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Over the last few weeks each of the classes at the ELC have been engaged in activities that build an understanding of Reconciliation. The theme for this year’s Reconciliation was: Be a voice for Generations. As teachers, building young children’s understanding of Reconciliation can be challenging. Our focus has been on promoting the student’s awareness of Australia’s First Nations and building their respect for their rich cultural heritage. We want this respect, understanding and empathy to go beyond Reconciliation week and NAIDOC week to a deeper appreciation of values such as caring for country, living sustainably, appreciating the innate value of people from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds and seeking to listen to the stories of others.
This ties in with the value of Empathy that we will explore further with the children as part of our involvement in The Resilience Project. Empathy is the ability to see things from another person’s point of view, and that oh so important ability to listen to others. We do see this happening around us at the ELC in the children’s interactions; when they remember that sharing is caring, when children make space for somebody else to sit with them on the mat, or when they invite others to join in with their play. We see that empathy in action when they recognise their actions have hurt somebody else and they say sorry.
This week the children have begun to work together to create their own Acknowledgement of Country. This is a part of each classes’ daily routine, and to build on the meaningfulness of this activity we wanted to work with the students on a statement that is meaningful to them. An acknowledgement that reflects their understanding of the importance of the Ngunnawal people and other First Nation people, and that reflects the things they value and love about Ngunnawal country.
Next Tuesday (13 June) when we return to school after the King’s Birthday long weekend, we will be joining with the students of St Anthony's Primary School in celebrating St Anthony’s feast day. As part of this, students are invited to order a Pasta Tuck Day lunch from the canteen. Please see this linked information about ordering pasta lunch for your child on this day. All orders close THIS Friday, 9 June.
Don't forget to register for The Resilience Project (TRP) live webiner on Wednesday 14th June, 7.00pm-8.00pm.
As part of our 2023 partnership with The Resilience Project, you are invited to attend a ‘Discovering Resilience’ live webinar with Martin Heppell.
Martin, who is also a parent of young children will talk about ways to support the mental health of your whole family in his fun, high energy presentation. He will share practical strategies that families can implement every day focussing on The Resilience Project’s GEM principles (Gratitude, Empathy, Mindfulness and Emotional Literacy).
Keep an eye out for the Holiday Program that will be sent out soon!
We will have limited spots available for occasional casual spots and these will open up in week 8.
Did you know that from July 10 there are important changes to the Child Care Subsidy (CCS).
Click here for a fact sheet from Services Australia and visit their website for more information.
You can head to the CCS Calculator at StartingBlocks.gov.au to find out what their future rates may be.
