Our Philosophy

Where your child’s love for life, learning and discovery is encouraged, nurtured and intrinsically instilled.

We strive to create a strong sense of community, while creating a caring and respectful environment.

Our kindergarten prides itself on a strong sense of community, which began over 100 years ago in 1922.  All families are welcomed, and we value all the people in our children’s lives.  Staff feel we are co-educators, working together with parents and carers, as a partnership, to enhance the learning potential of each child.

We know that children learn and discover through extended periods of uninterrupted play. That is why, as educators, we base our programs on play-based learning experiences.  We plan our program with knowledge of the children’s individual interests to foster their creativity and celebrate and encourage their efforts.

We encourage our children to be proud of themselves and their work and respect their environment around them.  We promote a sense of caring for one another, our surroundings, and our world. We believe it is so important for our children to understand their impact on the natural environment and we encourage sustainable practices throughout the kinder.

Respect, friendliness, self-worth, and empathy for others are important.  Our goal is for children to develop resilience and engage with each other with empathy and respect.  We provide an environment which is inclusive of children of all abilities and our focus is on collaborating with children, families, and staff so that everyone has a sense of belonging and ownership, regardless of their abilities or background.

Geelong West Kindergarten acknowledges the custodians of this land, the Wadawurrung people of the Kulin nation and their elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and region.

At Geelong West Kindergarten we give children the opportunity to become confident, involved learners; children who are connected with, and positively contribute to their world.  We teach the children to be individual and lifelong learners.

Our Core Values

 

LEARNING

Open-ended, play based education, in learning environments that are rich in possibilities.

 

RESPECT

For ourselves, for one another, our physical environment, our past and future.

 

COMMUNITY

Taking pride in working collaboratively within our centre and our wider community.

 

INCLUSION

A warm welcome and an open door; celebrating each child’s individuality, strengths and uniqueness.