It is wonderful to observe the learning taking place in classrooms, and the discussion, debate and laughter that can be heard as you move through Campbell House. The children are provided with such rich opportunities each and every day to explore, investigate and inquire, and they do so with such enthusiasm and vigour.

Our youngest learners in Waratah Room have recently set up an “office” in their classroom. This has provided the children with opportunities to learn about the mail system and communication methods. The children engage in role play as they take on various roles within the office using a computer, phone, paper, envelopes and stamps to communicate with one another. They are also learning about customer service roles, experimenting with mark making and ‘writing’ as they create letters and post them to one another.

The children in Blue Gum Room have been busily engaged in an inquiry in relation to mini-beasts stemming from the children’s interest in the natural environment, and their search for living creatures in the garden. They have been using their observations and research of mini-beasts to create representations and models. These have included representations of spiders, bees, ladybugs, caterpillars and flies, and have displayed great commitment, imagination and creativity throughout this project.

Our older learners in Banksia Room, have been engaged in learning about themselves and their identity. The children have been working on self-portraits using the clay. These three-dimensional representations have been carefully sculpted as the children observed and replicated their facial features and shape. Additionally, this experience has provided the children with the opportunity to learn about the qualities of the clay and techniques for joining and manipulating the clay. It has also enhanced their fine motor skills.

The children in Wattle Room have been immersed in a science experiment. After discussing “what is a science experiment?” the children placed carrot tops in a bowl of water to see if they would grow. The children have made predictions and recorded them. They also voted to see who thought the orange part of the carrot would grow first and who thought the green leaves would grow first. The voting was recorded so that the children can refer back to this to see if their predictions are accurate. The children have also written and drawn the steps in the experiment so that they understand this sequential process. This has been a wonderful experience in developing the children’s learning and understanding in relation to science, maths and literacy.

It is exciting to see these inquiries unfolding in the ELC classrooms and to observe the children’s level of engagement and contribution to collaborative learning.

Dates for your diary

ELC Parent-Teacher Interviews         Monday 3 to Friday 7 August

Curriculum Day (School closed)         Monday 17 August

Please note that our ELC Father’s Day events scheduled for the week of 31 August will have to be modified in accordance with the health and social gathering restrictions at the time. Further information will be provided closer to the time.