The Turragraph Term 1 Week 6 - 7 March 2025
Principal's Message
Dear Parents and Carers,
It is hard to believe that we are already halfway through Term 1. Time really does fly when you're busy and having fun!
Parent-Teacher Interviews
This week, all K-6 parents and carers will receive an invitation to attend a parent-teacher interview where your child's teacher/s will outline progress to date and areas for focus moving forward.
Information on how to book an interview time will be provided in a note for students to take home and a follow-up SZapp reminder.
We will be holding Parent-Teacher Interviews in Weeks 9 and 10, starting Monday, 24 March.
Families will have the opportunity to receive feedback about the progress of their children during Term 1. You might like to take a few minutes before the meeting to jot down any questions or comments you have.
Approach the interview with a positive and relaxed attitude. Remember, you and the teachers are partners in your child’s learning. Be clear and confident in raising any concerns, and allow the teachers to answer or clarify your questions and worries. If concerns about your child’s learning or behaviour arise, focus on understanding how the school plans to support them and how you can help at home. You might ask the teachers about strategies you can use to help.
After the interview, it’s important to discuss the meeting with your child and congratulate them on their strengths. If the teachers made suggestions for things you could do at home, discuss these with your child and commit to following through with them. Stay in touch with the teachers and the school. Make contact if a concern arises before or after the parent-teacher interviews. It's also helpful to let the teachers know what your concern is so they can prepare for your conversation.
The parent-teacher interview is not the only time you can discuss your child with the teachers. The school day is non-stop for teachers, and their primary responsibility each day is to teach your children. Teachers can’t leave their class unattended to talk with you, so it’s best to come up with a plan to stay in touch. If there’s something happening at home that may affect your child’s learning or behaviour at school, please inform your child's teacher/s.
School Photos
Students at TNPS will be photographed by Advancedlife over two days:
- Day 1: Class Photos, Student Portraits, Leaders and Sibling Photos – tomorrow, Monday, 10 March
- Day 2: Groups/Sports Photos – Thursday, 16 October (Term 4)
All students will take part in a class photo and have an individual portrait taken by Advancedlife tomorrow Monday, 10 March. Sibling photos will also be taken tomorrow for those families who have ordered them.
Please note:
- This year all ordering of photos will be done online. Students will not receive or require a photo envelope.
- All students will have a class photo and portrait taken.
- Only families specifically ordering a sibling photograph will be photographed.
If you would like to order any photos (Class, Individual or Sibling), please follow the details below to place an order. We encourage you to place an order before photo day.
- Go to http://www.advancedlife.com.au/
- Order 2025 Photos
- Use the following 2025 code: P2N BH5 D8B
- Have your credit card details ready to order your photos
Uniform Requirements:
Full summer school uniform with black school shoes.
- Dress or navy shorts with short sleeve white shirt
- White socks / navy socks
- Entirely black shoes
Approximate times for Photos on Monday 10 March
- 9am - KA
- 9:15am - 1SR
- 9:35 am - 1/2P
- 9:55am - 2F
- 10:15am - 3RG
- 10:35am - 3/4F
- 11:30am - 4/5E
- 11:45am - 5D
- 12:10pm - 6B
- 12:30pm - SRC
- 12:50pm - School Captains, Vice Captains and Prefects
- 1:00pm - House Captains
- 1:45pm Sibling photos in the hall - students will be reminded on the day.
CHANGES to NOTE: Some students leadership positions are yet to be decided. We have moved the date of the Leadership Induction Assembly to Thursday 20 March.
As a result of this change, the following photos will be taken later in the year, on the same day as the sports photos - Thursday 16 October: Tech Team, Choir, Dance and Band, Library and Art Monitors, Band Mentors.
NAPLAN 2025
NAPLAN for Year 3 and Year 5 students will take place from this Wednesday 12 March to Monday 24 March.
NAPLAN is just one part of our school’s learning assessment program. The tests assess the literacy and numeracy skills that your child is already learning in school, so the best preparation comes from their everyday classroom learning.
Our students will also undertake activities to help them become familiar with the types of questions and tools available in the online tests. These sessions are designed to mirror the experience of the 'practice' tests, helping to familiarise students with the testing environment and platform, rather than to teach any specific content.
Teachers will also discuss 'good test-taking habits', such as not spending too long on a single question but instead making a sensible 'best guess' and 'coming back' if time permits. Similarly, teachers will likely discuss multiple-choice questions and some strategies to assist when students are unsure. These are learned skills that can be reinforced through discussions at home.
If you would like to view the platform and style of questions yourself, or spend time in that environment with your child at home, to help build familiarity and confidence, there is a public demonstration site available at: NAP - Public demonstration site
We adhere to the official NAPLAN testing dates and ensure that the selected tests times allow for ample make-up time if needed. We will also aim to minimise the disruption to students’ normal school routine and other scheduled events during the nine-day testing period. This extended test window allows schools more flexibility in scheduling and use of technology. NAPLAN Online tests need to be taken in a specific order.
A reminder of the TNPS NAPLAN overview is available at: NAPLAN Parent Information
Student Leadership
We look forward to announcing and recognising the contribution of all our students leaders at the Leadership Induction Assembly on Thursday, 20 March at 2:15pm in the hall. An assembly invitation will be sent home this week to the parents and carers of our badge recipients. We hope you can join us.
Communication Protocols
Building a Positive School Environment Together
We believe that a welcoming and supportive school community is essential for everyone’s success. To help us maintain this positive atmosphere, we’d like to share some important reminders about acceptable behaviour when reaching out to our school. The NSW Department of Education School Community Charter provides valuable guidance on how we can interact respectfully. You can explore the full charter here: Dept of Education School and Community Charter.
Respectful Communication Matters
When you contact our school—whether by phone, email, or in person—we encourage you to communicate with kindness and respect. This means actively listening, using polite language, and being considerate of our staff's time. Remember, our dedicated teachers and staff are here to support you and your children, and your positive communication makes a big difference!
Understanding Roles and Responsibilities
Each member of our school community plays a vital role in our success. Parents and carers are encouraged to understand the responsibilities of our teachers and staff, who are committed to ensuring the well-being and education of all students. If you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the school. Our friendly administration team is here to assist you and will gladly forward your inquiry to the appropriate staff member.
Below, we have included a helpful guide from the NSW Department of Education outlining various ways you can communicate with the school. Together, we can continue to build a supportive and engaging environment for everyone.
School Uniform
Thank you in advance for ensuring that your children are always dressed in the correct school uniform, including their school hat and black shoes for school days. Sports shoes should be worn only on sports days. Thank you also for ensuring they are equipped for class activities. This means that every child is a role model for one another and that teaching and learning is our priority. As always, please label all clothing and equipment clearly with your child's full name. If something does go missing, our lost property basket is located up the stairs, just near 3/F's classroom.
Dogs on School Grounds
We love dogs here at TNPS but “Under the Companion Animals Act 1998 (NSW, Section 14), dogs are prohibited on school grounds unless the principal grants permission.” We have been made aware that a number of children and some adults have a fear of dogs.
If your dog accompanies you to school, please ensure they are tied up a good distance away from the busy entry gate on Bobbin Head. Thanks for your understanding and cooperation.
Enjoy the week ahead. I look forward to seeing many of you at the welcome BBQ on Friday!
Michelle Verhagen
Principal
Attendance Matters
It’s always wonderful to have our students in classrooms, ready to engage and learn. Our teachers and school staff are committed to fostering growth and opportunity, and we are here to work with you to support your child to reach their full potential.
Consistently going to school has countless benefits – from learning, to creating social connections and improving wellbeing through access to support and quality education.
Students are required to attend school every day, whether it’s the first or last day of the term, Mondays, Fridays or days dedicated to sports carnivals, school excursions and incursions.
We know that families experience a variety of challenging circumstances, and we are committed to working with you to address any barriers to regular attendance.
If your child is absent from school, please let us know why as soon as possible, even if it’s just a few minutes at the start or end of the school day. Of course, there will be times when your child is unable to be at school, like when they are unwell. Medical appointments should take place outside school hours where possible, and family holidays should be taken in term breaks.
If your child is feeling anxious about coming to school and you need support, please reach out to your child’s teacher or to me directly. There are also helpful resources for parents and carers on the NSW Department of Education website.
Thank you for partnering with us to ensure students access the endless benefits of regular school attendance.
Calendar - Term 1
Please note: any changes to dates and events, since the last Turragraph newsletter, are in red.
MARCH
- 10 - School Photo Day for class photos, individual portraits and sibling photos. Full school uniform including black shoes. (Please note: all group photos will be taken later in the year - Thursday, 16 October.)
- 12 to 24 - NAPLAN for Year 3 and 5
- 14 - P&C Welcome BBQ
- 15 to 21 - Harmony Week (more information to come)
- 20 - Leadership Induction Assembly (more information to come)
- 21 - Turragraph published
- 22 - P&C Grounds Working Bee (POSTPONED until late in the year)
- 24 to 28 - Parent/Teacher Interview (more information to come)
- 24 - 6B Class Assembly
- 28 - Band workshop and informal concert (more information to come)
APRIL
- 1 - Sydney North Swimming Carnival (more information to come)
- 2 - School Tour No. 1 - 9:30am (RSVP 02 9144 4107)
- 4 - Final homework sent home for Term 1
- 4 - Turragraph published - final for the term
- 7 - ANZAC Assembly 2:15pm
- 9 - Special Religious Education Easter Service in hall 10:20am - 10:55am - parents/carers welcome
- 10 - TNPS Easter Event - (more information to come)
- 11 - Final day of Term 1
- 30 April - Students return for TERM 2
Band
Announcing Our 2025 Band Captain and Band Mentors!
We are excited to announce that Anya D has been elected as our 2025 Band Captain!
On Monday, 3rd March, six talented candidates from the Performance Band delivered passionate and inspiring speeches to their peers, showcasing their leadership and dedication. While all six did an exceptional job, Anya’s enthusiastic and thoughtful presentation set her apart. Congratulations, Anya!
In addition to our Band Captain, we are thrilled to introduce our 2025 Band Mentors:
- Will H
- Sasha F
- Jasper S
- Lara W
- Ellis B
These students will support our Junior Band members during Tuesday morning rehearsals and assist them on stage during performances. It is wonderful to see our experienced musicians giving back to the band community by guiding and encouraging our younger students.
We are incredibly proud of our band students and look forward to an exciting year of music-making and leadership.
Rob Di Marzo
TNPS Band Director
Harmony Day
Harmony Day is a time to celebrate Australia's diverse culture, focusing on inclusiveness, respect, and a sense of belonging for everyone.
Harmony Day at Turramurra North PS will be recognised on Wednesday, 19 March 2025. This will be a mufti day - no uniform day. Students are encouraged to wear their national dress or something orange to symbolise the values of Harmony Day. Don't forget for safety: a hat and enclosed shoes are a must.
In preparation for Harmony Day, each class will be creating a collaborative class artwork, which will be displayed on boards in the Top Quad. Parents and carers are invited to see the displays from each class before school next Wednesday morning, from 8:30 am.
We look forward to sharing this TNPS celebration with you.
In the event of wet weather, our displays will be located in the covered area just outside the hall. If you're not able to join us, some photos will also be shared in the Turragraph newsletter next week.
Thank you for your support.
Pip Stanley
Harmony Day Coordinator
Swimming
Zone Swimming Carnival Wrap-Up
Last Wednesday, 5 March, a group of talented swimmers proudly represented our school at the Hornsby Zone Swimming Carnival held at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. It was an fantastic evening filled with excitement, and we were thrilled to have so many parents, carers and other supporters in attendance, cheering loudly.
Congratulations to all the students who competed across various events. Your dedication and determination were evident as you challenged yourselves and gave it your all. We are so proud of each and every one of you. Keep an eye out for some fantastic swimming photos in the upcoming Turragraph.
As a reminder, we will be holding the Ribbon Presentation from our Turramurra North Swimming Carnival on Tuesday, 11 March, in the hall. Parents and carers are warmly invited to join us.
Thank you to Miss Beavis, Miss Ellem, and Miss Deck for your support and encouragement throughout this exciting event.
TeamKids
Invitation to Ku-ring-gai High School
