Here is what we know to be true: balance beams, paint, dress-ups and twigs 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 is inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy and seamlessly integrated with the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). Our learning experiences are grounded in the School’s Values and align with the curriculum guidelines for early childhood education, ensuring a thoughtful and enriching foundation for our youngest learners.
Our facility
Our Early Learning 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 into our Early Learning Centre. However, families can place their child on the Waitlist from birth. Please note, that placing your child on the Waitlist does not guarantee a place in the Centre.
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.
Priority of Access into the ELC
Priority of Access
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
The Fees for 2024 are:
- $74 for four and five-year-old children
- $85 for three-year-old children
- $35 for equity enrolments (capped at two days of attendance per week)
Enrolled children may also be eligible for additional fee relief of up to $4,220 from the NSW Government under the Start Strong Affordable Preschool initiative.
Term Dates and Operating Hours
ELC Term Dates and Operating Times
- Term 3: Monday 22 July – Friday 27 September
- Term 4: Monday 14 October – Thursday 5 December
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.
ELC Enrolment Process
Enrolling in the ELC
Preschoolers are ripe for enrichment. Starting in the Early Learning Centre at HVGS sets your child up for success from the early years. Our ELC is extremely popular, so it’s best to apply for admission and join our waitlist as soon as possible (even from birth!). Click to view the Enrolment Process
Our Team
Our Educators
Co-curricular
ELC Co-curricular
Our ELC students also get to benefit from the School's extensive co-curricular program. ELC students enjoy co-curricular tennis, ????????
Helping families
Out of Hours Care
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 evaluated, and many of the activities and experiences undertaken during these visits are integrated into the preschool program.
More Information
Key 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
Award-winning ELC
September 28, 2024
Belonging in the ELC
September 28, 2024
ELC Co-curricular a hit
September 28, 2024
September 28, 2024