Head of Ignatius Early Years

Ignatius Early Years (IEY) has been a hive of activity over the last fortnight as we explored both Catholic traditions such as Shrove Tuesday, Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent as well as those special celebrations which many of our families and educators enjoy around the Lunar New Year.

Together we cleaned our space, created red and gold lanterns and made dumplings and sushi. We discovered what the Chinese Zodiac animals are by listening to the legend of the Great Race and playing with the figurines on the story table. Yi Yang, father of one of our three year old students, came in and showed the blue room children and their educators how to make paper dragons. They looked amazing. Parents were encouraged to leave “wishes” for their children on our wishing tree at the front of the IEY. By the end of the fortnight the wishing tree was just full of so much love.

We were very proud of the respectful way our four year olds listened to the Ash Wednesday service held at the Junior School. The children attentively listened and watched the older children share prayers and songs. On return to the Gold & Red rooms we spoke about the sign of the cross being made in Ash at the beginning of Lent. With Lent being the 40 days leading up to Easter. The children were given the opportunity to have a cross placed on their forehead or hand to show their love of Jesus and share their belief. The children proudly wore their crosses for most of Ash Wednesday.

Rosemary Allen
Head of Ignatius Early Years