Early Learning Centre

Where has Term 3 disappeared to? It has been a very busy and productive for children and staff.

At the beginning of the term we had 32 new families join us. After a few tears to begin with all have settled well into Early Learning Centre routines and fun.
On Friday 2 August we celebrated Blessed Joan of Aza Feast Day with the Early Learning Centre’s 6th birthday. After Liturgy we partied with cake, biscuits and fruit.
Week 4 saw Science Week feature in our program. Many experiments generated from the yellow room (Maths & Science focus). Some were more successful than others; but that’s what happens with experimentation.
Book Week fell on week 5. Lots of literacy experiences occurred but the highlight for ELC was dress up day and parade. There were Superheroes, Princesses, Peter Rabbits, Firepersons and even a Cat in the Hat. Our children love dressing up.
We joined with the Primary school for Father’s Day Liturgy on Monday 2nd September. It was lovely to see so many fathers and grandfathers able to join us.
Grandparents Day was celebrated again in conjunction with the Primary School and exceptionally well attended. Grandparents joined us for Liturgy at which some of the ELC children lead the Acknowledgement of Country. Primary classes then did an amazing job presenting items that included song, dance, musical instruments, odes to Grandparents and even jokes.

During Term 3 (and previously) Kerry Moretti and Meg Foody have been taking part in “Little Scientist” Professional Development sessions. They have competed the components covering Air, Water, Chemical Reactions, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering and Kerry has also covered the Human Body. When all components have been completed, they will be presenting the results of their “Mapping” project in order that the centre be registered as a “Little Scientist House”.

As a follow on to this work they were chosen to take part in a Flinders University STEM inquiry. Their area of study will be “Mapping” for this project as well.

On Tuesday 27 August Kate Di Troia from Inclusion SA came to Blackfriars ELC to present staff with a certificate that certifies us as an Inclusion Aware Centre. Inclusion Aware refers to consistent and considered thought about environments, resources and planning to support children and families with a diverse range of abilities, interests and backgrounds.

It really has been a busy and fun filled term.

As a staff team we love working with the children and families of the Early Learning Centre.

Happy and safe holidays to all. Looking forward to next term; which will fly!

Mrs Karen McEntee

ELC DIRECTOR