Getting to know Ms Ongalo

Last week we were very excited to announce that Ms Jennifer Ongalo will be joining PPN as our school Principal. Ms Ongalo visited the school last Tuesday, and was blown away by what she saw – she even received some happy hugs from our students.

Over the coming weeks Ms Ongalo will visit and get to know our PPN community more in preparation for her formal start in Term 4.

We also had the opportunity to ask Ms Ongalo a few questions – you can read her responses below. What would you ask Ms Ongalo if you had the opportunity?

Ms Ongalo, how do you think your friends and family would describe you?

Highly motivated and hardworking. A wise woman of faith who loves God and others.  Firm yet fair.  Bubbly and generous with her time.  Enjoys cooking and sharing a laugh over a meal with family and friends.

What is your favourite teaching moment or memory?

I kept a student in at lunch time to finish work he had not done.  In my thinking, this was a "consequence".  At the end, he asked if he could come to my room every lunch time and complete outstanding work for other subjects.  He continued coming for "lunch time detention" in my classroom.  His grades improved and he topped my class!

We loved seeing you at PPN this week. What stood out to you most?

It was impressive to see how everyone was busy carrying on their respective duties and responsibilities.  The teachers had all students engaged in their learning and students were so focussed on their learning activities.  The best part was to see that some of the teachers had "worked themselves out of a job" by letting students lead their own learning with clear guidance!

Ms Ongalo, who is your favourite Bible character and why?

The Ethiopian Eunuch (ACTS chapter 8).  He was spending time studying the scriptures and was willing to learn from Phili.  When he got to the water, he saw possibility and took the opportunity to make a decision to follow God. His studious character, willingness to learn and decisive acceptance of God's truth speaks to my heart.

Book Week 2024

The generosity of our school community really shone on Thursday at chapel when students donated over 200 children’s books that we will be able to pass along to Backpacks for Kids SA to bless other children in the community. We also raised $207 in gold coin donations that will support the amazing work that they do to support children and families in need.

Yr 3 Spring Flower Clocks

It’s not quite spring, but the flowers – and our students – are really blooming! This week our Year 3 students put their new understanding of time to creative use through the creation of their own Flower Clocks. The ability to read an understand analogue clocks is an important life skill, and with careful cultivation the Year 3s are growing in that direction. Don’t they look great!

National Water Week

Thank you to all the students who took part in caring for our school in this way and for being great stewards of the gifts that we have been blessed with.

Courage in Today’s World: Inspired by Daniel 

Daniel, a hero from the Bible, exemplified unwavering courage by standing firm in his faith despite facing a den of lions. His story teaches us the importance of integrity and trust in God, even when confronted with life-threatening challenges. Today, we can draw inspiration from Daniel by showing courage in our daily lives, whether it’s standing up against injustice, speaking out for those who cannot, or maintaining our principles in the face of adversity. 

One modern example of courage is Irena Sendler, a Polish social worker who saved approximately 2,500 Jewish children during the Holocaust. She smuggled them out of the Warsaw Ghetto, providing them with false identity documents and placing them in safe homes. Her bravery and selflessness in the face of extreme danger exemplify true courage. 

By embracing faith, integrity, and resilience, we can make a difference in our communities. Supporting a friend in need, standing up for what is right, or being true to our values are ways we can all be courageous like Daniel. Let us find strength in our faith and strive to be beacons of hope and bravery in our world today. 

Cultivating courage involves a combination of mindset, actions, and support. Here are some ways to develop it: 

1. Face Your Fears: Identify what scares you and take small steps to confront those fears. This builds confidence over time. 

2. Stay True to Your Values: Stand firm in your beliefs and principles, even when it’s difficult. 

3. Seek Inspiration: Learn from courageous individuals, both historical and contemporary, and let their stories motivate you. 

4. Practice Resilience: Embrace challenges and view setbacks as opportunities to grow stronger. 

5. Support Network: Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage and uplift you. 

6. Faith and Prayer: Draw strength from your faith and seek guidance through prayer or meditation. 

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NIV 

God bless you always! 

Walter Fabello 

Acting Assistant Deputy Principal and Middle Primary Coordinator 

One that comes to mind is that of Abraham and his son Isaac. We see Abraham’s deep faith and trust in God, which he passes on to Isaac. Their bond is a testament to the guiding role a father plays in nurturing faith and resilience. Abraham’s journey teaches us about the importance of steadfastness and the powerful example of a father’s devotion to his family,  but more importantly, to God.

Another touching story is that of Joseph and his father Jacob. Joseph’s coat of many colours highlights not just Jacob’s love for his son but also the hope and dreams he had for Joseph’s future. through the rollercoaster Joseph faced, Jacob’s deep sorrow outlines the depth of his love for Joseph, and the overwhelming joy of their reunion displays the precious love a father has for his children. This story reminds us of an unyielding love, even when life’s challenges seem overwhelming.

In the New Testament, we see the story of the Prodigal Son, where the father’s unconditional love and forgiveness highlight the essence of true fatherhood. The father in this parable welcomes his wayward son back with open arms, demonstrating that a father’s love is both enduring and boundless, always ready to embrace and uplift his children, no matter their journey.

As we honour our earthly fathers, let us also take a moment to reflect on our Heavenly Father, who embodies the ultimate example of love and care. God, our Heavenly Father, shows us perfect love through His unwavering grace and boundless compassion. His love is the model for all fatherhood, encompassing mercy, patience, and an everlasting commitment to His children. As we celebrate Father’s Day, let us be reminded of the divine Father who guides us, comforts us, and embraces us with infinite tenderness.

Wishing all the fathers and father figures in our community a joyful and blessed Father’s Day!

Warm regards,

The Quest for Independence and Identity

A lot of parents will do anything for their children, except let them be themselves.

—BANKSY

This quote hits home for many of us. We all want the best for our kids, but sometimes our efforts to guide them can stifle their individuality. While setting boundaries is essential (think veggies, homework, and bedtime), too much control can backfire.

Revel in Rebellion

Setting limits on our children’s behaviour is a natural part of parenting, but it’s important to strike a balance between limits and control. Our kids are wired to test boundaries, and that’s actually a good thing! Their defiance is often a sign of a healthy desire for autonomy and independence.

Yes, our children’s defiance can be inconvenient or even frustrating, but research suggests that those so-called “strong-willed” children often develop stronger self-reliance and well-being later in life. So, if you find yourself parenting a little rebel, take heart – their spirited nature is likely a positive sign of their growth and development.

Be their Safety Net, not their Sherpa

Think of your child’s journey as a mountain they need to climb. It’s tempting to try to pave the path for them, but they need to scramble, stumble, and figure things out on their own. Your job is to be their safety net, not their Sherpa.

Our role isn’t to control, but to guide. By offering a safe space to push against, we empower our children to flourish and become their most authentic selves.

The Identity Quest

The quest to find out who we really are begins early and lasts a lifetime. Letting children be themselves means fostering self-understanding, discovering passions, promoting independent thinking, and allowing autonomy to shape their identity and decisions. Children need the freedom to make choices – even mistakes – to discover who they truly are.

What Lights You Up?

Have you noticed that your child is energised by some things but completely uninterested in others? Each of our children has unique talents, strengths, and gifts. Helping them discover those things that spark delight and enthusiasm, and developing those things over time, will help them discover themselves.

Don’t Follow the Crowd

Encouraging our children to think independently and stand up for what they believe in, even when it means standing alone, is crucial in helping them discover who they really are. You can help your children do this in a number of ways:

1. Don’t tell them what to think. Instead, ask them what they think. It might be easy in the heat of a disagreement to tell your teen that they don’t know what they’re talking about when they offer an opinion contrary to yours. You’ll actually get further by digging a little

deeper, rather than trying to prove them wrong: “Wow, you have strong opinions about [topic]. Tell me why you feel so strongly”.

2. Invite them to take the perspective of others. When someone with a different religion, culture, or way of life does something that they react negatively to, invite them to consider why that person may have acted that way.

3. Encourage them to think critically but act compassionately. Unfortunately the people who get the most global attention are not always the best role models. Rather than shielding your child from difficult news stories, use them as a springboard for meaningful conversations (while keeping their age in mind). Instead of focusing on simple judgments of “right” or “wrong,” dig deeper with questions like:

· “What have you heard about this situation? What are your initial thoughts?”

· “Why do you think people have different opinions on this matter?”

· “How might the actions of those involved affect others? How might they feel?”

· “If you were in their shoes, what would you do differently?”

By asking open-ended questions, you encourage your child to think critically, analyse different perspectives, and develop empathy for those involved. It’s a chance to help them form their own opinions based on thoughtful consideration, rather than simply repeating what they hear from others.

Letting go and allowing our children to make their own choices, even with the risk of missteps, can be one of the hardest yet most rewarding parts of parenting. By offering support, guidance, and unwavering belief in their potential, you empower your child to forge their own path and become a confident, independent individual.

(Source: Dr Justin Coulson, Happy Families)

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SACSA Netball 

Last week our year 3-6s participated in the SACSA Netball carnival. Although we had to play some games in the rain, our students enjoyed learning about netball, working together as a team, and playing against other schools. Thank you to all of our parent volunteers who helped coach and score throughout the day!

Prescott College Fete