Early Years
A Great Start
The Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and Pre-Primary are housed in the purpose-designed Early Companions Centre. In these colourful rooms fully integrated with creative indoor and outdoor play spaces, the children are given opportunities to seek and make meaning through play-based learning.
The philosophy and programs of the Early Companions Centre are based on The Early Years Framework 'Belonging, Being, Becoming.' Underpinning all our work is our commitment to helping children experience the wonder and awe of God in their lives and the world around them.
The Early Companions Centre Staff are specialist Early Childhood trained Teachers and Education Assistants. While informal and flexible in approach, the learning programs are expertly designed to move a child through a developmental pathway towards literacy and numeracy.
We recognise that learning is a gift from God and the role of parents, as the first educators of their children, is seen as vital.
By working together families and staff ensure every child in the Early Companions Centre has a great start to their education at John XXIII College.
Pre-Kindergarten
Our three year old Pre-Kindergarten program is based around fun and stimulating experiences that foster the philosophy of 'learning through play'. It seeks also to foster a religious awareness through meaningful everyday experiences.
Our Early Childhood teachers provide a caring, safe and stimulating environment that will nurture the young child's disposition to wonder, explore and construct meaning about the world in an informal and fun way.
Kindergarten
The initial experiences in the early years are important in developing each child's full potential, while also laying the foundations for future learning. The Kindergarten year will also be your child's first experience outside the home, of faith formation.
Our Philosophy
John XXIII College has a strong commitment to nurture the desire to seek justice in all that we do. The Kindergarten introduces this notion as part of its daily practice. In particular we explain and model to children that justice can only be achieved when the needs of everyone are met. Therefore we focus on providing opportunities for the children to interact and collaborate with each other. Establishing friends and developing social skills are vital elements of becoming productive members of our College community and the wider world.
Our philosophy is based on developing the whole child in an environment which is exciting, challenging and emphasises learning through play. The atmosphere is happy and relaxed, allowing children to build their confidence and independence. The Kindergarten program is designed to nurture the growth of each child spiritually, socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually at their own pace. Using current curriculum practices we provide a variety of opportunities for children to develop their knowledge, skills and values.
Families
We recognise the importance of families as the primary educators of their children and encourage a close cooperative relationship between families and teachers. We invite involvement in the Kindergarten program through rosters and special events
Kindergarten Program
Our Kindergarten program operates three full day sessions per week. The program is run by a qualified Early Childhood Teacher and two qualified Teacher Assistants per class. The maximum class size is 25.
