Term 4 Week 3 Newsletter - 23 October 2023
From the Principal
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TERM 4 WEEK 3 2023
Have a great Week 3!
CONGRATULATIONS YOLANDA
Congratulations Yolanda! Yolanda's Art work, The One and Only, has been selected as a winner in the 2023 Young Australian Art Awards. The Young Australian Art & Writers' award will be presented on Saturday 25 November. Yolanda's art work will be published in the 2023 Young Australian Art & Writers' Awards Booklet. This is a wonderful accolade and we are so proud of Yolanda for this impressive achievement.
OCTOBER IS MENTAL HEALTH MONTH!
World Mental Health Month, recognised in Australia each October, is dedicated to raising awareness of support, resources, and self-help strategies for supporting mental health. This year's theme is, 'We all have a role to play'.
You will find some important information from Got It (NSW Health) as well as some valuable resources to support the nurturing of positive mental health from this website Experience (nsw.gov.au)
Intervening early in a child’s life, or when a problem is just beginning, can prevent mental illness from developing later in life.
To find out more, go to https://emergingminds.com.au/resources/in-focus-prevention-and- early-intervention/
YEAR 5 - SELECTIVE HIGH SCHOOL APPLICATIONS REPEATED
The application process for Selective High School placement in 2025 commences in Year 5.
Applications for Year 7 entry to selective high schools in 2025 opened on 9 October 2023 and close on 20 November 2023. Parents and carers of Year 5 students who are interested in applying for placement in NSW selective high schools, should refer to the email sent out to Year 5 parents last week and should visit the Selective High Schools and Opportunity Classes Year 7 website at https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-classes/year-7
Late applications are not accepted.
All candidates are required to sit the Selective High School Placement Test on Thursday 9 May 2024.
END OF YEAR EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES - REPEATED
Our end of year events allow us to celebrate our many achievements, to reflect on the many people who have supported our school and to wish everyone all the best for next year and beyond. The special celebrations are summarised below and further details will be sent out in due course.
K - 6 Celebrations of Learning
This is held in the COLA at the times listed below. Awards are provided to each student from kindergarten to Year 6, to acknowledge their progress and achievements this year. It will be wonderful to welcome parents and visitors to the ceremonies, so that you can see your child/ren receive their award. The dates and times are listed below:
- Kindy - Tuesday 12 December at 11.30am
- Years 1 & 2 - Monday 11 December at 9.10am
- Years 3 & 4 -Monday 11 December at 11.30am
- Year 5 & 4/5B - Monday 11 December at 1.30pm
- Year 6 - Tuesday 12 December at 9.10am
Year 6 Graduation Assembly
As we reflect on the students' journey throughout primary school and wish our Year 6 cohort all the best as they begin the next chapter in their lives, we are delighted that we will host a Year 6 Graduation assembly. This is being held on Tuesday 12 December at 9.10 am, so we ask that you put this date and time into your calendars.
Year 6 Formal
We are delighted to hold a Year 6 farewell dinner and dance on Wednesday 13 December.
Class or Grade Parties
Each year the children celebrate the end of the year and the upcoming holiday period by having class picnics. The parties will be held on Thursday 14 December. Please do not send children with treats that contain nuts or nut products and ensure ingrdients are listed on the item, as we have children who have severe allergies.
Talent Quest
A Talent Quest showcasing students' talents will be held on Wednesday 13 December.
Parent Helper Morning Tea
On Tuesday 28 November there will be a morning tea in the hall annexe, from 10.30 am. This is prepared by the JPPS staff to show their appreciation to parent, community helpers and scripture teachers for all the help and support they have given to the school during the year.
Year 6 Mini Fete
On Friday 8 December the Year 6 students and their teachers run a mini fete for all the children from Kindy to Year 5.
2023 Term Dates & Holidays - REPEATED
PLEASE TRY TO ARRANGE TRAVEL DURING SCHOOL VACATION PERIODS RATHER THAN DURING THE SCHOOL TERM, WHENEVER POSSIBLE
Term 4– Monday 9 October (students return 9 October) to Tuesday 19 December (students last day for 2023 will be Friday 15 December)
Summer school holidays (Eastern)– Wednesday 20 December to Monday 29 January 2024
From the Deputy Principal
Term 4 Week 3
Monday 23rd October 2023
Our current Kindergarten students entertained parents, students and teachers, at assembly last week, performing actions to the song, 'Taba Naba'; a song originating from the Torres Strait Islands, just north of Australia. Kindergarten performed traditional movements corresponding to the lyrics.
We are excited to welcome the new students of Kindergarten 2024, as the first of three, school orientation visits, commences tomorrow. The new students will be in classrooms between 9:15am and 10:30am, while parents meet in the annexe, to hear more about starting school at John Purchase Public School.
This term, parents may have heard recent media reports, regarding NSW Department of Education updates banning the use of mobile phones in high schools, and previously in primary schools.
Our school's guidelines reflect that the classrooms at John Purchase Public School are already equipped with digital devices such as iPads, notebooks and personal computers, for educational purposes and necessary adjustments to support individual needs. Online services are accessed, with teacher supervision, in the context of a learning environment. Therefore, personal student devices brought from home, are not required at JPPS, to support the learning of individuals, as provision for information communication technologies, has been met by this school.
When used appropriately, mobile phones and related digital technologies, offer many advantages in terms of ease of communication and a sense of personal safety. John Purchase Public School accepts that some parents give their children mobile phones and digital devices, to record health data, or to protect them from everyday risks involving personal security and safety.
However, mobile phones and digital devices also have the potential to have a negative impact on the learning environment at school and when used inappropriately, can put the safety and wellbeing of students and staff, at risk.
At JPPS, we value digital technologies. Under this policy, personal devices such as smart watches and fitness bands cannot be connected to the Internet when children are at school. If you send your child/ren to school with a smart watch or fitness band, please ensure measures are taken to ensure the Internet connection cannot be accessed at school, such as switching it to aeroplane mode.
Mobile phones should be off and away, while students are in the classroom or on the playground, during the school day.
Year 5 students are reminded that I will be collecting nominations for 2024 student leadership positions tomorrow!
Our 4, current student leaders: Sean, Samuel, Kathleen and Natalie, have been invited to a special morning tea at Parliament House, in Macquarie Street, this Friday. They will be accompanied by Miss Nelson. What a privilege!
Have an enjoyable week, everyone!
Regards
Adela King
Deputy Principal
Congratulations Training Band
The JPPS Training Band, conducted by Mr Lavis, performed before an appreciative audience at the K-6 Assembly last week. It was wonderful to hear the musical growth in our students. Congratulations!
JPPS School Band Program 2024
Expressions of interest in joining the 2024 JPPS Band Program have now opened! The JPPS Concert Band performed for students in Year 2 and Year 3, last week, under the guidance of conductor, Mr Ben Miesch. At the concert, various instruments played in the JPPS Concert and Training Bands, were demonstrated, to the delight of the audience. Further information about the JPPS Band Program, appears further below.
Student Leadership 2024 -
Nominations close tomorrow
Year 5 nominations for student leadership in 2024, close tomorrow, Tuesday 24th October. Please return all completed applications, to the front office, by 9am.
Congratulations Silver Award Recipients
Congratulations Gold Award Recipients
Congratulations Bronze Medallion Recipients
Applications for 2024 JPPS High Potential and Gifted (HPG) Classes are now Open (repeated)
As advised last term, in 2024, 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 2024. Please note that students currently in HPG classes, remain in the HPG cohort. Therefore, students currently enrolled in 3/4B or 4/5B, do not need to re-apply.
If you would like your child to be considered for HPG class placement in 2024, he/she must participate in the assessment program at our school. There is also a $20.00 non-refundable administration levy for students entering Years 4, 5 and 6 next year. Please note that students in Year 2 this year, do not need to apply separately or make a payment, as all Year 2 students will be included in the assessments.
Application forms were sent home last term. Please return the application form to the school office by 3pm Tuesday 31st October 2023. 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 13th November 2023. Please complete the application form after completing the online payment method using the ‘Make a Payment’ tab on the school’s website.
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 2024 academic year. Numbers of students accepted into an HPG class may vary from year to year, as school and grade student numbers impact on how many HPG places are available.
Our School Expectations
Congratulations to our students who have demonstrated our school expectations of Respect, Responsibility and Aspire.
This week's expectation is:
Responsibility: When using digital technology, be safe, respectful and responsible online
Purchase Pride Badges
Purchase Prides 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. The shelf has been moved to just inside the office foyer, for greater convenience. The ten awards need to be bundled together and clearly labelled with the student’s name and current class.
Award recipients will be presented with a coloured Purchase Pride badge, the week after their name is published in this newsletter.
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.
The Purchase Pride badges recorded below, will be presented at the next Monday morning assembly. Parents are most welcome to attend.
Congratulations to:
Rose P-B (KN), Joanna S (KS), Charlotte Y (1KR), Kiaan (4M), Geoffrey (3G), Zali (1P), Ava (KS), Evelyn Q (1B), Hannah (2E), Olivia (2E), Elaine (1M)
Class Awards System
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 shelf has been moved to just inside the office foyer, for greater convenience. 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.
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) now received by 9am on Thursday morning, 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
These awards will be presented to recipients at the Principal's Morning Tea, at the end of Term 4. This event will be held in the hall at noon, on Tuesday 5th December. Parents of recipients, are invited to attend. Please note the later time, due to Year 2's swimming lessons.
Congratulations to:
Patrick K (1M), Meira K (4M), Aadvika K (1M)
Silver Award
These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur next week - at 1:35pm on Thursday 16th November, under the COLA. Kindergarten and the JPPS Training Band will be presenting an item at this assembly. All parents are cordially invited to attend.
Congratulations to:
Sasha W (3G)
Gold Award
These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 1:35pm on Thursday 16th November, under the COLA. Kindergarten and the JPPS Training Band will be presenting an item at this assembly. All 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 on Thursday 16th November, under the COLA. Kindergarten and the JPPS Training Band will be presenting an item at this assembly. All parents are cordially invited to attend.
Congratulations to:
Christine C (4/5B), Amber Mc (6G)
Silver Medallion
These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 1:35pm on Thursday 16th November, under the COLA. Kindergarten and the JPPS Training Band will be presenting an item at this assembly. All parents are cordially invited to attend.
From the Teachers
ICAS - Mathematics
I am pleased to announce that we have received the ICAS Mathematics Certificates. Any student who received a Merit or above will receive their certificate at the Week 4 Monday 30th October morning assembly.
Kind Regards
Samantha Nelson
SPORTS REPORT
Summer PSSA results
Stage 2 vs Roselea Public School
Tee Ball
JPPS Boys 20 won to RPS 13
JPPS Girls 11 lost to RPS 14
League Tag
JPPS Boys 11 won against RPS 3
JPPS Girls 8 lost against RPS 12
Stage 3 vs Epping West Public School
Softball
JPPS Boys 6 won against EWPS 3
JPPS Girls 1 lost against EWPS 7
League Tag
JPPS Boys 7 won to EWPS 5
JPPS Girls 10 won to EWPS 4
Mrs Townsend
Sports Coordinator
From the Office
SCHOOL BYTES PARENT PORTAL - STUDENT ATTENDANCE
Please be advised that our new software system School Bytes enables you to log your child's absences through its parent portal. If your child is absent/partially absent and there has been no explanation this will produce an unjustified absence in the system. To rectify this the school requires an explanation to justify this leave. The office staff will send home an email on the day of the said absence to you, asking for an explanation. On that email there is a link to the parent portal so you can reply swiftly without delay.
The School Bytes parent portal will be our NEW updated way for you to communicate with the school for your child's absences. You may wish to email the school if that is more convenient for you but we would prefer it if the SZAPP app is no longer used for communicating absences.
Thank you
Clare Cattell
Business Manager
From the P & C
P&C SCHOOL DISCO (repeated)
The P&C has organised a school disco for Thursday 7th December. The goal for the event is for it to be a fun end of year celebration for students as well as fundraising to purchase updated iPads for student use in the classrooms.
Tickets will be $10 and include a glow stick bracelet. The famous and popular 'Bop Til you Drop' will be providing the entertainment. Payment options will be available soon.
The P&C will need parent volunteers on the night to supervise the students, as school staff will not be in attendance. An online volunteer signup sheet will be available shortly.
Years | Start | Finish |
K-2 | 5:30pm | 6:30pm |
3-6 | 6:45pm | 7:45pm |
Important Notice: Uniform Price Adjustment
From Term 4, we'll be adjusting prices on some uniform items. The new price will be on the school website and uniform shop on the first day of Term 4 (9 October 2023).
This adjustment is necessary due to rising supplier costs over the past five years. The P&C runs the store as a service to the school community and proceeds of the store are returned to the school as P&C donations. We really appreciate your understanding for both the price increase and the benefit to the school of having the uniform shop service.
Thank you for your continued support.
The pricing of some uniforms has been adjusted and please refer to the updated price list, effective from Term 4.
Besides, there are special opening arrangement for 2024 orientation days as below:
17 Oct (Tue) 8:30 -11:00amKindy Packs available to order online
24 & 31 Oct, 7 Nov (Tue) 8:30 -11:00amKindy Pack order pick up at the Uniform Shop
7 Nov (Tue) 8:30 -11:00amSize exchanges at the Uniform Shop
Regards,
Pace Tang
Uniform Shop Manager | John Purchase Public School
PARENT VOLUNTEERS
Are you interested in volunteering?
At John Purchase Public School, there are many opportunities to be involved and to support our P and C.
- P & C positions
- Special events
- Canteen
- School Uniform Shop
Volunteering helps you connect with people in the community.
If you would like to get involved, please put your name down at the canteen (for volunteering in the canteen), email our president, Richard at richardw@jppspandc.org.au or at the front office (for volunteering for other P and C roles).
From the Community
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.
CLEANING POSITION
If you are interested in a cleaning position in a local school, please use the Q Code below.