Early Learning Centre Report

2022 began with great excitement. Children returning for another year burst through the doors, keen to be back amongst their friends. New children embarking on their very first experience of the ELC quickly became involved in the many activities and soon developed enduring friendships and relationships with others in their group. It was wonderful to see the ELC classes back to full attendance following the last few years of limited access due to the pandemic.

The Centre exists to support young children in an environment that offers the highest quality programs in a quest to maximise children’s potential in all areas of development. Experienced teachers and educators, together with the PLC community, have all been participators in these programs and have been actively involved in helping children learn how to learn. Throughout the year, children and teachers shared many special moments; some evolved spontaneously from a comment or individual interest, while other experiences were intentionally planned for as part of the extensive early childhood curriculum. Everyone had something to share and something to learn. Teachers and children researched and collaborated together and were always open to new ideas and thoughts.

From the very beginning of the year, family involvement was actively encouraged with many parents attending the Welcome Barbeque, Mother’s and Father’s Day Morning Teas, Easter Parades and Family Picnics.

During the year there have been many highlights and projects that have stimulated the children’s interest. This was particularly evident for our three Pre-Prep classes when they presented their annual concert, entitled The Secret Garden, for their families during the final week of Term 2. The children of Glengarry, Balgonie and Carnell had been investigating PLC’s extensive outdoor environment, and this wonderful event, featuring all 89 PrePrep children, was a culmination of their discoveries and learning. The children’s interest was initially ignited when the Pre-Preps were introduced to the ELC’s vegetable gardens and began planting various vegetables and herbs. This led to numerous discussions about the many plants and creatures that inhabit our gardens and outdoor spaces. The excursion to the Royal Botanic Gardens further complemented and extended their understanding.

Many excursions and visiting performers provided possibilities for first-hand experiences and hands-on learning. The children’s understanding of the world widened to embrace various artistic performances and community roles. Visitors to the Centre included storytellers, puppeteers, musical troupes, magic acts and a Dog Safety presentation, which ensured that the children approached dogs in a responsible manner. The various incursions always delighted and enthralled the Kindergarten and Pre-Prep children.

Excursions to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edendale Community Environment Farm and Bundoora Park Farm were a valuable addition to the program and stimulated ongoing interest.

Another highlight was the Pre-Prep Sports Day held on the Junior School Oval in mid-November. Many parents attended this spectacular occasion and cheered as they watched the children participate in a number of special activities. Events included sprints, hurdle races, ball bouncing circuits and bean bag wheel and weaving relays.

This year we were very fortunate to be able to renovate the large play space to the rear of the ELC. Teachers and children were involved in many discussions throughout the past year about the new landscaping and areas for inclusion, and a great deal of thought, time and effort went into planning for challenging and stimulating experiences.

Our new playground is a wonderful addition to the ELC footprint and one that reflects the importance of learning in and from nature. This new ‘outdoor classroom’ has quickly become a fabulous space to explore, investigate, and discover. It offers children an authentic, hands-on engagement with the outside world, one which invites them to challenge and extend their capabilities.

Staff believe in the possibilities of all children and ensure that their rights to the best education are recognised. At the PLC Early

Learning Centre the richness of different cultures and the value of each individual child’s contribution are celebrated.

We thank all ELC parents and other members of the broader PLC community for joining us on this special journey. Together we have worked to provide the best learning outcomes for each and every child.

Deborah Hendren Head of Early Learning