The last couple of weeks have seen much thinking and talking in all the ELC rooms about the Christian Christmas story of the birth of Jesus. It has been delightful to listen to the children develop their understanding, asking questions and theorising about what many of them associate with Christmas.
Over the last weeks, the children have been developing their interpretation of this story, choosing parts to play, learning and singing new and familiar songs, and thinking and talking about a performance.
Many children have already had some experience of being a performer in their ballet, gym and music concerts. For others, their experience has been as an audience, both here at Carey and in the wider community. Both are important aspects to consider. As an audience, there are certain protocols in attending a performance, like being respectful, not talking through the performance and acknowledging the end by clapping – sometimes cheering and getting to your feet. Having a live audience gives energy to the performers and boosts the adrenaline in a positive way to do their best. We have been talking with the children about both aspects, where they will perform and also where their audience – parents, family and friends – will be. 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 room group and support each other in a collaborative occasion is valuable for all. Calling on different character strengths in each individual makes a collective whole. It also leads to a lot of personal growth for the children: for some, it has meant finding bravery and courage; for some, they have learnt perspective and fairness; while, for others, self-regulation and persistence are required.
I am grateful that as a Baptist school we talk about the real story of Christmas and are able to share this with our community. Not only through our nativity but also through the giving tree at this time of year.
My special thanks to all the ELC staff team for their tireless work, professionalism, creativity and good humour. I am truly blessed to work with this team. My thanks also the specialist team of Library Bec, Chaplain Rebecca, Science Laura, Art Mikl and Music Tim: we value their skill and expertise and the special relationships they develop with the children. We are also grateful for the amazing Kylie Baxter, Head of Junior School Kew, whose calm manner and commitment to and support of the ELC is so valued. Finally, to Charlotte Barnaby, my PA, thank you for a great year.
To all the families, thank you as always for your trust and allowing us all to be a part of your children’s educational journey – it is such a privilege.
I look forward to seeing you all at the nativities for the real story of Christmas on Saturday.
Wishing you and your families a safe and peace-filled Christmas and holiday period.
Wendy Seidler
Director of ELC Kew
