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Pupil Free Day
What a show!
Last Thursday, the Upper primary students performed their school concert 'What's the Crime Mr Wolf?' to hundreds of adoring fans. Parents and families gathered to see their young actors light up the stage – and they weren’t disappointed.
‘What’s the Crime Mr Wolf?’, and the students who brought it to life, made everyone laugh, and ponder how we can continue to look at people like God see’s them – beyond the skin (or fur in this case) to the heart.
We are all super proud of the performance that the students presented and give a lot of thanks to the teachers who added many, many hours of their own time to make sure it came together!
State Chess Championship
Isabella still placed as the highest girl player, winning a trophy, and Tyson was our top scoring player winning 6 out of 8 games. Prescott College won the High School division! Several students from our school were invited into the Australian Junior Chess Championship which will be played in Adelaide in January. Congratulations to everyone for doing their very best for Prescott today.
Innovation Museum launched at PPN
Change is a constant – particularly in the world of science and technology. This week our library has been transformed into an Innovation Museum as we explore and celebrate the advancements that have – and will – change our lives. Relics of the past, along with student’s dreams for the future have been combined in a fascinating display.
Our Upper and Middle students have also had the opportunity to take part in a technology driven quiz (who would have thought holding a QR code would let you answer questions), while our lower students have been searching the school for hidden innovations as part of the scavenger hunt.
Keep an eye out for our Innovation Challenge winners announced at the end of the week.
Summer Play Date
The sun was shining and there were bubbles floating in the breeze this morning at our Summer Playdate with Prescott. Nearly 50 little ones enjoyed a morning of craft, nature play and music in our beautiful nature play space.
There was so much to explore and investigate! Flowers and leaves trapped in icy spheres, a touch tray of beach treasures, and slippery, slimy ‘seaweed’. The children created beautiful pictures with a mixture of sand and paint, which was a highlight for many. Sand and water play in the sand pit was popular, as was the mud kitchen with bubbly water perfect for messy fun.
The adults enjoyed a free hot drink and the children were provided with some yummy fresh fruit to snack on. A wonderful morning of fun, friends and community finished with a combined group time with songs and bubbles!
We look forward to our final Playdate with Prescott in December that will have a Christmas theme, and celebrate our playdate friends who will be heading off to school next year.
Science in Nature
It was Science Week this week, and the sun shone brightly as students played and observed the natural world through the eyes of a Scientist. Through the study of vegetables, flowers, and natural phenomena in play, students gained new knowledge through experimentation. Many of the students came and participated in this week’s science experiments, with a lot asking “What do we do?” Suddenly they became immersed in experimenting with the colours, and flowers and fruit to create many different and mixing new combinations.
Through the processes of collecting, classifying, comparing, and combining during play ignites powerful connections to scientific concepts. Students thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to weigh items, magnify and observe the natural world, mix, pour, stir, layer, cut and test through experimentation. “It was the best fun!”
We have had a Playdate With Prescott at school this morning. This is an event where families with preschoolers come along and join in some fun activities specially designed for preschool children. As I wandered around the junior playground and Nature Play area this morning, watching the kids play, I was reminded how much our little ones just soak in life and the experiences we can bring them.
The same is true for older children, teenagers and us adults as well. The excitement of our Year 5 and 6 kids last week as they presented their concert was nothing short of contagious, and the efforts put in by the teachers and staff to make those events happen is so inspiring. Thank you for opening my eyes and wakening my mind again to the importance of belonging and community.
Last Friday was World Teacher’s Day. As we met as a staff on Friday morning following our concert on Thursday evening, I shared with our Prescott Team that I actually thought the night before was World Teacher Night because of the dedication, care, enthusiasm and love that was shown by the staff. Thank you to all our PPN staff involved in that event and every other event, lesson, excursion, bus ride, lunch order, and class. I thought you might find the article below helpful in offering insight into parent/teacher relationships.
“By the time your child graduates high school, they will have spent about 17,640 hours at school. That’s a lot of hours. In fact, on a typical school day, our kids spend 2-3 times as many hours with their school teacher than they spend with us, their parents and caregivers.
Our teachers work hard. On average, Australian teachers work 45 hours a week, with many even working on weekends to keep up with the workload. Yet 71% of teachers feel as though their work is unappreciated, and that their profession is not respected.
I don’t know about you, but anyone who spends twice as much time with my kids as I do on a regular basis deserves to feel all the appreciation in the world. And while buying a #1 Teacher mug or a box of chocolates as a gift on World Teachers Day certainly helps, there are things we can do all year round to have a great relationship with our kids’ teachers, and help them to feel supported and appreciated:
Communication
Having open and frequent communication with the teachers goes a long way towards establishing a supportive relationship. This includes taking a proactive approach at the start of the year, where you should share with the teachers any relevant information that may affect your child’s performance or behaviour at school. This includes medical conditions, learning difficulties, and even special interests. Then throughout the school year, keep the teacher updated about any changes in your family’s or your child’s circumstances.
Communication can occur through emails or phone calls on an as-needed basis, but also make sure to attend parent-teacher conferences, school events, and any other meetings organized by the school. Frequent contact fosters open communication.
Finally, if your child is facing any academic or behavioural challenges, collaborate with the teacher to address any difficulties and identify strategies that you can employ together to support your child’s learning.
Involvement
Show interest in your child’s education by asking them about their day and experiences in class. When you demonstrate an interest in their education, it sends a positive message.
If you can, make time to get involved in the school community. Volunteer in your child’s classroom as a parent helper, participate in school events, or join the parent council. Getting involved both supports your child’s education and eases the burden on your child’s teachers.
Finally, attend workshops or training sessions that are offered by the school. By having a better idea about the educational approach used in the school, it becomes easier to support your child and their teachers.
Respect
I wish this didn’t need to be said, but sadly it does: Don’t verbally threaten, intimidate, or get physically aggressive with your kids’ teachers. It’s never ok.
Respect goes beyond that though. Treat teachers with kindness and appreciation for their work. Take time to acknowledge and appreciate their efforts and dedication. Be grateful for the time they invest into your children.
Make sure you see your child’s teacher as a whole person (hopefully as an adult you no longer believe that teachers sleep at the school!), with responsibilities and interests beyond teaching. Avoid contacting them outside of school hours and be patient in awaiting their responses.
Finally, support classroom rules and expectations. Don’t undermine your child’s teachers by disrespecting them at home. Encourage your child to take responsibility in the learning process, and follow the guidelines set by their teachers.
Teachers do one of the most important jobs in our society. They are shaping the next generation of leaders, thinkers, caregivers. Let’s do what we can to thank them for everything they do for our kids.” (Coulson, 2023)
Have a great week with our kids,
Mark B
Hey PPN Family,
I have been a bit down this week because on Sunday morning my beloved All Blacks (the New Zealand rugby team) lost in the Rugby World Cup final to our century old archrivals the Springboks (the South African rugby team). The victory won the Springboks their fourth World Cup (compared to our three) and brought the head to head statistics between our two teams to 40 wins for the Springboks, and 62 wins for the All Blacks (I’m only sharing this information because I thought that you would appreciate it).
Although it has been tough, I am so grateful to God for a “come to Jesus moment” that I had about ten or so years ago. Up until that time, my responses to All Black losses had been anything but Christlike. I would get really angry, and sulk and be moody for days.
Anyway, during one of these “Big Baby” episodes, the Holy Spirit lovingly rebuked me by reminding me that it was just a game, and that I needed to focus more on being disappointed by the things that disappointed God, and being excited by the things that made him excited.
I am not saying that there is anything wrong with being disappointed when your favourite sporting team loses, but things are definitely out of balance when these things bother us more than the things that break the heart of God.
In the Bible we see that God is heartbroken whenever people are hurt, or sick, or oppressed, or facing suffering, hardship or injustice. On the flip side we see that God is most excited when one of his children comes back to him. In Luke 15 Jesus tells the story of a shepherd who searches for his one lost sheep, and when he finds it, he throws a big party to celebrate. Jesus finishes the story off with these words in Luke 15:7 (NLT), “In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!”
So, I would like to give a huge congratulations to the Springboks and all of their fans. You deserved to win your fourth World Cup. But, although I am still disappointed by our loss over the weekend, I am excited that every day I get the opportunity to share the wonderful story of a loving God who throws a huge ticker-tape parade every time one of his children returns to him.
God bless,
Roland Talamaivao-Amituanai
Henish, Eva, Jack, Jannat, Arnav, Jasdeesh, Sanvi, Pavani, Ocean, Anahit (absent)
Self Compassion for Parents
One of the heaviest burdens parents carry is the worry, concern and guilt they feel about how they are doing – as parents, as partners and, even, more generally, as people.
Am I doing enough? Am I doing it right? What is right? Why is everyone else doing so well? Have I stuffed up my kids? Will they ever forgive me?
These questions (or variations of them) have no doubt crossed your mind during your parenting journey – and more than likely, will pop up again. Usually, when your trying to fall asleep.
Often, what we need to do is simply be kinder to ourselves. Sure, it’s easier said than done – but for the sake of our children and ourselves, it is something we can all get better at.
Self-compassion: what is it?
Self-compassion is being kind to yourself even when things don’t happen the way you expect or want. It’s being aware of your feelings and treating yourself with the same warmth, care and understanding you’d give to someone you care about.
It’s also acknowledging that struggles and challenges are a part of life and that everyone goes through them.
Self-compassion is a skill that you can learn, practise and get better at using.
Self-compassion: why it’s important for parents
As a parent or carer, you might sometimes be hard on yourself. You might compare yourself to other parents and judge yourself harshly.
Self-compassion helps you be kinder to yourself as you navigate the challenges of raising children. And this is good for you and good for your child.
For you, self-compassion improves your mental health and wellbeing and can reduce stress and anxiety. This makes it easier for you to give your child what they need to grow and develop well.
And when you’re self-compassionate, you’re a good role model for your child. By showing kindness to yourself, you’re helping your child learn that it’s OK to make mistakes, forgive yourself and try to do better next time. This helps your child develop self-compassion too.
Being self-compassionate: 3 steps
Self-compassion takes time to learn. It also needs practice. Here’s an exercise to help you get into the habit of self-compassion.
Step 1
Pause and notice your thoughts. Try to spot when you’re being hard on yourself. For example, you might tell yourself you’re a ‘bad parent’ after you’ve lost your temper with your toddler. Or if your teenage child is rude and disrespectful, you might feel that you’re doing a bad job.
Ask yourself:
• Is what I’m telling myself true? Or is it just how I’m feeling in this moment?
• Would I speak to a friend like this?
Step 2
Remind yourself that raising children is a big and important job, which all parents learn as they go. We try to do what’s best for our children, but sometimes we make mistakes and we can’t control everything. It’s OK to find things hard or to need help or advice.
It’s important to acknowledge that you’re doing your best, even when you’re struggling.
Step 3
Say something kind to yourself. Think about how you’d encourage a friend in the same situation as you. You might say things like:
• ‘I’m trying my best and I’m learning as I go.’
• ‘Other parents find this hard too – I’m not alone in this.’
• ‘It’s OK if I can’t figure it out now. I’ll try again later.’
• ‘Things have been very difficult lately, and I need to take some time out to look after myself.’
You can also think about how you might do things differently next time rather than dwelling on what didn’t go well this time. For example:
• Would starting a new routine reduce stress and conflict in the future?
• Would mindfulness or breathing exercises help you handle stressful situations?
• Is there someone you can ask for help? Your partner, a family member or a friend?
• Would it help to talk things through with someone? You could try calling your state or territory parenting helpline.
When you’re struggling with self-compassion or are very self-critical
Practising self-compassion can be difficult at first, particularly if you tend to be very self-critical. Remember that even taking a moment to pause and notice how you’re feeling is an important first step that you can be proud of.
If you’re finding it hard to be kind to yourself, it’s a good idea to seek professional advice. You can start by making an appointment with your GP. They can refer you to a suitable mental health professional like a psychologist or local counsellor.
(Source: raisingchildren.net.au)
Colour Explosion Fun Run
It's not too late to set up a profile page for fundraising! If you do it by this Thursday, you receive a holographic Monty Sticker!
So far the top 3 classes in fundraising are 2A, 2B and 4A! Which teacher will be getting slimed, I wonder?
Colour Explosion Run 4 Fun is in Week 5 - Friday 17th November.
Position Vacant - School Bus Driver
Year 3 and 4 SACSA Basketball
Last Thursday we had two year 3/4 teams compete in the SACSA Basketball Carnival. Our students did PPN very proud with the way they dribbled, shot, and cheered on their teammates! Both teams finished the day on a win, with the girls team winning in overtime and the boys beating our cross town rivals Prescott Southern. Special thanks to Lynne Elvin for coaching our girls team! Go Prescott!
