Early Learning Centre

Upcoming Events

For all calendar dates, please see the School Calendar.

Importance of partnerships in transitions

In our last newsletter article, Lauren Hughes, our ELC Director, shared ‘The Value of Family during Change’—such a valuable message that I am sure you can relate to. 

“It is now, during what normally is a busy time of year, that we as parents are intentional about making time to slow down, check in, listen to each other, laugh together, and connect”. 

This statement by Lauren Hughes made me reflect on our upcoming transitions. As our learners commence their transitions to enter into the next phase of their learning, whether that be into Preschool or Junior School, each brings significance within our cohorts.

Our educators constantly check in with our learners, not just to see how we can further extend their learning but also to see how we can support them emotionally and spiritually.

Transitions are defined within the Early Years Learning Framework as ‘times of significant change, such as when children first attend early childhood education and care or start school, when the child takes on a new role or becomes part of a new social group’. 

Partnerships with families are vital during this time of year, as children may experience many emotions they cannot articulate. I encourage family members to spend those few extra moments checking in with their child’s teacher/educator to see how they are going and to also hear how ELC is supporting and fostering positive transitions for children.

Working in harmony will provide a firm foundation for positive transitions, giving children the best possible outcome in their next phase of learning.

Amanda Ruddock 

Educational Leader

Preschool: Our visit to Godly Play

Godly Play: Making meaning through story, wonder, and play. Nurturing spiritual lives by honouring the centrality, competency, and capacity of children

Throughout each term, our Preschool students participate in Godly Play sessions at the Uniting College next door to our centre. We are blessed by a  beautiful partnership with the Godly Play facilitators Shannon and Lois. Students hear engaging Biblical stories, told through the medium of wooden story sets and other simple materials. Together we learn and wonder about the story we have experienced. 

Last week's story was the parable of the Good Samaritan. We shared this story in reverent awe and were invited to share our reflections about the story and what we liked and didn’t like. As a class, we then explored the Godly Play room, discovering the many stories, provocations and art materials with time and space to create.  

Our Godly Play sessions finish with a time prayer and thanksgiving, where together we share in a ‘feast’ of crackers and water. Each story we explore connects to our Christian Studies learning in Preschool. 

As we look towards Christmas, we are building our understanding of the story of the Good Samaritan and the beautiful invitation Jesus gives each one of us to help those in need.

Mrs Lisa Bennett on behalf of the Preschool Team

Mrs Shin Yie Chew, Mrs Kelsey Nicol, Mr Patrick Raw, Miss Ashle Antony