Early Years News

The Early Years have had a busy term, with lots of exciting events and activities still to come.

Assembly

Last week, our Pre-Primary classes had their very first Assembly. The actions that aligned to the Acknowledgment of Country along with visuals, was a fantastic way to help all of our students understand the meaning. Acknowledgement of Country is a way to show respect for the Indigenous peoples and their ongoing connection to the land. It recognises their cultural heritage, history, and traditional practices that have been maintained for thousands of years. 

The final song that was dedicated to special people in our lives for Father’s Day definitely had the cute factor, and I hope that we can continue these special celebrations with lots of our Early Years families attending the Father’s Day breakfast this Friday.

Staffing

This term we welcomed Mrs Priscilla Hawthorne into Year Two Grey. I would like to take this opportunity again to thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we worked hard to ensure the best transition for the students during this time. The students have continued their hard work and it has been wonderful to see the ongoing progress in their academic results. 

Mrs Priscilla Hawthorne will remain as the Year Two Grey teacher for the remainder of the year and I look forward to continue working with her throughout this time.

Edu-Dance

Our Pre-Primary to Year Two classes have been enjoying their Edu-Dance weekly lessons and we can’t wait to see the final event, which will take place on Wednesday, 11 September from 1:15pm onwards. Details regarding costumes can be seen below:

Please see you child’s Learning Space Teacher if you have any queries.

Book Week

This week, Salvado Catholic College is celebrating Book Week. As such I would like to take this opportunity to remind our community about the importance of reading in the Early Years, with some helpful tips for parents/caregivers to ignite a love for reading. 

The students did an amazing job capturing a character on dress-up day. Even our Playgroup children wanted to join in with the fun. I hope you enjoy the photos of this wonderful event below:

The Magic of Reading in Early Years: Nurturing a Lifelong Love of Books

Reading is more than just a fundamental skill; it’s a gateway to a world of imagination, knowledge, and emotional growth. In the Early Years, the benefits of reading are profound and far-reaching. 

From the moment a parent or caregiver reads a story to a child, the magic begins. Reading aloud introduces children to a rich vocabulary and diverse sentence structures. This exposure helps build their language skills, which are crucial for effective communication and literacy development.

Books are a playground for young minds. As children listen to stories, they engage in critical thinking and problem-solving. Following narratives, understanding characters' motivations, and predicting what might happen next, all contribute to cognitive development and enhance their reasoning skills.

Stories offer a unique lens into the world of emotions. Characters in books experience joy, sadness, fear, and triumph, providing children with the opportunity to explore and understand their own feelings and those of others. This emotional literacy is key to developing empathy and social skills.

Reading together is more than just an educational activity - it's a cherished bonding experience. The experiences children have with books in their early years shape their attitudes toward reading. Positive interactions with stories foster a love for books that can last a lifetime. By making reading a regular part of their routine, we help children develop a lifelong passion for learning.

Tips for Incorporating Reading into Daily Life:

• Read Aloud Daily 
  Set aside time each day for reading together. Choose a variety of books to keep it exciting.
• Encourage Questions and Discussions 
  Engage with your child about the stories you read. Ask questions and explore the themes together.
• Visit Libraries and Bookstores
  Take trips to your local library or bookstore to discover new books and resources.

Embracing the joy of reading in the Early Years sets the stage for a lifetime of learning and discovery. Let’s celebrate the magic of books and nurture our children’s love for reading, one story at a time.

Happy Reading!

Kind Regards, 

Mrs Lisa Ripley

Head of Early Years (Pre-Kindy to Year 2)