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Fun Run 2024
Last Friday was crazy. Hair-raising even!
Last week ended with our always fun Fun Run, with a special hairy twist this year. Not only was it Crazy Hair themed, but three students and one staff member cut and donated their hair to help people affected by cancer.
Plus, between canteen sales and the gold coin donations we raised almost $550. Thank you for your support. It was great to see so many parents join us on a heat-filled day!
Yr 5 Stem
Year 3C Design and Tech
Hapa-zome Nature Play
Recently, I re-read a book titled, A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman.
In the novel we meet Ove, a grumpy but deeply principled man. Ove has recently been made redundant and lost his wife – a double tragedy that leads him to increasingly isolate himself from the world.
Outwardly, he appears irritable, selfish and even to his closest neighbours, rude. Inwardly, we see a life, once filled with love and purpose, being reduced to emptiness.
As the story progresses, light shines into this old man’s life through small cracks in his hard exterior – a stray cat that finds a home in his front yard, a new neighbour who needs someone to teacher her to drive, and a young man desperately in need of a father figure.
Through a series of unlikely friendships and acts of kindness, Ove’s heart gradually softens. He finds purpose in connecting with his neighbours and offering his support to them - despite the way he grumbles about doing so.
None of these characters are aware, perhaps until the final paragraphs, of the difference they have made in Ove’s life. The final chapters also present Ove as a changed man – instead of wishing to escape a life that he no longer recognises, he instead embraces a new life focused on making things better for others.
This is why I returned to the book - not only is the story beautifully written, it reminds us of the profound impact community and compassion can have on our lives and the lives of our children.
A Man Called Ove serves as a poignant reminder of the things we hope nurture in our students as they grow—empathy, resilience, and the ability to see the best in themselves and others. Like Ove, who learns to open his heart and accept help as much as he gives it, we encourage our students to embrace collaboration and kindness, even when it's challenging.
As we enter the busy end of Term 4 and festive season, let’s remember to keep an eye out for each other and, perhaps, reach out to our friends, neighbours and classmates a little bit more – they may not be called Ove, but they might just need the same kind of care he did.
Afternoon PPN Families.
Well, it’s all hands-on deck this week as students and staff prepare for our annual Community Christmas Carols. Can you believe it’s this Sunday? But it's not just us - our marketplace vendors and volunteers from Para Vista Adventist Church are preparing their menus, buying ingredients, and organising their activities.
Teams at Prescott College are practicing for their carols and live nativity performances. So much time and effort has been spent in the last few weeks to prepare for this one event. But why? Why go to the trouble and stress for just one night.
Long ago, wise men, guided by a star, journeyed to Bethlehem to worship the newborn King. They would have spent time studying the scriptures and the night sky awaiting the signs of the Saviour’s birth. But as we read in Matthew 2:10 when they saw the star settle over the humble stable where Jesus was born, they were filled with joy. All the time travelling and studying was worth seeing their Saviour and getting to worship Him. They gave gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh as a form of worship.
Similarly, our preparations for the Carols are a form of worship. When we share our talents, our time, and our resources, we are worshiping. Jesus doesn’t expect us to be extravagant in the way we worship him, but He uses what we give of ourselves, small and humble as they may be, in amazing and extravagant ways.
Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and hope to see you this Sunday at the carols.
Blessings,
Pr Andy.
The Power of Perspective Taking in Parenting
A man spoke to a famous speaker after a conference about relationships. “I can’t understand my son. He won’t listen to me,” he said.
The speaker responded, “Let me say back to you what I just heard you tell me. You can’t understand your son because he won’t listen to you.”
“That’s right”, the man confirmed.
The speaker reiterated, “Let me say it again. You can’t understand your son because he won’t listen to you.” He paused as the man stared at him. Then he added, “I thought that to understand your son, you need to listen to him.”
I’ve heard many exasperated parents ask variations on the same question. “Why is my child like this? Why do they do that? Why can’t they just listen and understand?”
As adults, we have a lot more life experience than children. We’ve seen more, learned more, and faced more challenges. It’s easy to forget what it’s like to see the world through a child’s eyes. Yet when our children feel understood, truly listened to, life works better—for them and for us.
How to Better Understand Your Child’s Perspective
· Remember what it was like to be a child. Think back to your own childhood experiences. What were your fears and worries? What challenges did you face?
· Listen attentively to your child. Pay attention to what they say and how they say it. Try to understand their feelings and point of view.
· Ask questions to gain clarity. Don’t assume you know what they’re thinking or feeling. Ask open-ended questions to encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings.
· Be patient and understanding. Children are still learning and growing. They may not always have the words to express themselves clearly.
· Avoid dismissing their feelings. Even if their worries seem small to you, they are very real to your child.
Sharing Your Perspective in a Helpful Way
· Offer comfort and reassurance. Let your child know that you’re there for them.
· Share your own experiences (in an age-appropriate way). This can help them understand that challenges are a normal part of life and that they can overcome them.
· Help them develop coping strategies. Teach them healthy ways to deal with stress and difficult emotions, such as deep breathing, talking about their feelings, or engaging in physical activity.
By remembering to see the world through your child’s eyes, you can build a stronger connection with them and help them navigate life’s challenges with confidence.
Dr Justin Coulson (happyfamilies.com.au)
Music Exam Results
Recently, ten students had the opportunity to undergo AMEB exams here, at Prescott Primary Northern. The AMEB exams comprise of songs from the AMEB syllabus, technical work, aural tests and general knowledge for preliminary. For the students who tested in the first grade, they completed all of the above and a sight-reading assessment. Once completed, AMEB exam qualifications are recognised worldwide. I am sure you will agree, this is a very thorough and reputable exam.
As I read the results of our talented students (shown below), I recognise firstly the students who have shown perseverance and excellence as they develop their musical abilities. Secondly, the families who have supported these students with lessons, resources and ears to appreciate their music. Thirdly, their music tutors who have shown creativity and care for each of these students on their individual music journeys. These results reflect the students and their supportive communities, I congratulate you all.
Preliminary Grade
Alice Mishra - A Honours
Lamar Jamal - A Honours
Lucas Hoare - A Honours
Secure Amish - A Honours
Kalli Katsilioris - B Credit
Anureet Virk - A+ High Distinction
Kausani Dasgupta - A+ High Distinction
Grade One
Madison Strickland - B+ High Credit
Miika Hong - A+ High Distinction
Uniform Shop
Please note the Uniform Shop will be closed from 5th December 2024 and reopen 6th January 2025, by appointment only. Please contact the Front Office on 8396 2577 to secure your appointment.
The Uniform Shop will be open Monday to Friday 9am to 3.30pm from 6th January 2025.
We will be closed for the Australia Day, Public Holiday on Monday 27th January 2025.
Return All Library Books
Christmas Carols
