Term 3 Week 4 Newsletter - Monday 11th August 2025

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Term 3 Week 4

Monday 11th August 2025

Thank you to the hundreds of parents and grandparents who visited our school last week. Seeing so many interested people within the school grounds: visiting the Library Book Fair, attending the parent information session, learning about learning in classrooms, enjoying morning tea and being entertained at the Open Day Assembly, is a clear testament to the supportive partnership we have at JPPS, between school and community. It was a wonderful celebration of Public Education Week.

Huge thanks to our bands and dance troupes, who entertained us so beautifully at the Open Day Assembly. Special thanks to band conductors, Ben Miesch and Anna Hibbins and our JPPS dance teachers, Adele Walters, Lana Nelson-Shine, Laura Davidson and Hayley Berry, who have spent so much of their time preparing polished performances.

Mrs Paris and I were thrilled to see a crowded hall, as we presented an overview of The Anxiety Project. The initiative has sparked keen interest and positive feedback from parents. If you haven’t already registered for the free, 3-session parent course, we are delivering in September, it’s not too late! Please refer to the fact sheet and information flier below or reach out to me or Mrs Paris, for further information.

Bullying behaviours are not accepted at school on any day. However, this Thursday, we are wearing purple to recognise and support this stance: Bullying No Way! The theme for 2025 is 'Be bold. Be kind. Speak up.' At JPPS, we want a school where everyone can belong, a school that celebrates everyone, and where bullying is never accepted. I have included the JPPS Student Behaviour Management Guidelines below, which outline the proactive steps we take at our school, to recognise and deal with unacceptable behaviours.

NAPLAN results for the assessments completed earlier in 2025, have been delivered to parents of Year 3 and Year 5 students. For the past two years, a revised scale has been used to describe student achievement in each NAPLAN assessment. Achievement is reported using proficiency levels for each assessment area: Reading, Writing, Numeracy, Language Conventions (Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation). The standards are set as a ‘reasonable expectation’ of what students know and can do at the time of testing. The proficiency levels are: 

• Exceeding: the student’s result exceeds expectations at the time of testing. 
• Strong: the student’s result meets challenging but reasonable expectations at the time of testing. 
• Developing: the student’s result indicates that they are working towards expectations at the time of testing.
• Needs additional support: the student’s result indicates that they are not achieving the learning outcomes that are expected at the time of testing. They are likely to need additional support to progress satisfactorily.

The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) reminds us that it is important to note that individual students may demonstrate different skills or understandings, depending on which parts of the tests they performed more strongly in. Students whose results fall near the top of a proficiency level will be able to demonstrate more of the skills, or more complex understanding. Students whose results fall near the lower end of a level will be able to demonstrate fewer of the skills, or less complex understanding. Parents have been provided summaries of these skills in the NAPLAN Individual Student Reports (ISRs).

This year, at John Purchase Public School, the proportion of Year 3 students who were Exceeding in Spelling and Grammar and Punctuation, is higher than similar school groups (using ICSEA – Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage).

In Year 3 Numeracy, >85% of students were in the Strong or Exceeding proficiency level.

In Year 3 Reading, >89% of students were in the Strong or Exceeding proficiency level.

In Year 3 Writing, >98% of students were in the Strong or Exceeding proficiency level.

This year, at John Purchase Public School, the proportion of Year 5 students who were Exceeding in Numeracy, Writing and Spelling, is higher than similar school groups (using ICSEA – Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage).

In Year 5 Numeracy, >97% of students were in the Strong or Excelling proficiency level.

In Year 5 Reading, >93% of students were in the Strong or Excelling proficiency level.

In Year 5 Writing, >95% of students were in the Strong or Excelling proficiency level.

While we are very proud of these high achievement levels, NAPLAN results have also flagged areas of need for some students, who may require additional support, or who are still working towards grade expectations at the time of testing. For these students, support is provided in classrooms, using differentiated strategies, or in some cases, by withdrawing students to experience small group tuition, in a designated focus area for a period of weeks.

We recognise that NAPLAN data is one snapshot of student performance, at a particular point in time. Parents are reminded that teachers use a variety of assessments to determine student progress and will be reporting Semester 2 academic achievements based on the body of evidence gleaned in Term 3 and Term 4.

If you ever require more information about your child’s progress, please remember that your child’s teacher is an excellent source of information and guidance.

I look forward to seeing members of our interested parent community, at tonight’s P & C meeting. Details appear further below.

Relieving Principal

Open Day Photo Gallery

JPPS Behaviour Support and Management Plan

Dancing Success 

Recently, Nirvi from 4ML delivered an outstanding debut Solo Jazz performance at Energy Express Eisteddfod at Burwood, securing an impressive third place in the competition. We are incredibly excited to see where her passion for dance takes her next.

Student Attendance - Every Day Matters (repeated)

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 4

Last Wednesday, we had the pleasure of hosting our Open Day—and what a fantastic event it was! It was truly heartwarming to see so many members of our school community come together to celebrate public education. From exploring classrooms to enjoying vibrant performances by our talented dance troupes and bands, the day was filled with joy, connection, and community spirit. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making the day so memorable.

This week, we take time to reflect on and actively participate in National Action Against Bullying Week. As shared in last week’s communication, this year’s theme is “Be Bold, Be Kind, Speak Up.” Each day of the week has a special focus, designed to help students understand the power they have to make a difference:

• Monday: Be Bold – You have the power to help
  Being bold doesn’t mean putting yourself at risk—it means choosing to do what’s right. Standing up against bullying sends a clear message that it won’t be accepted.
• Tuesday: Be Kind – Small actions make a big impact
  Acts of kindness create connections, and strong connections can help prevent bullying before it starts.
• Wednesday: Speak Up Against Bullying
  When we speak up, we become upstanders—people who choose to help rather than stand by silently.
• Thursday: Think Before You Speak
  Words matter. Whether spoken, typed, or posted, our words can either build someone up or tear them down. Let’s choose to lift others.
• Friday: Together We Can Stop Bullying – A Whole Community Approach
  The most effective way to stop bullying is by working together. Students, teachers, families, and friends all play a vital role in creating a supportive and safe school environment.

In support of this important campaign, we invite all students to wear a splash of purple on Thursday, 14th September. This small act is a powerful symbol of our shared commitment to fostering a kind, respectful, and inclusive school culture.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support. Together, we can make a real difference.

Irene Robbins
Relieving Deputy Principal

Congratulations Silver Award Recipients

Congratulations Gold Award Recipients

Congratulations Bronze Medallion Recipient

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?’
• Monday 11th August - P&C Meeting via zoom
• 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
  
• Monday 8th September - P&C Meeting via zoom
• Tuesday 9th September - Maths Olympiad
• Wednesday 3 September - 5pm to 7pm Parent Session 1 The Anxiety Project
• Wednesday 10 September - 5pm to 7pm Parent Session 2 The Anxiety Project
• Wednesday 17 September - 5pm to 7pm Parent Session 3 The Anxiety Project
• 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: 
Aspire: Be a good friend, include others and be kind

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:

Miya (KS), Oliver S (KS), Holly E-D (KS),Stella W (1/2R), Serena W (1/2R), Michael H (1/2R), Rose P-B (2B), Manya T (2-0),Aadvika K (3L), Toby S (3/4B), Isabella H (3/4B), Philipa Z (3/4B), Maggie L (3/4B), Satvik T (4B)

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.



Silver Award

These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur on Wednesday 20 August, under the COLA, at 1.25pm at the K-6 assembly. Parents are cordially invited to attend.

Congratulations:  Jeremy S (5/6B)

Gold Award

These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur on Wednesday 20 August, under the COLA, at 1.25pm at the K-6 assembly. Parents are cordially invited to attend.

Congratulations:  Kiran J (5D),Rihaan S 5D

Bronze Medallion

These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at on Wednesday 20 August, under the COLA, at 1.25pm at the K-6 assembly. 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 1.25pm, under the COLA, at our Open Day Assembly on Wednesday 20 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 1.25pm, under the COLA, at our Open Day Assembly on Wednesday 20 August. Parents are cordially invited to attend.

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

International Competitions and Assessments for Schools Information (ICAS)

ICAS assessments will be held before school and students need to arrive by 7:20am for assessments to start at 7:30am. If you have registered your child to sit one of these assessments, please see the relevant dates below as well as the location students are expected to go to, to undertake their assessment. Mrs. Walters will be at the canteen steps directing students to their allocated rooms where they will meet their supervising teachers.

Supervising teachers will be marking the roll at 7:25 am, any students who are late will miss out on participating due to the disruption it causes to participants. We will not be undertaking makeup assessments. 

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 Monday 11th August 2025

7pm via Microsoft Teams

Please join us online at 7pm for our JPPS P and C Meeting this evening.
All welcome.

Microsoft Teams Need help?J

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 477 367 340 751 3
Passcode: Sh7CM3Pf

FATHERS DAY STALL

Volunteer opportunities for 'Father's Day Stall 2025' are now open.

Please click on the following web link (or copy it into your web browser if clicking doesn't work) to go to the signup sheet:

volunteersignup.org/M39HB

To sign up, just follow the instructions on the page. It only takes a few seconds to do.

Thank you for volunteering!

Natalie Campbell
JPPS P&C

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

Volunteers needed:  Our school canteen is in URGENT need of volunteers to help keep it running smoothly!  especially on our busiest day--FRIDAY.  If you can spare time from 9.30am - 1.15pm once a month, please email jpps.canteen@gmail.com Thank you for your support!

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"

"Thank You" to every family who contributed to the "Can Do Food Drive".... a great effort!

Thank you  (on behalf of Cherrybrook Anglican Church)