‘Logic will take you from A to B, imagination will take you everywhere.’ – Albert Einstein
For both children and parents, the new school year brings new beginnings and a sense of anticipation, eagerness, wonder and hope – and maybe a few butterflies and uncertainty in the face of the unknown.
Here we are in February and the new journey has begun. There is quite a different feeling in the air this time to that of other years, as last year was such a different, unusual and challenging space for everyone. We are, as always, very mindful that everyone’s experience of 2020 was different; however, one of the common threads was a lack of social engagement and connectedness for so many young children. They were in their family bubble, and while they were well-supported, they missed opportunities to socialise, build relationships outside of the family and explore. For many, this year is the first experience, or first remembered experience, of extending their world. As educators, we are all very mindful of this and have been talking about ways to support the children and families in this time of transition.
Having our kindergarten orientation last week and children starting this week has been truly wonderful. To have children and parents in the Centre (many for the first time) was truly a delight and a privilege. We have had time to talk, reassure and think about a plan ahead for each child, and helped them to understand they are part of a group and a strong, caring community.
Term 1 is very much about connecting, establishing relationships, building trust and developing routine, all of which are essential ingredients to group living and learning in the ELC. We are excited to explore the Positive Learner Attribute of Imagination this year – ‘I use my imagination to form new ideas, visualise and explore possibilities’ – and look forward to hearing your children’s ideas and thoughts as well as your ideas of where this might take us. In the ELC, imagination is a daily part of the children’s life woven throughout the children’s learning, both intentionally and incidentally.
We are very much looking forward to the journey with you and your child with year.
Warm regards,
Wendy Seidler
Director of ELC Kew
