The children in the Early Learning Centre are offered opportunities each and every day to learn and discover using the ‘hundred languages’. Our curriculum is inspired by the principles of the Reggio Emilia approach to education. We believe that the children have many ways of thinking, communicating and doing, and we provide them with many opportunities to express themselves on a daily basis.

“Young children are encouraged to explore their environment and express themselves through all of their available expressive, communicative and cognitive languages, whether they be words, movement, drawing, painting, building, sculpture, shadow play, or music, to name a few.” Edwards, Gandini & Forman,1998 

Throughout the year, the children in the ELC have the opportunity to experience a range of languages such as painting, drawing, construction, storytelling, light and shadow, sculpture, music and movement. This supports them to express their thought and ideas, to learn about themselves, and to discover the people and world around them.

Through their experiences at the ELC and in life, the children develop a natural affinity for particular languages. Whilst one child may enjoy drawing as their preferred language for expression, another child may prefer to represent their thoughts and ideas through construction. The children are provided with a range of materials, equipment and resources so that they have the opportunity to explore and experience many different languages and take their learning to a deeper level.

ELC Uniform and Coats

As we transition into the cooler months, the children will begin wearing their winter uniform items. This includes the St Catherine’s track pants, skivvy, polar fleece jumper or rugby jumper. The children also need to ensure that they bring a coat with them to the ELC each day so that they are suitably dressed for the outdoor program. A new St Catherine’s Neoprene Jacket has been added to the collection of uniform items and is now available from Bob Stewart. The neoprene jacket starts in child size 4, suitable for ELC children. Please be reminded, it is essential that the children be dressed in official St Catherine’s uniform at all times.