Each term, the MOSHC Lead Educators devise a "focus" or "theme" which becomes the centrepiece of the activities programmed throughout the term. The term focus is informed by children's emerging interests and skills, evolving developmental stages, cultural contexts and the learning frameworks for the OSHC sector. Find out what this term's focuses are below!
Lead Educator for the Visual Arts: Stella Pabon
ART IS FOR EVERYONE: COMMUNITY BUILDING THROUGH THE ARTS
After Covid families have been slow to comeback in to the service as they used to, so we have felt that some of them may be missing out on the wonderful daily happenings at MOSHC, in special the beautiful magic at the art hub and we have certainly missed the spontaneous involvement of families. In term 3 we actively encouraged some parents/carers to stay and do art and it was amazing to observe their joy and the joy of their children.
Hence, this term we want to enable a space for community to feel they can enjoy what happens at MOSHC, “stay and smell the roses” for a minute before heading home. And what is best that combining visual arts pedagogies and the practice of community development.
The aim is to program creative making activities across the term, inviting parents/primary carers to stay for the session with their children so they can experience a glimpse to the wondrous art children get to make at MOSHC. The last session will be set as a snack and paint activity organised as a picnic at the yarning place, on week 8.
Lead Educator for Sports and Gross Motor Skills: Aleks Popovic
MULTI-AGE SPORTS GAMES AND ACTIVITIES
The "Multi-age sports games and activities" focus is designed to offer a variety of sports and physical activities that cater to a wide age range in our OSHC sports program. This ensures that every child, regardless of age or skill level, can participate, engage, and enjoy the physical activities on offer.
What skills does this focus aim to achieve:
Physical Development: The activities aim to enhance general motor skills, like coordination, agility, balance, and strength. These are vital for sports, daily activities, and overall health.
Social Skills: Multi-age sports games create an environment where children of different ages interact. This promotes leadership skills in older kids and observational learning in younger ones. It also fosters teamwork, cooperation, and understanding between age groups.
Cognitive Skills: The variety of games and their rules encourage strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities. Kids also learn about patience, taking turns, and understanding game dynamics.
Emotional Development: Being in a diverse age group can help boost self-esteem and confidence. Kids learn how to deal with wins and losses, and how to handle peer pressure in a healthy way.
The inclusion of "Multi-age sports games and activities" in our OSHC sports program is a holistic approach that ensures the well-rounded development of our children. Not only do these activities cater to the physical needs of our students, but they also help with social, cognitive, and emotional skills. Encouraging multi-age interactions through sports lays the foundation for understanding, respect, and unity among our diverse group of students.
Lead Educator for the Performing Arts: Zara Gavarra
MOSHC ON THE STREET
Building on the previous term focus of “MOSHC Got Talent,” this term will extend on the children’s interest in the performing arts disciplines and explore the wide range of street performance arts including puppetry, magic and circus displays. “MOSHC on the Street” aims to promote self-expression, imagination, and curiosity within children, enabling them to develop confident self-identities. Through the exploration of street performance arts, children will be exposed to a variety of different skills, learning these in supportive group settings to further improve their communication and collaboration with one another. As this term unravels, we hope to see the children flourish into self-assured performers, able to shine through their creativity and talent.
Lead Educator for STEM: Bella Campbell
REINTRODUCING STEM TO MOSHC
This term, we’re bringing STEM back to MOSHC! I will be focusing on discovering what the children love and don’t like, while finding exciting ways to incorporate stem into the program. My focus is re-introducing stem to the MOSHC family and all the different areas. I will be exploring all the different areas of STEM, including, different types of science, engineering, and easy experiments they can try at home. I will be fingering out the children’s interests and additionally, encouraging the children to explore their own ideas and
projects.
STEM is important for children as it prepares students for the future by developing critical thinking, problem solving skills and collaboration skills, while also fostering innovation and creativity. By encouraging the children in hands-on STEM activities, MOSHC will be inspiring a lifelong love for learning and equip students with skills they need to succeed in various fields.
Lead Educator for Ludic: Monika Yang
GAMESHALL FUN AND GAMES
In term 4, we will be focusing on creating memories in Gameshall! As we walk towards the end of the year together, this term will be dedicated to exploring and enchanting specific games each week within the immersive environment of Gameshall. Here, children can spend their remaining weeks engaging in playful activities, forging new friendships and creating indelible memories to carry them through the holiday season.
Lead Educator for Sustainability and the Environment: Owen Liu
Fostering Sustainability Awareness in Children: Aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals
It is crucial to introduce children to the concept of sustainability and building a more sustainable future through awareness and education. This effort aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and offers several benefits for children's personal growth and the broader global community.
This term’s program is designed to foster sustainability awareness in children by aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Each week focuses on specific aspects of sustainability, starting with healthy eating and composting, which align with Quality Education (Goal 4) and Zero Hunger (Goal 2). Through engaging activities, children are empowered to make informed decisions about their food choices, reduce waste, and support sustainable agriculture, all in line with the global effort to achieve food security.
Subsequent weeks address Good Health and Well-being, Clean Water and Sanitation, Affordable and Clean Energy, and Gender Equality, aligning with various SDGs. These activities promote physical and mental well-being, emphasize the importance of clean water sources and sanitation, explore renewable energy solutions, and foster inclusivity and empowerment for all genders. By integrating the SDGs into the program, we not only provide children with valuable life skills but also empower them to become informed, responsible, and active global citizens, contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future for our world.
Lead Educator for the Community and the World Around Us: Red Bermudez
BUILDING STRONG LINKS WITH THE COMMUNITY
According to Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory, learning is a social endeavour, and the inception of human intelligence is intricately linked to society or community, and culture. This is supported by Bronfenbrenner's Ecological System Theory that believes the idea that every aspect of a child’s environment plays a vital role in shaping their development. Positive
relationships and supportive environment create a sense of belonging, while strong partnerships facilitate valuable learning experiences for children. During this term, our emphasis will be on forging robust connections with nearby communities and facilitate children’s active engagement by offering them meaningful opportunities.
How can we enhance your child’s learning and development?
By collaborating with the various community, including local agencies, parents, careers,
grandparents. We can expand beyond our MOSHC environment and effectively establish
valuable and strong connections within larger community, fostering mutually beneficial
relationship.
MOSHC will be inviting people from local organisations to engage with children, build a
strong connection, and participate in multiple communities and experience meaningful
opportunities and learning. Each week will run one major activity and few minor activities.