The Early Years are the building blocks to life and the role of teachers in developing the educational and social skills of children is extremely important.
Relationships are pivotal when caring and educating young learners because young children develop and learn in the context of relationships. Our dedicated, caring and dynamic team of Educators know how to promote the social and emotional health of our Pre-Schoolers.
The social and emotional wellbeing of Pre-Schoolers is reflected in their thoughts, feelings and behaviour. Children need to learn to identify and understand not only their feelings but also the feelings of others. They need to be able to understand and express their feelings, to be able to regulate their behaviour, and to know how to empathise with others. Intentional teaching is critical. Children who are cared for and engaged can learn to avoid and resolve conflicts, share and take turns, and express their emotions in productive ways.
Nurturing bonds between Educators and our children are formed to provide a supportive environment for our young children to flourish, to be open to new experiences and have the confidence and resilience to pursue their interests and be assured of their self-worth. Our Teachers organise a material-rich environment to stimulate social interactions among children and they know how to teach, model, and reinforce positive behaviors.
Our Pre-Schoolers also enjoy rich, stimulating learning programmes that tap into their natural curiosity.
We aim to provide an exciting environment where children develop the attributes of being a competent, involved learner. We provide an exciting and stimulating range of subjects and learning experiences from an early age.
Our Fundamental Movement Programme also develops the foundational movements, or precursor patterns, to the more specialised and complex skills used in play, games and specific sports – these movements form the building blocks for more complex and specialised skills they will need throughout their lives.
Daily Routine
8.45am – Doors Open
We have 40 children at St Michael’s and 20 at St Mark’s attend each day. An Early Childhood Teacher and an Educator teach each group of 20 children.
Indoor and Outdoor Play
We have both an indoor and outdoor programme. One group begins their session indoors, while the other group starts outdoors. During this time children may also participate in specialist lessons including Music, French, Visual Arts and our Fundamental Movement Programme.
10.15am – Preparation for Fruit Time
Children help the teachers pack away indoor and outdoor activities before group time.
10.30am & 12.15pm – Group Time
The children participate in group experiences such as music and movement, language, arts, story and games.
12.45pm – Lunch Time
Lunch is eaten at tables inside or outside picnic tables
1.30pm – Rest Time
They rest on their beds in their classrooms where they listen to stories and ambient music.
Story books are provided to those children who do not sleep.
2pm – Quiet Work Time
Children select from a variety of activities such as puzzles, drawing, books, and manipulative constructions. Children may sleep through this period. Children who are to attend school the following year have an extension programme in the afternoon, later in the year.
2.30pm – Going Home Time
Story time for children waiting for pick up.
2.45pm – End of the Pre-School Day