News From Learning Community 1
“If children don’t grow up knowing about nature, they won’t understand it, and if they don’t understand it, they won’t protect it.” Sir David Attenborough.
Along the southern boundary of the ELC sits Ferguson Conservation Park. It is a beautiful natural space filled with local flora and fauna, frequented and enjoyed by many in the local community. Ferguson Park has strong ties to the history of the ELC and our growing understandings of Kaurna language and culture. It is a place of significance for all in the ELC.
Currently in Ferguson Park the golden wattle is beginning to bloom, creating splashes of bright yellow across the park. Slowly, we are exploring through our senses the many varieties of wattle in the park. We have been observing, feeling and smelling the colour, shape and texture. Educators share stories of the medicinal purposes of the wattle tree shared with us by a local Kaurna Elder.
Ferguson Park is full of research opportunities. We can explore botanical specimens, local wildlife, geography, weather, changes in season and much more. We seem to uncover something new each season and the learning is contagious. However, it is equally important that alongside researching and investigating in Ferguson Park, that we prioritise time for the children to just “be” and to explore freely in the space. Often it is when children can explore on their own free will that we identify where their interests and wonderings lie. Children need uninterrupted and unguided time in natural spaces to be able to form a connection to them. Where there is connection, there is motivation to care and find out more.
Towards the end of the term, we warmly welcome our families to join us on a visit to Ferguson Park. Please talk to your key teacher about how you can get involved.
ELC Book Week Parade
The ELC Book Week Parade will be held on Wednesday 21 August (Week 5). This year’s theme is Reading is Magic.
Book Week is an exciting time for our youngest learners as it celebrates the magic and significance of reading and storytelling. Books transport children to new worlds, fostering creativity and imagination. They play a crucial role in supporting language, cognitive, social, and emotional development, laying the foundation for early literacy and instilling a lifelong love of reading.
All children are invited to dress up as their favourite book character for the Parade!
The Parade will commence at 9.30am on the Chapel Path, behind the ELC in the School followed by a shared story time on Chiverton Lawns. Please ensure your child is signed in and dropped off at their class by 9.00 am if they are attending on the day of the Parade. If your child does not usually attend on this day, they are still welcome to participate in the parade; however, due to staffing requirements, you will need to stay and take your child home afterwards.
Families and treasured friends are warmly invited to join us and enjoy the parade.
We look forward to seeing you there and celebrating the magic of reading together!
Artwork by Jess Raclyeft | © The Children’s Book Council of Australia.
