St Margaret's Kindergarten

Welcome to St Margaret's Kindergarten, a leading early childhood education provider located in the heart of Woodville. Our kindergarten has been serving the local community for several decades, providing a nurturing and stimulating environment for children to learn and grow.

At St Margaret's, we are committed to providing a quality educational program that is inclusive of all children in our care. Our most important, common goal is the wellbeing of the children. We believe that a happy atmosphere is conducive to learning, to developing positive self-esteem, and to acquiring the foundations of life skills. Our kindergarten enjoys and values strong family involvement and the support of a close-knit community. As parents, carers, and educators, we have one very important interest in common- your child. St Margaret's Kindergarten is YOUR centre, and we welcome your family's involvement.

Our team of dedicated and experienced educators includes Cathy O'Dea (Director/Teacher), Vicki Kousiandas (Director/Teacher), Janet Borchardt (Teacher), Jenny Scheepers (Early Childhood Worker), Jane Ryan (Pre-Kindy teacher and Relief teacher), Marina Phillips (Early Childhood Worker and Playgroup Co-ordinator), Dragana Curak (Early Childhood Worker), and Teresa Matkovic (Finance Officer). Together, we provide a supportive and stimulating learning environment that promotes children's social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development.

Our Services

St Margaret's Kindergarten offers a range of services to cater to the diverse needs of children and families in our community. Our services include:

• Kindergarten Program: Our kindergarten program is designed to provide a smooth transition to school for children in the year before they commence school. Children are entitled to 4 terms of kindergarten prior to school.
• Playgroup: Our playgroup is a wonderful way for your family to be introduced to the welcoming and nurturing community of St Margaret's Kindergarten. Playgroup provides a relaxed and informal setting for parents and children to meet, socialise, and learn together.

Philosophy

At St Margaret's Kindergarten, we believe that every child is a unique individual and that children learn best through play and discovery and through being actively involved in their learning. Our philosophy is based on the principles of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), which recognises the importance of play-based learning, family partnerships, and respect for children's agency and autonomy.

We provide a stimulating and supportive learning environment that promotes children's sense of belonging, being, and becoming. We value and respect children's diverse backgrounds, cultures, and abilities, and we strive to provide an inclusive and equitable learning environment that caters to the individual needs of each child.

Parent Manual

Our Parent Manual covers everything you need to know for your child at our kindergarten. It includes information about our policies, procedures, and practices, as well as tips and resources for supporting your child's learning and development. Click here for Parent Manual.

Facilities

St Margaret's Kindergarten offers a 'homely' environment with flexible and creative learning spaces, including an undercover veranda area. The spacious outdoor learning area includes an amphitheatre, lawn area, cubby, a large sandpit and rock pools for exploring water play. It provides climbing equipment, quiet places for thinking, and opportunities for your child to explore, discover and be creative. The children enjoy maintaining our edible garden which includes fruit trees, vegetables, and herbs. The outdoor area is shaded by mature trees and shade structures.

Notice of Rating

Our kindergarten has been assessed under the 'National Quality Framework'. We are very proud to have received an overall rating of 'Exceeding the National Quality Standard'. Please click here to view our 'Notice of Rating'.