Term 1 Week 11 Newsletter - Monday 8 April 2024
From the Principal
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Term 1 Week 11
As the school term draws to a close, I would like to wish our families a safe and restful holiday period. I look forward to welcoming the students back to school on Tuesday 30 April.
Please note the first school newsletter will be disseminated in Week 2 of Term 2, on Monday 6 May.
PARENT GUIDES TO SUPPORTING CHILDREN IN ENGLISH AND MATHS
Be sure to access these excellent resources produced by NESA. They are available on the school website and can also be accessed via th elinks below:
HELPING YOUR KINDERGARTEN CHILD IN MATHEMATICS
https://johnpurch-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/content/dam/doe/sws/schools/j/johnpurch-p/localcontent/folder-2024/mathematics-k-10-2022-parent-and-carer-guide-kindergarten.PDF
HELPING YOUR CHILD IN MATHEMATICS - YEARS 3 TO 6
https://johnpurch-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/content/dam/doe/sws/schools/j/johnpurch-p/localcontent/folder-2024/mathematics-k-10-2022-parent-and-carer-guide-3-6.PDF
HELPING YOUR CHILD IN MATHEMATICS - YEARS 1 & 2
https://johnpurch-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/content/dam/doe/sws/schools/j/johnpurch-p/localcontent/folder-2024/mathematics-k-10-2022-parent-and-carer-guide-1-2.PDF
HELPING YOUR CHILD IN ENGLISH (K-10)
https://johnpurch-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/content/dam/doe/sws/schools/j/johnpurch-p/localcontent/folder-2024/english-k-10-2022-parent-and-carer-guide-kindergarten.PDF
HELPING YOUR KINDERGARTEN CHILD IN MATHEMATICS
https://johnpurch-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/content/dam/doe/sws/schools/j/johnpurch-p/localcontent/folder-2024/english-k-10-2022-parent-and-carer-guide-3-6.PDF
HELPING YOUR KINDERGARTEN CHILD IN MATHEMATICS
COMMUNICATING WITH JOHN PURCHASE STAFF
As a parent or carer, you are an important part of our school community. We know that you play a crucial role in helping your child become a motivated learner. Communication between our school and our community is critical for us to partner together.
To give our staff the opportunity to recharge, spend time with their families and bring their best creative selves to work, we are setting clear expectations for when and how they respond to communication outside school operating hours. This means staff members may not reply to non-emergency messages or emails outside of school operating hours.
Please use the method outlined by class teachers on the Meet the Teacher sessions or otherwise, the school’s email address, johnpurch-p.schools@det.nsw.edu.au for non-emergencies in the first instance. Our staff will endeavour to respond to your queries within two school days under normal circumstances.
For longer discussions or complex matters, we ask parents and carers to make an appointment to speak to teachers directly, at a time that works best for everyone.
For emergencies, please contact the school on 9875 3100. Emergencies include serious student health, safety and wellbeing issues.
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING FOR OUR TEACHERS
Thank you to Miss Kate Scholz, our Assistant Principal (Curriculum and Instruction) for preparing and presenting a series of professional learning sessions for our teachers on the school development day, which is being held on Monday 29 April.
The three sessions will focus on English and Mathematics including:
English K-6 Exploring effective pedagogical approaches
Teachers will be examining evidence-based approaches to the explicit teaching of reading. They will unpack the components of reading including vocabulary, fluency and comprehension and analyse the English teaching and learning cycle.
The teaching and learning cycle and K–6 mathematics
Teachers will explore the teaching and learning cycle in mathematics with a focus on assessment. They will focus on the mathematical outcomes and content of the NSW Mathematics K–10 Syllabus, unpack metalanguage, and engage with resources and tools to support implementation.
ATTENTION YEAR 4: OPPORTUNITY CLASS fOR YEAR 5 2025
OC Year 5 entry in 2025: Applications are open from 4 April to 20 May 2024
What are opportunity classes?
Opportunity classes are one of the ways the NSW Department of Education supports high potential and gifted students. The classes help students learn by:
• grouping them with other gifted students
• using specialised teaching methods so students can learn concepts in more detail and more quickly
• supporting their wellbeing needs.
Most students in opportunity classes enjoy learning with peers who have similar abilities and interests. Opportunity classes are not zoned.
Where are they located?
There are 86 primary schools with Year 5 opportunity classes in NSW each year.
• 54 schools are located in metropolitan Sydney
• 31 schools are located in rural or regional centres
• a virtual class, Aurora College, for rural and remote students is available in over 600 authorised host schools.
Students successfully placed attend the opportunity class full time in Years 5 and 6 at the relevant public school. In most cases, students who have accepted a place in an opportunity class will leave their current school to attend the school with the opportunity class.
Should you apply?
If your child learns with greater ease and speed than their classmates, they may benefit from placement in an opportunity class. High potential and gifted children need to be challenged so they remain engaged with their education. Discuss the opportunity with your child and look through the
information together on Opportunity classes (Year 5 – 6).
If you would like to discuss whether you think you should apply, please contact your child’s teacher.
Equity provisions
The Equity Placement Model helps to make access to opportunity classes fairer for the following under-represented groups:
• students from low socio-educational advantage backgrounds
• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students
• students from rural and remote locations
• students with disability.
The Equity Placement Model holds up to 20% of places at each school for students from these groups to support an increase in their participation.
Students from these groups may be considered for equity placement if their test performance is within 10% of general applicants for each school. Learn more about the placement process and the placement test at Opportunity classes (Year 5 – 6).
Ready to apply?
Apply online at: education.nsw.gov.au/oc
2024 Term Dates & Holidays (repeated)
PLEASE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ARRANGE TRAVEL DURING SCHOOL VACATION PERIODS, RATHER THAN DURING THE SCHOOL TERM
Term 1 concludes Friday 12 April.
Autumn school holidays - Monday 15 April 2024 to Friday 26 April 2024
Term 2 2024- Monday 29 April 2024 (students return Tuesday 30 April) to Friday 5 July 2024.
Winter school holidays - Monday 8 July 2024 to Friday 19 July 2024
Term 3 2024 - Monday 22 July 2024 (students return Tuesday 23 July) to Friday 27 September 2024
Spring school holidays - Monday 30 September 2024 to Friday 11 October 2024
Term 4 2024 - Monday 14 October 2024 (for staff AND students) to Wednesday 18 December (for students) and Friday 20 December (for staff) 2024
From the Deputy Principal
Term 1 Week 11
Monday 8th April 2024
A large crowd enjoyed the hat parade assembly, held prior to the Easter break. Even the Easter Bunny made a special appearance! Over 150 students enjoyed raffle prizes organised by our wonderful P & C.
Parent teacher interviews commenced at school today and continue throughout the week. All interviews, with the exception of class 4T, will be held in either the school hall or annexe. Please refer to the location list published below. Signs will also be placed on the hall and annexe entry doors.
The last day of term one is this Friday, 12th April. Students return on Tuesday, 30th April. The first newsletter of Term 2 will be published on Monday, 6th May.
Wishing all families a safe and restful break.
In a world where you can be anything, be kind.
Adela King
Deputy Principal
Farewell Mrs Bembrick
Mrs Margaret Bembrick has been employed at John Purchase Public School, as a member of the SASS staff, since 1990. What an amazing career! Last Friday, we gathered at a morning tea, to wish Margaret a very happy and healthy retirement. Thank you for your wonderful contribution to our school community!
Term 1 (Relieving) Principal's Morning Tea
It was a privilege to host the Term 1 Principal's Morning Tea, last Tuesday. Congratulations to these Bronze Award recipients, on your achievement!
Congratulations Silver Award Recipients
Congratulations Gold Award Recipients
Congratulations Bronze Medallion Recipient
Diary Dates correct as at 8.4.24
- Monday 8th April - Parent/Teacher Interviews held at school this week
- Monday 8th April - 7pm P & C Meeting cancelled
- Friday 12th April - last day for Term 1
- Tuesday 30th April - Students return to school for Term 2
- Tuesday 30th April - 10:30am ANZAC commemoration service at school
- Wednesday 1st May - School leaders to CTHS ANZAC service
- Thursday 2nd May - St 2 & St 3 Multicultural Perspectives Public Speaking
- Thursday 9th May - Selective High School Testing Day
- Thursday 9th May - P & C Mother's Day Stall at school
- Monday 13th May - 7pm P & C Meeting
- Thursday 16th May - 1:35pm Awards Assembly & Stage 1 item
- Thursday 23/5 Zone Cross Country Carnival @ Galston
- Friday 31st May - Winter PSSA Competition commences
- Wednesday 5th June - Year 6 Fundraiser Mufti Day
- Thursday 6th June - Premier's Spelling Bee Stage 2 and Stage 3
- Thursday 6th June - 1:35pm Awards Assembly under COLA
- Monday 10th June - King's Birthday Public Holiday
- Thursday 13th June - JPPS Athletics Carnival @ Greenway Oval
- Monday 17th June - 7pm P & C Meeting - To be confirmed
- Thursday 20th June - 1:35pm Awards Assemby and Stage 2 Item
- Thursday 27th June - planned publication of Semester 1 student reports
- Monday 1st July - 11am Bronze Medallion Morning Tea with Principal
- Tuesday 2nd July - 10:30am Bronze Awards Principal's Morning Tea
- Wednesday to Friday 3, 4, 5 July - Year 6 Excursion to Canberra
- Friday 5th July - Last day Term 2
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 proud to bring your awards to the office
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.
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, 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:
Nathan (1B), Arya G (6G), Isabel O (3/4B), Caroline F (3B), Dale (3/4B), Jennifer (2RJ), Avyay K (3/4B), Aiden S (1KR), Nathan W (3/4B), Maggie L (2L), Taj L x2 (4T), Felipe LG (2L)
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) now 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
These awards were presented to recipients at the Term 1 Principal's Morning Tea, on Tuesday 2nd April.
The Term 2 Principal's Morning Tea, will be held in the hall, at 10:30am, on Tuesday, 2nd July. Parents of recipients are cordially invited to attend.
Congratulations:
Ilia H (5J)
Silver Award
These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 1:35pm on Thursday 16th May, under the COLA. Stage 1 students will be presenting an item at this assembly. All parents are cordially invited to attend.
Congratulations:
Samkit S (5J), Nathan W (3/4B)
Gold Award
These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 1:35pm on Thursday 16th May, under the COLA. Stage 1 students will be presenting an item at this assembly. All parents are cordially invited to attend.
Congratulations:
Avyay K (5J)
Bronze Medallion
These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 1:35pm on Thursday 16th May, under the COLA. Stage 1 students will be presenting an item at this assembly. All parents are cordially invited to attend.
A morning tea for the term's Bronze Medallion recipients, will be held for students in the principal's office at recess, on Monday, 1st July.
Silver Medallion
These awards will be presented at the next assembly. This assembly is planned to occur at 1:35pm on Thursday 16th May, under the COLA. Stage 1 students will be presenting an item at this assembly. All parents are cordially invited to attend.
From the Teachers
Happy Holiday Reading
Thank you for supporting your student’s learning in 2024. During the holidays it is important to continue and encourage reading at home. Recreational reading can have many benefits including improved concentration, vocabulary, reading and writing skills and general knowledge.
Reading should be an enjoyable time for you and your child. Here are some suggestions to include reading in your holiday timetable!
Visit your local library and allow your child to choose books that interest them.
Read books to your child and with your child.
Read aloud as a family.
Choose a variety of genres e.g. fiction and nonfiction, comics and graphic novels, recipe books, podcasts and audiobooks, puzzles and so on.
Play word games and board games.
Log into Reading Eggs. There are plenty of activities in this program which are available to students over the holidays. You can click on the Reading Eggs, Driving Tests and Storylands icons. If your child has completed Reading Eggs last year you can choose Reading Eggspress which is the next level. The activities include phonics, reading lessons, spelling, writing and a large library of books. Over three thousand eBooks are available online – including illustrated chapter books, full colour nonfiction books and a range of classics suitable for ages 5 to 13. The program helps children to develop comprehension skills by providing interactive and engaging activities that build vocabulary, reading fluency and the ability to infer meaning from text. The library books end with a quiz, which requires reading comprehension.
Your child should have their login for Reading Eggs. Please contact your child’s teacher if you need assistance.
https://readingeggs.com.au/login/
Mrs Margaret Collier
Literacy Support Teacher
Sports Report
All PSSA matches were cancelled last week, due to the inclement weather.
Miss Laura Davidson
PSSA Sports Coordinator
Sports News
On Tuesday 2nd April 2024, Alastair B, Arthur W, Liam F and Daniel S, represented JPPS at the Sydney North Swimming Carnival. All students competed with determination and showed fantastic sportsmanship throughout the day.
Congratulations to Alastair B who came 3rd in the Boys 8-10y 200IM, qualifying for the event at the state carnival. What a great achievement!
Mrs Kat Townsend
Sports Coordinator
Dance Announcement
There will be no morning or lunch dance rehearsals this week, commencing Monday 8th April. Dance will recommence next term, from Tuesday 30th April.
Mrs Adele Walters
Dance Coordinator
From the Office
School Bytes Information
Did you know that there is a School Bytes Parent App for your smartphone? Download on the App store or Google Play today!
The app has all features that you find on the School Bytes online portal and will make submitting absences, paying for excursions and finding forms and activities easier.
When submitting an absence the office staff request you select the option carefully. A PLANNED ABSENCE is for extended leave applications via the school office and not for a day to day sick absence. If your child is sick and you are notifying the school please select the ABSENCE option under the attendance tab.
From the P & C
The P & C Meeting scheduled for tonight, Monday 8th April, has been cancelled. The next P & C meeting will be held on Monday 13th May.
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).
P & C Volunteer Sign Up Form
Please remember to sign up to volunteer using the volunteer sign up form. This will assist in planning for next year. See the below link to the sign up form.
JPPS Uniform Shop
Opening hours: 8:30-9:30am every Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Friendly reminder: To shorten your waiting time in the shop, we 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.
Pace
Uniform Shop Manager
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.
Want to do something life-changing in 2024? Why not volunteer at JOHN PURCHASE PUBLIC SCHOOL as an Ethics teacher!
Ethics classes can only be offered as an alternative if we have volunteer teachers. Volunteers can come from our parents, grandparents, friends and local community, from every walk of life. Primary Ethics offers full, free training, lesson scripts and teaching support.
Ethics encourages children to listen closely and to develop their opinions through ethical reasoning. Ethics helps kids develop confidence and empathy. As an ethics teacher, you’ll get a lot out of it too!
If you have an hour a week and want to ensure children at our school can access this valuable program, go to: https://primaryethics.com.au/volunteer/ethics-teacher/