School beyond the classroom

As an 11 year-old I travelled to Canberra on a Year 6 trip. This was almost three decades ago, yet many of the memories are as fresh as yesterday. And, likely, if you asked my parents, some of the growth and learning that occurred during that trip are still evident in my life.

While a lot of effort and emphasis is, rightly, put on the learning and growing that happens within the classroom, what happens outside of it is just as crucial. Whether it is camps, sports days, excursions or special incursions here at school these learning and growing opportunities are important and a very special part of the PPN experience.

I want to publicly thank our staff who spend additional time, and lose sleep, to make our camps, excursions and other events happen (our Year 6s are in Canberra at the moment, with Year 5 classes heading to Ballarat, VIC, next week).

A big thanks also goes to our parent volunteers who give up their time to come along and contribute so much to these events.

These ‘school beyond the classroom’ activities push our young ones outside of their comfort-zones and lived experiences, and expose them to new ideas, challenges and successes that normal life and school does not.

But these things don’t have to be limited to school run events – exposing our children to new things, allowing them to take appropriately selected and supported risks, and fostering their independence can be done every day of the week in – and outside of – our homes.

Cognitive development, wellbeing and physical health research all agree that a childhood, and school life, that involves challenge, independence and exposure to new things in the context of a supportive environment are the foundations for a healthy and successful life.

The Bible reminds us that we were created to do ‘amazing things’ (Ephesians 2:10) and designed for a ‘life more abundant’ (John 10:10). I’m thankful that as a school we can help our students understand their God-given capabilities by experiencing school beyond the classroom, and encourage every family to do the same each day.