ELC

Our K4 classes have all been involved in learning about how to behave around dogs at home and within the community. During the session, the children learned how to ask dog owners for permission before petting them, how to approach a dog to pet them and what to do if you encounter an angry dog, or a dog without an owner in the community. The children were able to practice asking permission and greeting the beautiful dog Murphy. 

Our K3 learners had a wonderful visit from Lamine from Journey to Africa. 

The children were introduced to the kalimba, a traditional African musical instrument, its melodic tones, he signalled the start of a storytelling session. Later, the children had the opportunity to explore the djembe, an African drum. The children were thrilled to play the djembe, and while some played, their friends clapped along, creating a beat together. The excitement continued as Lamine brought representations of African animals and engaged the children in playful activities. They eagerly imitated the animals’ movements, dancing quickly like cheetahs, and snapping their hands like crocodiles. It was a lively and interactive session that transported the children to the vibrant world of Africa through music, rhythm, and imagination.

The K4 Graduation was a touching occasion and a splendid celebration of our K4 students. The children demonstrated their recent inquiry learning by performing ‘Santa Koala’ and they also sang songs in Greek, as well as "I am Australian" in Yawuru language. I would like to thank our exceptional teaching team for their commitment to organising such a remarkable celebration for the children and their families.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for an enjoyable year, which has made my inaugural year at the ELC truly unforgettable. I wish you all a joyous Christmas and a safe, pleasant beginning to 2025. I eagerly anticipate reconnecting with you in the new year, and I wish the very best to those departing from Oakleigh Grammar.

Yours in Partnership,

Katarina Hills

Director of Early Learning Centre 

K4D

Term 4 is continuing on and getting very close to Christmas. The K4D cohort are very excited with the end of the year approaching and their learning coming to an end in K4D before moving to Junior School. Continued discussions have been taking place as the children prepare in ensuring they have a strong and smooth transition into Junior School - whether it is at Oakleigh Grammar or another Junior School in the local area.

The K4D children have a focus on Christmas until the end of the Term. The children have been engaging in Christmas songs, Christmas crafts, identifying words in relation to Christmas and learning about different concepts of Christmas through the Greek culture and Orthodox studies. We look forward to sharing these all with the families in the upcoming weeks when Christmas crafts are completed.

The K4D cohort are working with the other K4 classes in an exciting end of year graduation ceremony in the Conference Centre and the celebration day which will be held within our classroom. The children are very excited about their final weeks within the kindergarten so we sure are going to make wonderful and fun memories for them to look back on.

K3 ABD 

Grandparents afternoon 

We welcomed all grandparents into our K3 classroom as the children proudly showed off their space. It was excellent to invite members of the community and our family community into our space. The children thoroughly loved this experience and we thank everyone and their families for taking part.

Self Portraits

The Kinder 3 children engaged in an extension activity based around our self portraits from Term 1. The activity encouraged children to look at shapes, colours and expressions on our faces. Children were encouraged to illustrate their entire bodies using a combination of lines and shapes. Following a mirror observation, the children were provided with drawing tools and guided 1 on 1 by an educator. Miss Davies worked 1 on 1 with the children talking through what they could see in the mirror. We took photos on the iPad as well as using a mirror on the table, to encourage the children to look at the different shapes and colours they could see. The children noted their eyes, mouth, arms, nose etc. We then looked at the shapes and colours of these objects. The children were encouraged to “take their time” and go slowly. Having an educator working 1 on 1 with the child meant that the educator could offer consistent and hands-on feedback when holding a writing tool. The children are still developing their fine-motor strength, and this ensured the technique the children are using is consistent. 

What do we want to be when we grow up?

The children engaged in a collaborative conversation where we discussed what we would like to be when we grow up. We then spoke about what we enjoy doing and what our parents/family members do for work. We then had a turn at drawing images of ourselves when we grow up. The children took their time and used their creative imagination to illustrate themselves. 

Family portrait

The children have been talking about, and including family into their curriculum all year. We wanted to end the year by reflecting on the people in our family and have a go at illustrating everyone in our family. Children worked in small groups assisted by an educator to draw everyone using markers. Once they completed their picture, children verbally described everyone they had drawn. Children used words like "he is bigger than me" or "she is just a baby so I drew her smaller." Descriptive language like this helps children with comprehension, understanding of size and comparisons. Children have been developing their fine motor skills all year through incidental play and educator guided activites. It is great to see the children develop the strength in their hands to help them have more control and coordination over writing tools and scissors. 

African Drumming Incursion - The experience

Lamine from Africa came to visit Oakleigh Grammar ELC to teach us about drumming and the importance of non-verbal communication. 

Children started with warming up hands and breathing exercises.

Lamine started the musical journey by playing the Kalimba instrument with his two thumbs.  Children took turns having a "drum," learning about rhythm and beat. Children then experienced making rain sounds whilst tapping fingers on the drum. 

Lamine asked the children how the drums made them feel - happy! 

What do we need water for? 

"water to stay alive" 

"animals need water" 

"plants need water" 

She explained that eople in Africa carry buckets of water on their heads for drinking, cleaning, bathing, cooking. Lamine brought some African animals -elephant and a monkey. 

Brooke Davies 

K3 ABD teacher 

Term 4 Bilingual Program

Dear K4 Families,

Over the past term, we have had the exciting opportunity to explore the rich and diverse culture, history, and traditions of Greece. Through hands-on activities, music, dance, and language immersion, the children have deepened their understanding of key elements of Greek identity. We’ve explored the historical significance of events like OXI Day and experienced the festive celebrations of Glendi, among other cultural highlights.

We began our exploration of Greek history with OXI Day, a national holiday in Greece that commemorates the country’s decision to resist foreign occupation. The children learned about this important moment in history when Greece famously said "OXI" (meaning "No"). This sparked thoughtful conversations about bravery, standing up for what is right, and the importance of freedom.

The joy of Greek culture came alive through dance and music. The children learned two traditional Greek dances, the Hasapiko and the Kalamatianos, both of which they performed during our Glendi celebration. This experience allowed them to express themselves through movement while learning about rhythm, teamwork, and cultural expression. It was a wonderful opportunity for the children to connect with the traditions of Greece in a fun and interactive way.

The children also engaged in an art project inspired by sunflowers, exploring the symbolic meaning of the sunflower in Greek culture. They learned how this bright, cheerful flower is often associated with Greek landscapes and created their own sunflower artwork. Along the way, they also learned the Greek names for the different parts of the sunflower, enriching both their artistic and language skills.

Additionally, the exploration of Greek costumes was a wonderful way to celebrate the diversity and history of Greek dress. The children learned about the different traditional outfits worn in Greece, and many had the opportunity to dress up and explore the cultural significance of these garments. This activity helped the children connect with the idea that clothing is not just for function but also reflects heritage and identity.

Throughout these experiences, the children have not only gained a greater appreciation for Greek culture but also for the universal values of community, resilience, creativity, and celebration. We look forward to continuing to explore the world’s cultures in meaningful ways as we move forward.

Warm regards,

Stella Minopoulos

ELC Greek Bilingual Teacher