News from Learning Community 1
The Language of Food
This term, the children have shown great joy in exploring celebrations from around the world. Our amazing Chef Calea curated a menu to reflect and honour a variety of celebrations, including Diwali, Halloween, Hanukkah and Christmas. The connection between wellbeing and food supports our ongoing focus on wellbeing, highlighting how shared rituals foster a sense of belonging, cultural appreciation and emotional connection.
As we unpacked the meaning of celebration, there was one idea the children kept returning to—their birthdays. “My birthday is so much fun! I had a watermelon cake and candles. Let’s bake a cake,” shared Lillibet. And so, we began planning.
After exploring the symbolism of the cake—its role as a central icon of celebrations, its historical roots and cultural meanings—the children designed their own cakes and experimented with graphic representations of their ideas.
This creative process led to another question: “How do we make a cake?”
“Ingredients!” called Allegra. We were amazed by the children’s collective knowledge as they excitedly chanted “Butter, eggs, milk, flour, sugar… and icing!” added Hallie. With this energy, we visited Chef Calea in Kamparitti to see if she had a recipe.
“What type of cake would you like to make?” asked Chef Calea.
“Vanilla,” said Louis.
“Strawberry,” said Allegra.
“Banana,” said Lillibet.
“Carrot,” said Hallie.
Of course, we couldn’t make four different cakes, so together we created a visual data display to ensure every child had agency in the decision-making. This process supported mathematical thinking, enabling the children to compare choices, explore cause and effect, and understand the impact of their decision as active citizens within their world.
Through this shared experience, the children not only created a delicious cake but also engaged meaningfully with mathematical reasoning, scientific observation, cultural learning and community connection. The cake was joyfully shared within our community—turning learning into a celebration.
Nell Tierney, Kathy McCabe and Annabelle Redmond
Learning Community 1 Teachers
ELC Vacation Care – Book Now!
Bookings are now Open for ELC Vacation Care!
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 8 December 2025 to 27 January 2026. The ELC will be closed from December 22 and will reopen Monday 5 January 2026.
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 Caterina Pennestri, 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 hat, water bottle, and a change of clothes each day. A healthy morning and afternoon tea, lunch, 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 4pm, Thursday 4 December 2025 (Week 8). Due to limited spaces during ELC Vacation Care, please book early! Late bookings and changes after this date will incur a late booking fee.
*Please note that ELC Vacation care is strictly for ELC-enrolled children.
Learning Community 1 Celebration
This special event marks the beginning of an exciting new journey into Learning Community 2 — the Erindale room.
During the celebration, children will receive their portfolios, end-of-semester summaries, and a special gift.
Tuesday 2 December, 2pm
The School Chapel
We look forward to celebrating with you.
*Please note this event is for children in Learning Community 1 who will be transitioning to the Erindale room in Term 1, 2026. Please refer to your communication.
Pathway to School Celebration
This special event celebrates the wonderful milestone of our Pathway Hallett and Ferguson friends transitioning to school.
During the ceremony, the children will receive their handmade graduation crowns, portfolios, and end-of-semester summaries.
Thursday 4 December, 2pm
The School Chapel
We look forward to seeing you there.
End of Year Celebration
You’re invited to our ELC End of Year Celebration on Friday 28 November from 5:30pm to 7:45pm at St Peter’s Girls’ School Oval.
Arrival & Drop-Off:
- Parking: School carpark, Bell Yett parking, and surrounding streets.
- Drop-off times: No later than 5:30pm.
- Learning Community 1: Room STW 303
- Learning Community 2: Room STW 304
- Please sign in your child with a staff member and head to the picnic area.
Performance:
- Starts at 5:45pm. Please arrive on time. Children may wear Christmas party clothes.
Post-Performance Picnic:
- After the performance, collect your child from the same room you dropped them off at and check out with a staff member.
- Food: Pre-order or bring your own picnic. Non-alcoholic drinks (cash only) and gelato (card only) will be available for purchase.
- Please RSVP and pre-purchase food by Monday, 24 November.
Looking forward to celebrating with you!
Please refer to your email correspondence for more information.
