Watson Preschool
Preschool is the first step into a broader educational environment and for some it is often the first time away from home and family. To help your child settle happily into his or her new surroundings, we ask that you maintain a close link with the Preschool. We welcome any information which will help us have a better understanding of your child.
Our Philosophy:
Respect: We provide a nurturing and inclusive environment aimed at building respectful relationships with children, their families and our school community.
Excellence - We strive for excellence by providing challenging and engaging play based experiences, which develop the children's interests and capabilities.
Responsibility - We develop responsibility by encouraging a strong sense of belonging, independence and ownership.
Watson Preschool is part of Majura Primary School. Majura Preschool provides an integrated educational program for all children, including those with any additional needs, within a mainstream setting.
All enquiries Preschool and Primary School: (02) 6142 3140
Session times
Watson Preschool Unit currently offers four classes:
- Two classes on Monday, Tuesday and every second Wednesday
- Two classes every second Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
Our preschool hours are 8:45am to 2:45pm. We are not able to offer care for children outside of these hours. Nipperville offers before and after school care. Please contact them to arrange.
Enrolment
Children who turn four years of age, on or before 30 April are eligible to attend preschool.
Enrolments are accepted through the online enrolment form on the Directorate's website from the first day of Term 2 of the year prior to your child starting preschool. Please visit our Enrolment page.
Our Program
The Early Years Learning Framework at Watson Preschool
The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) is a guide for educators who work with children from birth to five years. The EYLF describes childhood as a time of belonging, being and becoming.
The EYLF conveys high expectations for young children’s learning through five learning outcomes:
- Children have a strong sense of identity
- Children are connected with and contribute to their world
- Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
- Children are confident and involved learners
- Children are effective communicators.
At Watson Preschool educators develop learning programs that are responsive to children's ideas, interests, strengths and abilities. The EYLF guides our educators in their curriculum decision making and assists in planning, implementing and evaluating quality programs.
At Watson Preschool our educators recognise that play-based experiences, in an environment where children can develop secure relationships, is vital for them to learn. The EYLF describes play as a context for learning that:
- allows for the expression of personality and uniqueness
- enhances dispositions such as curiosity and creativity
- enables children to make connections between prior experiences and new learning
- assists children to develop relationships and concepts
- stimulates a sense of wellbeing
We view curriculum as everything that happens during our time together with the children. It is the start of a life long learning community which encompasses children, educators and families.
Staff
Our preschool staff are listed below. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact us on 6142 3140 or via email.
Bush Plums (beginning of week) - Debbie Kopczynski - Debbie.Kopczynski@ed.act.edu.au
Quandong (beginning of week) - Dana Rakic - Dana.Rakic@ed.act.edu.au
Curly-Pod Wattle (end of week) - Alison Hyman - Alison.hyman@ed.act.edu.au
Bean Tree (end of week) - Debbie Kopczynski - Debbie.Kopczynski@ed.act.edu.au
Executive Teacher - Rozlyn Mitchell - Rozlyn.Mitchell@ed.act.edu.au
Term Overviews
Useful Resources and Websites for Parents and Carers
Belonging, Being and Becoming - The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia The Early Years Learning Framework - used to inform our play-based program, daily observations and the reporting process
The National Quality Standard (NQS) sets a high national benchmark for early childhood education and care services in Australia
National Quality Framework (NQF) provides a national approach to regulation, assessment and quality improvement for early childhood education and care. Includes a link to the National Law and Regulations.
Parenting and Wellbeing
The following websites provide useful information about a variety of topics related to raising young children and support services available in the ACT.
Parentlink: https://www.parentlink.act.gov.au/
Raising Children Network: http://raisingchildren.net.au/
Child Development Service: http://www.communityservices.act.gov.au/childdevelopmentservice
Starting Blocks: https://www.startingblocks.gov.au/