News from Learning Community 1
As we’ve begun to unpack Term 4’s Central Idea, “Celebrations can nurture wellbeing and build community,” children have been invited to explore how moments of celebrations—both personal and shared—can foster joy, belonging, and emotional connection. In Learning Community 1, supported by books, music, images and personal artefacts and stories, the children have so far explored Diwali, birthdays, Halloween and the Moon Lantern Festival with open minds and curiosity. Excitement is building as we approach Christmas and the End of Year Celebration. Across the ELC, the children have become aware of something connecting all celebrations: light.
As adults, we understand that the presence of light in particular celebrations often hold symbolic meaning: the triumph of good over evil, new beginnings, and good fortune. For our youngest learners, we have discovered that the presence of light, in its many forms, is a purely sensorial experience.
Multiple shared experiences of light exploration have been curated throughout the Learning Community, with children engaging with rope lights, fairy lights, fibre optic lights, candles, torches and sunlight. Inspired by the recent Moon Lantern Festival on the Adelaide Riverbank, children have manipulated light alongside various materials to explore transparency, using cellophane, different papers, plastic, glass and mark making tools. Their organic exploration is filled with wonder, excitement and curiosity, evident in their body language, questions and observations. Educators have supported the children to use language to describe how the presence of light makes them feel: cosy, excited, calm, and safe.
Light is a source of ever-changing wonder for children. Simple explorations of light develop into explorations of science, mathematics, art, and language. Researching light alongside celebrations highlights how celebrations, in their many forms, support our wellbeing not only as individuals but also as active, valued members of a collective.
Annabelle Redmond, Nell Tierney, Kathy McCabe
Learning Community 1
Congratulations Caterina!
In celebration of World Teachers’ Day 2025, Caterina Pennestri our incredible ELC Atelierista and Pedagogical Coordinator was presented with the Award for Educational Excellence at Adelaide Oval by the Minister for Education. This is a significant achievement; her leadership and passion inspire and enrich our whole ELC community.
Learning Community 1 Celebration
This special event marks the beginning of an exciting new journey into Learning Community 2 — the Erindale room.
During the celebration, children will receive their portfolios, end-of-semester summaries, and a special gift.
Tuesday 2 December, 2pm
The School Chapel
We look forward to celebrating with you.
*Please note this event is for children in Learning Community 1 who will be transitioning to the Erindale room in Term 1, 2026. Please refer to your communication.
Pathway to School Celebration
This special event celebrates the wonderful milestone of our Pathway Hallett and Ferguson friends transitioning to school.
During the ceremony, the children will receive their handmade graduation crowns, portfolios, and end-of-semester summaries.
Thursday 4 December, 2pm
The School Chapel
We look forward to seeing you there.
Save the Date to our End of Year Celebration
To ELC Families,
Please save the date to our much-loved ELC End of Year Celebration on Friday 28 November, 5.15pm at St Peter’s Girls’ School. This community event is a favourite amongst our Centre, and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the year with a picnic gathering, carols, food, and more. More information about this event will be announced in Term 4. We hope to see you there!