Mura Gadi Gang

This term the children began Mura Gadi Gang. But what is it you ask? Mura Gadi means pathways for searching in the traditional Ngunnawal language. We have used this term as it suits the idea behind the program perfectly; exploring, engaging in, respecting and searching our natural environment. Learning outdoors creates lasting memories, helps to build a greater awareness of the environment, provides opportunities to think independently and gets children feeling challenged and excited by learning. These are just a few positive aspects, I could go on and on about the benefits of outdoor education.

Each week the children venture out to a new local green area to explore. We take no toys, no tools, no craft supplies. The children use only what nature gives them. As part of the program, we instil the idea that the land we are playing, learning and exploring on was once cared for only by the indigenous peoples. We begin Mura Gadi with an acknowledgement of country and discuss respecting the creatures and plants that we come across. We have put up a large map of the local area on the glass window just before you walk into the corridor area. Each week we will mark the spot that we visited for Mura Gadi Gang.

Fresh Food Kids Discovery Tour – This week, the ELC children walked to Cooleman Court to participate in the Woolworths Fresh Food Kids Discovery Tour.  They played guessing games and challenges relating to fruits and vegetables. Thanks to Woolies Weston for providing fruit and water for the children to enjoy at the Cooleman Court park afterwards.

Bus Wash – The Turtles and Stingrays will be going on the Bus Wash excursion next Monday 9 September and Friday 13 September for the Lobsters.  The children will learn about public transport and about travelling safely.  Permission notes have been sent home and a copy is on the school website.

Floriade – The ELC children have be busy painting their gnomes to send to Gnome Knoll at Floriade.  Gnomes are $12 each and support the Rotary Club of Canberra.  The Stingrays will take a bus trip to explore Floriade (and visit their gnomes) on Monday 16 September and the Turtles and Lobsters will go on Thursday 19 September.   Look out for permission notes in the notes pockets.  Parent helpers are very welcome.  Please contact your class teacher if you are able to come along.

ELC Holiday Care – The ELC Holiday Care Program will run during the October school holidays.  The program will run from from 8am to 5:30pm from Monday 30 September to Friday 11 October (minus the public holiday on Monday 7^th).  The program is full of fun and engaging activities and excursions.  Information and booking sheets have been emailed and are available from the ELC.

ELC Fees – The final fees for Term 3 were emailed today.  Fees are due next Friday 13 September.  Your efforts to keep fees up to date are appreciated.