Early Learning Centre

Enrolments are now open for free 3 and 4 year old sessional kindergarten.

Enrol through Casey Council for Hillsmeade kindergarten.

Long Day Care enrolments with kindergarten is through the ELC office.

You can contact the ELC or pop in for a visit for enrolment inquires.

Phone: 9704 6313 - Option ELC

Email: elc@hillsmeade.vic.edu.au

What is happening in the ELC

Our Learning

During this fortnight, the children have been undertaking learning in the following areas:

Reading	Reading story books and reflecting up on them – Who? What? When? Where? and Why? Reading stories and developing an understanding of first, middle and end. Listening to and deciphering rhyming words in books Letter sound recognition, reading Milo’s birthday surprise
Writing	Children’s sign in sheets Alphabet, number charts and first dictionaries on offer at the drawing table Creating symbols to express meaning Tommy Turtle writing - letter formation Letter writing (symbols, letters and words)
STEM	Science experiment: “What do seeds need to grow?” Planting 3 lots of seeds – 1/ Place in cupboard (no light/no water) 2/ In light/no water and 3/ Light and water. Paper and pens available for children to document the changes that are occurring. Stacking rocks, shells and gumnuts and using rulers to record heights of towers.
Inquiry	Group discussion; “What are living things?”, “What do seeds need to grow?” Determine a common area of interest that will become the focus of the groups in depth learning throughout the inquiry ie. Insects, mini beasts, animals, plants etc. Research information about chosen topic Sharing of information in chosen topic (habitats, life cycle, living needs etc.) Exploring nature and the natural environment
Social & emotional learning	Children have continued to use the Zones of Regulation and place their images on the coloured zones as they feel different emotions Continued to implement calming techniques and use the calm down spaces Explore the concept of gratitude, though stories and guided meditation

News and Reminders

Each sessional kindergarten has organised a social get together for the children and families. Please refer for more information from your child’s group via email/ display at the sign-in area.

Last Sessions

Koala Group – Tuesday 13th December

Bilby Group – Wednesday 14th December

Wombat Group – Friday 16th December

Bluebell Group – Monday 19th December

End of Year Celebrations

Joey Group – Wednesday 14th December 12.30pm-1.30pm

Bilby Group – Thursday 15th of December 9:30am – 11.00am

Wombat Group – Thursday 15th December 11.30am-1.00pm

Koala Group – Thursday 15th December 1.30pm-3.00pm

Bluebell Group – Thursday 15th of December 5:00pm – 6:00pm