Early Learning Centre

Enrolments are open for free 3 and 4 year old sessional kindergarten.

Enrol through Casey Council for Hillsmeade Kindergarten.

Long Day Care enrolments with kindergarten is through the ELC office.

You can contact the ELC or pop in for a visit for enrolment inquires.

Phone: 9704 6313 - Option ELC

Email: elc@hillsmeade.vic.edu.au

What is happening in the ELC

Our Learning

During this fortnight in the 3 and 4 year old kindergarten, the children have been undertaking learning in the following areas:

Reading	Children have been tuning into and reflecting on the sequence of events Children are exploring sounds of letters Children engage in self reading, using the pictures as references to create their own story and build literacy Continuing to identify the first letter of their names in its written form and brainstorming other words that start with that letter
Writing	Developing and strengthening their fine motor skills through a wide range of activities (pegboards, threading and weaving pipe cleaners/ paper etc.) Incorporating writing in their play as they use symbols and marks on paper in the vet dramatic play area, sand tray or drawing table Children are beginning to use ‘Tommy Turtle’ to explore letter formation
STEM	Children explore colour mixing as they mix primary colours creating secondary colours Continue to link sustainable practices and how these have an impact on living things Children explore the concept of weight, heavy/light/equal as they use the scales and loose parts Exploring informal units of measurement by using a variety of scoops in a sensory tray of bird seeds
Inquiry	Children continue to explore the inquiry, Our World, Our Future, focusing on how our actions impact the environment and sustainable practices The children continue to participate in exploring the school environment and encouraged to collect natural items while on their walk Children are taking responsibility for their kinder/school environment as they pick up rubbish, place rubbish in correct bins (recycle, general rubbish, compost) Children are learning about reduce, reuse, recycle and how they can implement these practices at home.
Social & emotional learning	Discussing events that have made them feel a certain way throughout the day and problem solving strategies to support their emotions Children engage in mindful activities such as yoga and guided relaxation stories

News and Reminders

Apply now to enrol your child in Foundation (Prep) for 2024

The Department of Education has released a new statewide timeline for enrolling in Foundation (Prep) for the 2024 school year.

If you have a child starting primary school in 2024, it’s time to enrol. Make sure to submit your enrolment application by Friday 28 July 2023.

If you are enrolling the sibling of a student at our school for Foundation in 2024, and both children will be attending our school at the same time, your child is prioritised for a place at our school as per the department’s Placement Policy.

Grandparents/ Special Guest Day (Details to follow for each kindergarten group) - Week 6: 29th May – 2nd June
Parent teacher interviews week 7-9
Last day of term-23rd June

Celebration of Learning

Children play group games, building turn taking and social skills.

Children engage in representational art.

Children explore colour mixing on the STEM light table.

Children explore literacy indoors and outdoors.