Early Learning Centre

Reminders

• Please do not pack sesame seeds, tahini paste, peanuts, walnuts and pecans into lunch boxes. 
• Hats have been in lockers to return home and we ask you to please wash and keep these safe until term 4 when a new roll on sunscreen and hat is required to be returned for sun protection. 

Mrs Fiona Whiteside, ELC Director

3-Year-Old Kinder

Mrs Whiteside stepped into Mrs Cairns' teaching day last week and had so much fun with the children. Together we painted our new feature wall on a pillar as soon as you enter kindergarten. The children love to have photos of their family on display, so to show them off and be seen from all angles of the room, a family tree has begun!

The children thought it was quite the adventure to paint a wall themselves and shinned with the independence. Alas they were also taught the difference between painting with permission and not! :) Kindly, Mrs Whiteside

The children have enjoyed sharing photos of their adventures over the school holidays with the group. As the children are introduced to speaking in front of a group, they develop their self-confidence, sense of identity and belonging within the ELC.

We also explored Anzac Day through listening to “Anzac Ted” by Belinda Landsberry, and are beginning to prepare for our upcoming Mother’s Day celebration with crafts and activities.

Mrs Alyssa Cairns, ELC Teacher

4-Year-Old Kinder

A wonderful commencement of term has brought an exploration of Autumn with our gorgeous trees showing off their bold orange, red, purple, green and brown leaves. 

The children have read stories such as “We’re going on a leaf hunt” and then using maths in our day to investigate which leaves are longer, shorter, taller, wider or patterns which appear in the colouring. The leaves have been an inspiration for paintings, songs and drawings too.

Our garden took off with growth of produce and weeds, so instead of wasting the potatoes that were not quite up to eating at home: the children made Potato people after reading Pamala Allen’s beloved story and finding sticks on the ground. A perfect autumn activity for fine motor development and imagination to soar. 

We are excited to have Mr Svigos come and read a story to the class next week as he introduces his beloved storybook character, Dewey, to the children. This will continue our sustainability conversations from last term and bring new learning ideas to the children. 

With Mother’s Day celebrations approaching, the children are creating sweet gifts, cards for their Mum’s and planning a special celebration at the Kindergarten for Thursday 9th May at 5.00pm. An invitation has been sent home the children wrote on as well as via email. 

Coming up, the 2025 Prep parents are invited to an afternoon session with Mrs Lupi and Mrs Martin to learn more about successfully transitioning your child from the Early Learning Centre to the Primary school. This is not one to miss as valuable information and conversations will be had. The Kindergarten children will remain in their classroom and do not need to attend. 

Upcoming Dates

• Saturday 4 May - Please invite people to visit the ELC. Please invite people to visit the ELC
• Thursday 2 May 2.00pm-3.00pm: Prep Readiness Session with Mrs Martin and Mrs Lupi in G block. ELC students will be in their classroom. This is for parents only.
• Thursday 9 May 5.00pm-6.30pm Mother’s Day evening celebrations in Kindergarten Classroom. 
• Monday 13 May to Friday 24 May: Henny Penny Hatching Program in ELC front foyer. If anyone wishes to take the chickens home after the program has finished to live at your house, please speak with ELC staff.

Mrs Fiona Whiteside, ELC Director