Located in the heart of Nagambie, MacKillop has made a name for itself in the region as a warm environment, where strong relationships are seen as the foundation for meaningful education.
Director Marina Sala said fostering meaningful relationships was at the base of MacKillop’s philosophy.
“The centre stands out for its deep connections with children, families and the broader community. We offer a warm and inclusive environment where each child is valued as a unique learner,” Ms Sala said.
“Our indoor/outdoor program encourages children to engage with their surroundings at a pace and level suited to their age and stage of development, fostering genuine opportunities for independence and decision-making.
“This flexible approach, underpinned by strong community partnerships, helps children develop a strong sense of identity and belonging.”
Honouring the legacy of its namesake Mary MacKillop, who co-founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, the centre weaves strong values of faith, community and care through its daily practices.
The centre is informed by its dominant philosophy, holding a number of firm beliefs, such as:
- children are naturally curious;
- each child is unique;
- families are the child’s first teachers;
- learning is personal and paced individually;
- children’s ideas and contributions are valuable;
- ongoing communication with families is vital;
- programs should offer diverse experiences;
- educators scaffold learning;
- team collaboration and personal growth are key; and
- it’s critical to foster confident and lifelong learning.
“At MacKillop Early Learning Centre, we offer a rich and varied program of play-based learning experiences, including creative arts, music and movement, literacy and numeracy, sensory exploration and nature walks,” Ms Sala said.
“Central to our approach is the indoor/outdoor program, which provides children with the freedom to choose experiences that align with their individual needs and interests. This approach nurtures self-directed learning and supports the development of confidence, resilience and problem-solving skills.
“Our educators foster a caring and respectful environment where children’s voices are heard and their choices honoured, particularly through the flexibility of the indoor/outdoor program. This empowers children to engage in learning in ways that feel safe, meaningful and authentic, helping each child feel secure, respected and supported.”
Looking forward, MacKillop is set to strengthen its community connections, increase cultural inclusion and further enhance its outdoor play and learning space to ‘On Country’ Kinder.
MacKillop is also looking to expand its professional development opportunities for staff to deepen knowledge in areas such as inquiry-based learning and wellbeing.
For more information about Mackillop Early Learning Centre, visit https://tinyurl.com/388xdvxm
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