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Year 6 Visits Prescott College
The Year 6s have completed their 2nd round of Prescott College visits, participating in Science, Home Economics, and Industrial Arts. The students have really enjoyed using Prescott College's facilities to complete very hands-on tasks and activities. It has also been great to see some past Prescott Primary Northern students as well! We look forward to our next round of Prescott College visits in Term 3!
Compost is Heaps of Fun
The Prescott Primary Northern campus is a beautiful place to be – full of trees, lawns, and flowers. But the greenery at school is more than just good to look at – it is useful too.
Thanks to a grant we received from the South Australian Government last year, we have been able to start a composting program that puts the green waste (including leaf litter, lawn clippings etc) back into use around the school. Even the worms that call the compost home think it's an amazing program.
This week, Mr Isaac has been busy ready-ing our vegie patches for a new season of planting, and with a good feed of school-made compost, we are sure the harvest will be plentiful.
We think it is important our children don’t just learn about sustainability, but see it in action every day, don’t you?
Attracting Birds
We have recently moved up to my parents’ house in Gawler while they travel around Australia. My mum had a ritual that we have also adopted each morning as soon as we wake up - feeding the local pigeons, noisy minors, and magpies wild bird-seed and rolled oats.
It is the highlight of my 1-year-old’s day, spreading the seed out onto the pavers, and quietly watching them fly down and enjoy their morning treat.
This week, our students also got to experience the same joy in observing and feeding the local birds. We worked together, using a poster to help identify the birds found in the schoolyard. Shrieks of joy were heard when they found the rainbow lorikeets racing through the playground to their trees. Some students also helped to make some bird seed blocks, that will be hung in the trees around the playground when they have dried, to help attract more bird life in and around the playground.
I encourage you this week to either observe or feed your local birds to see what birds you have living near you!
Have you noticed that there are some people who are much easier for you to understand and “get”? They seem to act in a similar way to you, think in a similar way to you, react to situations similarly, and work through challenges sort of like you do? There seems to be a comfort and insight you have around those people.
Today’s thoughts though, are around the importance of endeavouring to understand those around us who don’t think, act, or deal with life in the way we do – especially when it is our kids. That isn’t easy. It doesn’t come naturally. Empathy, compassion, standing with our kids and looking at things as they see them, are not easy things to do.
We have a saying placed around on some of our desks in the front office that says something like, “If we only listened with the same passion that we feel about being heard.” (Lerner, 2012).
That is very challenging, but a great place to begin our journey of understanding of others. It also applies in our parenting and teaching. The article below is about how we best raise introverted or quiet children. If you are an introvert, this may not provide you with the insight and understanding it provided me, but I think you will still find it helpful.
“Many parents worry when their child is shy, quieter than others or not the outgoing type. The thought that their child may be a loner turns parents into social organisers who arrange playdates and parties or friendship coaches. They may upskill their kids to start conversations, manage conflict and play with others. This flurry of activity can be exhausting, and they cause a great deal of angst for kids. However, it may be that their child is introverted by nature, and they are trying to make them fit the extrovert mould.
It’s genetic
Introverts are wired differently to extroverts. Introverts have closer links to the para-sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for calm and relaxation, so they feel more at home in quieter, less stimulating environments. Extroverts, on the other hand, are more closely aligned with the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for high arousal levels, so they seek stimulating environments to keep their energy levels high.
Extroverts work hard to get their dopamine hits, those little shots of happiness the brain releases to reward behaviour and keep them coming back for more. Introverts, on the other hand, who only have to read a book to get a dopamine hit, feel more comfortable in low stimulus environments.
Birth order plays a role
While nature plays a huge part in temperament development, genetics can’t claim all the credit for creating introverts and extroverts. In birth order studies, eldest borns repeatedly score higher on introversion than children in other birth order positions, while later-borns consistently lean towards extroversion. Being born last in a family usually means time alone is a rarity, while eldest children usually spend a great deal of time in their own company in the early formative years when personality is being shaped.
The world is skewed toward extroverts, so knowing how to raise introverts means that you may need to discard many parenting rules of thumb you’ve taken for granted. Here are some parenting ideas to get you started.
Welcome introspection
Introverts like to go within to process daily events and find solutions to their problems. In an era when we encourage kids to discuss rather than bottle problems up, introspection can be disconcerting for parents. But giving introverts space to think through adverse events before they seek help, enables them to get their thoughts in order and feel more in control of their lives. Welcome quiet times and remember that introverts need time to refresh and replenish away from the hustle and bustle of school and family life.
Provide silence and solitude
Extroverts like to keep company of others, while introverts like to keep their own company, or keep friendship circles small. Introverted kids appreciate quiet time and spaces away from others to recharge, reconnect and relax. This may seem strange to extroverted parents, or siblings who want to hang out or play with their siblings. Giving kids permission to seek solitude, balanced with activity to prevent brooding, is an introvert-friendly family habit.
Use stepladders not escalators
Extroverts tend to jump boots and all into new social situations. School camp coming up. “Great. It’ll be fun.” Family holiday approaching. “Terrific! I hope we go where there’s heaps of other kids.” Joining a new sports team. “I can’t wait. I bet I’ll know heaps of kids already.”
Introverts, on the other hand, are more tentative entering new social situations. School camp. “I hope some of my friends are going.” Family holiday. “Who else will be there?” Joining a new sports team. “Will I know anyone?”
Give introverts plenty of information about new situations and don’t expect them to immediately embrace the whole scenario. Give them time to make new friends and become comfortable in social situations.
Quietly celebrate quiet achievers
Introverts can easily feel that something is wrong with them. Mainstream entertainment and social media celebrates extroverts in all walks of life. Brain surgeons don’t receive standing ovations, yet they do their best work on their own. When introverts do well in any field shout it out (but quietly!) as they need someone to aspire to as much as extroverts.
Chess anyone?
Help your introverted child discover their strengths and interests and resist pushing them down common leisure paths such as sport or drama that may not hold strong appeal. When they join clubs and groups they may be really interested in, such as chess, crafts or reading, they will more than likely form friendships with like-minded souls… as birds of a feather really do flock together.
It’s a balancing act
Too much solitude can lead to depression so introverted children and teenagers need to be challenged at times to leave the comfort of their own company and spend time with friends, or even the rest of the family. Firm but gentle persuasion and nudging works better with introverts than heavy-handedness so work on your persuasion skills to ensure your introvert lives a socially balanced life.
In closing
Parenting introverts can be a challenge particularly if you are an extrovert yourself. Adopt the mindset that introversion is normal, indeed a strength, and put steps in place to help an introverted child feel both comfortable in their own skin and confident navigating the world at large. “ (Grose, 2022)
Have a great week with your kids (whatever their personality),
Mark B
“Then he was told, “Go, stand on the mountain at attention before God. God will pass by.”
A hurricane wind ripped through the mountains and shattered the rocks before God, but God wasn’t to be found in the wind; after the wind an earthquake, but God wasn’t in the earthquake; and after the earthquake fire, but God wasn’t in the fire; and after the fire a gentle and quiet whisper.” 1 Kings 19:11.12
Hey PPN Family,
We are living at a time when people are easily offended. We get offended when people are driving too slowly, and we get offended when they’re driving too fast. We get offended when the line at the supermarket is too long, and we get offended when the hot drink that we ordered from our favourite café arrives warm.
The negative consequence of a society which is easily offended, is that we are also living at a time when relationship conflicts are at an all-time high.
In Matthew 5:9 Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Jesus makes it clear that being a peacemaker is one of the most godlike things that we can do, because God is a peacemaker. When sin destroyed our relationship with God, Jesus gave his life for us so that our relationship with God could be restored. Jesus became the peacemaker between God and us.
God is all about restoring relationships, and his enemy, the Devil, is all about destroying relationships. When God comes into our relationships he brings love, forgiveness, grace, compassion, reconciliation, joy, and peace.
Do you need some peacemaking in your life right now? Jesus, the ultimate peacemaker wants to help you out. All you need to do is ask.
God bless,
Roland Talamaivao-Amituanai
Is your child ready for social media?
Despite most social media sites and apps requiring users to be at least 13 years of age, there is increasing prevalence of primary-aged students gaining access to social media, and other communication systems online.
Talking with your child about why they cannot engage in something that ‘all their friends’ are doing (whether that is a true or not, is another matter) can be difficult. But taking a considered, age-appropriate, and family-focused approach is important for the growth and protection of the children you love.
The Australian eSafety Commissioner provides a whole range of useful resources for parents at www.esafety.gov.au
When considering access to social media and other online platforms it is suggested you consider the following questions:
· Is your child able to withstand negative online experiences?
· Does your child understand the importance of protecting their personal information?
· Does your child understand how privacy settings for social media work?
· Does your child understand what is safe to share online?
· Does your child know how to report cyberbullying and other kinds of abusive content?
· Is your child willing to let you establish clear rules and supervise their social media activity?
You can read more of their recommendations here: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/skills-advice/are-they-old-enough
If your child chats, games, or views media online – and you don’t feel like you understand or have adequate control over what they are doing it’s highly recommended you look through the eSafety Guide which outlines the uses, risks, and controls available for most apps your child may use.
Learn more about the apps your child users here: https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide
Welcome to Miss Smith
Prescott Primary Northern would like to welcome Miss Caitlin Smith to our school family. Miss Smith is from Avondale University and is completing her final year placement at PPN with Mrs Charity in Year 5A. We look forward to getting to know her over her 8 weeks of placement at our school. Thank you, Miss Smith, for joining us and blessing our Year 5A team.
International Mud Day Playdate
Do you have a preschool-aged child or know any families with preschool-aged children? We would love to extend this invitation to families in our local community with little ones who may wish to celebrate International Mud Day with us. Use the QR codes for further information. RVSP by Monday, 27th of June, to secure your booking.
PPN celebrates International Mud Day
International Mud Day is on the 29th of June and we will have some muddy activities for our students to participate in if they choose too. We are asking that students who wish to participate in muddy play on the 29th of June, bring gumboots to wear!
Crazy Hair Day
SSO Position Available
Lunch Deliveries
We would like you to know that taking commercial/fast food type lunches (e.g. Hungry Jacks, MacDonalds, Subway etc.) to classrooms for students is something we will no longer do. There are several reasons for this.
Firstly, there are risks involved in food being served later than it should be, and the school is not able to pass that food on. The foods in question can be particularly susceptible to these risks.
Secondly, the arrival of some of the commercial foods into a classroom can be very unsettling for the class.
Finally, it can create a feeling of lack for some children in the class whose family cannot, or choose not to provide these popular meals for their child.
We provide healthy fresh food options at our canteen that are well-priced, and we are willing to help sort something at short notice if it is an emergency.
Please do not be offended if we say we are not able to deliver these lunches to your child’s classroom.
Many thanks,
Mark Borresen
Principal – Prescott Primary Northern
Birthday Treats
Birthdays are an exciting time for children, and our teachers celebrate each child on their birthday.
Please DO NOT send in anything for your child’s birthday.
If anything is brought to school, we will unfortunately have to send it back home with your child.
Gumboots At School
We are absolutely loving our Nature Play Space at school. This is a popular space at both recess and lunch times, as well as some outdoor learning lessons taking place in this area.
One of the most popular sections of our Nature Play is our giant sandpit and water pump. The creativity and problem-solving displayed here is amazing. We love seeing the children work together to create tunnels, dams and castles.
We have noticed that some of our children who regularly play in the sandpit and with the water pump are having difficulty keeping their shoes looking presentable. Instead of discouraging the sandy, wet play, or asking our families to buy new shoes on a more regular basis, we are allowing our students to bring their own pair of gumboots to school to be worn when playing in the sand pit and with the water.
The gumboots cannot be worn in place of school shoes in any other activity other than sandpit, mud kitchen, and water (eg. if playing soccer or climbing on the log scramble they need to wear their normal school shoes).
Classrooms will have a designated area to store these gumboots if you wish to send along named gumboots to stay at school.
Gumboots can be purchased from places such as Kmart, Big W or Target, ranging from $8 - $20.
Uniform Shop
All colours of library bags are available again. Orders can be made via Flexischools.
Parents Back On Campus
Daily Health Check
Do's & Dont's of Dropping Your Kids to School
Yr 3 - 6 Sports Day
The Upper Sports Day is on next Thursday, June 30 at Bridgestone Athletics Centre. Due to the new date, we require updated consent and transport information.
IMPORTANT - To book your child a seat on the bus and give consent, please click the link below and complete the form by Friday, June 24. Failure to do so will mean your child may not be able to attend and will not have a seat on a bus from school.
Prescott College
Bookings are now open for Prescott College Showcase of the Arts Dinner 2022!
Seats are limited to 55 people per night and bookings close on Thursday 7th July, so book early to avoid disappointment!
OSHC Pupil Free Days and School Holidays
