Our Early Learning Programs provide the children with opportunities to connect with the broader community and learn about the world around them.  

Throughout the year we have been discussing the needs of other children who are less fortunate. The children in the Wattle Room have recently been engaged in a project to raise money to provide bedding for the homeless. Following the children’s observations of, and discussions about, homeless people living in our city, the children brainstormed a way to raise money to buy bedding for them. The children decided to create and sell tote bags as a way of doing this. Their drawings were printed onto fabric tote bags and then sold to their families, friends, and community members to raise funds for this important cause. The children were involved in the design phase and collecting/distributing orders. The children were excited to see their funds building and are delighted that they will be able to provide two backpack beds through the organisation Backpack Bed. 

In the coming weeks, we will be commencing a Christmas gift giving project with all ELC classes. The aim is to build the children’s understanding of the importance of giving to others who are unwell at this special time of year.  

Children will be invited to purchase a gift for a child the same age as themselves. Gifts will be placed under the Christmas tree in the ELC Foyer and distributed to families in need via the charity Koala Kids. Koala Kids supports children in Victoria and Tasmania who are undergoing cancer treatment. Further information will be provided to families regarding this project in the coming weeks. 

It is important that children are connected with broader community issues in order develop an understanding of the world around them. This helps the children to make sense of the world in which they live. 

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  The children created and sold tote bags to raise funds to buy beds for the homeless.

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  The children created and sold tote bags to raise funds to buy beds for the homeless.

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  The children created and sold tote bags to raise funds to buy beds for the homeless.

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  The children created and sold tote bags to raise funds to buy beds for the homeless.