ELC, Term 1 Week 10 2025

International Children’s Book Day

Tomorrow is International Children’s Book Day, a celebration to “inspire a love of reading and to call attention to children’s books”. This is something we hope to do at ELC every day! Our learning spaces are filled with high quality fiction and non-fiction books, children enjoy carefully selected books in classroom group times, and every Monday they visit the Kurrajong Library to hear new and old favourites and select a book to borrow for the week. Through Bookmaking, the ELC children can see themselves as authors, understand how books work, develop drawing and oral language skills, and create texts that communicate their ideas.

Recently Noah wrote a new ending to a familiar story and proudly read it to his teacher. “Stuck Chapter 2. Number 2… Floyd had a very good idea. He called his Baba who shake the tree to get them down. But it didn’t work. He uses his saw to cut the tree down and it worked. The end.”

Regular reading, to and with children, supports their language and literacy growth. Developing a love of reading encourages children to engage in reading again and again, developing their identities as readers and their ability to make meaning from pictures and text.

Parker made an amazing discovery while reading a picture book. “Pink, brown, black and blue” said Parker pointing to the illustrations in a book. “I’m so happy I can read now!… I didn’t know I can read!”

It is a joy to see children beam with pride when they read from pictures, begin to recognise letters or words, or create their own very special stories.

Happy reading everyone!

Parent Buzz Book and Birthday Parties

ELC parents are encouraged to add or update their details on Pulteney’s Parent Portal, and consider giving permission to share their details in the School’s Buzz Book. Including your details in the Buzz Book helps other families to contact you when organising playdates or birthday parties.

Library Borrowing

We kindly ask that families return any library books the children have borrowed by the end of term, ready to borrow new books in Term 2.

Afternoon Tea Menu Feedback

Over the school holidays, the ELC staff will be reviewing our afternoon tea menu and planning a new menu for the cooler months. If you have any feedback about what your child enjoys eating or recipe suggestions, please email Ruby Panizza at ruby.panizza@pulteney.sa.edu.au.

Parenting for School Success: The Everyday Habits That Will Make or Break Your Child’s Academic Journey

Your child’s success at school has far less to do with intelligence than you might think. The habits you build now will shape their entire school experience. So, are they the right ones?

Join us for a free parent information session with Child Development Expert and Occupational Therapist, Dino Mennillo. Dino will share the essential foundations of school readiness and equip you with practical tools you can implement now to support your child’s confidence and success.

What You’ll Learn:

• How routines create a smoother transition to school
• The impact of sleep and diet on learning
• The role of play in building essential skills
• How to support handwriting and early learning development
• Parent roles & expectations in the school journey

Date & Time: Tuesday 6 May 3.30pm
Location: Pulteney Grammar School – Mid-Year Reception Classroom (upstairs)

Bookings essential – RSVP Before 29 April – Book HERE.

Current ELC students will be provided with care during the information seminar if required – booking essential – limited spots available.

Become a Parent Representative

We’re looking for Parent Reps for the ELC! Being a Parent Rep is a great way to connect with other families and be involved in your child’s early learning experience. In this role, you’ll help foster a sense of community by coordinating casual catchups and supporting classroom activities. Any school events you assist with will be supported by our Events Coordinator, so you won’t be organising alone! If you’re interested, we’d love to hear from you. Please speak to Ali Blake or Ruby Panizza to learn more.

Save the Date

Please see the dates below for ELC events this term:

Tuesday 6 May, 3.30pm – Parent Session: ‘Parenting for School Success: The Everyday Habits That Will Make or Break Your Child’s Academic Journey’ with Dino Mennillo, Mid Year Reception Room

Wednesday 7 May, 8.15-9.30am – Stay and Play to celebrate Mums and Special Friends

Friday 23 May – Grandparents and Special Friends Day

Ali Blake
Head of Early Childhood Education and Care