News from the ELC: A Partnership with Families

Our ELC philosophy acknowledges that the family are the first educators of the child. It is therefore of significant importance that the family and school work together in partnership to provide the most effective and successful education for the child. 

It is essential that there is a two-way reciprocal exchange of information so that educators and families can plan together to help the children meet their learning goals. Always feel welcome to share relevant information with your child’s educators as this assists them to develop an understanding of the child in the home environment. It is important that there is consistency between both environments in order to create optimum learning opportunities for the child. 

Educators will take time to communicate with you at the beginning and the end of each day. There will also be formal opportunities for parent-teacher exchange throughout the year. Please always feel welcome to make contact with your child’s teacher if you have any questions at any stage. No question is ever too small. We encourage you to ask questions as they arise so that we can work together. 

I am also available to speak with parents to support or guide you with any questions or concerns you may have. 

Please retain the following contact details for reference throughout the year. 

Head of Early Learning Centre 

Ms Sarah Bethune
Phone: 9828 3075
Email: sbethune@stcatherines.net.au 

ELC Classrooms 

Blue Gum Room – 9828 3931
Waratah Room – 9828 3932
Banksia Room – 9828 3068
Wattle Room – 9828 3037 

ELC Information and Social Evening – Thursday 15 February 6.00 till 8.00pm 

The Head of Early Learning and ELC teachers look forward to sharing our Early Learning philosophy and curriculum at our upcoming Information Evening. There will be separate presentations for parents of children attending the 3YO and 4YO Programs.   

The evening will commence at 6.00pm. ELC parents will gather in the Junior School Library before moving into the two separate Year-level presentations.   

The Parent Information Sessions will be followed by a PFA social evening on the Village Green in the Junior School.   

We warmly encourage you to attend this important event as it is a great opportunity to connect with other parents and educators and, importantly, to hear more about the programs your child will be engaged in this year. 

To register for the Information Session please click here.

TeamKids – Out of School Hours Care 

St Catherine’s School offers an Out of School Hours Care Program to all ELC and Junior School families.   

The Program is implemented by our provider TeamKids and operates within the ELC Building.  Parents are reminded that if you need to use the Before School Care or After School Care service, registrations need to be made in advance with TeamKids for either casual or regular bookings.   

Registration is free and must be completed in advance of your child attending the Program. All families are encouraged to register so you can use this service in the event you are unable to pick up your child by 3.00pm.   

Before School Care – 7.00am to 8.45am 

After School Care – 3.00pm to 6.00pm   

Registrations can be completed via the TeamKids website – St Catherine’s School – Toorak ELC | TeamKids   

Please phone TeamKids on 1300 035 00 or email info@teamkids.com.au for all enquiries. 

Ms Sarah Bethune, Head of Early Learning