As our ELC girls returned to school following the lockdown, with backpacks on, their teachers in masks, and waving goodbye to their families with whom they had just spent five weeks, it became abundantly clear how confident, capable and resilient they are, and more importantly, just how connected they are to our ELC.

It was heart-warming to observe how delighted the girls were to be back together and how much enjoyment they experienced from reconnecting with their educators and learning spaces.

The Early Years Learning Framework states that “experiencing belonging – knowing where and with whom you belong – is integral to human existence”.

It reaffirms that relationships are crucial to a sense of belonging in early childhood and continuing throughout life.

“Children first belong to a family, a cultural group, a neighbourhood and a wider community. Belonging acknowledges children’s interdependence with others and the basis of relationships in defining identities.”

Every one of our girls brings her own identity into our ELC, formed by her family and community, and this alone brings such richness, vibrance and diversity to our school. This is then further enhanced when the girls interact and form relationships with each other and their educators.

Through these positive, respectful relationships, each little girl finds a sense of belonging at Wilderness, and her identity continues to grow. They are Mamie girls, Annie girls, Wildy girls and most importantly, friends.