St Catherine’s ELC is recognised as exceeding the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) national quality standard, making it one of the top Melbourne ELCs. With qualified and passionate educators, the ELC has a team of dedicated staff creating a secure and caring environment for your children.

Our educational program is centred on children’s innate curiosity, encompassing the Reggio Emilia approach and incorporating the Australian Early Years learning Framework. Our educators embrace all opportunities to strengthen their young learners’ knowledge, confidence and resilience.

Overseeing our Early Learning Centre is Head of ELC, Ms Sarah Bethune (BEd(EC) Dip Teach (EC)Melb). 

Sarah manages the day-to-day running of St Catherine’s ELC and supports the children, families and staff in Campbell House, as well as teaching within each of our four learning rooms.

Passionate about making a difference in the lives of young children, Sarah graduated University with a Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood) and a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood). Following this she was able to gain extensive experience in a research and demonstration Kindergarten attached to The University of Melbourne. This unique setting provided Sarah with the opportunity to extend herself as a teacher in a high calibre environment, as well as participate in research and develop a greater understanding of pedagogy.

With exceptional organisational and managerial skills, a specialised knowledge of child development and an innate ability to provide pastoral care to children and families, Sarah is a true asset to St Catherine’s Early Learning Centre.

Having worked at St Catherine’s for over a decade, Sarah is dedicated to providing our young learners with access to a plethora of learning experiences, materials, resources and experts.

“It is so satisfying to observe the learning, growth and development in every child over the course of their educational journey at St Catherine’s ELC. We have a strong capacity to support the learning and development of individual children and provide rich, hands-on learning opportunities that enable the children to develop a sense of wonder and a love for learning,” Sarah explains.

About our ELC Educators

At St Catherine’s Early Learning Centre, our team of passionate and highly qualified and experienced educators is dedicated to fostering a love of learning in young children. With diverse backgrounds in early childhood education, combined with performing arts, journalism, and communications, our educators bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the classroom.

We believe in creating a nurturing and stimulating environment where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to explore their interests. Our educators take great pride in guiding children through their early years, understanding that these formative experiences lay the foundation for future learning, resilience, and independence.

A deep appreciation for inquiry-based learning allows our educators to adapt and evolve each day to meet the needs and curiosity of our students. Whether it’s through storytelling, music, movement, or outdoor exploration, they embrace every opportunity to spark joy and wonder in their young learners.

At the heart of our approach is a commitment to holistic development—supporting children’s emotional, social, and cognitive growth while instilling a lifelong love of learning. By working collaboratively with families and the wider school community, our educators ensure each child’s journey is enriched with care, creativity, and meaningful experiences.

St Catherine’s ELC is a place where children flourish, and our educators are privileged to be part of their journey.