News from Learning Community 2
The Language of Clay
Clay is a diverse, malleable and sensorial material that allows children to explore, communicate and express themselves in tangible ways. It encourages them to test ideas, problem-solve and transfer knowledge across different contexts while also fostering connection and belonging.
This term, the children in Pathway Hallett and Ferguson have been engaging with clay as a creative tool to deepen their understanding of belonging and celebrate the joy of participating in shared classroom rituals. A key part of our day is the morning Banbanbalya, where children gather to represent themselves on the Palti circle and signal their active engagement. Here, we honour First Nations culture through Kaurna symbols, while nurturing a sense of belonging and connection among peers and educators as each person takes their turn.
Through working with tactile clay, the children have been expanding their understanding of Kaurna symbols, using them as powerful modes to express and represent important people in their lives, including friends and family. They have practised and refined various creative techniques—rolling, pinching, patting, tapping, squeezing and pressing—to create straight, curved and rounded shapes. These processes not only support fine motor development, dexterity and hand strength, but also nurture problem-solving skills and resilience. What happens when the clay breaks? “Just use a little bit of water,” explains Sam from Pathway Hallett.
The children have been delighted in making important people in their lives visible to peers and educators at ELC, sharing their thinking and developing literacy skills by constructing meaning through symbols. As Greta from Pathway Hallett shared, “Mummy, Daddy, Oma and Opa. First a stick and then an arch.”
Dot Kelly
Learning Community 2 – Pathway Hallett Teacher
ELC Coffee Van
Dear ELC Families,
We are excited to host the ELC Coffee Van at St Peter’s Girls’ ELC on Friday 11 April (Week 11).
Come and enjoy a complimentary coffee on us to celebrate Term 1. This is a fantastic opportunity for all ELC families to connect and engage with our vibrant ELC community during morning drop-off.
Location: Lawns on the Chapel Path
Date: Friday 11 April (Week 11)
Time: 7.30am – 10.00am
Please note, due to allergies, babycinos will not be available. We kindly ask that you avoid bringing hot drinks into the ELC; instead, please use the School’s path to exit.
We can’t wait to see you there and share a delightful morning together!
Vacation Care – Book Now!
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 14 to 25 April 2025. The Centre will be closed over the Easter period, from Friday 18 April to Monday 21 April, and Friday 25 April (ANZAC Day).
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. Morning, lunch, afternoon tea, 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 5pm, 10 April 2025 (Week 11). 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.
Semester 2 Intentions
Dear Families,
The ELC is currently preparing for Semester 2 enrolments. You will have received via email some information regarding your child/children’s enrolment.
If you would like to:
- Request additional days for Semester 2 (subject to availability);
- Reduce or change your current days;
- Advise if your child will be finishing at the ELC at the end of Term 2, 2025;
Please notify Sarah Elliott at selliott@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au by Tuesday 8 April 2025.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Warm regards,
Liz Schembri
Director of Early Learners’ Centre