Our Philosophy

Our kindergarten has a long established, outstanding reputation for providing the highest quality early childhood education.

Our core values and beliefs guide our professional practice, along with our commitment to developing strong community ties and a kindergarten environment that warms, welcomes and creates a sense of wonder for all within.

Our values and beliefs within our philosophy
encompass the following:

Children

Play based experiences are the underlying pedagogy that best support children’s ongoing learning and development.

We acknowledge the profound impact of social and cultural contexts on children's identities and relationships, recognising them as vital components of their growth.

Central to our philosophy is the cultivation of children's positive self-identity, which flourishes in environments where they feel a deep sense of belonging and are supported by secure, responsive relationships.

Our curriculum is designed to actively engage children in their learning journey, placing them at the forefront of meaningful inquiries that shape their educational experiences.

We intentionally craft experiences that encourage creative thinking, problem-solving, and resilience-building, understanding that these elements are crucial for enriching children's learning and fostering strong relationships within our community.

We value our rich surrounding community and acknowledge the uniqueness of every child and family. We are committed to building cultural knowledge and understanding within our kindergarten community and beyond.

Our practice is informed by:

Attachment Theory (The Circle of Security) understands that secure, trusting relationships with adults support young children to thrive.

Socio Cultural Theory recognises social relationships impact children’s experiences, play and peers support children in the learning process.

Partnerships

We actively engage families and the wider community in our curriculum, valuing and supporting these partnerships.

Ongoing collaboration among educators, families, and the community fosters strong relationships and creates opportunities for active involvement in our kindergarten.

Our kindergarten embraces equity, diversity, and inclusivity, celebrating both similarities and differences.

We foster an environment of equal participation and positive recognition for all children.

Our practice is guided by contemporary theories, emphasising equity, inclusiveness, social justice, and gender considerations, influenced by an anti-bias curriculum.

Sustainability

Our kindergarten is a vibrant community embedded in sustainable living and learning. We actively teach and practice sustainable habits, including litter-free lunches, composting, recycling, and energy conservation.

Informed Practice

Our approach is shaped by Education for Sustainability (EfS), recognizing the shared responsibility for promoting sustainable living among children and adults alike.

Reflective Practice

Early childhood educators continually engage in reflective practice, seeking to develop professional knowledge and skills.

Ongoing reflection and learning enriches the educators and the early childhood community’s practices.

Children are involved in reflective practices that support their learning, communication and relationships with others.

Questioning, examining and looking at differing perspectives will reinforce practice that promotes best outcomes for children and families.

Our approach is shaped by:

The Reggio Emilia Theory, which sees children as capable, resilient, and full of potential. Here, we view the environment as the 'third teacher', providing rich opportunities for exploration and learning.

Moreover, we draw insights from Bronfenbrenner's Theory, which reminds us that children are influenced by everything around them – from their immediate family and community to the broader society. It helps us understand the interconnectedness of these factors in supporting children's growth and development.

First Nations People

Mermaid Waters Community Kindergarten acknowledges Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the traditional custodians of the lands, sea, and skies across Australia.

We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and share our friendship, connection, and kindness. We give thanks for sharing and caring for country, the land we love to learn and play on.

We acknowledge the profound significance of "place" to Aboriginal peoples, understanding its deep-rooted meaning and spiritual connection. In particular, we recognize the importance of the local waterways to the First Nations Peoples and the profound significance of their connection to the land and sea.

United Nations Rights of the Child

Our vision is that every young child is thriving and learning.

Our work is guided by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, using the 4 Key principles-

Every child everywhere experiences a good life.
The best interests of children always come first.
Survival, development, and protection of all children.
Children have a voice - the right to be listened to and involved in decision making.

Our kindergarten children’s voices reflect their aspiration to play, to be known as grown up (capable), to be cared for as individuals and to care for their kindergarten.

Mermaid Waters Community Kindergarten is committed to inspiring curiosity, a love for learning and a strong sense of self in every child.

Through the involvement of educators, families and the community, our early childhood education provides the foundation for every child to develop a lifelong understanding of the magic of education, relationships and community.