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Life Ed Van & Healthy Harold Visit!
In the first few weeks of school, students across the school participated in sessions with the Life Ed Van and enjoyed a visit from Healthy Harold. The sessions were interactive and age-appropriate, giving students the chance to explore a range of topics related to health, safety, and wellbeing.
Each class took part in a 60–90 minute lesson led by a trained educator, focusing on key areas such as:
- Healthy eating and staying active
- Online safety and recognising unsafe situations
- Bullying, including how to respond to unkind behaviour both in person and online
- Building resilience and understanding emotions
- Respectful relationships and responsible decision-making
- Personal safety at home, school and in the community
These lessons supported the ongoing work we do in classrooms to help students develop the knowledge and skills they need to take care of themselves and others.
Year 4 Maths Celebration: Fruit Stall Fun!
Who says maths and fruit don’t mix? To celebrate the end of our Term 2 unit on money, data, and graphing, all three Year 4 classes teamed up for a deliciously fun activity, a fruit stall! With a $5 budget and a list of prices, students had to plan their purchases carefully, making sure not to overspend. On Thursday of Week 9, the stall opened for business, and students enjoyed selecting and eating their fruity finds. It was a vibrant, hands-on way to bring our learning to life and end the term on a sweet note!
Showing up and doing your best
On Monday morning, I was on duty at the front of the school meeting students as they came in on the first day of Term 3. I asked one of the students, “Are you ready for school?” “No,” came the quick answer. I thought this was a very honest answer and commended him for his honesty. Coming back to anything demanding after a break is a challenge and for students and staff coming back to school can be a shock to the system following a relaxed schedule of almost all activities. It can be tough for parents as well, getting back to the school run. However, once back, everything has gone well for the first few days of the term.
Thinking through about readiness, how many of us would give an honest answer about how prepared we are for all the tasks ahead of us? Readiness is a word that holds weight in every area of life, but nowhere does it feel quite as pressing as in the transition from holiday freedom back to the rhythm and routine of a new school term. What does readiness look and feels like when you’re not prepared and what does it truly mean to be “ready.”
Feeling unprepared is normal. Readiness is rarely a state we achieve all at once. It often grows slowly, as we take small steps back into routine and responsibility. There is a lot of wisdom in the student’s response about not being ready to be back at school because accepting and acknowledging lack of readiness is a step towards readiness. It is accepting that one may not be able to do everything at once and showing up to school on time is a great start to building a sense of accomplishment. The student, though dressed well in uniform accepted imperfection that can only be made better by getting a little more ready each day. I have since checked in with him and he may not remember what he said but he has settled well back into his studies as have all the other students.
We are truly thankful for a restful break and a good return to normal school life as we trust in God’s provision for the term and the rest of the school year. We can trust that God will provide what we need each step of the way. How willing are you to respond even when you feel inadequate?
Show up, do your best, and let grace cover the rest.
Hey PPN Family,
I hope you all had some time to rest and recharge over the school holidays. Not to brag, but I took four weeks of long service leave—so I still have a week and a bit to go!
We’ve spent the last week in cold and wintry New Zealand, but we began our holiday with 11 beautiful days in warm and sunny Samoa. It was a particularly special trip because my mum was able to take her children and grandchildren back to her villages, sharing with us the stories of our ancestors and the heritage we are blessed to be part of.
One of the most significant places we visited was the village of Avao, where there is a monument commemorating the Samoans who helped translate the first Samoan Bible from 1855-1858. Among the names on the monument was Maiava Afele—my great-grandfather. Standing there beside that monument, I felt deeply honoured and humbled. To know that my great-grandfather played a role in bringing the Word of God to his people in their own language reminded me of the incredible legacy we each inherit—and the calling we all share.
God has given each of us gifts—not just for our own benefit, but to build up His kingdom. Whether it's through words, service, leadership, teaching, creativity, or compassion, we are invited to use what He has given us to bless others and to point them to Jesus.
This is exactly what Jesus was teaching in His parable about the servants who were given gifts. He shows us how pleased God is when we use the gifts He has entrusted to us. The master says to the faithful servant: "Well done, my
good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!" (Matthew 25:21, NLT).
As we begin this new term together, may we be encouraged to carry our stories and gifts with purpose. Let’s support one another, serve wholeheartedly, and seek every opportunity to reflect the love and light of Christ in all that we do.
Blessings,
Roland Talamaivao-Amituanai
Neurodiversity
We discovered our precious youngest child, Emmanuel, is neurodiverse just before he was three. The blessing of being his parents has led my husband and I on a journey of great joy, but also much learning, investigation and advocacy.
Neurodiversity, or neurodivergence, is a term used to describe the way the brains of individuals vary in how they function. It is a term that acknowledges difference, not deficit or something that “needs fixing”. People with neurodiversity may have diagnoses such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and/or Tourette’s Syndrome.
Using these terms helps to reduce stigma and stereotypes that may affect neurodiverse individuals and the people who love them. They also promote inclusion and the creation of environments where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported to reach their full potential. Embracing neurodiversity allows the innovation, creativity, problem-solving skills and gifts of individuals to greatly enhance homes, schools, workplaces and communities.
We are very proud to have many neurodiverse students within our school family here at PPN. Every neurodiverse person and their family have individual ways of defining, comprehending and supporting neurodiversity – different goals, approaches and expectations.
We feel blessed to support our neurodiverse students and their families, and welcome conversations regarding assessments, diagnosis, adjustments, concerns, or guidance we may be able to provide.
Please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher, our Inclusive Education team or PPN Leadership to make a time to chat.
Kelly Pridmore
Assistant Deputy Principal
NAPLAN Results
In the coming days, we will be sending home the 2024 NAPLAN results with students in Years 3 and 5. The reports contain information about your child’s performance compared with national standards, including information about the average of other students from around Australia.
The purpose of the NAPLAN testing is to give an insight into the students current level of achievement in the areas of Numeracy and Literacy. It simply provides a snapshot of their academic progress so far on areas covered within the Australian Curriculum.
If your child was new to the school after NAPLAN has been completed, your child's previous school will pass on the results to you directly, if you left a forwarding address. Also, where families have a shared custody arrangement, the additional copy of results will be sent via Australia Post.
If you have any questions about this process, please contact the school or visit https://nap.edu.au/naplan/results-and-reports
ICAS Enrolment and Dates
Scholarships and Bursaries - Round 2 Applications
Round 2 applications for Prescott bursaries and scholarships close on 22 August 2025.
Please note that applicants who were successful in Round 1 and received funding are not eligible to apply again in Round 2.
The application forms are available from our school front office.
Lunches for Students Without Food
It is parents/guardians responsibility to provide lunch for their child every day. However, there are occasions where lunch is forgotten – in these cases we will ensure that students have something to eat.
Please note the below as we have recently changed our policy around supplying lunches for students who have no food.
If your child comes to school with no lunch, we will call you. You will be required to pay $5 over the phone with your credit card and we will supply them with a cheese toastie from the canteen.
If the payment is not made at the time of the phone call, or within 3 school days, (eg: if we cannot contact you), we will add the $5 charge to your school fees.
It is no longer be an option for a Canteen order for the following day to be placed via Flexischools as payment.
As always, lunch can be ordered each school day before 9.30am via Flexischools. Lunches can be ordered in advance or for multiple days. Please contact the school as soon as practicable if you have missed the 9.30am cutoff to make the $5 payment for your child so their toastie can be delivered to class and they don’t miss out on valuable lunch time.
School Photos
Winter Uniform Reminder
As we begin a new term, and prepare for school photos, families are reminded to ensure their children attend school in full winter uniform. The details of this can be found below.
Prescott Primary WINTER Uniform |
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Boys (WINTER) |
Girls (WINTER) |
School hat (Legionnaire or bucket style with emblem) |
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White, long sleeved, shirt tucked in |
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School grey school trousers (Long cotton cargo pants are not permitted) |
Regulation pinafore (Grades Foundation - 5) or Skirt (Grade 5-6) Navy Tailored Trouser The length of dresses for girls must touch the knee or below when standing upright. |
School regulation tie |
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Laced, buckled or Velcro polished, black leather, low-heeled regulation school shoes. |
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Grey over the ankle socks* |
White over the ankle/knee high socks – navy leggings allowed |
Royal blue V-necked school jumper/cardigan with emblem |
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Navy school rain jacket with emblem (optional) |
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Beanies, gloves and scarves in school colours only may be worn before school in winter. |
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Simple hair ties, scrunchies, ribbons or hairclips in the colours of light blue, black, maroon, red and white*
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Year 5-6 students are required to wear the PPN Blazer |
Please also ensure that your child’s hair and jewellery remains in accordance with the school’s uniform policy. You can view this, along with other school policies here: Policies | Prescott Northern
PPN Open Days
Do you have friends or family considering enrolling their child at PPN? Our upcoming Open Days are their chance to visit our beautiful campus and see what joining the PPN family can be like.
Please share the details below with them. Registration preferred but walk-ins are available.
Are you on Seesaw?
If you have registered or linked to your child’s class on Seesaw as soon as possible. If you need assistance, please contact your classroom teacher who will be able to email you a direct link or send a QR code home with your child.