Filter Content
Year 6 Art - Vincent Van Gogh
In Year 6, our students embarked on a captivating artistic journey into the world of Vincent van Gogh, a masterful painter known for his unique and mesmerizing works of art. As part of their exploration, they undertook an impressive challenge: recreating the iconic masterpiece, "Starry Night."
This endeavour was not merely about mimicking brushstrokes or colours; it was a voyage into the very heart of artistic expression. Our Year 6 students delved into the intricate details of van Gogh's life and his profound connection to nature, the night sky, and the Creator's awe-inspiring universe. They learned that, much like van Gogh, they too could find inspiration in the world around them.
The results of their efforts were nothing short of astounding. Each student meticulously crafted their own interpretation of "Starry Night," infusing it with their unique perspective and artistic flair. The swirls of colours, the luminous stars, and the dreamlike landscapes on their canvases were a testament to their dedication and creativity.
As we reflect on this remarkable project, we are reminded of the biblical concept of creation. Genesis 1:1 tells us, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." In their artwork, Year 6 students not only paid homage to van Gogh's vision but also celebrated the divine act of creation. They marvelled at the same night sky that has inspired artists, thinkers, and believers for centuries.
In their efforts, we see a beautiful alignment with the Bible's message of stewardship and creativity. They used their talents to recreate a piece of the universe's wonder and shared it with all of us. Their journey through van Gogh's "Starry Night" serves as a reminder that art can be a profound means of connecting with the natural world, appreciating the Creator's work, and expressing our own unique place within it.
We are immensely proud of our Year 6 students and their remarkable artistic achievements. Their dedication, creativity, and understanding of how we can see God through art is something we are very proud of.
Year 4 Tomato Town Rescue
As part of the Tomato Town Rescue in Design and Technology, our Year 4’s embarked on a delightful journey into the world of flavours. Our young food enthusiasts participated in a taste-testing adventure, sampling a range of healthy and unhealthy ingredients. The purpose of this activity was to explore a variety of flavours and discover groups of foods that complement each other. In upcoming weeks, students will create their own healthy recipe based on the ingredients they sampled in the taste testing experience.
Nature Play
It has been busy down in the Nature Play Space this week. We had a composting workshop, some bamboo play, and the Year 2's harvested their garden!
A simple addition of bamboo to the sandpit and Nature Play Space this week allowed the children to use their creativity and extend their play in many ways. Even though the students have used the bamboo tunnels before, they were presented in a new way that sparked some new creativity! They used them in the garden, with the water pump, and in the sandpit. I love seeing how they created rivers, small homes and even a slide for their own toys.
Last term the Year 2's visited me in the Nature Play Space and we planted some salad greens such a lettuce and baby spinach and other winter vegetables. While the Year 2's have waited patiently, the vegetables have been busy growing in our garden. This week we harvested some of the lettuce and the baby spinach to make a yummy summer salad with our greens from the garden, along with some additional vegetables. The student were so engaged and excited to help pull them out for the garden and clean them ready to add them to our salad of strawberries and cucumber. While some students didn't enjoy eating the lettuce other students thought it was delicious, and enjoyed the salad. We have learnt alot about planting and growing vegetables, and can't wait to grow more in the garden using our newly found knowledge. Do you grow vegetables in your garden?
Who is enjoying the beautiful change in the weather this week? The sunshine and warmth really does put a smile on the face and a spring in the step. This Spring weather has been very timely for our PPN community as we celebrate PE week and all things active this week.
It's Better Outside : https://natureplaysa.org.au/places-to-go/
NP2256-26-sporting-skills-to-try-Digital.pdf (natureplaysa.org.au)
NP2256-15-ways-to-get-active-outdoors-Digital.pdf (natureplaysa.org.au)
Blessings,
Tamara
I hope this message finds you all in good health and high spirits. It's always a pleasure to connect with you through our school newsletter. This week, I'd like to take a moment to reflect on our exciting PE Week, and its amplification of the Lord’s work through us.
PE Week is an excellent opportunity for our students to celebrate the importance of physical health, fitness, and teamwork. It's a time when we encourage our students to be active, have fun, and develop essential life skills. The chaplaincy team believe that our spiritual and physical well-being are closely interconnected. This concept reminds me of the story of David and Goliath from the Bible.
In the book of 1 Samuel, we find the story of a young shepherd named David, who was tasked with facing the giant warrior Goliath. David, despite being small and inexperienced, had faith in himself and in a higher power. He knew that with God's help, he could overcome the seemingly insurmountable challenge before him. Armed with a humble sling and a few stones, David defeated Goliath and showed us the power of faith, courage, and determination.
So, how does this story relate to PE Week, you might ask? Well, PE Week is a chance for our students to face their own "giants." Whether it's a challenging obstacle course, a tough game of soccer, or simply pushing themselves to improve their physical fitness, our students are presented with opportunities to conquer their fears and doubts, just as David did.
We can encourage our students to embrace their challenges with faith, knowing that they are not alone in their journey. Just like David, they can draw strength from knowing that God always has their back and believe in their ability to overcome obstacles, no matter how formidable they may seem.
The teamwork aspect of PE Week aligns with the biblical message of unity and supporting one another. Just as David’s growth was supported by Jonathan and Samuel, our students can rely on each other and foster a sense of camaraderie as they work together to achieve common goals.
As we celebrate PE Week, let us not only focus on physical prowess but also on the spiritual and emotional growth that can come from facing challenges with determination, faith, and a supportive community. May our students learn to trust in their abilities and in the power of God, just as David did when he faced Goliath.
I encourage all of us to approach this week with enthusiasm, not only for the physical activities but also for the valuable life lessons that P.E. Week can offer. Let us remember the story of David and Goliath and the powerful message it holds for us today.
Wishing you all a joyful and inspiring P.E. Week!
Warm regards,
Toby Ackland
RU OK – Having the conversation and what to do if the answer is ‘no’.
Tomorrow, Thursday 14 September is ‘RU OK?’ Day. So your social media feeds may be flooded with people asking each other, ‘R U OK?’ These are wonderful sentiments. The outpouring of concern is powerful. It’s helpful. It’s positive. And yet… there’s something missing.
While R U OK day has led to important breakthroughs for many people (and has likely saved lives) too many people nod and say, “yep I’m ok”, when they’re not. And what do we do when someone responds with “Actually, no. I’m not ok at all”?
Having the conversation
A survey of 2000 adults showed that the average adult is fudging the truth when they tell us “I’m fine”. My own recent research with 400 Aussie teen girls affirms that they lie to us all the time about being “OK”. After all, it’s just what we say isn’t it? And we don’t really want to tell everyone our problems.
Does that mean we should stop asking R U OK? Of course not. What it does mean is that we might be able to learn to ask better. And listen better.
Tip 1: Just like dollars are the currency of our economy, attention is the currency of our relationships. Spending time in the relationship is critical for our children to be willing to talk with us, trust us, and disclose their struggles to us. We must prioritise our relationships over TV, email, cleaning the house, exercise, socialising, and in serious situations, even work. To a child LOVE is spelled T-I-M-E.
Tip 2: If you sense they’re not ok, tell them that. Be up front. Here’s how: “I’ve seen how hard things have been at school lately. You’ve come home sad. You’ve preferred to stay in your bedroom. Things seem rough.” “You seem to be really struggling lately. I’ve been trying to reach you but you seem to really feel like you want to be alone.” What we’re trying to do with those we love is to put a name to the emotion that might be dragging them down. When we do that, they feel understood.
Tip 3: Don’t try to fix things. You usually can’t. Instead, name the emotion and then sit with them in their struggle. Let them open up. Listen. That’s it. If someone is not ok, we can’t fix them. But we can suffer with them. We can see they’re struggling and step into that struggle with them. That’s true compassion. And that’s how we truly help.
Tip 4: Tell them you love them. No. Matter. What. Relationships are at the heart of wellbeing. When someone doesn’t feel “ok”, they often feel unworthy. Reassurance that they are valued – loved – is key. The added confirmation that they matter to you – no matter what – can be pricelessly affirming.
If your child, or someone you love, is not ok:
Take it seriously.
Ask questions.
Find out if they need urgent help.
If you are concerned, ask the question: “Have you been thinking about self-harming or suicide?” Many of us will shy away from conversations like this. But asking those kinds of questions doesn’t increase the risk of suicide – in fact, they can actually help someone feel less distressed. It’s ok to ask.
If they say yes, drive them to your nearest Emergency Department and tell them you have a child who is talking about suicide. Don’t wait. Just go.
And don’t wait until R U OK day to ask.
Important Numbers
Contact beyondblue at 1300 22 46 36 for information about mental health
Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Callback Service on 1300 659 467 for suicide and crisis support.
Contact 000 for emergencies.
(Source: Happy Families)
Pupil Free Day
Upper Concert – Change of Dates
Please note that the Upper Primacy Concert, originally planned for Week 9, Term 3 has been moved to Week 2, Term 4.
This will involve all Year 5-6 students taking part in rehearsals on Tuesday 24 October and Wednesday 25 October. Two concert times are planned for Thursday 26 October, including a day-time Matinee for grandparents, and an evening performance for parents.
Thanks for noting this change.
Class Placement Considerations
We are currently working on class placements for 2024. There are many factors that go into making decisions about class placements and we use a program to try to balance the many competing demands. We are unable to guarantee requests will be granted, but if there is some extenuating circumstance you would like considered for your child, please email Mark Borresen (markborresen@ppn.sa.edu)
Term 3 Music Recital
Year 6 Bake Sale 28th September
The weather really has turned it on for PE Week! Our students have been making the most of the opportunity to get active. This week we’ve had activities for every class at the end of the day, a lunch-time soccer tournament for our middle and uppers (organised and run by our own students), and a special visit to the Valley View Tennis Club.
Prescott College
OSHC Pupil Free Day 22nd September
