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BOOST FOR CATHOLIC CHILDCARE
ANOTHER ST MARY MACKILLOP EARLY LEARNING CENTRE IS SET TO OPEN IN TOWNSVILLE WITH A FOCUS ON LIFE-LONG EDUCATION.
Construction is underway for a third Catholic Early Learning Centre for the Townsville community. Located next to the Good Shepherd Catholic Community School on Allambie Lane in Rasmussen, it is anticipated the new St Mary MacKillop Early Learning Centre will open by next month. With the canonisation of Blessed Mary MacKillop in October 2010, the Townsville Catholic Diocese and Catholic Education decided to re-brand the former Mary MacKillop Childcare Centres to St Mary MacKillop Early Learning Centres. The new name and logo better reflect the service provided, which now includes a kindergarten program in some centres in addition to the formal early learning programs. Townsville Catholic Education director Dr Cathy Day says a Catholic education is about life-long learning. “Children who attend our St Mary MacKillop Early Learning Centres receive a quality early years education program and are also introduced to the Catholic faith and values,” Dr Day
explains. “It was a Townsville Catholic Diocesan initiative in 2003 to branch into the provision of childcare to support the growing needs of families in our communities and we are very pleased that almost a decade later we are able to continue to expand this service throughout the Diocese.” St Mary MacKillop Early Learning Centres are supported by the Townsville Catholic Diocese and Townsville Catholic Education. The centres are also located in Mundingburra, Kirwan, Ingham and Palm Island and cater for babies aged from six weeks to six-year-old children. All centres are staffed by qualified early years professionals and the kindergarten program is run by a qualified early childhood education teacher. For further information and enrolment details contact the St Mary MacKillop Early Learning Centre consultant Tanya Amos on 4723 8487.
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