The Turragraph Term 2 Week 4 - 23 May 2025
Principal's Message
Dear Parents and Carers,
Since the last newsletter, the weather has definitely gotten cooler and very wet - nature's way of reminding us that the seasons are changing. This is also a timely reminder to ensure that hats, jumpers, jackets and all other clothing and personal items are clearly labelled with your child's name. Marking off the names of previous owners will help avoid confusion and speed up the process of returning items.
Our TNPS changeover to winter uniform is this week. Recently, we have noticed an increase in students wearing their own caps, jumpers, socks and footwear, as well as items from sporting teams or other commemorative items from out-of-school events. These are not part of our school uniform.
Please ensure that wet weather gear is available in bags each day. There seems to be a strange alignment between school drop-off and pick-up times and a huge downpour of rain. It’s almost as if the weather is trying to make sure we all get a good soak! Thank you for your support in ensuring that your child/ren wear the correct uniform to school each day and are prepared for all weather conditions.
The Uniform Shop is open each Friday from 2:30 to 3:15pm for personal shopping. Orders can also be placed online via Munch Monitor and will be sent home with your child.
Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD)
Each year, schools across Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). This process involves schools collecting existing information about the support provided to students with disabilities, in accordance with the legislative requirements outlined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, as per the NCCD guidelines (2019).
The NCCD helps state and federal governments gather essential data to plan more effectively for the support of students with disabilities. Importantly, the NCCD does not directly impact your child, and they will not participate in any testing process. Data submitted to the Australian Government will be anonymised, ensuring that no individual student can be identified, thus protecting the privacy and confidentiality of all students.
All information is safeguarded by privacy laws that govern the collection, storage, and disclosure of personal information.
For more information please see the parent/carer factsheets:
NSW Public Schools Student Survey
This term our school is taking part in the NSW Public Schools Student Survey.
The survey is being conducted by the NSW Department of Education (the department) and invites Year 3-6 students to provide valuable feedback on what they think about school life, how engaged they are with school and the different ways that teachers interact with them. Hearing directly from our students will help us understand what’s working well and where improvements can be made to our school. The survey is confidential, takes around 10 to 15 minutes to complete, and will be conducted online during school hours.
The survey will also allow the department to conduct analysis and research into student wellbeing and engagement to drive improvement for all NSW public schools.
Participation is voluntary. If you prefer that your child does not participate, please complete the opt-out consent form and return it to your child's teacher by: Friday 30 May.
Student Survey Information and Opt-Out Form 2025
Bringing History to Life
On Friday, 9 May, 1SR set off on an exciting adventure to Rouse Hill Estate as part of their Semester 1 History unit: Present and Past Family Life. During this fantastic excursion, students were whisked back in time to explore life in the 1880s through hands-on experiences.
They took part in a variety of fun activities, including lessons and drills in a charming old-school schoolhouse, washing clothes just like kids did back then, going shopping in a historical setting, and even planting seeds in the garden.
1SR had an amazing time comparing their own lives with those of children and their families from the past. What a memorable day of discovery and learning!
On Friday we went on an excursion to Rouse Hill Estate. First, we got dressed up and then we went up the rocky and bumpy path to the schoolhouse. We marked the roll and my name was Charlie Wells. After that we did our exercises and went back to class. After that we did sewing. Then we went back down the rocky, bumpy path and had our lunch. After our lunch we got to play.
- Will M
On Friday I went to Rouse Hill Estate and we travelled back to 1899. We got to dress up and my name was Harvey King. We got to feed animals and do the maypole dance. We went into Miss Fox's classroom and it was a bit serious when we did our lessons.
- Anderson N
Shining the Spotlight on 3/4F's Research Projects
3/4F have been exploring the effects of coastal erosion.
We examined two case studies: the Gold Coast in 2025 after Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred and Collaroy Beach during the 2016 king tide.
Students investigated various ways to reduce the impact of coastal erosion and created their own designs based on the benefits and disadvantages of each approach.
The way we are stopping coastal erosion is with an offshore breakwater. The positives of the invention are that in the JBA Trust Scientific YouTube channel, they explained that with their wave maker, the offshore breakwater had 0 mLs of water going over to the neighbouring street. Although it does have some negatives, like the fact it prevents waves, which leaves local surfers annoyed. But we’ve come to a conclusion for this: a wave pool! Its only negative is the fact that it is expensive. We thought a good way was to charge $15 per hour to earn back the money that was lost. We also have a sand dune, which is a natural way to stop coastal erosion.
By Jessa, Izzy and Esme
To stop erosion, our design includes a recurve wall and four artificial reefs. A recurve wall helps to keep buildings safe during erosion; it flicks back water into the ocean. Artificial reefs break the waves in half, so when they reach the shore, it won't be as bad. Some surfers might be a bit sad because our design makes the waves a lot smaller. A recurve wall is beneficial because it stops a significant amount of water from causing erosion on the coastline. The artificial reef reduces the waves of the ocean, which means there will be less erosion. In the video called "Wave Tank Demonstration" by JBA Trust, the scientific experiment measured 0 mL of water with the recurve wall and slope. That's why our design can help the beach.
By Millie, Lucianna and Edie
AFL Clinics
Stage 2 and 3 students had a blast at their AFL clinics - learning new skills, teamwork and most importantly having fun on the field! The clinics continue each Tuesday throughout Term 2.
School Tours
If you're looking to join the TNPS community and would like to have an informal tour around our terrific school, with an opportunity to ask questions, please contact the office on 02 9144 4107 to make a booking.
Small group tours will take place on the following days from 9:30am to approximately 10:15am, commencing at the office.
- Tour 3 Wednesday 18/6/25
- Tour 4 Wednesday 6/8/25
- Tour 5 Wednesday 10/9/25
- Tour 6 Tuesday 18/11/25 (for Kindy parents as part of Kindy Orientation)
I look forward to showing new and potential families around our beautiful school.
Attendance - every day counts
We want to do all we can to be sure your child achieves their potential and enjoys being in school. We know that school is the best place to learn and by attending school every day your child will get the most out of their learning. Consistent attendance improves student outcomes, increases career options, and helps students build relationships and confidence.
When your child is absent it is important you let the school know, including the reason why, on the day or the day before. This helps make sure we know where our students are and helps us to offer support for you and your family if needed. If your child is not at school on a given day and we have not received an explanation we will send you a text message. We appreciate your prompt response so we can update our records and ensure your child's teacher is aware.
Enrolments - open for 2026
We have already received our first enrolments for 2026. If your child is of school age for 2026, please visit our website and complete the online enrolment application. Alternatively, you are welcome to collect a paper form from our the school office.
If you have any questions about the enrolment process, the office team will happily answer your enquiries 02 9144 4107.
Michelle Verhagen
Principal
2025 Calendar - Term 2
TERM 2 - Changes are noted in red.
MAY
- 26 - Winter uniform changeover
- 27 - Hornsby Zone Cross Country Carnival
- 29 - P&C meeting (6:45 for 7pm start, venue: Hub)
- 30 - HZSS Winter Comp
JUNE
- 2 - Assembly hosted by 4/5E (2:15pm, hall - parents and carers welcome)
- 6 - HZSS Winter Comp
- 6 - Turragraph newsletter published
- 11 - SRC promoted Pyjama Day - wear your pyjamas or an oodie to school (with closed in shoes and a hat). Gold coin donations will help to raise funds for a water bottle refilling station for the playground.
- 11 - Maths Olympiad
- 12 - School Athletics Carnival (more information to come)
- 13 - Sydney North Area Cross Country
- 14 & 15 - Band Camp
- 16 - Assembly hosted by 3/4F (2:15pm, hall - parents and carers welcome)
- 18 - School Tour - 9:30am meeting at the office
- 20 - Turragraph newsletter published
- 23, 24 & 25 - Year 5 and 6 - Canberra camp (more information to come)
- 27 - HZSS Winter Comp
JULY
- 2 - Semester 1 Reports emailed to parents and carers
- 3 - Principal's Award Assembly - 10:15am, hall (invitations and information to come)
- 4 - Turragraph newsletter published
- 4 - Last day of Term 2
- 22 - First day of Term 3 for students
P&C Meeting
Our next meeting is on Thursday, 29 May.
Meeting commences at 7pm in the hub.