ENewsletter

Dates For Your Diary!

Date	Event
1 April	School Photo Day
2 April	Easter Hat Parade K-2
2 April	Creatures and Country Incursion 3-6
2 April	Last Day of School for Term 1
22 April	Students return for Term 2
5 May	Cross Country Carnival
7 May	Mother's Day Breakfast & Stall

*Dates subject to change. Please ensure you regularly check for updates.

What's Due

Creatures and Country Incursion	Years 3-6	01.04.2026
Field of Mars Excursion	Years K-2	12.05.2026
The Rocks Excursion	Years 3-6	01.06.2026
Soccer Clinic Term 2	All Years	02.04.2026
CCC Hawkesbury Camp	Years 5-6	22.04.2026

From the Principal

Thank you students, staff and community members for a very positive Term 1 at Telopea Public School. We are improving every day in all aspects of school excellence and culture. Almost all students are now attending in full school uniform, on time and ready for learning each day. At our whole school assembly this week, I encouraged students to celebrate something they are proud of this term and to think about what they can do to be even better tomorrow. This could be an aspect of learning, attendance, attitude, wearing correct school uniform, or simply going out of their way to be kind or helpful.

I wish all families a restful term break and look forward to welcoming our Telopea community back to school for Term 2 on Wednesday 22nd April.

Farewell Mrs Di Losa

Tomorrow, we will farewell Mrs Rosa Di Losa from her position as School Administration Manager, after 17 years of service to the Telopea community. Mrs Di Losa has supported students, families, and staff with such kindness and care, and we are all grateful for her commitment and hard work over such a long time. I wish her all the very best for her retirement.

Next term we will welcome Mrs Hayley Narey to our administrative staff. Mrs Narey will join us from Epping Public School as the relieving School Administration Manager for the remainder of the year. Please introduce yourself when you phone or visit our office & make her feel very welcome.

School Timetable

The school will undertake a trial of an alternative school timetable during Term 2. Many primary schools across the state have flipped the day, with the longer lunch break taken first then a shorter recess break in the afternoon. The benefits of this change are reported to be increased consumption of healthy food earlier in the day allowing for more focussed learning in the second session, calmer students returning to class after the breaks, reduced food wastage, less litter and better playground management. A number of our local schools are using this approach with success. We welcome feedback from the community during Term 2 as the trial is undertaken.

8:30 – 9:00	Playground Supervision
9:00 – 11:00	Morning Session (including Crunch and Sip at 10am)
11:00 – 11:30	Lunch Play Break
11:30 – 11:45	Lunch Eating Break
11:45 – 1:45	Middle Session
1:45 – 2:05	Recess Play Break
2:05 – 2:15	Recess Eating Break
2:15 – 3:00	Afternoon Session
3:00	School Day ends

Erin Dooley

Principal

Behaviour Expectations

Harmony Week Video

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GhPKczy0hU5buHdpXkWtjRnRHJSYouxV/view?usp=sharing

Please enjoy this special video from our students welcoming you to our school.

Visiting Author - Christopher Cheng

Last week we welcomed visiting author Christopher Cheng to our school. Christopher delivered a very engaging session to our K-2 and 3-6 students. It was fascinating to hear how his stories are crafted and how they relate to his life experiences. He showed the children the special note book where he writes all his ideas. He has quite a few of these note books! He spoke about his different editors and likened it to the school teacher, the editor helps him write better just like the school teacher helps them write better. He read the opening line he wrote for a book and then he read the opening line after the editor helped him. Interesting!

Thank you to Mrs Bicanic and Mrs Ramsey for organising this special and inspiring activity for our students.

Telopea Public School Upgrade

Student Attendance

At Telopea Public School, we strive for excellence in student attendance to maximise learning and life outcomes for all students. The school will communicate regularly with you about your child's attendance. Congratulations to these classes with the best attendance this term:

Week 2 - 5/6 Emus

Week 3 - 5/6 Emus

Week 4 - 1/2 Quokkas

Week 5 - 4 Kookaburras 99.5% - HIGHLY COMMENDED!

Week 6 - 1/2 Quokkas 98.88% - HIGHLY COMMENDED!

Week 7 - 4 Kookaburras

Week 8 - 3 Wombats

Week 9 - Kindergarten Koalas

Congratulations also to the 34 students who had 100% attendance this term and to the additional 59 students whose attendance rate was greater than 95%. This is an incredible achievement!

School Uniform

During Weeks 1 to 4 of Term 2 either summer or winter uniform is acceptable to be worn to school. Please use common sense depending on the weather conditions. The official changeover date for winter uniform will be Monday 18th May. All students are expected to be in full winter uniform from this date.

At Telopea Public School, we have high expectations for presentation in readiness for learning. All students should be in full school uniform every day, including the school hat.

New winter jacket

The school now has an optional winter jacket available for purchase. The jacket can be worn over the winter uniform, to provide another layer of warmth and protection in the cooler months. Jackets cost $62.00 each and are available for purchase on Wednesday mornings at the uniform shop or via the School Bytes Parent Portal.

What's Happening - Kindergarten

As we wrap up our first term in kindergarten, we are delighted to share how wonderfully the children have settled into school life. From making new friends to learning classroom routines, our kindergarten students have shown incredible enthusiasm and curiosity each day. The growth in their confidence and independence has been wonderful to see, and they are eagerly participating in a wide range of learning experiences.

We have put together a collection of photos that showcase the many activities our class has enjoyed, including painting, maths, writing, and much more. Our budding artists have created colourful masterpieces, while our young mathematicians have been counting, adding numbers, and exploring patterns. The children have also enjoyed practising their writing skills, sharing stories, and expressing their ideas. We are excited to see the children continue to grow, learn, and explore new opportunities in Term 2.

Schools as a Community Centre

Dear TPS and Telopea SaCC communities,

And just like that....March!

Thank you for another action packed term enjoying:

Breakfast Club, Supported Playgroup, 'Sing Rhyme and Story Time' sessions, 'Baby Play and Connect', First Notes Music classes, 'Meet and Greet' new parents support program and Yarn Up.

Please find in this newsletter two very important flyers:

The Telopea Community Fest event. This is a FREE event!!!

Sausage sizzle
Juice and water to drink
Tea and coffee
Ice-cream, popcorn
Rock climbing wall
Gaming van
Sports and physical activities
Interactive stalls

Best of all, Telopea Public School and Telopea SaCC stalls. Come and support our school and wonderful connected community.

The second flyer OzHarvest NEST nutrition and cooking skills program is being hosted by Telopea SaCC.

Places are limited for this FREE course so register quickly. At the conclusion participants receive: The OzHarvest Everyday Cookbook, a $30.00 Woolworths voucher for full attendance and a celebratory lunch at the conclusion.

Save money on your food budget
Store food safely
Understand food labels
Meal planning and reducing waste
Cook easy and healthy recipes.

RETIREMENT BEST WISHES....I would like to extend my sincerest appreciation to Rosa, TPS Administrative Manager, for her unwavering support of me and the SaCC Project for the past sixteen years.

I will cherish warm memories, laughs and quiet chats we have shared. Wishing you all the best for your next adventures Rosa....kiss hug kiss hug kiss hug.

Pip

Phillipa (Pip) Martins

Facilitator - Telopea 'Schools as Community Centres' (SaCC) Project

Ph: (02) 9898 3448

email: phillipa.martins@det.nsw.edu.au

Important Reminders

COLLECTING STUDENTS FROM SCHOOL

A reminder that if you have made arrangements for someone to collect your child/ren that is outside of your normal arrangements, please ensure that you have notified the office so we are aware and can let other staff members know in a timely manner. This applies to leaving early and for the end of the day.

SAFETY

A reminder to all students and parents that entry to the School is via the Pedestrian gate on Chestnut Ave located near Block D. This is for everyone's safety. If you require disabled access there are two entry points into the school via the ramp into the school office and via the gate on the corner of Sturt and Manson Streets.

NOTES SENT HOME

On occasion important notes will be sent home. Please ensure you remember to check your child's bag each day.

CELEBRATIONS

Here at TPS we enjoy celebrating student’s birthdays. You are most welcome to bring in something to celebrate but we ask that individual store bought small bite size cupcakes or individually wrapped sweets are brought in to school as this makes it easier for the students to eat. A large cake makes it difficult to distribute to their classmates.

LOST PROPERTY

There are a number of items in the Lost Property box which do not have names on them. If your child is missing an item, please check this box which is located in the D Block breezeway.

CONTACT INFORMATION OR CIRCUMSTANCE CHANGE

Please ensure that your contact details are up to date. It is important that the School be able to contact you in case of your child being ill, a child not being collected from school or in case of emergency etc. If your family circumstances change, please also provide the school with any updated documentation.

You can notify the school of any changes or updates via written confirmation or complete the template form located in the office foyer.

MOBILE PHONES OR DEVICES

If you require your child to carry a mobile phone/device, you will be required to complete a permission note (please see the school office if you require this note). Student mobile phones/device are to be turned off and handed to the school office during school hours in the morning. Mobile phones/devices will be returned to the students at the end of each day.

Community Notices

School Student Travel - Transport for NSW

School student travel information for parents and students

School Travel Passes

Applications are now open for 2026 School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) travel.

Students in the Opal network applying for an Opal card (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their School Opal card at their nominated postal address from mid-January 2026.

Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply for a new card or update their existing card as soon as possible. Students who receive a notification that their School Opal card is expiring need to re-submit their details.

If a student has lost their School Opal card, they will need to apply for a replacement card. Note: a new card will not be issued if an existing School Opal card is updated online – you must submit a replacement application if a School Opal card is lost.

In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card. If outside Greater Sydney, parents should contact their local bus operator to discuss their travel needs.

Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: some rural and regional operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.

Terms of Use

Students using School Opal cards must tap on and tap off in line with the Opal terms of use.

This includes travel within the approved times between 6.30am and 7.00pm from Monday to Friday on school days only. Students must use their Child/Youth Opal card for any travel outside these times.

All students are required to comply with the Student code of conduct. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from travel.