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

Our youngest learners in the Blue Gum Room have been busily exploring the concept of maps this term. Their exploration of the broader School grounds and community led to the children observing the different buildings and areas within our School. The children then used their observations to create a map of St Catherine’s, Campbell House, the playground and Blue Gum Room. This interest then extended into creating maps of their homes and neighbourhoods. This has been an ongoing learning process as the children have revisited their maps to add further detail as their ideas, observations and learning have grown.

The children in the Waratah Room have displayed a strong interest in animals this term. A veterinary hospital was set up in the classroom to facilitate the children’s interest. This led to further discussion and investigation into a range of animals and family pets. The children have explored this interest through stories, drawing, discussion and imaginative play. They also used recycled materials to create three dimensional representations of animals. Current discussion has led the children to learning about the habitats of koalas and platypus.

Our older learners in the Wattle Room have been immersed in an investigation into castles. The children have been using languages such as clay sculpture, drawing and painting to create representations of different styles of castles. The children first drew their castle designs onto cardboard and then used these as a template to create their unique castles out of clay. They have also begun researching castles in books and using the iPad to learn more about the architecture and history of the buildings and the people who live in castles.

The children in Banksia Room, have been engaged in an ongoing investigation into St Catherine’s School. Throughout the term, the children have explored the Campbell House, Barbreck and Senior School buildings and communities. The children have sketched each building and discussed their observations. They have also studied the School crest and this was used as a provocation for a sewing experience where the children have sewn the School crest onto fabric. The language of clay was also used as a means of creating representations of the School buildings. The children are currently working on a collaborative map of the school which they plan to sew onto fabric.

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.

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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.