Early Learning Centre

Welcomed back to Term Four.  Can you believe we are here? At this time of year there is always a lot of discussion and chatter about ‘transitions’.  Rest assured all your children are ready for the next step in their learning journey, whatever that may be, kindergarten or school.  If you have any concerns about your child, please be sure to speak with me.

Piccolo (ELC3)

Term Four is a big term for our Piccolo’s as they will master a range of skills they have been developing over the year, along with the new and emerging skills and everything in-between.  This term always seems to be one of growth and consolidation with our Piccolo’s.  We had a great Wednesday this week reacquainting ourselves with each other (two weeks is a long time in the life of a three-year-old), with some familiar activities and learning opportunities. We have enjoyed hearing about some of the fun things our families have been up to over the holidays.

Piccino (ELC4)

This term our Piccino’s all begin their Transition to Prep/Foundation.  Starting Prep can be a time of great excitement as well as some stress – for you and your child! During times of transition, children can experience elevated anxiety as new experiences can feel unknown and unpredictable. It is important to remember that all children will adjust differently and that is okay! No two people are the same, so it is important to give your child and yourself some time to adjust and understand that transition to Prep is a process.

Mrs Kelly will be visiting us on Thursday to meet with our Piccino’s and then next Thursday is our first College transition session. Simply drop your child off as normal and we will walk them over to Mrs Kelly and she will walk them back. They do not need anything special for these sessions.

Each school in Hamilton and the surrounding district will have their own transition program and it is vital that your child attends each session of their Prep transition program – each school will be slightly different.  Your child is welcome to attend the Early Learning Centre before and after their transition to school sessions.  We love hearing their stories of their Prep sessions. Please let us know the dates/times of your child’s sessions so we can plan around them.

We are also aware that the state-wide school transition day is on Tuesday 13th December, and as such our official celebration for the end of the Piccino year will be Monday 12th December.  More details to follow, but this full day Prep transition is an important part of every child’s transition to Prep process.  We will operate as normal on the Tuesday.

Date For The Diary

We are thrilled to say that the ELC-Year 2 Nativity Service is back!  On Tuesday 6th December our Piccino’s will perform alongside their Junior School friends as we tell the story of Christmas.  More details to follow but be sure to ‘save the date’.  Our Piccolo families are also invited to attend.

Have a great week.

Frances O'Brien

Director – Early Learning Centre