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2024 Highlights
PPN Awards Program
On Monday, our middle and upper students gathered to celebrate the end of the year and acknowledge the achievements of their classmates. Students received awards for their efforts in ICAS and AMC Competitions and STEM projects. Students from Year 3 through to Year 6, who had consistently displayed, and encouraged others to display, our school values of respect, integrity, service, and excellence, were celebrated through our PPN R.I.S.E. Awards.
How do you feel about change?
As we come to the close of a very successful school year, we can look back and see a lot of change. We have seen change in the academic growth of our students, change in their physical growth and change in their spiritual development. Of all of transformations, the most significant, I think, are the changes that have occurred in our thinking.
We do not focus on our thinking processes very often; we do not think about thinking and yet our reasoning, ideas and opinions greatly affect how we relate to change. This week, we have celebrated our Year 6 students who are about to step into to a significant change in their lives. We must allow the change to happen; we can no longer hold them back and yet we know that they will all have to adjust to fit in their new level of schooling. Our other year levels will all be changing classmates and teachers for the new year too. This can cause some anxiety because it is “the unknown.”
Fear of the unknown can hold us back from enjoying inevitable variations in life so we must change the way we think about things and allow ourselves to “be transformed by the renewing of the mind” (Romans 12:2). The mind is a powerful influence because if we change the way we think, a lot of our perceptions change too.
“We have nothing to fear for the future except as we shall forget the way the Lord has let us” (Christian Experiences and Teaching, E.G. White, p.204).
As you celebrate the close of this year and the beginning of a new one may your mind be renewed in the break. Contemplate the following: What are your adjustments for the new year? What changes do you need to make?
Happy Holidays and blessings for the new year.
Hey PPN Family,
Christmas is one of the best times of the year all around the world. It is a season full of joy, hope, and love. I can’t prove this scientifically, but people seem to be happier, and more willing to help others during this period, and drivers even seem to be friendlier on the roads.
One of the greatest stories that highlights the power of Christmas, was the Christmas truce on the Western Front of the First World War in 1914. During these unofficial ceasefires, soldiers from both sides of the war gathered in “no man’s land” on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, to mingle, and exchange food and souvenirs. Some of them also engaged in a game of kicking the soccer ball around.
I believe that one of the main reasons why this significant event was even possible, was because the core message of Christmas is one that unites all of humanity. When Mary was pregnant with Jesus, an Angel of the Lord came to her husband Joseph and gave him this promise in Matthew 1:21 (NLT),
“And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for He will save his people from their sins.”
Christmas reminds us that we are all God’s children, and that He loves all of us. That is why He sent Jesus to save all of us from sin and death. The foundational spirit of Christmas is about giving gifts to others, and this is born out of the heart of God, who gave us the ultimate gift. In the words of Jesus from this well-loved verse in John 3:16 (NIV):
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Talking about class placements
As we move towards the end of one year and into the next, there are changes our children will experience at school. They will be assigned new teachers in new classrooms and, for some of our students, even new schools. Below is an article written by a psychologist who has visited us here at PPN over the last few years. There are some really good points for us to think about and work through with our children as they move through school and change classes and teachers. I hope you find it helpful.
“As the school year draws to a close, a sense of uncertainty is in the air, and families are turning their attention to leaving the knowns of this year behind as they head towards the unknowns of the next.
Humans crave certainty. Change often feels unnerving - especially when the change and uncertainty relates to your child. If you’re worried about your child’s class placement in 2024, you’re not alone.
It’s perfectly natural to have a preference for a particular teacher and peer group and normal to feel worried or disappointed if they don’t get them.
A child’s emotional adjustment to leaving this year’s teacher and classmates while preparing for next year’s teacher and classmates can be heavily impacted by your feelings about it.
As parents, we have the power to set the tone. Our optimism or pessimism is contagious.
Here are some ways you can help make the transition smoother for your child if you or they didn’t get the news you were hoping for.
1. Listen calmly. Hear out your child’s feelings. Let them get it all out and listen quietly. Avoid trying to ‘fix’ their feelings by adding your own feelings, judgements and solutions. Feelings need to be expressed, processed and moved through constructively.
Children don’t have to be immediately excited about their teacher to learn from that teacher in the long run. The same goes for classmates. They don’t have to have existing bonds or common interests to build them in the future. In fact, the more children they get to know with a broad range of personalities, the better for their growing social intelligence.
The feelings you see in that initial moment aren’t necessarily reflective of how they will feel long term - especially if you don’t react with them.
Humans need time to process change. When news is fresh, we can go through many feelings of resistance and uncertainty. That doesn’t mean that what’s coming is necessarily bad. You can warmly and gently say something like, ‘You really hoped for XYZ, and you’re disappointed. I understand.’ Allow time for them to process your words of support. Don’t rush them. Try to avoid talking while their logical brain is still compromised because emotions are still high. Listening calmly and quietly is golden.
2 Support your child to build a connection with their new teacher. A mutually respectful connection with their teacher matters. Notice positive qualities in their teachers and see what your child might have in common with them.
3. Avoid looking uncertain about the placement in front of your child. If they are unsure, they will naturally look to you to help them feel confident and calm. This doesn’t mean you have to ‘fake’ being excited if you’re not (they’ll see through that), but it does mean you do your best to
be cool, calm and collected. If you can’t be hopeful (yet), try and be neutral. Children tend to use parents as an emotional compass when they experience uncomfortable feelings. If you’re struggling, express your feelings with another adult to get things off your chest. Work out what you’re worried about. Try and notice as many things that are good about what’s ahead.
4. Before you greet them on the day they receive their placement, remind yourself to try and trust the process. There are multiple layers to how class placements are allocated that couldn’t possibly be explained completely. School leaders and staff put in huge amounts of thought into student personalities, learning styles, teaching styles, class size, who asked to have who in their class and much more that is happening behind the scenes we’re not aware of.
Schools genuinely do their best with this decision. If you’re upset, it’s possible they are too, but when weighing everything up, they had no other direction to turn. Supporting your child’s teachers and school is a crucial part of your child’s psychological and academic success there.
5. Your reaction to next year’s teacher news is hugely important to your child. Your confidence, hopefulness and regulated emotion are crucial. If you’re not happy, try to keep these feelings in the background and discuss them privately with another adult. Children are too young to take on their parent’s worries.
If there is a genuine problem, take logical action without involving your child in the stress associated with it.
Your child’s emotional connection to and respect for their teacher and school is deeply connected with your connection to and respect for their teacher and school.
More things to keep in mind:
Children learn, grow and strengthen in resilience by being with a broad range of personalities and communication styles. When things are unrealistically perfect and easy, they can get stuck in their comfort zone.
To build confidence for later on in life, you need to experience a broad range of peers and situations and discover that through talking about feelings, asking for help, establishing boundaries and building your social-emotional skills, you can handle a lot of what life has in store. Be there to hear their thoughts and feelings out, but above all, show you have confidence in your child to get through.
If situations are dangerous, toxic or damaging to your child’s learning and psychological health, always talk to school staff and, if necessary, other experts to ask for and seek help. Seek out the support of a health professional, too, if necessary.
On the surface, do your best as your child’s most important adult and leader to show your confidence that your child will be safe and cared for, always.
Do something heartwarming and compassionate for yourself. If you’re upset and stressed, it’s not because you’re weak or incapable. It’s because our children hold our hearts, and when they hurt, we hurt. You need to look after yourself first and foremost.
The advice above is general and based on general child development, resilience and confidence research. It is written with the very best intention to help you. Without knowing your individual circumstances, it’s not intended to replace your expertise as a parent or the expertise of
educators and health professionals. Always seek tailored expert advice if you feel your child’s physical or psychological health is at risk in any way. (Nawana Parker, 2023)
Staff Goodbyes
Prescott Primary Northern is a wonderful school in large part thanks to the people that make it up – our students, families and, in particular, our staff. We really are so thankful for the efforts and care of all our staff, but particularly want to acknowledge those that are pursuing other opportunities in 2025.
As we look ahead to 2025, we are sad to be saying good-bye to few of our staff. This includes:
· Tamara Borresen
· Helen Koziol
· Helen La Dru
· Victoria Chang
· Jaime Topham
· Tara Watson
Thanks to all of these people for all you have done at PPN and the difference you have made for our students.
In particular, thanks go to Helen Koziol who after 22 years is stepping into retirement. We will miss her smiles and dedication to our school and families but know her own family will enjoy having her around more often.
Tamara Borresen, Helen La Dru and Tara Watson will be taking extended leave. We look forward to seeing them back at school in the future.
Position Vacant
