Learning at St Columba's

Staying Connected Through Play and Exploration

As we head into the Easter break, this is a wonderful opportunity for students to rest, recharge and enjoy time with family. In the PYP, learning continues through play, curiosity and real-life experiences. These everyday moments support student agency, as children make choices, explore interests and take the lead in their learning.

Here are some simple and fun ways to keep your child engaged over the holidays:

Creative & Tinkering Ideas

• Design a Mini Obstacle Course

  Use items at home or outside, and test different ways to complete it 

  Encourages problem-solving, creativity and persistence

• Create a “Passion Project”

  Let your child choose something they’re interested in (animals, sport, art) and create a model or presentation

  Builds agency, research and communication skills

• Invent a Game

  Make up rules for a new board game or playground game and teach it to the family

  Supports creativity, thinking and social skills

What’s On in Melbourne

• Visit Melbourne Museum

   Follow your child’s interests through interactive exhibits 

  Encourages curiosity and inquiry

• Explore Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

   Walk, explore and notice changes in nature 

  Builds observation and connection to the world

• Spend a day at Scienceworks

   Hands-on learning through play and experimentation 

  Develops thinking and questioning

• Visit ACMI

   Engage with film, media and digital storytelling 

  Supports communication and understanding perspectives

Family Time & Reflection

• Let Your Child Plan a Day

  Give them choice and voice in what you do 

  Builds agency and decision-making

• Go on a “Wonder Walk”

  Walk somewhere new and ask: What do you notice? What do you wonder?Encourages curiosity and observation

• High, Low, Next

  Share one highlight, one challenge, and one thing you’re looking forward to 

  Builds reflection and communication

   

These experiences don’t need to be big or complicated. When children have opportunities to make choices, follow their interests and try new things, they are developing the confidence and independence that lies at the heart of the PYP.

We hope you enjoy a restful and joyful Easter break.

Nicole Spence

PYP Coordinator