Under 8s enjoy time in the spotlight

St Ambrose's School, Newmarket

Students Isabella Kelly, Iris Eng, and Madison Givney and Year 1 teacher Lisa Langdon had some fun dressing up at St Ambrose's School, Newmarket

​THEY are the quiet achievers, often overlooked as they rarely make a fuss in school.
But for one week every year they occupy the spotlight during Under 8s Week. 

In schools across the archdiocese these excited younger students were the focus as they celebrated Under 8s Day with special activities designed to embrace the joy of learning. 

Initiated by the Early Childhood Association's (ECA), Under 8's Week, was about acknowledging the importance of learning in the early years of a child's life.

Running for more than 60 years across Queensland, celebrations this year focused on the theme 'Celebrating the diversity of languages within the home, culture and community'.

Throughout the week teachers at St Ambrose's School, Newmarket, organised activities including Jump Rope for Heart, an Under 8s evening disco, Rugs and Reading and a fun Under 8s Day that offered students from local kindies who are enrolled for 2020, the opportunity to participate in various activities.

Under 8s Week coordinator Lisa Langdon said it was a wonderful opportunity for the school community to celebrate its early learners.

She said the younger students really enjoyed the many activities on offer throughout the morning such as face painting, building and construction projects, jumping castles, an obstacle course and a favourite for many of them, the baby animals. 

“It's an opportunity for them to get out of the classroom and have a bit of fun," she said.

“They also get to interact with their peers and other grade levels which really helps build a strong community spirit."

Lisa said a lot of effort went into organising the events, especially the Under 8s Day.

“Months of planning went into the event with many parents and grandparents donating activities or helping out during the day.

“Some of our local community also brought their children and grandchildren along to join in the festivities. 

“Our students had a fantastic day as they enjoyed being part of all the activities on offer.

At Holy Cross School, Wooloowin, busses filled with excited under 8s from Holy Spirit School, New Farm, Our Lady Help of Christians School, Hendra and St Mary of the Cross School, Windsor arrived early for the anticipated fun festivities.  

Following a special liturgy about 360 children excitedly made their way to the many activities on offer throughout the school.

Organiser Michelle McClafferty said the four schools had been gathering together to celebrate Under 8s Day for the past 6-7 years.

“We take it in turns each year to organise activities so the children can experience play and learn while learning," she said.

The Assistant Principal for Religious Education said following the liturgy, which alluded to the wonderful gift here in Australia that children had the right and the opportunity to play, the students, under the watchful eye of staff or volunteer parents, were able to free roam throughout the activities.

“The students had a great time, enjoying lots of activities including biscuit making and eating, which, of course, which was a favourite for many including staff and our volunteer parents.

 “It was a lovely morning of sausage sizzles and face paintings and lots of activities.

She said the day could not happen without the help of the many staff and volunteers who gave their time so willingly.

“It was great to have our parents and from the other schools on hand to support small groups of children as they moved safely through the activities.

“It looked like many of them were also enjoying the activities on offer too."

Holy Spirit, New Farm parent John Forwood, said he always enjoyed the opportunity to spend quality time with his daughter and her friends during Under 8s day.

John said it was his third Under 8s day he had attended, and he always enjoyed it.

“It's great that each of the schools can put on different events each year," John said.

“It's a great day for the kids who always seem to enjoy the activities on offer," he said.

8s.jpg
 Making new friends during Under 8s Day celebrations at Holy Cross School,
Woolowin

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