St Joseph’s Memorial School is unique with a Pre-school as part of the Junior Primary campus at Bridge Street.  Therefore, the transition from Pre-school to Reception is considered highly desirable, with very successful transition outcomes, for those children continuing their Early Year’s Education at St Joseph’s Memorial School.

 
As in the Pre-school, the Reggio Emilia philosophy of Early Childhood education continues to be valued in the learning years from Reception to Year 2.  Teaching staff bring to the teaching and learning environment a considerable number of Early Year’s educational experience, and unique skills and talents. 

 
Teachers structure teaching and learning programs on the understanding that each child possesses a unique potential.  Therefore, at St Joseph’s Memorial School we educate the whole person in the tradition of the Josephites; spiritually, culturally, socially, intellectually, emotionally and physically so that unique potentials become spiritually alive and are sustained by a life long love of learning, as was the vision of the founding leader Blessed Mary MacKillop many decades ago.

 
Within the traditions of the Reggio Emilia philosophy and the Josephites, the key principles of Early Year’s Education at St Joseph’s Memorial School are:

• Play - curiosity, awareness and connections through meaningful experiences.

• Inquiry - highlight a child centred approach with a prevocational basis.

• Imagination - life of the mind, active participation and expanding horizons.

• Environment - exploration of our unique campus and connections to local and   traditional features.

• Community - learning to be a part of a rich, vibrant and caring society.

 
The Early Year’s programme aims to establish a pathway for students of all potentials towards confidence, conscience and compassion.