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 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 the Blue Gum Room have been busily exploring the concept of growth. Through sharing their baby photos, the children have been discussing how they have grown and changed since they were babies and learnt about one another’s family backgrounds. The baby photos have also provided a wonderful resource for playing a matching game known as “Guess the baby?” The children have been matching the baby photos with current photos of the children to work out who each baby photo belongs to.

The children in Waratah Room have been engaging in learning in relation to seeds and plant growth this term. The children have been discussing the stages of growth of seeds to plants. They have set up an experiment with broad bean seeds where they are observing the development of the roots and shoots from the seeds. This learning connects with the broader ELC gardening project where the children are working together to develop the vegetable garden. Eventually the Waratah Room children will add their broad bean seedlings to the garden and observe further growth and produce.

Our older learners in the Wattle Room have commenced an investigation into electricity. The children have been researching what things use electricity and where electricity comes from. Through research in books the children have learnt about different sources of electricity including wind turbines and solar panels. The children have also engaged in a science experiment to set up a simple circuit using a battery, wires, and a globe. In pairs, they had to problem solve how to connect these components to get the electricity to flow so that the globe would light up.

The children in Banksia Room have been absorbed in an inquiry in relation to mini beasts. Through their initial discoveries in the ELC playground, the children have become expert bug hunters, finding and identifying a range of mini beasts. The children have engaged in research on the iPad and in books and examined their creatures under the digital microscope. They have acquired a family of stick insects who they are currently caring for and learning about. They have also found a case moth who they have affectionately named “Cucumber” after a democratic vote.

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 – Term 2 Week 8 Activities and Vacation Care Bookings

Upcoming activities for Term 2 Week 8 are 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 they 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 inquiries.

Book online now to secure your place at After the Bell for vacation care this school holidays. Bookings can be made here.