Researching and Recording Through Observational Drawing
Nature can be a source of inspiration and curiosity. Its colours, patterns, sounds, textures and smells, as well as the feelings it evokes, can lead to spontaneous learning and creative opportunities (Tyndall, 2019).
This term, the Pathway Hallett children have embraced the natural environment, embarking on daily research trips to Ferguson Park. Through these exciting adventures, our curious learners have used their senses to explore the local flora, fauna and landmarks, attuning themselves to the rhythms and landscape of the park and rejoicing in their many discoveries.
The children have been especially drawn to the array of plant species, the textures and colours of tree trunks, and most especially, the iridescent orange sap found on the bark of the Golden Wattle tree — or, as it is known in Kaurna, ‘Ngum Ngum’. After hands-on opportunities to observe, touch, wonder and discuss the diverse offerings of the Park, the children carefully selected specimens of interest to collect, research and record through graphic language.
To make their knowledge and understanding visible, our learners delved deeply into the joy of observational drawing. Harnessing their visual discrimination skills, children observed and recorded the finer details of their specimens, including the different shapes of the leaves, the composition of stems, and the various sizes, colours, consistency and opacity of the Ngum Ngum. Here, we observed that the creative process of drawing supported the children to build on their theories and make new discoveries. Many children also challenged themselves to record their findings symbolically, using emerging writing to label their specimens alongside their graphic representations.
Engaging children with these creative opportunities nurtures a wide range of valuable skills. Not only does it affirm their connection to the park and foster an ecological identity, but it also supports cognitive development, fine motor skills, and critical thinking. Opportunities that encourage children to represent concepts symbolically—through drawing and writing—help to consolidate and extend key literacy abilities, while supporting differentiated ways for learners to express themselves.
Dot Kelly
Pathway Hallett teacher
Vacation Care Bookings are now Open!
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 30 June to 21 July.
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 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 5pm, 26 June 2025 (Week 9). 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 Transition Celebration
Join us to Celebrate!
To ELC Families,
This invitation is for families whose children will be transitioning from Learning Community 1 to Learning Community 2 (Erindale Room) in Term 3, 2025.
You are invited to the LC1 Transition Celebration. This special event marks the beginning of an exciting journey to Learning Community 2, Erindale Room.
During this celebration, the children will receive their portfolios, their end of semester summaries, and a special gift.
Please help us celebrate on Tuesday 24 June, 2pm, in the ELC Piazza.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Learning Community 2 Transition Celebration
To ELC Families,
This invitation is for families whose children will be transitioning from Learning Community 2 to School in 2025.
You are invited to the LC2 Transition Ceremony. This special event celebrates our Pathway Hallett and Ferguson friends transitioning to school.
During this celebration, the children will receive their handmade graduation crown, their portfolios, and their end of semester summaries.
Please help us celebrate on Thursday 26 June, 2pm, in the St Peter’s Girls’ School Chapel.
We hope to see you there.