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Yr 3 Visit Adelaide Gaol
As a learner bait for our Civics and Citizenship unit next term, our Year 3 students went on an educational trip to the old Adelaide Gaol. This visit brought history to life for them. They got to explore South Australia's rich history and learn important lessons from the past.
The trip allowed our students to travel back in time and understand how life was in the 19th century. They learned about the tough conditions that prisoners had to endure and how our society has changed when it comes to justice and prisons over the years. This also helped them develop empathy. They thought about the lives of the people who were once locked up in the gaol. By hearing stories about the inmates, they could imagine what it was like to live in a different time. This made them appreciate the freedoms they have today. They also had discussions about laws and fairness. They learned about the legal system in the past and how it has become more just in our time. Lastly, our students had a chance to see how we preserve historical places. They learned why it's important to protect our heritage and how places like the Adelaide Gaol help us remember our culture and history.
Yr 6 Science - Baking Bread Using Yeast
It has been an exciting and educational term for our Year 6 students in the world of biological science. In recent weeks, we have been delving deep into the fascinating realm of micro-organisms, particularly focusing on yeast and mould.
Throughout the term, our young scientists have been actively engaged in hands-on experiments that have not only expanded their knowledge but also piqued their curiosity. We began our journey by exploring yeast, a tiny but powerful micro-organism that plays a significant role in the world of baking and fermentation.
Our students conducted experiments to observe the growth of yeast in different conditions, investigating how temperature, sugar, and other factors influence its activity. These experiments allowed them to grasp the concept of micro-organisms and the role they play in various processes, including the production of bread.
The highlight of the term was undoubtedly our bread-making adventure. After learning about yeast, we decided to put our newfound knowledge into practice by making our own bread. The students were enthusiastic and ready for the challenge.
They began by creating a step-by-step flowchart on how to make bread, meticulously detailing each stage of the process. This activity not only reinforced their understanding of the science behind breadmaking but also improved their organizational and communication skills.
Following the flowchart, our young bakers rolled up their sleeves and got to work. They measured, mixed, kneaded, and patiently waited for their dough to rise. The classroom was filled with the delightful aroma of freshly baked bread as each student baked their own loaf to take home.
Nature Play - Spring Flowers
The beautiful spring weather has been such a blessing these past couple of weeks. All the beautiful plants and flowers are a delight to see. We had another burst of colour in the Nature Play Space this week as we made nature crowns with natural wattle and other flowers. Some students weaved their own crowns using some vines to make their head piece, others used some paper and stuck some beautiful flowers and leaves all over to make a beautiful head piece. Some students even decided to make little posies using flowers and string instead to take home some beautiful floral colour. It was wonderful to see how one activity was set up, but the students had several ideas flow from that one idea. How have you embraced the beautiful flowers of spring?
Welcome to the final week of Term 3, 2023. I know many of our students and staff are looking forward to a break for the next couple of weeks. The weather has certainly turned, and there is a warmth to the days as they begin to get longer.
A reminder that we will be in Summer Uniform in Term 4 and that we have a two-week change-over period when our students can wear either full Summer Uniform or Full Winter Uniform, but not a mixture.
Our students have been busy again this week with our Foundation students going to Swimsafe lessons, before heading out on an excursion this Friday. Year 2s have a mobile Planetarium coming into school on Friday, and our Year 6s are having a special sleepover as a part of their refugee studies. Friday will also be a Casual Day raising funds for our sister school in the Philippines.
I hope that the school holidays provide some special time together with your children. We will be back at school on Monday, October 16, for the start of Term 4.
My thoughts this week might be a little controversial, but I am finding it really hard to say nothing in the context of raising respectful young people of integrity. There was a story in the local newspaper about 20 Year 11 students who chose to leave the school camp and walk 3 kilometres to a service station around midnight because they didn’t like the food at the camp.
It is not the fact that the students left the school camp that I would like to comment on. Although, I think the inherent risks and intent involved there obviously needed addressing. The part of the story that I would like to comment on is the full-page advertisement the Service Station chain chose to run. In essence, the ad offered a free hotdog and drink to any of the students who presented their suspension letter. I don’t mind some good humour, but I am really struggling with the idea that some in our community see this situation as an opportunity to somehow reward high-risk, disrespectful and unsafe decisions of our teenagers with not just food but social recognition and social capital.
I recognise the Australian larrikin image and its importance in our nation’s historical development, but at what point are we going to recognise the challenge this presents to us as parents and educators, and, therefore, future Australian society?
We spend many hours working with our kids to encourage a respectful attitude to those around us, to encourage thoughtful risk-taking, and to develop integrity in our kids. To have our young peoples’ poor choices monetised and their mistakes rewarded with newspaper ads resulting in popularity and free junk food must surely beg the question of what we genuinely value for our kids. The veiled disapproval and rebuke with satire in the advertisement do little to hide the obvious encouragement and monetisation of disrespectful risk-taking. That, in my opinion, oversteps the boundary of ethical, responsible advertising.
I guess what I really want to do is encourage parents and educators to realise the challenge of raising kids in a society that, at times, creates currents that flow contrary to the depth of morality and responsibility we are trying so hard to have our children lay as the basis for the good, beneficial, socially conscious foundations on which they make future decisions.
. . . and in response to the Service Station advertisement’s question of, “Who wouldn’t think to themselves, I could go a hot dog at midnight from a servo?” Even hungry, junk food-inclined Mark would have to say, “Not me, thanks.”
Have a great holiday with our kids.
Mark B
Hey PPN Family,
One of my favourite stories in the Bible is found in Luke 23:32-43 where Jesus is crucified between two criminals. One of the criminals joins the crowd in disrespecting and mocking Jesus, but the other criminal puts his faith in Jesus and asks Him for a place in heaven. Jesus responds to this request with these almost unbelievable words, “Truly I tell you today, you will be with me in paradise,” (Luke 23:43).
Here we have a criminal who has committed crimes worthy of crucifixion, and just before he dies, he comes back to God, and Jesus gives him eternal life as a gift. This is why I love this story so much. Because it is a perfect example of the amazing grace of God.
I imagine that the victims of this criminal’s crimes would have been appalled at this outcome, and I can see their point. In many ways, it almost seems unfair that this troublemaker could receive eternal life without doing any good works like giving all of his money to the poor, or helping to feed the homeless, or even being baptised or going to church – but this is the beauty of the Good News of Jesus Christ. That we are not saved by our good works, but by believing in the good works of Jesus on the cross.
If you are in need of some good news today then you are in luck, because in John 3:16 we read, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
This was great news for that criminal on the cross 2,000 years ago, and it is still great news for us today.
God bless,
Roland Talamaivao-Amituanai
School holiday ideas
Last week, we talked about the importance of self-directed play and planning for children. Allowing children to make choices and decisions, guided by their interests, lets them explore, take risks, and learn autonomy. This approach demonstrates trust in their decision-making abilities and teaches them to take control of their lives, including the occasional mistakes that may arise.
An over-scheduled program runs against this idea, so sharing a list of activities available for the school holidays seems counterintuitive. However, sharing these options (amongst others) with your children and allowing the to make reasonable choices makes great use of some of the highly engaging opportunities we have.
So here of ideas for your school holidays:
- Salisbury Council have a wide range of activities – including some free ones. Click here to see the list.
- Tea Tree Gully Council also have lot of fun things happening for your kids. Click here to see them.
- Take a drive to the Whispering Wall and marvel at the acoustic oddity.
- Wander through the Children’s Storybook Trail in Carrick Hill. On a sunny day the classic-story themed adventure is particularly stunning.
- Head to North Terrace and visit one or more of the amazing things available including the Art Gallery, South Australian Museum, Australian Space Discovery Centre, Botanic Gardens or the Museum of Discovery.
- Go for a ride at the St Kilda Adventure Playground – it’s not as far away as you think!
- Visit Waterworld for a swim and slide – the October school holidays mark the start of it’s opening season.
- Pixar Putt is coming to Adelaide. Have a hit of mini golf with some of your child’s favourite movie characters. More information here.
- Get outdoors with an kayaking or abseiling adventure with Earth Adventures. You can also hire a kayak and take a paddle at the Dolphin Sanctuary near Port Adelaide.
- Pack the bikes and ride along Linear Park.
Casual Day Friday
Life Education Van
School Fees 2024
Below are details of the Prescott Primary Northern fees for 2024. These have been provided as early as possible to help families plan for the next school year.As costs continue to rise, we have made it a priority to keep any fee increases as small as possible.
Discounts continue to be available for families with multiple students enrolled, prompt payments, and school card holders. Please contact the school if you have any questions about your fees for 2024.
Year 6 Bake Sale 28th September
Uniform Shop
Term 4 is 'Change over of Season' where students need to be in Summer Uniform. There is a two-week grace period where they can wear either Winter or Summer Uniform.
By week 3, all students are required to be in full Summer Uniform.
Student Sponsorship
Notification of Enrollment Changes
Please note that Prescott Primary Norther requires at least one terms notice when a family is leaving the school or a terms fees will apply. You will soon receive an email asking you to indicate if you are planning to re-enrol your child/ren in 2024. Please respond to this email as quickly as possible to assist in our planning for the new year. If you are planning to withdraw your child for 2024, please notify the school.
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
The music teachers and students at Prescott Primary Northern are all excited for the music recital tomorrow, Thursday, 28th of September. All of the families of students who are learning the piano or flute at school, are invited to attend the performance. This event will take place in the Parra Vista Church hall, beginning at 1:40 and ending by 2:30. There is plenty of space for everyone to attend, so we hope to see lots of families there to support.
Invitation: Monash University Parent Survey
Monash University is conducting important research on NAPLAN 2023 and invites you to complete a quick survey .
Chief Investigator, Dr Venesser Fernandes and a team of researchers are seeking views from Australian parents of students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 for this short Monash University open access survey.
The research study has been approved by Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee with Project Number: 2023-37812-89526.
Prescott College
OSHC School Holiday Program
AUS Bike
