Early Learning Centre

Belonging: The heart of our learning community

In our Class Three Blue, one of our strongest and ongoing intentions is to help every child feel that they truly belong. Before children can fully explore, learn and take risks, they need to feel safe, known and valued. This sense of belonging is at the centre of everything we do, and we express it through three simple yet powerful truths we want each child to experience every day.

You are relentlessly pursued

We intentionally notice each child, greet them by name, and gently support them when they need help joining in play, managing big feelings, or trying something new. Just as Good Shepherd seeks each sheep, we want children to know they are never overlooked, that their presence matters and their voice is important. If a child is unsure, hesitant or overwhelmed, we move toward them with calm presence and reassurance.

You are ridiculously celebrated

In our learning environment, we celebrate effort, kindness, small steps and growing confidence. Whether a child packs away their bag, shares with a friend, attempts a new word or tries new experiences, these moments are noticed and encouraged. We want all children to feel joy in who they are and confidence in what they do. This small everyday win builds confidence. Children begin to believe, "I can try, I can grow, and I can do hard things."

You are unconditionally loved

Children are learning that mistakes are part of growing, and love does not disappear when things go wrong. Through gentle guidance, forgiveness and support, we help children understand that they are valued not for perfect behaviour but simply because they are uniquely made and deeply loved.

As children experience these three messages daily, we see each child becoming more confident, more compassionate and more willing to engage with their learning and more willing to take risks and more confident in friendships. These strong foundations of belonging support their emotional wellbeing, independence and readiness to learn.

Our prayer is that every child walks into our learning environment knowing:

I am safe here.

I am known here.

I am loved here.

I belong here.

Thank you for partnering with us as we nurture each child’s sense of belonging and help them grow in confidence, kindness and faith.

Blessings, 

Shin Yie Chew, Amanda Ruddock, Priya Ekbote, Kiara Wiese, Maddy Bell and Lydia Wong

Class Three Blue Team

Links to Learning

Learning Outcome 1 - Children have a strong sense of identity

• Children feel safe, secure and supported
• Children develop their emerging autonomy, inter-dependence, resilience and agency
• Children develop knowledgeable, confident self-identities and a positive sense of self-worth
• Children learn to interact in relation to others with care, empathy and respect

Learning Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world

• Children develop a sense of connectedness to groups and communities and an understanding of their reciprocal rights and responsibilities as active and informed citizens
• Children respond to diversity with respect
• Children become aware of fairness
• Children become socially responsible and show respect for the environment

Learning Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing

• Children become strong in their social, emotional and mental wellbeing
• Children become strong in their physical learning and wellbeing
• Children are aware of and develop strategies to support their own mental and physical health and personal safety

Emmaus Early Explorers is back!

If you have a child aged three or younger, we warmly invite you to join us for play and connection at Emmaus Early Explorers. 

It’s a fantastic opportunity to make new friends, share experiences and learn together while your little ones have a great time in safe surroundings. 

Emmaus Early Explorers is facilitated by our ELC Director, Mrs Lauren Hughes, and our College Chaplain, Mr Joel Overweel.

Please feel free to share this invitation with your family and friends.

For more information, please contact Kim Sabine at ksabine@emmauscc.sa.edu.au.

ELC Upcoming Events