Philosophy - St Marks Preschool Northbridge

Preschool Philosophy

St Mark’s Northbridge Preschool is a community based, not for profit preschool. We are situated on the grounds of the beautiful St Mark’s Church, providing us with lots of wonderful outside space and inside areas to inspire play based learning and exploration. Children learn through play as they engage with, explore and investigate the world in which they live. A strong Christian influence underpins our work and we respect the children’s potential to engage with their spirituality.

SMNP values the land we stand and play on and would like to acknowledge elders past and present.

Children

From the day the children start at SMNP we embark on a learning journey together, using their strengths, abilities and interests as the basis for our rich program. We believe each child is uniquely created as competent, imaginative and resourceful. Our program ensures the inclusion of each child, valuing their contributions and voice. Educators work closely with the children to ignite and extend an interest in learning and a sense of curiosity, building a lifelong love of learning.

“A school needs to be a place for all children, not based on the idea that they are all the same, but that they are all different.” (Loris Malaguzzi).

Community

SMNP has a strong relationship with the church, and this is at the root of our community presence. We have reciprocal relationships with local schools to ensure seamless transitions. Our team seek to respect the ways of the Cammeraygal people and include their ways of learning and being in our program. Our Preschool has a rich, diverse community and we strive to celebrate that. We work closely with families, recognising them as the child’s first and most influential teacher. At St Mark’s we present many social events throughout the year which not only strengthen our community bonds but give the children a strong sense of belonging.

Environment

Looking after our planet is everyone’s responsibility and it is an area that we are committed to at SMNP, acknowledging that children will be the caretakers of our Earth. We aim to educate, inspire and promote the values of sustainability in our everyday practices. We take pride in caring for our land, growing and nurturing plants and being mindful of our impact. Our program nurtures the ideals of treasuring the natural environment God made for all.

Educators

Our team of educators at SMNP work tirelessly together to provide quality care and education. We support the Early Years Learning Framework ideals that each and every child has the right to be, belong and become. We have a diverse breadth of experience and knowledge: refining our own practice through conversations, research, professional development and critical reflection. Using the environment as the third teacher around us, we plan engaging and thought provoking experiences with which the children play and learn.

Educator: “Why do you come to preschool?”

David: “Because I play and I am happy” 19.3.21