Term 3 Week 4
In This Newsletter
A message from our Directors
We Are Learners
Psalm 25:5 says, “Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Saviour, and my hope is in you all day long.” In early childhood, learning is more than numbers and letters it’s exploring, asking questions, and growing in God’s truth. Every day, children discover new skills, ideas, and ways to understand the world. As families and educators, we can model curiosity, patience, and a love for learning. By encouraging wonder, listening to children’s thoughts and connecting lessons to God’s Word, we help them grow not just in knowledge but in faith and wisdom.
ELC Philosophy
At CCC’s Early Learning Centre we believe every child is a precious gift of God.
Our practices are based on Biblical wisdom, our professional knowledge of child development, current research and practical experience in early childhood. We believe that children learn best when provided with opportunities to test their own understandings in an investigative, unhurried environment. We facilitate safe, adventurous play-based learning experiences, appropriate to each child’s varied abilities and developmental progress.
We believe parents are the most important educators and nurturers in a child’s life and that we are privileged to support parents in this role.
Important Information
Items to bring every day
Please bring the following items every day:
- Cot-sized sheet x2
- Hat
- Water bottle
- Spare clothes and small towel (hand towel size)
- Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea
Lunchbox Reminder
What food to send in your childs lunchbox? A variety of whole food options while trying to avoid too much packaged and/or highly processed foods is a good place to start.
Some examples:
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Fruit/veg: Carrot sticks, cucumber sticks, apple, berries, capsicum, cherry tomatoes (cut), grapes (cut), green beans
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Protein: Boiled egg, chicken, rissoles, ham, meat balls
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Dairy: Yoghurt, cheese slices/sticks
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Other: Pizza scrolls, sandwiches, mini quiche, corn fritters, crackers and cheese, savory muffins, bliss balls
OSHC Families
A friendly reminder please be advised that casual bookings can be made via the Xplor app or by contacting the ELC Administration team at [email protected].
For phone enquiries, Administration is available between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday. If a booking is required within 12 hours of the intended time, we strongly recommend contacting Administration by phone on 5483 9517 to ensure timely processing.
If a booking is made via the Xplor app, please ensure the booking has been confirmed & accepted. If you have any concerns that the booking has not been actioned, please contact our team for clarification.
As After School Care is currently nearing capacity, we encourage families to utilise permanent bookings wherever possible to help secure placements on the required days.
If you are uncertain whether permanent bookings are suitable for your needs, our Administration team is available to provide assistance and answer any queries you may have.
Operation Christmas Child at CCC
Little Arrows in Recess
As the colder months bring sniffles and seasonal bugs, Little Arrows will take a short break over the winter period. We’re planning to ease back into things with a couple of informal playdates in Spring, once the weather is warmer and little ones are feeling better.
Any special College events will be shared via email so you can still stay connected and join us if you wish. Thank you for your ongoing support of Little Arrows. We look forward to gathering again soon — happy, healthy, and ready to play!
Book Week Parade Information
Join Us for the CCC Book Week Parade!
We warmly invite families to attend our Book Week Parade on Friday, 22 August. The parade will begin promptly at 8:50am and conclude at approximately 9:35am.
To help us start on time, we kindly ask families to drop off children by 8:30am. Please note that this early drop-off will not affect session times or fees.
If you plan to attend the parade with your child, please remember to sign in at Reception upon arrival.
We look forward to celebrating the joy of reading together!
Weekly Memory Verse
Week 5 Memory Verse
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart."
— Colossians 3:23
Memory Verse Songs
Does your child like singing songs - try practicing these with them!
Learning Highlights
OSHC Highlights
During the holidays we had a very successful Vacation Care at OSHC. We spent most of our days in the nature space exploring. Here we made bamboo forts, hammocks and tried our best at fishing. Back at the OSHC Building we had cooking activities everyday as well as craft. Our most popular activity was the tinker table. Children had access to drills, hammers and other tools to help create their own woodwork. Thank you to everyone who helped make our holidays special.
Upcoming Events
Term 3 Save the Dates
- Book Week Dress-Up Week
- Monday 18 August until Friday 22 August
- Come along dressed as a character from your favourite book each day this week
- You are welcome to bring along your favourite book for us to read to the class
- Prep Focus Tour
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Thursday 21 August 9:30am at the college
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- Book Week Parade
- Friday 22 August – 8:50am –9:35am
- If your child is in Pre-Kindy and Kindy please drop off your child/ren at 8:30am to head up to the college on time for the Book Week Parade.
- Any Parents attending please sign in at admin.
- Father's Day Picnic and Play
- Thursday 4 September @ 2pm
- Adventure Playground
- RSVP to [email protected] with the numbers of guests by 29 August.
- Holiday Discount
- Notifications due Friday 5 September
- College Pupil Free Day (ELC/OSHC Open)
- Friday 5 September, Vacaction Care is open for those who would like to book in. Numbers are limited.
- Mega Chapel
- Friday 19 September
Father's Day Picnic and Play
Cooking Experience with Ms. T
The Famous Lemonade Scones
Ingredients:
- ½ cup (125ml) cream see notes
- ½ cup (125ml) lemonade see notes
- 2 cups (300g) self raising flour
Method:
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Preheat oven to 200 degrees celsius (fan-forced). Lightly flour a 20cm square cake tin and set aside.
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Place the lemonade and cream into a bowl and mix to combine.
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Sift in the self raising flour and use a knife to fold it through until only just combined (the mixture will be very sticky).
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Place the dough onto a lightly floured board.
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With lightly floured fingers, press the mixture down to a thickness of 3cm (do not over-work the dough).
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Using a 6cm scone cutter, cut rounds from the middle working outwards and place into the lightly floured cake tin (make sure that your scones are gently pressing up against one another as it will help them to rise).
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Gently move the remaining dough together and cut out extra scones.
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When you've used all of the dough, brush the tops of the scones with milk and place into the oven for 12-15 minutes.
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The scones will be ready when they're golden on top.
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Serve warm with your choice of fillings.
Parent Resources & Information
We Appreciate Your Feedback
Dear families,
Our CCC Early Learning Centre is a great childcare centre, however, there are always ways to improve. Our goal is for every child to feel safe, supported and nurtured in a Christ-centred learning environment.
Your feedback will help us provide a quality education for your child(ren) and set the strategic directions for CCC and the ELC.
Kind regards,
Ross Waltisbuhl
Principal
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How Parent Screen Time Shapes Childhood
We all do it—check our phones while waiting for dinner, scroll through emails on the couch, or sneak a quick glance at a message during story time. Technology has become part of everyday life, but new research reminds us that our children are watching—and learning—how we use it.
In 2025, Australians are spending an average of over 6 hours per day in front of screens. While this includes work and essential online tasks, much of it overlaps with family time. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, more than one in five children aged 5–14 are spending 20 hours or more per week on screen-based activities. And it’s not just about kids on iPads, the average Aussie parent clocks around 5.8 hours of screen time daily, often during hours their children are present.
But here’s the key: children, particularly those under 10, don’t just watch screens—they watch us. Whether it’s checking the weather or scrolling through social media, our digital habits teach children what is “normal” in everyday life.
What the Research Shows
In a recent Telethon Kids Institute study, researchers found that excessive parent screen time, referred to as “technoference”—can reduce the quality of adult-child interactions by as much as 1,100 words a day. For toddlers and preschoolers, that’s a significant drop in language exposure, and over time, it can lead to slower vocabulary development, behavioural issues, and reduced attention spans.
Meanwhile, almost half (49%) of Australian children under 2 are already interacting with smartphones. As these early years are vital for brain development and emotional regulation, our digital choices at home have lasting effects.
Even older children aged 5 to 12 are heavily influenced by the example set by adults. If a child sees a parent reach for their phone in every quiet moment, they quickly internalise that boredom must be filled with a screen. This can reduce opportunities for creativity, problem-solving, and independent play.
Why It Matters: Children learn far more from what we do than what we say.
If we ask our children to put down their devices while we're glued to our phones, the message is mixed. But if we model balance, intentionality, and moments of screen-free connection, our children are more likely to do the same.
The good news is that even small shifts in our digital behaviour can make a big impact. You don’t have to go tech-free just more tech-aware.
What You Can Do
Here are some simple ways to reduce technoference and create stronger connections at home:
- Create phone-free moments during the day, like mealtimes, school pickups, or bedtime routines. These pockets of connection become meaningful rituals for children.
- Use "Do Not Disturb" features or app timers to limit interruptions during quality time with your child.
- Narrate your own screen use. If you’re checking the weather or replying to a message, say so. “I’m just checking the weather for tomorrow’s picnic, then I’ll be right with you.” It helps children distinguish between purposeful and passive screen time.
- Designate a screen spot. Try to keep screens in one area of the house instead of having them everywhere—this reinforces the idea that not all moments need digital company.
- Engage with your child’s screen time. If they’re watching something, watch with them when you can, ask questions, and turn it into a conversation. Shared viewing can still be connecting.
A Lasting Message
Technology isn’t going away—and that’s not a bad thing. Screens can connect, educate, and entertain. But when they begin to replace conversation, reduce play, or interrupt presence, it’s worth reassessing our habits.
By modelling balanced screen use, we give our children a roadmap to follow. We show them how to be present, how to manage boredom, and how to engage with the real world.
So next time you reach for your phone, ask yourself—is this moment better spent being here? Chances are, the answer will be yes—and your child will notice.
Source: Fuller, Perkins. (2024). How does screen time affect kids’ health? Retrieved from edu.au
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