The Importance of Play

An article recently shared by The Child Australia Organisation highlights the importance of play. As educators working alongside children, we appreciate the value and significance which play has in shaping children’s learning. Of course, it’s not just children that benefit from play, adults do too! Here are a few highlights from the article for you to enjoy.

Imagine there was a “thing” that could ease stress, build emotional and cognitive connections, boost brain development, lay the groundwork for complex concepts like pre-algebra, improve spatial awareness and problem-solving, and even prevent the kind of emotional outbursts that come from frustration and overwhelm.

Now imagine this thing only takes 15 minutes a day, works for people of all ages, and is entirely free.

The best part? This “magic thing” already exists.

We are, of course, talking about… play.

The learning that happens during play is profound. Play allows children to explore and develop conceptual understandings.

• A simple game of hide and seek helps develop spatial awareness and builds trust—skills that are foundational for fields like engineering and architecture.

• Pouring and measuring during pretend cooking is actually maths in action—an early introduction to concepts like measurement and volume.

Play can lift our mood. Let’s face it – our moods fluctuate just like the children’s do. But instead of pushing through, use play as your energy reset.

• Feeling sluggish? Start a spontaneous dance party with scarves or ribbons and get moving.
• Need a brain boost? Try problem-solving games or puzzles. Even something as simple as matching container lids to the right tubs can become a fun and challenging activity.

Give yourself permission to enjoy play. When adults are genuinely engaged, it enhances the experience for children too.

Not every child plays the same way—and that’s okay. Creating an inclusive play environment means recognising and adapting to the different needs and preferences of children.

• Teach children how to invite others into their play, and how to respond kindly when someone wants to join.
• Modify activities where needed to support developmental stages or sensory needs. You don’t always need a whole new game — sometimes just a small tweak makes play accessible to everyone.

Being intentional about inclusion teaches empathy, collaboration and acceptance – skills the world needs more of.

So, let’s commit to seeing play for what it really is: a powerful tool for growth, learning, and connection. Let’s stop treating it as an afterthought and start honouring it as essential.

Because play isn’t just a part of childhood.
It’s the heart of it.
And it’s something we never outgrow.

So go ahead and rediscover the magic of play. And more importantly, choose it every day!

Donna Nicolle
Director of ELC

The Joy of Reading in Year 3

In Base 3, reading isn’t just a subject—it’s a daily adventure. Each week, students enjoy visiting the school library for browsing and borrowing, and every day begins with time set aside for reading. This routine is more than just a habit; it’s a celebration of stories, imagination, and discovery. Students recently reflected about their reading preferences and their answers show just how diverse and exciting their reading journeys are

Favourite Books That Spark Joy

Base 3 students have a wide range of favourite books, each one chosen for a special reason:

• “I like Goosebumps because they are scary books.”
• “Diary of a Pug is really funny.”
• “I like Dork Diaries because the books are dramatic and sassy.”Year
• “Ninja Kid is exciting every second.”
• “I like Peski Kids: Mystery of the Squashed Cockroach because it is a book full of exciting things.”
• “Weirdo is always funny.”
• “I like the Animal Encyclopedia because it is an information book.”

These choices show that students are not only reading for school—they’re reading for fun, for laughter, for adventure and for learning.

Choosing the Right Book

When it comes to picking a book, students use a variety of strategies:

• “I look at the cover.”
• “I read the blurb.”
• “I flick through the pages to see if it looks interesting.”
• “Sometimes I choose a book if I have enjoyed a book in the series.”
• “I try to borrow a book that is in my lexile range.”

These thoughtful approaches show how students are developing their own reading identities and preferences.

Reading Preferences and Places

Graphic novels, fantasy, mystery, and books about animals or drawing are among the top choices in the library. Students enjoy reading in all sorts of places—at home, in the library, in the reading corner, or simply anywhere they can dive into a good book.

The Power of Reading for Pleasure

Reading for pleasure is more than just fun—it’s incredibly beneficial. It helps build vocabulary, improves focus, and strengthens imagination. It also supports emotional development by allowing readers to explore different perspectives and experiences. When students choose books they love, they’re more likely to develop a lifelong love of reading. In Base 3, we value opportunities for students to explore the world through books. Whether they’re laughing at a silly story, solving a mystery or learning something new, they’re growing as readers—and as people. As they read, they’re discovering, dreaming, and developing skills that will last a lifetime.

Annesley is proud to honour Ruth Harrison, a cherished member of our community, by naming the Performing Arts wardrobe in her honour. Ruth has generously dedicated her time and talents over the years to support the Annesley Performing Arts, including the creation of our much loved Annesley mascot, Bouncing Bean!

Her continued commitment was on display again today as she worked with students, helping them craft costumes for the upcoming Year 5 performance ‘Go for Gold’ in week 8. Ruth’s passion, creativity, and kindness have left a lasting impact on generations of Annesley students, and we are grateful for her continued volunteer work.

A huge congratulations to our incredible Year 4, 5 and 6 athletes who represented Annesley with pride, determination and outstanding sportspersonship at the SAPSASA Cross Country event.

From the first stride to the final sprint, our students gave it their all, tackling hills, cheering on teammates and crossing the finish line with resilience and heart.

A special shoutout to Kobe for an impressive 3rd place finish, and a massive congratulations to Amelia, who claimed 1st place in the U10 race. What an extraordinary achievement.

Thank you to our dedicated staff and supportive families for helping to make the day such a success.

Our Year 6 students are exploring a Unit of Inquiry with the Central Idea ‘Social justice is enhanced when we increase access to equal opportunities’.

Within our commitment to transdisciplinary learning, our PE teacher Zac took our Year 6 students to visit the Wheelchair Rugby Championships held last week in Adelaide as an Immersion experience to deepen their understanding of the Unit of Inquiry.

Such important learning and understandings for our next generation of change makers!

Last Monday night our parents positioned themselves as learners at Annesley, all in the name of parenting!

Madhavi Nawana Parker from Positive Minds Australia presented on building connection, compassion, and empathy to enhance wellbeing. She gave strategies to support children to grow with confidence and face challenges with resilience, aligning with Annesley’s Dare to Become philosophy.

To dare is to be courageous. It’s about taking risks, embracing the unknown and remaining open, adaptable, and bold. For parents and educators, this often means reimagining our roles to be different from how we were raised or taught, to bravely embark on a journey to understand and support our children in ways that prepare them for the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Congratulations to our Director of Primary, Sharyn Darrell and the Wellbeing Committee for crafting this into a valuable series. The series will provide a sustained engagement for our families and allow them to build understanding, and make connections over a number of connected sessions. This week was just the beginning!

On Monday night next week, we kick off the next session, navigating the challenges that technology presents in parenting.

We ask our families to refrain from undertaking U-turns on Rose Terrace when bringing your child to school or collecting them at the end of the day. It is unlawful to do a U-turn over the yellow barriers on the road and a safety concern during peak times for our community along Rose Terrace during these busy times.

A reminder to all families that if you have younger children that you have not yet submitted an application form for, that it can be done via this link: https://enrol.annesley.sa.edu.au/application-for-admission/start

An application must be submitted in order for a child to be considered for a place.

If you are not sure if you have submitted an application and wish to check, or for any other questions, please contact Laura in the Student Enrolments Office on 8422 2211 or email enrolments@annesley.sa.edu.au

Through recent engagement with the Unley Council, they have confirmed guidelines for our community to follow when using the Kiss & Drop zone. Drivers must remain within 3 metres of their car in this zone and can only remain stopped for 2 minutes. If a driver moves further than 3 metres away, the 2-minute period no longer applies. We have had regular inspections from Unley Council of this zone recently. We ask our community members to adhere to these guidelines to avoid getting fined, and to keep our Kiss & Drop zone functioning effectively.

A reminder to Primary families that supervision for our students is provided from 8.30am on school grounds. Prior to this time, students are not to be left onsite without an adult family member. Our Before School OSHC Service is available to families requiring early supervision from 7.30am to 8.30am. Similarly, staff supervision is provided after school until 3.45pm. OSHC is available to families needing care after school until 6pm.

Calling all families to donate gently used Annesley uniforms to Unify, our student-led pop-up shop for second-hand uniforms. Your contribution not only promotes sustainability but also helps support many of the school’s initiatives. Your ongoing participation is greatly appreciated and contributes to the continued success of our school community. Donations can be left in the Unify tub located in the Front Office.

Our Bouncing Bean Café and Unify Second-Hand store are open at the following times each week:

Before School: 8.15am – 9am, Everyday
Morning Break: 11.05am – 11.45am, Everyday
Wednesday Afternoons: 3pm – 4pm
Monday and Wednesday Afternoons

Monday 9 June: Kings Birthday, Public Holiday

Tuesday 10 June: Year 3 Fringe – Celebration of LEarning

Wednesday 11 June: SAPSASA Soccer Carnival

Wednesday 11 June: Chapel (Rec-Y1 awards)

Wednesday 11 June: ELC Grandparents and Special Friends Day

Thursday 12 June: Year 3 Camp

Thursday 12 June: Year 6 Quest – Forktree Project

Thursday 12 June: MYR Orientation visits

Thursday 12 June: ELC – B&E Yoga

Friday 13 June: ELC – G&W Kelly Sports

Monday 16 June: Dare to Become Parenting

Tuesday 17 June: Year 6 Quest – Mt Biking & Kayaking

Wednesday 18 June: Year 5 Production

Wednesday 18 June: Year 1 Celebration of Learning Movie

Thursday 19 June: MYR Orientation Day

Thursday 19 June: ELC – B&E Yoga

Thursday 19 June: Year 5 Production (Families)

Friday 20 June: ELC – G&W Kelly Sports

Friday 20 June: ELC Orientations

Tuesday 24 June: Year 6 QUEST – Baptist Care

Wednesday 25 June: Chapel (Y2-6 awards)

Thursday 26 June: Local Buy Annesley Market

Thursday 26 June: ELC – B&E Yoga

Thursday 26 June: ELC Orientations

Friday 27 June: ELC – G&W Kelly Sports

Our website now has a volunteering page under the Community Tab that outlines clearly the process we require our family members to follow to volunteer at Annesley. This process meets legislative requirements in order to keep our children and volunteers safe at Annesley. See more here.