Science Nature Play

Observing our students in such a playful and creative activity is encouraging and gives them new experiences from which their bodies grow and thrive. What challenges could you present to your child this week?

Here’s one for thought…

Using one hand and one hand only, wring out a wet dish cloth, go outside and hang it on the clothesline with a peg, then when it’s dry, bring it in off the line, fold it and put it away for another day.

What are you running towards? 

One of the recent highlights was the Prescott Schools dedication service that was held last Saturday at the Para Vista SDA Church next door to our school.  The service was very well attended by regular Para Vista church members, Prescott College staff and students and Prescott Primary Northern staff and students.  Among the sharing of beautiful music and the vision statements of both schools, the worship thought for the day was very ably shared by Ms. Strickland, one of our Year 6 teachers.  The questions she asked were:  why are you running and where are you running to? 

For everyone’s safety, our school has got signs in the walkways around our classrooms which have a white background with large bright yellow writing that say “WALKING ONLY.” These simple directions are often disregarded by eager young people trying to be the first on the playground equipment or just feeling like a little game of chasey.  They run, not because they cannot read but because they have a destination to get to; an intention to achieve.  So that answers both the questions why are you running and where are you running to. 

F. C. Barnes, an American preacher and singer penned out the song “My running days will soon be over.” He was referring to the race of life and he gives the reason, “Ï just want to make it to the other side.”  This, to Barnes was making it to God’s side.  That was his goal in life, to run towards God. I invite you to consider—why are you running and where are you running to? 

Good afternoon PPN Families,

We all know how challenging it is to change a heart. Whether it's our own stubbornness or the habits we can’t seem to shake, the human heart can seem like an impenetrable fortress. Yet, what is impossible for us is possible for God. He specializes in heart transformations, “And I will give you a new heart, and I will put anew spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.”  Ezekiel 36:26. God's people had hardened their hearts towards God and had failed to keep their promises to God and were selfish and sinful. But God loved them so and wanted to see them restored.

So, if you feel stuck, if you feel like your heart is resistant to change, remember that God wants to see you restored. Remember the power of God to transform even the most hardened heart. Place your trust in Him, and allow Him to work. He is the only one who can truly change a heart, and He promises to make us new.

Blesings,

Pr Andy.

PS - Don't forget to click here and register for Connect 4 at Water World this Sunday! See you there. 

Building your childs confidence and independence for school

Families working together

When children are at school they are encouraged to grow into respectful, kind, co-operative and independent individuals. Parents can support their chidren achieve these qualities by promoting the following at home.

• Teaching children to look after their things and packing up after using something or playing with toys.
• Build relationships by spending time together, using words that praise the child or encourage them to try new things and then rewarding them for being brave.
• Establishing routines by practicing and repeating jobs, tasks or activities every day.

1. Sleep Routine

• Sleep routines are often relaxed in the school holidays and can take a while to adjust the family schedule to get everyone back into morning and bedtime habits.
• Set bedtime routines (bath time, no screen time 1 hour before bed, replace it with family time, book time or listening to music or audio books, lots of cuddles). This routine should apply to the whole family, so no one feels isolated or picked on.
• Older children need structure and routine, but parents should negotiate the bedtime. Older children should be encouraged to use their own alarm clock to wake up in the mornings and practice being responsible for time management.

2. Promote Healthy Eating Habits

• Nutrition is extremely important for our physical and emotional health. It is important for children to have healthy food throughout the day.
• Eating meals at regular times each day also promotes good routines.
• Allow your child to pick out his or her favorite snacks and foods for school and Children should be encouraged to eat independently.

3. Encourage Your Child to Share His or Her Fears

• Make time each day to talk to your child about their day and any worries or fears they have.
• Spend time listening to them and asking them what they tried to do to make things better and then offer ideas about what they could try next time. Practicing problem solving by role-playing these ideas is both fun and useful.
• Focus on the positive/good/fun experiences of the day – ask your child to list three things that they like about the school day.

4. School Bag

• Together with your child, pack their backpack the night before, including hat/ jumper and any books for school (reader or Library book) and in the morning together pack their drink bottle and lunch box. Make sure your child is involved in this task, so they learn how to do this.

5. Choose a Special Object

• For younger children who are nervous about separating, suggest taking a special object to school that reminds him or her of home. (check with the class teacher what items are ok to bring to school)

’Ask Ali ‘…written by Ali Friedrich (CALM Interventions/PPN School Counsellor)

Drop and Go Procedures

When using the Drop and Go at the end of the day please do not park or wait in the yellow painted area just inside the entry to our back carpark (in front of the Church, marked in red below). Doing so blocks the flow of traffic.

Please join the line on Nelson Road and wait at the entry of the carpark until there is space for your vehicle in the Drop and Go slip road.

Thanks for your help ensuring everyone gets home safely and efficiently.

STEM Squad

This year, PPN will be running a STEM Squad for Yr 5 and 6 students. Once a term, students will be given a STEM challenge to complete. They will need to research the concepts and ideas behind the challenge, plus possible solutions. They will then design their own solution and bring it to school on a designated day to be ‘tested’.

Each challenge will begin with a Launch, where students will gather at lunchtime to learn the challenge, see some prototypes, and get some guidance about how to work on the challenge at home. Two weeks after the Launch, students will bring their finished STEM challenge to school for testing and/or display.

The first challenge for 2025 will be launched in Week 6 and concluded in Week 8 (see the poster for specific details). The club will be run by Mrs Nairn (Digital Technologies teacher). Participation in the STEM Squad is entirely voluntary and will give students excellent experience with many STEM skills, including researching, designing, testing, improving and evaluating. Looking forward to seeing your child there!

Summer Playdate

Copy_of_2024_Summer_Playdate_Invitation.pdf

Copy_of_2024_Summer_Playdate_Invitation _pdf 842.14 KB

Autism School Holiday Program

Cereal Day