News from Learning Community 2
Embracing Passeggiatas for our Wellbeing
This term, our Central Idea is “Wellbeing can foster care.” As part of supporting the children’s wellbeing in the Pathway Hallett and Ferguson rooms, we have been embracing the natural environment to nurture and identify ways to care for self. The children have been spending time outdoors for their Banbanbalya and embarking on adventures called a passeggiata, an Italian word and concept for a stroll. In discussions centred on caring for ourselves, the children are beginning to read and identify their emotional states and develop an emerging ability to articulate their feelings. They have also identified some of their basic needs, such as food for energy, water, rest, a home, and, importantly, playtime. By using the outdoor environment as a site to nurture wellbeing and celebrate the children’s right to play, we are encouraging our curious learners to lead and direct us towards what excites them and what makes them feel happy, calm, marni ai, and connected.
Our outdoor Banbanbalyas offer rich opportunities for children to slow down and engage their senses—including what they see, hear, feel, and smell—while developing awareness of their emotional states. These mindful experiences support the children’s growing ability to regulate their emotions and strengthen their sense of self. The unhurried nature of our passeggiatas allows children to move freely, follow their interests, and experience the joy of discovery. Moments of delight have included balancing on fallen logs, leaping over sticks, and uncovering new tracks through Ferguson Park. Through uninterrupted time in nature, children are building confidence, resilience, and a positive sense of identity, laying important foundations for social, emotional, and cognitive development. We look forward to continuing this ritual of embracing the outdoors and exploring the reciprocal, rewarding benefits of connecting with natural environments.
Dot Kelly
Pathway Hallett, Learning Community 2
Staff Spotlight: Trish Tynan
EAL/D – English as an Additional Language or Dialect
My name is Trish Tynan, and I am the EAL/D Specialist and Lead Teacher at St Peter’s Girls’ School, supporting children from Early Learning through to Year 12. As an educational expert, I feel privileged to work alongside families, educators and children to nurture each learner’s language journey.
Over the past 30 years, I’ve partnered with schools and families to support foundational English language acquisition. My background in Teaching English to Students of Other Languages (TESOL), alongside my leadership experience, has helped shape inclusive and responsive teaching practices that reflect the diverse strengths of every learner.
I wanted to take the opportunity to introduce myself to all families, and explain my presence in working with staff and students in our Early Learners’ Centre. Importantly, at St Peter’s Girls’ School, we have an expert EAL/D team, and therefore the ELC community will also work regularly with Mrs. Annalisa Cecere who is a highly skilled and experienced EAL/D teacher.
At our ELC, our roles focus on building strong relationships with children and their families. We work closely with educators to provide small-group language experiences that are embedded in play, inquiry, and everyday interactions. This approach fosters a sense of belonging, honours children’s home languages and cultures, and supports each child’s transition into the wider school community.
Through our EAL/D Program, children:
- Develop functional English language skills to confidently engage with learning and daily routines
- Strengthen their social and emotional skills, supporting connection with peers and educators
- Build language for thinking, questioning, and expressing ideas within inquiry-based learning
- See their identities affirmed and celebrated through culturally responsive experiences
- Experience a strong sense of self and belonging within a caring and inclusive environment
I look forward to supporting your child to thrive!
Yours sincerely,
Trish Tynan
EAL/D Specialist Teacher
National Science Week
Get Ready for National Science Week 2025: Decoding the Universe!
From Monday 11 to Friday 15 August, the ELC will be buzzing with excitement as we celebrate National Science Week, an annual celebration that highlights the wonders of science and technology. This year’s theme is, ‘Decoding the Universe – Exploring the Unknown with Nature’s Hidden Language.’
A Week of Wonder at St Peter’s Girls’ ELC
At St Peter’s Girls’ ELC, we’re diving into this celebration with hands-on activities led by our very own STEM Innovation Leader, Melissa Lee. Melissa has carefully curated an array of exciting, interactive experiments and projects designed to ignite curiosity in our youngest learners. From Monday through Friday, children in Learning Community 1 and Learning Community 2 will explore the world of science.
Families are invited to join in the fun and exploration! On Thursday 14 August and Friday 15 August, from 3.30 to 5.30pm, the ELC will be hosting ‘Decoding the Universe: A Piazza of Possibilities.’ This unique event will provide both children and families the chance to experience the mysteries of science together.
Exciting Activities to Explore
There will be no shortage of fun, engaging, and educational experiences for you to engage in with your child in the Piazza of Possibilities. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store:
- Tracing the Dance of Invisible Forces
- Decoding Nature’s Reactions
- Ozo Bots
- Ada the Robot
We can’t wait to celebrate National Science Week with our ELC and community, engaging in an array of activities designed to make learning not just educational but thrilling and unforgettable!
ELC Book Week Parade – Save the Date!
To Families,
The ELC Book Week Parade will be held on Wednesday 20 August (Week 5). This year’s theme is Book An Adventure.
Book Week is an exciting time for our youngest learners as it celebrates the magic and significance of reading and storytelling. Books transport children to new worlds, fostering creativity and imagination. They play a crucial role in supporting language, cognitive, social, and emotional development, laying the foundation for early literacy and instilling a lifelong love of reading.
All children are invited to dress up as their favourite book character for the Parade!
The Parade will commence at 9.30am on the Chapel Path, behind the ELC in the School followed by a shared story time. Please ensure your child is signed in and dropped off at their class by 9am if they are attending on the day of the Parade. If your child does not usually attend on this day, they are still welcome to participate in the Parade; however, due to staffing requirements, you will need to stay and take your child home afterwards.
Families and treasured friends are warmly invited to join us and enjoy the Parade. To help us celebrate our Book Week Parade, a coffee van will be available to enjoy a complimentary coffee to mark this special occasion.
We kindly ask that families:
- Avoid bringing hot drinks into the ELC.
- Do not exit through the ELC after the event to ensure the safety of all children. Instead, please exit via the School path that runs alongside the Chapel and leads to Hallett Road.
- Please note that babycinos will not be available due to allergy considerations.
There will be books available for your family to purchase as a donation for the ELC. Your family’s name will be featured on the inside cover of the book to remind us of the special gift and your ongoing support of our community.
We look forward to seeing you at the Parade and celebrating the magic of reading together!
Warm regards,
Liz Schembri
Director of ELC
Artwork by Jess McGeachin | © The Children’s Book Council of Australia.
Parent Representatives for Semester 2, 2025
Would you like to help shape and strengthen our vibrant ELC community?
We are currently seeking Parent Representatives for Pathway Ferguson and Erindale rooms for Semester 2, 2025. This is a wonderful opportunity to support your child’s learning community, connect with other families, and help foster a warm, inclusive environment.
We warmly welcome more than one representative per room, as this provides a fantastic support system and allows responsibilities to be shared.
As a Parent Representative, you will:
- Be a key point of contact for families in your child’s class and help create a welcoming and connected atmosphere.
- Assist with and promote events – and if you’re interested, even help organise an event or activity for your class. Our Communications and Community Relations team will support you with promotion, logistics, and planning.
- Stay informed about school initiatives and current events, helping to spark meaningful conversations across our community.
- Attend brief meetings twice per term, with flexibility to rotate if your class has more than one representative.
We truly value the contribution of our Parent Representatives and look forward to working together to build a strong, engaged community. If you are interested or would like to learn more, please speak to your child’s teacher.
We hope you’ll consider getting involved; we’d love to have you on board.