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Fostering a love of learning through play, imagination and meaningful early relationships.

Our ELC nurtures young learners in a caring, creative and confidence-building environment. Young children are naturally curious - our centre and passionate educators encourage them to explore their world, establishing a foundation of lifelong learning.

A Nurturing Start

At our Early Learners’ Centre (ELC), your child’s education begins in a nurturing, inspiring and play-filled environment. Designed for girls and boys aged 2 to 5, our ELC is the perfect introduction to school. From their very first day, children are welcomed into a space where their curiosity is celebrated, individuality is supported, and their confidence begins to flourish. 

Girls who begin their learning journey at our ELC can continue their education on the same campus all the way until they graduate from Year 12, establishing lasting connections and providing a comforting sense of familiarity early on. 

Inspired by Play

Our ELC program is underpinned by the national Early Years Learning Framework and enriched through our status as an IB World School (offering the Primary Years Programme in our Junior School). 

Through a dynamic, inquiry-based approach (influenced by the Reggio Emilia Philosophy, which values each child as strong, capable and resilient), learning comes through play, exploration and discovery. We believe that young children learn best when they are active participants in their own education, so we follow their lead – encouraging them to ask questions, test ideas and explore possibilities.  

Our experienced and passionate educators are committed to fostering a love of learning from the very beginning. We nurture not just your child’s academic development, but their social, emotional and creative growth too. 

Based on-site at St Peter’s Girls, opportunities are also provided for children to access programs by our specialist staff within the School, including: 

  • Chinese  
  • French 
  • Library  
  • Music 
  • Tennis  
  • Soccer 
  • Gross Motor  
  • EAL/D (English as an additional language or dialect)

Nurturing a Deep Connection to Nature

We are fortunate to have Ferguson Conservation Park right at our doorstep. This incredible, natural environment provides our children, families and educators with a wonderful space for exploration, discovery and wellbeing.  

Our visits to the park are an integral part of our commitment to sustainability and fostering a sense of environmental responsibility. Through their experiences in the park, children develop an understanding of their natural surroundings, building a lifelong appreciation and care for the environment.  

Ferguson Conservation Park also provides a valuable connection to Kaurna culture and to Australia’s native plants and wildlife, enhancing children’s cultural awareness and respect for the land.  

Meet the Director of our Early Learners' Centre

  • Liz Schembri

    Director of Early Learners' Centre

    Liz is a highly skilled teacher, successful leader, and advocate for Early Childhood Education. She has a diverse range of experiences across Early Learning to Year 7 and brings an incredible dedication and skillset to the role of ELC Director. Liz has a passion for developing quality future-focused education programs for our youngest learners and recognises the importance of each child’s unique learning journey.

A Seamless Transition for Every Child 

We’re committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for both children and families, through every stage of the educational journey. Whether it’s starting at ELC or preparing for school, our thoughtful, child-led approach helps build resilience, confidence and a love of learning.

Our approach is intentional; we ensure families are well-informed and children are confident and comforted  throughout each transition. Transitions include:

  • Home or Playgroup to Learning Community 1 
  • Learning Community 1 to Erindale 
  • Erindale to Pathway to School
  • Pathway to School to Reception  

Each transition is carefully planned, with time to build relationships in new environments and celebrate milestones, making every step feel natural and positive. 

  • The most important thing we can do is to help children learn how to learn, and to see change as an essential part of growth.
  • Our work in Ferguson Conservation Park, our daily outdoor atelier, offers a powerful narrative of curiosity, exploration, and joy in the natural world.

    Visit Our Centre 

    A tour of the Early Learners’ Centre is the best way to meet our educators, experience our spaces and understand the difference we offer. 

    Book a Tour

    Families are encouraged to book a school tour, where you will be introduced to our School campus, before being invited to explore the ELC.  Alternatively, we welcome families to arrange a Personal Tour of our ELC at a time that best suits you.

    Get in Touch

    More Information

    • Our Kitchen

      At St Peter’s Girls ELC we are proud to cater to all children’s nutritional needs throughout the day. Our carefully crafted menu caters to a range of dietary needs and is designed to support every child’s growth and development while promoting healthy eating habits. Sharing meals together builds our community, strengthens bonds and fosters a sense of belonging for children.  

      Our weekly menu highlights seasonal, nutrient-rich ingredients, emphasising the garden-to-plate cycle. By utilising produce from our ELC Community Garden, children gain first-hand experience of how food is grown and harvested, enhancing their connection to nature.  

    • Playgroup & Vacation Care

      Playgroup: In addition to our ELC program, we also offer weekly Playgroup sessions for children aged 6 months to 2 years, accompanied by a parent or caregiver, allowing an early introduction to the Saints Girls community. 

      Vacation Care: Available during school holidays for children ages 2 to 5, with engaging, age-appropriate activities led by our passionate educators. See OSHC and Vacation Care for school-aged children.  

    • Centre Information

      Opening Hours: The ELC is open 50 weeks per year, Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 6pm, excluding public holidays.

      Location: Located within the grounds of St Peter’s Girls’ School, on Hallett Road, Stonyfell we are surrounded by the stunning nature of Ferguson Park. 

      Parking: Separate from the main school, the ELC offers private parking spaces ensuring easy drop-off and pickups for small children. 

      Age Range: The ELC welcomes girls and boys aged 2 to 5 years.

      Childcare Subsidy: As an approved childcare provider, eligible families can access the Child Care Subsidy. 

      Co-educational: While St Peter’s Girls offers all-girls education, our Early Learning Centre is open to both boys and girls.

    Key Dates 2026

    Date Event
    Monday 20 April Term 2 Commences
    4 - 8 May Celebrate our Learning Week
    Tuesday 5 May ELC Photos - Learning Community 1
    Wednesday 6 May ELC Photos - Playgroup
    Thursday 7 May ELC Photos - Learning Community 2
    Friday 8 May Mothers and Treasured Friends' Afternoon Tea
    27 May - 3 June Reconciliation Week Celebrations
    Monday 1 June Mid-year Reception Transition Visits begin
    Monday 8 June Public Holiday (ELC closed)
    Tuesday 9 June Erindale Teaching & Learning Evening
    Monday 22 June ELC Hat Ceremony
    Thursday 25 June Celebrating our Pathway to School
    29 June - 20 July Vacation Care

    Where To Next?

    Visit our Campus.

    Book a Tour