ELC Update – Collaboration through Learning Meetings

Cognitive growth is strongly influenced by social interaction. As young children develop an emerging sense of self, it is important they are provided with the opportunity to engage with peers in a collaborative environment. 

One of the integral collaborative components in the children’s day at the Early Learning Centre is our ‘Learning Meeting’. This is shared group time where the children come together with their Educators. A culture of community and collaboration is fostered and, over time, the children gain an awareness of the collective team.  

This social and language-rich forum provides the children with the opportunity to learn about the roles of speaker and listener and the importance of the reciprocal exchange of thoughts and ideas. Children are given a voice to express their thoughts and ideas, to question, hypothesise and debate. These discussions can be linked to the children’s current inquiries and projects and form the basis for future planning and learning. 

The children feel a sense of belonging and agency when they are given opportunities to contribute to their own learning and to be heard. At times, roles and responsibilities for the day are discussed and delegated. Social issues may also be raised for discussion and resolution amongst the children. Educators document the meeting so the children can re-visit what has been discussed, planned or agreed upon. 

This is one example of the collaborative learning opportunities the children are immersed in each and every day at the Early Learning Centre. 

 

Out of School Hours Care – Week 3 Activities

Upcoming activities for Term 3 Week 3 detailed here.

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