The Importance of Connections and Relationships

As mentioned in the last Blue Ribbon, Campbell House staff can be observed and overheard explicitly encouraging and teaching young learners the essence of seeking to make meaningful relationships with other members of the group.

Shared and effective learning relies emphatically upon the building up of connections, information links and relationships with others.

Rich learning opportunities are readily available when children (and adults) relate and communicate with ease and confidence and respect and trust the shared ideas of many. Pursuing curiosities, interests and seeking answers to questions, reflecting upon and sharing experiences and hypothesising with those around us can lead to productive learning opportunities.

Strong connections with classmates and an emphatic feeling of being welcomed and valued in a learning or playing group are instrumental in the building of confidence and learning.

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) identifies the importance of healthy connections to others as one of the five Outcomes identified by the EYLF:

Learning Outcome 2:

“Children are connected with and contribute to their world.”

2.1       Children develop a sense of belonging to groups and communities and an understanding of the reciprocal rights and responsibilities necessary for active community participation.

2.2       Children respond to diversity with respect.

2.3       Children become aware of fairness.

2.4       Children become socially responsible and show respect for the environment.

Early learning researchers such as Vygotzby and Malaguzzi believe social learning precedes cognitive development. Malaguzzi emphasises in many of his written articles and research the importance of the learning environment and a child’s sense of belonging, comfort and confidence plays such a central role in making learning meaningful.

Campbell House staff work with enthusiasm each day to assist the learners to build healthy connections and relationships.

Automaticity with such habits is the desired outcome.

Nut Awareness

St Catherine’s is a Nut Aware School and as such we ask that students do not bring nuts/nut products (e.g. peanut butter and Nutella) to School.

We have a number of students who are anaphylactic to nuts (of all varieties) within the school and we request all families observe the School Policy with regard to this matter.

Mrs Alana Moor
Head of ELC sand Junior School

Chinese New Year in Banksia Room

Throughout the year we provide authentic recognition to all cultures in the Banksia Room. Recently we spoke about what happens at Chinese New Year. Simona and Myron told us a little bit about what they knew.

Simona: When you see the dragon, it’s people dressed up. I will tell Mummy that we need to buy lanterns.

Myron: I saw Chinese writing at Crown. There was a dog and lots of other animals like a snake.

A visit to the Senior School to watch a traditional Lion Dance parade allowed the children to be part of the School’s celebration for Chinese New Year. It was a very colourful and exciting display which I’m sure the children spoke about at home.

Small red lanterns created by the children to symbolise Chinese New Year, proved to be a challenge that the children took on capably. It was a time to cut carefully along the lines, decorate their strips of red card and then bring the strips together to create a ball lantern. Gold glitter and tassels were added. These lanterns are now hanging in our pretend ‘home play’ area. Sophie also brought some beautiful decorations to share with her friends to celebrate the Chinese New Year of the Dog.

Fiona Barker and Penny Campbell
Banksia Room Teachers