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Foundation Fun
They’ve only been here a week, but our Foundation students are well and truly part of the PPN family. We love having every single one of them on campus each morning, and are hearing great things from their classrooms – the learning and growing is definitely underway!
Footy Clinic Gets Students Kicking
A special visit by representatives from the SANFL saw our Year 1 students kicking big goals today. With specialist AFL skills coaching the students learned more about ball handling, passing and kicking – and may have grown some new, passionate footy fans. We might even see an AFL game starting at lunch time tomorrow.
This week at PPN has been occupied with a variety of activities. In addition to our regular schedule, we have had daily swimming lessons for the upper school.
Yesterday, we held our parents’ information evening. This event was very well attended, and it was great to see that the students who came in with their parents felt right at home on the grounds even though it was out of school time. The teachers highlighted the important aspects of our school and reiterated that the word of God is the foundation of our school.
I saw teachers who demonstrated true awareness of their responsibilities, and their privileges to provide a combination of spiritual and intellectual training for our young people. How will we achieve this? In God’s wisdom and strength because your child matters.
Hey PPN Family,
I am ashamed to admit that I did a lot of dodgy things as a young boy growing up in school. I remember asking my grandmother to do my handwriting homework for me when I was only 5-years-old, and then lying to my teacher when she asked me if it was my work. My plan unravelled very quickly when my teacher asked me to rewrite the whole alphabet on a new piece of paper. Let’s just say that my handiwork came out very different to my grandma’s beautiful cursive writing.
When I was 6, I stole my friend’s rubber eraser from his school desk because it had a bubble gum scent, and this was very rare and unique back in 1978. I kept it for less than 24 hours though, because I felt guilty when my friend started crying the next day because he had “lost” his eraser. So, I threw it on our classroom floor at recess when all of the kids had gone outside, and then pretended to find it when my friend was back in class.
Honestly, I committed a lot of “sins” as a young boy, and sadly, I still mess up today. Whenever I think of the times in the past when I had lied, or stolen something, or said something mean to someone else, it makes me feel sad. I feel a strong sense of regret because I had done something to hurt someone else.
This is the sadness and regret that Jesus refers to in Matthew 5:4 (NLT) when he says, “God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Jesus reminds us that those who mourn their sins and mistakes, will be comforted by the promise that all of our transgressions have been washed away by the precious blood of Jesus.
While Jesus was having the first communion with his disciples, He passed them the cup of wine and said, “Each of you drink from it for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many,” (Matthew 26:27-28 NLT).
When we give our hearts to Jesus, He washes away all of our sins, past, present, and future (1 John 1:7). This means that although we can still learn from our mistakes in the past, we can also replace our shame and guilt with the joy and peace that comes from knowing that we have been made perfect and holy in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
God bless,
Roland Talamaivao-Amituanai
Learning well starts with being well.
The concept of wellbeing is not new, but the impact and importance of our wellbeing is continuing to be revealed and understood. Our experience of wellbeing day to day, and in the longer-term, can affect our relationships, ability to learn, physical health, confidence and our emotional state.
At PPN, we believe that the wellbeing of our students, staff and families is not only a vital part of our learning journeys, but a foundation of becoming the people God designed us to be.
To support the wellbeing of our community we have the following opportunities and services available:
- Ongoing care from classroom teachers and all staff members
- Specific wellbeing and social/emotional growth lessons in each year level
- A professional counsellor on campus two-days a week
- Small group programs to support specific social and emotional needs
- Support through our Inclusive Education team to ensure all students have the opportunity to find success
- A chaplaincy team committed to serving our students, families and community
- Weekly wellbeing tips for families in the school newsletter
- Breakfast Club which provides a free breakfast to students who may have gone without (Tuesdays and Fridays)
Please keep an eye out for further information about our wellbeing program in 2025.
If you have concerns about the wellbeing of your child please discuss this with their classroom teacher. If additional support is required, we will work together as a team and discuss the situation with you to ensure you and your child are supported in the best way possible.
Library borrowing begins this week! Please make sure that your child brings their library bag on their borrowing day. More important library information can be found in the image below.
Scholastic Book Club is back!
This year we will be running 3 issues of Book Club — once each in Term 1, 2, and 3. Book Club is an opportunity for you to purchase books for your family and support our school library at the same time. Every purchase you make earns our school 15% of your order value in Scholastic Rewards which is used to purchase resources for our library.
It is easy to order. The Book Club LOOP platform for parents allows you to pay by credit card. Your child’s order is submitted directly to school and the books will be delivered to your child’s classroom. You can place your child’s order at scholastic.com.au/LOOP or using the LOOP app, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.
Look out for Issue 1 in your child’s school bag this week! Issue 1 orders close on February 14th. Please note we do not accept cash orders – please order online.
Prescott Schools Dedication Service
Parent Information Evening
It was great to see so many families on campus for last night’s Parent Information sessions. Being active, aware and engaged with your child’s education is big factor in their success. So, thank you, parents, for taking the time out of your schedules.
If you missed it, or would like a refresher, we will be sending emails home by the end of the week containing information from your child’s/children’s teachers. Please keep an eye out for the email and contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions.
NAPLAN Information for Parents and Carers
Each year students in Year 3 and Year 5 take part NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy). This program provides the school with valuable information about the strengths and weaknesses of our cohorts, which allows us to adjust our teaching program and strategies. It also provides feedback to state and federal Governments about general educational trends. While NAPLAN does provide teachers with some information about individual students educational progress, it does not replace ongoing assessments and provides only a limited view of their capabilities.
Below is some information about NAPLAN
Safer Internet Day
Safer Internet Day is coming up on February 11th. The negative impacts of children’s use of social media and issues related to internet safety are being understood more and more. Safer Internet Day is promoted by the eSafety Commission to help bring further education and understanding about these issues to people from all walks of life in Australia. For families, there are some lovely resources available to provide talking points at home about these issues.
Below is a link to an eBook aimed at younger children:
Swoosh, Glide and Rule Number 5 | eSafety Commissioner
This link contains ideas for setting up a Family Tech Agreement:
Family tech agreements | eSafety Commissioner
Let’s work together to keep our kids as safe as possible on the internet!
Mrs Nairn
Accessing the Front Office
When walking your child to their class in the morning (or picking them up in the afternoon) please use the gates at the front of the school, or to either side of the Front Office to enter the campus.
Please, do not use the Front Office unless you need to speak to one of our helpful Front Office team.
PPN Community
Kids and Cars
No Parking Areas
Bin Collection Day for Neighbours
Cereal Day
Uniform Shop
Welcome to a new year. The Uniform Shop is open:
Monday to Thursday 2:30pm to 4pm.
The Uniform Shop is located at 1 Heather Drive. The street directly behind the school.
Fittings need an appointment, please ring the Front Office to schedule on 8396 2577.
