Families often ask me what they can do to help their child settle into the ELC. It’s important to remember that coming into a new setting is a big transition for little ones. Be prepared for them to be tired or to possibly revert to less desirable behaviours. Please make sure that they arrive well rested and with all that they need each day. If you refer to our ELC handbook you will find lots of good advice about what to expect. You are also always welcome to speak to your child’s teacher if you have any concerns or questions. Our educators are experts in managing children’s development and behaviour and they will be happy to work with you to support your child to feel happy, safe and secure in this new place. As we say at the ELC: ‘There’s no such thing as a silly question!’. So please, if something is upsetting or worrying you or your child the speak to us so that we can work together.

We are excited to be welcoming families back into the centre this year and an important part of this process is for us to start building relationships between the children, their families and the ELC staff. At our first team meeting this year, the ELC staff identified this as one of our major centre goals for 2023. One of the most important tools for communication is your child’s VOS class page. If you haven’t set it up yet, I would urge you to do so immediately or you will be missing out on updates from your class, photos and videos of the child’s activities, the ‘weekly reflection’ or snapshot of the educational program, parenting links, calendar dates and much more. If you are having difficulties please contact itsupport@gippslandgs.vic.edu.au

In the next month you will also receive information and dates for our ‘Stay and Play’ evenings at both campuses. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to spend time with your child at the ELC, meet their educators and other families in the group. In March, we are also planning a Positive Parenting evening focussed on building resilience in your child.

We are looking forward a wonderful year together.