St Catherine’s School 17 Heyington Place Toorak VIC 3142 Telephone +61 3 9822 1285 Email info@stcatherines.net.au www.stcatherines.net.au
ELC Orientation
CRICOS 00574F ABN 90 004 251 816
HANDBOOK
Contents Contents
1
From the Head of Early Learning Centre
2
Early Learning Centre Contact Details
3
Orientation Dates
4
Term Dates 2024
5
St Catherine’s Early Learning Centre Philosophy
6
The Learning Frameworks
9
Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF)
9
The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)
9
National Quality Framework and Standard for Education and Care Services
10
Funded Kindergarten Programs
11
A Typical Day in Our ELC
12
Communication
13
Health and Wellbeing
16
Child Safety at St Catherine’s School
18
Daily Requirements
19
Getting Involved
22
Practical Matters
23
General Information
24
From the Head of Early Learning Centre I would like to extend a warm welcome to our Early Learning Centre (ELC) families for 2024. St Catherine’s is proud of our long tradition of excellence in Early Childhood education. For many years now, the programs for our young learners have been underpinned by many aspects of the Reggio Emilia approach, inquiry-based learning and nature pedagogy. Every day our classrooms are filled with investigation, discovery and wonder. The ELC is situated in Campbell House: The Ilhan Family Centre. Our learning spaces recently underwent an extensive internal refurbishment. The beautiful, light-filled classroom environments provide the children with a calm and wonderous space in which they can learn and explore. St Catherine’s ELC has recently been awarded the rating of “Exceeding National Quality Standard’ by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) for the third time since the commencement of the National Quality Framework (NQF). This rating is indicative of the excellence of care, education and governance of our high-quality centre. Parents are welcomed and encouraged to become members of our learning community. Strong learning and development takes place when parents and educators work together, communicate positively and share common goals. Educators in Campbell House are well known for their passion for their profession, their pastoral care and their expertise in education and care. Parents are encouraged to support the educators in positive ways and to actively join the learning journey that your child will embark on. 2024 will bring many wonderful learning opportunities for you and your child. Welcome and enjoy!
Ms Sarah Bethune Head of Early Learning Centre
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Early Learning Centre Contact Details Campbell House
03 9828 3075
Waratah Room
03 9828 3932
Blue Gum Room
03 9828 3931
Wattle Room
03 9828 3037
Banksia Room
03 9828 3068
Junior School Reception 03 9828 3062
Location St Catherine’s Early Learning Centre is located within the historic and recently refurbished setting of Campbell House in Heyington Place, Toorak. This magnificent environment includes a fully resourced building and nature-inspired playground, as well as easy access to the Junior School and Senior School grounds and facilities as required. The 3YO classes are located on the ground floor. The 4YO classes are located on the first floor.
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Orientation Dates Information and Orientation Day ELC 3YO and 4YO Classes – Wednesday 31 January 2024 Small group information sessions will be held in the classroom with four to five parents at a time. Children will have an opportunity to explore their new classroom and play with a small group of children while the information session is being conducted. Parents/Guardians will receive notification of their individual Information and Orientation Session time in December 2023.
Commencement Dates and Orientation Program 4 Year Old Program The 4YO classes will commence a gradual orientation program as follows: • •
Thursday 1 February – Wednesday 7 February - Hours will be 8.45am – 12.00pm (please bring morning tea and drink bottle) Thursday 8 February - Normal hours commence (8.45am – 3.00pm)
3 Year Old Program The 3YO classes will commence a gradual orientation program as follows: • Thursday 1 February – Wednesday 14 February Hours will be 8.45am – 12.00pm (please bring morning tea and drink) • Thursday 15 February – Normal hours commence (8.45am – 3.00pm) During the gradual orientation period, we recommend that children are collected at the completion of the ELC program. After School Care will be available from Thursday 1 February for those families who require this facility. Please be patient whilst our orientation program is implemented. From our experience, a gentle introduction results in happy, secure and confident children, creating a positive start to the year.
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Term Dates 2024 Term 1 Thursday 1 February
Term 1 commences (Gradual orientation program hours for 3YO and 4YO programs)
Thursday 8 February
Full day ELC 4YO program begins (8.45am – 3.00pm)
Thursday 15 February
Full day ELC 3YO program begins (8.45am – 3.00pm)
Monday 11 March
Labour Day Public Holiday
Thursday 28 March
Term 1 concludes
Term 2 Monday 15 April
Term 2 commences
Thursday 25 April
ANZAC Day Public Holiday
Monday 10 June
King’s Birthday Public Holiday
Thursday 20 June
Term 2 concludes
Term 3 Tuesday 16 July
Term 3 commences
Monday 12 August
Mid Term Break
Friday 20 September
Term 3 concludes
Term 4 Monday 7 October
Term 4 commences
Monday 4 November
Mid Term Break
Tuesday 5 November
Melbourne Cup Public Holiday
Friday 6 December
Term 4 concludes
The full School Calendar is accessible via mystcatherines.net.au.
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St Catherine’s Early Learning Centre Philosophy Every child at St Catherine’s ELC has the right to exceptional education and care. We value and respect all children and foster a love of learning. We believe that each child is capable and competent. A sense of wonder and curiosity is fostered in each child through creating opportunities to play, explore, investigate, discover and be active participants in their learning. Relationships are integral to creating a sense of belonging within the Campbell House community. Relationships with others build a child’s sense of belonging and identity. We acknowledge that children firstly belong to their families and bring with them their own history and culture to share with other children, families and educators. Respect for diversity is promoted within our community. We acknowledge and respect the Wurundjeri people as the traditional owners of the land on which we play and learn. First Nations perspectives are valued and embedded in our program. Much care and consideration is given to the learning environments, both indoors and outdoors, to provoke and inspire everyday encounters. Importance is placed on the beauty and aesthetic of the learning spaces, materials and experiences. There is a commitment to the natural environment whereby children form an appreciation of and connection with the world around them. Children are encouraged to develop sustainable practices and become informed citizens of the world. Parents are valued and welcomed participants in the early learning programs. We consider parents to be our partners in their child’s learning and development. Together, children, families and educators form our community and work together to provide the best possible learning opportunities for the children. Educators recognise and respond to the unique qualities of every child. Together we become co-learners with the children, families and the community. Educators are also responsive to children’s ideas and play to develop ongoing projects, stimulate their thinking and enrich their learning.
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The Reggio Emilia Approach to Education Underpinning our philosophy is an image of the child as being competent, full of possibilities and a protagonist in his/her own learning. In educational terms, the northern Italian town of Reggio Emilia has firmly established a worldwide reputation for forward thinking and excellence in its approach to early childhood education. It is distinguished by a deeply embedded commitment to the role of research in learning and teaching. It is an approach where the expressive arts play a central role in learning and where a unique reciprocal learning relationship exists between educator and child. Beautiful environments and materials invite the children to learn. Children create their own knowledge through exploration, using the many 'languages' of childhood: painting, drawing, music, sculpture, construction, words and many more. Creativity and learning are considered parts of the same process.
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The Hundred Languages of Children The following poem was written by Loris Malaguzzi, a founder of the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education, in which he presents the image of the child as being full of curiosity and powerful in his or her abilities to make sense of the world.
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The Learning Frameworks Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) The aim of the VEYLF and EYLF is to extend and enrich children’s learning from birth to five years and through the transition to School. The Learning Frameworks draw on conclusive international evidence that early childhood is a vital period in children’s learning and development. The Learning Frameworks form the foundation for ensuring children in all early childhood education and care settings experience quality teaching and learning. They have a specific emphasis on play-based learning and recognise the importance of communication and language (including early literacy and numeracy) and social and emotional development. The Frameworks have been designed for use by early childhood educators working in partnership with families, children’s first and most influential educators. Fundamental to the Learning Frameworks are a view of children’s lives as characterised by belonging, being and becoming. From before birth children are connected to family, community, culture and place. Their earliest development and learning takes place through these relationships, particularly within families, who are children’s first and most influential educators. As children participate in everyday life, they develop interests and construct their own identities and understandings of the world.
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National Quality Framework and Standard for Education and Care Services The National Quality Framework (NQF) was first introduced to education and care settings across Australia in 2012. From 1 February 2018, the revised and updated framework is now implemented. There are seven quality areas in the National Quality Standard: 1. Educational program and practice 2. Children’s health and safety 3. Physical environment 4. Staffing arrangements 5. Relationships with children 6. Collaborative partnerships with families and communities 7. Governance and Leadership. At St Catherine’s Early Learning Centre, we are committed to providing exemplary education and care for young children and we strive to meet the highest standard across all quality areas. In May 2022, our Early Learning Centre participated in the assessment and rating process with the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). As a result of this assessment, St Catherine’s ELC was awarded the rating – ‘Exceeding National Quality Standard’ in all seven quality areas for the third time.
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Funded Kindergarten Programs In Victoria, it is a requirement for 4 year old children to attend a kindergarten program for a minimum of 15 hours per week in the year prior to school. This will increase to 30 hours per week in the coming years in line with Victorian Government early childhood reforms. 3 year old children are required to attended a funded kindergarten program for a minimum of 5 hours per week. This will also increase to 15 hours per week over the coming years. At St Catherine’s ELC, we provide both 3 year old and 4 year old kindergarten programs that exceed minimum government attendance requirements for the children’s two years prior to school. The Victorian Government provides a small amount of funding to services within the independent school sector to contribute to the cost of running the 3 year old and 4 year old kindergarten programs. Children can only be registered to attend a funded kindergarten program at one service therefore parents will be required to complete a declaration form indicating that your child is only attending one funded kindergarten program. St Catherine’s does not receive “free Kinder” funding from the Victorian Government. Our early learning programs meet all regulatory requirements and are approved by the Victorian Government.
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A Typical Day in Our ELC The ELC program operates between 8.45am – 3.00pm. Our Morning Begins: • Settling in time when children and staff greet each other and farewell parents. • Learning Meeting – this is a time for children and staff to share ideas and thoughts and plan the day. • An educational program is planned to include a variety of indoor or outdoor experiences including small group project work and specialist classes. Morning Tea: • Children and staff enjoy morning tea together either indoors or outdoors. Our Morning continues: • Whole Group experience which may involve stories, discussions, experiments, dancing, movement and singing. • The indoor or outdoor program continues and provides variety to what has occurred in the first part of the morning. • Specialist classes in Library, Music and Perceptual Motor Program (PMP) are timetabled throughout the week. Our 4 year old learners also participate in a French class. Lunchtime (12.15pm–1.00pm) Relaxation (1.00pm–2.00pm) Our Afternoon Program (2.00pm–3.00pm) • Further indoor or outdoor experiences are implemented. • Whole Group experience which may involve a story, discussion, Music or singing. ELC finishes at 3.00pm The ELC program varies from time to time depending on the weather, specialist classes and the needs of the children. In the event you need to collect your child early from the ELC, we ask that you discuss the most appropriate collection time with your child’s teacher.
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Communication Each ELC classroom has its own telephone number. Please refer to the phone numbers listed at the beginning of this Handbook. There is an information area in the main foyer of Campbell House and in the Piazza area where program information, notices, photos and important messages are posted. More detailed information regarding our program, philosophy and policies is available in hard copy within the centre or electronically at mystcatherines.net.au.
Our Parent Portal – mystcatherines.net.au The School has developed a secure parent portal, mystcatherines.net.au, which allows parents to access information pertaining to St Catherine’s. This includes information on term dates, curriculum and learning, upcoming events, School policies, co-curricular information, parent surveys, School performance, cyber safety, ICT and contact details. Classroom teachers regularly upload program information, journal pages and reminders regarding upcoming events to each individual classroom portal page. We encourage you to log in to the portal regularly to keep abreast of program happenings. Login to our parent community at: mystcatherines.net.au For password information, contact the ICT Department on 03 9828 3926 or email icthelpdesk@stcatherines.net.au
St Catherine’s App With the introduction of St Catherine’s School App parents can now easily access mystcatherines and receive notifications tailored to their child’s education. We encourage all parents to utilise the App as the School plans to distribute majority of communications via the App, this includes the newsletter, The Blue Ribbon. Follow the three simple steps to gain easy access of mystcatherines. Search and Download Visit the Apple App Store or Google Play and search for ‘St Catherine’s School to download the School App.
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Stay connected Once you have downloaded the app, use your mystcatherines details to log in. Ensure you allow and manage your notifications in your app settings so you can receive important updates. Familiarise Open the app and become familiar with the useful features you can access easily. • • • • • • •
Messages Calendar News Timetable Due Work Contacts Newsletter
The Blue Ribbon All parents receive a weekly email alert which points them to the School’s online weekly newsletter, The Blue Ribbon. At any time, parents can access this at mystcatherines.net.au. There is an ELC section of The Blue Ribbon where information regarding the ELC programs and upcoming events is shared. It is essential that parents read this on a weekly basis.
Education Blogs on Website Each week, St Catherine’s staff write a blog entry for parent interest and information about education. Blogs are uploaded onto the School Website. We encourage all parents to check this regularly at www.stcatherines.net.au or via mystcatherines.net.au For password information, please contact the ICT Department on 03 9828 3926 or email icthelpdesk@stcatherines.net.au
Operoo At St Catherine’s School we use a health, safety and electronic consent form system named Operoo. As a parent/guardian you will receive an invitation to join Operoo by email and enter details for your child/children. It is a requirement that this is completed prior to your child’s commencement. You can create your own free Operoo account, control and update data about your child/children, and give consent for your child’s involvement in camps, excursions and other events throughout the year. St Catherine’s School ELC Orientation Handbook 2024 14 _______________________________________________________________________________
Operoo has an innovative parent controlled electronic medical form for schools, clubs and other groups with a duty of care. It is an electronic version of the paper based forms used for excursions, camps, enrolments etc. It provides you the opportunity to update medical information promptly and accurately while providing the School with instant access to the emergency information provided by you. We use the Operoo system in the best interests of the children whilst also reducing the burden on you to fill out the same information on multiple forms throughout the year. You can use a PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone to enter the details including: • • • • •
emergency contacts medical contacts medical checklist including asthma, allergies, seizures, diabetes health and ambulance insurance details notes and other care instructions from you and more.
The St Catherine’s Website The School website www.stcatherines.net.au provides helpful information on uniforms, involvement in the life of the School, supporting the School, our School Council and Leadership Team, and news.
St Catherine’s News St Catherine's News is published twice a year and mailed to parents, Old Girls, staff, past parents and our wider School community. Incorporating the Bulletin of the Old Girls' Association, this feature magazine provides an overview of the many activities and events of present and past St Catherine's students.
Parent / Teacher Communication Our ELC staff have daily contact with parents and enjoy sharing information about their children’s involvement in the program. Should you need to have a more indepth discussion with your child’s teacher, we suggest you make a mutually suitable time. Close links between parents and staff leads to a much richer learning environment for the children. Staff write a journal which is displayed for parents to read. It includes photographs, drawings and teachers’ and children’s’ thoughts and reflections on the learning that is occurring in the program. The journal is also uploaded to the classroom portal page. There are two formal opportunities for parents and staff to meet to discuss the children’s progress. The first is late in Term 1 and the second is midway St Catherine’s School ELC Orientation Handbook 2024 15 _______________________________________________________________________________
through the year, early in Term 3. A written report, known as a ‘Transition Learning and Development Statement’, is provided for the 4–5 year old children who are moving on to Prep the following year. This will be distributed at the end of the child’s 4 year old kindergarten year.
Health and Wellbeing Please ensure you have discussed all relevant aspects of your child’s health with your child’s teacher. In some cases you may feel you need to discuss aspects of your child’s health with the School nurse. In these early years, children are particularly susceptible to coughs and colds. If your child is at all unwell, please keep her/him at home for a day or two until she/he is able to cope with the rigours of a full and energetic pre-school day. Please DO NOT send your child to School with a runny nose, excessive sneezing or a cough, as it is impossible for staff to isolate children and infection spreads quickly. If all parents are responsible in this manner, infection can be kept to a minimum. We understand many parents are working during the day, however, we hope you understand it may be necessary from time to time for us to phone you to collect your child from the ELC if she/he is unwell.
Medication Medication can only be administered to a child if the correct details are written on a Medication/Accident/Illness Form. Please provide your child’s medication to a staff member at the commencement of the day, to be stored in the first aid cabinet or refrigerator. Medication must be in the original container bearing the original label. All medication administered will be witnessed by another staff member. A record of all medication administered will be kept and parents will be asked to sign the Medication Form when they collect their child at the end of the day.
Asthma Children who suffer from asthma are required to have a full Asthma Plan from their doctor, together with a letter from their parents/guardian, outlining their symptoms, how much medication to administer and when. A copy of the Asthma Plan and the child’s medication must be kept at the ELC at all times. Asthma Plans and medication must be provided to the ELC before a child with asthma can commence at the beginning of the year.
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Anaphylaxis In accordance with our policy regarding children with anaphylaxis, parents must provide an Anaphylaxis Management Plan from their doctor as well as two Epi-pens and a letter outlining their symptoms, signed by the parent/guardian. Management plans and medication must be provided to the ELC before a child with anaphylaxis can commence at the beginning of the year.
Injury If a child is injured at our ELC, a staff member will attend to the injury. All ELC staff are trained in first aid. The School nurse may also be called. A parent will be telephoned if the staff member is at all concerned about the injury or the child is upset / distressed. If the injury is deemed minor and the child remains settled, parents will be notified when collecting their children at the end of the day and asked to sign the Injury Form.
Unwell Children In accordance with our Illness Policy, children who become unwell during the day will be settled quietly and parents telephoned to collect their child.
Head Lice Please help us to minimise the problem of head lice by regularly checking your child’s hair. Children with head lice cannot return to the ELC until all eggs / lice have been removed and the appropriate treatment has been administered. Please notify the ELC immediately if your child has been treated for head lice.
Infectious Diseases Parents must inform the School immediately if their child has an infectious illness, infectious disease or has been diagnosed with influenza or Covid-19. Regulations relating to infectious diseases can be ascertained by contacting your local doctor.
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Covid-19 St Catherine’s ELC implements rigorous health and hygiene procedures and protocols as advised by the Department of Education and Training (DET) and Australian Health Principal Protection Committee (AHPPC) to mitigate risk of Covid-19. The risk-mitigation strategies and management of a case of Covid19 will be in accordance with the health advice at the time. On advice from DET, there may be times when aspects of our ELC programs and procedures have to be modified in order to minimise risk to children, educators and families. All current health advice and risk minimisation strategies will be communicated to families.
Sun Protection Policy Skin damage can occur during childhood and adolescence, and Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world. Sunscreen will be available throughout the day in our ELC but we remind you that it is the responsibility of the parents to ensure your child has sunscreen thoroughly applied before coming to our ELC each day. This is an opportunity for your child to develop a life-long habit of skin protection. The ELC will provide each child with a bucketstyle hat (SunSmart approved) which will remain at the Centre at all times. Our Sun Protection policy is effective from the beginning of September through to the end of April each year.
Child Safety at St Catherine’s School St Catherine’s School is committed to being a Child Safe organisation and embedding a child safe culture into our practices and processes to ensure that all children who attend the School are safe at all times. All children, regardless of their gender, race, religious beliefs, age, disability, sexual orientation, or family or social background, have equal rights to protection from abuse. St Catherine’s School is committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal children and those from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds and to providing a safe environment for children with a disability. Our School has zero tolerance for child abuse. All staff employed by the School are responsible for the protection of the children within our care and to report information about suspected child abuse. Child Safety procedures and protocols are embedded and promoted in the ELC programs so that the children feel safe, secure and supported. The children are encouraged to speak to their classroom educators, in addition to their parents, should they experience feelings of being unsafe. St Catherine’s School ELC Orientation Handbook 2024 18 _______________________________________________________________________________
Should parents wish to discuss any aspect of Child Safety at St Catherine’s School, please feel welcome to contact the ELC Child Safety Officer, Ms Sarah Bethune, or School Counsellors, Ms Georgina Speak or Ms Lena Wintermantel. Further information regarding the School’s Child Safety policies, procedures and protocols are available at mystcatherine’s and on our School website.
Daily Requirements Pick-up and Drop-off Please ensure you complete the relevant section in the Confidential Enrolment Form concerning persons who are authorised to deliver and collect your child. We are legally required to have this information in our records. • Upon arrival and departure, the authorised person must sign the Attendance Book (using their signature, not initials) at the entrance to each room. • Please specify who will be collecting your child and at approximately what time. • Please make contact with the staff in the classroom to let them know you are dropping off or picking up your child. • If collection arrangements change during the day, please phone your child's teacher directly. No child will be allowed to leave the ELC unless the parent has given written authority. • Should you ask another person to collect your child from the ELC who is not included on your original list of authorised people, you must fill in an authorisation form which is located near the sign-in book. This will only be valid for one date. • If children have had medication administered during the day, or have had some first-aid treatment, this will be indicated in the book at the end of the day. Parents will then be asked to sign the appropriate medication/ accident book.
ELC Uniform All children attending the Early Learning Centre are required to wear the St Catherine’s sports uniform. The summer uniform is the School sports shorts, polo shirt and socks. The winter uniform is the School tracksuit pants, rugby jumper and socks. Optional items include the School spray jacket, polar fleece vest and skivvy. The children must wear runners with the uniform. St Catherine’s School ELC Orientation Handbook 2024 19 _______________________________________________________________________________
St Catherine’s Uniform Centre The Uniform Centre is under the operation of Bob Stewart. This thirdgeneration family business specialises in school uniforms, providing garments for a large number of Australian schools. In addition to their expertise, Bob Stewart accepts American Express credit cards, offer extended shopping hours (including Saturday mornings and School holidays), provision of school shoes, alterations, and braid application to blazers (Years 10, 11 and 12). Bob Stewart 150 Waverley Road, East Malvern. Please note that the Bob Stewart Kew store will not stock St Catherine’s items.
PFA Second Hand Uniform Shop The St Catherine’s PFA Second Hand Uniform Shop provides a second-hand clothing service to our community, assisted by a team of volunteers who kindly give up their time to provide the School community with this service. All funds earned by the PFA are reinvested to fund School projects. The availability of second-hand uniform provides an opportunity for the School community to buy, donate or sell on consignment, a range of pre-owned items. Location The PFA Second Hand Uniform Shop is located at the Senior School Campus in the building behind the Wintergarden – accessible through the rear door of the Wintergarden or through the pedestrian gate on Heyington Place between Gates 3 and 4. Operating Hours Opening hours are 1.00pm to 4.00pm each Tuesday during the School Term
Labelling Please make sure you have labelled all your children’s clothing, shoes and belongings.
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What Does My Child Need To Bring? • A named drawstring library bag • A named smock which may be purchased at the Uniform Centre, or other stores. • A small blanket (polar fleece blankets are ideal). If your child requires a pillow, please ensure you provide a very small sized pillow. • A change of clothes for emergencies includes: underpants, pale blue t-shirt, navy shorts, navy tracksuit pants, socks. Please replace these when they have been used.
Morning Tea and Lunch Children are required to bring their morning tea and lunch in two separate, named containers. They will also need to bring a named water bottle. Parents will be informed as to where these need to be stored at the beginning of the year. During the warmer weather, we recommend you place an ice pack in the children’s morning tea and lunch boxes to help keep the food cool and fresh. Our focus with the children is on promoting healthy eating and exercise. Therefore, we request children do not bring pre-packaged foods, foods that are high in sugar, fat and salt, or ‘treat’ foods such as cake, lollies and chocolate. Rather, it is more appropriate the children have a selection of sandwiches, rolls or wraps, fruit, cheese, yoghurt, crackers, dip, vegetable sticks and so forth. A list of healthy eating suggestions will be provided to parents at the beginning of the year. Parents will also be informed of any cases of children with dietary restrictions attending the ELC where our Anaphylaxis Policy needs to be implemented. As we encourage the children to implement sustainable practices within the ELC program, we ask that you please reduce the amount of packaging and wraps in your child’s morning tea and lunch boxes. Bento-style containers are the most ideal as they have divided sections for a variety of food and require no packaging.
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Getting Involved Close liaison between parents and staff leads to a more enriched understanding of the needs of young children and ensures a strong link between home and St Catherine’s. We invite all parents to be involved in the program and welcome visits during the term. It is a requirement that all parents/volunteers provide a copy of their valid Working with Children Card (volunteer) prior to participation in the ELC program.
Parent Roster Parents are actively encouraged to become involved in the program. A roster indicating suitable dates will be available for parents to sign. This is a wonderful opportunity to see your children’s learning taking place. You will be required to agree to follow a Code of Ethics prior to helping in the ELC. Other ways parents can become involved in the program include: coming to organised excursions and events, sharing any special talents or skills with the children and collecting resources the children could use in their art work.
Parent Information Sessions During the year, we will hold various evenings for parents, providing you with the opportunity to further understand aspects of early childhood education and related topics.
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Practical Matters Birthdays and Celebrations If you wish your child to celebrate his/her birthday at the ELC, please let the teacher know a few days in advance. Suitable foods include individual small cakes or a plain birthday cake. Please speak to the teacher regarding any allergies or dietary restrictions within the class. It is understood you may not be able to invite all members of your child’s class to a birthday party. Young children do feel hurt if they are excluded, therefore parents are requested to mail party invitations rather than distributing them via the ELC pigeon holes or at the ELC.
Special Events You will be advised of special events which occur during the year. There will be many planned, as well as spontaneous experiences which add to the richness of this wonderful year.
Excursions & Incursions The ELC provides excursions and incursions throughout the year to further the children’s learning. Excursions may include visiting the Botanic Gardens, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Museum or a farm. Full details of excursions will be provided to parents well before the planned event.
Photographer A photographer visits the ELC during the year to take individual and group photos of the children. There is no obligation to buy any of the photos. Parents will be notified of the date that has been arranged for photos to be taken in each class.
Security Gates The ELC is surrounded by a security fence, the gates of which can only be accessed by a code. Each family will be allocated their own code and we ask that this information be disclosed ONLY to relevant people. Please do not allow your children to operate the key pad or climb on the gates.
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Emergency Evacuation Practices We are required to undertake emergency evacuation practices every 3 months so that the children are familiar with the action they must take in the event of an emergency. Emergency procedures are clearly outlined in each classroom and staff members are aware of the role they must undertake and receive training for managing emergency scenarios. Staff will discuss and practise these procedures with the children each term.
General Information Admission Requirements and Enrolment Procedures Please contact the ELC and Junior School Registrar, Ms Sarah Bravo, on 03 9828 3917 or email admissions@stcatherines.net.au
Fee and Payment Plan For information regarding fees for the ELC, please contact the Business Office on 03 9828 3906 or visit www.stcatherines.net.au/fees The School operates on a not for profit basis and a proportion of the fees charged may be used to support the operation of the Early Learning Centre.
Policies and Procedures In accordance with the Education and Care Services Regulations 2011, we have developed the following policies and procedures for use within the St Catherine’s Early Learning Centre: • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Acceptance and Refusal of Authorisation Policy Administration of First Aid Policy Administration of Medication Policy Anaphylaxis and Allergic Reactions Policy Asthma Policy Child Safe Environment and Wellbeing Policy Code of Conduct Policy Compliments and Complaints Policy Curriculum Development Policy Dealing with Infectious Diseases Policy Dealing with Medical Conditions Policy Delivery and Collection of Children Determining the Responsible Person Policy
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Diabetes Policy eSafety for Children Policy Emergency and Evacuation Policy Enrolment and Orientation Policy Environmental Sustainability Policy Epilepsy and Seizures Policy Excursions and Centre Events Policy Fees Policy Food Safety Policy Governance and Management of the Service Policy Hygiene Policy Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness Policy Inclusion and Equity Policy Information Communication Technology Policy Interactions with Children Policy Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy Nutrition, Oral Health and Active Play Policy Occupational Health and Safety Policy Occupational Violence and Aggression Policy Participation of Volunteers and Students Policy Prevention of Harassment and Bullying Policy Privacy and Confidentiality Policy Sleep and Rest Policy Road Safety Education and Safe Transport Policy Staffing Policy Staff Grievances and Dispute Resolution Policy Staff Recruitment Policy Sun Protection Policy Supervision of Children Policy Tobacco, E-Cigarettes, Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy Water Safety Policy Whistleblower Policy
All policies are available for parents’ perusal in the ELC Policies Folder, a copy of which is located in the foyer of Campbell House and on mystcatherines.net.au
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