Welcome to Lucy Morice Kindergarten
A strong sense of moral purpose continues today, with families valuing the kindergarten for its leafy, established surrounds and close proximity to the parklands and city.
Our quality play based program, is provided in an emotionally nurturing and intellectually stimulating environment, where children can develop dispositions for life long learning. We value and continually develop respectful and reciprocal relationships within the Lucy Morice Kindergarten community.
Tours of the kindergarten for prospective families
Dates for 2025:
Friday 20th June 9.00am-10.00am
Friday 12th September 9.00am-10.00am
Friday 5th December 9.00am-10.00am
Our Educators
• Create an environment where children can use their imagination and curiosity to investigate, wonder, discover, create and learn
• Support children to build secure and reciprocal relationships with each other and with educators
• Use their knowledge of each child’s strengths and interests to plan next steps towards new learning experiences
• Celebrate the uniqueness of each child and respect individual and cultural differences
• Have high, reasonable expectations for all children
• Value and encourage persistence, empathy and optimism
• Value close partnerships with families to enhance achievement and wellbeing
• Support children to develop positive dispositions to discovery and learning
Our Facilities
The outdoor area has been upgraded and offers a large covered sand pit area, log scramble for climbing, shady trees, vegetable garden, natural lawn and garden beds, a water pump channelling water into the sand pit, mud kitchen, a quiet fairy garden, cubby house and many other play spaces.
Programs
Our educators are guided by the principles and practices that underpin the curriculum document Early Years Learning Framework of Australia.
The Early Years Learning Framework of Australia recognizes that early childhood is a critical time in children’s development.
It emphasizes the appropriateness of play-based learning. Social and emotional development is also highlighted, as is early literacy and numeracy development.
The vision is that all children experience:
Belonging: “knowing where and with whom you belong, is integral to human existence”
Being: “recognizes the significance of the here and now in children’s lives”
Becoming: “emphasizes learning to participate fully and actively in society” *
*Early Years Learning Framework of Australia
Our curriculum content is based on observations of children’s interests as well as their engagement with play experiences. Information gathered from children’s knowledge, experiences and interests steer inquiry projects. These projects are developed with the children and are designed to challenge thinking and build new learning.
The program is inclusive of all children, cultures and additional needs.
In addition to the daily play activities, from time to time we offer other experiences including:
• Dancebeatz
• Stay & Play
• Excursions
• Incursions
• Cultural experiences
Philosophy
At Lucy Morice Kindergarten we are committed to providing a play-based curriculum that recognises all children’s capacities to succeed. Children are supported to develop dispositions for lifelong learning. We value respectful relationships within our centre and all aspects of our community environment. Our curriculum is guided by the principles and practices of the Early Years Framework of Australia: Belonging, Being and Becoming.
Belonging
Children are at the centre of all we do, and they will thrive when families, staff, and the local community work in partnership. We promote strong trusting respectful and reciprocal relationships with families. We support the role of parents as their child’s first educators and respond respectfully to needs of families. Everyone is made to feel that they belong, are welcomed, and feel safe, secure and valued. Individual cultures, abilities and values are respected, including those of our First Nations people. Strong systems of communication are developed and maintained to enable everyone’s voice to be heard. Families are encouraged to participate in the kindergarten curriculum and improvement processes. Educators learn from families about their children. We have a culture of openness and honesty. We have a collaborative partnership with the Governing Council and families.
Being
We provide an environment where children can experience the joy of learning and have fun in the process. We believe that children learn best through play. Here they have opportunities to discover, create, problem solve, learn persistence, and practice independence. Numeracy and literacy capabilities are nurtured within periods of uninterrupted play and planned group time experiences. We listen to children and value their thoughts and ideas. We value and build on children’s strengths, interests, and prior knowledge, and recognise that children are capable and competent learner. Our curriculum caters for children’s needs and abilities and is inclusive of an inquiry-based approach. We provide a quality play-based environment where children can challenge themselves, take measured risks and learn from their mistakes and collaborate with peers. We strive to continuously improve our practice through critical reflection, and professional development.
Becoming
We realise that early childhood marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of discovery and builds a foundation for successful participation in the next step of their learning journey in their community.
These values underpin our practice at Lucy Morice Kindergarten.
Reviewed 23rd January 2025
