The Iona Early Learning Centre (ELC) establishes a pathway for each child to learn, discover and grow.
In the Early Years (Pre-Kindergarten to Year 2), our exciting play-based pedagogy merges the Early Years Learning Framework with Reggio Emilia principles. Our teachers observe students’ play and listen to their questions to find out what interests them, and then create opportunities to explore their passions further.
We believe that learning occurs best through child-initiated play. We provide rich experiential activities that are real, relevant and meaningful and a learning environment that allows students to explore the world with the active presence of nurturing teachers. Our staff create a caring, safe and stimulating environment that nurtures each child's natural curiosity to wonder, explore and construct meaning about the world.
At Iona, we recognise the Early Years as a time of exploration, where curiosity is enhanced through play and learning is nurtured through experiences. We believe that each child is a strong, capable and resilient learner who abounds with wonder and knowledge.
Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-Kindy)
Our Pre-Kindy program provides the initial link between home and school. We encourage positive relationships, appreciate individual differences and cultivate a sense of belonging for all children.
To join our Pre-Kindy program, your daughter or son must be 3 years of age. If your child has not turned 3 at the commencement of the school year, they may be enrolled, and we will hold their place until after their third birthday.
Iona's Junior School currently offers a choice of either a 2 or 3-day Pre-Kindy Program:
2 or 3 Day Program Wednesday/Thursday/Friday 8.50am – 3.00pm
Kindergarten (Kindy)
When a child first enters our Kindergarten, they bring with them a rich history of relationships, a natural curiosity and a desire to learn. Emphasis is placed on social and emotional development so that your child can build strong relationships, work with others and develop a positive sense of self.
Our Kindy program is for children who turn 4 years of age before or on 30 June in the year.
Iona's Junior School currently offers a choice of either a 3 or 4-day Kindy Program. In Semester Two, a 4-day program is compulsory.
3 or 4 Day Program Monday - Thursday 8.50am – 3.00pm
Pre-Primary – Year 2
Pre-Primary is the first official year of full-time schooling at Iona Presentation College. Teachers guide your child through a range of activities and learning areas and further develop their skills in the social, emotional, spiritual, cognitive and physical areas of development.
5 Day Program Monday - Friday 8.50am – 3.20pm
Here what our Early Learning students have to say...
Early Years Curriculum
Literacy, Numeracy and Scientific Investigation
A balanced approach to teaching and learning, using a play-based education program, will engage your child, encouraging autonomy and responsibility. Explicit intentional teaching is used to focus on literacy, numeracy and scientific investigation skills in a dynamic and hands on environment.
Your child is encouraged to wonder, ask questions, explore and strive to understand the world around them. Emphasis is placed on social and emotional development so that children build strong relationships, can work with others and develop a positive sense of self.
We have a specialist STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) teacher in the Early Years that facilitates innovative and interactive STEM lessons.
The Arts
Early participation in the Arts can stimulate children's imagination and creativity, develop social skills and provide valuable multi-literacy skills in a world where film, animation and digital images have been present since birth.
Performing Arts
Pre-Kindy to Year 2 students participate in weekly Music, Dance and Drama classes with specialist teachers. Students engage in fun and creative music making that forms the basis of the ongoing Music program for future years.
Visual Arts
Patterns, symbols and images provide the means for self-expression and communication of thoughts and concepts. Experimentation with ways of expressing ideas and making meaning using a range of media begins our students' journey in the creative arts. Pre-Primary to Year 2 students participate in a Visual Arts program with a specialist teacher each week.
Language
Young children are fascinated with and have a natural enthusiasm for language. The Early Childhood Languages program at Iona introduces the French language and culture from Pre-Primary onwards. Students learn through song, dance, games, puzzles and other engaging interactive activities.
Health and Physical Education
Energetic physical activity - which draws on family and community experiences - forms the basis of planned Physical Education activities in the Early Childhood context for Pre-Kindy to Year 2 students. Both new and familiar games, using a wide range of support materials, aim to engage both fine and gross motor skills and improve spatial awareness. A diverse array of play spaces provide opportunities for students to learn about the safety and wellbeing of themselves and others.
