The Language of Food in Learning Community 2
At our Early Learners’ Centre, we embrace the Reggio Emilia approach, where the language of food and the role of chefs are an integral part of the educational project. Our new ELC kitchen, known as Kamparriti (which means ‘kitchen’ in the Kaurna language), is staffed by talented chefs who ensure that children enjoy high-quality, delicious meals every day.
To deepen the children’s connection with Kamparriti and the chefs, we have created an interactive space in the Hallett room. This corner of the classroom combines role-playing with drawing and writing, allowing children to express their favourite foods, engage in meaningful conversations with the chefs, and invite them to the magical dining corner to view their creative food menus. This initiative fosters exploration, creativity, scientific research and stronger connections among the children.
News from Learning Community 2
Exploring Letters in the Erindale Room
At our ELC, we know that literacy development begins long before children can read or write. One of the most important milestones in this journey is the exploration of letters and letter recognition. Through play, storytelling and hands-on experiences, children begin to develop cognitive skills that serve as the building blocks for reading and writing. Letter recognition and the ability to identify and name letters, helps children make connections between letters and sounds, a crucial step in learning to read. But it’s not just about memorising the alphabet; it’s about understanding how letters and words shape the world around them.
As children interact with letters, they start to develop a sense of themselves as capable readers and writers. This emerging literacy helps children build confidence and fosters a strong sense of identity. For example, when children recognise their name or point to a letter and say, “That’s an ‘A’,” they realise they are part of a larger world of communication. In the Erindale room, we have been encouragong this exploration by creating an environment filled with opportunities to interact with letters through experinces like stamping, drawing or writing. These experiences not only enhance literacy skills but also help children grow as curious learners who feel empowered to use language. As your child continues this journey, we will work alongside you to nurture their love for learning and literacy, helping them to develop both the skills and the confidence to become capable readers and writers.
Laura Reiters
Learning Community 2 Teacher – Erindale Room
ELC Parent-Teacher Conversations
Dear ELC Families,
Bookings for ELC Parent-Teacher Conversations are open and will be held on Tuesday 1, Wednesday 2 and Monday 7 of April (Term 1, Weeks 10 and 11).
There are designated 15-minute, face-to-face time slots to meet with your child’s teacher. Bookings can be made via myLink and will close on Friday 28 March.
We strongly encourage you to book a meeting as it provides us with the opportunity to share your child’s learning journey and significant moments, and the documentation we have supporting this. From these discussions, future goals for your child may be created to ensure they reflect the perspectives of parents and educators.
How to access myLink for bookings:
- Log in to the myLink parent portal using your username (your ID number) and password. Your ID number was sent to you in a previous email. If you don’t know your password, use the link provided on the login page.
- Once you have logged in and arrive on the Welcome page, click the ‘Community Portal’ tab in the top menu, then click the ‘Interviews’ tab and select the required cycle. You can log in and change your booking any time up to 5pm on Friday 28 March.
If you require myLink assistance, please contact the IT Helpdesk via helpdesk@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au or 08 8334 2227.
ELC Coffee Van
Dear ELC Families,
We are excited to host the ELC Coffee Van at St Peter’s Girls’ ELC on Friday 11 April (Week 11).
Come and enjoy a complimentary coffee on us to celebrate Term 1. This is a fantastic opportunity for all ELC families to connect and engage with our vibrant ELC community during morning drop-off.
Location: Lawns on the Chapel Path
Date: Friday 11 April (Week 11)
Time: 7.30am – 10.00am
Please note, due to allergies, babycinos will not be available. We kindly ask that you avoid bringing hot drinks into the ELC; instead, please use the School’s path to exit.
We can’t wait to see you there and share a delightful morning together!
Vacation Care – Book Now!
Bookings are now 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 14 to 25 April 2025. The Centre will be closed over the Easter period, from Friday 18 April to Monday 21 April, and Friday 25 April (ANZAC Day).
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. Morning, lunch, 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 5pm, 10 April 2025 (Week 11). 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.
Semester 2 Intentions
Dear Families,
The ELC is currently preparing for Semester 2 enrolments. This week, you will have received via email some information regarding your child/children’s enrolment.
If you would like to:
- Request additional days for Semester 2 (subject to availability);
- Reduce or change your current days;
- Advise if your child will be finishing at the ELC at the end of Term 2, 2025;
Please notify Sarah Elliott at selliott@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au by Tuesday 8 April 2025.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Warm regards,
Liz Schembri
Director of Early Learners’ Centre