2023 Newsletter Term 03 | Issue 04

In Elouera the children have been showing a love of books. We have been fostering this interest by reading books at group times, one on one and giving children time for independent exploration of the books. The books are easily accessible for all children to look at and investigate various topics that they are interested in; as often as they like.

Reading and storytelling helps the children learn about speech sounds, words, language, pictures and books. Reading stories stimulates imagination, develops social skills and helps the children to learn about the world.

— Nina, Rachel, Sarah and Yuko.

Gross motor development- during our outdoor exploration time, many of the children enjoy the challenge of our monkey bars. This activity is not only supportive of fine and gross motor development as well as coordination, it is an amazing demonstration of the persistence and determination young children have. There have been many blisters on hands and band-aids applied. However, these children come back for more and are determined to reach the end one bar at a time!

— Helen, Teresa & Claire

Celebrating Nature Book Week has focused everyone’s attention on our library of amazing reference books.  As we explored the question ‘what is nature?’, we looked more closely at animals, birds and plants.  Choosing to read nature books to children can help them understand more about the environment alongside building their interest in and curiosity about nature.  It also fires up my little eco warriors even more to want to be kind to all creatures and protect our beautiful planet.

– Dawn

On August 30th, our excursion to the Coastal Environment Centre was an incredible journey of exploration and discovery. The children were amazed by the preserved taxidermy animals, used binoculars to observe birds, learned about water’s impact on the environment, and took part in activities highlighting the human impact on coastal areas. We also enjoyed a walk along Turimetta Beach and explored the North Narrabeen Rock Platform, which was a real highlight. It was a sun-filled day of adventure and learning that enriched both children and educators.

We want to express our gratitude to all the fathers who joined us for the Father’s Day morning tea. It was wonderful to see dads spending quality time with their children, taking pride in their work. Your presence made the day special, and we appreciate your active involvement in your child’s education.

We also took the time to discuss the remarkable life and work of Maria Montessori, whose innovative educational approach has inspired educators worldwide. To honour her memory, we gathered the children and read a book that encapsulated her vision for hands-on, child-centred learning, igniting their curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.

In language activities, the children explored Jeannie Baker’s unique collage-style picture books, which was a new and exciting experience for them. They sharpened their storytelling skills, showcasing impressive observations and an understanding of narrative elements. They then had the chance to create their own collage-style picture books, pouring creativity into these projects. Sharing their stories with peers highlighted their growth and empowerment, underscoring the positive impact of encouragement and support.

During our math activities, the children explored geometric shapes in both 2D and 3D. They eagerly identified these shapes in their surroundings and had a great time creating their own 3D shapes using popsicle sticks and blu tack. This made learning both fun and engaging.

— Samantha.

We hope this newsletter finds you well and filled with the joys of the changing seasons. It’s been an exciting and eventful couple of weeks here at Aikya. We’re thrilled to share our latest adventures and discoveries with you.

Excursion to Coastal Environment Centre in Dee Why

We started our recent activities with our excursion with the Kindergarten children to the Coastal Environment Centre in Dee Why. We explored the wonders of our coastal ecosystem, from rock pools teeming with marine life to the rich history of the area. Our students engaged in hands-on learning experiences, deepening their understanding of the natural world. It was a fantastic opportunity for them to apply their knowledge and curiosity beyond the walls of our classroom.

Father’s Day Morning Tea: 

One of the highlights of the past two weeks was celebrating the wonderful fathers in our community with a heartfelt Father’s Day morning tea. It was a heartwarming experience to see the joy on their faces as they shared their workcycle with their fathers and other special guests. It was a lovely reminder of the importance of family and the bonds that make our community so special.

Independent Learning and Montessori Materials

Our children continue to thrive in their independent learning journey. The Montessori materials play a crucial role in fostering their development, and it’s a joy to witness their increased confidence and proficiency in using these materials. Their ability to engage in self-directed work and problem-solving is truly inspiring.

Celebrating Maria Montessori’s Birthday

Maria Montessori’s birthday was an occasion for meaningful conversations with the children about the philosophy that guides our classroom. We reflected on her profound educational contributions and discussed the importance of nurturing each child’s unique potential. The children were eager to share their thoughts and observations about their own learning experiences.

Guided Bushwalks and the Arrival of Spring

As we welcome the arrival of spring, we look forward to embarking on guided bushwalks in our surrounding area. Exploring seasonal growth and observing nature’s transformation is a wonderful way to connect with the environment and deepen our appreciation for the world around us. It’s a great opportunity for the children to observe the changing seasons up close and to connect their learning to the natural world.

We are filled with gratitude for the vibrant learning community that surrounds us, and we can’t wait to continue this journey of exploration and discovery with our wonderful students.

Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm for Montessori education at Aikya. Together, we are nurturing inquisitive minds and fostering a love of learning that will last an lifetime.

—Toby, Amy and the Aikya Children.

Dear Families,

As always, we have a lot of wonderful updates to share with you as we come to the end of another great term.

Children Raising Funds through the Cake and Book Stall at the Open Day – The young members of the Yani community actively contributed to the success of the recent Open Day. They took charge of coordinating a cake stall, book stall, and art station. Their meticulous planning and effective execution yielded positive results, thanks to the generous support of our community. The Open Day not only allowed the children to actively engage with the visitors but also served as a wonderful platform for them to demonstrate their creativity and teamwork skills.

Slovakian Food Cooking Session by Children – The children have been celebrating diversity and embracing cultures from around the world through cooking projects this term. For their Food Safari last week, our students had the unique opportunity to explore Slovakian cuisine in a fun and educational cooking session. In preparation for the cooking, they participated in a going out session to shop the ingredients. Our enthusiastic young chefs prepared and served the dish ‘Lokse’. It was a delightful experience and we look forward to more such opportunities next term.

The Study of Leaves – As part of Botany, the children have embarked on a fascinating study of leaves and have been exploring the diversity of leaves found in North Head. The study involved identifying various leaf shapes, sizes, and textures, as well as understanding their functions and ecological significance. The children have undertaken unique projects and art to further their understanding of leaves.

We look forward to welcoming Laura back in our classroom and excited for camp next term.

—The Yani Team.