The Early Learning Centre
The St Catherine's Early Learning Centre provides
a unique beginning for lifelong learning. The program is inspired
by the Reggio Emilia philosophy of early childhood education
where children are celebrated and encouraged to learn in a
way that develops their self-esteem and natural curiosity.
What makes us unique
Our children, teachers and parents collaborate
in exploring the world around them in a stimulating, secure
environment. We encourage children to maintain openness to
new ideas and experiences as an integral part of the learning
process. We focus on developing the whole child and on nurturing
each individual's growth in its many forms: social, emotional,
physical and intellectual. Our learning environment provides
opportunities for children to build upon their strengths and
interests in an exciting and challenging way. Here they develop
an understanding and respect for themselves, their world and
each other.
"For us, each child is unique and the
protagonist of his or her own growth. We also note that children
desire to acquire knowledge, have much capacity for curiosity
and amazement, and yearn to create relationships with others
and to communicate."
Tiziana Filippini, Reggio Emilia Educator
The Emergent Curriculum
The emergent curriculum embraces the interests
of the children and is responsive to their curiosity and thinking.
Projects are used as a medium to wonder, explore and construct
meaning about their community and wider world. The classroom
also plays a crucial role in the learning process by acting
as the third teacher and providing many provocations and stimuli.
Curriculum focuses (incorporating Gardner's
Multiple Intelligences):
• Early literacy
• Early numeracy
• Music/movement
• Visual and creative arts
• Physical development
• Collaboration through community learning
• Science and nature
• Opportunities to develop computer skills
• Exploring our community and world.
We also offer a variety of extension and specialist
lessons throughout the weekly program in Music, Library, Physical
Education and French.
Our learning program is complemented by various
incursions and excursions related to areas of enquiry. Parents
are encouraged to take an active part within the learning
journey.
Reggio Emilia
The program is inspired by the world-renowned
philosophy of Early Childhood from Reggio Emilia in Northern
Italy. Instead of seeing young children as empty vessels waiting
to be filled, children are seen as competent, capable, strong
and amazing individuals. Children are encouraged to express
themselves in a variety of ways, referred by the Reggio educators
as the Hundred Languages. These many languages include the
spoken word, drawing, painting, sculpture, music, drama, puppetry
and movement. Teachers are seen as facilitators, encouraging
children to listen to each other, take risks with their learning,
think creatively, co-construct their knowledge and understanding
and go beyond what they thought was possible! Our enthusiastic
staff are committed to respecting and valuing all children
and strive to encourage the following values in their work
with children: appreciation, commitment, confidence, co-operation,
creativity, curiosity, empathy, enthusiasm, independence,
integrity, respect and tolerance.
Within each group a democratic community is
developed, with a strong sense of respect for every aspect
of the program and culture. The carefully planned environment
is seen as extremely important in creating wonder and curiosity.
It is a joy to see children learning, developing, growing
and above all, enjoying life through this inspiring philosophy.
The Learning Pathway from Early Learning Centre to the Junior
School
The Reggio Emilia program fits well with the
whole School approach to learning. The children's natural
curiosity is further developed as they enter the Junior School
and are encouraged to be active learners who ask questions
as they construct an understanding of themselves and their
world.
Above all, learning is fun, engaging and challenging
within our positive Early Learning Centre.
Location
St Catherine's Early Learning Centre (ELC) is located within the Junior School precinct, while the home of the Early Learning Centre - Campbell House is redeveloped to provide enhanced facilities for our three and four year old children. The Early Learning Centre classrooms provide safe environments with security and keypad systems. They also provide separate play spaces and learning areas for the ELC children. The location of the ELC classes enables easy access to all Junior School facilities when required.
Program Details
• We cater for girls and boys (co-educational).
• Hours of operation are 8.45am-3.00pm.
• We offer three or five days a week for three
year olds.
• For four and five year olds we provide a five day
program.
• Attendance is flexible for all ages.
• Our standards adhere to the regulations of the Department
of Human Services and we are an accredited Sun Smart School.
• All classes have two teachers at all times.
Before and After School Care
Before School Care 7.30am-8.45am
After School Care 3.00pm-6.00pm
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