ELC, Term 4 Week 2 2026

Yulti: Growing Connections

What began as a simple question, “Where do trees come from?” led the Yulti class on a journey filled with wonder, theories, investigation and boundless curiosity.

As we explored this question together, it naturally led us to wonder about our class name, Yulti, and to discover that it is the Kaurna word for stringybark. The children had many ideas and theories about trees that they were eager to share with their peers and teachers.

“If you give a tree a cracker as a gift, it will help them to grow.” – Maeve

“Trees are special because they have bark.” – Gigi

“All fruit grows on trees.” – Mila

“They grow really high and they have branches.” – George

“Birds live at the top of trees.” – Lucy

“Trees come from my garden. They can’t walk away, they just stay.” – Ava

As their interest grew, the children of Yulti class represented their developing understandings of trees in many ways, using the hundred languages of children through clay, paint, drawing and construction. Together we closely observed the trees in our Inparrila courtyard, noticing their shapes, textures and the life they supported.

Our ongoing inquiry deepened the children’s connection to our class name, and soon a new question emerged: Could we find any Yulti trees nearby?

After connecting with the Adelaide City Council, we discovered that stringybark trees were growing in the Parklands, but a little too far away for our young explorers to visit on foot. As often happens in inquiry learning, one question led to unexpected opportunities. Through the generosity of our local community, an exciting possibility emerged: the chance to plant our very own Yulti trees close to school.

On Tuesday, with great excitement, the children set off to meet Sam and Mark from the council. Armed with gardening gloves, spades and bucket loads of enthusiasm, we embarked on our adventure. Along the way, the children admired the trees around them, noticing trunks, leaves, branches and the remarkable height of the magnificent plant life surrounding us. They listened for birds amongst the branches and marvelled at the habitats trees provide.

The children carefully helped prepare the planting holes by adding plant food and water granules before positioning each tree in its new home. They gently pushed soil around the roots, covered it carefully, spread mulch and finally enjoyed the much-anticipated task of thoroughly watering each tree.

As we stood back and admired our newly planted Yulti trees, we reflected on just how far this learning journey had taken us. What began as a question about where trees come from had unfolded into an investigation of language, place, community and belonging. Over two terms, the children have demonstrated an extraordinary capacity to wonder, research, observe and care for the living world around them.

Rather than concluding our inquiry, planting our Yulti trees has opened new possibilities. The children’s attention has now turned towards seeds, flowers and the intricate ways living things grow, change and connect with one another. We eagerly wonder what questions will emerge next.

In many ways, the Yulti trees now stand as living symbols of this learning journey. Just like the children, they have been carefully nurtured by a community that values curiosity, connection and growth. We look forward to visiting them in the years ahead, watching them flourish alongside the children’s ever-growing understanding of the world and their place within it.

Kimberly McMahon, Lilli Heard and Vanessa Couche
Head of Early Childhood and Care and ELC Teachers

Contact information and Details

If any of your contact details or your child’s medical details have changed please contact Ms Chloe Moir at ELC@pulteney.sa.edu.au, or 882165566.

Enrolments

If you are looking to enrol a sibling of a current ELC child, please complete an application form via the school’s website. We are currently placing 2028 enrolments.

Extended Care Bookings

If you require the same extended care bookings each week could you please confirm with Chloe, in the ELC office that the bookings are recurring. This allows us to appropriately staff our extended care program. Thank you for your support.

Save the Date Term 3 and 4:

 ELC, Reception and Year 1 Pulteney Families Christmas Picnic

Pack your picnic basket and join us for a merry little family Christmas picnic!
Sunday 1 November 2026 | 10am – 12pm
Marshmallow Park Playspace | Glen Osmond Road, Adelaide
Cost $15 per child | Includes face painting and gift from Santa
BYO Picnic Basket
RSVP before 18 October 2026 Booking Link: HERE