News from Learning Community 1
Across Term 3, we have been exploring what the act of care looks like in the daily life of a two and three-year-old. We have investigated many ways we can care for ourselves, each another and the environment around us. Our explorations of caring for the natural environment took us to the ELC Community Garden where the children’s interest was drawn not to the produce that was ready to be picked, but to the few colourful flowers that remained in the space from the previous summer. In their explorations, Eliza and Emily in the Stonyfell Room explained to their peers not to pick the flowers, and that “you can only touch flowers gently.” This began a conversation back in the classrooms about how we care for plants, a dialogue which gradually blossomed into a wonderful, weeks-long inquiry into the beauty of flowers.
To enhance the inquiry, educators introduced the book Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert, which quickly became a poetic and visual anchor into our study of flowers. The children were particularly drawn to how the flowers were represented through the colours of the rainbow, inspiring the group to choose one colour per week to explore. Teddy’s family very generously supported us to source a range of colourful flowers from their property, educating the group on a range of new and unfamiliar native and introduced flowers.
Guided by the book’s style and palette, children engaged in observational drawing, carefully studying various flower species depicted in the pages. The drawing table was intentionally curated with real flowers, magnifying glasses, and fine art materials, transforming it into a space of scientific and aesthetic exploration. Here, children noticed the delicate veins of petals, the symmetry of leaves, and the diversity of colour—developing both botanical understanding and visual literacy.
This inquiry extended beyond drawing. Children expressed their interpretations through loose parts, digital technology, and light, exploring the expressive languages that Reggio Emilia philosophy so beautifully celebrates.
As the weather warms and the natural environment begins to blossom, we invite you take a walk and take your time to notice the colours of the flowers. Our youngest learners may even be able to tell you their scientific names.
Annabelle Redmond, Nell Tierney, Kathy McCabe and Caterina Pennestri
A Joyful Celebration for our Fathers and Treasured Friends
A Heartwarming Celebration at the ELC
Last Friday, the Early Learners’ Centre was filled with love, laughter, and joy as we celebrated Fathers and Treasured Friends with a heartwarming afternoon tea. It was a beautiful sight to see so many happy faces as children proudly welcomed their loved ones into their learning environment.
The afternoon was not only a celebration but also a meaningful time for connection and appreciation. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who attended and helped make the day so special.
A huge thank you to our wonderful families – we hope you had as much fun as we did!
Bookings are now Open for ELC Vacation Care!
Dear ELC Families,
School holidays are around the corner, so if you would like your child to attend ELC during this time, please click here to access our online booking form.
ELC Vacation Care will run from 29 September to 10 October. The ELC will be closed on Monday 6 October for the public holiday.
Our holiday planning builds and expands on the learning that has been happening across the term. Our Vacation Care leaders, Valentina Fernandes, LC1, and Catherine Jiang, LC2, plan closely with our Pedagogical Coordinator and classroom teachers so that they can implement engaging learning experiences that transition seamlessly into Vacation Care.
During Vacation Care, children are required to wear their ELC uniform to support consistency and continuity throughout the school year. Our ELC uniform provides a smart and cohesive look, simplifies the routine of getting dressed in the morning, and promotes a sense of belonging. Children will need to bring their hat, water bottle, and a change of clothes each day. A healthy morning and afternoon tea, lunch, and late snack will continue to be provided to children.
As ELC Vacation Care staffing and catering are based on bookings, please make your bookings by 4pm, Thursday 25 September 2025 (Week 10). Due to limited spaces during ELC Vacation Care, please book early! Late bookings and changes after this date will incur a late booking fee.
*Please note that ELC Vacation care is strictly for ELC-enrolled children.
Government Regulations – Personal Electronic Devices
Dear Families,
At St Peter’s Girls’ ELC, the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of your children remain at the heart of everything we do. As you may have seen in recent media coverage, the early years sector has been under increased scrutiny following distressing allegations in some services. We want to reassure you that child safety has always been foundational at St Peter’s Girls ELC, alongside delivering high-quality learning and care.
From 1 September 2025, new government regulations will come into effect regarding the use of personal electronic devices in early learning environments. Personal devices capable of taking images, recording video, or storing/transferring files, such as mobile phones, tablets, smart watches, digital cameras, SD cards, USB drives, and cloud storage accounts, cannot be in the possession of any person while providing education and care or working directly with children.
We have detailed more information here.
We thank you for your support in following these new guidelines and for your partnership in creating the safest possible environment for every child.
Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly.
Warm regards,
Liz Schembri
Director of Early Learners’ Centre
Important Allergy Reminder in the ELC
Several of our children live with allergies, and even small traces of certain foods can cause serious reactions. For this reason, we kindly ask that no outside food is brought into the ELC unless previously discussed with your child’s teacher. This includes children carrying food as they arrive in the morning. Our shared responsibility is to maintain a safe environment where every child can feel secure and cared for.
We greatly appreciate your support in this matter and thank you for helping us protect the health and safety of all children in our community.