For the 16th year running, Murrindindi Shire was alive with the sound of stories on Friday 20 September, as volunteer readers and children celebrated ELF (Early Learning is Fun) Day in Alexandra.
ELF Day is a community initiative aimed at promoting children’s language and literacy skills through reading, singing, talking and playing.
Murrindindi Shire Council Mayor, Sandice McAulay said what we know from the research is that a child’s ability to read and communicate effectively sets them up for success in school and later in life.
“Literacy has a direct impact on self-esteem and a motivation to learn, so inspiring it during the early years of a child’s life is a really valuable investment in their future,” Cr McAulay said.
“And, truth be told, it’s always a lot of fun dressing up and being a part of the merriment. ELF Day is a really wonderful way for the community to come together to celebrate and encourage our kids.
“Don’t worry if you missed out on the ELF Day events in Alexandra and Buxton on 20 September – Yea and Eildon are holding their ELF Days to coincide with Children’s Week in October.
“Students from Flowerdale Primary School, Sacred Heart Primary and Yea Primary School, along with the kinder kids, will be trotting about High Street in Yea on 16 October to hear stories from dressed-up shopkeepers. I know our librarians are looking forward to hosting the ‘ELFers’ at the Yea Library too! It’s just fantastic how this event is growing every year – the Yea ELF Group was particularly pleased to welcome the Yea Community House to their committee recently.
“Eildon Primary School, together with Eildon Kindergarten, also has some ELF Day activities planned for 23 October. Students, teachers and volunteer readers are set to gather in the shopping centre on Main Street for some jolly reading activities.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has and will invest their time and cheer into this initiative. How special it is to grow up in Murrindindi Shire!” Cr McAulay said.
PICTURE: Murrindindi Shire Council’s Moving Murrindindi Project Officer, Nerissa Carter (dressed as Belle from Beauty and the Beast) reading to an engrossed audience at ELF Day in Alexandra on 20 September.
