Early Years Handbook 2026
The Hundred Languages of Children
The child is made of one hundred. The child has a hundred languages a hundred hands a hundred thoughts a hundred ways of thinking of playing, of speaking. A hundred always a hundred ways of listening of marvelling, of loving a hundred joys for singing and understanding a hundred worlds to discover a hundred worlds to invent a hundred worlds to dream.
The child has a hundred languages (and a hundred hundred hundred more) but they steal ninety-nine. The school and the culture separate the head from the body. They tell the child: to think without hands to do without head to listen and not to speak to understand without joy to love and to marvel only at Easter and at Christmas. They tell the child: to discover the world already there and of the hundred they steal ninety-nine. They tell the child: that work and play reality and fantasy science and imagination sky and earth reason and dream are things that do not belong together. And thus they tell the child that the hundred is not there.
The child says: No way. The hundred is there
Loris Malaguzzi Early Childhood Specialist
Welcome to the Kincoppal - Rose Bay Early Learning Centre (ELC)
Mrs Rachael Symes Head of Junior School and Early Learning
Ms Nicole Johnson Leader of Early Learning
Kincoppal – Rose Bay School is passionate about early childhood education. We believe that children have so many wonderful curiosities and theories about the world and we love to hear them all. We enjoy exploring children’s ideas, developing children’s interests and building confidence to delve deeper into the mysteries of life.
We are inspired by the minds and playfulness of every child. Their innocence, energy and independent views of life provide amazing opportunities for us as educators to learn. We encourage your children to marvel at life, delight in the real and the imagined and engage hands-on with nature and the ‘wild’. The children will be inspired by stimulating learning contexts are encouraged to wonder, dream, invent, enquire and question. The youngest members of our school will develop social awareness, about nature and be encouraged to grow in both heart and mind. They will learn alongside our educators engaging in authentic research.
We will develop in your child a continuing curiosity about the world as they seek to share and uncover what lies around them. We understand that all children are unique and express themselves through many of the ‘hundred languages’. Every child is treated as an individual engaging and growing in their own time and space. Our belief in the image of the child as competent and capable fuels our passion for education.
We believe the children can be the teachers and we the teachers continue to learn from them each day. Together we learn, explore and make meaning of the wonderful world in which we live.
The early years are of the utmost importance and here at KRB School we continue to update our knowledge and keep abreast of latest research and best pedagogical practice.
We have early childhood teachers of the highest calibre with broad expertise and experience. Our co-educators are trained and accredited, bringing a wealth of experience to us in all aspects of the care and education of young children. Staff members work as a team, discussing, programming and engaging with each other in collaboration on research investigations. The warmth, care and educational vitality are of the highest calibre and instil in your children a life-long love of learning.
We look forward to working with your child and sharing their thoughts, experiences and theories.
“Give only good example to the children; never correct them when out of humour or impatient. We must win them by an appeal to their piety and to their hearts. Soften your reprimands with kind words; encourage and reward them. That is, in shor t, our way of educating.” Madeleine Sophie Barat
Mrs
Rachael
Symes Head of Junior School and Early Learning
Ms Nicole Johnson Leader of Early Learning
Kincoppal – Rose Bay Early Learning Centre Philosophy and Educational Vision
The Early Learning Centre is our home for the youngest members of our school community. Sophie’s Place is named after Madeleine Sophie Barat herself, the foundress of the Society of the Sacred Heart. Our Early Learning Centre is a warm, innovative and exciting place for our youngest members to learn. The Joigny Centre is named after Madeleine Sophie’s birthplace in Joigny, France. It is a provoking and unique centre where children are challenged and encouraged to think about the endless possibilities for investigation. Madeleine Sophie Barat’s dedication to education is the inspiration that the Early Learning Centre is founded upon.
“Let us respect childhood; let us honour the soul of that small creature of God who can already make choices of the best if we take the time to awaken her reason and make her use her judgment.”
Madeleine Sophie Barat
Our Early Learning educators aspire to teach children Catholic values based on the Sacred Heart Goals in a tolerant and inclusive manner. We aim to develop a strong sense of community, sense of belonging, a sense of what it means to live in Australia and citizenship in each child and family. We believe connections with the local and school community enhances learning opportunities which in turn promotes a sense of belonging and connectedness to the wider community.
“I go to Greek school because my mum is Greek and me too and I can speak Greek at home, and I can speak Australian too because we live in Australia, and I was born here and my sister too.”
Maisie aged 4
In our Early Learning Centre, we recognise and acknowledge the culture of our First Nations People and honour them as the traditional custodians of the land. We acknowledge the Gadigal and Birrabirragal as clans of the Eora nation. Children and staff respect, care for, and show an appreciation for all aspects of our natural environment. Our practices and programme experiences encourage children to engage with and develop an understanding of their natural environment and their responsibility to care for it.
“The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People were in Australia first and we need to look after the land for them and so we can live here for a long time, and we don’t want the land to be sad if we don’t look after it.”
Ava aged 5
ELC Acknowledgement of Country
This is the land and this is the sky.
Here are my friends and here stands I.
We thank Gadigal and Birrabirragal people for the land. where we play.
We honour your history and here it will stay.
We promise to keep your land here so clean.
Pick up the rubbish and keep Wild Time green. No plastic in the ocean our Gamaradas say. Our animals, our nature we love every day.
We believe that children are confident, capable, inquisitive and unique. Our aim is to ensure that children are well balanced individuals who are confident, happy and self-assured. Children are stimulated to marvel at life, delight in the real and the imagined and deeply engage with nature and the ‘wild’. We enable children to be inspired by authentic research and we actively encourage children to wonder, dream, invent, enquire, question and research alongside their educators.
Our educational programme, principles, practice and pedagogy are influenced by the principles of Reggio Emilia, the approaches of the Forest Schools, Harvard University’s Project Zero and their Cultures of Thinking Project and the National Early Years Learning Framework. Our beliefs combine together to bring about experiences where children are encouraged to become researchers in their own learning, building upon their curiosities and wonders and being challenged to build and organise conceptual knowledge. We follow a holistic approach to children’s education and care, creating nurturing and respectful relationships with children and families. We value the children’s voices and believe in always being available to support their expressions and ideas, which in turn supports their emerging autonomy, interdependence, resilience and sense of agency.
We value the children’s voices and believe in always being available to support their expressions and ideas, which in turn supports their emerging autonomy, interdependence, resilience and sense of agency.
“All neuron’s live in your brain and they send lots of messages to your brain. They help you think about stuff from a long time ago, like your old friends. They have to connect to work otherwise they just let go.”
Olivia aged 5
Our belief that children are competent and capable reflects our understanding of the image of the child as a key component of the Reggio Emilia Philosophies. We encourage children and staff to engage in research about selected concepts coming together to grow in understanding through dialogue, debate and co-construction of knowledge. These concepts form part of robust conversations with all staff and are shared to parents and children.
“The informing professional dialogue that is shared amongst myself and my colleagues are always deeply resonating. Such passionate discussions surrounding our teaching philosophy and our perspectives on the way we perceive children in education always have a way of challenging and stretching my initial ideas and understandings. I am astounded at how much colour each of us brings to certain topics of discussion purely based on our own backgrounds, cultures, upbringing and belief systems.”
Staff Member, 2020
Our respect and passion for nature is reflected in our time spent in the Wild. During this time we encourage children to develop what Ann Pelo terms an ‘Ecological Identity’. That is that children and staff form a unique bond with place, a connection which impels them to love, to care and to look after their wild spaces.
“Wild Time is the best because we find so many bugs and climb the big rocks and sometimes, we eat there too.”
Harley aged 4
We build on each child’s current knowledge in an atmosphere where children feel appreciated and accepted, where warmth, excitement, joy and laughter make our Early Learning Centre a safe place to take risks, make mistakes and try again. Kindness, co-operation, collaboration, acceptance of differences, respect and consideration for others are valued at the highest level. We foster a sense of wonder, an adventurous spirit and the joy of learning. The staff work alongside the children, providing them with opportunities to think deeply, openly and critically and to express their thoughts and ideas verbally and creatively. We facilitate the children to test their theories and enrich their thinking.
We recognise families as children’s first and most influential educators. Strong connections between children, families and communities and the importance of a reciprocity in relationships are promoted. We believe that young children learn through play, and that families, staff and the community form a partnership that promotes and encourages each child’s learning and nurtures their individual strengths and needs. We are inspired by the work of the educators in Reggio Emilia and we believe that parents are an important part of the day to day centre happenings. They have a voice in what happens and we strongly encourage and value this.
“The connection and transparency between School and home is unparalleled in the ELC, both educationally and socially. Every teacher, across Joigny and Sophie’s Place, go above-and-beyond to capture, document and further enhance each child’s learning and individual investigations into play and research. We were so fortunate, as parents, to be given access to so many wonderful videos, photos, quotes and dialogue of our children to marvel over their explorations,
learnings and development. The encouragement of parent-involvement at school - whether it be cooking or sharing an interest, really promoted a special connection between school and home. We will look back so fondly at our children’s first years of education and be forever grateful of the exceptional connection the ELC foster between school and home.”
Parent
We provide stimulating, aesthetically appealing and well-maintained play areas. The thoughtful use of furnishings and displays create a warm, nurturing environment for children to learn and play. Our learning environments are welcoming spaces, which reflect and enrich the lives and identities of children and families participating in the setting and responding to their interests and needs. The indoor and outdoor environments are used to inspire, captivate, engage and provoke children to make choices and solve problems. We believe our environments are like teachers - beckoning the children to explore, to learn, to imagine and to investigate.
Our Early Learning educators value the importance of working as a team, designing, collaborating, learning, researching, making mistakes and being challenged together. Educators are inspired by the research and investigations undertaken in partnership with children. Our goal is to instil a lifelong love of learning in the children alongside delivering the highest level of quality education and care. We continually reflect and evaluate our professional practice to enrich the quality of pedagogy to enhance, inform and extend children’s learning and development alongside our own.
“Learning is not the transmission of a defined body of knowledge, what Malaguzzi refers to as a ‘small’ pedagogy. It is constructive, the subject constructing her or his own knowledge but always in democratic relationships with others and being open to different ways of seeing, since individual knowledge is always partial and provisional. From this perspective, learning
is a process of constructing, testing and reconstructing theories, constantly creating new knowledge. Teachers as well as children, are constantly learning. Learning itself is a subject for constant research and, as such, must be made visible.”
Carla Rinaldi and Peter Moss
IN THE EARLY YEARS...
• We believe in constant dialogue between all parties as a way of constantly sharing and provoking each other.
• We believe in research for children and educators as a valuable tool for learning.
• We believe in parents as partners sharing and learning about the children to the best of all our abilities.
• We believe in nature play as essential for young children’s physical and mental wellbeing.
• We believe in deep reflection, research and collaboration to strengthen everyone’s growth and understanding of Early Childhood Education.
“Learning and teaching should not stand on opposite banks and just watch the river flow by; instead, they should embark together on a journey down the water. Through an active, reciprocal exchange, teaching can strengthen learning and how to learn.”
Loris Malaguzzi
Early Learning Centre Dates and Hours
Sophie’s Place and Joigny White Room (Long Day Care)
Kincoppal – Rose Bay Early Learning Centre is Long Day Care open 48 weeks of the year, beginning Tuesday 13 January 2026. The Centre will close for the Christmas break on Friday 11 December 2026
All Early Learning Centre Long Day Care three and four-year old students can start the week of Tuesday 13 January 2026.
Operating hours are 7.30am – 6.00pm
Joigny Centre (Term Time)
Preparation Days
We have staggered start days to familiarise each class with the class teacher, teacher assistant and program.
Thursday 29 January Joigny White and Blue students only
Friday 30 January Joigny Red and White students only
Monday 2 February All students attend
Operating hours are 8.00am – 3.30pm
Children enter the classroom at 8.45am and can be collected from 2.30pm.
PREP (Term Time)
Prep for four-year old students starts Thursday 29 January.
Operating Hours 8.00am – 3.00pm
Staggered start and finish times operate for the whole school campus for purposes of traffic flow. To ease parking and traffic congestion a Traffic Safety Policy exists for the safe delivery and collection of children: please follow instructions carefully.
A-Z Helpful Information
Co-curricular information is available via Kincoppal –Rose Bay website. For the ELC students, this includes Ballet, Gymnastics, Swimming and Tennis:
Attendance Times Early Learning Centre Three Year Olds:
7.30am – 6.00pm
All children must be signed in and signed out.
Attendance Times Early Learning Centre Four Year Olds: 7.30am – 6.00pm
All children must be signed in and signed out.
Attendance Times Joigny: 8.00am – 3.30pm
Attendance Times Prep: 8.00am – 3.00pm
Birthdays: We love to share this important event with your child and celebrate with a healthy treat at morning tea. Healthy cupcakes, muffins, (one for each child in the class) or alternative healthy treats are preferred (no lollies or chocolate).
Please note children have various allergies or food intolerances and KRB School has a Nut-Aware policy (no nuts in cakes or icing) and prefers low sugar treats. For parties, a class list provides details for posting or telephoning invitations.
Class List Family contact details are compiled and distributed to each family by the P&F Association. (The School is bound by National Privacy Principles contained in the Federal Privacy Act 2001).
Class Representatives: The P&F Association invites one person from each class to assist in arranging social occasions for families in the ELC. Please let your class teacher know if you would like to become a Class Rep.
Communication
We do this informally and formally:
Informal communication
• Daily contact, talking and sharing about the day
• Notices displayed to communicate messages
• Kincoppal to Rose Bay’s social media pages (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter)
Formal communication
• Storypark: our private online platform
• Parent portal on Aspire, our communication and teaching and learning platform
• Regular whole school KRB newsletters
• Appointments with teacher/parents at any time over any concerns
• Parent Information Evenings
Entry and Exit: Please observe the entry and exit points through the playground gate and ensure the gate is closed. All other ELC doorways are not for children’s use.
Gates: Arrangements for student drop-off and pick-up for After School Care and before/after school activities. The security gates are open during the peak times of 7.00am to 9.00am and from 2.30pm – 4.30pm when large numbers of vehicles are entering and leaving the School grounds. The gates are closed and locked at all other times. Early Learning Centre parking is permitted after entry by Junior School Reception.
If you need to drive onto school grounds to collect children outside these peak times, please be advised that the gates will be closed. You can buzz Barat-Burn Reception, After School Care, Senior Reception or Sophie’s Place to gain access to the School. This is done by using the security system located on the driver’s righthand side of the driveway entrance to Barat-Burn:
• Using the left keypad with the display screen, press button for appropriate area which is:
o *Sophies Place
o No. 1 Senior School
o No. 2 Junior School Reception
o No. 4 After School Care
• Press button marked ‘Bell’, located on the lower righthand side of the keypad.
• When answered, please identify yourself and the reason for driving on campus. The gate will then be opened for you. Gates will not be opened during recess or lunchtime.
• When exiting, please drive slowly to the marked (yellow) pressure points located just after the pedestrian crossing and the gates will open automatically.
Barat-Burn Reception is open from 8.00am – 4.00pm each school day. Please be advised that there is no parking on campus. If parents drive onto school grounds it is to use the quick drop-off/pick-up system at the turning circle at Barat-Burn.
Health: All pre-existing health issues must be outlined on school enrolment documentation. We encourage and expect independent hygiene practices at school. Please help children to practise at home:
• Use the toilet and manage toilet paper, please note children must be toilet trained before starting to
o Blow nose
o Wash hands
Holidays and Leave: Requests for leave during the school term must be formally applied for and directed to the Head of the Junior School.
Illness and Sick Children: The ELC is unable to allow children to attend when unwell. Parents will be contacted during the day if a child develops a temperature of 38°C or higher. Please do not administer medicine to your child and then send to school. Staff members hold a first aid certificate and will administer the usual childhood treatment to injuries. For all children with particular health
issues, e.g. asthma, a detailed management plan must be completed with the assistance of your child’s doctor.
Independence: A primary goal is to support each child’s journey towards thinking for himself/herself and to provide experiences that support this process. We hold an image of childhood where children are immensely capable with endless potential.
Throughout the year we ask for your help in teaching children to be independent within our daily routines. For example:
• to carry and unpack their school bag
• to manage own possessions
• to unclip/unscrew drinks/boxes
• to pull own jumper off, etc.
Lost Property: All children are wearing the same coloured school uniform, so please ensure all items are clearly named to full names please, not initials. Pillow slips, lunch boxes, lunch lids, jumpers, hats, etc. If it moves, name it!
Medical Conditions: Parents and caregivers of children who have an allergy, or serious medical condition requiring a Medical Management Plan, must ensure that ELC staff have a copy of their child’s Medical Management Plan (completed by the child’s doctor) prior to attending. It is important we are kept up to date with any changes to your child’s medical condition.
Medication: Whilst enrolled at the ELC, staff will only administer medication where written authorisation from parents and prescribing doctor has been given. Please complete the forms for: Permission to Administer Panadol and Permission to Administer Medication if specific treatment is required. In the interests of other children, medicines are handed to a teacher and are not to be left in a child’s bag. This includes any throat lozenges and cough drops. All medication must have a pharmacist label and be in date.
Morning Meeting: Our formal day begins when children
gather in a group to greet each other, say our morning prayer and begin to discuss ideas and projects that they are working on. It is in this forum that they learn to exchange views, to discuss opinions and to listen to one another. The morning meeting starts at 8.25am for Prep, 8.45am for the Joigny Centre and 9.00am for Sophie’s Place.
Parent Involvement: Schooling is a partnership. It is a shared experience between your family and our School. We are always delighted when parents and extended family give their time and offer their expertise to add to the richness of our children’s education.
Preparing For ELC:
• Talk to your child about the new school, the new friends and activities available
• Attend an orientation session and meet the staff
• Be confident and positive in tone as you talk about the environment and activities
• Explain when you leave that you will always return
• Discuss any concerns you may have beforehand.
School Uniform Shop: The School Shop is open every Tuesday and Thursday during school term 8.00am –3.45pm. Kincoppal – Rose Bay School Shop is located next to Café 135 near the Harbour Terrace.
Tel: 9388 6046 or krbshop@krb.nsw.edu.au
Please Note: The School Uniform Shop is closed during non-term time except for some dates in late January.
Toys: Toys must be left at home safe from damage or loss. It is a simple rule for everyone to avoid tears and distress. One soft toy is permitted for rest time.
Uniform: The children wear comfortable and easily washable clothing. All items are available from the Uniform Shop. Children wear their uniform each day and this helps later with the transition to school. A hat is provided.
Wild Time: A unique aspect of the ELC is the space and grounds of Kincoppal – Rose Bay School. Your child will enjoy exploring the grounds and beach below the school. There they will learn together about nature, animals, plants and sustainable practices. They will need gumboots for this activity.
The Education Project of Reggio Emilia is Shaped by Interconnected Principles
The ELC is guided by the principles of Reggio Emilia and Forest Schools.
Key features of the Reggio Emilia philosophy:
1. Children are active protagonists of their growth and development
2. The hundred languages 3. Participation 4. Listening 5. Learning as a process of individual and group construction
Kincoppal – Rose Bay Early Learning Centre (Three Year Old Program, Sophie’s Place)
Curriculum and Learning
Our Three Year Old Program is located in Sophie’s Place, a charming, renovated cottage that has been refurbished to maximise learning space while retaining the charm and intimacy of its history. Sophie’s Place has two qualified Early Childhood teachers and three trained co-educators.
The classroom has been designed to incorporate small spaces where children can participate in a range of learning contexts that promote children’s choice, play, research and curiosities. Each day follows conceptual research that is supported by the Early Years Learning Framework where children develop the necessary skills for thinking, wondering and lifelong learning.
Research shows that children learn best through play, and our curriculum is built around this principle. It encourages children to explore, discover, challenge themselves, and fully engage with the learning opportunities provided.
Art is integrated into our research, investigations, and projects, allowing children to express themselves, follow their curiosities, and share knowledge. Our research and learning contexts incorporate ideas and wonders that challenge the children to think critically and look at problems that arise in a different and unique way.
Outdoor learning is also a key component of our program. Regular visits to natural environments such as Wild Time help children develop a deep appreciation for nature and a greater understanding and respect for the world around them.
Each child’s learning journey is documented through photographs, conversations, videos, and artwork, creating a rich narrative that reflects their unique interests, growth and the ways they engage with their environment. At Sophie’s Place, the children truly are the heart of our program, shaping it through their curiosity, creativity, and desire to learn.
Logistics
Arrival and Departure: Sophie’s Place is open from 7.30am – 6.00pm, 48 weeks of the year. Your child can attend for the hours you require however we do ask that each child is at the centre by 9.00am to participate in the Morning Meeting.
Enter and depart the building via the designated ELC entry gate. It is a legal requirement for your child to be signed in and out each day by an adult. Children will only be released to legal guardians and persons authorised to collect listed on your child’s Collection Form. Photo ID is required to establish identity if anyone other than a known parent or guardian is to collect your child.
Attendance: Fees are paid for all the days a child is booked into KRB Early Learning Centre including:
• Days which fall on a public holiday
• Days your child is sick due to illness
• Days your child is absent on a holiday (we are not able to make up days missed).
Drinks: We always have water accessible and available to drink. A drink bottle is required for lunch and tea times.
Holidays and Leave: Children are welcome to take holidays and leave throughout the year. It is appreciated if you could tell your child’s teacher in advance so they will not be expecting your child. Fees must still be paid for these days.
Meals and Nutrition: We encourage and model healthy eating for children. Menus are planned to provide 50 percent of the RDI for all nutrients on each day. Our menu is always on display. We provide nutritious meals for morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and late afternoon tea.
Older Siblings: All children must be signed in and out by an adult. Older siblings are not able to drop off or collect children and are unable to wait at KRB Early Learning Centre to be picked up.
Policies: All policies for KRB Early Learning Centre will be available through the School portal. This is accessible through the KRB School website. They are also on display in the Early Learning Centre at the sign-in desk.
Priority of Access: Kincoppal - Rose Bay Early Learning Centre has a waiting list and is managed on a first come, first served basis. However, to ensure the system is fair, the Australian Government has ‘Priority of Access Guidelines’ for allocating places in certain situations. On this basis, priority will be given to:
• First priority to a child at risk of serious abuse or neglect.
• Second priority to a child of a single parent who satisfies, or of parents who both satisfy the work/ training/study test under section 14 of the Family Assistance Act.
• Third priority to any other child.
As part of the DEEWR funding requirement, 14 days’ notice will be given to a priority three category child who may be required to leave the centre, if a child who meets a higher priority category requires a position.
Rest Time: Each day we have a rest time. Children bring a cot sheet, small pillow and a blanket in a labelled bag. Children are not made to sleep but rest quietly, take a break and spend a quiet time reflecting on their busy day. Discuss your child’s rest and sleeping needs with educators.
Sun Protection: Hats are purchased from the School Shop as part of the ELC uniform. These are left at school and worn each day. They will be sent home regularly for washing. We have a No Hat No Play policy. In the warmer months, apply sunscreen before arrival at school. Sunscreen will be reapplied throughout the day.
Please refer to KRB ELC Sun Protection policy for more information.
Daily Plan
Layout of Day
7.30am – 9.00am Children arrive at Sophie’s Place. Simultaneous indoor and outdoor program
9.00am – 9.15am Morning Meeting, to welcome the children to the day and discuss possibilities for research-based learning contexts and schedule for the day
9.15am – 10.00am Indoor learning contexts to projects or interest-based activities and learning
10.00am – 10.30am Morning tea
10.30am – 12.15pm Simultaneous indoor and outdoor program to projects or research based learning contexts and learning centres
12.15pm – 1.00pm Lunch
1.00pm – 2.00pm Rest and meditation
2.00pm – 2.40pm Dining Room indoor contexts
2.40pm – 3.00pm Group time to teacher directed group time
3.00pm – 3.30pm Afternoon tea
3.30pm – 6.00pm Simultaneous indoor and outdoor program until children are collected
Kincoppal – Rose Bay Early Learning Centre (Four Year Old Long Day Care Program, Joigny White Room)
Curriculum and Learning
There are three class groups : White Room (Long Day Care), Red Room and Blue Room (both Term Time). There is one qualified early childhood teacher and one trained co-educator per class group. The classrooms are designed for learning to take place within designated zones where children participate by choice and desire. The zones promote learning in small group sizes within the larger context of the rooms. It is important that children develop strong connections with one another, for their childhood world is their reality. Children are invited to engage collaboratively and make choices in their learning. Running parallel to this is a strong focus on academic rigour, with literacy and numeracy foundation concepts embedded in contexts and taught formally through the Pre-Lit Program.
Each day children take part in authentic research that inspires and delights them through learning contexts that build and organise conceptual knowledge and deep understanding. Part of the child’s work is also the sharing of their learning. Art making features predominantly as well as the use of designated art spaces for investigative and long-term projects.
Our work particularly emphasises the process of engagement rather than the product achieved. The value and importance placed on the research children undertake means our commitment as educators is to share their work, by bringing it ‘alive’ through documenting of their journey with photos, narratives of children’s conversations and evidence of thinking and learning. Documentation includes posting on your child’s secure online portfolio.
Pre-Lit, Music, Library visits, PE, language lessons, long term projects, shared interests, literature and Wild Time all form part of the important day-to-day learning adventures.
Outdoor spaces both within Joigny and within the grounds of Kincoppal – Rose Bay School Junior School are utilised and shared with friends in other Joigny classes.
Logistics
The four-year-old children who are enrolled in the long day care (LDC) program are fortunate to be a part of both Kincoppal – Rose Bay Early Learning Centre and the Joigny Centre. Their day begins with signing into Kincoppal – Rose Bay Early Learning Centre to all children must be signed into Kincoppal – Rose Bay Early Learning Centre regardless of their arrival time.
A staff member will sign them out to the Joigny Centre at 8.00am. All children should be at school for a 8.45am start. The children will be part of the Joigny Centre learning program until 2.30pm unless attending an extracurricular activity.
At 3.00pm a staff member will return the children to the White Room to sign them in for their afternoon tea and activities. All four-year-old LDC children must be signed out of the White Room prior to going home to this is a legal requirement.
Arrival and Departure: The White Room is open from 7.30am – 6.00pm, 48 weeks of the year. Your child can attend for the hours you require however we do ask that each child is at the centre by 8.45am to participate in the Morning Meeting.
Please inform your child’s educators if you need to change your collection time, so they can reassure your child, and manage staff. child ratios at all times. If you are late to collect your child, the centre’s late fee will apply. After 6.00 pm: the fee is $30 for every 10 minutes (or part thereof).
Enter and depart the building via the designated ELC entry gate. It is a legal requirement for your child to be signed in and out each day by an adult. Children will only be released to legal guardians and persons authorised to collect listed on your child’s Collection Form. It is important to keep this information up to date. Photo ID is required to establish identity if anyone other than a known parent or guardian is to collect your child.
Attendance: Fees are paid for all the days a child is booked into Kincoppal – Rose Bay Early Learning Centre including:
• Days which fall on a public holiday
• Days your child is sick due to illness
• Days your child is absent on a holiday (we are not able to make up days missed)
Holidays and Leave: Children are welcome to take holidays and leave throughout the year. Please tell your child’s teacher in advance so they will not be expecting your child. Fees must still be paid for these days.
Meals and Nutrition: We encourage and model healthy eating for children. Menus are planned to provide 50 percent of the RDI for all nutrients on each day. Our menu is always on display. We provide nutritious meals for breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and late afternoon tea.
Older Siblings: All children must be signed in and out by an adult. Older siblings are not able to drop off or collect children.
Policies: All policies for Kincoppal – Rose Bay Early Learning Centre are available through the School portal. This is accessible through the school website.
Priority of Access: Kincoppal – Rose Bay Early Learning Centre has a waiting list and is managed on a first come, first served basis. However, to ensure the system is fair, the Australian Government has ‘Priority of Access Guidelines’ for allocating places in certain situations. On this basis, priority will be given to:
• First priority to a child at risk of serious abuse or neglect
• Second priority to a child of a single parent who satisfies, or of parents who both satisfy the work/ training/study test
• Under section 14 of the Family Assistance Act.
• Third priority to any other child.
As part of the DEEWR funding requirement, 14 days’ notice will be given to a priority three category child who may be required to leave the centre, if a child who meets a higher priority category requires a position.
Drinks: We always have accessible water to drink. A drink bottle is required for lunch and tea times.
Rest Time: Each day we have a quiet time. Children bring a small pillow to use with removable pillowslips for washing.
Children are not made to sleep but rest quietly, take a break and spend a quiet time reflecting on their busy day. In Terms 3 and 4 rest time is limited and the children may read books.
Pillows: Provide a small pillow (with removable pillowslip), small enough to fit in our lockers and comfy enough for resting.
Transition to Kindergarden: It is an expectation that all children will continue on to Kindergarden at KRB. Entry to the Junior School Kindergarden classes is established through a re-enrolment process. Close communication with parents about individual readiness is an important part of our educational process.
Discussions and consultation with parents/staff about individual developmental readiness will be an important aspect of a child’s early learning year.
During Term 4, a familiarity and orientation program is undertaken whereby children experience visits:
• within Barat-Burn facilities
• to the Kindergarten classroom
• to the music room
• to assembly
• to the wider school grounds.
White Room Long Day Care Hours
Routine of Day
7.30am – 8.00am Sign-in to Kincoppal – Rose Bay Early Learning Centre, collect morning tea and lunch
8.00am – 8.45am Children transfer to Joigny Centre
8.45am – 9.15am Morning meeting to children join class groups to discuss learning contexts and possibilities for research and Pre-Lit lesson
9.15am – 10.30am
Indoor learning contexts to projects or research and learning contexts including literacy and numeracy. Children also participate in Library & PE, Music or Mandarin
10.30am – 11.30am Morning tea to children eat morning tea and participate in outdoor learning contexts
11.30am – 12.30pm
Indoor learning contexts to projects or interest-based learning contexts and learning centres Wild Time on Tuesday and Friday
12.30pm – 1.30pm Lunch to children eat lunch and participate in outdoor learning contexts
1.30pm – 2.00pm Rest and quiet stories
2.00pm – 2.30pm Group time to children in class groups and teacher guided group time, including pack-away
2.30pm – 3.50pm Outdoor learning contexts
2.30pm – 4.00pm Afternoon dismissal to four-year-old extended hours transfer to Kincoppal – Rose Bay Early Learning Centre
4.00pm – 6.00pm
Children transition to Sophie’s Place and join their simultaneous indoor and outdoor program until children are collected
Please ensure that your child brings the following to school on the first day of Term 1:
The Joigny Centre (Four Year Old Program, Term Time)
Curriculum and Learning
There are three class groups : White Room (Long Day Care), Red Room and Blue Room (both Term Time). There is one qualified early childhood teacher and one trained co-educator per class group. The classrooms are designed for learning to take place within designated zones where children participate by choice and desire. The zones promote learning in small group sizes within the larger context of the rooms. It is important that children develop strong connections with one another, for their childhood world is their reality. Children are invited to engage collaboratively and make choices in their learning. Running parallel to this is a strong focus on academic rigour, with literacy and numeracy foundation concepts embedded in contexts and taught formally through the Pre-Lit Program.
Each day children take part in authentic research that inspires and delights them through learning contexts that build and organise conceptual knowledge and deep understanding. Part of the child’s work is also the sharing of their learning. Art making features predominantly as well as the use of designated art spaces for investigative and long-term projects.
Our work particularly emphasises the process of engagement rather than the product achieved. The value and importance placed on the research children undertake means our commitment as educators is to share their work, by bringing it ‘alive’ through documenting of their journey with photos, narratives of children’s conversations and evidence of thinking and learning. Documentation includes posting on your child’s secure online portfolio
Pre-Lit, Music, Library visits, P.E. , language lessons, long term projects, shared interests, literature and Wild Time all form part of the important day-to-day learning adventures.
Outdoor spaces both within Joigny and within the grounds of Kincoppal – Rose Bay School Junior School are utilised and shared with friends in other Joigny classes.
Logistics
Before and After School Care: Before and After School Care (BASC) is provided from 7.30am to 8.00am in the morning and 3.30pm to 6.00pm in the afternoon. Fees are charged and Child Care Benefit (CCB) is available. Registration is required for children to attend and bookings and further information will be shared.
Food: Please discuss specific dietary requirements with your child’s teachers.
NB: our School is a Nut-Aware School. Our Food Policy supports good, healthy habits:
• Natural fresh products and food. No commercial chips, popcorn, sweets, snack packs, cheese snacks, tube yoghurt, flavoured milk, or supermarket snack products such as Mami noodles, jellies or flavoured fruit sticks.
• Drinking water rather than flavoured drinks.
• No sharing/swapping/exchanging food with friends at lunch time.
Morning Tea: Place fruit in a clearly labelled paper bag or small container and place in hat tray upon arrival in the morning. Fresh fruit or vegetables are encouraged and please limit cakes, biscuits or snack food.
Lunch: Send lunch in a clearly labelled lunch box and labelled lid and place in hat tray.
Drinks: We always have water to drink. Please bring a drink bottle for lunch and tea times. Lunch orders are available everyday. Joigny Children do not have direct access to the canteen however can order their lunch. Please remember the environment and refrain from plastic wrapping and other single use plastics.
Joigny Cars: Cars may briefly stay (about five minutes) at the roundabout (spaces for four cars) for drop-off/pickup of children. This is after the morning peak times and prior to the afternoon school pick-up times i.e. 8.45am –9.00am and 2.30pm – 3.00pm. No parent may leave his/ her car in the driveway obstructing the flow of traffic or park in Sophie’s Place parking bays.
Older Siblings: If older children are bringing their younger sibling into the Joigny Centre, please ask them to escort their sibling all the way into the classrooms.
Pillows: Provide a small pillow (with removable pillowslip), small enough to fit in our lockers and comfy enough for resting.
Rest Time: Each day we have a quiet time. Children bring a small pillow to use with removable pillowslips for washing. Children are not made to sleep but rest quietly, take a break and spend a quiet time reflecting on their busy day. In Terms 3 and 4 rest time is limited and the children may read books.
Requisites: A list of items is provided for you to have ready for the beginning of the year. A list of stationery requirements is pre-purchased and is charged to the school account. Please see attachments.
Routine: As we are starting to prepare your children for school it is important we establish a slightly more structured routine than what they may be used to. Our day is set out over.
Sun Protection: A Joigny sun hat will be supplied at the beginning of the school year and charged to your account. Sun hats need to be regularly washed. We have a No Hat No Play policy. In warmer months, please apply sunscreen before arrival at school.
Transition to Kindergarten: It is an expectation that all children will continue onto Kindergarden at KRB. Entry to the Junior School Kindergarten classes is automatic for Joigny Centre children on completion of the year. Close communication with parents about individual readiness is an important part of our educational process. Discussions and consultation with parents/staff about individual developmental readiness will be an important aspect of a child’s early learning year.
During Term 4, a familiarity and orientation program is undertaken whereby children experience visits:
• within Barat-Burn facilities
• to the Kindergarten classroom
• to the Music room
• to assembly
• to the wider school grounds.
The Joigny Centre Daily Plan
Routine of Day
8.00am – 8.45am
8.45am – 9.15am
9.15am – 10.30am
10.30am – 11.30am
11.30am – 12.30pm
Arrival time to Children outside. Staff roster for drop off duty
Children arrive: unpack morning tea and lunch and put school bag away. They are free to play outside
Morning meeting to children join class groups to discuss research and possibilities for learning contexts, Pre-Lit Lesson
Inside learning contexts to projects or research and learning contexts including literacy and numeracy. Children also participate in PE, Library, Music and Mandarin
Morning tea to children eat morning tea and participate in outdoor learning contexts
Inside learning contexts to projects, research, learning contexts and Wild Time Tuesday and Friday
12.30pm – 1.30pm Lunch to children eat lunch and participate in outdoor learning contexts
1.30pm – 2.00pm Rest
2.00pm – 2.30pm
2.30pm – 3.30pm
Group time to children in class groups and teacher guided group time, including pack-away
Afternoon dismissal: engage children in fine motor contexts and go to cars when called
Prep (4 Year Old Program, Term Time)
Curriculum and Learning
Prep students will learn and explore in an environment that provides a balance of academic rigour alongside creativity, curiosity and play. In Prep there is one dedicated fulltime teacher and a fulltime co-educator.
Central to our Prep philosophy is an understanding that play is not only a natural expression of childhood, but also a powerful driver of learning. Every day, children are given ample opportunity to engage in meaningful, uninterrupted play, fostering imagination, collaboration, and resilience.
Our Prep experience promotes depth and aligns seamlessly with a rich teaching framework which supports creative and critical thinking, metacognition and self-regulation, empowering learners to reflect and grow with purpose. Through thoughtfully designed routines and a flexible approach, we ensure that play is woven throughout the day, children can freely explore ideas, construct meaning, and express curiosity, both during structured activities and open-ended play sessions.
By thoughtfully navigating between teacher-led instruction, open exploration, specialist enrichment and social-emotional growth, Kincoppal-Rose Bay sets the stage for a well-rounded Prep experience driven by heart, mind and purpose. Each day brims with new and wonderful learning experiences, with play acting as a constant thread connecting all aspects of a child’s development. Here is a glimpse into our daily structure:
Arrival and Welcome
Prep students will arrive on campus each morning and will be welcomed into class by their teachers. Our days will begin with a morning meeting, an opportunity for students to give a Welcome to Country, share news, discuss the daily schedule and prepare for an exciting day of learning.
Intentional Learning
Students will engage with intentional learning blocks, during which core Literacy or Numeracy concepts will be introduced with clarity and care. This structured learning time ensures all students receive direct teaching and build a strong academic base, alongside opportunities to develop their knowledge through carefully planned playbased learning experiences. Throughout these sessions, children are encouraged to approach problems creatively, work together, and explore ideas through hands-on play that is both guided and open-ended.
Uninterrupted Play
A defining feature of our Prep program is the dedicated time set aside each day for uninterrupted play. During these precious moments, children have the autonomy to choose their activities, pursue their own interests, and immerse themselves fully in the world of play, whether constructing, imagining, or collaborating with their peers. Educators observe and support, allowing learning to unfold naturally and authentically as children follow their curiosity.
Recess & Lunch
At Recess, Prep students will connect with peers and engage in unstructured social play, further nurturing friendships and social skills. Lunch is enjoyed in a relaxed, social setting, followed by outdoor play, giving children the freedom to run, create, and imagine. This downtime is vital for emotional development, wellbeing, and physical vitality, and is intentionally preserved as a space where play can flourish without interruption.
Conceptual Learning
Together with structured Literacy and Numeracy teaching, Prep students will be guided through conceptual learning experiences, intentionally crafted from their own questions or curiosity. Our Prep team skilfully weaves opportunities to connect investigations to broader ideas, nurturing the children’s ability to recognise familiar patterns and apply understanding in new contexts, all while anchoring learning in playful, childled exploration.
Specialist Lessons
Prep students will enjoy weekly Specialist subject lessons, including Art, Music, STEM, French and Physical Education. These lessons, taught by dedicated subject teachers, are enriched by playful approaches, encouraging creativity, movement, and new forms of expression.
Wild Time
During regular Wild Time sessions, an inquiry based learning initiative, students will explore nature on the beautiful grounds around our campus. This approach nurtures curiosity, respect for the environment and intrinsic motivation through hands-on learning.
Reflection Time
Each day in Prep will round off with a gentle reflection. This may include revisiting concepts explored that day or setting intentions for tomorrow. Students will be prepared for a calm departure from school, including pickup or after school accomplishments.
Logistics
Before and After School Care: Before and After School Care (ASC) is provided by Their Care every day from 7.30am – 8.00am in the morning and 3.30pm – 6.00pm in the afternoon. Fees are charged and Child Care Benefit (CCB) is available. Registration is required for children to attend and bookings and further information will be shared by Junior School Reception.
Food: Please discuss specific dietary requirements with your child’s teachers.
NB: our School is a ‘nut aware’ School. Our Food Policy supports good, healthy habits:
• Natural fresh products and food. No commercial chips, popcorn, sweets, snack packs, cheese snacks, tube yoghurt, flavoured milk, or supermarket snack products such as mami noodles, jellies or flavoured fruit sticks.
• Drinking water rather than flavoured drinks.
• No sharing/swapping/exchanging food with friends at lunch time.
Morning tea: Place fruit in a clearly labelled paper bag or small container fresh fruit or vegetables are encouraged –please limit cakes, biscuits or snack food.
Lunch: Send lunch in a clearly labelled lunch box and labelled lid and place in hat tray.
Drinks: We always have water to drink. A drink bottle is also a good idea for lunch and morning tea times.
Prep Children do not have direct access to the canteen however can have a lunch order. Please remember the environment and refrain from plastic wrapping and other single use plastics.
Prep Drop-off and Pick-up: Prep children will be able to be walked into class with parents parking outside on the street or will be able to be dropped at the roundabout between 8.00am and 8.25am. For pick up parents will be able to park on street and walk in to collect their child or join the pick up system at roundabout where they will be walked to the roundabout by their teacher. There is no parking onsite for Prep children.
Requisites: All resources are provided by KRB.
Sun protection: A Prep sun hat will need to be pre purchased at the school shop. Sun hats need to be regularly washed. We have a No Hat No Play policy. In summer, please apply sunscreen before arrival at school.
Transition to Kindergarden: It is an expectation that all children will continue onto Kindergarden at KRB. Entry to the Junior School Kindergarden class is automatic for Prep children on completion of the year. Close communication with parents about individual readiness is an important part of the education process. Discussion and consultation with parents and staff about individual developmental readiness will be an important aspect of your child’s Prep year. During Term 4, a familiarity and Orientation programme is undertaken whereby children experience visits to the Kindergarden classrooms.
Prep Daily Plan
Routine of Day
8:00am – 8:25am Arrival and Morning Routine
8:25am – 9:00am Morning meeting
Crunch and Sip Flexible time in the morning when children are ready to eat
9:00am – 10:00am Intentional Learning (Literacy and Numeracy)
10:00am – 10:45am Specialist Lesson
10:45am – 11:15am Morning Tea
11:15am – 12:30pm Conceptual Learning
12:30pm – 12:50pm Lunch
12:50pm – 1:30pm Outdoor Play
1:30pm – 3:00pm Uninterrupted Play and Inquiry/ End of Day Reflection Time
3:00pm – 3.30pm Afternoon Dismissal
School Uniform Shop Opening Times 2026
Location: Kincoppal – Rose Bay School Shop is located on the Harbour Terrace near Café 135
The School Uniform Shop will be open in January 2026 on the following days:
If your child is starting in the three year old (Sophie’s Place) and four year old (Joigny White) Long Day Care (new families only), please email krbshop@krb.nsw.edu.au to make an appointment in Term 4 2025. This to ensure that you have your child’s uniforms for Tuesday 13 January 2026
The uniform shop will also be open Transition and Orientation Days. Appointments only (reserved for new families only – no siblings)
Monday 20 January 2026 9.00am – 3.30pm
Tuesday 21 January 2026 9.00am – 3.30pm
Wednesday 22 January 2026 9.30am – 3.30pm
• Appointments are made by emailing: krbshop@krb.nsw.edu.au
No appointments required (open to all current and new families)
Thursday 23 January 2026 9.00am – 3.30pm
Friday 24 January 9.00am – 3.30pm
Monday 27 January 2026 Closed (Australia Day Public Holiday)
Tuesday 28 January 9.00am – 3.45pm
Wednesday 29 January 8.00am – 3.45pm
Thursday 30 January 8.00am – 3.30pm
From Tuesday 30 January 2026 the School Uniform Shop is:
• Open every Tuesday and Friday during the school term 8.00am - 3.45pm. How to order:
• Please email completed Order Form or enquiries to krbshop@krb.nsw.edu.au.
• An online payment link will be emailed to you.
• Once payment has been received, you will be contacted regarding pickup. Please note:
• Phone number: 9388 6046.
• Uniform Shop Manager: Sonyia Barron.
• The School Uniform Shop is bag free, so please remember to bring a bag.
• The School Uniform Shop will be:
– CLOSED from: Tuesday 5 December 2025 and – REOPEN on: Monday 22 January 2026
• Prices subject to change without notice.
• Prices include GST.
• Please bring a bag as we are bag free.
• If size is a concern for purchases in Term 4, please note that items can be exchanged later if need be, as long as the original label remains intact.
ELC - Sophie’s Place, White Room and Joigny Centre Requisites
Please tick √
One school bag
One key ring and small toy attached as identifier to bag
One SMALL pillow with removable pillowslip
Three Year Old sheet, pillow and blanket in a small drawstring bag. Beds are 140cm long and 56cm wide
One large box of tissues
One spare underpants and socks placed in school bag and a change of uniform or spare clothes
For Kincoppal – Rose Bay Early Learning Centre three year olds a full set of clothes required
Reusable wet bag
Gum boots
One recent small, framed family photo
One USB memory stick, at least 8GB (labelled with child’s name). The following items will be provided for your child and charged to your account:
Prep Requisites
Please ensure that your child brings the following to school on the first day of Term 1:
Please tick √
School bag
Key ring identifier
Spare underwear
Gum boots
One SMALL pillow with removable pillowslip
Reusable wet bag
One recent small, framed family photo
Joigny Centre / White Room Care: Hat and Stationery Pack
• A school hat
• A stationery pack.
Each child’s stationery pack will be delivered in bulk to the Joigny Centre ready for the start of term. This will include, but is not limited to:
• One packet black fine line pens
• One packet black Pentel felt pens
• One packet glue sticks
• One A3 art portfolio complete with KRB logo
• One packet of lead pencils
• One packet colour markers
• One packet black A4 card
• One packet black A3 outline card
• Two rolls of masking tape
• Two rolls of sticky tape
Please note: $100 will be charged to accounts for stationery requisites.
