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Nature Maths
This week was our final Nature Maths with the Foundation students. We learnt about whole and parts, and how the number 10 can be divided into two groups. We did this by scrunching up 10 balls of paper and throwing those balls into a bucket. All the balls that didn’t make it into the bucket were one part, and the balls that made it into the bucket were another part and we added them together to make a whole of 10.
The students loved trying to get them all in and counting all the balls on the ground and adding them together to make a whole. It was a fun end to a great term of Nature Maths.
Loose parts
In recognition of Nature Play Week, which is run during the school holidays, PPN had a special delivery of loose parts to the lower primary playground. There were old chairs, strings, and even an old plastic horse. At lunch time, we put a portion of them into the nature playground, and let the students choose how they wanted to play with them. It didn’t take long for some students to notice the new addittions to the playground and for others to run over and immediately start creating different things. Some students started building cars, others trains, some just like making towers while other used the loose parts in their own sand and water play. It was amazing that pieces of discarded bits and bobs could be used in such an interesting and creative way. '
Have you ever gathered loose parts to play with at your house?
Year 6 Last Supper and Easter Reflection
In the lead up to Easter, our Year 6 classes came together for a special and meaningful experience—recreating the Last Supper.
The Last Supper holds profound significance at Easter, symbolising the final meal Jesus shared with his disciples before his crucifixion. It was during this meal that Jesus instituted what we call today ‘Communion’, where bread and wine (in our case apple and black currant juice!) represent Jesus' body and blood, given for the forgiveness of sins.
Together, our Year 6 students delved into the story of Easter, exploring its meaning and significance. They took time to read and understand the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion, His resurrection, and the ultimate gift of life that He bestowed upon us all.
Following this, students engaged in prayer and contemplation, then partaking in the symbols that represent the body and blood of Christ. This allowed them to have an insight into the essence of the Last Supper.
Afterwards, students were invited to step into the shoes of Jesus and His disciples, imagining themselves present at that final meal. Through reflective writing, they expressed the emotions and thoughts that arose within them.
It was a time of deep reflection and understanding among our students as they journeyed together through this significant aspect of their faith.
Not just eggs at Easter
Last week, our students spent time learning about and reflecting on the what Easter is really about - and it's not just eggs.
As part of these reflections on the life, death and resurrection of Jersus, classes completed a variety of art and craft. It's exciting to be able to share just a few examples of the amazing efforts students went to as they celebrated Easter with us.
Year 5 Camp Update
Our Year 5 students are currently enjoying their hands-on learning in Ballarat, Victoria. The team are reporting happy campers and a great experience. We can't wait to hear all the stories when they return on Friday.
Here they are shortly after arrival at The Log Cabin. Apparently they even had time to strap on torches for a hike in the dark last night!
It is the second last week of our first term and it looks like Summer has left us and Autumn has reminded us that the coolness of Winter is coming. On the school front, we have some big events still to come. Our Year 6s are heading off on camp to Canberra next week, our Personal and Social Reports go home this week, and several of our classes have excursions before the end of next week.
Yesterday morning, some of us came to school extra early to help our Year 5 students load up on a bus and head to Ballarat for their school camp. (A big shout out of thanks to the adults who are on camp). There was a real buzz of excitement amongst the kids, along with what seemed to be an air of “what next”. I really wish I could bottle that, and breathe it in as I start each day.
In a primary school, and as a grandad, I get to spend quite a lot of time around young ones. Something that they have recently brought to my mind is how to appreciate and be grateful for even the simplest things we come across in life. The sense of awe and wonder that springs up so spontaneously for them is inspiring.
This got me thinking about those two words and reminded me of something I read a year or so ago by the author Brene Brown. In a discussion about developing emotional literacy, she looks at the difference between awe and wonder. She writes, “Awe and wonder are essential to the human experience. Wonder fuels our passion for exploration and learning, for curiosity and adventure. Researchers have found that awe “leads people to cooperate, share resources, and sacrifice for others” and causes them “to fully appreciate the value of others and see themselves more accurately, evoking humility.”” (Brown, 2021)
You may see his as simply playing with words, but I think there is a beautiful depth to this. When we witness the spontaneous wonder (curiosity, adventure, passion to learn more) in our children, it should really invite us to experience that again as well.
How can we do that?
Below are some practical suggestions on how we can dive into the world of awe and wonder and in turn, enjoy the gratitude that results.
“1. Self-awareness - training your mind begins when we can start becoming self-aware of our thoughts. Notice what thoughts are causing you feelings of anxiety, stress, or frustration? Notice feelings of awe and wonder, and ask yourself what's different? Get curious about all your emotions and the experiences that are connected to them.
2. Be present- the more we can “be here now”, the more we are able to enjoy the beauty around us. Listen more, speak less. Focus on the little things that make you smile each day. This is a daily practice. Learning to let go of thoughts that distract you so that you can live in the present moment. Doing this also creates deeper connections and strengthens relationships.
3. Gratitude- The book, “Unlocked” by George Mumford discusses how practicing gratitude involves conscious effort. An attitude of gratitude is not so much about being grateful for specific things we have or don't have, it's more about a state of mind. If we practice gratitude, we're cultivating a great mind. Keeping your mind on what is good, what is worthwhile, and what gives us meaning and purpose will enrich us.
4. Breathe - when you are experiencing feelings of anxiety, worry, or stress…pause and breathe. Focus on what you're doing in the present moment.
5. Go for an “awe walk” in nature – A study found that those who did a 15-minute walk outdoors at least once a week, alone, and at an easy pace without electronics experienced moments of awe and gratitude. Another study found that those who walked in nature also reported feeling more hopeful and upbeat.” (Rios-Doria, 2024)
Have a great week with our kids,
Mark B
“The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the works of God’s hands.”
Psalm 19:1
Good afternoon Prescott family,
I hope you all had a wonderful Easter and aren't too exhausted? I definitely took the time to rest, but my problem is that my rest and sleep is never consistent. It's all over the place, a late night here and there, which can sometimes be followed by an early morning, which is really not healthy. And even if I do get that sweet 8 hours I still feel tired and exhausted.
By not having a consistent amount of good rest, our mood, the way we interact with each other, our mental health, and our physical health can all be affected.
A study on sleep reported that nearly half of all Australian adults (48%) report a least 2 sleep-related problems and that one-quarter of 12-13 year olds (27%) and half of 16-17 year olds (52%) do not meet sleep guidelines on school nights. It summarised how getting enough sleep or rest is vital in keeping your overall health and well-being in check.
Our world is filled with so many things that keep us from resting. It could be random thoughts that keep us up, worries we have for our family or work that doesn’t seem to end. Maybe it's health issues or anxiety, whatever it is, Jesus gives us a promise that we can hold on to in those restless moments. In Matthew 11:28 Jesus encourages us to lean on him and let him take all our burdens. No matter what we’ve gone through or the stresses that we have right now, we can leave it in His hands.
“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
With only a week and a half of Term 1 left, I’m sure we’re all planing on how best to relax and enjoy the break. I hope you all find an opportunity to slow down and make use of the holidays. While you're planning that camping trip, going interstate to visit family or thinking of just staying at home, don't forget the promise Jesus said to us in Matthew and take rest in Him. Find time to hand over those heavy burdens, the things that keep you up and stressed out, and be sure to keep your time with Him consistent.
Lastly I leave you with an awesome passage found in Psalms,
“You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine. In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.” Psalms 4:7-8
May God continue to keep us all safe during the final weeks of the term and into our holidays.
Many Blessings,
Pr Andy.
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, 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
Your child's Personal and Social Progress Reports will be available through SEQTA Engage next week. As a reminder, these reports do not focus on academic progress, but rather how your child has settled into their new class and is displaying habits that will set them up for success.
All parents are encouraged to book a Parent-Teacher Interview Session (Week 1, Term 2). A link to register for an interview session via PTO will be sent next week.
Parent-Teacher Interviews will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday in Week 1 next term (April 30 – May 1). To help facilitate these discussions, Wednesday (May 1) will be a half-day for all students. The school day will end at 12:45pm.If your child normally catches a school bus home, they will leave school at approximately 1:00pm and be returned home earlier than usual. We are unable to provide supervision for students after 1:15pm. Please ensure arrangements for your children are in place.
