Early Learning Centre

A Lifelong Learning Journey

The Preschool Class of 2024 

This year, we have welcomed the new Preschool cohort and their families to our learning environment. Our Preschool is a space that fosters learning, extends creativity, boosts confidence, nurtures creativity and cultivates a mindset of being lifelong learners. 

Our team of Educators, hold the view that all children are "strong, powerful and rich in potential and resources, right from the moment of birth” (Reimagining Childhood, pg. 15). 

Using the Early Years Learning Framework to guide our practices, as the vision for all children’s learning “all children engage in learning that promotes confident and creative individuals and successful lifelong learners. All children are active and informed members for their communities with knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives” (EYLF pg. 6)

Fundamental to the framework is a view of children’s loves as characterised by Belonging, Being and Becoming.

Belonging 

Children are part of various families, neighbourhoods, and communities on both local and international scales. “Belonging” recognises the interdependence of children with others, highlighting the role of relationships in shaping identities. 

From early childhood through life, having trustworthy relationships and positive experiences is essential for a strong sense of belonging. This sense of belonging has been evident in the way our new class of learners have formed connections and relationships with Educators and each other, displayed in the way they initiate conversations and their positive interactions with new and familiar peers. 

We have watched on as the children warmly shared with us about their families as we learn more about each other. The intentional fostering of ‘Belonging’ is supported through our whole class group times throughout the day and evident in our communal meal times, where we enjoy times of togetherness, valuing each member in our class. 

Being 

Childhood is a space to exist, explore and comprehend the world. “Being” emphasises the importance of present and past in children’s lives, involving children’s understanding themselves, forming their identity, fostering relationships, embracing both joys and challenges of life and navigating everyday hurdles. 

Early childhood is not just about getting ready for the future, it is about children living in the present. 

Each day, Educators have the privilege of being co-learners with children, playing and learning alongside them, observing from a distance as children learn and grow, extending their interests with enthusiasm and joy. Watching children “be” in the moments of play they create throughout the day is a joy to observe. 

As a cohort, we have been discussing the learner profiles of being a preschool team member; we are kind, caring, brave, risk taking independent learners! 

Becoming 

As children progress through childhood, their identities, knowledge, perceptions, attitudes, abilities, skills and relationships change. Various events and situations contribute and shape these changes as children learn and grow. 

Holding the mindset that children are “capable and competent learners”, our Preschool fosters opportunity for children to grow in their autonomy, independence, risk taking and resilience. Together we have begun our journey of growing and learning more about who we are and who God has made us to be. 

It is only part way through our first term together and we are so excited to be part of the journey ahead for our Preschool class this year.  

"Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)

Blessings, 

The Preschool Team

Mrs. Bennett, Mrs. Chew, Mrs. Docking, Mr. Raw, Mrs. Pan