ELC Update – Learning about sustainability

Early childhood is a wonderful time to involve children in education about sustainability and to begin to develop lifelong practices. It is important that we educate the children to realise the significance of caring for and protecting their environment.

Our aim in the Early Learning Centre is to promote a positive and proactive attitude towards sustainability. We believe that it is important to engage the children in developmentally appropriate sustainable practices that meet their level of understanding and help them make connections in their everyday lives.

“Teaching children about the natural world should be seen as one of the most important events in their lives.” Thomas Berry

Sustainability begins with making a connection to nature. The children in Campbell House are offered many opportunities to connect with nature through hands-on experiences. They engage in planned and spontaneous learning experiences where they explore, observe, question and investigate the natural world around them. The children are often excited by their discoveries of living and non-living things. These discoveries present provocations for further questions and research.

Sustainable practices are embedded in our everyday routines within the ELC. At meal times, the children recycle their food scraps and packaging. Paper recycling is also promoted within the classroom. The children engage in gardening and composting experiences. When using water, they learn about water conservation and water sources. Observations and discussions often centre around the weather and what causes changing weather conditions.

There are so many opportunities for planned and spontaneous learning in regard to sustainability both at home and the ELC and together we can make a difference to our world.

Taking inspiration from the words of Dr Jane Goodall…

“Together we can. Together we will.”

Out of School Hours Care

St Catherine’s School offers an Out of School Hours Care program to all ELC and Junior School families. The program is implemented by our provider ‘After the Bell’, and operates within the ELC building. Parents are reminded that if you need to use the Before School Care or After School Care service, registrations need to be made in advance with ‘After the Bell’. Please allow up to five business days for your registration to be processed before your child can begin attending the program. Registration is free. All families are encouraged to register so that you can use this service in the event that you are unable to pick up your child.

Before School Care – 7.00am to 8.45am

After School Care – 3.00pm to 6.00pm

Registrations can be completed via the ‘After the Bell’ website.

Please phone 9758 6744 for all enquiries.

Ms Sarah Bethune, Head of ELC