Our Early Learning Centre
Discover and learn
Housed in the newly-renovated and extended Campbell House, the ELC (also known as The Ilhan Family Centre) is located in an historic, yet state-of-the-art educational environment in which all of our five classes enjoy a stimulating program. The Reggio Emilia philosophy, which underpins all we do in the ELC, highlights the importance of the environment as the ‘third teacher' and we know our building's purpose-built spaces complete with the beautiful and spacious playground inspire our girls and boys to discover and learn. The Early Learning Centre is only a short walk to the outstanding Junior School and Senior School facilities, which the children have access to throughout the year. Our community is currently very excited about our much-anticipated Sports and Aquatic Centre facility which will be well utilised by our students, and we look forward to seeing our children enjoy fitness and fun in the new Centre.
Our Philosophy
St Catherine's has an outstanding reputation in early childhood education. Our Early Learning program is underpinned by the world-renowned Reggio Emilia philosophy. It celebrates the natural wonder and curiosity of children and fosters a life-long love of learning in all children. Inquiry learning continues throughout the Junior School.
Our Classes
The St Catherine's ELC is a co-educational pre-school. Generally, children attending Three Year Old Pre-school are offered a place in Four Year Old Pre-school (providing the teachers feel the children are educationally and socially ready to move into a Four Year Old class). Girls who have attended our ELC are who are ready to begin school are offered a place in Prep at St Catherine's. The Jacaranda and Lavender Rooms are our Three Year Old classes in which children attend three or five days per week. The Rainbow, Sunflower and Waterlily Rooms are our Four Year Old classes, in which all of the children attend five days per week.
Specialist classes
Specialist classes in library, music and the Perceptual Motor Program (PMP) are held throughout the week. Three year old children who attend the ELC three days per week will therefore attend some specialist classes, but not all, depending on their weekly schedule. Four year old children participate in all specialist classes and also enjoy French classes in their final term in the ELC.
When can my child start?
Our ELC caters for children between the ages of three and five years. The Children's Services Regulations 1998 specify that all children must have turned three years of age before commencing pre-school. Students commencing in the Three Year Old program at St Catherine's must have turned three by the end of January in the year of attendance. Social and emotional readiness for the program is discussed with each family prior to commencement.
Expert Care for your Children
A qualified teacher, together with an assistant, work with the children at all times. This ensures that the children always have at least two adults with them at all times, and supervision is maintained at the highest level.