Filter Content
Pupil Free Day
Book Week 2021
Science in Nature
The warm sun saluted the final day of Winter as students played and observed the natural world through the eyes of a Scientist. Through the study of vegetables, flowers, and natural phenomena in play, students acquired new knowledge through experimentation.
What happens in a child’s brain when they are immersed within the natural world? It enhances the brain’s ability to learn, and it sparks insights into the world around them. Through the processes of collecting, classifying, comparing, and combining during play ignites powerful connections to scientific concepts and develops intuition. Students thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to weigh items, magnify and observe the natural world, mix, pour, stir, layer, cut and test through experimentation. “It was the best fun!”
Father’s Day is coming up this weekend and I would like to give a big shout out to the fathers and father figures who make such a positive impact on our children, as well as us as adults. From a developmental perspective, the role that a good dad plays in the life of a child should never be underestimated. The role modelling that takes place in families by dads is so important to both young boys and young girls. From a religious and spiritual perspective, the picture dads provide children often forms perceptions of what our Heavenly Father is like. This may all sound like way too much pressure to put on dads, but I think it important we recognise the valuable part our fathers play in our lives. I read this article today about some of the challenges dads face as our societal norms and values change, I want to share it with you, because I think we should value and encourage our dads in such a vital role.
“Fatherhood has been transformed from the breadwinner and disciplinarian role of the past to a far more complex framework. Here’s how:
Diversity rules
A look at different cultures even within our shores shows there’s no one ‘right way’ to be a dad. Fathers have a strong biological urge to ensure their children’s survival, which drives dads to be protective, some to have high expectations and others to promote self-sufficiency. Fathers may differ in how they parent, but ultimately, we all belong to the same valued club. Fathers almost universally want what’s best for their child.
Recognising dads
Being a dad is not given the same attention as motherhood. The parenting advice industry is often skewed toward mothers as the direct or primary carers. The lack of recognition can also at times be seen in the mental health field. It’s now recognised that men experience heightened anxiety at all stages of fatherhood, however, most simply suffer in silence because ‘that’s what men do.’ The recent advances in mental health promotion still have some way to go when it comes to fathers.
Playtime is crucial
Fathers have long been seen as the kings of play. Science now shows that play is a critical part of the fathering toolkit. Whether it’s engaging in rough and tumble play with toddlers, sharing pizza night with primary-school kids or laughing with teens over the latest cat video, dads bond best with their children through play. Oxytocin, the bonding chemical that promotes strong relationships is released most intensely for men when playing with kids. On the other hand, oxytocin spikes for women are prompted by affectionate activities such as stroking, cuddling and talking softly to kids. Activity is at the heart of effective fathering as it’s through play that many men do their best fathering work.
Part of team parent
‘I wish my partner raised children like me’ is a common parent comment. Put simply, if one parent is the disciplinarian the family doesn’t need another. Better for the other parent to focus on nurturing, teaching or arranging daily timetables. In busy families it’s better to ensure all the parenting bases are covered rather than duplicating roles and leaving out important functions. Working together as one part of team will ensure that most of the needs of a child are met. Alternatively, if you are parenting a child on your own stay connected with other families and reach out for assistance when required.
The school of dad
Traditionally, fathers have been heavily linked with children’s learning, but not necessarily of an academic kind. The reinforcement of values, real-world problem-solving and teaching for self-sufficiency have been the usual domain of dads. Recent studies show that dads can also positively impact their children’s academic achievement, but in different ways to mothers. While mothers are more likely to be involved in at home learning activities such as hearing children read and supervising homework, fathers are more likely to positively impact their children’s attitude to learning. According to American educational researcher William Jeynes, dads focus more (than mothers) on moulding and modelling correct mindsets and behaviours, which provide the foundation upon which children and teens can build their academic journeys. It’s this bigger picture focus where fathers can do their best work, particularly changing boys’ attitudes to women and giving their daughters the confidence to stand up and be heard.
Dads and kids’ development
If a father wants to positively influence children and teenagers, it’s important to ensure that their relationship is warm and supportive. While this may be at odds with men’s natural tendency to push children’s developmental boundaries, fathers should lean on their well defined ability to relate to their kids through play. As Australian educational leader Dr. Tim Hawkes noted in his book “Ten conversations you should have with your son” dads who engage in banter and fun are better placed to discuss issues of real substance with their children.
Dads and resilience
Fathers who promote children’s self-sufficiency are well placed to develop resilience in their children. In fact, a key role for modern fathers is to ensure, as part of team parent, that their children can confront and overcome the hardships, frustrations and difficulties that life throws at them. This is done less by adopting tough, hard-nosed tactics, and instead allowing kids to take physical and emotional risks in the knowledge that they can return to a warm and secure base.
Dad is a social role
With children growing up in step, adaptive and single parent families, fatherhood has become less a biological and more a social role. As society changes and assisted parenting techniques continue to advance, whoever answers to father takes on importance in a child’s life. This is not denying the rights of a biological father, but rather acknowledges that for many children the person who shows up whether stepfather, relative or family friend, or even a single parent doing both roles, is the social father for a child.
In closing
As society changes the role of fathers is also shifting as well. While the place of a father in a child’s life has always been important, there’s never been a greater need for fathers to be supported in their role and to widen our view of what it is to be a dad.” Grose
Have a great week with your kids,
Mark B
“For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.” 1 Thess 2:11,12
Adelaide is set to get its own Amazon distribution centre.
In just a few months, cars will be buzzing across the city delivering a whole range of items as part of the company’s Uber-style delivery service. And with it, wait times for online orders are meant to decrease dramatically.
As the global retail giant and it’s almost time-bending delivery systems hit our beautiful city, so will the ongoing desire for people to get what they want, when they want it – which usually means ‘now’.
I can think of numerous occasions when I’ve ordered something online (or mistakenly told my children that the grandparents have sent them something) and the delivery just never seems to turn up.
It starts with excited anticipation; every vehicle that stops outside could be the courier and the letterbox gets checked a couple of times every day. But, as time winds on and our excitement dies, we stop looking so eagerly or checking so frequently.
Our actions, thoughts and feelings are changed by the weight of our crushed expectations. We’re just not very good at waiting.
In Luke 19, Jesus tells his followers a story about the servants of a Nobleman who leaves for a distant land to be crowned king. Before he departs, he gives 10 servants about 3-months wages to use in his absence.
When the new King returns sometime later it becomes obvious some servants waited differently to others. Some had made 5 or 10 times the money they were given. One of them had done nothing more than buried it in the ground.
Needless to say, the new King was not overly pleased with the man that did nothing with what he had been given. And he was even less pleased with those who declared they did not want to be ruled by the new King at all.
Jesus told this story shortly before He entered Jerusalem – and He told it for a very specific reason. Luke even notes in verse 11 that Jesus ‘told this parable because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once.’
Many of Jesus’ followers expected Him to enter Jerusalem and establish a new political and social system free from Rome within days. That was never part of the plan.
With this story Jesus wanted to reset their expectations – to pull them back from the ‘next day delivery’ mindset and encourage them to wait – and wait well for His true Kingdom to be established.
I think that’s something all of us can learn to do better – whether it’s waiting for a delivery, or a child to reach a milestone or gain a skill; waiting for news both good or bad; or, waiting for Jesus’ return.
Because waiting well is not wasted time, nor is it inaction. As Jesus’ story shows, waiting well means persevering, hoping, and striving no matter how much time passes.
You never know when that package will show up at your door.
Teacher Aide Appreciation Week




Donut Day Fundraiser
Life Education Van is coming to Prescott Primary Northern
Health Coordinator
Uniform Shop
The Uniform Shop will be closed until further notice. Please order uniforms through flexischools.com.au and the items will be delivered to your child’s classroom within 3 school days. If you order the wrong size, please return the item to the Front Office with all the packaging and a note with your child’s name and explaining whether the item is too big or too small and we will exchange it for you. Thank you for your cooperation during this time.
Father's Day Stall
Premier's Reading Challege
Please ensure completed Premier's Reading Challenge forms are handed in by Friday, 3rd of September.
Congratulations Raagi






Prescott College





