Term 4 Week 2 Newsletter - Monday 20th October 2025

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Term 4 Week 2

Welcome

Thank you to all the parents, carers, staff, and students who have made me feel so welcome in my first week as Principal of John Purchase Public School. It has been wonderful to meet so many families and students at the gates and in the playground each morning and afternoon. I am proud to lead a school where our students approach learning with curiosity and enthusiasm, something I see as I visit classrooms. Our teachers also share this dedication, working together to ensure every student is supported to grow and succeed.

Over the week, I have had the opportunity to connect with our school community and look forward to building strong, collaborative partnerships founded on clear communication and shared celebrations as we achieve together.

This term, I will be reflecting on our school vision and current School Excellence Plan. I will be focusing on how our strategic directions – Student Growth and Attainment, Student Agency, and Impactful Practice – support the ongoing growth and excellence of learning, teaching, and leadership at John Purchase Public School.

I look forward to a highly productive and exciting Term 4.

Kindergarten Orientation

Tomorrow, we look forward to welcoming our 2026 Kindergarten students and their families to the first of three orientation sessions. This is an exciting, though sometimes nerve-wracking, time for both students and families as they take their first steps into ‘big school’. Kindergarten orientation is an important transitional step, supporting a healthy and positive start by helping both parents and students become familiar with the classroom environment and develop a clear understanding of what to expect at JPPS.

For parents who have not yet enrolled their child for kindergarten in 2026, please be sure to complete an online enrolment using the following link: https://education.nsw.gov.au/schooling/parents-and-carers/choosing-a-school-setting/enrolment

Road Safety

The beginning of a new term is a timely reminder for us all to prioritise road safety around our school. By taking care and following safe travel practices, we help keep every member of our school community safe.

Parents and carers are responsible for ensuring their child’s safety on the journey. Many JPPS students and their families walk to and from school each day.

Our school crossing on Purchase Road is particularly busy during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up times. We encourage all families to be safe, active travellers and to model safe road behaviour for children.

If you are walking to school with your child, please remember to:

• Always hold your child’s hand when crossing the road or walking on the footpath
• Choose a safe place to cross the road
• Stop! Look! Listen! Think! every time you cross
• Follow the direction of the School Crossing Supervisor, wait until they have stopped the traffic and called you to cross.

Drivers are reminded to take extra care around the school and to observe the flags displaying ‘CHILDREN CROSSING’. If you are driving, you must not proceed until the School Crossing Supervisor’s hand-held sign is no longer displayed, or until the crossing supervisor indicates that you may proceed through the crossing. Drivers must slow down and stop before the crossing line when a pedestrian is on or waiting to cross and remain stopped until all pedestrians have safely crossed.

For our community using the Kiss and Drop Area the following rules must be observed:

• You can stop for a maximum of two minutes to drop off or pick up passengers.
• Stay with your vehicle
• Ensure your child exits on the kerb side.
• Do not block others: If your child isn't ready within two minutes, you must drive around the block and re-enter the queue to allow others to use the zone.
• Follow signs.

Student Achievement

At JPPS, we take great pride in recognising student success across both academic and extracurricular pursuits. This week, we’re thrilled to celebrate Pradeep (4B) for his outstanding performance in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Pradeep recently competed in the Grappling Industries BJJ Competition, participating with incredible sportsmanship, determination, and skill. Competing in the Grey Belt Under 9 category against 14 other talented participants, he completed six intense matches, winning five and conceding only two points across the entire event. His impressive efforts earned him a well-deserved bronze medal.

A huge congratulations to Pradeep on this fantastic achievement — we are so proud of you!

Student Achievement

Congratulations to Queena, Hannah, Caitlin, Indiana, Eva, and Aurora, who competed in the BJP Physical Culture Annual Junior Team Competition on Saturday, 18 October.

We are thrilled to share that they placed 1st in their section—an outstanding achievement! Their success is a testament to the dedication, teamwork, and practice they’ve put in. They have every reason to be proud of both their individual and team efforts. Well done, team!

Student Attendance - Every Day Matters (repeated)

If your child is absent from school, a member of the administrative team will send you a text message or email. Parents are encouraged to respond to these messages as soon as possible, to avoid absences being recorded as unjustified.

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. 

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

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

Term 4 Week 2

Monday 20th October 2025

Dear Parents and Carers

A very warm welcome back to school, for Term 4. I trust that you all had a chance to explore some 'radical downtime'! It has been lovely to see our students immediately engaging with a myriad of fascinating learning programs.

Sincere thanks to Mrs Robbins, who fulfilled the role of relieving deputy principal, so capably for me, last term.

The student leadership process for 2026, has now formally commenced and I am including a copy of the JPPS School Leaders' Code of Conduct and Selection Criteria for all the community, below.

We look forward to welcoming our Kindergarten 2026 students at school tomorrow morning, on the first of three orientation-to-school visits.

Parents are cordially invited to the K-6 Assembly, this Wednesday, commencing at 1:35pm, under the COLA. Kindergarten students will be performing at this assembly. 

Term 4 is always filled with so many key events. As is usually my practice, to assist your planning, I have summarised important dates for your diaries below. Parents also now have access to the School Bytes digital calendar, for ease of reference.

If you can be anything, be kind!

Have a positive week!

Adela King
Deputy Principal

3ES Learning Outdoors

Last week, it was lovely to see students from 3ES, enjoying the opportunity of reading in the shade outdoors, in such glorious weather! Some of them are pictured below.

Congratulations Term 3 Bronze Award Recipients

Congratulations to the students who received their Bronze Award at the Principal's Morning Tea, with Mrs King, held at the end of last term.

HPGE (High Potential and Gifted Education) - repeated

The NSW Department of Education recognises that high potential and gifted students require support to optimise their growth and achievement. Professor François Gagné suggests that potential exists along a continuum, where, given optimal conditions, high potential can lead to high performance and achievement. Gagné outlines that students may exhibit potential in one or more domains including intellectual, creative, social-emotional, and physical.

At John Purchase Public School, we offer a rich and varied educational program, combining academic, cultural and social opportunities, designed to assist each student to fully develop his or her skills, in a happy and supportive classroom environment.

We believe that high potential and gifted students benefit from:

· an opportunity to learn with their like-ability peers;

· an opportunity to experience a rigorous and challenging curriculum;

· experiencing high cognitive tasks and

· being supported in their special interests and talents.

John Purchase Public School is staffed by supportive teachers, who plan both skills-based and critical thinking programs, to address syllabus requirements. High potential and gifted students benefit from participating in learning that is rigorous and incorporates extension and enrichment activities. These activities allow students to extend basic concepts and to connect their personal interests within a differentiated curriculum. All John Purchase Public School staff are committed to providing an outstanding education. Learning programs are based on NSW syllabuses. However, the content of our special programs within the high potential and gifted classes, are further differentiated to meet the needs of these students. Planned teaching strategies include:

· compacting of the curriculum

· basic skills expansion

· higher order thinking

· student choice

· open-ended tasks

· advanced content

· acceleration in curriculum areas

· collaborative learning

In 2026, 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 limited availability of places within the classes formed in 2026. Please note that students currently in HPG classes, remain in the HPG cohort. Therefore, students currently enrolled in 3/4B, 5/6B or 5/6H, do not need to re-apply.

If you would like your child to be considered for HPG class placement in 2026, he/she must participate in the assessment program at our school. There is no charge for this.

Application forms must be returned to the school office by 3pm Tuesday 4th November 2025. No late applications will be accepted. All candidates who have submitted their applications by the due date, will be tested over the two weeks, commencing Monday 17th November 2025.

All assessments will be completed during school hours, at flexible times determined by the coordinator. A testing timetable will not be published.

Parents will be notified if their child is offered a placement at the beginning of the 2026 academic year. Numbers of students accepted into an HPG class may vary from year to year, as school and grade student numbers impact how many HPG places are available.

Term 4 Diary Dates 

• • Monday 13 October – Staff return to school
  • Tuesday 14 October – Students return to school
  • Tuesday 14 October – Yr 5 Leadership Meeting with Deputy Principal
  • Thursday 16 October – Group Photo Day (sport teams, band, dance etc)
  • Thursday 16 October – Interrelate Online Parent Sessions 6pm and 7:15pm
  • Friday 17 October – Summer PSSA resumes
  • Monday 20 October – 7pm P & C Meeting
  • Tuesday 21 October – 9:15am Kindergarten 2026 Orientation Session 1 of 3
  • Wednesday 22 October – 1:35pm K-6 Assembly Kindergarten Item
  • Wednesday 22 October – Band Concert for Year 2 and 3 students (after assembly)
  • Thursday 23 October – ‘Wild for Art’ HPGE excursion
  • Monday 27 October - SRC charity fundraiser for Eat Up Australia
  • Tuesday 28 October – 9am Yr 5 Student Leader Nominations close
  • Tuesday 28 October – 9:15am Kindergarten 2026 Orientation Session 2 of 3
  • Monday 3 November – Yr 5 Leadership Speech Writing with executive
  • Tuesday 4 November - 9:15am Kindergarten 2026 Orientation Session 3 of 3
  • Tuesday 4 November – Leadership candidates present speeches to Stage 3
  • Tuesday 4 November – 3pm HPG Applications close for JPPS HPG assessments
  • Monday 10 November – 9am Yr 5 Leadership speech writing
  • Monday 10 November – 11:20am Leadership Speech Assembly (parents invited)
  • Monday 10 November – 7pm P & C Meeting (to be confirmed)
  • Tuesday 11 November – 10:35am Remembrance Day Service under COLA
  • Wednesday 12 November – Year 5 Camp to Narrabeen
  • Thursday 13 November – Year 5 Camp to Narrabeen
  • Friday 14 November – Year 5 Camp to Narrabeen
  • Friday 14 November – Kindergarten Excursion to Calmsley Hill Farm
  • Monday 17 November – HPG assessments begin for Yrs 2-5
  • Thursday 20 November – 1:35pm K-6 Assembly under COLA
  • Monday 24 November – Year 2 Swimming School commences
  • Wednesday 26 November – House Captain nominations begin
  • Wednesday 26 November - 5pm - 6pm The Anxiety Project Parent Follow Up Session 
  • Friday 28 November – HPG assessments for Yrs 2-5 conclude
  • Monday 1 December – SRC Eat Up Initiative
  • Tuesday 2 December – 10:30am Helpers’ Morning Tea
  • Tuesday 2 December – Last Scripture classes for 2025
  • Wednesday 3 December – House Captain nominations due
  • Thursday 4 December – 1:35pm Last K-6 Awards Assembly
  • Friday 5 December – Yr 2 Swimming School concludes
  • Monday 8 December – 9:10am Yr 6 Graduation Assembly
  • Monday 8 December – 11:30am Stage 2 Celebrations of Learning Assembly
  • Monday 8 December – 1:30pm Yr 5 Celebration of Learning Assembly
  • Tuesday 9 December – 9:10am Stage 1 Celebrations of Learning Assembly
  • Tuesday 9 December – 11:30am – Kindergarten Celebration of Learning Assembly
  • Wednesday 10 December – Talent Showcase (parents invited)
  • Wednesday 10 December – 5:45-8:30pm Yr 6 Farewell Dinner
  • Thursday 11 December – House Captain Elections
  • Friday 12 December – Year 6 Mini Fete
  • Monday 15 December – 11am Bronze Medallion Morning Tea with executive
  • Tuesday 16 December – 10:30am Principal’s Morning Tea for Bronze Award recipients
  • Tuesday 16 December – Class Parties after 11:30am
  • Friday 19 December – Last Day of 2025 for students and staff

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:
Hannah L (2B), Yu W (2B), Siddarth V x 2 (3/4B), Hayden T (4D), Annabel C (4ML), Brandon K (5DM), Coby K (5/6B), Spencer L (5/6B), Edwina (3ES), William T (1KR), Aiden K x2 (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 4 Principal's Morning Tea, for Bronze Award recipients. This special event will be held on Tuesday 16 December at 10.30am, in the school hall. Parents are cordially invited to attend.

Congratulations:

Cody C (3ES), Alicia A (3/4B), Lucy B (1KR)

Silver Award

These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 1:35pm on Wednesday 22nd October, under the COLA. Parents are cordially invited to attend.

Congratulations:

Raj S (3/4B), Charlie B (4ML)

Gold Award

These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 1:35pm on Wednesday 22nd October, under the COLA. Parents are cordially invited to attend.

Bronze Medallion

These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 1:35pm Wednesday 22nd October, under the COLA. Parents are cordially invited to attend.

A morning tea for Term 4 Bronze Medallion recipients will be held in the principal's office at recess on Monday 15th December at  11am.

Congratulations

James H (6B)

Silver Medallion

These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 1:35pm on Wednesday 22nd October, under the COLA. Parents are cordially invited to attend.

Gold Medallion

These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 1:35pm Wednesday 22nd October, under the COLA. Parents are cordially invited to attend.

SPORTS REPORT

Summer PSSA results 

Stage 2 vs Cherrybrook Public School

Tee Ball
JPPS Boys 9 lost to CPS 14
JPPS Girls 2 lost to CPS 14

League Tag 
JPPS Boys 3 lost against CPS 9
JPPS Girls 1 lost against CPS 8

Stage 3 vs Cherrybrook Public School 

Softball
JPPS Boys 13 won against CPS 7
JPPS Girls 14 won against CPS 3

League Tag 
JPPS Boys 5 lost to CPS 2
JPPS Girls 2 lost to CPS 1

TALENT SHOWCASE

We are inviting all students from Year 2 to Year 6 to audition!  The search is on again for acts to perform in our annual Talent Showcase at the end of this term.

Acts can include cultural items, singing, dance, instrumental, poetry, martial arts, comedy acts or skits.

Please return the audition note by next Monday 27 October. The audition permission note was sent to your email last Wednesday 15 October, 2025.

Mrs Gill Scott
Talent Showcase Coordinator

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.

LOST PROPERTY

Please check the lost property tubs outside the administration office for any of your child's lost items of clothing.

If your items are labelled the office staff kindly sort these and send them back to your child's class.  Please ensure you label every uniform item.

Thank you

SRC CHARITY FUNDRAISER

SUPPORTING EAT UP AUSTRALIA

On Monday 27 October, the John Purchase Public School SRC will be holding a special fundraiser to support the charity Eat Up Australia. We invite all families to contribute cash and coin donations to help make a difference. Donations will be collected by SRC students at the beginning of the school day.

Why We Chose Eat Up Australia

The SRC has proudly selected Eat Up Australia as our charity partner for 2025. Their mission is simple but powerful: to feed hungry kids so they can learn, grow, and succeed. Our SRC recognises that our community at JPPS is fortunate, however, many students across Australia face hunger daily. In fact, at some schools that Eat Up Australia supports, as many as 1 in 4 students arrive at school without anything in their lunch box. Together, we can help change that.

How Your Donations Make an Impact

Eat Up Australia provides free lunches to over 1,100 schools nationwide through donations of time and money. As part of our involvement, 40 Year 6 students will participate in a sandwich-making event right here at school. With supplies and guidance provided by the Eat Up Australia crew. Our students will prepare over 1,000 sandwiches in just one hour! These sandwiches will be packed in a cooler truck and delivered to schools where children need them most.

Why This Matters

Every child in Australia deserves the chance to grow, learn, and succeed without the barrier of hunger. By supporting this fundraiser, we are helping to ensure more children have access to nutritious lunches that fuel their education and wellbeing.

Class Competition

To encourage participation, we are running a friendly competition between classes!
The class in Kindergarten to Year 2 that raises the most money will win ice blocks for the entire class.The class in Years 3 to 6 that raises the most money will also win ice blocks and receive special recognition from the whole school!

Let’s come together to support this important cause and have some fun along the way. Every single cent counts on Monday 27 October!

Thank you for your generosity and support!

Jessica Lizarraga
SRC Coordinator

P & C MEETING TONIGHT online:

Microsoft Teams Need help?

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 236 037 901 067 0
Passcode: ya3Rz7rk

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.

Kindy 2026 Starter Pack ready for order: Please note that the Kindy Starter Pack we accept online order only. Place your order at the website: https://uniforms.jppspandc.org.au/ 

JPPS Uniform Shop Opening hours:

8:30-9:30am every Monday, Wednesday, Friday  

Friendly Reminders: 

1. Any size change of items has to be arranged within 14 days upon purchase with FULL packaging and receipt shown ONLY. Any used items or missing packaging would definitely NOT be accepted. Thanks for your understanding. 
   
2. To shorten your waiting time in 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/ 
   

Thank you. 
Brenda Uniform Shop Manager

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.

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.