Our Philosophy
Belonging
Ave Maria Kindergarten values each childs’ family as their first and most influential teacher. We are committed to working in partnership with families to ensure the pre-school experience is meaningful. We see children as individuals who are born belonging to a community. We recognise that culture; practices, values and beliefs are unique to each child and their family, and honour this diversity in the pre-school curriculum. Our educators are also recognised as individuals with different ways of living, being and of knowing. Our modelled respect for each other as individuals strengthens each pre-school curriculum and unites us as a team.
Being
Our pre-school curriculum views play as a fundamental road on a child’s journey to learn. Our supportive play-based environments facilitate that learning by allowing children to make meaning of the world and to experience the delight of being in the moment. Children at Ave Maria Kindergarten see pre-school as a place to “play, learn, have fun, be with friends and be happy”. A place to enjoy the present and grow for the future.
Becoming
As children change and grow, so do their understandings, skills and knowledge of themselves. We view educators, families and most importantly children as valuable contributors in all that a child can learn and become. We view our role as a varied one, with a focus on being responsive to children’s strengths, abilities and interests. We are committed to children and their capacity to succeed and teach in thoughtful and purposeful ways. As educators we not only support children to thrive and become all that they can be; we aspire for growth within our teaching team, our environment and our service as a whole.
