Have you played with Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Maybe, you’ve even found a way to use the growing range of AI tools to streamline your home-life or improve your productivity at work?

Whether you’ve used ChatGPT or not, the world of AI is unavoidable. In fact, most of us have been using it – or influenced by it – without even knowing it.

Last Thursday, Daniel Zilm, Project Officer for Prescott Schools SA, provided our teaching staff with an update on the realities and possibilities of AI in education. Like any new tool or technology, the growth of AI has been met with a mix of concern and excitement – academics, parents, educators and even students themselves share conflicting feelings about the potential for great positive and great negative impacts of these tools.

The reality is, we cannot avoid AI. And we cannot expect our children, particularly as they move through the middle and upper years of primary school into high school, to avoid it either. The only option we really have is to demonstrate, model, instruct and correct them in positive and safe ways to engage with AI.

Last week was a great opportunity for our teachers to continue their own professional development, and as a result, continue delivering the great education that you’ve come to expect here at PPN.

While the technology may be new and emerging, the critical thinking skills needed to engage with AI well are not necessarily unique – they come down to the fundamental questions of what is true, what is trustworthy and what is worthwhile.

These are the same questions that Adam and Eve faced in the garden of Eden.

They are the same questions the Israelites faced as they left Egypt, subsequently wandered in the desert and set up their new lives amongst worldviews far different than their own.

They are the same questions the Jews and Romans at the time of Jesus had to ask.

And they are the same questions we ourselves must ask.

In matters of faith, life, and technology the ability to question and understand what is really true, what information is trustworthy, and what ideas are worthwhile are vital. These core questions are the building blocks of a successful life. And they are,  by design, at the core of our school’s mission statement:

To provide a balanced educational program in a caring, Christian environment by preparing the mind for truth, the hands for service and the heart for heaven.

Whether AI features in your life or the lives of your children this week or not, it is my prayer that we remain focused on those things which are true, trustworthy and worthwhile.

Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.

Philippians 4:8, The Message

But why is physical health so important? As we know, a healthy body can lead to a healthy mind. Regular exercise can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost energy levels. But did you know that taking care of our physical health can also have a significant impact on our spiritual well-being?

• Spend time in nature: Take a walk, hike, or simply sit outside and enjoy the beauty of the world around us.
• Connect with others: Spending time with loved ones can nourish our souls and provide emotional support.
• Study the Bible: Learning about God's Word can deepen our understanding of His love and guidance.

The Case for Risky Play

Remember playgrounds? I’m talking about the real deal: towering metal structures, splintery wooden forts, rocket ships you could climb up into for forever, and swings that sent you soaring; playgrounds where skinned knees and the occasional lost tooth were badges of honour, not cause for panic.

Today, those playgrounds are becoming an endangered species. In their place, we’ve erected sanitised, plastic-coated play areas that prioritise safety over adventure. Rather than making playgrounds as safe as necessary, we’re making them as safe as possible.

We’ve become so obsessed with a well-intentioned desire to protect our kids from every possible bump and bruise that we’ve forgotten something crucial: kids need risk.

They need to climb, jump, fall, and get back up again. They need to test their limits, push their boundaries, and experience the thrill of conquering a challenge.

Researchers like New York University’s Jonathan Haidt have linked the decline in risky play to the rising rates of anxiety and depression Professor McGorry describes in his recent studies. The argument: kids who are constantly shielded from risk may grow up feeling ill-equipped to handle life’s inevitable challenges.

It makes sense, though. We love our kids. We want them to be safe. The last thing we want is for them to break their arm. And yet… aren’t those some of the very best stories we tell for the rest of our lives? Stories of adventure and misfortune; stories about how we scored our scars?

Let’s be clear. Risky play is not:

· Ignoring evidence-based and mandated safety measures (e.g., the use of helmets, car seats, life jackets, stair safety gates).

· Leaving children unsupervised in potentially hazardous situations (e.g., street play in traffic areas).

· Pushing children to take risks beyond their own comfort level.

I’m not suggesting that we throw caution to the wind or encourage reckless behaviour. It’s about finding a balance. It’s about creating playgrounds and environments where kids can explore their limits within a safe and supportive framework. It’s about encouraging them to climb trees, build forts, and jump off swings, while also providing guidance and supervision.

The benefits of risky play are undeniable.

Studies have shown that kids who engage in such play:

· Are less likely to develop anxiety and depression.

· Have better social skills, improved physical coordination, and enhanced creativity.

· Are more likely to take initiative, demonstrate leadership qualities, and persevere in the face of challenges.

Research also shows that risky play is essential for building resilience, confidence, and problem-solving skills. It helps kids learn to assess risk, make decisions, and navigate the world on their own terms.

By denying children of those opportunities, we’re not just robbing them of fun – we’re stunting their development.

Source: Dr Justin Coulson, HappyFamilies.com