, and you can’t see the shadows.”
This quote, by Helen Keller, is a reminder to all of us to stay positive and always look at the bright side in life.
You can find happiness spending time with family or just outside playing. Lockdown helped me make new friends in my neighbourhood that I didn’t get a chance to know or play with before. I also like biking for an hour or two, and enjoy the breeze blowing on my face, because even Covid can’t take away these small pleasures in life.
Lego
Online learning
Chatting
Kahoot
Dancing
Online games
Wake up late
No routine
All the best. See you at school next week!
Armaan H 3N
Hi! I’m Emily.
I love going outside and being active, so during this lockdown I’ve been spending a lot of time in my garden!
I practise acro moves, like cartwheels, bridges, walkovers, backbends and handstands! Sometimes, me and my friends call on Messenger Kids and do it together! I live near Greenway. Sometimes, my friends walk past and we can talk through the fence, if I catch their attention.
Sometimes, really weird things happen. For example, it hailed and then me and my sister ran outside afterwards and collected the hailstones! (They are now in the freezer!)
There’s loads to do out there! I scoot up and down the verandah and loop around the table! I play football with my sister and parents. I love shooting goals. We planted sunflowers, but I’m still waiting for them to sprout. I’ve even been able to get in the pool a couple of times, when it’s not too cold.
There’s still hope! Stay safe from COVID everyone.
Emily S 3G
Where is Johnny Purchase? Chapter 9
Johnny Purchase is so excited to see Kindergarten and Year 1 students back at school. Welcome back!
Expectation of the Week
Respect: Listen to others speaking
Congratulations to all students, demonstrating our school expectations of Respect, Responsibility and Aspire.
Purchase Pride Badges
When students receive ten Purchase Pride award cards, these should be left in Mrs King’s ‘award shelf’ in the administration corridor. The ten awards need to be bundled together and clearly labelled with the student’s name and current class. Purchase Pride cards have a tear off strip. This strip may be removed by the recipient and placed in the appropriate stage box outside Mrs King’s office, to go in the lucky dip draw for a canteen voucher. Badge recipients, whose names have already been published, will be presented with their awards when we all return to school.
Class Awards System
JPPS has an incremental class awards system. When a student has received ten class awards, these should be left on Mrs King’s ‘award shelf’ in the administration corridor. The ten class awards need to be bundled together and clearly labelled with the student’s name, current class and award level reached:
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!
A clear, snap lock bag is ideal for this purpose!
With the exception of Bronze Awards (which are published at the end of the term and presented at a Principal’s morning tea for students and parents), all awards received by 3pm on Thursday afternoons, are ‘stamped’ and published in the next school newsletter, which is usually on the following Monday. At this time, I indicate when these awards will be presented at the next Thursday afternoon assembly.
Students need to be responsible for their own awards, as replacements are not issued. Please note: During the learning from home period, teachers are issuing awards remotely and they will present these to students, when we all return to school.
HPG Applications
In 2022, we plan to provide High Potential and Gifted (HPG) classes at our school. The quantity and structure of the classes will be dependent on student numbers in Stages 2 and 3, as well as staff available next year.
Selection of students for HPG classes, is based on test performances and the availability of places within the classes formed at JPPS in 2022.
At the end of last term, I emailed application forms and further information to parents of the current Year 2, Year 3, Year 4 and Year 5 students.
If you would like your child to be considered for HPG class placement in 2022, he/she must participate in the assessment program at our school. Application forms should be returned to the school office via email by 3pm Monday 1st November, 2021. No late applications will be accepted. All candidates who have submitted their applications by the due date, will be tested on site, at school, over two weeks, commencing Monday 15th November 2021. All assessments will be completed during school hours, at flexible times determined by the coordinator, pending Covid guidelines at that time.
Our John Purchase community is representative of many cultural backgrounds. Parents please be advised that the SBS portal provides Coronavirus information and updates translated into 60 different languages. I have shared the link below.
From the Teachers
Kindergarten 2022
Do you have a child enrolling in Kindergarten at John Purchase Public School in 2022?
With the year flying by, it is time to start thinking about Kindergarten enrolment for 2022.
If your child will be starting Kindergarten at John Purchase Public School in 2022 please go to the link below and complete the online school enrolment application.
https://enrol.education.nsw.gov.au/#/?schoolCode=4572
Dates and details regarding information evenings and transition will be provided in the coming months.
We look forward to welcoming our new students to John Purchase Public School in 2022!
Miss Claire Eiffert
Relieving Early Stage One Assistant Principal
ICAS 2021 UPDATE
The ICAS sitting window has been extended until the end of November. Students who have registered for the ICAS tests will sit these tests once face-to-face learning resumes, and specified dates will be published in an upcoming newsletter. The period for registration in the tests closed last term, and students are no longer able to register to sit the tests if they have not already done so. I will notify parents of any further updates.
Miss Brennan
ICAS Coordinator
EXCITING LIBRARY NEWS - BORROWING IS BACK
Next week library classes will resume with borrowing. Please have a good look at home to find any JPPS Library books you have and bring them back to school next week so that you can borrow again. Remember there are many wonderful new books to try that you have seen in our video library lessons.
P&C News
Our School Canteen
*Week 3 (commencing Monday 18 October) – canteen closed
*Week 4 (commencing next Monday 25 October) – canteen re-opens under the following guidelines:
- Lunch orders should be placed online using the flexi schools system.
- Students will not be permitted to queue at the canteen windows before school time to order lunches.
- Any ‘manual’ lunch orders (i.e. pre-ordered in paper bags with cash enclosed) will need to be taken to the classroom, when students arrive. These orders will be collected by staff at 9am and taken to the canteen.
- Allocated school staff will be distributing lunch orders to classrooms.
- As we are required to limit interactions between student cohorts, each grade will be given one ten-minute timeslot during recess or lunch time, to purchase additional treats at the canteen. Food/drink available will be limited, dependent on supplies in stock (e.g. popcorn, ice blocks).
- Students are encouraged to bring their own recess to school, as the canteen will not be open to all students at recess.
Mrs Adela King
UNIFORM SHOP UPDATE
The Uniform Shop will be able to process online orders from October 18th to supply summer uniform requirements.
Please order online on the uniform shop website.
The link is https://uniforms.jppspandc.org.au/
As there are still Covid restrictions applying to the school grounds, parents and caregivers can collect their online order from the Purchase Road front gate (GATE 3), on the usual Uniform Shop days of Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
I will be down at the gate from 8:00AM to 8:30AM on these days. Don’t forget to wear a mask and to socially distance as you wait to collect your order, thanks.
Please call or email me if you have a question, otherwise I’ll look forward to seeing you at the school gate.
S A R A H N I C H O L S
Uniform Shop Manager | John Purchase Public School
jpps.uniform@gmail.com.au | 0412 987 027
P&C October General Meeting
Dear Parents and Carers of JPPS
Welcome back to the final school term of 2021.
We hope the day went well for those that returned back to the classroom today!
You are all welcome to join our October General Meeting via Zoom tonight at 7pm.
JPPS P&C
Andrew Yager is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Time: Oct 18, 2021 07:00 PM Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
Join Zoom Meeting
https://rwts-au.zoom.us/j/88034033279?pwd=eWhnTjhKZFhKbHhyclJCdElWT2Yydz09
Meeting ID: 880 3403 3279
Passcode: 962446
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