Early Learning in Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle acknowledges current research and best practice in the field, which respects the rights, capabilities, interests, and needs of the Early Learner to achieve success and build the foundations to flourish in their learning and wellbeing. At St Joseph’s Merewether, this vision comes to life through our commitment to play-based pedagogy.
We believe play is a powerful and purposeful way for children to learn. As proud participants in the Successful Foundations action research project, our Kindergarten year begins with six weeks of intentional, play-based learning. During this period, children engage in rich, open-ended play while teachers observe, document, and respond to their interests and strengths. These insights are used to inform and guide future teaching and learning, creating meaningful links between play and curriculum. This approach continues beyond the initial six weeks and into Year 1, ensuring a developmentally appropriate and engaging transition to more formal learning while nurturing each child’s natural curiosity and creativity.
Our early learning environments—both indoor and outdoor—are thoughtfully designed to invite, enable, and enrich exploration and discovery, while supporting environmental sustainability. Most importantly, our priority is to create an environment of safety and belonging, where each child is known, valued, and celebrated as a unique member of our school community with their own sense of identity and worth.
In Kindergarten to Year 2, we implement InitiaLit, a whole-class, systematic synthetic phonics program that aligns with the Science of Reading. This structured approach ensures students develop essential early reading skills including phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. For students who require additional support, targeted small group and one-on-one intervention is provided through the MiniLit and MacqLit programs.
Our approach to Mathematics follows the Launch, Explore, Summarise model, blending explicit teaching with inquiry-based learning. Students engage in hands-on activities using concrete materials to explore mathematical concepts, make connections, and deepen their understanding through rich classroom discussion.
Our holistic approach is supported by a dedicated network including our Year 6 Buddy Program, Learning Support team, EAL/D and Aboriginal Education teachers, Gifted Education Mentor, Wellbeing Coordinator, and Pastoral Care Worker.
At St Joseph’s, Early Learning is a joyful, respectful, and empowering journey—where play is honoured, potential is nurtured, and every child is supported to flourish.
For further information please visit https://www.mn.catholic.edu.au/learning-wellbeing/early-learning/