And here we are again, in the last full week of the year with the children. Some might call me the Grinch, but I have some difficulty getting into the Christmas spirit in November – but December is a different story.
Over the last few weeks, we have been talking with the children about the Christian Christmas story, the birth of Jesus. It has been a delight to listen to the children developing their understanding, asking questions and theorising about the different aspects of Christmas, and what it means to them and their families.
As the children have become more familiar with the ‘real Christmas story’, they have been choosing their parts for the nativity plays, learning new songs and practising familiar ones, learning lines and, in some rooms, creating props to use.
Many children have already had the experience of being a performer in their ballet, gym or music concerts. For others, this is a brand new experience. All the children have had the opportunity here at Carey to be part of an audience, which is another important aspect to consider. As an audience member, there are certain protocols for being respectful, not talking during the performance, not taking photos or videos, clapping at the end and acknowledging the work of the performers. Having a live audience gives the performers energy, boosting their adrenaline in a positive way. We have been talking with the children about both aspects in relation to their upcoming nativity plays.
While we appreciate that performing is not everyone’s cup of tea, the opportunity to come together at the end of the academic year as a room group to both celebrate the journey they have travelled together and support each other in a collaborative occasion is a valuable experience. For each child, different character strengths are called on. For some, it has meant drawing on bravery and courage; for others, they have learnt perspectives of collaboration and fairness; while, for others, self-regulation and persistence has been required. All children have learnt about teamwork: understanding that the need to work together and that each person’s role is integral to the whole.
I am always grateful that as a Baptist Christian school we are able to fully embrace the real story of Christmas and share this with our community – not only through the nativities, but also the giving tree. I am grateful for the support of the Lead Chaplain Reverend Tim Edwards, whom the children call Rev Tim, for his time and care in his visits to the ELC.
My heartfelt thanks to all the ELC staff team for their tireless work, professionalism, creativity and good humour. My thanks also to the specialist team who have supported and enriched the lives of the ELC children and staff this year and, for some, over many years. We say goodbye to Library Emma and Library Amiee, who will be greatly missed in our Little Library visits. We also say thank you and goodbye to Art Mikl as he retires – we have many memories over the years and many pieces of artwork created with him. We also said farewell to Music Tim as he embarked on his long service leave for Term 4, and are grateful for his work and passion for music education. We have enjoyed getting to know Music Elliott. Sincere thanks to the admin team who keep things moving along and finally, to Kylie Baxter, now Deputy Principal – ELC–Year 6, whose commitment to and belief in high-quality early childhood education is essential. Her support of the ELC and the team is much appreciated.
To all the families and friends of the ELC: thank you, as always, for your trust and for allowing us to be a part of your child’s educational journey – it is truly a privilege.
Looking forward to seeing you at the nativities for the real Christmas story.
Wishing you all a safe and peace-filled Christmas and holiday period.
Wendy Seidler
ELC Director – Kew campus
