It is a pupil free day this Friday 7th March and a public holiday on Monday 10th March.

Ice  Painting

It has been another warm weekend and start to the week this week. We were back in the nature play space, enjoying the warm weather in our beautiful playground. Because the temperature has been quite warm, it was another opportunity to play and create with ice. Playing with ice can take on my different forms and this week, the students were able to use the coloured ice to paint a picture onto white paper. They displayed their creativity by painting animals and other shapes and patterns to create an ice painting. They were pleased with creations and were excited to try it at home. Have you painted with coloured ice before? Why don't you freeze some coloured water and give it a try!

I haven’t always loved words. I was a terrible speller and hold a great deal of gratitude to my primary school teachers who put in extra time to get my spelling up to speed.

In fact, it was their kind, encouraging words – and the words of many teachers after them – that have led to my love of language. I have taught English in high schools and, outside of my work at PPN, continue to write professionally.

The reason I love words is because of their power. Understanding how language is used, and how to use language, to shape people’s thoughts, perceptions, and feelings is something we all need to understand. We won’t all do it for a career, but our use of words will certainly impact our lives, and those of others.

For our students and our children, its important they understand that their words have power – the power to build people up and tear them down.

Proverbs 18:21 puts it this way, ‘Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit – you choose.’ (The Message)

As a school we take seriously the language we use and hear. Sadly, there are occasions when we need to directly address words we hear on campus. Racial terms, words targeting a person’s looks, gender or religion, or other discriminatory remarks will not be tolerated. Students are encouraged to take care of their words (and their thoughts) and report any words that may be used to tear others down. We encourage all parents to model, and engage in conversations around the dinner table that encourage words that, as the was written in Proverbs, ‘give life’.

Our school is a safe place of learning and growing for everybody – and we want it to remain that way.  We will continue to educate and address the use of words on campus, and thank parents for partnering with us in this important work.

It’s Week 6, and the students have not only settled in but are thriving! They’re enthusiastically participating in our charity fundraiser, collecting cereal boxes to build a massive domino trail through the school. Once complete, these boxes will be donated to support those in need, offering a small but meaningful contribution to families with limited access to food.

This year, during staff worship, we’re exploring Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. This week, we focused on Matthew 5:17-20, where Jesus addresses the law. For those listening on the hillside, the law (known to us as the first five books of the Bible, or to them as the Torah or Scrolls of Moses) was foundational. Memorizing and reciting it shaped their education, religion, culture, and identity. They followed its rules diligently, but differing interpretations led to division, forming groups with firm, opposing views. Yet, God never intended the law to separate people.

Caught up in the “how” of following the law, they lost sight of the “why.” Jesus came to refocus their lens, revealing that the law’s purpose was to foster right relationships, with each other and with God. By seeking these relationships, the law’s intent (all the good we should say and do) is naturally fulfilled. Loving God and having faith in Jesus leads to righteousness (rightly relating to others and God) which, in turn, leads to effortlessly upholds the law.

It’s a bit like children playing a game. Sometimes, they get so focused on the rules that they forget why they’re playing: to have fun! Rules matter, without them, there’s no game, but the goal of the game isn’t just to follow the rules. It’s to enjoy the game!  When one person ignores the rules, the fun stops. A game where everyone is having fun is a game we want to last forever.

NAPLAN Timetable

Below is final confirmation of the timetable for Year 3 and Year 5 students participating in NAPLAN beginning next week. All test are completed online, unless otherwise noted.

Rosie’s Scooter Showcase

Last weekend, Rosie (3B) attended the a scooter competition at the Munno Para Skate Park. She planned to simply watch, but was invited to take part in an exhibition round by the event organiser. For 45 seconds Rosie pulled off Tail-whips, Double Tail-whips, 360s and bar spins with skill and confidence. At the end of the event, Rosie was presented with a medal and certificate. Well done Rosie – we can’t wait to hear how your next competition goes.

Cereal Day at PPN - March 6th

Casual Bus Drivers Needed

Do you have a heavy vehicle license, time available and a willingness to fill in as a casual bus driver at PPN? Or, do you know someone who is? 

If so, we would love to hear from you! From time to time we require bus drivers to fill in for our regular drivers, either for morning and afternoon routes or on excursions. If you can help on an ad-hoc, paid basis please phone the school or email info@ppn.sa.edu.au

Volunteers Required for Sports Day

STEM Squad