Edinburgh Band Blows PPN Away

Late last term we were blessed to be visited by the Edinburgh College (Victoria) Band. Edinburgh College is part of the Adventist School system, and has close ties to PPN.

The band, made up mostly of students with support of some staff, presented a range of musical items, while also explaining many of the musical instruments to our students. Thanks to the Edinburgh College Band for spending time with us and sharing their musical talents.

Welcome back to Term 4. I hope that the holidays were a time for you to spend some quality time with your children and to take a break from the routine of the school term.  

Yesterday, I was running some errands in a local shopping centre. It was a place that I used to visit regularly many years ago as we lived very close by, but we moved out of the area, and I haven’t been back very often. As I walked through the centre, I passed a café that I used to visit, and although it has changed names, the location and layout were the same as I remembered.  

I saw a mum and her son sitting at the café, having an afternoon snack and spending time together. It made me feel nostalgic about the times that I used to do the same thing with my son. Sometimes, after school and on the way home we would stop and have afternoon tea together and spend time chatting about the day. My son is now in his late teens – in fact almost his 20s, and those memories came back quickly and vividly as it is a very treasured memory.  

As I came closer to the mother and her son, I noticed that the mum was on her phone, perhaps checking emails or replying to a message. This is so easy to do as we tend to become distracted by the busyness of life and we live in a society where our phones are always with us and easily steal our attention.  I suddenly thought about the importance of time with our children and how easy it is to take it for granted, how quickly it passes, and also how significant it is.  

In an article by written by Dr Justin Coulson entitled STOP, LOOK, and LISTEN to Your Kids, he likens the idea of listening to our children to crossing the road. 

When we cross the road, we stop, look, and listen. It helps us navigate a physically hazardous or challenging situation. Relationships with our children can be like crossing the road. If we aren’t willing to stop, look, and listen, we may miss something important heading our way, and we, or our child, or even our whole family, could get hit by it. Perhaps it is a friendship challenge, an issue at school, or a toddler feeling like she needs to be comforted. 

He goes on to share some research that outlines the benefits of listening to our children.  

Researchers have uncovered a surprising finding. Children whose parents are willing to stop, look, and listen tend to become less needy. These children learn over time that when they need their parents, they’ll be there. They feel secure in that relationship. Conversely, children who have parents who push them away, say, “not now”, or tell them to “hurry up” all the time worry about whether their parents will be available and they become more needy. 

As we start a new term, I look ahead at the calendar and see that we have many special events planned such as the Book Fair, Science Week, Excursions, a Fun Run and of course, end-of-year celebrations such as our community Carols program. As we venture into this busy time of the year, it is my hope that you find opportunities to stop, look and listen to your children and build memories that will be treasured by them, and by you, for many years to come.  

Kerri Charity 

Deputy Principal 

STOP, LOOK, and LISTEN to Your Kids | Happy Families Schools 

Welcome back PPN families to a brand-new Term 4. I really hope you all had a wonderful and refreshing holidays filled with rest and wonderful new memories. 

At the start of these holiday's, I went home to visit my family. I love going home; there's a pull that always draws us back to the places and people we consider home. That innate desire to feel welcomed and loved.

Something I love to do when I'm at mum and dad's is fishing, with the ocean almost right at their doorstep how could I not. Well one afternoon, when the conditions were right, my dad and I took to the sea, he drove the tractor and sat in the back of the boat denying the urge to wave at the passing houses as if I were in a parade. 

We put the boat out, jumped in and set off to find our usual fishing spots, threw the anchor over and began the wait. 

Those who have gone fishing before know that it can take quite a few cast and lots of patience to get a catch and as I was out on the water with nothing but the wind in my ears and my growing frustration as I cast out for the 50th time just hoping for a bite or even a nibble. I felt that disappointment of my efforts being wasted bring me down. And then it happened, a fish was caught...by my Dad. I eagerly watched as he reeled it in and it flip out of the water, I cheered as he placed our first fish of the day in the tub. 

But hang on a moment, I'm meant to be sad and frustrated, why am I quick to rejoice? I wasn't the one who caught the fish. Then I realised, It's because what was more precious than the fish was the time I was spending with my Dad.

Determined to try one last spot I finally got that bite, and I reeled it in, and that self-doubt faded away and I focused on the smile of my dad as I held up my fish. I did have to throw it back as it was under size, but I really didn't mind, I had already I caught a wonderful moment that will be added to the multitude I have gathered over the years. 

Our Father in heaven wants us to live like this when trouble and doubt come our way, we know that we can always turn to him for guidance and comfort. 

Psalms 25:4-5 NIV

" Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long."

And to not let those doubts bring us down but to rejoice in them, which this verse found in Romans chapter 5 sums up nicely.

Romans 5:3-5 NLT

" We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love."

I hope that the challenges that arise this final term of 2024 are shadowed by the grace and love God has for each and every one of us.

Blessings,

Pr Andy.

15 Ways to raise kids who bounce back

Here are two propositions that matter when it comes to understanding resilience.

i. Life is hard. Full stop. End of story. Despite what Instagram promises, it rains when you need sunshine, the kids will be “too tired” when you’re running late…and the potty-training toddler, who’s been dry for a week, will save a truly epic nappy blowout for the moment you strap them into their car seat for a four-hour road trip. Oh, and don’t forget the inevitable chorus of “I’m hungry!” that erupts precisely three minutes after you’ve finally cleaned up the hurricane of a meal they just declared they “didn’t like.”

ii. People are resilient. It’s in our nature. We are designed that way. Unfortunately, we are fed a lie. We are told that challenges break us. And so we try to make life comfortable. We try to avoid the hardships that are guaranteed to hit us. And we do the same with our kids, scooping them up out of harm’s way so we can “protect” them.

But what if I told you that resilience is a muscle built through experiences and relationships? What if I told you that you can’t be resilient unless you face those hardships?

If you want kids who face life’s curveballs with their heads held high, here’s the blueprint:

1. Forge Unbreakable Bonds: Kids need to know they’ve got a corner in this crazy world where they’re safe, loved, and unconditionally accepted. That’s the foundation for everything else. The best research tells us that this is numero uno. They need to know you’re there for them no matter what. (But that doesn’t mean you’ll do everything for them!)

2. Give ‘Em the Reins (Sometimes): Let them make choices, even small ones, so they learn to trust their gut.

3. Feelings Aren’t the Enemy: Teach them that it’s okay to feel ALL the feels. But also give them the tools to navigate those emotions without getting swept away. Emotions come and go, just like waves on the beach. Help them learn to recognise and ride those waves… the good ones and the not so good ones.

4. Celebrate the Climb, Not Just the Summit: My eldest daughter and I hiked a huge hill in the Rocky Mountains. It was exhausting. After an hour of climbing I stopped and stared at the summit. She started to tell me it was too far. I spun her around and asked her what she could see. “We’ve come a long way huh? That view is amazing.” She turned to face the mountain and kept walking up it.

5. Self-Care Isn’t Selfish: A well-rested, nourished kid is better equipped to handle stress. Teach them healthy habits, and model them yourself. And remember, no health habit supports resilience better than getting enough sleep.

6. Asking for Help is a Superpower: Create an environment where they feel safe expressing their needs. Make it clear that asking for help isn’t a weakness, it’s a smart move.

7. Set the Bar… But Keep It Reachable: Break down big goals into bite-sized chunks. Celebrate progress, and help them see that even small steps matter.

8. Be Their Resilience Role Model: Share your own stories of overcoming challenges. Let them see that setbacks are part of life, and bouncing back is possible. The dinner table is the best place for these chats. Or the car. Or walking the dog. Or on the trampoline. Or anywhere! Just have the conversations.

9. Laughter is the Best Medicine: Inject some fun and silliness into everyday life. Teach them to find the humour in situations, even tough ones.

10. Let Them Explore Their Passions: Encourage curiosity and support their interests, even if they seem quirky or unusual. It’s about finding their spark.

11. Roll with the Punches: Life throws curveballs. Help them see change as an opportunity, not a threat.

12. Find Their “Why”: Help them discover what matters to them, what lights their fire. A sense of purpose fuels resilience. This will be most helpful for older kids.

13. Turn Problems into Puzzles: Teach them to approach challenges with curiosity and creativity. Brainstorm solutions together, and let them take the lead when possible.

14. Build Them Up, Brick by Brick: Focus on their strengths, their unique qualities. Remind them of their wins, big and small. A strong self-image is a powerful shield.

15. Routine Creates a Safety Net: Predictability provides a sense of control, especially during turbulent times. Establish healthy routines, but allow for flexibility when needed.

Remember, building resilience is an ongoing process. It’s about nurturing a mindset, not checking off a list. Be patient, be present, and most importantly, be the safe harbour your child needs to navigate life’s choppy waters.

(Source: HappyFamilies.com.au)

Music Recital

2025 School Fees

To assist families in their planning, below is breakdown of school fees for 2025. We have worked hard to keep fee increases as small as possible despite the continuing rise in costs. Discounts continue to be available for families with multiple students enrolled, prompt payments, and school card holders. Please contact the school if you have any questions about your fees for 2025.

Thank you too for ensuring your fees are up to date as we enter into Term 4.

Science Week

Drop Off Reminder

Please take note of the following reminders for Drop Off in the morning:

• The drive-through Drop and Go is a quick and easy option to safely get your children to school.
• Please DO NOT stop in the front carpark and drop your kids off. All students need to be accompanied into school grounds.
• Left turn only out of the front carpark and Drop and Go – turning right may result in Police fines.
• Please ensure you walk with your children behind the bollards and across the pedestrian crossing if using the back carpark.

Thanks for taking note of these as we work to get all students to school smoothly and safely.

Class Placement Considerations

We are currently working on class placements for 2025. If you would like to make a request, please do so by the end of this week.

There are many factors that go into making decisions about class placements and we use a program to try to balance the many competing demands. We are unable to guarantee requests will be granted, but if there is some extenuating circumstance you would like considered for your child, please email principal@ppn.sa.edu.au

Community Food Parcel Project - ADRA Para Vista

ADRA Para Vista is providing a community service of a drive through food parcel pick up for needy people in the community.

The drive through pick up will be held once a month on the third Monday of the month beginning Monday October 21 .

It will start at 10:30AM  and go through to 1:30PM in the Prescott Primary Northern student drop off driveway at the Church House on the left.  ADRA banners will mark the pick point at the house.

Thank you to the families of Prescott Primary Northern who have donated food for this community project, along with Para Vista Adventist Church and ADRA South Australia.

If your family, or you know of others who may be in need of food support, please contact Gary White on 0427450071.

New Urgent Care Clinic

A sixth Medicare Urgent Care Clinic has now opened in Para Hills West. The clinic will provide timely care for patients with urgent, but not life-threatening health conditions, who cannot get an appointment at their usual GP.

• Walk in
• Free bulk-billed care
• Open 7 days a week
• Staffed by doctors and nurses

Para Hills West Medical Urgent Care Clinic - 33 McIntyre Road, Para Hills West

My OSHC - Pupil Free Day Nov 8th