Term 4 Week 3 Newsletter - Monday 27th October 2025

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Term 4 Week 3

JPPS Band Information Concert

Last Thursday, our Year 2 and Year 3 students enjoyed a special performance showcasing the band program offered at JPPS. The session was led by our talented band conductor, Mr Meisch, and skillfully performed by our Concert Band.

Learning a musical instrument provides countless benefits — enhancing cognitive development, improving coordination and discipline, reducing stress, and building confidence. It also fosters creativity and teamwork, as students collaborate and share in the joy of making music together.

All Year 2 and Year 3 families are encouraged to consider the Band Program as an engaging, and worthwhile extracurricular opportunity. At JPPS we take great pride in providing students with the opportunity to learn an instrument and grow as musicians. Each year, it is truly inspiring to see students who begin with no musical experience develop into confident, accomplished band members within just one year.

If you would like to see your child learn a musical instrument and thrive as part of our school band please refer to this weeks newsletter.

World Teachers’ Day

World Teachers’ Day is celebrated globally on 5 October each year. As this date falls within the school holidays, schools across NSW will mark the occasion on Friday 31 October 2025.

This day provides a wonderful opportunity to recognise the dedication, passion and professionalism of our teachers at John Purchase Public School. Each day, they inspire curiosity, nurture growth and make a lasting difference in the lives of our students. On behalf of our school community, we extend our thanks to our teachers for the care and commitment they bring to their work — not only in the classroom, but through the many extra-curricular activities and opportunities they provide.

This year, the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) is celebrating with the launch of a Teaching Gems Map, inviting schools and the wider community to share their appreciation for teachers. The campaign encourages everyone to ‘pin a gem’ to the map in recognition of a teacher, past or present, who has made a difference in their lives or school community. We encourage all JPPS families to take part and celebrate our wonderful teachers by adding a message to the Teaching Gems Map.

https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/events/world-teachers-day-in-nsw

Attendance

Regular attendance and punctuality are key to every child’s success at school. Arriving on time each day ensures that students do not miss important learning activities scheduled early in the morning, helps establish positive routines, and reinforces the value of being punctual. It also gives students time to greet their friends and settle into the day calmly, reducing classroom disruptions and setting a positive tone for learning.

We encourage all families ensure their child arrives at school before the morning bell so they can begin the day confidently and make the most of every learning opportunity. Attending school every day and arriving on time helps boost confidence, build friendships and supports strong educational outcomes.

As the term becomes busier, we remind parents and carers that appointments and commitments be arranged outside of school hours wherever possible, so that learning time is maximised and good habits are maintained. Together, we can help every student get the best start to their day and reach their full potential.

Term 4 Week 3

Monday 27th October 2025

Dear Parents and Carers

It was a pleasure to welcome our new Kindergarten students into classrooms last week. Tomorrow is the second orientation to school session and I am looking forward to meeting all of our new Kindergarten parents in the annexe at 9:15am, to discuss many aspects of student wellbeing.

A reminder to all Year 5 students that 2026 student leadership handwritten nominations close at 9am tomorrow morning. Candidates will be advised later this week, so that these students can create their first speeches at school next Monday. The first round of the election process will be held with all of Stage 3 on Tuesday, next week.

The JPPS Concert Band, led by conductor Mr Ben Meisch, wowed us with a wonderful performance especially for students in Years 2 and 3, last week. Being part of a primary school band offers a wide range of benefits for every child's learning and development, extending beyond musical ability to impact cognitive, social, emotional and physical growth. In a band setting, children practise, perform and collaborate; acquiring lifelong skills that contribute to success in other academic subjects and personal pursuits.

Cognitive and academic benefits of band membership include:

* boosting memory and concentration;

* improving mathematical and language skills; and

* strengthening executive functioning (including planning, critical thinking and problem solving.

Social and emotional benefits of band membership include:

* fostering teamwork and communication;

* cultivating a sense of belonging:

* building confidence and self-esteem and

* providing an opportunity for emotional expression and serving as an outlet for stress and anxiety.

The physical and life skills benefits of band membership include:

* enhancing coordination:

* developing discipline and patience; and

* promoting time management.

And most importantly, being in a band is fun! If you are interested in your child joining one of our school bands, please refer to the flier below.

If you can be anything, be kind!

Have a positive week!

Adela King
Deputy Principal

Join the JPPS Bands in 2026

Students in Year 2 and Year 3 were treated to a wonderful band performance, hosted by conductor, Mr Ben Meisch and the JPPS Concert Band, last week. JPPS currently has three bands, which meet before school on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday mornings, during term time. 

Welcome Kindergarten 2026

Orientation to Kindergarten began at JPPS last week and continues tomorrow. Our young visitors happily engaged in a variety of activities last week, while their parents attended the first of three information sessions, in the school annexe.

Congratulations Bronze Medallion Recipient

Congratulations Silver Award Recipients

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 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 
  • 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: 

Responsibility: Finish eating your food before you play

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:
Alexis Y (1KR), Bella Z (1/2R), Marius W (1/2R), Reyaan S (4ML), Alina A (3ES), Liori M (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:

Emma C (1KR), Rishika K (1KR), Liori M (3N)

Silver Award

These awards will be presented at the next awards assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 1:35pm on Thursday 20th November, under the COLA. The choir will be performing. Parents are cordially invited to attend.

Gold Award

These awards will be presented at the next awards assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 1:35pm on Thursday 20th November, under the COLA. The choir will be performing. Parents are cordially invited to attend.

Bronze Medallion

These awards will be presented at the next awards assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 1:35pm on Thursday 20th November, under the COLA. The choir will be performing. 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.

Silver Medallion

These awards will be presented at the next awards assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 1:35pm on Thursday 20th November, under the COLA. The choir will be performing. Parents are cordially invited to attend.

Gold Medallion

These awards will be presented at the next awards assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 1:35pm on Thursday 20th November, under the COLA. The choir will be performing. Parents are cordially invited to attend.

SRC News

The 2025 SRC and I would like to thank you, the John Purchase Public School community sincerely for the wonderful donations contributed today to support the Eat Up Australia charity! Thanks to your generous donations, we exceeded our fundraising goal. We collected $1012.85 and as a result we will be able to host Eat Up Australia at school for a sandwich-making event! 40 Year 6 students will make over 1000 sandwiches for hungry kids in the Sydney area and support the organisation Australia-wide.

How our donations will be used:

$30 provides one month of school lunches for a child.
$67 feeds a child for an entire school term
$120 purchases fuel for a van for a week
$350 supports a school for one term
$1,400 supports a school for an entire year

With the cost of living going up everywhere, there is growing pressure on many families in Australia to make ends meet. The demand for lunches provided by Eat Up Australia is increasing, and at many disadvantaged schools that they visit, as many as 1 out of 4 students come to school with nothing for lunch! Eat Up Australia is able to put food in hungry bellies, and in turn let kids learn and grow to meet their full potential.

I’m so proud of our JPPS SRC and our JPPS community for their efforts! Thank you and well done!

If you missed out and would still like to donate to Eat Up Australia on your own, you can make a tax-deductible donation on the Eat Up Australia website at any time.

Jessica Lizarraga
SRC Coordinator

SPORTS REPORT

Summer PSSA results 

Stage 2 vs Beecroft Public School

Tee Ball
JPPS Boys 12 won to BPS 0
JPPS Girls 2 lost to BPS 14

League Tag 
JPPS Boys 10 lost against BPS 14
JPPS Girls 9 lost against BPS 12

Stage 3 vs Pennant Hills Public School 

Softball
JPPS Boys 13 lost against PHPS 7
JPPS Girls 2 lost against PHPS 9

League Tag 
JPPS Boys 7 lost to PHPS 10
JPPS Girls 4 lost to PHPS 7

Laura Davidson
PSSA Sports Co-Ordinator

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

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.

Uniform Shop News

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/ 

Brenda
Uniform Shop Manager

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.

Join the Salvos Generosity Challenge
Christmas 2025!

Help support local families doing it tough by collecting essential pantry items for The Salvation Army’s Christmas Giving Tree.  Ideas are on the list below but by no means limited to just these.

Together, we can bring hope and joy to our community this festive season.

Items can be dropped off at the foyer in the administration block.