News from Learning Community 2
Exploring Self-Portraiture in Learning Community 2
“A self-portrait is an intimate bold declaration of identity. In her self-portrait, a child offers herself as subject and artist. When we look at her self-portrait, we see a child as she sees herself. The story of self-portrait work is a tender story to tell.”
– Malaguzzi and Musatti (1996) and Pelo (2007)
Knowing who you are and where you belong is an integral part of a child’s existence. The Pathway children are given many opportunities to express aspects of their identity, share their experiences, and make meaning of their world. Through our recent exploration of self-portraiture, the children have been deeply engaged in studying and representing themselves in many ways.
Using mirrors and photographs of themselves, the children have carefully studied their facial features, noticing the unique shape and colour of their eyes, the curve of their smiles and other important details that make them who they are. The children have used the graphic language to create their portraits, engaging with a range of art materials to express themselves. This process has encouraged the children to develop an awareness of their own identity while strengthening their observational drawing and fine motor skills.
These experiences have allowed the children to develop their understanding of the human form, refine their skills and most importantly, build a strong sense of identity. Exploring the art of self-portraiture this term has allowed the children to see themselves as valued members of their community. It has supported them in feeling recognised and respected for who they are. These precious pieces of art offer us a rare glimpse into how each child sees themselves and honours their uniqueness as learners. We look forward to continuing our explorations of self-portraiture throughout the term.
Tori McDonnell
Pathway Hallett Teacher
Illness in the ELC
In line with national laws and regulations, children are required to be fully vaccinated (unless they have a medical exemption). Children must be kept at home if they have symptoms of an infectious illness.
Please keep your child home for 24 hours after the following symptoms cease, to reduce the spread of diseases:
• Persistent coughing/runny nose/sore throat
• High temperature
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Fatigue
• Conjunctivitis/eye discharge
• Head Lice (your child may return once treatment is administered)
• Fungal infections (your child may return once treatment is administered)
• Hand, foot and mouth disease (your child may return once all blisters have dried)
Exclusion from Centre
Children with high risk conditions, as well as children who are not immunised, may be excluded from the Centre if there is an outbreak of a vaccine preventable illness.