News from Learning Community 1

Nurturing Curiosity Through Shared Discovery

This term in Learning Community 1, we are intentionally cultivating children’s dispositions for curiosity, inquiry, and collaborative learning. Drawing inspiration from the Reggio Emilia Approach and the inquiry-based approach of the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), we recognise children as capable thinkers, researchers, and active participants in their own learning. Through shared exploration, meaningful interactions, and opportunities to exchange ideas with others, children are developing the foundations of collaborative learning, communication, and problem-solving. We believe that curiosity is not only a natural driver of learning, but also a vital characteristic that supports intellectual growth, creativity, resilience, and lifelong wellbeing.

Our learning experiences this term are closely connected to the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), particularly Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners and Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators. Through play-based investigations, children are developing confidence to ask questions, test theories, negotiate ideas with peers, and communicate their thinking in a variety of ways. Whether building structures together, observing insects in the garden, or solving problems during imaginative play, children are learning that collaboration enriches discovery.

The Community Garden and Ferguson Park continue to provide rich environments for scientific exploration and research. These spaces invite children to observe seasonal changes, investigate living systems, collect natural materials, and engage all their senses in learning. As children notice, plant, dig, sort, compare, and care for the environment, they are developing early scientific thinking skills including prediction, observation, experimentation, and reflection. These authentic experiences encourage children to wonder, inquire, and make connections with the world around them.

Curiosity is at the heart of both the IB Learner Profile and lifelong learning. When children are encouraged to ask questions and pursue their interests, they develop the confidence, resilience, creativity, and critical thinking skills that form strong foundations for future academic success and wellbeing. By fostering curiosity in the early years, we are nurturing enthusiastic learners who feel empowered to explore, collaborate, and contribute meaningfully within their learning community.

Monique Gannon, Nell Tierney, Kathy McCabe and Olivia Buttery
Learning Community 1 Teachers

Mothers and Treasured Friend’s Afternoon Tea

Last Friday, the ELC was once again transformed into a space filled with warmth, joy, and meaningful connection as we welcomed our mothers and treasured friends to our annual Mothers and Treasured Friends’ Afternoon Tea. This special event provided an opportunity for children to honour the important people in their lives through shared experiences, creativity, and celebration.

It was heartwarming to see the children confidently sharing their spaces, introducing educators, and inviting their visitors to participate in experiences that were thoughtfully designed to foster collaboration and meaningful interaction.

At the card-making table, children carefully designed and created cards, thoughtfully selecting colours, drawings, and messages that reflected their relationships. Children also explored floral arrangements as they selected flowers to create beautiful bouquets. Another experience invited children and their guests to plant potted flowers together, creating a lasting gift and shared memory to take home.

Artistic expression continued through portrait drawing, painting experiences, and loose parts compositions, where children observed and represented their mothers and treasured friends with great care and attention to detail.

Families also enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea featuring cupcakes, fresh fruit, fruit flans, and coffee, adding to the sense of celebration and togetherness that filled the space.

Events such as these remind us of the importance of community and the vital role relationships play in children’s learning and development. We thank all of the mothers, treasured friends, and family members who joined us for this beautiful occasion.

Liz Schembri
Director of Early Leaners’ Centre