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National Simultaneous Storytime
“I have a passion for teaching kids to become readers, to become comfortable with a book, not daunted. Books shouldn’t be daunting, they should be funny, exciting and wonderful.”
Roald Dahl
Children learn to love the sound of language before they even notice the existence of printed words on a page. Reading books aloud to children stimulates their imagination and expands their understanding of the world. It sparks particular parts of their brain that build cognition and strengthen neurological pathways. It helps them develop language and listening skills and prepares them to understand the written word. When the rhythm and melody of language become a part of a child's life, learning to read will be as natural as learning to walk and talk.
This year the students participated in the National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) It is held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country. Now in its 20th successful year, it is a colourful, vibrant, fun event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy, using an Australian children's book that explores age-appropriate themes, and addresses key learning areas of the National Curriculum for Foundation to Year 6.
By facilitating NSS we aim to:
- promote the value of reading and literacy,
- promote the value and fun of books,
- promote an Australian writer and publisher,
- promote storytime activities in public libraries and communities around the country,
- and provide opportunities to involve parents, grandparents, the media and others to participate in and enjoy the occasion.
National Reconciliation Week
In 2020, Reconciliation Australia marks twenty years of shaping Australia’s journey towards a more just, equitable and reconciled nation. This year also marks the twentieth anniversary of the reconciliation walks of 2000, when people came together to walk on bridges and roads across the nation and show their support for a more reconciled Australia. The ELC students walked alongside the ‘big’ kids at St Anthony’s around the oval and enjoyed cheering ‘Reconciliation all across the Nation!’.
In class the students have enjoyed activities that included dot painting, listening to Dreamtime stories, finding out about bush tucker and attempting to throw a boomerang. All of these experiences deepened their understanding of Aboriginal culture and expanded their connection to caring for our Country and each other.
As always, we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and Australians now benefit from the efforts and contributions of people committed to reconciliation in the past. Today we work TOGETHER to further that national journey towards a fully reconciled country. Our Preschoolers worked together to make a loose parts collage. This teamwork encouraged positive interactions, great discussion and wonderful cooperation.
As restrictions ease we have been advised by Catholic Education aligned to current Health Guidelines that we can again explore ‘Beyond the fence’. We will therefore commence our Nature Walks to the nearby pineforest and local playgrounds beginning this week. Excursions to the local shops will NOT resume until it is safe to visit shopping centres and associated areas in greater numbers. This term, the students will continue to supply their own fruit break, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea; if they attend After School Care (ASC). Please ensure that you supply your child with ample food for all food breaks. As we head into colder weather a reminder that we do not heat up food, however your child is welcome to bring food in a small thermos. During the months of June and July the students are not expected to wear hats outside or apply regular sunscreen.
Drop off and pick up will continue from the foyer with all current physical distancing and hygiene practices to continue. Thanks again for your support with these procedures and for keeping your child at home if they are unwell.
St Anthony’s Feast Day will be celebrated next Friday 12th of June. We will keep you posted via Szapp about upcoming events that will include a pizza lunch (ordered through QKR).
Although our official Enrolment period is now closed, families may still enrol online. We would welcome your support to ‘spread the word’ about our wonderful, inclusive ELC and encourage any friends or family to contact us if they are looking for a Preschool place for 2021.
God bless.
A big Happy Birthday Miss Asmaa and Kevin who recently celebrated their birthday!
We hope you had a fabulous day
The ELC Holiday Care Program will be run from Monday 6th - Friday 17th July.
The booking form and program outline can be accessed via this link. Please complete the form and return it by email or in person to the office by Monday 29th June.
You are welcome to book in for as many days as required and they do not have to coincide with the your childs usual preschool days. Please be aware that the government ECEC relief package is due to cease over this holiday period and charged fees will vary in accordance with this. Please contact us in the office if you have any questions.
Click here to read about some of the happenings in the after school care program. They are spending less time indoors as the weather has cooled however that is not slowing down the fun.
