It has been wonderful to observe the sights and sounds of happy chatter and smiling faces filling the Early Learning Centre today as many of the children returned to their classroom programs. The children were certainly excited to re-connect with peers and educators.

Our focus as educators for this first week back in the classroom will be to support the children to re-connect. This involves re-connecting with the educational program and current interests and inquiries. It also involves re-connecting with peers and educators to re-establish these connections and relationships after a period of time apart. The children also need to re-familiarise themselves with classroom routines and expectations as they adjust to being back in this group learning environment.

One of the aspects of our Early Learning Program at St Catherine’s that the children have missed the most is socialising. Young children are naturally drawn to one another and seek out the company of others. To have been through a period of time where they were not able to interact with their friends has been incredibly challenging for them. The children are therefore relishing the opportunity to spend time with their friends, engage in dramatic/imaginative play, play games in the playground, talk and laugh in small groups and work on small group collaborative projects together. It is wonderful to see the children enjoying these social opportunities once again.

I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to the ELC families who have supported their children with the Learn@Home program. Your support to assist the children to participate in Teams meetings and complete learning experiences is much appreciated and has ensured continuity of learning.

Out of School Hours Care – Week 4 Activities

Upcoming activities for Term 4 Week 4 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.