The Official Opening of the ELC Learning Community 2 Extension and Upgrade
St Peter’s Girls’ Early Learners’ Centre was abuzz with excitement on Monday 2 September as we marked a monumental occasion—the official opening of our newly extended and upgraded Learning Community 2 spaces.
We were honoured to have The Mayor of the City of Burnside, Anne Monceaux (nee Harrington, Kennion 1966), attend. Mayor Monceaux, a proud former staff member and Old Scholar of St Peter’s Girls’ School, brought a deep connection to this significant event, reflecting her ongoing passion for education and her close ties to our School community. The Mayor, accompanied by two of our Pathway children, unveiled the plaque. This event was more than just an unveiling; it was a celebration of community. For this special occasion, we were joined by a number of distinguished guests including Geoffrey Bishop, President of the Friends of Ferguson Conservation Park, our Senior Leadership Team, our ELC Parent Representatives, and a special group of Year 12 students whose journeys began in our ELC.
The ceremony commenced with Uncle Mickey O’Brien performing a traditional smoking ceremony as part of the Welcome to Country on Kaurna land. This powerful ritual grounded us, linking us to the land, the ancestors, and the deep heritage of the Kaurna people. Uncle Mickey’s words resonated with all, emphasising the importance of passed-down knowledge while honouring the fresh voices of our young people. We were very honoured to have had this special ceremony to commence this significant event. Following this, our ELC’s own Caterina Pennestri, along with three of our Pathway children, led us in an acknowledgment that highlighted the shared values and spirit of our community.
The new Learning Community 2 extension has transformed our learning environment. We now have two beautifully designed learning spaces, a new commercial kitchen, a welcoming piazza, and brand-new facilities. Drawing inspiration from the Reggio Emilia Approach, we focused on creating spaces that are intentional, purposeful, and full of possibilities. These new spaces have provided us with an environment where curiosity can thrive and where rich inquiry and exploration can take place.
Naming our new piazza was a community-driven process that connected deeply with our children’s ongoing inquiry into how we share and utilise spaces, and what it means to be part of a democracy. We were proud to share with our guests that the new name for our LC2 piazza is Kamparitti, a Kaurna word meaning “kitchen.” This beautiful space has already begun to foster a relaxed atmosphere for family-style dining, where children are engaging in meaningful conversations about food, nutrition, and their senses. This space has also become a hub for scientific investigations, where children learn about the food they eat and where it comes from.
We are especially grateful to the Burnside Council Biodiversity Nursery for their generous donation of native plants, including ruby saltbush and other bush tucker species. These plants not only enrich our environment but also provide our children with valuable opportunities to engage with nature and explore the wonders of our local flora.
This special occasion not only marked the opening of new spaces, but also a significant milestone for our ELC and the wider St Peter’s Girls’ School community. We eagerly anticipate the countless memories and discoveries that will not only unfold within these walls but also extend far beyond them.
Liz Schembri
Director of ELC
