The National Quality framework and the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) are embedded within our play-based program.
Our learning and development program is continually evolving to reflect current research and thinking to improve the children’s learning outcomes. This includes developing sustainability programs and activities to develop the children’s exposure, experience and knowledge of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in preparation for their primary school education.
Programs
Wombats (3 year old group) and Kangaroos (4 year old group)
At Catjump Preschool, we are committed to providing high quality early childhood education. Our programs value and respect individuality, diversity, community, family and the importance of children’s part in society. We ensure that our learning and development programs meet the children’s needs as a group and as individuals. Our programs take into account the children’s ideas and interests, but also includes educator (teacher) initiated learning.
As educators, we observe, listen and encourage suggestions from the children to help us chart the direction of the program, so it truly meets their needs and interests at any given time. We recognise that children learn best when they are interested, stimulated, and having fun; through building, constructing, painting, drawing, creating, designing, singing, dancing, drama, amongst other things.
We’ve always got something happening at Catjump!
“Our son attended Catjump Preschool and had amazing and dedicated teachers both for year 3 & 4. He had a safe, happy and healthy environment and loved telling us about the fun they had daily. We are grateful beyond words to the centre. 5 star for sure!”
Multicultural Education
“ELYF (Early Years Learning Framework) advocates that early childhood practitioners must uphold all children’s rights to have their cultures, identities, abilities, and strengths acknowledged and valued and respond to the complexity of children’s and families’ lives” (EYLF, page 13)
Catjump promotes and values the diversity of the children and families at the service and makes every effort to include the children’s lives outside of the kindergarten including cultural celebrations and traditions. Examples: Chinese New Year, Easter and Orthodox Easter, Ramadan-Eid, Mother’s/Special women’s Day, Father’s/Special men’s Day, Diwali, Christmas- Nativity Play.
This allows the children the wonderful opportunity to understand and appreciate the many different cultures and their unique practices; and importantly, fosters pride in their own cultural heritage as well as those of others.
We acknowledge that “education should develop each child’s personality and talents to the full. It should encourage children to respect their parents, their cultures and other cultures”. We are also supportive of children having “the right to learn and use the language and customs of their families, whether or not these are shared by the majority of the people in the country where they live...”
(Articles 29 & 30 , United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989)
Some of the educator initiator learning and development experiences include:
Guiding the children in respecting their peers and the environment
Developing the children’s awareness of road safety issues
Building friendships and learning to communicate and interact effectively with others.
Developing the children’s confidence and self-esteem.
Assisting the children to deal with conflicts and learning to express their feelings and needs appropriately.
Helping the children to recognize their strengths, and to be proud of their own abilities and achievements and those of their peers.
Meet our Educators
Marina Gavalas
Marina is the Educational Leader, Nominated Supervisor and Teacher of the 3-year-old Wombat group. She has been teaching for 43 years, and this is her 42nd year at Catjump Preschool.
Marina studied at Melbourne University and has continued her professional learning over the years including being assessed as an Exemplary Teacher and recently completing the Effective Mentoring Program. She is passionate about early childhood education and ensuring the best possible outcomes for the children and families at Catjump Preschool.
Mary Vella
Mary is the Teacher of our 4-year-old Kangaroo Group. Mary’s valuable teaching experience spans across 28 years and she has been teaching at Catjump Preschool since 2012.
Mary loves working with the children and enjoys encouraging them to reach their full potential in the early years. She believes Catjump’s diverse community, educational programs, staff, and unique geographical location are wonderful aspects of the preschool.
Anna Nagreh
Anna is the Assistant Educator of our 4-year-old Kangaroo Group and is proud to be part of such a wonderful community, having worked at Catjump Preschool since 2018.
Having her own children attend the kinder, Anna understands the importance of a child’s early years and is honoured to help shape their first experiences in preparation for a strong and positive future. She enjoys sharing her second language and culture with all the children, particularly during the festival of Diwali.
Eve Yi Feng
Eve has been working in the early childhood sector over the past 8 years. She has worked in childcare and sessional preschool and is the Assistant Educator at Catjump Preschool for the 3-year old group program.
Eve holds a Diploma of Education in early childhood and is currently studying to complete her Bachelor of Education in early childhood. In 2022 Eve completed her practicum placement at Catjump Preschool, working with the two 4-year old groups. Eve speaks a second language and she is able to provide support, comfort and guidance to children and their families.
A message from Marina
“It is a privilege for me to be able to do a job I absolutely love and am passionate about. Over the past few years, I have also been fortunate to be teaching the children of children I taught earlier in my career.
“Catjump Preschool sits in a quiet residential area with a Pine Tree Forest behind the playground, lots of trees, birds, and other examples of nature which our children love to observe and be part of in the natural environment. Our children learn in a calm, unhurried environment and practise skills that will set up lifelong learning including perseverance, tolerance, inclusivity, and teamwork.
“The preschool has been successful in adapting to change and incorporating new ideas, research, and programs such as the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen project into the learning and development program. Our learning programs reflect the needs of our children and represent the unique community we live in.”
As part of the preschool’s statement of philosophy, Catjump Preschool values family engagement and a collaborative approach amongst all stakeholders.
Please contact the Policy Officer via email at catjump.kin@kindergarten.vic.gov.au or another Committee of Management representative to provide feedback, ideas, thoughts and questions regarding the policies.
All policies can be located in the white folder situated on the cupboard in the foyer. If you would like to participate in a policy review sub-committee, please email the kindergarten or see a Committee member.