We support play-based learning that offers diverse opportunities to explore, discover and create. We understand children are active participants in their own learning and that the best learning outcomes for children are more achievable if a collaborative relationship is developed between; children, families, educators and the community.
The basis of Russell Court’s vision for children’s learning is acknowledgement that children’s lives are characterised by ‘belonging, being and becoming’.
Russell Court Kindergarten has been rated as Exceeding National Quality Standard.
Experiencing belonging- knowing where and with whom you belong- is integral to human existence. Children belong first to a family, a cultural group, a neighbourhood and a wider community. Belonging acknowledges children’s interdependence with others and the basis of relationships in defining identities. In early childhood, and throughout life, relationships are crucial to a sense of belonging. Belonging is central to being and becoming in that it shapes who children are and who they can become.
Childhood is a time to be, to seek and make meaning of the world. Being recognises the significance of the here and now in children’s lives. It is about the present and them knowing themselves, building and maintaining relationships with others, engaging with life’s joys and complexities, and meeting challenges in everyday life. The early childhood years are not solely preparation for the future but also about the present.
Children’s identities, knowledge, understandings, capacities, skills and relationships change during childhood. They are shaped by many different events and circumstances. Becoming reflects this process of rapid and significant change that occurs in the early years as young children learn and grow. It emphasises learning to participate fully and actively in society.
DEEWR (2009) Belonging, Being and Becoming: Early Years Learning Framework for Australia.
For learning to effectively take place, Russell Court Kindergarten and Children’s Centre believes the following:
Director: Kirsten Castello
Administrator: Marie Hinksman
Teachers: Anna Xinopoulos
Kerry Kostakis
Jessica Wright
Shirin Hosseini
Simone Clery
Stacey St Martin
Tania Aylett
Claire McCann
Russell Court was originally called Roseberry Street and was a street directly off Queen Street, Altona meadows. Russell Court was an extension of this street until it was closed to form a court and renamed. The planning and structure of the area was changed and towards the end of 1986 the centre was renamed Russell Court Kindergarten. The centre was built to cater for the increasing number of children in the Altona Meadows area. The kindergarten officially opened in July 1985 by the then Mayor Cr. Les Crofts. The centre is owned by the Hobson’s Bay city council, with the Committee of Management leasing the building from council. Over the years the centre has provided services such as 4 year old kindergarten, Maternal & Child Health, playgroup weight waters and neighbourhood watch.
The Maternal and Child Health Centre is managed by Hobsons Bay City Council. More information about this service can be obtained by visiting the Hobsons Bay Council website. The contact number for the Maternal and Child Health Centre is 03 9932 3090.
