The recent weeks have seen even more developments and complications for our school, and many of our families when it comes to COVID, and working to control its spread. I recently read something attributed to former First Lady Hilary Clinton, that made me stop and think.

She said, “Caring for others is an expression of what it means to be fully human.”

That statement has a lot of depth to it and one that is particularly relevant in world events, as well as our local situation. I would like to say a big thank you to all of our school family for the love and care you have shown to your children, and your patience and understanding with us as we endeavour to balance protecting students, families and staff, with continuing to provide education to our children, and trying to be sensitive to the impact testing, isolating and doing “circuit breaker” stay at home interventions has on those involved.

We are currently really struggling to get enough staff to continue to provide all of the services we normally do at school. There have been a couple of times where we have not been able to run a bus service once in the day, we have had to use quite a number of relief teachers, we are currently facing a shortage of Front Office and SSO staff, and even our grounds and maintenance team have been understaffed. These situations have come about because of the impact of COVID on our staff.

Please know that we are doing all we possibly can to cover the staff shortages, that we are making no compromises at all in regards to the safety of our children, and that by far and away the learning program for our children continues at our expected high level. It may mean, however, that your requests may take a little longer to chase up, your children might come home and say they had a new person helping out in their classroom, and our leadership team may not be quite as available to help with your enquires as we are helping to cover elsewhere.

I guess, what I am really saying is thank you for your support and patience with each other and our school so far, and please continue to do this as we face further challenges in the coming days and weeks.

I also want you to know that we are doing all we can to minimise the impact of these difficulties on our families, and that any decisions we make concerning our school program are not made flippantly, but with care and concern for our students, staff, and families.

Many thanks again. I am so blessed to belong to such an amazing community.

Have a great week with your kids,

Mark B

The secret of happiness is to count your blessings while others are adding up their trouble. - William Penn

When reading the Bible, you can't help but notice the theme of thankfulness - there are many verses that tell us to give thanks or praise to God. Other than in the Bible, there are many research articles written about the benefits that come with being a grateful person. Research shows that a person who is thankful is more likely to do better in school, have deeper, more meaningful friendships, and stay healthy.

So, essentially being grateful is good for you!

Living life as grateful people is God's will for our lives. God knew from the beginning of time how living a positive, grateful life would affect us. The Bible tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

This week I encourage you to make gratitude a habit! Find ways you can show your gratefulness to others, write it down, or even share it with your family.

How we’re helping create well beings

We’ve started the year by sharing insights, tips, and opportunities to help you, as parents and carers, support the wellbeing of your kids. Hopefully, you have found them useful!

Like you, we want to see your students grow into the best versions of themselves. Across our academic, spiritual, sport, and social programs, supporting and growing students’ sense of wellbeing is a core focus here at PPN.

Below are just some of the ways we are helping support the wellbeing of your children at school:

- Strong relationships with classroom teachers: Strong, positive relationships with a number of adults has significant impacts on children’s wellbeing. Your children’s teacher spends many hours getting to know your children, listening to their stories, and encouraging growth and resilience.

- Chaplaincy support on campus every day: Our chaplaincy team not only runs our Chapels and other spiritual events on campus, but provides emotional and pastoral care to our entire PPN Community – this includes our students AND their families. We have a chaplain on campus everyday, and they’re always ready to help.

- School Counsellor: Our qualified school counsellor, Ali Frierich, is on campus each week to provide guidance to students experiencing a difficult period. She is also available to support the parents of these students.

- Individual and Group Support: Through our team of Student Support Officers (SSOs) and the work of the Inclusive Education Team, we provide a range of individual and group programs to support the diverse academic and social needs of our students.

- A diverse, caring community: With a zero-tolerance approach to bullying and a values-driven environment, your child is part of a community that celebrates diversity, cares for each other, and is ready to support each other in the good, and the not-so-good, times.

If you have any questions about these programs, or would like to discuss the wellbeing of your children please don’t hesitate to contact your classroom teacher or email the school.

Bright Colours Day

Foundation Enrolments 2023

Enrolments for 2023 Foundations are almost FULL. If you have a younger child starting school in 2023, please contact the Front Office ASAP for an Application Form.

1/2 Day for Parent Teacher Interviews

Uniform Shop

The Uniform Shop currently has a very large amount of stock in second-hand clothing. There are also items from Prescott College available.  For those interested, please make an appointment to peruse these items.

The Front Office is now taking appointments for Winter Fittings.  
Extra days are available during the holidays:
April 19^th, 20^th, 21^st, 22^nd, followed by April 26^th, 27^th, 28^th, 29^th.
Please book early to secure your appointment.

When placing second-hand items in for sale, please ensure that ALL items are washed and clean. BLAZERS MUST BE DRY CLEANED and BROUGHT IN IN THE CLEANERS BAG.

*Please Note*

The School Blazer is part of the Winter Uniform and is only to be worn in Winter, that is for Term 2 and Term 3 for Years 5 & 6.  It is not a part of our Summer Uniform.

Daily Health Check

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

Prescott College

OSHC School Holidays

Hope Valley Football Club