Early Learning Centre

While our enrolment period for 2026 has now closed, you are welcome to contact our team to find out more about our enrolment process and waiting list for 2026.

Our enrolment period for 2027 opens in May 2026.

During this time, we will invite prospective families in for an open day, and we warmly welcome enrolment applications to be submitted. Until then, please take some time to read through the information on this page and take a look at our video for a small window into what our Preschool may have to offer your child.

If you would like more information, please contact us at office.elcsjo@cg.catholic.edu.au or by calling 02 6257 2990.

St Joseph's Early Learning Centre

St Joseph’s Early Learning Centre (ELC), as part of St Joseph’s Primary School, takes up the mission of growing in excellence within a Christ–centred community and embracing Catholic traditions, values and beliefs. Our nurturing preschool provides diverse learning opportunities for every child within our highly-accredited centre with fully qualified Early Childhood teachers and educators. 

We pride ourselves on providing a strong Catholic learning environment for the children in our care. St Joseph's Early Learning Centre follows the Early Learning Religious Education Curriculum established by Catholic Education. It is based upon the recognition that children have an innate sense of the presence of God. This approach to children’s spiritual formation is based on creating a sacred space, wonderings and children engaging in biblical stories through Godly Play. The EYLF and Religion Curriculum work harmoniously together whereby children work and play together within an atmosphere of inclusion and respect for each other.

Children’s agency and interests form a strong component of the program. Teachers and educators listen, observe and document these interests in a variety of ways. From these observations, staff interpret the learning and plan accordingly. The team then reflect on their program to ensure goals are achieved. This cycle is continuous throughout the year.

The EYLF consists of five learning outcomes:

1) Children have a strong sense of identity,
2) Children are connected with and contribute to their world,
3) Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
4) Children are confident and involved learners
5) Children are effective communicators

We believe: 

• Our Curriculum, the EYLF (Early Years Learning Framework) play based learning program, encourages every child to be a competent learner, who can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured.
• The environment plays a key role in supporting and extending children’s development and learning.
• Children learn and develop in different ways and at different rates and all areas of learning and development are equally important and interconnected.
• Being part of the St Joseph’s School community positively influences our children's growth and development.
• Parent involvement in the ELC program is central to its success and we seek to develop strong links between home and preschool.

Watch this short video for a window into our beautiful Preschool. 

ELC Enrolment

The Early Learning Centre (ELC) is the regional Catholic preschool for the parishes of St Joseph’s, Blackfriars (Watson), and St Thomas Moore’s (Campbell). The age for enrolment in an ELC is 4 years by 30 April in the year of enrolment. 

HOW TO ENROL

Our Enrolment Booklet will provide information about our enrolment process and requirements.

2026 Enrolment Booklet

You can join our waiting list for 2026 by submitting an application using the link below:

Enrolment Application Form

To complete the application form, you will need to upload the following information. Original documents will need to be presented at the time of interview.

• Birth certificate (not commemorative) or passport.
• Certificate of Baptism (if applicable).
• Student’s immunisation records (applicable to all NSW schools and ACT Primary).
• Family Law, Personal Protection Order or Other Relevant Court Orders (if applicable).
• Any previous ELC reports (if available)
• Visa grant notice for permanent and temporary visa-holders (if applicable) – for both student and parent(s) / legal guardian(s)
• Any medical or NDIS reports and/or other assessment reports for students with additional learning needs (if applicable).
• Proof of residential address, such as a rates notice, electricity, water or phone bill

Submission of an application does not guarantee a place in your school of choice. An offer for your first choice of ACT Catholic ELC will depend on your priority enrolment area.

A non-refundable application fee of $55 applies.

AFTER SUBMISSION

Once the application has been submitted, you will receive an email with the completed application. Please ensure this document is signed accordingly (by all relevant legal guardians and parents) and submitted to the preschool at the time of interview.

Documents and Policies 

• Catholic Education Policies and Supporting Information
• 2025 ELC Family Handbook
• National Law and Regulations

Operating Hours 

Contact Details

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