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I’m not sure about you, but I’m sort of just hanging on at the moment as the train of life flies along! We have been working very hard again this week to provide learning to our students in a very challenging time. Families are having to make difficult decisions about how best to manage COVID-19 restrictions, deal with changing employment situations, oversee a household and care for children. Many of our families have made the decision to keep their children home and lessen the interaction to lessen risk. The Prime Minister has given that as an option to us. He has also instructed that, at this stage, schools are to remain open. As a school, we are also putting things in place to be able to deliver “At Home” learning should schools be closed. You can imagine that this is placing considerable extra work and pressure for our staff. I would ask that you please be respectful of our teachers and their challenges at the moment in trying to help support families and students at home, teach their normal classes and do duties, follow extra hygiene procedures etc., as well as doing training and developing resources should schools be closed.
These really are uncharted waters for all of us, but I know that as we work together as a community and look after one another, we can come out the other side of this with lots of new skills and experiences we hadn’t thought possible.
Those of you who read these remarks regularly will know I often talk about the importance of developing resilience in our children so when the storms of life hit us, we are able to find a way to not only survive, but flourish. One of the things that keeps coming through in the research and practical hints from experts that I have shared over the years, is that we need to model these skills to our children in real life situations. I honestly cannot remember in my lifetime, a better opportunity than this to demonstrate, model, explain and encourage resilience, that the situation we are all currently working through. Please take this opportunity with both hands and as I mentioned to staff this morning in Staff Worship, “Courage is Contagious” let’s help our kids catch courage.
The verse from the Bible in Joshua 1:9 comes to mind straight away as I write that, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
Please look after one another and have a great week with your kids,
Mark B
Fear can cause us to do crazy things sometimes. I never thought that I would see the day where people would argue and fight in supermarkets over toilet paper, and yet, here we are.
You see, when we are faced with fear and stress our bodies switch into “fight-or-flight” mode to help us survive, and sadly this has lead to people fighting over rolls of toilet paper as if their lives depended on it.
Psychologists explain that the reason why many people are “panic buying” is because it gives them a sense of security that they are in control of the situation. Because of the uncertain times that we are living in, many of us are feeling out of control, and so having a huge stockpile of toilet rolls at home can help to calm our nerves.
When Jesus’ disciples were faced with the fear and stress of His death He gave them this promise in John 14:27:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
The peace that Jesus promised His disciples was different to the peace that the world gives. The peace that we find in the world is dependent on our situation or circumstances. If our marriages are great, and our jobs are secure, and we have plenty of money, and our health is good, and our cupboards are filled with toilet rolls, then we have plenty of peace. But if our world is falling apart, then so does our peace.
The peace that Jesus gives us is not dependent on our circumstances, but on Him. It is the peace that comes from knowing that no matter
what is happening in the world around us, that God loves us, and He is with us, and He is for us, and He will get us through this crisis.
So, as the world is in chaos because of the COVID – 19 pandemic, I encourage you to find peace not in your supply of toilet rolls, but in Jesus.
Let us keep our World, Nation, families and loved ones in prayer.
God bless,
Roland Talamaivao-Amituanai
Last week, we talked about humility and this week we honoured several students from all the classes in our school for demonstrating this value.
Important Announcement regarding Prescott Primary Northern
To Parents and Guardians,
Thank you for your current support, patience and understanding during these uncertain times. As a school, we are working very hard to send the message to our children that even though things are changing quickly and we are facing challenges, and we don't have all the answers to all the questions, they are ok and we are here for them.
Increased Hygiene Practices
We have made the following changes to provide the safest possible environment for our school family: increased cleaning on campus by our cleaning companies, all classrooms have access to and are frequently using hand sanitiser, antibacterial spray and wipes, streaming larger events online into our classrooms, such as Values or Chapel, and separating our students and their seating arrangements while they are in class.
Limited access to school grounds
We are currently practicing very vigilant hygiene routines on our campus to keep our students and staff safe. To assist in this best practice, we are now limiting visitor access to our campus. We are requesting that parents and caregivers not enter our classrooms or our campus, unless it is exceptional circumstances. Please use our Drop Off and Pick Up Zone in the mornings and afternoons. You will remain in the car, while a staff member assists your child in or out of the car. This will lessen the visitors to our campus, helping us to continue to provide a safe environment for our students and staff. While we are responding to social distancing, we ask that if you do need to come on campus to deliver or collect your child, to do so and leave campus immediately.
Communicating with teachers
If parents need to see a teacher, please communicate with them via email or your child's communication book/diary.
Taking the above measures has the potential to impact our Prescott family, as we value the interactions with our school families. We know you will understand the need for these changes as we need to do our best to provide a safe environment for our school community.
Thank you once again for your support and understanding.
Kind regards,
PPN Leadership
Helpful Hints for Using the Drive Through Zone
Uniform Shop
Orders can still be placed online at http://www.flexischools.com.au and will be delivered to your child's class within 2 school days.
Sizing can be a little tricky as uniform sizes are not always the same as regular clothes sizes. If the wrong size is ordered, please keep the tags on the uniform and we can exchange the item for the correct size.
Thank you for your understanding.
Stop The Spread
Medal Recipients at Little Athletics 2020
The Little Athletics State Individual Championships went ahead a couple of weekends ago, where four of our Prescott students competed and achieved great results.
Tanveer Dunduli (6B) and brother Jastaj (3A) along with Ashton Hong (6A) and his brother Dillon (4B), competed with some pleasing results.
Tanveer received bronze for the 1100m walk. Jastaj received silver in the 800m final and bronze in the 400m final. Ashton scored silver in the 100m finals, and just missed out with 4th placing in high jump and long jump. Dillon made the finals too coming 5th in hurdles, 200m and long jump.
Little Athletics State Relay Championships - Ashton Hong (Gold - 100m relay , Gold - 200m relay) , Dillon Hong (Bronze - 100m relay)
Well done to each of you for your great achievements.
Prescott Students competed in SAPSASA Tennis and Cricket
Last week, Matthew Lea 6B, competed in the SAPSASA Cricket competition over 4 days. Selection for this team occurred after 4 weeks of trials and it is commendable that Matt was selected for this competition.
His team played 4 games against North East district, Pirie, Playford & Northern district. They won 2 and lost 2 and it’s worth noting that the losses were by 1 run & 3 runs, so were actually really close games.
We are very proud of you, Matt!
Over four consecutive days last week, Ashton Hong 6A competed in the SAPSASA Tennis competition. This team, much like the cricket team, was hand picked after weeks of trials and we are proud of Ashton for making it into the selection. He slogged through 4 matches each day and found it to be a great experience with the noted racquet touches instead of handshakes to end the games! Well done, Ashton, great effort.
