ST SIMON PETER CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL
EARLY CHILDHOOD PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT
St Simon Peter Catholic Primary School provides a Christ-centered and nurturing educational environment for young children and their families. Our holistic approach to teaching and learning supports the cognitive, spiritual, social, emotional, physical, and moral development of each child. Guided by our school motto, "Love One Another", we foster an atmosphere of care, respect, and compassion for ourselves and others.
The Early Learning Centre (ELC) creates a seamless and supportive transition for children as they move into kindergarten and beyond. The strong professional relationships between ELC and school staff ensure continuity in care and learning, while fostering a shared understanding of each child's developmental journey. From the earliest stages, we build meaningful partnerships with families that continue throughout their child's formal schooling, strengthening the sense of belonging and community that defines our school.
We believe every child is unique in terms of life experience, developmental readiness, and cultural identity, and we celebrate each child's God-given gifts and individuality. Every child develops and meets milestones at different rates, and we strive to create a stimulating environment that offers a range of activities and choices, catering to diverse learning styles and encouraging risk-taking.
Our education practices are inclusive, equitable, and responsive to each child's individual context, ensuring that their rights, agency, and best interests are at the heart of everything we do. This commitment is strengthened by our alignment with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which guides our ethical and advocacy-based approach to early childhood education.
Learning is a shared responsibility between educators and children, built on strong, caring relationships. Educators utilise a variety of strategies, including play-based learning, hands-on experiences, inquiry, cooperative learning, and explicit instruction, to support the diverse learning needs of children.
We value respectful, collaborative relationships with children and families, recognising the essential connections between children, families, and the wider community. Educators actively build these partnerships through shared decision-making, co-learning opportunities, and culturally responsive practices.
Families are valued as essential partners and resources in the learning journey, and we honour the diversity of family structures, economic circumstances, ethnic backgrounds, and belief systems.
Play is central to early childhood education and a powerful tool for learning and development. Educators intentionally organise and guide play experiences, ensuring children have access to appropriate equipment, space, and uninterrupted time to investigate, create, and problem-solve both indoors and outdoors. Through these rich play-based opportunities, we foster and encourage student agency by empowering children to make choices, express their ideas, and take ownership of their learning. Educators support children in becoming confident, capable learners who actively participate in shaping their experiences and exploring their interest.
Monitoring and documentation of learning are ongoing, informing and enhancing our programs. It is carried out in various ways and is used responsively and thoughtfully to meet the individual needs of children, ensuring that learning experiences are meaningful and developmentally appropriate.
Our philosophy is deeply rooted in the principles and practices of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the Circle of Courage model. We embrace the core values of:
• Belonging: Fostering a sense of community where every child feels valued and connected, aligning with the EYLF's emphasis on secure, respectful, and reciprocal relationships.
• Independence: Encouraging children to develop confidence and a growth mindset, reflecting the Circle of Courage's 'I Can Do It' value.
• Kindness: Promoting compassion, empathy, and positive interactions, supporting the EYLF's focus on children's wellbeing and the Circle of Courage's value of kindness.
• Responsible Decision-Making: Supporting children in developing social awareness and responsible decision-making skills, integrating the EYLF's principles of high expectations and equity with the Circle of Courage 'Making Good Choices' value.
Through this foundation, we foster an enriching early learning experience that nurtures each child's potential in a faith-filled, inclusive, and respectful environment
