The Early Learning Centre
We acknowledge the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples as the traditional keepers of the land on which we gather. We are inspired by their wisdom, spirituality and experience. We particularly acknowledge our debt to the wise Indigenous women who have shared language, country and culture. We commit ourselves to actively work alongside them for reconciliation and justice.
Glossary of terms
ASC After School Care
BSC Before School Care
CGGS Canberra Girls Grammar School
ELC Early Learning Centre
JS Junior School
OSHC Out of School Hours Care
SS Senior School
Term dates 2025 2025
Term 1
MONDAY 3 FEBRUARY–FRIDAY 11 APRIL
Term 2
MONDAY 28 APRIL–FRIDAY 27 JUNE
Term 3
TUESDAY 22 JULY–FRIDAY 26 SEPTEMBER
Term 4
MONDAY 13 OCTOBER–TUESDAY 9 DECEMBER
Reception students attend half-days for the first week (3–7 February) from 9am–12.30pm, with full days commencing from Week 2, Monday 10 February.
Pre-Kindergarten students commence full-days from Monday 3 February 9am–3pm.
OSHC commences for Pre-Kindergarten students on Monday 3 February and for Reception students on Monday 10 February.
Key dates
FRIDAY 31 JANUARY
INSIGHT MEETING DAY
No OSHC is provided.
MONDAY 21 JULY
PUPIL-FREE DAY
No OSHC is provided.
FRIDAY 12 DECEMBER
PUPIL-FREE DAY
No OSHC is provided.
The Insight meeting
On Friday 31 January both the ELC and Junior School will host Insight meetings for all students. This meeting is designed to provide each family with the best start possible for the year ahead. This meeting must be attended and is an opportunity for parents/carers to discuss their hopes, goals and aspirations for their child, directly with their child’s teacher. It is an important meeting that lays the foundation for a strong partnership, and children are encouraged to join too.
In January all parents/carers will receive an email to book their Insight meeting and provide introductory information about their child.
CGGS school uniform
The CGGS uniform is an essential part of the School’s identity and heritage. Proudly and consistently wearing the correct uniform is an expectation of all students, including the ELC.
The full CGGS uniform must be worn throughout the entire School year and students should not wear items that are not part of the official uniform such as jackets, visible undershirts, coloured socks or tights.
Students are only permitted to wear mix-and-match garments provided by CGGS School Shop. The Uniform Shop team advises the correct sizing and selection of garments depending on the student’s year level and House allocation. Additionally, students must wear:
• Predominately white or black velcro runners—no flashing lights or colours.
• Ankle socks in white or navy.
• Navy hair accessories.
• Navy gloves, scarf and beanie.
• No nail polish or face makeup.
• CGGS School bag.
• CGGS School hat.
• CGGS Library bag (Pre-K only).
Parents/carers are asked to encourage their children to proudly wear the correct CGGS uniform. Support is greatly appreciated in keeping students looking smart.
ELC and Junior School House uniform
To align with the Junior School, students in Reception and Pre-Kindergarten are a part of the House system and are required to wear their House uniform to community spirit events.
This uniform includes a House-coloured polo shirt, reversible house-coloured bucket hat, School shorts, white or black runners and white or navy socks. Parents/carers will receive information notice of their child’s nominated House following their interview.
School Shop
The School Shop is located on the lower level of the Administration Hub Building at the Senior School campus (48 Melbourne Avenue, Deakin).
The ELC uniform can only be purchased from the School Shop, which offers both new and high-quality second-hand uniforms, including items for specific sports requirements.
It is highly recommended that new families schedule an appointment for a sizing/fitting. Fittings can take up to 45 minutes for the full CGGS uniform.
All students must be in their correct CGGS uniform on the first day of Term 1 2025. Additionally, a change of uniform must be packed daily. All uniform items must be clearly labelled with the student’s full name.
To see the complete uniform range and to book a fitting appointment, visit the School Shop online at cggs.act.edu.au/school-shop
Food and drink
All students must provide their own food and water bottle each day.
This includes bringing morning tea and lunch, each packed in separate containers labelled with the student’s full name. For students attending ASC, an afternoon snack must also be packed in a separate container.
CGGS is nut-free. Do not send any food containing peanuts, Nutella or cakes with nuts. However, foods with ‘traces of nuts’ are permitted. Some individual classes may also restrict other items as necessary.
The ELC cannot heat or cool food. Please pack ice packs or use a small thermos if necessary.
Students should only bring a water-filled drink bottle, refilled daily.
CGGS encourages healthy eating habits. It is requested that lollies, chocolates, juice boxes or flavoured milk is avoided. These treats should be enjoyed at home.
For ideas on healthy lunch box options, check out healthylunchbox.com.au
Health and safety
Allergies and medical conditions
Parents/carers of a student with an allergy or medical condition (e.g. asthma, diabetes etc.) must provide the ELC with a current Action Plan (less than 12 months old) and all required medications, before the student commences. Medications must have a pharmacy label with the student’s full name and required dosage listed.
A Risk Minimisation Plan and Communication Plan must also be developed, in consultation with the ELC Assistant Director or Director. In this circumstance, parents/carers must arrange a meeting with the ELC Clerical Assistant, Assistant Director, or Director of Junior School (Early Years) a week before School starts to discuss their child’s specific care needs. Please provide any relevant documentation to the ELC Office at earlylearningcentre@cggs.act.edu.au
Sunscreen
All students are required to pack a labelled roll-on sunscreen to be kept at the ELC. Parents/carers support their child in applying sunscreen on arrival each day. ELC staff will support children in re-applying sunscreen throughout the day as required.
Toileting
It is a requirement for children to be fully toilet-trained before commencing at the ELC.
Outside School Hours Care
The ELC offers Before School Care (BSC), After School Care (ASC) and a Holiday Program to children enrolled at CGGS.
These programs offer a safe, nurturing and accessible environment for your child to engage in a range of experiences with our specialist educators outside of normal School hours.
Times
BSC: 8–9AM
ASC: 3–6PM
HOLIDAY PROGRAM: 8AM–6PM
Bookings
PERMANENT OSHC BOOKINGS
Sign in to My Family Lounge and select the service and days required. You will need to confirm your booking after receiving your offer. Existing 2024 permanent OSHC bookings will automatically rollover for Pre-Kindergarten students.
Changes to permanent bookings can be made through the My Family Lounge portal. Cancellations must be made directly to the ELC by emailing earlylearningcentre@cggs.act.edu.au
CASUAL OSHC BOOKINGS
Casual bookings for all OSHC programs can be made by downloading the My Family Lounge Casual Booking app. The app is used to book casual days across BSC, ASC and the Holiday Program, pending availability. The app cannot be used for permanent bookings.
Holiday Program
The Holiday Program operates as a casual service during school term breaks. The Holiday Program schedule of activities and bookings are advertised each term via Agora.
School absences
Please notify the ELC of absences prior to 9.30am. All absences can be recorded via the CGGS app or by contacting the ELC at 02 6202 6458 or earlylearningcentre@cggs.act.edu.au
In case of extended absences, such as family holidays during term time, please advise the Deputy Principal, Head of Junior School and ELC at headofjuniorschool@cggs.act.edu.au
Further information
Carpark
The ELC carpark is located within the ELC gates. Designated Parents with Prams and Disabled parking spots are available close to the ELC entrance.
Digital communication platforms
AGORA
Agora is the main CGGS digital communication platform, key to providing important information for parents/carers of CGGS.
Agora log in details, including a student’s unique CGGS ID number, will be provided in early 2025.
SEESAW
Seesaw is a digital platform used to document and share learning. It promotes regular interactions between home and School about the educational program and learning experiences. Seesaw log in details will be provided at the start of Term 1.
MY FAMILY LOUNGE
My Family Lounge is an online booking, enrolment and sign-in system. Parents/carers must have a My Family Lounge account and submit a completed online enrolment form in order to access the ELC and OSHC services.
FLEXISCHOOLS
At the ELC, Flexischools is used for uniform purchases. Log in details will be advised following your interview.
Changes to personal details
Any changes to your personal information must be recorded on both Agora and My Family Lounge.
Enrolment Information
Continuity from the ELC to Junior School and Senior School
Once a student is enrolled in the ELC or at any year level, their enrolment is guaranteed through to the end of Year 3 for boys, and to the end of Year 12 for girls.
Repeating a year level
The decision to repeat students is made by the Deputy Principal, Head of Junior School and ELC and is subject to availability. Students are retained (repeated) only in exceptional circumstances where the School considers it necessary for the long-term benefit of the student. To discuss repeating a year level contact the Deputy Principal, Head of Junior School and ELC at jsreception@cggs.act.edu.au
Cancellation of enrolment
CGGS requires at least one full term notice for a departing student. If one full term’s notice is not received, a late notice fee equal to half a term’s fees will be charged, as per the Enrolment Policy.
The notice must be provided in writing to the School Principal at principal@cggs.act.edu.au
Fee information and schedule
Tuition fees for the ELC and OSHC are invoiced fortnightly in arrears and paid automatically each fortnight by direct debit. For eligible families, the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is automatically applied to invoices once initial enrolment is confirmed through myGov. Families are emailed an invoice fortnightly as per the 2025 Direct Debit Billing Schedule, found here.
In the ELC, the annual tuition fee is apportioned evenly over five days for each week of term and a daily rate is charged to accounts. The daily fee is charged for all public holidays that occur during the school term. The CGGS Schedule of Fees can be found here.
For all ELC account enquiries please contact the Clerical Assistant in the ELC Front Office on 02 6202 6458.
Contact
Early Learning Centre
T 02 6202 6458
E earlylearningcentre@cggs.act.edu.au
Rachel Howden
Director of Junior School (Early Years)
T 02 6202 6458
E rachel.howden@cggs.act.edu.au
Cushla Sheehan
Assistant Director of Junior School (Early Years)
T 02 6202 6458
E cushla.sheehan@cggs.act.edu.au
Peter McDonald
Deputy Principal Head of Junior School and ELC
T 02 6202 6411
E peter.mcdonald@cggs.act.edu.au