Developing A Connection To The Natural World

This week, the Year 4 students participated in setting up the new worm farm at Prescott Primary Northern. We discussed the role of decomposers as earth’s natural recyclers.

The important role worms play in the cycles in our ecosystem cannot be underestimated. They break down dead organisms or food scraps into simpler useful materials. Some of these materials are useful for plants to grow. We call them nutrients. When these nutrients are used in the vegetable garden, the vegetable plants take up the nutrients and use them to produce new food crops. These food crops are then ready for us to eat. These food crops are what sustain human life.

Students learnt about the environment worms like to live in and watched as we set up the worm farm. Students will continue to care for our worms by feeding them food scraps and topping up their bedding material. This experience has given our students further connections to the natural world around them.

It is Week of Worship (WOW) this week at Prescott Primary Northern. This is a time when we play games, sing, praise God and find spiritual encouragement. One of the most challenging things I have found as a parent and teacher is encouraging growth in all of the various facets of our children. The academic side, the physical side, the social-emotional and of course, the spiritual side. This week has reminded me of how important it is to encourage the spiritual growth and interest of our children. The awe and wonder in our little ones when considering the God of the universe and how He is so interested in them, is a beautiful thing to behold. It is certainly food for my soul, as well. If you are able, we would love to have you join us on Friday evening in the Para Vista Adventist church for the final program.

My musings on the challenges and importance of the early years of our children’s lives reminded me of this article I read recently on helping guide our children through and I thought it was very practical and you might find it helpful.

“Parents and teachers influence children most during their first twelve years of life. We have less influence over teens as they become increasingly independent and look to their peers for guidance and approval.

The following strategies will help ensure that you have a positive influence on children at any age.

1.  Be available

Nothing says “You matter” more than a busy parent giving a child undivided attention. Research has established that children whose parents are emotionally present for their kids have better social, academic, and wellbeing outcomes than those whose parents aren’t available.

2. Be warm

Sometimes we can forget that our children are people too – particularly when they’re irritable, tired and obnoxious. By responding to kids warmly (even when you don’t feel like it), you show that you value them as people. A gentle touch, a smile, or soft words bring warmth to a relationship, and increase the likelihood that you’ll be listened to and be a positive influence on their lives.

3.  Listen, but don’t fix

Parents can fix sore knees, broken hearts, messy friendships, and even some difficult homework projects. But kids generally don’t need adults to fix them. They just want us to ‘get’ what they’re going through. When you see the world through their eyes, you are more understanding – and more likely to be listened to when they need us.

4.  Set limits

Nothing says “I love you” more than a firm and clear “No!” from mum or dad.

“No, you can’t say that to your sister. How can you make things right?”

“No, it’s not ok for you to stay out until midnight. You’re 14.”

“No, I don’t feel right about you having your smartphone/tablet/laptop in your bedroom. Ever!”

Children and young people will often argue with you, but setting limits means that you are having a positive influence on your children. The trick is to not become too authoritarian or you’ll simply drive unwanted behaviour underground.

5.  Play

Playing games and laughing together binds us close to our kids. Through play you build a relationship of trust with that facilitates our ongoing positive influence.

6.  Be grateful

Grateful people are happier, healthier, have better relationships, sleep better, have more income, are less materialistic, achieve better academic outcomes and are more energetic. By being grateful you’ll be a positive influence in the lives of your children. Say thanks often – and mean it.

7.  Love them and show it every day

We’re always correcting our kids or telling them what to do. Pick this up, put that away, get off the computer, pack your bag, tidy up your room, and so on… and that’s before 7.30 in the morning! Our ratio of negative to positive statements can often be the wrong way round. So find opportunities to tell your kids such things as:

“You really make a positive difference around here.”

“I am amazed at the exceptional effort you make at…”

“I love you – no matter what.”

Your time with kids is short. By setting a positive example, you can be a positive and lasting influence in your children’s lives.” (Coulson, 2021)

Have a great week with your kids,

Mark B

What do fast cars, trucks, diggers and motor bikes have in common?

They are all CHOSEN for a specific purpose. 

You do not use a Lamborghini to landscape, or a motor bike to shop for a huge family feast. 

Each vehicle is built for a specific purpose.  It just like each of us, we are designed by God, CHOSEN for a purpose.

Today we were blessed by members of the Prescott Primary Northern extended community.  We were visited by Harley Davidsons, sports cars and even a truck and a bobcat.  These vehicles were to remind the students that God has CHOSEN them for a purpose.

Here are some highlights from today:

Do's & Dont's of Dropping Your Kids to School

Seatbelt and Child Restraints

We would like to draw the attention of our school families to the seatbelt and child restraint laws that apply in South Australia. Please follow this link to the SA Government website which outlines these laws, aiming to reduce the risk of injury caused by restraints that are unsuitable for a child's size.

Link: SA.GOV.AU - Seatbelts and child restraints (www.sa.gov.au)

Uniform Shop

Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have run out of some sizes in the New Sport Uniform. We will notify you as soon as it is available.

Until then, your child is exempt to wear the Old Sport Uniform.

Parents can start making appointments for fittings for the Winter Uniform through the Front Office. Appointments will start from 2^nd March and will be for ½ hour.

Daily Health Check

Library Bags

It is so fantastic to see our PPN students bringing their library bags with them to their library time each week. From now, students will not be allowed to borrow if they do not have a library bag. We will no longer be allowing students to use plastic shopping bags from the library.

No Library Bag = No Borrow

Year 5 and 6 Book Talk

Last Friday, the library hosted a special event with Rebecca Bird from Peggi Williams Book Shop. Rebecca spoke to the Year 5 and 6 students about what they like to read, how to choose books and showed them some of her favourite new books for upper primary aged children. The students then had an opportunity to ‘vote’ on their favourites, which they would like to be included in the library collection.

It was great to see the students being engaged and excited to explore some new and different books. Keep an eye out for the new books in the library soon!