News from Learning Community 2
The Tree of Celebration
This year, our Christmas tree has become more than a symbol of the festive season—it has grown into a living expression of the children’s inquiry into cultural, traditional, and personal celebrations. We wanted the tree to reflect not only our preparations for Christmas, but also the many celebrations the children have explored throughout the term, including weddings, birthdays, Halloween, and Diwali.
As a learning community, we invited the children to look beyond the surface differences of each celebration and instead notice the shared threads that connect them—joy, togetherness, symbolism, and the ways people express meaning through tradition. These conversations became the foundation for our collaborative work.
The children were supported to think deeply about how a tree might represent this shared humanity. In small groups, they discussed what decorations could honour the celebrations they had explored and how each contribution could tell part of our collective story. Through dialogue, decision-making, and hands-on creativity, the children co-constructed the decorations and helped place them thoughtfully on the tree.
The process was intentionally collaborative: educators acted as co-researchers, guiding children to reflect, negotiate, and express their ideas using a variety of materials. The tree now stands as a symbol of unity—a celebration of celebrations—and a reminder of the many ways children make meaning when given time, space, and a community that listens.
Laura Doval Cifre
Learning Community 2 Teacher
ELC Vacation Care – Book Now!
Bookings are now Open for ELC Vacation Care!
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 8 December 2025 to 27 January 2026. The ELC will be closed from December 22 and will reopen Monday 5 January 2026.
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 Caterina Pennestri, 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 4 December 2025 (Week 8). 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.
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.
ELC Uniform Requirements
The ELC uniform is compulsory for all children to wear during their time at the ELC and consists of:
- Short or Long Sleeve Polo
- Shorts
- Skort
- Trackpants
- Track jacket
- Vest
A plain navy-coloured long sleeve top will be permitted to be worn underneath the t-shirt. For summer and high UV periods, children will wear the school bucket hat, and for cooler periods, The ELC vest and jacket options.