ELC, Term 3 Week 5 2026
Splash, Squelch, Splash: Muddy Puddle Season Has Arrived!
The recent heavy rain has stirred up a wave of excitement at Yartangka Bush Kindy, with muddy puddles quickly becoming the highlight of the day. One of our children has taken on the important job of “puddle tester,” carefully reporting back on each puddle’s depth and just how sticky the mud really is.
Watching the children work through this is a joy in itself. They conduct their own mini risk assessments such as dipping a toe in at the edge, then wading a little further to gauge the depth, using the height of their gumboots as a handy measuring stick. Sometimes the water wins, sneaking over the boot tops for a proper wet-sock moment! Along the way, the children have been building their vocabulary too, describing puddles as “deep” or “shallow” and deciding for themselves whether to splash on through or stay safely on the edge.
The wondering doesn’t stop at the puddle’s surface, either. One curious mind posed a big question: “What if all the puddles were connected? It would be one big puddle.” A wonderful reminder of how these simple moments in nature spark critical thinking and imagination.
Beyond the fun, muddy puddle play is doing a lot of quiet, important work. It supports overall wellbeing, helps build immunity, and strengthens physical skills like balance and coordination, especially when the mud gets extra sticky and staying upright becomes its own little challenge!
Most of all, though, it’s simply wonderful to watch the children’s delight as they dive into the mud, one puddle at a time.
Kimberly McMahon and Jenny Brozel
Head of Early Childhood and Care and Educational Lead/Yartangka Teacher
ELC Show Day Care Key Details
Friday 11 September is a whole school closure day. The ELC will be open for a ‘holiday care program’ for families who require care.
Date: Friday 11 September
Opening Hours: 7.30am – 6.00pm
Location: ELC Tainmunta and Yulti classrooms
Rate: $137.00 flat rate (includes early drop off from 7.30am and late pick up before 6.00pm)
Families who do not book in for care on this day will not be charged.
ELC Show Day Care bookings close Monday 31 August
Bookings will close, Monday 31 August, for ELC care on the School’s Show Day on Friday 11 September.
If you require care for your child on this day, please email Chloe at elc@pulteney.sa.edu.au
Policies for family feedback
As part of our quality processes, families are invited to feedback on ELC policies from time to time. We currently have updated and draft policies for review at the ELC Policy Review Point. If you are interested in reviewing and commenting, please call in to the ELC Office.
Save the Date Term 3:
| Book Week dress up day and Parade
The ELC children are looking forward to celebrating Book Week on Friday 28 August at 10:00am. This year’s Children’s Book Week theme is “Symphony of Stories,” and the children have been enjoying exploring the shortlisted books during their ELC library visits. Book Week is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the joy of reading, storytelling and imagination. Children are invited to come dressed as their favourite book character. We kindly ask that costumes are comfortable, easy to remove for toileting and suitable for SunSmart practices. On the day, children will gather in their classrooms before parading together to the Kurrajong Lawn, where we look forward to celebrating this special event as an ELC and Junior School community. Parents are welcome to attend. Children who do not attend ELC on Fridays are welcome to attend, please note a family member must be present and is responsible for their supervision. We look forward to seeing the many colourful and creative costumes. The ELC staff are also busy planning their own costumes and cannot wait to celebrate this special day with the children! Date – Friday 28 August Details – 10am Kurrajong Grassed Area |
| Father’s Day Stay and Play
Date – Tuesday 1 September Details – 8.45-9.30 in ELC learning spaces |
| Learning Conferences
Semester 2 Learning Conferences will be held in Week 7 and provide an important opportunity for students, parents and teachers to reflect on progress, celebrate achievements and discuss goals for the remainder of the year. For all students, ELC-Year 12, please note the following dates:
Booking information and conference links will be shared with families closer to the date. |
Kimberly McMahon
Head of Early Childhood Education
Long Lunch Class Basket Donations
- Make a monetary donation online, allowing the organising committee to curate beautiful hampers; or
- Donate an item, with collection baskets available in all ELC and Junior School classrooms.
