Term 1 Week 6 Newsletter
Leadership Insights
Returning to Fundamentals
Sometimes, when things get complicated, it’s easy for people to lose interest. As
teachers at Prescott College, we know how to change things around to make sure
our students can understand and engage as much as possible.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) found that 44% of adults aged 15-74 in
Australia have low reading skills, and 53% find math challenging. These issues can
limit job opportunities, participation in the economy, and social involvement. The
gaps are especially evident among disadvantaged groups, such as Indigenous
Australians and those living in remote areas.
To tackle these challenges, various programs, including the Australian Curriculum,
aim to enhance literacy and numeracy skills from early childhood through high
school. The government is also investing in specific help, like tutoring and training for
teachers, particularly in areas where students are not performing well.
While there has been some progress, it’s clear that focused efforts are still needed to
improve reading and mathematical skills, ensuring that all Australians can thrive in a
complex world.
For our team of tenacious staff, these findings have guided our professional
development efforts today, on this student-free day. One of our main strategies to
help our students is to return to fundamentals to close the growing gap in literacy
and numeracy levels. We know that improving these skills will take time, but we
believe it is possible.
We invite you as parents to join us in this important mission by encouraging your
child to read for at least 30 minutes each night before bed. Perhaps some ways to
engage your son or daughter with practical mathematical skills could include allowing
them to be involved in looking at the household budget, or create their own budget,
work out shopping discounts as you do the groceries, help with cooking
measurement as you prepare dinner together. Simply asking your child to learn their
times tables is one fundamental practice they can incorporate in their daily routine
that will make a world of difference in their numbers game. Know that your support
is vital and valued in assisting us to make lasting improvements in their skills.
Let us continue to grow our Christ-centred learning environment, where everyone
flourishes, in literacy and numeracy too.
Looking forward to seeing you at Swimming Carnival, this coming Tuesday.
God bless.
Mrs Talamaivao Principal
Upcoming Events
Public Holiday
Monday 10th March
Swimming Carnival
Tuesday 11th March
Swimming Carnival is an exciting event that takes place each year, held at the George Bolton Swim Centre at Hazlewood Park. Please note, this is a compulsory event for all students.
GETTING THERE
For private bus users, you need not do anything different. Students will be taken to the Swim Centre and returned home in the afternoon.
For intercampus bus users, please arrive at PPN at the usual time. Students will be taken directly to the Swim Centre and return to PPN again in the afternoon.
There will be a bus leaving from Prescott College at 8:45am sharp. Your child needs to arrive at school by 8:30am with their $2 coin.
WHAT TO BRING
Students are to wear their sport uniform.
- Towel
- Goggles
- Hat
- Water bottle
- Lunch
- Plastic bag for wet clothes
STUDENTS: Get behind this event, show your house spirit and wear your house colours! Remember appropriate add ons and be sun safe.
NAPLAN
Wednesday 12th - Friday 21st March
We wish to inform parents, caregivers, and students that our Year 7 and Year 9 cohorts will be participating in the NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) testing from next Wednesday 12th March until the following Friday.
The NAPLAN tests assess essential skills in reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar, and punctuation), and numeracy. These assessments provide valuable insights into students’ progress and help guide teaching and learning strategies.
Students are encouraged to have adequate sleep, and eating a healthy breakfast can also help students perform their best.
If a student is absent on a test day, catch-up sessions will be arranged where possible. If you have any questions or require further information, please contact the school office.
We wish all our Year 7 and Year 9 students the best of luck!
Open Days
Thursday 13th March / Thursday 27th March
If you know friends or family interested in enrolling their children at Prescott College, this is a fantastic opportunity for them to discover what makes our school such a gem in the heart of Prospect! Encourage them to join us.
The event is scheduled for this Thursday, March 13th, with arrival at 5:15 pm for a prompt 5:30 pm start.
There is also another opportunity at the Open Morning on Thursday 27th March.
https://prescottcollege.com.au/admissions/open-days/
Harmony Day
Friday 21st March
On Friday, March 21st, we’ll be celebrating the rich diversity of our school community. Students are encouraged to wear orange on this special day.
A quick look at the world map in our library, with photos of our students representing their countries of origin, is all it takes to see our commitment to inclusivity.
Chaplain's Corner
What are your first thoughts when you wake up? Are you taking in your peaceful
surroundings or are you mentally already working? I’m in the latter camp. When I
wake up my mind starts whizzing through the tasks of the day. Meetings, projects,
emails, family - and that’s just in the first minute as I lay in bed.
Life is busy. If anyone knows how busy our lives are, it’s Jesus.
One day, Jesus was invited into the house of a lady named Martha. When Jesus
came to their home, Martha immediately sprang into action to ensure that Jesus was
served and was comfortable, while Mary her sister sat at Jesus’ feet and listened
while he taught. Frustrated at the sight of her sister sitting down while she was
serving, Martha asked Jesus to tell her sister to get up and help. Jesus’ response is
a reminder for us in our time-poor world.
“My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one
thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken
away from her.”
It’s true that worry doesn’t add an inch to our height. I’d add that going through your
to-do list the moment you wake up doesn’t get them done either. I encourage you to
spend quality time with Jesus despite the busyness of life. I challenge you spend a
few moments in prayer and in the Bible before going about your day, because time
spent with Jesus is time well spent.
God bless
Pr Tim Chaplain
Student Services and Wellbeing
Homework Club
Every Tuesday, the talented Math teacher Mr. Mattner will be available to help students enhance their math skills, in the Library from 3:20pm until 4:30pm.
Homework Club runs each week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If your child needs extra support in their studies, they are welcome to attend. Bookings not required.
Key Dates to Remember
Road Awareness Program
Tuesday 25th March - Our Year 11 and Year 12 students will have the invaluable opportunity to participate in the Road Awareness Program (RAP), an initiative designed to educate young drivers and passengers about the importance of road safety. Delivered by experienced emergency service professionals, the session will be both eye-opening and thought-provoking, encouraging students to consider the real-life consequences of their choices on the road.
Through powerful personal stories, engaging discussions, and real-world crash scenarios, students will learn about key aspects of road safety, including responsible driving, risk management, and the impact of distractions and peer pressure. The program will also highlight the crucial role young people play in fostering a culture of safe driving, whether behind the wheel or as passengers.
The RAP session is expected to leave a lasting impression on our students, many of whom will likely feel more confident in making responsible decisions on the road. As they step closer to gaining their licences, we hope the lessons learned from this program will help them stay safe and look out for others.
We extend our gratitude in advance to the presenters for delivering what promises to be a powerful and engaging session. Road safety is a shared responsibility, and we are proud to equip our students with the knowledge and awareness to contribute to safer roads for everyone.
Community Info
Prospect Lifestyle Precinct Masterplan
What is a masterplan?
A masterplan is a long-term plan that guides how an area will develop over many years. It’s a high-level blueprint which shows where buildings and spaces should go, around a central community site. Creating a masterplan involves studying the area, getting input from local residents and the wider community, and making recommendations about land use, infrastructure, and community services.
The Prospect Lifestyle Precinct Masterplan will see Prospect Oval and its surrounds transformed into a quality health, wellness, fitness and sporting precinct that attracts a higher level of community usage, sporting participation and economic development.
This project is one of Council's Top 4 Priorities in our 2023-2027 Strategic Community Plan, as well as Council’s Advocacy Priorities.
Where are we in the process?
Since Phase 1 consultation in July and August 2024, Council has conducted technical investigations, feasibility studies, and received input from our advisory groups, as well as the feedback from Phase 1 consultation. Based on all this information, we’ve developed four master planning options to transform Prospect Oval and its surroundings.
In Phase 2 consultation, we're seeking your feedback on these four options and the individual elements within them. These elements can be adjusted and shifted to better reflect the community’s preferences, making this a great opportunity for you to influence how the final masterplan takes shape.
Have your say
We’re encouraging you, your staff, your students and the broader community to share feedback on the options and elements for the Prospect Lifestyle Precinct Masterplan. As such, we ask that you please promote the consultation to your school’s community and would love it to be featured in upcoming newsletters and/or messages to parents and staff.
Community input is crucial in helping us shape the future of this project, so we’d love for you to get involved and share what matters most to you!
There are several ways to provide feedback.
- Online interactive maps of each option:
- Visit our Engagement Hub and register to comment on the master planning options and elements
- Written submissions:
- Visit our Engagement Hub to provide a written submission
- Email us your written submission to admin@prospect.sa.gov.au
- Mail us your written submission to PO Box 171, Prospect 5082
- In-person events:
There are multiple opportunities to view the draft masterplan options, speak with the project team, visit the site and share your thoughts. Activities include: - Community workshops (RSVP required)
- Walking tours (RSVP required)
- Drop-in sessions
- Pop-up events
- Talk to your local Elected Member:
- Visit us:
Visit Payinthi (128 Prospect Road, Prospect) to view the draft masterplan options any time during our opening hours.
To view the full consultation program, click here. For further information and to book your spot, please visit Eventbrite.
Consultation closes at 5pm, Friday 28 March.
