ELC, Term 3 Week 6 2026
Things That Fly
Tainmunta’s Term 3 inquiry, “Things That Fly,” grew from the children’s love of making and flying paper planes. They started with a mind map of everything they already knew about things that fly, eagerly contributing ideas such as birds, insects, aeroplanes, helicopters, hot air balloons, kites, butterflies, bats and rockets. The Home Corner became an airport, co-designed with the children to include boarding passes, luggage, a check-in desk, pilot’s cockpit, airport lounge and security checkpoint, a process that saw children share experiences, negotiate ideas and build their understanding of how airports work.
Paper aeroplanes have driven hands-on exploration of flight. Inspired by Harry’s paper aeroplane book from home, the children built planes of different sizes and tested them outside, asking, “Which plane will fly the furthest?” They made predictions, compared distances and discussed how size, wings, speed and wind affect flight. Jonty reasoned, “It’s smaller so it can go faster,” while Logan noted, “The aeroplane has wings and the wind blows it.” Along the way, children have been thinking like scientists and mathematicians, predicting, measuring, comparing, problem-solving and designing.
The inquiry has also boosted oral language and literacy. Children are learning airport vocabulary such as passenger, luggage, pilot, passport, destination, flight attendant, boarding pass, airport tower and using these words in play and conversation. Along with exploring the logos, colours and designs on aeroplanes, interpreting symbols, spotting similarities and differences, and connecting them to their own travel experiences. Through play, collaboration and conversation, the children continue to grow as confident communicators, curious investigators and capable learners.
Kimberly McMahon and Lisa McClymont
Head of Early Childhood and Care and ELC Teacher
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.
ELC Fathers Day Stay & Play – Tuesday 1 September
We are delighted to invite you to our upcoming Pulteney ELC Fathers Day Stay and Play.
Date: Tuesday 1 September
Time: 8.15am – 9.30am
Venue: ELC Classrooms
This is a wonderful opportunity to spend time with your child, engaging in play, reading, making and creating together. It is also a fantastic chance to meet their friends and connect with other ELC families.
We hope to see you there.
Mid-Year ELC Photo day
We are excited to let you know that JRP Group will be coming to Pulteney to take photos of our Mid-Year ELC students Tuesday 1 September from 9.30am. JRP will take a class photo and then an individual portrait of each student.
The photos will be taken in the Kurrajong area.
It would be appreciated if students can please wear their striped rugby jumper with navy shorts or pants. Information will be communicated with families regarding ordering images shortly.
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 |
| Holiday Care Bookings
In consultation with the children, the ELC Educator Team has designed an exciting program for the upcoming term break. Click HERE. Bookings will close on Monday 14 September, please email elc@pulteney.sa.edu.au with your required days. As our staffing is based on confirmed bookings, we are unable to guarantee care for children who have not been booked in advance. If you arrive without a booking, we may need to ask that you make alternative arrangements and take your child home. We appreciate your understanding and support in helping us plan appropriately for all children in our care. Key Details: Important Information: Booking Requests: Please email your booking requests to elc@pulteney.sa.edu.au by Monday 14 September 2026 Term Bookings: Children’s regular term-time bookings will be paused with no charge during the holiday program Return Date: Term 4 begins on Monday 12 October 2026. We look forward to providing your children with an enjoyable holiday care experience. Thank you for your support, |
| Father’s Day Stay and Play
Date – Tuesday 1 September Details – 8.45-9.30 in ELC learning spaces |
| 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 Families who do not book in for care on this day will not be charged. ELC Show Day Care bookings close Mon 31 Aug 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 |
| 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 have been shared, please see Chloe in the ELC Office, if you require support with your booking. |
Kimberly McMahon
Head of Early Childhood Education
Long Lunch Class Basket Donations
Every contribution, big or small, is greatly appreciated and helps raise valuable funds for our School community.