News from Learning Community 1
Learning Community 1 have begun the term with visits to Ferguson Park, providing opportunities for children to come together to explore and connect with the natural environment.
For some children, this was a new experience, full of wonder, curiosity, and discovery. For others, it was an opportunity to revisit a familiar place and deepen their connection with it. It was beautiful to see how each child engaged in their own way, bringing their own knowledge, experiences, and ways of being.
As we walked through the park, we focused on noticing, which is a key part of our learning. Children observed the tall trees, the different homes of animals, and the rich textures of the bush, including crunching leaves, rough bark, and soft earth. Through this, children used their wonderings and curiosity to explore, express ideas, and make meaning, whether through conversation, movement, or quiet observation.
Children develop a strong sense of identity and belonging and begin to connect with and contribute to their world. The natural environment acted as a third teacher, inviting curiosity, investigation, and relationship building. We also took time to reflect together, encouraging children to revisit their experiences and share what they noticed. These moments of reflection help deepen thinking and support children in building connections between their ideas, the environment, and each other.
As we entered the park, we shared our Acknowledgement of Country as a way of showing respect for the Traditional Custodians of the land and recognising the deep and ongoing connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to Country. This supports children in developing respect, awareness, and a sense of connection to place.
We look forward to continuing our visits to Ferguson Park throughout the term, providing children with ongoing opportunities to deepen their connection with this environment as a space for inquiry, reflection, and connection. We value opportunities for family engagement and warmly welcome volunteers to join us on our Ferguson Park walks. If you are interested in supporting these experiences, please let us know, we would love to have you being part of our learning journey in Ferguson Park.
We look forward to coming together for our Reconciliation Week Gathering at Ferguson Conservation Park on Friday 29 May and hope you can join us.
Kathy McCabe, Olivia Buttery, Nell Tierney and Monique Gannon
Learning Community 1 Teachers
Dear ELC Families,
Join us on Friday 8 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 4 May.
We hope to see you there!
ELC Mothers and Treasured Friends’ Afternoon Tea
Friday 9 May, 2pm in the ELC
For Your Diary
Key Events and Experiences
- ELC Photo Sessions (Week 3): Please click here to view the schedule
- Mothers and Treasured Friends’ Afternoon Tea: Friday 8 May at 2pm – a special opportunity for children to celebrate important people in their lives.
- Celebration of Learning (Week 3): Families are invited to explore children’s portfolios and reflect on Term 1 learning.
- Ferguson Conservation Park Gathering (Week 6): Held during National Reconciliation Week, embracing this year’s theme, “All In.” This provides a wonderful opportunity for families to connect and learn together on Kaurna land. We will be joined by former Cultural Liaison Officer, Kendall Fitzgerald.
Key Dates
- 5 May – ELC Photos (Learning Community 1)
- 6 May – ELC Photos (Playgroup)
- 7 May – ELC Photos (Learning Community 2)
- 8 May – Mother’s and Treasured Friends’ Afternoon Tea, 2pm
- 4–8 May – Celebration of Learning Week
- 29 May – Reconciliation Week Gathering at Ferguson Conservation Park
- 1 June – Mid-Year Reception Transition Visits Commence, 8:45am-12pm
- 8 June – Public Holiday (ELC Closed)
- 9 June – Junior School Twilight Tour, 5:30pm-6:15pm
- 9 June – Erindale Teaching and Learning Evening, 6:30pm-8pm
- 15 June – Mid-Year Reception Transition Morning, 9am-12pm
- 22 June – ELC Hat Ceremony, 12:15pm
- 25 June – Celebrating Our Pathway to School, 2pm
- 29 June – Vacation Care commences (until Monday 20 July)