Last Friday 24 March, we concluded Harmony Week with an invitation for the girls to dress in clothing of cultural significance or in the colour orange. There was such a positive atmosphere in the ELC as the girls wore their clothes with confidence and pride. There was certainly a sense that ‘Everyone Belongs’.

In the lead up to this special day, the Mamie girls engaged in rich learning about diversity by reading Whoever You Are by Mem Fox and discussing the importance of recognising and appreciating our similarities and differences. They painted their hands orange and placed them together on a heart in recognition that everyone belongs in our ELC.

In preparation for the day, the Annie girls read and reflected on the book Shades of People by Shelly Rotner. This is where they explored the notion of skin as a covering, like wrapping paper. The girls then used paints to match the colour closest to their skin tone, or mixed colours to make the shade they felt was most closely matched.

On the day, the girls joined the Junior School for a special assembly and later on the girls from both Houses played together as a whole ELC group, which they thoroughly enjoyed. The Annie girls also created a wonderful piece of artwork by walking together with painted feet to demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity and everyone belonging together.

Continuing on from Harmony Week, the Annie House girls reflected on the idea of belonging by discussing and drawing who belongs in their families. This learning also builds upon our ‘Wonder of Me’ project, which you can see proudly displayed on the walls of both of the Houses.

The learning from this week will continue in the heart and minds of the girls and their teachers as we ensure that ‘Everyone Belongs’.

We wish you a wonderful holiday and look forward to Term 2 together.

Class Representatives

We are still looking for a few more parents to volunteer as 2023 Class Representatives - one each for Mamies and Annies. Please let us know if you are interested.