ABOUT

 GreaterSt Mel's Kindergarten has been providing quality Early Childhood Education and Care for families in the Shepparton region for more than 50 years.  The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of each child as an individual, based on their interests and developmental age, in a play and inquiry-based environment.

Each day educators engage with the children and each other, to create an environment that encourages children to learn and grow in a safe and secure place. The kindergarten program focuses on your child’s identity, community interaction, well-being, learning and communication skills.

​Although our time with your child is one of great reward, we understand that you are still the primary educator and we look forward to working in partnership with you in your child’s learning. The communication between home and kindergarten helps to make your child’s experiences more positive and enriching. 

As part of our commitment to providing high quality education and care, we introduced an On-Country program in our 4-year-old kindergarten groups. The opportunity to play and learn in nature has many positive benefits for children, and the response to this innovative addition to our curriculum has been overwhelmingly positive from families and educators alike.

In 2024, St Mel's Kindergarten was rated as "the best kindergarten in the Goulburn Valley", earning a Kindicare Quality Index score of 9.4 - well above the local average of 8. We are proud to provide outstanding education and quality care to the youngest members of the Greater Shepparton community.

WE BELIEVE

  • Each child is a unique individual with a right to self-expression in a safe and secure environment that is interesting and stimulating.
  • The development of self-esteem and a positive self-image is of prime importance.  This is the basis for effective learning, especially the development of positive social attitudes.
  • Children are not passive beings or blank pieces of paper waiting to be taught, but they bring to the program unique and interesting components and are seen as collaborators in their own learning.
  • All children have a right to equal opportunity and access to activities and equipment.
  • Our curriculum programs planned for children:
  • Take into account children’s individual leaning approaches as well as gender, ethnicity, ability and family dynamics.
  • Encourage and nurture children’s learning,
  • Are based on their interests,
  • Encourage the formation of identity, establishment of wellbeing, development of community connectivity, learning growth and communication experiences through play, exploration and experimentation.
  • Involve creating environments that invite learners to inquire, to explore and discover.

Sandhurst Catholic Early Childhood Education & Care Limited (SCECE&C Ltd)

Established in 2021, Sandhurst Catholic Early Childhood Education & Care Limited (SCECE&C) has responsibility for early childhood education and care in the Sandhurst Diocese. The Early Childhood Education & Care Unit provides leadership and support to the existing Kindergarten Directors and future settings as they are established.
The ECE&C Unit collaborates with CatholicCare Sandhurst to develop a framework for the delivery of services for families within early childhood education and care settings. The Unit is committed to developing a sound working partnership with the Department of Education and Training and work within the parameters, requirements and regulations for early childhood education and care. 
​St Mel's Kindergarten is a member of Sandhurst Catholic Early Childhood Education & Care Limited.
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