Platypus families

Welcome to Term 3, Platypus Style

It has been wonderful to get our Beach Discovery program underway. Before commencing our excursions this term, the children were actively involved in all aspects of our safety planning, including road safety, beach safety, and safe interactions with dogs.

We have had a fantastic start, with all groups stepping out to explore the outdoors in their vests, jackets, and boots. The children have enjoyed spotting the cruise ship, searching for the smallest shells, creating sand sculptures, and discovering all that the beach environment has to offer. There is so much to learn, explore, and enjoy.

We are excited to welcome Mr Gavin back for music each Monday this term. Each week focuses on a different concept. Recent themes have included:

• Winter
• Contrasts: Big and Small

The children have especially enjoyed revisiting songs that challenge them physically, including the balancing activities introduced in Term 2. Gavin has created a music folder containing songs that children can revisit throughout the week. If you would like a copy, please let us know.

As we prepare our garden for the season, Sarbari has introduced the children to planting peas, with ongoing support from Lyvania. When asked what they would like to grow, the children requested plenty of colour, including black, red, orange, yellow, and blue plants. The rainbow silverbeet has been particularly exciting to plant alongside a variety of edible herbs.

The children have also requested strawberries. We wonder whether we might eventually be able to make strawberry soup, which featured on the children’s Platypus Café menu!

The goals for this term include:

Goal 1 – Identity & Belonging

Support children to develop a strong sense of identity by encouraging them to share their ideas, recognise their strengths and feel confident participating in the learning community.

Goal 2 – Community & Relationships

Strengthen children’s understanding of community by creating opportunities for collaboration, shared experiences and meaningful connections with families.

Goal 3 – Well-being

Encourage children to build resilience and independence by practising self‑help skills, managing emotions with support and confidently engaging in daily routines.

Goal 4 – Curiosity & Exploration

 Extend children’s natural curiosity by offering open‑ended experiences that invite questioning, problem‑solving and active engagement with their environment.

Goal 5 – Communication

Enhance children’s communication skills by providing rich opportunities for conversation, storytelling and expressive language in both small and large group settings.

We look forward to extend upon your child’s learning in term 3

The Platypus Team