Early Learning Centre
ELC 3
Dear Families,
The children thoroughly enjoyed the Drama Toolbox incursion, where they delved into the fascinating world of dinosaurs through costumes, music, movement, and imagination. The children enthusiastically acted out a variety of prehistoric dinosaurs, using their bodies and voices to bring these ancient creatures to life. Continuing our dinosaur investigations, the children had great fun experimenting with making dinosaur eggs out of bicarb soda, vinegar and eye-droppers. This hands-on activity encouraged curiosity, problem-solving, and scientific thinking.
We have also been exploring healthy eating through a fun and engaging fine motor game focused on identifying everyday foods and occasional foods. Using pegs, the children carefully passed a paper plate around the circle without touching it with their hands. When the music stopped, the child holding the plate answered a food-related question, deciding whether the food shown was an everyday or occasional choice. The children demonstrated excellent concentration, fine motor control, and confidence as they participated in this enjoyable learning experience.
Parent-Teacher meetings and ELC fundraiser:
We would like to thank all families who participated in our recent Parent-Teacher Meetings. These important conversations provided an opportunity to learn more about your child's development, celebrate their achievements, and discuss their ongoing learning journey. We greatly value the strong partnerships we share with our families and appreciate the opportunity to work together in setting meaningful goals to support each child's growth and success.
We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the families who supported our recent Community Market by donating second-hand toys, books and puzzles. Despite the short timeframe, we successfully raised $133.50. These funds will be used to purchase craft materials for the children to enjoy during their learning experiences.
Last week of the term:
The children embarked on their very first excursion to the Primary school oval, where they enjoyed a range of gross motor activities, games, and imaginative play. They did an amazing job following safety expectations, staying together as a group, and participating enthusiastically in all the activities. Our final day was made even more special with Pyjama Day. The children arrived in their cosy pyjamas, bringing plenty of smiles and excitement to the ELC. To celebrate the end of a wonderful term, the children enjoyed a special popcorn treat. There was great anticipation as they watched the popcorn machine in action, eagerly observing the kernels transform and pop into fluffy popcorn before their eyes. The sounds, smells, and excitement made it a memorable experience for everyone! It was a joyful way to celebrate a term full of learning, growth, friendship, and fun.
Blessings,
Amy Hu
ELC Director
ELC 4
Recycled Paper
ELC 4 explored sustainability throughout Term 2 and considered ways to look after God's creation. We made recycled paper by tearing up used paper, soaking it in water, and blending it to make a pulp. The children helped to squeeze the water out of the pulp, and spread the pulp over a strainer. Once the paper was dry, we cut it into bookmarks, and each child decorated their own. By transforming scrap paper into pulp and then new bookmarks, the children engaged with the "7Rs": reduce, reuse, recycle, respect, repair, reflect and refuse as part of economic and environmental sustainability.
Drama Incursion
The Drama Toolbox “Under the Sea” workshop provided a hands-on, immersive experience, allowing the children to dive deep into the wonders of ocean life whilst developing social and creative skills. By dressing up as colourful fish, dolphins, octopuses, mermaids, jellyfish, and deep-sea divers, the children used imagination and creativity to resource their own learning and explore diverse roles, identities and points of view in play.
The ocean adventure reinforced our integrated topic of Sustainability. As the sea creatures encountered rubbish thrown into their habitat, the children were challenged to think critically about human impact on the natural world. By working together to clean the ocean, the children practised taking care of God’s creation, being socially responsible, and showing respect for the environment.
Sensory Play
Over the last few weeks, the children have shown joy and wonder as they have worked together to mix different ingredients to make mixtures such as cloud dough and oobleck. This type of sensory play is a favourite interest of the group’s, and an opportunity for children to resource their learning by connecting with processed materials to create something new.
Mrs Alyssa Cairns
ELC 4 Teacher
