News from Learning Community 1
“If children don’t grow up knowing about nature, they won’t understand it. And if they don’t understand it, they won’t protect it.” – Sir David Attenborough
Along the southern boundary of the ELC sits Ferguson Conservation Park. It is a beautiful natural space filled with local flora and fauna, frequented and enjoyed by many in the local community. Ferguson Park has strong ties to the history of the ELC and our growing understandings of Kaurna language and culture. It is a place of significance for all in the ELC.
Following a particularly dry summer season, we have just begun our visits in the park this term. For many children this is their first encounter with the natural space, so we are mindful to move slowly and follow their gaze. We are exploring with all our senses, making discoveries about the space through touch, sight, smell and feeling. Children need uninterrupted and unguided time in natural spaces to be able to form a connection to them. Where there is connection, there is motivation to care and find out more. The children have been curious about the abundance of tree sap oozing from the gum trees, known in Kaurna language as ‘ngum ngum’. They have also noticed the many rainbow lorikeets that ‘sleep in the trees and eat on the ground.’
Ferguson Park is full of research opportunities. We can explore botanical specimens, local wildlife, geography, weather, changes in season and much more. This term we are connecting our observations of Ferguson Park with rich literacy experiences. Educators and children have brought their observations and wonderings of Ferguson Park back into the classroom where we have engaged with story tables and book making. The children have been supported to share their own narratives about what caught their interest in the park.
Towards the end of the term, we warmly welcome our families to join us on a visit to Ferguson Park. Please talk to your key teacher about how you can get involved.
Annabelle Redmond, Nell Tierney and Kathy McCabe
Learning Community 1 Teachers
ELC Reconciliation Week Gathering
ELC families are invited to join us during National Reconciliation Week for a special event at Ferguson Conservation Park on Tuesday 27 May at 9.45am, as we come together to celebrate this important occasion. We hope to see you there!
Erindale Teaching and Learning Evening
Please join us on Tuesday 10 June at 6.30pm for the Erindale Teaching and Learning Evening at the ELC.
To support your child’s transition into our Erindale room in Semester 2, we will be holding an information session. This is an opportunity for you to meet Mrs Laura Doval Cifre, the Erindale teacher, as well as some of our Learning Community 2 staff.
During this session, you will visit the learning environment that your child will be transitioning into and gain insights into the daily rituals.
Laura will share how you child’s growing independence and development is nurtured and the rich opportunities for learning that are offered. We look forward to working in partnership with you to support your child to thrive and reach their full potential.
As this is a formal presentation, we recommend parents/guardians only attend this event.
Tuesday 10 June
6.30pm, St Peter’s Girls’ ELC
Meet in the Erindale room
*Please note: This information session is for families whose children will be transitioning from Learning Community 1 to Learning Community 2 (Erindale room).