Inspiration for the architectural and interior design of our learning environment, set within our much-loved home, has been drawn from the Educational Project of Reggio Emilia. Reggio Emilia is a relatively small town in Northern Italy, but one that has a big heart and unwavering commitment to outstanding early childhood education. Each year, educators from around the world gather in the city with the desire to understand the origins and principles of this approach, and then return inspired to apply this to their own contexts. It is made abundantly clear in Reggio, though, that this approach cannot be replicated. We can only be influenced by it, for our context is not the same. Last November, I was incredibly fortunate to join with approximately three hundred other educators from around the world to visit Reggio for a little over a week, to delve into the teachings of this educational approach.

During this study tour, I visited several infant-toddler centres and preschools and there was one school that I will always remember for the way it made me feel. I felt a strong sense of wellbeing, calmness, belonging (as – surprisingly – there was a name tag for a little girl called ‘Rebecca’), inspiration, excitement and joy. Even as an adult, I wanted to stay there, play, explore, communicate, make meaning and learn in this environment. It was light-filled, neat and spacious, and had many beautiful plants. The colours were gentle and natural, and there was so much to learn there. The educators were ready and excited about their work—connected to the environment, the children, the families and each other. It was remarkable. I could certainly see why so many educators had been inspired by this approach.

It is this that inspires what we have created in the architecture and interior design of our incredible new Early Learning Centre. What you see and feel now is the result of the intensive work and collaboration between exceptional professionals and our educational team. We are committed to embracing and following the Reggio principle of ‘Environment, Spaces and Relations’—meaning that our learning environment is designed to facilitate communication, collaboration, curiosity and autonomy. Above all else, it will be a place where all who live and learn there feel a deep sense of wellbeing, safety and belonging. I am incredibly grateful to all who have been involved in curating this exceptional environment. I am also in absolute awe and filled with gratitude for the way the educational team and children have moved into this house together and transformed it into a learning ‘home’. It has taken an enormous amount of time, care, dedication, commitment and collaboration.

However, our work on the curation of this learning environment will not stop here. We are an ambitious, motivated and dedicated team, who are continually aspiring to outstanding outcomes for your daughters. Therefore, you will see this beautiful environment continue to change very slightly every day, as the architecture interacts with the pedagogy. We have an unwavering commitment to being an exceptional place of early education for your daughters; however, this home is also for you, our families, and we welcome your expertise and feedback as we journey through the year together.

To conclude and mark the success of this first step in the creation of our new Early Learning Centre, please join us on Thursday 22 February at 5.00pm for our special Housewarming event. We would love to see you there to celebrate this first special milestone together.

Road Safety

A reminder to please take extra care when dropping off and picking up students. We particularly request that parents do not double park or attempt U-turns on Hawkers Road, or other roads near the School, to prioritise the safety of both pedestrians and other vehicles. We hope all parents will model responsible road safety and show respect to our girls, parents and staff.

Please also remind your daughters to be vigilant when crossing Hawkers Road or Northcote Terrace to access the school grounds – to look up from their phones and remove their headphones/ear buds before crossing the road – to avoid distraction from their surroundings and potential danger.

Thank you for helping to keep our community safe.