Phillipines Mission Trip

Uppers Sports Day Team Winner

Congratulations to Yorke who were the overall team winners from today's sports day.  Photos from the day will be in the first newsletter of Term 2.

Composting Workshops

This week, in the Nature Play Space, our Year 1's finished a composting workshop. We learnt about what compost is, talked about ways we have been using compost in our school, and how to create compost using scraps from our lunch boxes.

It was a fun experience for all involved, feeding our worms, seeing how they have already begun the composing process in our compost bins, feeding our worms with the green and brown waste from our school, and checking on our other composting bins to make sure they are creating rich soil, ready for our vegetables next term. We cant wait to plant some veggies in there and watch them grow! 

Nature Play Loose Parts 

To celebrate Nature Play Week (which is taking place in the holidays this year), our school has had the opportunity to play with some collected loose parts sent to us from Climbing Tree. It has been a fun week for the Lower Primary, as they got to use the loose parts each recess and lunch time in their Nature Play Space. They used their creativity to turn an old seat and milk crate into a car and house, and there was even an elaborate ball roll set up using bits of pipes and other materials. The Upper Primary now have the loose parts in their playground and have been using them in a lot of other creative ways. It will be great to watch how they use their imaginations this week, and see what they can create.  

This is the last week of first term. The term seems to have marched by very quickly. Our Foundations are now well into the school routine, the Year 5s and 6s have been on their camps, NAPLAN has been and gone, Swim Safe Week is a distant memory, and our Year 3 to 6 Sports Day was on today.

It has been an excellent term and thanks must go to the teachers and staff who have not only done the everyday things needed in a school, but have gone above and beyond. I am so grateful for all of them.

The Easter long weekend just gone gave me a chance to reflect a little on things, but also to think of how kids grow and develop. I got to spend time camping with some of my family, and my three grandchildren were there as well. As they played, or walked, or did activities, I was drawn to their wonder and curiosity about the world we live in. The joy they found in digging a hole, making a bike jump, or even picking treasures of flowers, grass, and sticks, and putting them in a basket was captivating.

Curiosity is a very underrated concept in my opinion. The Cambridge Dictionary defines curiosity as “an eager wish to know or learn about something.” I witnessed that eagerness in those kids on the weekend. I also see that curiosity in our students at school all the time. Why would I think curiosity is so important? Here are four reasons offered by Latumahina; 1. It makes your mind active instead of passive. 2. It makes your mind observant of new ideas. 3. It opens up new worlds and possibilities., and 4. It brings excitement into your life. (Latumahina, 2022)

We have two-week holiday break coming, and I would like to offer you a challenge. Research and experience two activities with your kids designed to promote curiosity for them and you. Shared curiosity is even better than sending them off for their own adventure. It also creates some pretty special memories for both the adult and the child.

For some reason or another, whether age, business, or responsibility, or it is squashed out of us, I see curiosity decline as we progress through education, work and life. I genuinely believe that to be a tragedy. Take some time in the next little while to get really curious and see what horizons open to you.

Have a great holiday break with our kids,

Mark B

As the first term of the year comes to a close at Prescott Primary Northern, I am filled with gratitude for the many experiences that have taken place. From teaching the students about the true meaning of Easter and walking them through the last supper, crucifixion, and resurrection of Christ, to participating in the Connect 4 community event at Waterworld eating snags and playing games. The annual sports carnival today was a massive hit even though it was windy. This term has absolutely been one of learning, growth, and community. Lets take a look at some of my personal highlights for Term One.

Time I’ve spent with the students in class has been a highlight of the term, allowing me to connect with the students and provide support for their emotional and spiritual needs. It has been a privilege to be a listening ear and offer guidance and encouragement as needed. The way they consume the stories we cover in the Bible and see them applying it within their own setting is truly remarkable.

The Connect 4 community event at Waterworld provided a fun and light-hearted way for students to bond and build relationships with one another. It was wonderful to see the students, parents and staff laughing and having fun together, strengthening their sense of community within the school.

The Year 5 camp to El Shaddai and the Year 6 camp to Canberra provided the students with opportunities to learn new skills, build relationships with their peers, and develop important life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and resilience. These experiences helped the students to step out of their comfort zones and challenge themselves, which will serve them well as they move forward in their educational and personal journeys here at PPN.

The annual sports carnival was another highlight of the term, providing the students with an opportunity to showcase their athletic abilities and sportsmanship. It was inspiring to see the students encouraging and cheering one another on, and it was a testament to the strength that exists at Prescott Primary Northern.

Overall, the first term of the year has been filled with meaningful experiences that have allowed myself and the students to learn, grow, and connect with one another. I look forward to continued opportunities to support and guide the students as they navigate their educational and personal journeys. Of all the “first term at a new school” experiences I could have had, I truly hit the jackpot landing here at PPN, and I have a strong sense that the students who call PPN home have had an amazing Term One as well.

Cheers and God bless,

Toby Ackland

A school holiday survival guide

It’s almost that time of year that teachers and students love but parents often dread…school holidays! Children are released from the confines and routines of the school environment and parents start hearing the dreaded words… I’m bored!

So what is a parent to do? Here are some tips for not only surviving the school holidays, but actually turning them into something you and your child can enjoy together, that won’t cost a small fortune.

Allow your child to become bored (within reason)

That’s right, sometimes children need to be allowed to be bored. As a parent, you often feel like you need to keep your child entertained every minute of the day. But allowing them to feel some boredom can encourage them to find ways to keep themselves entertained, learn to use their imagination and develop creativity. You may be surprised by the imaginative games and activities children will come up with if given the chance. Just remember to keep an eye out so that they are engaged in safe activities.

Discover your local neighbourhood

Local councils will often offer programs for children to attend during the holidays, you can also check out the local park, library or find out if other interesting events are happening near you. (Click here to see activities from Tea Tree Gully Council, City of Salisbury, and Port Adelaide Enfield Council) If the weather is fine, many areas have fantastic walks that can allow you to explore nature and get some exercise. Use paper or digital maps to look for places you haven’t been before. A simple internet search will let you know of a variety of suitable events happening where you live.

Family friendly activities

If you have children of different ages it is often difficult to keep them all happy with one single activity. Try sitting down with the whole family and decide on a few activities that the whole family will do together. Including your children in the decision making and planning is always a good start to any holiday. A trip to the zoo and lunch, a picnic at the beach or botanical gardens, or games at the park can all be enjoyed by different ages. Make sure everyone agrees on at least one thing so everyone has something to look forward to. These activities are also great chance to inspire some drawing, writing or photo and video work that can be shared and kept as a memento of the holiday.

Educational activities

Teachers do not generally assign homework over the holidays but this doesn’t mean children can’t learn during their time off, just make it fun!

One of the best ways to supplement children’s normal learning routines is with activities that won’t feel like chores. Take advantage of your local museum or art gallery, they usually offer free workshops that children of all ages can take part in and will often have some educational value included. Design and test various paper aeroplanes to see which ones fly the furthest or stay in the air the longest. Have an art day at home, paint some canvases, make play dough together or draw on your driveway with some chalk. Bake a cake or cookies together and ask your child to help measure out the ingredients, they could even plan a meal, do the shopping and help prepare it – but make sure they agree to clean up too! Activities like these will apply children’s school based learning to practical real-world situations.

Have FUN!

With some thought, a little planning and family discussion, the school holidays can be an opportunity to bond as a family, enjoy some relaxed time together, let your imagination run wild and even learn something! And don’t worry…the holidays will be over before you know it.

Playground Renovation

Casual Day For Taytay

Winter Uniform Change Over

Uniform Shop 

Please book your appointment for your child’s Winter Fittings through the Front Office now.

These fittings are from Week 7, including the first term holidays.

Uniform Shop opening times:
Monday - Thursday 2:30pm to 4pm
However, fittings still need to be by appointment ONLY. 
Please call the office to make your appointment for a fitting: 8396 2577

Prescott College

OSHC School Holiday

Valley View Tennis Clinic

Hockey SA Clinics