17 Sep 2019
Isabella Plains Early Childhood School celebrates its tenth birthday with a community picnic
Isabella Plains Early Childhood School students and staff sing the school song
Turning ten is a big milestone, so when approaching its tenth birthday, Isabella Plains Early Childhood School (IPECS) took the opportunity to have a huge twilight community party complete with balloon arch, disco, treasure hunt and bouncing castle.
“This event has been completely driven by our children,” said IPECS Acting Principal Simon Parker.
“They made the guest list, the invitations, the clues for the treasure hunt and they have worked really hard during their Maker Space sessions to create the fabulous video shown at the ceremony,” he said.
“The process of reflecting on what it means to be a student at IPECS has been really powerful, and created a huge sense of school pride,” said Executive Teacher Aimee Hunter.
The preparations for this special event formed the focus for the children’s inquiry learning during Term Three, exploring the question “Who are we?”, considering local Ngunnawal cultures and histories as well as the children’s identities as learners.
The children’s ideas and plans have been brought to life by the school’s parent association, known as the GEMS (Genuine Engagement Mutual Support) who are actively involved in all aspects of the school.
“We have a wonderful school community here, it really is like a family where we feel as though we belong, as you can see by the big roll up this evening,” said parent and GEM member Shelly.
Hosts Max and Simrah cutting the cake with ACT Education Minister, Yvette Berry
Genuine engagement with the community is a priority for IPECS.
Partnerships with organisations such as Communities at Work, who provide on-site education and care, and C3 Church in Monash who coordinate a volunteer program in the school, allow IPECS to connect with students, families and the broader community implementing initiatives such as the Mystery Reader program, weekly Breakfast Club, Gardening Club and a mentoring program for children.
“IPECS is a place of learning where all young learners thrive and belong,” said Mr Parker “and this place includes all our people with learning at the centre of everything,” he said.
Learn more about Early Childhood in ACT public schools and our Early Childhood Strategy.