Reddam ELS St Leonards

Reddam ELS St Leonards 8th December 2023

Principal's Message by Mrs Vicki Bakes This week has been extremely special for our Reddam Community. The children thoroughly enjoyed performing in their End of Year Celebrations.

Heartfelt thanks to all our families for taking the time to attend the concerts and for your ongoing support throughout the year, it is much appreciated.Thank you also to our amazing staff who offer incredible experiences each and every day, it is an absolute pleasure to be surrounded by such creativity. Wishing you all a very happy and healthy holiday and for those returning, we look forward to welcoming you back in the New Year.

Stage 4R Farewell Class of 2023!

It has been a fabulous year! We have learnt, laughed, explored and encouraged each other during the year to be the best we can be. It has been a great pleasure educating Stage 4R children this year. They are a wonderful group of children who are engaged with their learning and always welcoming to each other and new-comers. I have no hesitation with them all moving onto new adventures next year, where I know they will thrive and flourish. I wish you all the best for your future learning adventures and starting your school journey by going to kindergarten! Good bye and good luck! I miss you all already!!!

From Riina and Robyn

Stage 4E As we draw closer to the end of the year it's time to reflect on the year we have had. We began Term 1 by exploring The Human Body. The children dived deep into this topic, exploring to discover the bones in their body, the functions of the organs and the roles they play in their body and the importance of healthy food and nutrition. Each child had the opportunity to be an independent learner, problem solve and develop their teamwork skills during this term.

Term 2 took us on a whirlwind adventure to learn about the planet. This included the characteristics of living and non-living things in our environment, and the impact of people's choices on the environment. The children were encouraged to develop an understanding of the needs of living things and the responsibilities they have towards living things. During this term, the children will be asked a variety of inquiry-based questions such as "How do we know it is living?" and "What living things need to survive" to extend their curiosity and interest. They encouraged them to develop an understanding of the needs of living things and what their responsibilities are to keep our natural world healthy and safe.

Term 3 took us on a trip around the world! Teachers encouraged children to explore, be curious and investigate, fostering imagination and flexibility of the mind. What do we look like? What are my special features and where do I come from? Identity is unique to each individual and defines who people are. Having a sense of group identity as well as personal identity also helps a child feel a sense of belonging. It has been beautiful watching every child explore, work hard, play hard and develop confident self- identities to be the best version of themselves.

Lastly Term 4. As Stage 4 are going to school in the new year we have made School Readiness the focal point of the children’s learning during our last term. Beginning school is a huge step for young children and assisting them with transition to school is essential in their journey to continue to be successful, confident and independent learners.

This year the children have learned so much together. They have worked hard, played hard and grown by leaps and bounds. They have learned to appreciate and celebrate each other's differences.

Their kindness to one another is one of the things I love most about them.

I give you your child back a little older, a little bit taller, a whole lot smarter! It has been my pleasure and privilege to watch them grow and learn day by day. This year with have lived, loved, laughed and learned. We have become a family. I have done my best to keep your child safe and happy this school year. I have enjoyed all the hugs, smiles and kind words your child has shared with me.

I just want to thank all the parents and families for entrusting me with your minis. This year has been a big one for them, adjusting and preparing them for kindergarten in 2024. I look forward to the day when I hear that familiar name linked to great accomplishments.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Lots of Love Emily Brazel and Lili Zhang

Stage 4D “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself any direction you choose.

You're on your own. And you know what you know.

And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...” – Dr Seuss Dear Stage Four, I can’t believe that it is already time to start saying goodbye! We have grown, learnt, laughed, built and strengthened friendships, and made so many beautiful memories that I am sure you will treasure for many years to come.

Throughout this year you have explored our natural world through our learning provocations on minibeasts, ocean life, sustainability and discovered the journey our food goes on to get to our plates.

You investigated the topics of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics through experimentation, play, in-depth discussions and investigations. You took on the responsibility of preparing for school as you attended orientations, discussed primary school expectations and continued to build upon and refine your classroom skills.

Your favourite things this year have been; playing with magnets, pretend play as animals and insects, learning to read and write, experimenting with face paint, playing soccer, singing and dancing to music, drawing, your teachers and friends, and searching for our cheeky Christmas Elf. We are so proud of all you have learnt and achieved in 2023 and feel truly grateful to be part of your early education.

It has been such a joy teaching and caring for you all this year and Miss Nat and Miss Sarah have truly cherished each one of you!

We wish you all the best on your new learning journey at Primary School and look forward to hearing about your new adventures.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Lots of love from, Miss Sarah and Miss Natalie.

Stage 3/4 To my dearest Stage 3/4 families, As the school year is coming to an end, I want to take a moment to say thank you.

Thank you for sharing your pride and joy with me. It has been an absolute honour to watch your child grow over the year. I have done my best to keep your child safe, happy and always ensured their needs were met. I have enjoyed all the running hugs, smiles, games, and kind words your child has shared with me.

I have so many memories from across the year. Beginning in term 1, we explored self-identity, which we learnt is unique to each person and defines who we are. We explored as a community which gave the children a sense of belonging to their new stage ¾ environment.

Term 2 we set to work and study in Space! Your children developed their critical thinking skills, teamwork abilities, literacy, and numeracy skills as well as problem solving. It was a privilege to see their little minds explode with wonder and excitement through each investigation task of planets, the sun, stars, astronauts and rocket ships. I think we can all agree that the highlight of the term was our Space Disco!

In term 3 to dived into ‘Our Planet’, the children were encouraged to investigate and discover the wonders of our planet, and the animals and plants that we share our world with. It was remarkable to see the children be more conscious of their recycling and rubbish usage throughout the day and their confidence to freely explore their world with new found wonder and knowledge.

Lastly, as the children are getting ready for Stage 4, we set out to engage and investigate in various preschool readiness activities and experiences. Beginning another class is a huge step for the children, and I am sure that your child is ready for this transition feeling more motivated, confident, independent, and ready to be successful.

I want to say thank you for supporting all my efforts and ideas. Thank you for the reassuring words and kind emails that I have received. It has made all that I have done just that bit more special.

Thank you for getting up early and driving through the rain and wind to make sure your child made it to school on time. For taking the time to read and sign all the email and forms that have come home, and for reading with your child and helping them learn.

Last but not least, thank you for giving me the opportunity to love your child. It’s with happy memories I send your child back to you with full minds and full hearts. They have all grown in leaps and bounds and have grown to appreciate and accept each other for who they are. Their kindness and thrive for learning are what I love most about them.

I wish them well, and ill cherish them, as they walk out the door. Know for certain wherever they go, they are in my heart to stay.

Stage 3E Dear families, "You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes, you can steer yourself any direction you choose." Dr. Seuss Words are not enough to express my gratitude after this wonderful year getting to know your little ones better every day. What drives us is the shiny eyes when they arrive to discover and explore new things every single day, the curious hands to touch and discover new textures, the listening years that pick up every single word we say and the kind friends they are to each other and towards the teachers. Having a partnership between families and teachers is essential to achieve great milestones and I am so thankful for the partnership and the support I've got throughout the year.

Stage 3E 2023 was a vibrant class, full of energy and keen to explore and share more and more everyday.

In the name of my wonderful team, I would like to thank you for all the shared experiences and conversations we exchanged this year. Laura, Amy & I wish you a wonderful Christmas and the happiest of the new years. May the new year be filled with joy, and new adventures.

Best wishes,Ms Carolina, Laura & Amy

Stage 2/3 & 3R A Letter to Our Stage 2/3 and 3R Children As the end of the school year approaches, we find ourselves reflecting on the incredible journey we've shared together. It’s with mixed emotions that we bid farewell to our wonderful Stage 2/3 and 3R children.

Throughout this time, we’ve witnessed your growth, both academically and personally. Your curiosity, creativity, and resilience have been truly inspiring. Each one of you has contributed in your unique way to our classroom, school, and community, leaving an indelible mark that will be cherished.

We have watched you embrace challenges, celebrate successes, and support each other through highs and lows. Your enthusiasm for learning and your determination to overcome obstacles have been remarkable. Remember, as you move forward, to hold onto these qualities that make you shine.

While we will miss your presence in our classroom, we are excited about the adventures that await you in the next phase of your educational journey. Always remember that you carry with you the knowledge, skills, and memories from this time. They will serve as a foundation for your future endeavours.

As you step into the next chapter of your lives, we want you to know that our doors are always open for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out whenever you need guidance, support, or simply to share your achievements.

Congratulations on completing this stage of your education at Reddam! We are immensely proud of each and every one of you.

Wishing you all the best for the future. May your path ahead be filled with joy, success, and fulfilment.

With heartfelt wishes, Gabby, Fion, Cecilia, Shy, Veny, Ariel and Rachel

Stage 2E "How did it get so late so soon?

It's night before it's afternoon.

December is here before it's June.

My goodness how the time has flewn!

How did it get so late so soon?”

- Dr Seuss To the wonderful children and families of Stage 2E 2023, What an incredible year it has been! They say times flies when you're having fun, and the past 11 months have been a testament to that, as I cannot believe we are already at the end of term four.

Looking back over the year, we are so proud of how far each child has come; the skills they have gained, the challenges they have faced, the friendships they have formed, and the bright and happy dispositions they bring into our classroom each day.

Thank you to all the parents and families for all your support over the year. Thank you for entrusting us with your children each day. Thank you for sharing the funny stories and photos and moments with us, and allowing us to do the same back.

Over the next few weeks as we wind down for the year we will be cherishing every moment with these beautiful children. There will be preparations for next year, but there will also be towers to build, pictures to draw, songs to sing, dance parties to let loose, and precious moments to share with each other.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year, Lots of love, Maddie, Chandrika, Noemi, Kriziel, Suelen and Anne

Stage 2R Farewell from the Stage 2R Teachers!

As we approach the end of this remarkable year, we as stage 2R teachers wanted to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude and share some reflections on the incredible progress and growth that each of our children has achieved in Stage 2R. This year has been an extraordinary journey filled with fun learning, exploration, and discovery. We are immensely proud of each one of our children for their hard work, determination, and enthusiasm in embracing new challenges and expanding their horizons, from their increased confidence in expressing themselves to their sharpened self helping skills, it's been truly inspiring to watch their growth unfold.

To the parents and guardians, your unwavering support and encouragement have played an integral role in our children’s success. Your involvement and partnership in their education have undoubtedly contributed to their achievements, and for that, we are incredibly grateful.

As we bid farewell to this year and look forward to the new adventures that the coming year holds, we are filled with excitement for what lies ahead, and we have no doubt that our children will continue to flourish in the years to come.

To our incredible stage 2R children, thank you for all the beautiful memories we've created together.

We wish you all to continue to embrace new opportunities, and keep nurturing your curiosity, kindness, and determination, for these qualities will continue to guide you towards success.

May the coming year be filled with joy, learning, and endless possibilities. We eagerly anticipate seeing the continued growth and success of each one of our Stage 2R children.

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season and a bright, promising year ahead!

From Malini, Chisa, Cayla and Jorjia!

Stage 1D What an incredible year we've had in Stage 1D. Having the opportunity to teach each child this year has been a great privilege. They all have experienced an amazing year filled with learning, exploring, and discovery. The children’s eagerness to learn and curiosity resulted in some incredible provocations.

The first term's topic was diffraction in animal habitats, and everyone enjoyed, welcomed and loved our classroom fish. In the second term, we introduced S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) to the kids, and they thoroughly loved all of our exciting experiments. In term three, we went on a discovery expedition and learned about Community Helpers. Lastly, in term four, everyone enjoyed participating in every celebration that fostered a sense of belonging.

Thank you for entrusting us your little ones’ development and education during their early years.

They all have grown into unique individuals. We have developed such tender and lovely relationships with each of them as their little personalities have grown. While ending a school year is never easy, we take comfort in the knowledge that we have made a difference in raising your lovely children. We are extremely appreciative that we were a part of their path, and we are confident that as they pursue their learning journey, they will only get better.

We want to express our gratitude to all of the parents for their help and generosity this year. We hope you all have a wonderful holiday season!

Stage 1R & 1E Dear Stage 1R & 1E Families It the end of a year and we say farewell to our delightful children from1R and 1E I am very grateful that all the families have been so understanding and supportive throughout this year, as we had a few challenges and now we look forward to a new and wonderful beginning for our Reddam Children and families.

Throughout this year Children have explored our natural world through our learning provocation on soil, sticks, rocks, seashells, playdough, colours and other relative topics. Children had opportunities to explore different things through touching, observing, holding and stamping. We also had some special classes, Drama, My GYM, Yoga and Piano, where they can develop physical movements, fine motor skills, imagination, art and language. It is great to see that 1R and 1E have flourished in the journey of learning here at Reddam. Children engaged in exploring sensory activities to creating masters of artwork. Truly a wonderful way to learning new and wonderful experiences and we have seen the Children using their gross motor skills on the balancing beams, climbing up and down the slide as well as kicking balls. Also learning new self-independent skills in how to manipulate spoons during mealtimes. Well done everyone!

Our Children have their favourite songs that have really enjoyed singing throughout the year. The Wheels on the bus, Baby Shark, Open and shut, Hot potatoes, Who took the cookies from the cookie jar?;

We also had favourite things to do in our back garden, playing toy trucks and diggers, pushing prams, riding bicycles, playing with wooden slides, reading and playing with the musical instruments.

We are so proud of all of you have learnt and achieved in 2023 and we feel truly grateful to be part of your Children’s journey of learning here at Reddam Early Learning School.

It has been such a joy teaching and caring and we wish you all the best for next year.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Love from, Mrs Amanda and Ms Mary