Our Foundation students have had a great start to their first week of full days at school. In Encounter Bible, they are enjoying learning about God’s creations. They have already learnt 7 sounds and are learning to blend words using these sounds. Some of them do not want to go home at the end of the day and have asked if they can live at school!

Last week, I wrote a little about the purpose of life and how we share the importance of purpose with our children. I said I would share a story this week that helps illustrate where the importance of purpose fits in. It is a story that I have read many times and yet it continues to impact my thinking and actions.

“Alexander Papaderous was born on the island of Crete. During the Second World War Alexander’s hometown, Lividas, was destroyed by the Nazis and Alexander, still a child, was interned in a concentration camp.

After the war he was determined to be a force for peace and forgiveness. He studied theology in the Orthodox church and in 1965 opened an institute designed to promote peace and reconciliation. He located it at Maleme, the site where German paratroopers landed and one of the wars worst atrocities was unleashed. The paratroopers met resistance from islanders bearing nothing other than kitchen knives and hay scythes. The consequences of resistance were devastating.

One day while taking questions at the end of a lecture Papaderous was asked, “What’s the meaning of life?” There was nervous laughter in the room. It is such a big question. But Papaderous answered it.

He opened his wallet, took out a small, round mirror and held it up for everyone to see. During the war he was just a small boy from a very poor family when he came across a motorcycle wreck. The motorcycle had belonged to German soldiers. Alexander saw pieces of broken mirrors from the motorcycle lying on the ground. He tried to put them together but couldn’t, so he took the largest piece and scratched it against a stone until its edges were smoothed and it was round. He used it as a toy, fascinated by the way he could use it to shine light into holes and crevices.

He kept that mirror with him as he grew up, and over time it came to symbolise something very important. It became a metaphor for what he might do with his life.

I am a fragment of a mirror whose whole design and shape I do not know. Nevertheless, with what I have I can reflect light into the dark places of this world–into the black places in the hearts of men–and change some things in some people. Perhaps others may see and do likewise. This is what I am about. This is the meaning of my life.” (Fulgram, 1989)

I hope you find inspiration for your own experience, as well as something to share with your children.

Have a great week with your kids,

Mark B

“ . . . You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept.” Matt 5:16

One of the things that weigh a lot of people down is fear. We would all accomplish so much more for ourselves and for God if we weren’t so afraid.

Afraid of what others will think of us. Afraid of trying, failing, and embarrassing ourselves. Or maybe we are afraid of succeeding, and what would happen to us if we did achieve our big dream. Would it change us? Would our friends still like us or would they be jealous? And what would happen to our kids?

God commands us to “fear not,” or to “not be afraid” more than 100 times in the Bible. In Matthew 14, Jesus’ disciples are in a boat around 3am in the morning during a huge storm and they see Jesus walking towards them on the water. They freak out because they think that he’s a ghost, so Jesus calls out to them and says, “Don’t be afraid. Take courage. I am here” (Matthew 14:27).

What fear are you struggling with at the moment? Maybe it’s financial fear, where you don’t know how you are going to pay the bills. Maybe you’re experiencing relational fear, with your marriage on the rocks and you don't know what to do. Or maybe you have a health fear, and you’ve just received a bad diagnosis from your doctor. Whatever fears you may be facing, know that God is with you and that He can give you courage, strength and peace in the midst of your storm.

Why don’t you call out to God today? He is only a prayer away, and He loves you and wants to help you.

God bless,

Roland Talamaivao-Amituanai
Chaplain

Part-time School Bus Driver

Prescott Primary Northern are seeking a part-time School Bus Driver.

Position involves driving a 25 seater school bus morning and afternoon and is a part-time position where you are required primarily on school days, around 40 weeks per year.

The position covers the school run in a split shift in morning and afternoon with a typical working week seeing a minimum of 20 hours per week. Other driving opportunities include school excursions and sporting events during school days.

Drivers of the school bus have the important role of driving the bus in a safe manner as well as ensuring the safety and security of all passengers. Drivers are also required to issue directions to ensure the safety of all passengers. They are also responsible for the day-to-day management of the behaviour of students travelling to and from school and keeping the bus neat and presentable inside and out.

Applicants should have at least a Medium Rigid License, DCSI Working with Children Check & Driver Accreditation Certificate. Previous experience driving a medium rigid vehicle is strongly preferred.

If you would like to apply for this position, please send your expressions of interest and resume to: markborresen@ppn.saedu.au

Applications close 25th February 2019

ICAS Competitions

This year there has been some major changes to the ICAS competition dates and administration. ICAS dates have now been changed to Term 3. All of these competitions (besides Writing) will be completed by students on their computers or laptops. In the past, we have had enrolment during Term 1, however, more information will come out in Term 2 concerning student enrolment. Look out for reminders in the newsletter.

Mrs. Vice

School Canteen Volunteers

Chess Club

We have had a wonderful response to chess club this year with many new and returning players.

Our chess numbers are now full. Please see Mrs. Vice if you would like your name placed on the waiting list.

MyOSHC Pupil Free Day Excursion