Here is what we know to be true: balance beams, paint, dress-ups and mud have everything to do with learning and growing.
For our youngest learners, our Early Learning Centre (ELC) sets the scene for little people to take big adventures in a program that honours the role of play in teaching and learning.
The ELC signals the beginning of your child’s learning journey at HVGS, and you can rest assured that they will discover a place where they truly belong and a safe and nurturing ‘home away from home’ with us.
Curriculum
The Preschool Program
Our preschool program, inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, integrates with the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). Grounded in the School’s Values and early childhood curriculum guidelines, it provides a thoughtful, enriching foundation, fostering meaningful learning experiences for our youngest learners.
Our facility
The Centre
Our Early Learning Centre is an incubator for imagination. Its bright contemporary design makes it one of the most exciting and stimulating early childhood environments in the Newcastle and Hunter region.
Key Information
Enrolment Age
Children must be three years old to enrol in our ELC, but families are welcome to place their child in the waitpool from birth. Please note that being in the waitpool does not guarantee a spot in the Centre.
Term Dates and Operating Hours
Operating Hours
- The ELC operates from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, during School term time.
Extended Care
- Extended hours care is available from 6:30 am to 8:40 am and 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, during school term time and is provided by Team Kids.
Visit our Term Dates page for ELC Term Dates
Priority of Access into the ELC
Services are required to give equal priority of access to:
- children who are at least 4 years old on or before 31 July in that preschool year and not enrolled or registered at a school,
- children who are at least 3 years old on or before 31 July in that preschool year and are:
- children from low-income families
- children with an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background
- children with disability or additional needs
- children with English language needs
- children who are at risk of significant harm (from a child protection perspective).
ELC Fees
Visit our Tuition and Fees page for ELC fees.
National Quality Rating
Our Early Learning Centre has been rated as Exceeding National Quality Standards set by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Authority.
ELC Enrolment Process
Enrolling in the ELC
Starting in our ELC sets your child up for success from the early years. Our ELC is extremely popular, so apply for admission and join our waitpool as soon as possible (even from birth!).
+ Enrolment Process
Our Team
Our Educators
Our educators build warm, positive relationships with children and families. As experienced professionals, they understand their role in creating learning experiences that place children at the heart of their practice.
They are also award-winning! Watch the video for more.
Co-curricular
ELC Co-curricular
Our ELC students also benefit from the School's extensive co-curricular program. ELC students enjoy a variety of co-curricular arts and sports activities
Helping families
Out of School Hours Care
Juggling work and preschool pickups can be challenging, which is why we offer Out of Service Hours Care! Provided by TeamKids, this service is available for children in our ELC and Junior School.
School Transition
Getting ready for Kindy!
Students enrolled in our ELC benefit from a comprehensive transition program to Kindergarten at HVGS. Our Transition to School Program is collaboratively planned and many of the activities and experiences undertaken during these visits are integrated into the preschool program.
+ Discover KindyKey Contacts
Sarah Bilton-Smith is the Director of our Early Learning Centre. She’s also the is the Nominated Supervisor and the Educational Leader for our service.
Other information
This is learning....
Award-winning ELC
July 02, 2025
Belonging in the ELC
July 02, 2025
ELC Co-curricular a hit
July 02, 2025
July 02, 2025