Meeting clay families was all part of St Joseph’s Norwood/Kensington Pre-School Art Exhibition held in their multi-purpose centre last evening. Excited pre-schoolers brought along their families to ‘show and tell’ them about their clay-constructed families. Beautifully displayed photographs honouring the construction process adorned each ‘family’.
As Principal Craig Fosdike is leaving the school to take up an appointment at another Catholic School, this was an opportunity for pre-schoolers and their families to thank and farewell him. On behalf of the pre-school community, Gail Mantel , Pre-school Director, thanked Craig for his empowering leadership over many years. Pre-school children presented Craig with a beautiful album of themselves, along with a carefully crafted ‘clay’ of Saint Mary MacKillop. Craig was clearly moved by the sentiments and personalised gifts and said that he would be showing them to the students at his new school.
As he opened the Art Exhibition, Craig spoke about children’s natural love of Art. He said to the families that Art provides rich learning experiences for children to develop creativity, an appreciation of beauty and development of emotion. Language development is rich as children speak about their creations in the making and displaying phases.
“In creating their own clay sculptures, the children experience differing points of view and ways of expressing ideas, thoughts and emotions,”
“Children learn that their way is not the only way and this teaches them about diversity”, he said.
The evening was a perfect opportunity for families to engage with one another and with staff members. One parent said “it was truly a delightful night with a beautiful community spirit”. Meeting ‘clay families’ was a most memorable occasion!
Intergenerational playgroups are truly something special — an experience that enriches the lives of both the young and the older members of our community. These playgroups are more than just a space for children to play; they are a vital platform for different generations to come together, share wisdom, and build meaningful relationships.
