A positive start to school 

Posted on 27 August, 2018

From three to five-years-old, children’s lives are filled with developmental milestones, whether it be a growing vocabulary or a more curious mind.

Nurturing that unique phase of early childhood is at the heart of the Canberra Girls Grammar Early Learning Centre (ELC); with its large learning spaces, multi-sensory environment and high-quality curriculum all blending to create a safe and welcoming space.

Catering for children from three to five years of age, the ELC program focuses on tapping into children’s natural sense of curiosity and creativity, providing them with lots of engaging experiences to help them learn about the world around them and their place within it.

“Early childhood is a really important phase of development and anyone who has encountered a three or four-year-old knows how inquisitive and curious they are,” says ELC Director Kate Columbine.

“We seek to harness this and build upon it, helping children develop a positive view of themselves and positive associations with learning. I think we have a unique context for doing this, with our strong connections to the Junior School and support of the wider CGGS community.”

On 1 September the ELC will hold an open morning, providing parents and children with the opportunity to experience the centre first-hand.
“The open morning will provide interested families with the opportunity to really get a feel for what we are all about,” Kate says.

“The current classrooms and outdoor play space will be available for children to explore, and staff will be available to speak with families to answer any individual questions they may have. We’ll also have fun activities set up for the children to engage in while visiting.”

Kate says students in the ELC enjoy all the benefits gained from the close proximity of the Junior School, including weekly library and music sessions with specialist teachers in the Junior School facilities and regular visits to other aspects of the Junior School such as the vegetable gardens and buddy visits.

“We have a strong focus on foundation literacy and numeracy skills, and seek to provide children with opportunities to develop these skills through fun and engaging play-based activities,” Kate says.

Growing demand has resulted in an expansion of the centre set to be completed before term one next year, which will include an additional three classrooms and new staff facilities.

“There is a multipurpose wet/art area off of each classroom that will provide a great space for creative experiences, messy science activities and group work,” says Kate.

“There are also two additional outdoor play spaces being developed as part of the expansion; one on the ground floor, and one on the upper floor.
“These will provide wonderful outdoor classroom environments, meaning we can take learning outside and children can continue to explore, create and be imaginative.”

the essentials 

What: Canberra Girls Grammar Early Learning Centre Open Morning
When: Saturday 1 September, 9.30 am – 11 am
Where: CGGS Early Learning Centre, Grey Street, Deakin
Web: cggs.act.edu.au/elcopenmorning

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