It is the time of year when the children are beginning to prepare for the next step in their educational journeys. For some children, this means moving on to the next year level, for others it means the commencement of Prep and potentially changing schools. For all of the children, there is some form of change ahead. This is both an exciting and uncertain time.

It is the time of year when the children in the St Catherine’s Early Learning Centre are beginning to prepare for the next step in their educational journeys.

The Early Learning Centre (ELC) has a range of orientation and transition programs in place to support and guide the children through this process. This involves opportunities for visiting their new classroom, meeting their new teachers and interacting with peers who will be in their class. Educators engage in discussion with the children to prepare them for each step in this process. This is done in a calm and reassuring way so that the children have enough information about what is happening but do not become overwhelmed.

This is also a time of change for parents, as you support your child through this transition. There are many things that you can do to support your child. First, it is essential that you role model positivity. This change is an opportunity for the children to learn new things and make new friends. The children will have many questions. It is important that they are answered in an honest and reassuring manner without over-talking the subject and creating further worry. Please take time to prepare your child for their orientation sessions by reminding them where they will be going and what will be happening. Children feel secure in knowing what is happening ahead of time. Be prepared that it may take some time for your child to adapt to the change. It is important to maintain consistent routines at home and provide your child with the time and emotional support that they need.

The educators in the St Catherine’s Early Learning Centre engage in discussion with the children to prepare them for each step in the transition and orientation process.

As we progress through the term, parents and educators will support the children to embrace the change and look forward to the exciting times ahead.

Early Learning Centre Staff Retirements

Two of our well-respected, long-term ELC staff members have advised that they will be retiring at the end of the 2019 school year. ELC Assistants, Ms Jill Baker and Mrs Krys Eggers, have been integral members of the ELC and St Catherine’s community for the past 24 years and 22 years respectively. Both educators have contributed enormously to the ELC programs, educating and caring for hundreds of young learners during this time. Although they will be dearly missed here at St Catherine’s, we are delighted that they will now have the opportunity to enjoy their retirement years.

We look forward to acknowledging and celebrating the enormous contribution of both Jill and Krys closer to the end of the year. We welcome past ELC students and parents to visit the ELC over the final weeks of term to say farewell.

Ms Jill Baker.

Mrs Krys Eggers.