News from Learning Community 1
We are nearly a full term into the ELC’s new food program and the children in Learning Community 1 have embraced the menu with curiosity and enthusiasm.
A healthy diet in early childhood plays a crucial role in supporting physical growth, cognitive development and overall wellbeing. Research tells us that proper nutrition in the early years helps establish healthy eating habits that can prevent childhood obesity, improve concentration, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases later in life. Early healthy eating habits set the foundation for a lifetime of good health and positive lifestyle choices.
Our food program embraces the benefits of establishing a healthy relationship with food. Chef Calea has created an inviting child-friendly menu, rich in the nutrients that are crucial in early childhood. There are some familiar favourites on the menu including vegetable pasta and fried rice; however, with a little bit of encouragement, the children have been brave to try a variety of more unfamiliar meals. The quesadillas have become a favourite! Chef Calea frequently visits the children during lunch to see what they are enjoying and to form a relationship with the children. Our lunch times are a social highlight of the day with children and staff connecting over the sensory exploration of the meal including tastes, textures and smells. Lunch times have also created a wonderful opportunity for children to develop independence skills whilst serving themselves, using utensils and cleaning away their dishes.
As the year progresses, we endeavour to deepen our relationship with the food program, making it the focus of upcoming inquiries and working closely with Chef Calea in the Kamparitti (Kaurna word for kitchen) and ELC Community Garden. To continue to grow healthy eating habits, it is crucial we involve children in food-related experiences, making healthy foods accessible and appealing. Please keep an eye on our Online Learning Page and notices on the door in the coming terms for ways you can get involved. If you would like more information on the benefits of healthy eating in early childhood, we have a range of valuable resources to share in both English and Mandarin. See below for a great place to start.
Encouraging children to try new foods, Healthy Kids, NSW Government
Annabelle Redmond, Nell Tierney and Kathy McCabe
Learning Community 1 Teachers
Playgroup Explores Ferguson Conservation Park
Our recent playgroup session at Ferguson Conservation Park was a wonderful morning filled with exploration and discovery! The children went on a nature walk where they noticed a variety of exciting sights, from fallen logs hosting many mini beasts to a fascinating Tawny Frogmouth bird perched nearby the track. We even saw koala scratches on the trunk of a tree! The outing was a perfect opportunity for parents to connect as a community, sharing the joys of being outside and bonding with nature. As Reggio Emilia beautifully states, “The natural environment is a place where curiosity is ignited, and children begin to ask questions about the world around them.” It was a morning full of learning, laughter and cherished connections.
Playgroup runs every Wednesday during school term from 9.30 to 11am. Please contact Kathy McCabe at kmccabe@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au for more information about the weekly event.
Kathy McCabe
Playgroup Coordinator
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