Dear Children and Families,

As we enter the blessed month of Ramadan, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the significance of this special time for some members of our school community. Ramadan is not just a period of fasting from dawn till sunset; it's a time for reflection, self-discipline, and spiritual growth. It's a time for families to come together, for communities to strengthen bonds, and for individuals to deepen their connection with their faith. Here at IPECS, as a place of learning where all young children thrive and belong, we honour and respect the diversity of our community, and we recognise the importance of supporting our children and families as they observe this sacred month. Let us all take this opportunity to foster understanding, empathy, and unity among our community, regardless of background or beliefs. Wishing our Muslim families a blessed Ramadan filled with peace, joy, and spiritual fulfilment.

When do enrolments for 2025 open?

Enrolments for the school 2025 school year will open on Tuesday 30 April.  Children who already attend preschool do not need to enrol to attend kindergarten at IPECS in 2025.  Year two children who will be transitioning to new schools for year 3 in 2025 will need to submit an online enrolment form.  The enrolment form will be made live on the Directorate’s website (www.education.act.gov.au).  On Wednesday evening, we held information sessions for 2025 preschool families as well as our year two children who will transition to year three in 2025.  We will send a copy of the presentation to all year two families in case you were not able to attend.  If you or anyone you know has questions about enrolling at IPECS in 2025, please do not hesitate to contact us for information.   

How did we celebrate Harmony Week?

Last week our school celebrated Harmony Week and Harmony Day.  Harmony Week is the celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.​  Nira has provided an overview of how our school celebrated Harmony Week later in the newsletter.  Please join me in thanking Nira for her organisation of a range of activities to engage children in learning about the importance of diversity to help us create a place of learning where all young children thrive and belong.

Happy Easter to all families who celebrate this occassion.  We hope all children and families enjoy the long weekend and if you are traveling, please keep safe and look out for one another.

Take care,

Simon Barker

Principal   

What have children been learning about?

The year 1/2 children have been learning all about 'What is a Healthy Relationship?'.  The children will be inquiring into how a healthy identity is the cornerstone to children’s learning, development and wellbeing. Children will explore what makes them unique, their strengths and passions, while learning how to take care of themselves. They will learn about goal setting, building resilience, forming positive relationships and making positive choices. Self-expression and creativity will be nurtured and children’s identity and confidence, as well as personal growth, will be inquired into. Children will have the opportunity to use the arts as a way to express oneself and communicate with others.

The kindergarten children have been learning about 'What makes a great community?'. During this inquiry learning, the children will develop an understanding of identify, significant people and events in their own live and how significant events are celebrated or commemorated. Children will recognise the features of familiar places, why some places are special to people and the ways they can care for them. They will pose questions, and sort and record information from observations and provided sources and share a perspective and draw conclusions. The children will use sources and terms to share observations about places and the past.

We are thrilled to share with you the vibrant and enriching experiences our students had during Harmony Week at IPECS! This special week was dedicated to celebrating diversity, fostering cultural understanding, and promoting unity among our school community.

Throughout the week, our children embraced the spirit of Harmony Week by donning orange attire or cultural clothes, symbolising their solidarity and respect for diverse backgrounds. They engaged in a myriad of activities that not only showcased their creativity but also deepened their appreciation for different cultures.

Some of the highlights from Harmony Week include:

• Rangoli Art: Children explored the intricate art of Rangoli, creating beautiful and colourful designs that reflect the richness of Indian culture.

• Culinary Delights: From rolling sushi to crafting delicious bruschetta, our young chefs honed their culinary skills while experiencing the flavours of different cuisines.

• Dramatic Play: Imagine the excitement as children embarked on imaginary journeys, flying in a plane to various countries, igniting their curiosity about different lands and customs.

• Creative Expression: Through painting activities, children expressed their unique perspectives and celebrated diversity through art.

• Cultural Showcase: One of our Educators, Sharon, shared her rich New Zealand heritage by teaching traditional dances and the art of Poi, providing a firsthand experience of Māori culture. 

• Bilingual Storytime Launch: Nira launched Bilingual Storytime during Harmony Week by reading a book in English and Thai, enriching our cultural experiences and promoting bilingualism. 

In addition to these activities, we have created a video for families to view on Seesaw, capturing the essence of Harmony Week and showcasing the various cultural experiences.

Harmony Week was not just about activities; it was a profound learning journey that encouraged empathy, acceptance, and appreciation for cultural diversity. We witnessed children embracing new experiences, forging friendships across backgrounds, and cultivating a sense of global citizenship.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the children , educators, and families who made Harmony Week a resounding success. Together, we celebrate unity in diversity and strive to create an inclusive and harmonious environment for all.

Thank you for your continued support in nurturing a culturally rich and vibrant community at IPECS.

Warm regards,

Nira

Enrolment information session – Students with Disability, Developmental Delay and Diverse Learning Needs

The Directorate is holding an information session for families enrolling children and young people with development delay, diverse learning needs and disability who will be commencing in a new school in 2025. The session focuses on the enrolment process and supports all children to enrol in their local school. Information will also be provided about the enrolment process for families considering an enrolment in a specialist school for 2025.

This session will be held online on Monday, 8 April 2024 from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Parents/carers can RSVP or ask any questions about the session, by emailing: EDUCommunityPartner@act.gov.au. Please include the child’s school year they will be entering in 2025.