Term 3 Week 9 14 September 2020

9875 3100

johnpurch-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

www.johnpurch-p.schools.nsw.gov.au

Many events have been cancelled or postponed due to COVID-19. The calendar below shows

some of the revised dated organised at this point in time.

You will be advised of the dates for any rescheduled events, once finalised

MON 14 SEPT

P&C General Meeting

7pm

WED 16 SEPT

Year 1 Cross Country &

Athletics Carnival

THURS 17 SEPT

Kindy Cross Country

Athletics Carnival

FRID 18 SEPT

Yr 2 Cross Country &

Athletics Carnival

TUES 22 SEPT

Principal’s Morning Tea

Bronze Awards

WED 23 SEPT

Principal’s Morning Tea

Bronze Medallions

FRI 25 SEPT

Last day of Term 3

Happy Holidays

MON 12 OCT

Students (K-6) and staff return to school for Term 4

FRI 16 OCT

Special group photos

ARE YOU LOOKING AFTER YOURSELF? During the pandemic, it is easy to forget that we need to look after ourselves to be able to look after others. Michael Grose has written a lovely short article about this topic, which can be found below. Additionally, there is a collection of invaluable information and resources to help mums, dads and carers to support themselves and their children during difficult times. This information is located at: https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-learning/learning-from-home/wellbeing/care-and-connect/connect/parents-and-carers This site provides links to information:

• to help us manage the ups and downs of family life • to help find balance in our lives – showing activities, guidance and inspiration • to help us talk to children at different stages of development including toddlers, primary

aged children and teenagers about tough times

THE CALENDAR

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Term 3 Week 9 14 September 2020

WHAT HAVE THE CHILDREN BEEN LEARNING IN WORD WORK? Over the last few weeks I have been popping into our school leaders’ classrooms to find out what the children have been learning in their spelling lessons. KM have been learning to write words using word families. Last time they looked at et words but when I visited they were learning about the ip word family. They looked at some examples of words containing the ip sound, before having a go at writing some on their own. Afterwards they started looking at other words that contained ip but made a different sound – e.g. wipe. The children were very keen to tell the teacher why the ip letters made a different sound in words like wipe. Because there is a bossy e at the end making it the letter sound instead! 2B were learning to change verbs from past tense to present tense. Specifically, they looked at adding ed and the need to drop the y to add ied when the word ends in y. The slides used during the lesson show a clear progression of tasks which teach the children while simultaneously assessing the children. Assessing is not necessarily about taking marks for an end of semester report, even more importantly in terms of learning, assessment is about what teachers notice within a lesson about how the children are going with their learning. This allows the teacher to maximise learning within the lesson. For example, providing further examples if the children require this, or moving on to exceptions of the rule more quickly if the children are ready for this.

Term 3 Week 9 14 September 2020

Term 3 Week 9 14 September 2020

3/4 LJ have a word work goal to spell multisyllabic words with double letters more consistently, after Mr Johnson noticed this need in the students’ recent written responses. To do this, they were learning to understand and identify accented and unaccented syllables.

Term 3 Week 9 14 September 2020

In 5M, the students were learning how spelling differs when words change form. The focus for the lesson involved looking at dropping the e to add y in words like icy and stripy. The success criteria or WILF (what I’m looking for) was stated as: I can apply the rule, ‘If a word ends in a silent ‘e’ drop the ‘e’ before adding ‘y’ to make an adjective to change, for example stripe - stripy.

• In table groups students looked at the words in their spelling list and discussed what other words in the spelling list use this rule.

• Pairs of students chatted about how the words changed (what happened to the base word).

• The students then talked about how knowing how spelling differs can help us spell words more accurately.

• The students used the iPads to go on a word hunt and came up with many examples as well as some non-examples.

• They wrote these on post-it notes and together, made a class word chart showing how the words had changed form, e.g. noise – noisy.

Last week the 5M students also used etymology (study of word origins) to help them with their spelling.

This involved finding words beginning with the anti suffix.

Term 3 Week 9 14 September 2020

As you can see from the examples above, our teachers use a range of strategies to help children learn to spell, because we want them to draw on a range of strategies when they go to write a new word. It was also fascinating to go into 4/5B a few weeks ago, when the students were reflecting on, talking about and sharing all the strategies they use to spell unknown words. OUR 5A GREEN THUMBS

The 5A students loved planting different herbs and veggies in the planter boxes and are enjoying the responsibility of caring for these plants.

They are growing snow peas, tomatoes and oregano and are waiting for some lettuce and melon to sprout. This project sounds delicious!

COVID-19 Reminder

• Please ensure children do not attend school if they are unwell • Children will continue to be isolated and sent home if they come to school with or develop

COVID-19 symptoms • Children with COVID-19 Symptoms must be tested for COVID-19 before returning to

school • Children must not return to school until they have received a negative COVID-19 result and are

symptom free • The school must receive a copy of the negative COVID-19 test result to allow students to

return to school Please email a screen shot of the negative result to the school via johnpurch-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

• If a parent/carer is unwilling to allow their child to undertake a COVID-19 test or provide the school with a negative COVID -19 test result, their child will be excluded from the school for a ten-day period. Additionally, the student must be symptom free before returning to school

• If a student is still displaying ongoing allergic symptoms, please provide a medical certificate confirming this is an allergy and not COVID- 19.

Term 3 Week 9 14 September 2020

Year 6 Farewell Last week the DoE released some information about Year 12 and Year 6 farewell assemblies and celebrations and indicated further information would be forthcoming in the Term 4 Guidelines. Once these are released, we will be able to confirm how we make the celebrations memorable and special for our Year 6 students. Mrs Leonie Black Principal

Student Representative Council Members of our SRC met last week, to reflect on “what’s working well” on the playground and to provide feedback for planning next term. Due to Covid-19 restrictions currently in place, our playground spaces have been aligned to specific year groups. At the meeting, grade teams worked collaboratively, discussing their ideas and recording them on post it notes. It was interesting to hear the similarities and differences of the responses presented. Proximity to canteen and toilet facilities was considered a benefit, as was the provision of seating, handball courts and skipping ropes. Year 6 students are eagerly awaiting their return to the oval! Our representative counsellors also enjoyed reading the thank you cards sent to us by students from Michelago Public School, which our leaders have since published on the student noticeboard outside 45B classroom.

FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

Term 3 Week 9 14 September 2020

I also popped in to visit KB and heard how students are enjoying using the grassy play space and sharing playtime with their friends.

‘Trading’ or ‘swapping’ toys is not permitted at school While supervising students on the playground, staff have noticed that collector cards and toys like ‘ooshies’ are being brought to school by various grade groups. While these items are not currently banned from coming to school, we actively discourage any trading of toys, due to the disputes than can ensue after items have been swapped or traded and a change of mind occurs! Parental support regarding this issue is very much appreciated.

Term 3 Week 9 14 September 2020

Farewell Mrs Narayan 6N students said goodbye to Mrs Narayan on Friday and welcomed their new teacher, Mrs Anna Button. Thank you for your dedication to our students Mrs Narayan! We look forward to meeting your new baby next term.

Our School Expectations

This week’s expectation is:

Responsibility: Wear full school uniform with pride

Congratulations to the students who have demonstrated our school expectations of RESPECT,

RESPONSIBILITY or who have tried to ASPIRE.

Term 3 Week 9 14 September 2020

Purchase Pride Badge (10 Purchase Prides)

When students receive ten Purchase Pride awards (pictured above), these should be left in Mrs King’s ‘award shelf’ in the administration corridor. The ten awards need to be bundled together and clearly labelled with the student’s name and current class. Please note that the tear off strip on the bottom of each Purchase Pride, should be placed in the stage ‘Lucky Dip’ boxes in the awards shelf. At this stage, Purchase Prides will continue to be presented in classrooms, as no assemblies are being held at 8:55am. Congratulations to the following recipients: Thomas S (6G), Medha (3M), Maya H (KE), Elisha K (KM), Allison G (KE), Garron (KH), Avi (3P), Hannah L (3P)

What do I do with my Class Awards?

When a student has received ten green/white class awards (pictured above), they should be handed in to Mrs King’s ‘award shelf’ in the administration corridor. The ten class awards need to be bundled together and clearly labelled with the student’s name, current class and award level reached: 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! A clear, snap lock bag is ideal for this purpose! Please note: Modified, special assemblies, are being held this term. A Principal’s Morning Tea (students only) for Bronze Award winners, will also be held in Week 10. At this stage, unfortunately, parents will not be permitted to attend these events. We will keep you informed if this advice changes. BRONZE AWARD (10 CLASS AWARDS) These awards will be presented at the Principal’s Morning Tea on Tuesday 22nd September. Invitations to attend, are being distributed to students this week.

Term 3 Week 9 14 September 2020

Congratulations to: Vaanya K 6L Sienna T 1C Sua K 2B Alisha K 3CR Roman H 2N Ray H 4L Helen 2 1M Chanya D 2N Elizabeth B 2N Neel N 5A Atharva G 4M Kyros L 2N Max T 1M Chen Y 4O Nethula P 2C Charlie H 1M James H 1M Julian D 2B Elvin B 1F Avyay K 1C Carter M 1C Jessica S 1F Ryan W 2B Cherie H 6L Bryan L 2C

SILVER AWARD (20 CLASS AWARDS) These awards will be presented at our next Thursday afternoon assembly in Week 10. Congratulations to: Jaxon L (4-O)

Mrs Adela King Deputy Principal

KINDERGARTEN 2021 ENROLMENTS ARE NOW OPEN Do you know someone who will be starting Kindergarten next year? Enrolments for Kindergarten 2021 at John Purchase Public School are now open. Enrolments are completed online via the link on the school website – ENROLMENT tab – https://enrol.education.nsw.gov.au/#/?schoolCode=4572&catchmentLevel=primary Additionally, parents may still contact the school directly on 9875 3100, for additional information. It is important that you register your details with our office staff to ensure you receive all of our communication regarding transition to school. Mrs Irene Robbins Assistant Principal (Relieving) Early Stage 1 (Kindergarten)

Communicating effectively with your children It is important to discuss bullying with your children on a regular basis. Regular communication with a person they trust and respect will help them form their own opinions and beliefs about bullying. Your children will also feel more comfortable telling you if they are being bullied. Consider trying some of these ideas to improve the way you talk with your children about tricky issues. Sit shoulder-to-shoulder or walk with your child as you talk

FROM THE TEACHERS

Term 3 Week 9 14 September 2020

• Talking face-to-face can be quite confrontational, particularly for boys. Sitting or walking side by side will encourage both you and your child to talk freely. Use open-ended questions • It is easy to ask your child if they had a good day or if they would like toast for breakfast; however these questions only require a yes or no answer. • Try asking questions such as “What did you do today?” or “What would you like for breakfast?” These types of questions encourage discussion between you and your child. Talk with your children about what to do rather than what not to do • It is common for us to focus on negative behaviour, such as “don’t step in that puddle” or “stop swinging on your chair”. • Try telling your children what you would like them to do rather than what you don’t want them to do. • You can do this by using positive statements such as “please step over the puddle” or “please put the chair legs on the floor”. Leonie Cole Learning and Support Teacher

K- 2 ATHLETICS CARNIVAL AND CROSS COUNTRY During week 9, students in kindergarten, year 1 and year 2 will be participating in the athletics and cross-country carnival. Students are expected to wear sports uniform and appropriate footwear on their designated day. Please also ensure your child has a hat and drink bottle on this day. Parents are unfortunately unable to attend, however teachers will put photos and videos on Seesaw. Year 1: Wednesday 16th September Kindergarten: Thursday 17th September Year 2: Friday 18th September Miss Nelson and Miss Moore PYJAMA MUFTI DAY On the first of September, JPPS had a pyjama themed mufti day.We raised $725.30 in total, with a class average of $27.94. This money will be going towards the Year 6 gift to the school at the end of the year. Thank you to all students and staff that participated in dressing up and donating. By Tara, Lilly, Xavier and Isaac - Year 6 School Leaders, 2020 STAGE 1 (Years 1 & 2) ENRICHMENT PROGRAM This year Miss Granziera has facilitated the Stage 1 Enrichment Program. The students involved have extended their understanding of texts through careful analysis and by combining their use of comprehension strategies such as summarising, making connections and making inferences. The students have learnt to identify ambitious vocabulary within Roald Dahl’s ‘Fantastic Mr Fox’, generate alternative synonyms to apply to their writing pieces and have learnt to infer as well compare and contrast character traits. Last week the students led a discussion about how characters navigate their way through difficult choices where the moral issues are ambiguous. For example, they debated whether it was acceptable for Mr. Fox to steal food because his family was starving, from a variety of characters’ perspectives as well as their own. Have a look at our learning:

Term 3 Week 9 14 September 2020

Thank you Miss Granziera for continuing to challenge our Stage 1 students!

Mrs Salazar Stage 1 Assistant Principal

Term 3 Week 9 14 September 2020

We have added this note for the second week for your information: SPRING HAS SPRUNG! IT’S TIME FOR SUMMER UNIFORM! Now that spring has sprung and we have been experiencing warmer weather, our students can now begin to transition to summer uniform. We provide a two week window, where students can either wear summer or winter uniform, to enable parents to have these ready for the students to wear. This also provides a little flexibility for the students so they are comfortable during a period which is often unpredictable in terms of the temperature.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, parents and carers are asked to order uniforms online using Flexischools. Uniforms can be picked up from the Uniform Shop (near the school carpark) on Monday, Wednesday or Friday mornings. The uniform shop offers a pick up service due to the COVID-19 restrictions. Remember that cash is not accepted due to the increased health risks associated with cash handling. Please adhere to social distancing rules when collecting uniforms, keeping 1.5 metres away from others waiting at the uniform shop and please do not venture inside the school beyond the uniform shop. If you are not able to collect the purchased uniforms at this time, please consult with Sarah, our friendly uniform shop coordinator, to organise an alternative arrangement. Her email address is: jpps.uniform@gmail.com

As the mornings can still be a little chilly, please check that jumpers are clearly labelled as we have many jumpers left lying around as the layers come off during break times. This will help to make sure items are returned to their rightful owners.

Provided as a part of our school’s Parenting Ideas membership parentingideas.com.au

INSIGHTS

Wellbeing strategies for parents

The coronavirus pandemic and its associated disruptions are beginning to take a toll on our mental health and wellbeing. Youdon’t need to look far in your community or social networks to identify a worrying trend of people experiencing a range ofchallenging emotions including mood swings, despair, anger, sullenness and lack of motivation.

People who usually pride themselves on being able to manage most di�iculties that come their way now find themselvessuddenly unable to cope, leading to a profound sense of disappointment. A number of people have spoken about feeling guiltyfor being a less than perfect parent, partner, teacher, work colleague or friend during these times.

This inability to cope is understandable. Our capacity to adapt to acutely stressful situations such as natural disasters has beenseverely depleted by the long-term nature of the pandemic. It’s common in situations of great uncertainty to feel exhausted andexperience periods of burnout. Coupled with this is a sense of loss that many people feel – loss of connection to friends andfamily, loss of freedom and a loss of a way of life.

There is no handbook for functioning in a pandemic however it’s apparent that we need to accept that our lives will be di�erentfor some time. It also helps to expect less of yourself, which is the opposite to how high-achievers and perfectionists ordinarilyoperate. Feeling comfortable with uncertainty takes some getting used to as most of us have an innate wish to feel in control.

Daily wellbeing treats

Self-care is a proven remedy to most wellbeing ailments, but it’s ironic that for many of us our self-care activities have beenrestricted by the coronavirus. Co�ee with friends, a massage or a visit to the gym and other such activities are out for manypeople. However, this doesn’t mean that we should neglect our mental health and wellbeing. Instead we need to look closer tohome for our regular wellbeing treats. Things that help include regular deep breathing to start the body’s relaxation response,practising moments of mindfulness to shut down mental chatter, finding hidden exercise opportunities to promote mood-enhancing endorphins and spending time each day in calm-inducing green space.

Resilience bank account

During my conversations one person described living in this era as “always feeling a little o� balance, like standing in a dinghy ina rough sea and not knowing when the storm will pass.”

Our mental reserves are constantly been called upon, so it’s necessary to build regular practices into our lives that build ourresilience. Hopefully, most of us had bulging resilience bank accounts before the pandemic hit but it’s never too late start.Attending to areas such as sleep, good nutrition, regular exercise, relationship-building and self-care help keep our resiliencebuckets filled up.

Humans are adaptive and can get better at anything with practice, including living through a once in a century pandemic andall the changes it brings to our lives.

Provided as a part of our school’s Parenting Ideas membership parentingideas.com.au

Michael GroseMichael Grose, founder of Parenting Ideas, is one of Australia’s leading parenting educators. He’s anaward-winning speaker and the author of 12 books for parents including Spoonfed Generation, andthe bestselling Why First Borns Rule the World and Last Borns Want to Change It. Michael is a formerteacher with 15 years experience, and has 30 years experience in parenting education. He also holds aMaster of Educational Studies from Monash University specialising in parenting education.

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