The Iona Early Learning Centre (ELC) establishes a pathway for your 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 your child play and listen to their questions to find out what interests them, and then create opportunities to explore their passions further.
Children learn best through play they initiate themselves - play that is meaningful, relevant and connected to their world. Your child will find themselves in an environment enriched with real and engaging experiences, free to explore, discover and begin making sense of their world - all whilst supported and nurtured by our educators.
The Early Years is a time of exploration, where your child's curiosity is ignited through play and their understanding develops through their hands-on experiences. Every child is a viewed as a strong, capable and resilient learner who abounds with wonder and knowledge.
Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-Kindy)
Pre-Kindy is often the first step your child takes from home to broader learning. It is a time when they begin to build trusting relationships, develop a sense of belonging and feel valued for their individuality. Our educators are here to support your family to ensure this transition gives them the best start to their learning journey.
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 3-day Pre-Kindy Program: Wednesday/Thursday/Friday 8.50am – 3.00pm
Kindergarten (Kindy)
When your 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 4-day Kindy Program: Monday - Thursday 8.50am – 3.00pm
Pre-primary – Year 2
Pre-primary is the first official year of full-time schooling for your child at Iona Presentation College. Teachers will support and guide your child through a range of activities and learning areas to further develop their skills in the social, emotional, spiritual, cognitive and physical areas of development.
5 Day Program Monday - Friday 8.50am – 3.20pm
HEAR what our Early Learning students have to say...
Early Years Curriculum
Literacy, Numeracy and Scientific Investigation
Our Early Years curriculum will engage your child through a balanced approach to teaching and learning, using a play-based education program, and encouraging autonomy and responsibility. Explicit intentional teaching is used to deliver 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. Interlaced in the curriculum is the emphasis placed on social and emotional development so that children build strong relationships, can work with others and develop a positive sense of self.
Included in the curriculum every week, your child will have a specialist STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) teacher that facilitates innovative and interactive STEM lessons.
The Arts
Early participation in the Arts stimulates children's imagination and creativity, developing social skills and providing 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. Your child will be able to 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 students with the means for self-expression and communication of thoughts and concepts. Our classes will provide your child with different ways to experiment expressing their ideas and using a range of media as they begin their journey in the world of creative arts. Pre-primary to Year 2 students participate in a specialist teacher-led Visual Arts program each week.
Language
Young children are fascinated with and have a natural enthusiasm for language and your child will have the opportunity to be part of the Early Childhood Languages program from Pre-primary onwards. The program begins with the introduction of the French language and culture through song, dance, games, puzzles and other engaging interactive activities.
Health and Physical Education
Drawing on family and community experiences, energetic physical activity forms the basis of planned Physical Education activities in the early years - Pre-Kindy to Year 2. Students experience both new and familiar games, using a wide range of support materials, aiming 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.
