News from Learning Community 1
How Belonging and Wellbeing Thrive in Learning Community 1
“The child does not learn in the sense of the word as we usually mean. The child is not the object of knowledge, but the subject of it, an active participant in the construction of knowledge.”
— Loris Malaguzzi
This quote by a key figure in early childhood education emphasises the active role that we in the ELC believe children take in discovering their own identity. By exploring and expressing themselves, children develop a sense of who they are, which is fundamental to their sense of belonging.
During this term, our unit of inquiry focused on the central idea that “Belonging can Support Wellbeing.” As teachers, we provided children with opportunities to explore their personal identity through self-expression, family connections and interactions with their environment, which strengthened their sense of belonging to the community. Engaging with families was a key aspect of our learning process, with parents sharing their children’s drawings and discussing the Kaurna symbols their children were using daily within their classroom rituals. This allowed for meaningful connections between home and School. This connection to their families and the classroom environment helped support the children’s emotional wellbeing.
Our approach really shaped how we worked with the children, as we focused on creating a space where everyone could feel like they truly belonged. We wanted to help them grow emotionally and socially, so we made sure they had lots of chances to connect, both independently and with others. Whether through time spent with their friends, family, or the whole class, these connections played a significant role in supporting their wellbeing. In particular, the atelier space became a key environment for self-expression, supported by our Atelierista Caterina Pennestri. In this safe and comfortable space, children were able to settle down, manage their emotions, and continue to grow both individually and within the community. Overall, the inquiry process unfolded smoothly, with the children gradually settling into their environment and feeling more confident in their learning. In true Reggio Emilio fashion, the children became active participants in their own development, by exploring, expressing and building a deeper connection to both themselves and the community around them.
Kathy McCabe, Nell Tierney and Annabelle Redman
Learning Community 2 Teachers
News from Learning Community 2
Over the course of Term 1, the Pathway and Erindale children have explored the Central Idea that Belonging can Support Wellbeing. Our Centre’s philosophy prioritises children’s wellbeing and connection, as we understand these concepts form the foundation of children’s learning. The importance of wellbeing is reinforced throughout the Early Years Learning Framework, which states, “Wellbeing and a strong sense of connection, optimism, resilience and engagement enable children to develop a growth mindset, and a positive attitude to learning” (p9).
Each room in Learning Community 2 has explored this Central Idea in diverse and differentiated ways, allowing children to discover, connect and challenge their thinking through meaningful learning opportunities. Some of these provocations have supported the children to achieve the following outcomes:
- Celebrated cultural diversity through explorations of Lunar New Year
- Challenged their mathematical thinking skills through patterning
- Transferred knowledge across multiple contexts through the language of clay
- Researched food through a scientific lens and explored how it makes us feel
- Explored identity and a sense of self through portraiture
- Developed early literacy and phonemic awareness through creating signatures and name-writing
- Deepened their knowledge of literacy conventions through bookmaking
Over the last two weeks, we have created opportunities for children, teachers and families to come together by researching the rituals and traditions of Easter. This has been a joyous and inspiring time of celebration, where children have shared new discoveries, consolidated their knowledge, and reflected on our inquiry as they prepare for the end of term.
We wish you all a safe, peaceful, and wonderful holiday period. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the ELC in Term 2.
Chloe Skoss, Dot Kelly and Laura Reiters
Learning Community 2 Teachers
Celebrating Expertise: Storytelling that Inspires Imagination and Empathy
At St Peter’s Girls’ Early Learning Centre, we are proud to be guided by a team of exceptionally qualified and passionate educators. One such educator is Sabrina Young, who brings a wealth of experience to the Erindale room. As a former Director of an Early Childhood Community Centre and Kindy team leader, Sabrina’s depth of knowledge and her commitment to meaningful, play-based learning are invaluable to our ELC community.
Sabrina is renowned for her ability to captivate young minds through the art of storytelling. Her sessions not only spark imagination but also nurture important social and emotional understandings. Recently, the children were treated to an enchanting interactive storytelling experience inspired by the picture book Hudwick’s Eggs.
With the use of beautifully crafted Australian animal puppets, Sabrina brought the story to life in a way that was both engaging and deeply meaningful. The session explored themes of empathy, kindness and the value of friendship—messages that resonate strongly with young children as they build their understanding of the world around them.
This experience exemplifies best practice in the early years, where storytelling serves as a powerful vehicle for language development, emotional expression and connection to literature. Through these shared moments, children are supported to ask questions, explore ideas and develop a love for learning that extends far beyond the story itself.
We are incredibly grateful to have educators like Sabrina who so thoughtfully nurture curiosity and wonder through their work every day.
Liz Schembri
Director of Early Learners’ Centre
Exploring Sustainability Through Storytelling and Worms!
As part of our commitment to embedding sustainable practices and values in our early learning environment, the children at our ELC recently had the pleasure of welcoming Sarah McConaghy-Beasley and Kodie Fairbarn from Burnside Council. This engaging and interactive visit focused on fostering a deeper understanding of waste management through storytelling and hands-on experiences.
The session provided a meaningful way for our young learners to explore the concept of sustainability. Using age-appropriate storytelling, Sarah and Kodie introduced the idea of how worms play a vital role in managing waste and supporting healthy ecosystems. The highlight of the session was undoubtedly the live worms, which captured the children’s attention and sparked a sense of wonder and inquiry. Their curiosity was evident as they asked thoughtful questions and engaged respectfully with the worms.
These real-world experiences are at the heart of early years best practice. They provide opportunities for children to connect with the natural world, develop environmental responsibility and engage in critical thinking all while having fun. As David Attenborough so beautifully reminds us:
“No one will protect what they don’t care about; and no one will care about what they have never experienced.”
To support our ongoing sustainability journey, Burnside Council also generously provided compostable bags and kitchen caddies for each of our ELC rooms. These resources will further support our daily waste management routines and reinforce the importance of sustainable choices.
Through experiences like these, we are nurturing a generation of environmentally conscious learners who understand their role in caring for the world around them.
Liz Schembri
Director of Early Learners’ Centre
Join us for the Mothers and Treasured Friends’ Afternoon Tea
Dear ELC Families,
Join us on Friday 9 May at 2pm to celebrate the Mothers and Treasured Friends’ Afternoon Tea in the ELC!
Our Centre will be celebrating Mother’s Day and the inspirational women in the children’s lives including mothers, grandmothers, and aunties.
Make your bookings by Monday 5 May.
We hope to see you there!
ELC Mothers and Treasured Friends’ Afternoon Tea
Friday 9 May
2pm in the ELC
Warm regards
Liz Schembri
Director of Early Learners’ Centre