News from Learning Community 2
Exploring Celebrations Through the Language of Light
The creative language of light serves as a powerful tool for young children, playing a significant role in their cognitive development. In the early years, when children’s brains are highly receptive to sensory input, light offers a rich avenue for exploration that stimulates wonder, imagination, and curiosity. Engaging with light encourages children to think critically, solve problems, and express themselves creatively. As they experiment with different materials, shapes, and light sources, they develop essential skills such as observation, pattern recognition, and spatial awareness, all of which are foundational for later learning and development.
In the Erindale Room this term, light has been incorporated into the exploration of celebrations, offering an ideal context for both creative expression and deeper learning. Children were given a thoughtfully curated selection of materials to design their own lanterns. Lanterns, which symbolize brightness, hope, and guidance, also carry themes of love, wisdom, and illumination. These symbolic meanings resonate across many cultures, making them a perfect focal point for engaging young learners in a global perspective.
Through their lantern-making experience, children delved into the significance of light in various cultural contexts, with a particular focus on Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. They explored the rich symbolism of light in Diwali. This exploration, which coincides with the festival’s timing in November, not only fostered the children’s curiosity but also nurtured their developing appreciation for cultural diversity. By hands-on engagement, they connected the concept of light with universal themes of celebration and community.
Laura Reiters
Learning Community 2 Teacher – Erindale Room
BOOK NOW! ELC End of Year Celebrations
Dear ELC Families,
We are delighted to invite you to our ELC End of Year Celebration on Friday 29 November.
Join us at the Jeffreys Linn Arts Centre at St Peter’s Girls’ School at 5.30pm for a Christmas concert performed by our ELC children. Singing will commence at 5.45pm.
Following this, families are invited to enjoy a picnic on the Chapel lawns (see map below). Children are invited to wear their Christmas party clothes to this event.
Please book by Monday 25 November, and pre-purchase any food and drink options by clicking the Book Now button below or visiting www.trybooking.com/CVEOB
This is a much-loved event, and we hope you enjoy the festivities and have a wonderful time. We look forward to sharing this special celebration with you and your family!
For further information about this event, please click here.
Kind regards
Liz Schembri
Director of ELC
AnglicareSA Christmas Food Hamper Drive
Bookings 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 9 to 20 December 2024 and 6 to 28 January 2025. The Centre will be closed over the Christmas and New Year period, from 23 December 2024 to Friday 3 January 2025.
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 own packed lunch, hat, water bottle, and a change of clothes each day. Due to allergies, we kindly ask that you do not pack nuts or nut products in your child’s lunch box. A healthy morning and 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 Thursday 5 December 2024 (Week 8). Due to limited spaces during ELC Vacation Care, please book early!
*Please note that ELC Vacation care is strictly for ELC-enrolled children.
Remembrance Day at St Peter’s Girls’ ELC
ELC children participated in the Poppies Installation at Burnside Civic Centre courtyard, creating beautiful poppy flowers using recycled materials and various graphic representations. This initiative gave our children the opportunity to reflect, express their creativity, and engage meaningfully with the community. We are proud to be part of this special project, contributing to local events and sharing our reflections with others.
Thank you to City of Burnside for acknowledging our participation!
