Prescott Primary Northern eNewsletter

Official North Wing Opening

Prescott Primary Northern, along with some VIP guests from the Federal, State and Local Government, AISSA, BGA, and Prescott Schools, celebrated the official opening of our North Wing Building today. We were very blessed to have Senator the Hon David Fawcett (Senator for South Australia) officially open our building and unveil our plaque. Our guests were able to tour through our Year 4 classes and see these spaces in action. Our School Captains and Vice School Captains represented our student body well. What a lovely celebration for a wonderful learning space here at PPN.

Choir Performances

Thursday, October 21st was an important day for the Prescott Primary Northern School Choir. In the morning, they presented the musical called ‘Esther-Ordinary Faith’ for Combined Worship and then again in the evening for parents and family members. Through songs and drama, the students told the wonderful story of Queen Esther. The colourful costumes and props were a fitting match for the vibrant and enthusiastic singing from the Choir. We were so proud of all the choir and drama members. Thank you for your hard work and commitment. A big thank- you to:

Mrs Howard for her work with the drama, costumes, props and COVID check in procedures. You think of everything!

Mrs Stackelroth for playing the piano and organising the school band. You are amazing!

The school band for accompanying the songs in Combined Worship. It sounded beautiful!

Mr Koczwara for sound and filming. You’re the best!

Mrs Cowley for the use of some of her props. They looked great!

Prescott Administration for their support of the school choir. We appreciate you!

The main message of the musical was to help us all understand the sovereignty of God and the confidence we can have in trusting Him with the greatest of problems by displaying our own Esther-Ordinary Faith.

Mrs Dianne Jose (Choir Coordinator)

On Sunday, October 31st, dedicated choir members attended the Prescott College Fete. They sang beautifully for all of those enjoying the fun activities and the sunshine. Thank you to everyone who came to support this annual event. See you all again there next year.

Clay In A Tray Nature Play

Nature play provides a rich opportunity for children to challenge themselves physically, learn about the natural world around them and engage in meaningful activities with their peers. This helps to alleviate the mental load that can lead to mental health concerns. Students at Prescott Primary Northern were given the opportunity to develop a love for the natural world this week. They played with potter’s clay in trays, excavated paths in the sand for water to flow, created ‘food’ in our mud kitchen and engaged with their peers. Let us celebrate the freedom of learning in nature this week as we engage with the natural elements around us.

Have you ever had the opportunity to be a part of a team that takes an idea, a dream, and alongside an amazing bunch of people, journey together to turn that idea, that dream, into a reality? The comradery, the sense of pride and the joy in arriving at the destination or reaching the goal together is something to be treasured. Today was one of those moments here at Prescott Primary Northern as we celebrated our Official Opening of our North Wing Building. We were blessed to have Senator the Hon David Fawcett (Senator for South Australia) carry out the official part of the program this morning.

When we began the journey of triple streaming 5 years ago, we knew that we would eventually run out of classrooms to house our classes - what a great problem to have! This is where the dream for our North Wing Project began. Our Leadership team worked alongside our architect, David Kilpatrick, to dream and create a space that would accommodate not just our growing school, but our ideas for learning spaces that encourage creativity, innovation and connection. These classrooms are specifically designed learning spaces that allow teachers flexibility with areas able to open into adjoining spaces. The acoustic considerations allow for quieter learning spaces and the smaller breakout rooms are of particular help in having staff (SSOs, Speech and OTs, Inclusive Education Teachers) work with our students. The outdoor areas around the North Wing have been a blessing in providing our school community with very pleasant and practical outdoor spaces for events such as Graduation Ceremonies and community activities, particularly when indoor events are problematic. The extended covered play area integrates with our Middle Wing, also creating outdoor learning spaces outside our Year 3 classrooms.

As the Official Opening was underway this morning, I stood back and observed the collection of VIP Guests from Federal, State and Local Government, Association of Independent Schools of South Australia, Block Grant Authority and Prescott Schools, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride to be able to recognise and celebrate this space together. My mind travelled back a couple of years to the early meetings and planning stages and couldn’t help but smile at how God has blessed us in this journey.

Take a moment to enjoy this video, a small snapshot of the development of our North Wing.

I would like to encourage you to take some time this week to reflect upon a dream or goal that perhaps you have had for yourself or for your child, and celebrate the journey. It is important for us to take a moment to stop and look back on where we have come from, as well as create dreams and goals to step ahead into the future with great excitement and anticipation.

Blessings,

Tamara

The disciples had been on a high with Jesus until suddenly, everything changed. Jesus, their friend, and mentor was crucified at the start of Passover. At this point, the disciples fell into a deep, dark place. Everything that they had learned while Jesus was alive came crashing down leaving them discouraged and disheartened. They thought Jesus was meant to set up a kingdom and kick out the Romans, but now He was dead!

The disciples couldn’t see that this was the ultimate contest, a God contest. A lot of people around that time had forgotten about God. They had turned their backs on Him and chosen to ignore what He said. The religious leaders and experts had even turned against God. They were the ones who were instrumental in putting Jesus to death.

The good news for the disciples and for us today, is that this was not the end of the story.

On the third day after Jesus’ death, Jesus conquered sin and death and rose from the dead. He is alive today!

Many of the disciples were surprised, shocked and even fearful when they saw the empty tomb when they went to visit Jesus’ burial place. They were lost in that past moment of time and couldn’t focus on the fact that Jesus had risen. Even for us, Jesus’ resurrection tends to serve as a historical marker rather than a living sign of our present reality. We remain stuck in our shock and fear trying to make sense of things, that we forget that fact that Jesus did rise from the dead so that we may have life. A life beyond this world!

Jesus said “I have come that you may have life, and have it abundantly.”

Let’s not just stand here pondering, shocked and even fearful. Let’s live life like we believe in the resurrection and God’s promise of eternal life.

Choose life, choose Jesus.

Have a great week,

Chaplain Phil

Last week, we talked about excellence/learn and this week we honoured several students from all the classes in our school for demonstrating this value.

Samabir, Bridget, Riya, Aaira, Amreen, Olivia, Yuvraj, Harvard, Jordin, Eknoor, Secure, Gursehaj, Lucas, Banipreet, Elias (absent), Aeshan (absent), Leonardo (absent) and Japneet (absent)

Japjot, Patrick, Paxton, Eloise, Amelia, Timothy, Ryan, Harroop, Param, Hope, Steven, Rhianna, Ekamjot, Zhienna, Aishwarya, Sarina, Zade (absent) and Vir (absent)

Outdoor Classroom Day

Outdoor Classroom Day is a global movement to encourage outside time as part of a child's every day experience. Prescott Primary Northern is registered to participate in this event happening tomorrow, the 4th of November. We will be joining thousands of children around the world taking part in this special day. Students are allowed to wear their sports uniform tomorrow to be able to participate in the special outdoor chapel activities and outdoor learning activities that our staff have planned.

Playdate with Prescott

Do you have friends or family with little ones (5 years and under) that would love to come and visit our PPN Nature Play? We are inviting members of our community and local playgroups to come and experience our Nature Play Space on the 16th of November. If you know somebody that has a little one that would like to come, please share this invitation and encourage them to RSVP to this event! Limited spaces available!

Chicks at Prescott Primary Northern

The chicks are growing!

Eight healthy chicks are cheeping their way through life at the moment, ready to be taken home.

Thank you to the families who have already made contact and are wanting to collect chicks. It seems that all the chicks are accounted for.

But!

If you are sorry on missing out on chicks, more eggs have arrived today, and may have already hatched as you read this newsletter. Next Thursday, 11^th November, will be the final date for collection of these Prescott 2021 Chickens V.2.

If you are interested in adopting some chicks, please be aware of the following:

Any adopted chicks cannot be returned
There is no guarantee regarding the gender of the chicks – please consider this in the event of ending up with rooster(s)!
Different councils have different regulations regarding homing backyard chooks and re-homing of roosters
Chicks are flock birds and must go home in pairs at least – no single chicks will be adopted out
Families wishing to adopt must provide a suitable transport container and may collect their chicks next Thursday, 10^th November. Any uncollected chicks will be returned to the Henny Penny Hatching Program.

Please see attached information sheet for further information regarding adopting chicks, suitable living arrangements and whether you would like to order a starter pack for care of your chicks (this is highly recommended for families taking care of chicks for the first time). These packs are $35 each and contain essentials such as feeding and drinking equipment, feed and bedding. These can only be paid for by cash and are payable before and on pick-up day.Extra information can also be found at <https://www.hennypennyhatching.com.au/general-resources/>.

Families wishing to adopt will need to contact Mr Matt Mackay at the school or via email mattmackay@ppn.sa.edu.au by 5pm Wednesday, 10th November.

Bus Requirements for 2022

If you are requiring the bus service for your child in 2022, please complete the online form below to register your interest. Demand is very high for our bus service and many of the routes have been full this year so it is very important that you register your interest as soon as possible to secure a spot on our buses.

Full-time bus fees per term: $308 per child
Part-time bus fees per term: $208 per child (part-time is one way, either to school each day or from school each day)

Bus Service 2022

Uniform Shop

The Uniform Shop is going to be closed from 12^th November 2021 until January 2022.

Online Orders will be attended to if you want to order something from the Uniform Shop.
The Uniform Shop will open from 10^th January 2022 for appointments only. Please ring the Front Office to secure your appointment.

Fun Run

Fun Run Volunteers Required - if you are able to volunteer on the day please call the Front Office and register your interest in volunteering for this event.

Part Time School Bus Driver

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

Daily Health Check

Dear Families

Firstly, I am very proud to announce that Prescott Primary Northern students have made a big achievement – this year a total of 341 students participated in the Premier’s Reading Challenge!!

Well done to everyone for such a great result!

Secondly, I am very pleased that on Monday 1^st November 2021 we presented the Hall of Fame Medals. Mr Cowley, Director of Education for Prescott Schools, presented each of the students below with their medal.

To receive this medal, students must read at least 12 books every year from Foundation to Year 6. In fact, I am delighted to share with you that some of these students have read way more than 12 books each year!

This award is significant because it acknowledges their commitment and persistence over the past 7 years.

Congratulations on another wonderful year of reading!