Literacy experiences are richly embedded in our Early Learning Programs. It is critical that these experiences are relevant and meaningful in the context of the children’s lives. Before children can learn to read and write, they must first develop the ability to speak, listen, understand, observe and draw. 

“Positive attitudes and competencies in literacy and numeracy are essential for children’s successful learning. The foundations of these competencies are built in childhood.” Early Years Learning Framework for Australia 

Literacy is the capacity, confidence, and disposition to use language in all its forms. Literacy incorporates a range of modes of communication including music, movement, dance, storytelling, visual arts, media, and drama. It also includes electronic and print-based media.  

Children are exposed to a range of books and texts within our Early Learning Program. Prints are displayed within the classroom learning environments and children have opportunities to engage with stories, learn songs, rhymes, poems and play with words. Children engage in regular conversation and discussion with their peers and educators. They learn the roles of listening and speaking and develop an understanding that conversation is a reciprocal exchange. 

Literacy is also promoted through our Library Program. Each week the children visit the Junior School Library to participate in a Library session. These enable the children to experience a range of picture story books and learn about the author, illustrator, style of writing and illustrations. The children actively engage with the stories by incorporating movement, gesture, and dramatisation. They develop skills in prediction as they anticipate what is going to happen next and then reflect on the key messaging in the story. 

Over the past four weeks, the children have been enjoying the shortlisted books for the Australian Book Council Awards 2022 – Early Childhood Book of the Year. After reviewing each book, the children voted to predict which book they thought would win the award for this year. Next week the children look forward to celebrating Book Week by dressing up as their favourite story book characters and finding out the winner of the award for 2022. 

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
Dr. Seuss 

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Out of School Hours Care – Term 3 Week 6 Activities

Upcoming activities for Term 3 Week 6 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.