At St Peter’s Girls’ ELC, we recognise that supporting transitions is an integral part of providing a high-quality early childhood education. Transitions foster the development of social skills, independence, resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. They are pivotal moments in a child’s development, rich with opportunities for learning and growth. This year, we celebrate a significant milestone as our first group of ELC children, who have spent a whole year in our Pathway to School, transition into the Junior School.
In Pathway to School, children are immersed in a language-rich environment where they explore letter names and sounds, mathematical concepts, and have their theories and ideas challenged and extended upon. Literacy, numeracy, and STEM explorations are amplified daily through rich inquiries and interwoven play experiences. Children are empowered to ask questions, investigate ideas, and engage in real-world problem-solving. This fosters creativity, critical thinking, and other essential capabilities that prepare them to be successful lifelong learners, enabling them to feel confident and comfortable as they transition into Reception.
For our girls transitioning into Junior School, we are intentional in ensuring they see themselves as part of the broader St Peter’s Girls’ School community. Regular trips to the wider School grounds allow our girls to use the School’s facilities and resources. Specialist teachers who work across both the Junior School and ELC play a vital role in fostering relationships, providing continuity and familiarity as children transition into the Junior School. Collaborative relationships between the ELC and Reception teachers further enhance these transitions, as the ELC children form meaningful connections with their Reception buddies.
Our ELC children also benefit from visits by older students, such as RAP Ambassadors, who visit regularly to support the children’s knowledge and understanding of Kaurna culture. During special events like Book Week and Science Week, we are fortunate to have several specialists within the School and older students who engage closely with the children, enriching their learning experiences and fostering connections that support their sense of belonging to the broader School community. By the time the Hat Ceremony arrives, our girls feel confident and ready to embrace the next exciting new stage of their learning journey.
As the end of the year approaches, it is always a time of mixed emotions. While we feel sadness in saying goodbye to our Pathway children as they leave the ELC, we are also excited for the many new opportunities and adventures that await them. Our Pathway to School friends and their families will remain valued members of our community, and we look forward to staying connected and hearing about their experiences.
I would love to share with you some quotes from out ELC friends about their time in Pathway to School:
“We’ve made so many things this year, our learning portfolios are full”
– Skylar
“I loved learning about Ferguson Park – the animals that live there and drawing a map of it”
– Piper
“I’ve learned to read. I found a bird’s nest at ELC then my Mum bought me a bird spotting book for home because I love birds. Pathway friends are the biggest ones. I listen to the teachers and learn how to be safe at ELC”
– Adelaide
“When the Erindale friends have learned enough, they move to Pathway to learn more”
– Ellie
“I’ve liked learning about celebrations. I settled in and now I love ELC. I love doing music. The Pathway Hallett friends are bigger”
– Sufya
“Sometimes we make mistakes, but we are still learning”
– Ellie
Liz Schembri
Director of ELC