Term 3 Week 2 Newsletter - Monday 28 July 2025

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Term 3 Week 2

Monday 28th July 2025

How wonderful to be back at JPPS! And what an especially poignant welcome back to school last week, with Kindergarten teachers recognising a significant milestone - 100 days at school for their students. Dress ups, parades, creative counting and picnic lunches with mums, dads and grandparents, were highlights for Kindergarten students, last Thursday. Thank you Miss Nelson and Miss Shine for coordinating the fun-filled day!

Our staff engaged in valuable professional learning during last Monday's School Development Day. We unpacked core components of the new PDHPE syllabus, comparing and contrasting content across all stages of learning. The second session entailed a further deep dive into Cultures of Thinking, as we discussed three guiding questions:

* What does it mean to be a reflective and resilient learner?

* How can we connect the concepts of being a reflective and resilient learner in the context of metacognition, intellectual courage and seeking truth and understanding? and

* What does a reflective and resilient learner look like and sound like in the classroom?

The third session of the School Development Day, focused on further learning about The Anxiety Project. Teachers will soon begin teaching explicit lessons from this evidenced-based whole school initiative. Parents are invited to hear more about The Anxiety Project at our parent forum in the hall, at 9:30am on Wednesday 6th August, which will also be Open Day at JPPS!

Last week, I emailed all parents to flag an important diary date - the 2025 Open Day activities at our school on Wednesday 6th August. Please refer to the flier below.

Our Assistant Principals and teachers have been busily creating term overviews and learning trajectories. Each stage's learning foci will be emailed to all parents today, to provide you all with a glimpse of the extensive curriculum content we cover at school. We hope you enjoy reading this important information about your child's learning program.

Have a positive week!

If you can be anything, be kind!

Adela King
Relieving Principal

Student Attendance - Every Day Matters

As part of your child's Semester 1 and Semester 2 report, we include the semester's attendance summary, imported from School Bytes.

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, at any day during the year. The attendance rate is calculated on the number of actual and partial days attended, as a percentage of the total possible school days for the term. 

If you need any assistance setting up or navigating the portal, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office administration team.

2025 Term Dates & Holidays 

We encourage student travel to be taken in school holiday periods, not during term time.

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.

• 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 3 Week 2

Welcome to Term 3!

We hope everyone had a wonderful winter break and enjoyed some special time with family and friends. As we begin Term 3, we’re excited for another term filled with rich learning experiences, personal growth, and a strong sense of community.

At JPPS, we value the importance of recognising and celebrating NAIDOC Week. Although it officially took place during the school holidays, the message remains meaningful. This year’s NAIDOC theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision, and Legacy,” invites us to reflect on the contributions and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, while encouraging us to think about how the next generation can carry this legacy forward.

In the classroom, students in 1/2R explored these powerful themes through discussion and reflection. They shared their thoughts on words like strength, vision, and legacy. Some of their reflections included:

• "Vision doesn't just mean seeing with your eyes; it can also be about imagining the future."
• "Maybe the next generation means the next person in the family who keeps the traditions going."
• "The picture on the NAIDOC poster looks like a boy growing up and looking ahead."
• "Growing together might mean growing in knowledge."

1/2R also had the opportunity to learn some words from the Dharug language, traditionally spoken in the Sydney Basin. Students were introduced to greetings such as “Worimi” (Hello) and “Worimi Ngani” (Hello, how are you?), along with words like “wora” (go far away), “budaryi” (good), and “wiri” (bad). Exploring these languages helps students appreciate the diversity of cultures that shape our nation.

In addition, students began learning the song “Mother Mountain” by Deborah Cheetham Fraillon and Jess Hitchcock. Inspired by the Dreamtime story of Gulaga (Mother Mountain) and her children, this beautiful piece encourages students to reflect on the importance of land, family, and cultural heritage.

Looking ahead, all Stage 1 students will take part in traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander games, including:

• Weme – A target-rolling game that builds precision.
• Kai – A cooperative play game that fosters teamwork.
• Kolap – A target game from Mer Island in the Torres Strait, dating back to the 1800s.
• Wulijini – A handball-style game from Bathurst Island that encourages both cooperation and friendly competition.

A big thank you to Miss Leamore for sharing 1/2R’s learning, and to the entire Stage 1 team, led by Mrs Townsend, for their continued commitment to honouring and teaching the rich cultural heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. These learning experiences help deepen our students’ understanding and respect for First Nations cultures and their vital place in Australia’s story.

As we move through Term 3, we encourage our students to embrace the values of strength, vision, and legacy—in their learning, friendships, and contributions to our school community.

Here’s to a fantastic term ahead filled with learning and growth.

Irene Robbins
Relieving Deputy Principal

Term 3 Diary Dates 

• Monday 4th – Friday 8th August Book Fair – Public Education Week
• Wednesday 6th August Open Day Program at JPPS including 11:25am K-6 Assembly under COLA
• Wednesday 6th August - Parent Master Class ‘What’s new at JPPS?’
• Tuesday 12th August - ICAS English
• Thursday 14th August - National Week of Action - Bullying NO WAY ‘Be Bold, Be Kind, Speak up’ Mufti-day (wear purple)
• Sunday 17th August - Dance Spectacular competition for JPPS Dance Troupes
• Tuesday 19th August – Year 6 Mufti Day Fundraiser - Theme ‘Twins/Multiples’
• Wednesday 20th August - 1:35pm K-6 Assembly under COLA
• Friday 22th August - Last day of Winter PSSA
• Tuesday 26th August - Dance Troupes – Hawkesbury Eisteddfod
• Wednesday 27th August - ICAS Mathematics
• Thursday 28th August - K-6 Assembly Stage 3 performing
• Friday 29 August - PSSA Winter finals
• Sunday 31 August - Dance Troupes Hills Spectacular
• Tuesday 2nd September - Kindergarten 2026 Parent Meeting at school 9am or 6pm via Microsoft Teams
• Thursday 4th September - Zone Athletics Carnival at Sydney Olympic Park
• Friday 5th September - ES1 and Stage 1 Science Incursion
  
• Tuesday 9th September - Maths Olympiad
• Wednesday 10th September - Year 5 Leadership Day
• Friday 12th September - Summer PSSA resumes
• Thursday 18th September 9:30am K-6 Assembly and Book Character Parade
• Tuesday 23rd September 10:30am Principal’s Morning Tea in Hall
• Wednesday 24 September – 11am Bronze Medallion Morning Tea in Principal’s Office
• Friday 26 September - Last day of Term 3

Our School Expectations

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

This week's expectation is: Walk and exit sensibly using the correct pathways

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:

Isabella  C (KS), Ella N (KNO), Sarah B (KNO), Lavanya K (1T), Ezra T (1T), Ruby K (1/2R), Bella Z (1/2R), Yu W (2B) x 2, Jasinta Z (3L)

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 3 Principal's Morning Tea, for Bronze Award recipients. This special event will be held Tuesday 23 September at 10.30am, in the school hall. Parents are cordially invited to attend.

Nathan P (1/2R), Dhiti S (2B), Shivanyaa A (3ES), Mivaan L (3N), Stella C (4B)

Silver Award

These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 11.25am, under the COLA, at our Open Day Assembly on Wednesday 6 August. Parents are cordially invited to attend.

Reyaan S (4ML)

Gold Award

These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 11.25am, under the COLA, at our Open Day Assembly on Wednesday 6 August. Parents are cordially invited to attend.

Hashika K (5DM)

Bronze Medallion

These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 11.25am, under the COLA, at our Open Day Assembly on Wednesday 6 August. Parents are cordially invited to attend.

A morning tea for Term 3 Bronze Medallion recipients will be held in the principal's office at recess on Wednesday 24 September at 11am.

Silver Medallion

These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 11.25am, under the COLA, at our Open Day Assembly on Wednesday 6 August. Parents are cordially invited to attend.

Gold Medallion

These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 11.25am, under the COLA, at our Open Day Assembly on Wednesday 6 August. Parents are cordially invited to attend.

JPPS Library Book Fair The JPPS Library Book Fair will be held in Week 3 this term and will be supplied by Scholastic. Please see the information regarding Education Week and Open Day for the updated opening times. There will be plenty of fiction, non fiction, diaries, journals and activity books - as well as crazy stationery and posters! Both cash and credit cards will be accepted, or payments can be made online if you are unable to attend. Fill out the Pre-Payment form and hand in to the Library! See this catalogue for a complete list of the books and items that can be preordered. We hope to see you there! 2025 JPPS Library Book Fair Catalogue.xlsxPre-Payment Form

NSW Premier's Reading Challenge The NSW PRC will be wrapping up this term and has been extended for students until Friday 19 September 2025 (Week 9). Well done to the 134 students who have completed the Challenge so far! All students who complete the Challenge before the end date will receive a Purchase Pride award and a personalised bookmark as a reward for their efforts. Their names are also on display on their class bookshelf in the Library!

K-2 | 30 books

3-6 | 20 books

Books read should be from the list of approved books for their age range or above. All students are able to add up to 10 Personal Choice titles to their list. Please note that only 5 books from a same series can be counted and any PRC books below their age level will also be considered a Personal Choice book. These are to be entered online through the NSW PRC Student Experience site, which can also be found via your child's Student Portal. For more information, please see Mrs Chapman in the Library.
Renee ChapmanTeacher Librarian

Kind regards,
Mrs Renee Chapman | Teacher Librarian

SPORTS REPORT Winter PSSA results

Stage 2 vs Cherrybrook Public School

Soccer
JPPS Boys 0 lost to CPS 3
JPPS Girls 0 lost to CPS 3
 
Netball 
JPPS Boys 4 lost against CPS 5
JPPS Girls 3 lost against CPS 14
 
Stage 3 vs West Pennant Hills Public School

Soccer
JPPS Boys 2 won against WPHPS 0
JPPS Girls 0 lost against WPHPS 4
 
Netball
JPPS Boys 9 lost to WPHPS 27
JPPS Girls 16 lost to WPHPS 31

Laura Davidson
Sports Co-ordinator

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.

JPPS UNIFORM SHOP

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.

FROM THE CANTEEN

Thank you - A massive thank you to the mums who helped out at the canteen for the Athletics Carnival last Thursday.  Without the help of our volunteers, it would not be possible to provide a canteen service at the carnival so we are very grateful for the help we received on the day.  A special mention of thanks to Mr Morris for volunteering his time on the bbq for the carnival.


Volunteers needed:  The canteen is also in URGENT need of volunteers to help keep it running smoothly!  We have a few days where we desperately need an extra helper - specifically Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. If you can spare time from 9.30am - 1.15pm once a month, please email jpps.canteen@gmail.com

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.

A MESSAGE FROM THEIRCARE OOSH SERVICE

TheirCare is an experienced Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) company with 495 services nationally. TheirCare was founded in 2017 and provides a stimulating and safe environment for all children in OSHC. During sessions, children develop life-skills, friendships, confidence, and creativity through play-based programs. We look forward to starting the TheirCare service with an official start date of Monday 21^st July - 2025. An online information night is scheduled on Tuesday 1^st July – 5.30pm (details attached) so families can meet the team and to find out about registrations, times and bookings for the service.

🎉 Ready to Jump In? Let’s Get Started!

Not enrolled yet for OSHC? No stress—it’s super quick and easy to sign up! Just click here and get started.

📝 A Few Quick Checks Before You Finish:

To help us create the best experience for your child, please double-check these details during enrolment:

• ✅ Emergency contacts – make sure we have someone to call if needed
• ✅ Medical information – including allergies, medications, or health conditions
• ✅ Any diagnoses – like asthma, anaphylaxis, or other important info

This info helps us keep your child safe, supported, and smiling throughout their time with us.💬 Got Questions? We’re Here to Help! Our friendly Customer Support Team is available Monday to Friday, 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM (AEST) 📞 1300 072 410📧 info@theircare.com.au

We can’t wait to welcome your family to TheirCare!

Please also refer to the flyers below for further information.

2025 "CAN DO FOOD DRIVE"

Monday July 28 to Friday August 8 

The Cherrybrook Anglican church is having a "Food Drive".

There is a box in the John Purchase School front office for anyone who would like to contribute any food items as per above notice

Thank you  (on behalf of Cherrybrook Anglican Church)