It is our second last week of the 2020 school year. There is still much to happen in the time we have left. In the next few days, our Year 6s will run a special Chapel program for us, they will also graduate, the School Choir will give their final items, School Reports will go out, final school learning for the year will take place, desks will be cleaned out and, most likely, lost treasures will be found in the bottom of them.

Yesterday, we had our 2021 Foundation students come for their first “School” day, and as I watched the families bring their little ones to the front door and hand them over to staff, I tried to put myself in the shoes of these little ones. I watched as their eyes grew bigger and some snuggled closer to family, while others stepped forward boldly and walked off towards their new adventure without looking back. Kids are so different, aren’t they? There is one thing we all need, though, and that is to connect with important people in our lives. Yesterday morning’s reflections brought the following article to mind. It speaks directly about our children’s need for emotional connection and how we can go about building it. I hope you find it helpful.

“Imagine your child comes to you upset that a sibling or friend has cheated in a game. There are a number of ways to respond, including telling them not to worry (“Let it go!”), advising them how to handle it (“Next time you keep the score.”) or empathising emotionally (“You must feel disappointed.”)

Each is a legitimate response for a parent and teacher to make, but only the latter builds a deep emotional connection. Importantly, the empathetic response builds a child’s or young person’s emotional intelligence as it taps into their ability to recognise current feelings.

How emotional connection works

Kids crave to be understood by others, especially by the people they love or respect. When you accurately feed back how a child or young person is feeling you demonstrate that you really care. Strong relationships are formed on the bedrock of care, kindness and compassion.

How to give emotional feedback that connects

Giving accurate emotional feedback to an upset child or teenager takes practice. It requires that you pay attention, move into the present moment, listen to a child and identify the feeling behind their words. High or loud emotions such as anger, annoyance and panic are often easier to identify than low or muted emotions such as worry, discouragement or loneliness.

An effective way to connect on emotional level is to listen to what a child has to say, and then think back to a time you were in a similar situation. Imagine if a child says they feel horrible because their friends laughed at them when they made mistake in class. Rather than respond immediately, think back to a time when you made a mistake in front of others and identify how you felt. Embarrassed, ashamed, or annoyed? “I bet that you felt embarrassed and annoyed when your friends laughed at you.” Your child may tell you that you’re off the mark, but they’ll more than likely appreciate the empathy you show.

Feed back the positive emotions too

You don’t have to wait until something challenging happens to connect with a child on an emotional level. Accurately mirror positive feelings such as relief (after a stressful situation has passed), enthusiasm (as they begin something they love doing) and chilled (as they put their feet up at the end of the day). We all experience many emotions throughout the day. The ability to accurately recognise and feed back the emotions of children and young people is a wonderful way to build connections of quality and depth.” (Grose, 2020)

Have a great week with you kids,

Mark B

Don't Forget Summer Camps 

In January, children from all around Adelaide will be joining together at Ankara Youth Camp for 5 days of fun along the Murray River.  The camp program is run by the Seventh-day Adventist Church South Australia and will involve students from across our three Prescott Schools and even some from the wider community. Just like school, students will have responsible leaders who will act as their mentor/supervisor for the 5 days. The kids will be involved in some great activities during the week, including boating, tubing, canoeing and an awesome evening program every night. All activities and meals are provided. Kids just have to bring their clothes and bedding for the cabins.

Two camps will be running during the school holidays:

Junior Camp  –  For children aged 10-12 years old  –  January 10 – 12, 2021

Teen Camp  –  For children aged 13 – 17 years old  –  January 12 – 17, 2021

Prescott Primary Northern already has a number of students booked into the junior camp. I know my two boys are looking forward to going to the camps.  My eldest boy, Blake, went to the teen camp last year and is still raving about it, and Zander is excited to be going to junior camp for the first time this year with a number of his friends from PPN.  

If your child turns 10 by January 2021 then they qualify to attend.  If you have older children who are in high school, they may like to go to teen camp the following week. Bring your friends, and come and have some fun, at Summer camp. 

If you want to know more information about the camps or details of activities or how they will run, please email me on phillillehagen@ppn.sa.edu.au  or give me a call on 0435223033.

If you open your phone's camera and scan the QR code it will give you more information about the camp.  

AMEB Results

There are a number of students who are learning musical instruments at the school and they have the option of sitting the Australian Music Exam Board exams at the end of the year.    Here are the results of these students:

Farewell from Mrs Charleson

To all Prescott Primary Northern families. 

I wish to farewell all families at PPN, as I will be moving on at the end of this year. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the community for your wonderful support and the opportunity to teach many of your children. It has been a privilege, and I have treasured my time here greatly.  

Have a blessed Christmas and New Year. 

Shelley Charleson 

SEQTA Login

Hi Parents and Guardians,

The end of year is rapidly approaching and school reports are being checked and last minute changes are being revised. In anticipation of Year End Reports going out digitally via SEQTA, we thought it would be a good time to make sure that you can access SEQTA. 

To login to SEQTA, please go to https://prescottprimarynorthern.cp.adventist.edu.au

You will be prompted for a username and password. Once entered, you will be able to access reports once they have been sent out. We will send a SMS to all parents once they have been completed uploaded to the SEQTA portal.

I you have forgotten your password or need to reset the password for any reason, please go to https://prescottprimarynorthern.cp.adventist.edu.au and click on Forgot your password? as shown below:

You will then be prompted to enter your email address. This must be the one registered with the school - this is the same one that you have received this email on.

Once you have entered your email address, click on "Reset my password" and an email will be sent to you with instructions.

If you have any questions or require further assistance, please contact the front office.

Regards,

PPN Leadership

ADRA Food Drive Gold Coin Donation

Canteen Thanks

As the end of 2020 approaches, Karen Chang, myself, and our amazing team of dedicated volunteers in the PPN kitchen would like to say a huge Thank You to our PPN families for entrusting us with the health and wellbeing of your children throughout what has been a difficult year.

In the PPN kitchen, we believe that the food we fuel our brains and bodies with gives us the opportunity to function at our highest level and helps our children stay alert for learning.

In the new year, we will continue to do our best to sell and serve foods that meet all the National Healthy Schools Canteen guidelines, with extra care taken to source foods with no additives and preservatives. We will also continue to make things from scratch where possible so that our children's nutritional needs are met, and we also look forward to making a few changes to our menu in the new year.

It is with much excitement that I let you all know that from the beginning of 2021, the PPN kitchen will be opening for four days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Fridays.

We look forward to continuing to serve our PPN families in the new year and would also like to take this opportunity to wish you all a safe and blessed holiday period.

With Kind Regards and much gratitude

Margarita Abbott

Canteen Coordinator

Uniform Shop

Uniform Shop is closed for the remainder of the year from tomorrow, 3^rd December.

It will be reopening in January.

Please ring the Front Office to book an appointment asap, as there are limited spaces available.

Alternatively, online orders will begin 18^th January, 2021 and can be collected from the Uniform Shop from this date.

Daily Health Check

Prescott College

OSHC School Holiday Program

Summer_Vac_Care_Program_2020.pdf

Summer_Vac_Care_Program_2020 _pdf 668.07 KB

Summer_Vac_Care_Program_2021.pdf

Summer_Vac_Care_Program_2021 _pdf 674.12 KB