Message from the Director of Early Learning Centre

As Term One draws to a close, it has been a joy to see our children settle in so confidently, building a strong sense of belonging within our ELC community. Throughout the term, we have witnessed meaningful moments of connection, collaboration, and curiosity, as children formed new friendships, explored their environments, and embraced each day with enthusiasm.

Guided by our school values of respect and kindness, the children have shown genuine care for one another and pride in their learning spaces. We are also deeply grateful to our families for their support during this important transition, helping to foster a sense of belonging and making the start of the year a positive experience for all children. It has been wonderful to see our ELC come together as such a supportive environment, where every child feels valued and heard.

This strong sense of community was beautifully reflected in our Easter Craft Mornings, a highlight of the term. The children had the opportunity to engage in creative expression while celebrating the joy and meaning of Easter alongside family and peers. As a special family event, it brought our community together in a warm and meaningful way.

We thank our families again for their ongoing support throughout Term One and wish everyone a restful and joyful Easter break. May this special time bring peace, renewal, and happiness to all.
 

Katarina Hills

Director of Early Learning Centre

Easter Traditions and Greek Learning in Banksia Class

Over the past few weeks, the Banksia class has been learning about Easter through stories and hands on experiences. They explored Clean Monday by making kites symbolising new beginnings, and created a clay Lady Lent, removing one leg each week to count down to Easter.

The children have also been learning about the meaning of the cross through discussions and craft, creating their own personalised crosses to take home.
In addition, they have been learning Greek songs, including Kalimera, the Days of the Week , Xaropa Ta Dio Mou Heria, and colours in Greek.

Patricia Keramidas

ELC Language Teacher

Eventful Term 1 in the Waratah Room!

We started the term in the Waratah room by exploring how sunflowers grow. Our children then drew and cut out sunflowers and used watercolours to colour them in. We also developed a growing interest in native Australian animals after reading the book The Wombat Stew. This then led to our children creating different native Australian animals using clay. Some of our children also made different items using this clay, including their families.

We also had our first Nature Walk of the term, and our children embraced the responsibility of walking safely on the roads to the park. We enjoyed reading one of our favourite books together before the children engaged in lots of collaborative play.

Dilshi Samarasekera

ELC Teacher

Eventful Term 1 in the Waratah Room!

As we approach Reconciliation Week, the children have been exploring the Dreamtime storybook How the Birds Got Their Colours. Inspired by the story, they researched different birds and created their own designs by drawing with sharpie on brown paper. They then added a variety of plain and spotted feathers, using different colours and textures to create their own unique birds.

This learning experience connects to Reconciliation by helping children develop an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal culture, traditions, and beliefs. Through Dreamtime stories, children learn the importance of community, sharing, respect, and understanding others, while recognising the significance of Aboriginal perspectives and storytelling.

Milly Brodie

ELC Teacher - 3 Year Old

Our Pre-prep Community Walk

Last week we went on our Pre-prep Community walk, our focus was looking for the sights and sounds of nature. We discussed before we left, what nature is and what natural things we may find on our walk. As we travelled along our walking route to the park, the children shared their observations of the natural world. Once in the park the children used binoculars and magnifying glasses to look for aspects of nature that they found interesting. Once they had located those things, they spent time studying them with their equipment and then we supported them to take some great photos of their explorations, which we are going to print and use to create artwork with.

Jackie Walker

ELC Teacher