2023 Newsletter Term 04 | Issue 03

The Elouera children have been very excited to see all their wonderful fruit and veggies growing. They have been great at remembering to water all the plants each day and learning about what plants need to grow. Recently they have been very enthusiastic about picking and eating the snow peas and blueberries. We have had lots of discussions about when the fruit and veggies are ready to pick and why. Gardening with the children is a great way to encourage healthy eating. We have also had many conversations about which foods are good for us to eat and why our bodies need them.

— Nina, Rachel, Sarah and Yuko.

This week in Burbangana the children have delighted in the discovery of little apples growing on our apple tree. The outdoor environment is an extension of our classroom where children are able to build on their knowledge through the sensorial experiences of nature and through constant contact with the seasons and the natural world.

— Helen, Teresa & Claire

Being able to interact and play with children their own age, those older and younger is important for a child’s social development.  Through play and group collaboration projects children develop important skills in problem solving, conflict resolution, sharing, kindness and empathy.  Social play helps to develop emotional intelligence which is just as important as academic intelligence.  Emotional intelligence is the key to forming good relationships with others, which is vital to both personal and professional success later in life.

It is beautiful to observe children’s interactions and to help guide them as they navigate their world forming friendships.

– Dawn

Over the past three weeks, some kindergarten children have been gearing up for the big leap to Aikya next year. Twice a week, they have been prepping for the move, generating a buzz of excitement. This concentrated transition will set a solid foundation for their upcoming chapter.

The kindergarten children continue to enjoy weekly reading sessions and bushwalking with the Yani children. The camaraderie extends beyond books, with the older students often seen playing together in the playground, creating delightful moments.

On a practical note, our first-ever bushfire evacuation practice took place recently. The entire primary school marched down to St. Patrick’s, where ICTHM is our designated assembly point, providing a valuable experience for the children to ensure their safety during emergencies.

During the Diwali festival, Harshitha shared the vibrant story of Diwali with the kindergarten children. The focus was on discussions and a hands-on activity, where the children had the opportunity to paint traditional lamps, adding a touch of creativity to the session.

Lastly, I would like to share a heartwarming gesture from one of our children. Noah generously bought lovely gifts from Africa for his peers. Each peer received an animal bookmark, which he purchased with pocket money. It’s a thoughtful and touching gesture, and his peers were overjoyed with the beautiful bookmarks.

As we embrace these transitions and celebrate the enriching experiences within our kindergarten community, I look forward to each child’s continued growth and success.

— Samantha.

With warm regards,

—Toby, Amy and the Aikya Children.

In the past couple of weeks, Oli, Gus, and Tylor have stepped up as the Yani sports managers. Their dedication to organizing and sorting sports equipment has provided playtime with more structure and has showcased the children’s exemplary leadership skills. Their recent presentation to the younger children in the Aikya classroom was a testament to their initiative and ability to guide others. Their efforts not only ensured a well-organized sports area but also inspired their peers with their responsible and proactive approach.

In the field of geometry, our students have been delving into the topic of symmetry. They have shown care and pride in their work as they explore different types of symmetry. The precision and creativity demonstrated in their work are a testament to their understanding and application of geometric concepts.

In addition, some of the students in the Yani classroom have given engaging and enriching presentations to their peers. Watching their classmates confidently present on various subjects has been both inspiring and informative for the entire community. These opportunities for peer-led learning not only foster a deeper understanding of the topics but also empower our students to become confident communicators and educators in their own right.

—Laura & the Yani Team.