St Nicholas Early Education Singleton is celebrating a decade of supporting local children and families, marking 10 years since the centre first opened its doors in 2016.
Opened alongside Newcastle West as one of the first two St Nicholas Early Education centres, Singleton holds a special place in the St Nicholas story.
Over the past decade, local children have grown in confidence, discovered new interests and formed some of their earliest friendships at the centre, supported by educators who take the time to know and value every child.
St Nicholas Singleton Centre Director Alexandria Stafford said the milestone was an opportunity to celebrate everyone who had helped shape the centre.
“St Nicholas Singleton has been part of this story from the very beginning, so the 10-year anniversary is an incredibly meaningful milestone for our team and community,” Alexandria said.
“Over the past decade, we have watched local children grow in confidence, discover new interests and form some of their earliest friendships. We have also had the privilege of building lasting relationships with families and supporting them through such an important stage of their child’s life.”
A community built on strong relationships
While much has changed since 2016, the strong sense of community at St Nicholas Singleton has remained at the heart of the centre.
“Our educators take the time to know each child and family, and many of the relationships formed here continue well beyond a child’s time at the centre,” Alexandria said.
For Singleton parent Taylah Horn, these relationships have helped make St Nicholas an important part of her family’s life.
“From the beginning, the educators took the time to really get to know our child, which gave us confidence they were safe, supported and happy,” Taylah said.
“What stands out most is the strong sense of community. The educators have built a genuine relationship with our whole family, and we have always felt welcomed and included.
“It is special to celebrate this 10-year milestone and know our family is part of the centre’s story.”
Growing from two centres to 14
Since St Nicholas Singleton first opened, St Nicholas Early Education has grown from two centres to a network of 14 across the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.
Across the entire St Nicholas Early Education network over the past decade, more than 16,500 children and 12,500 families have been supported, 8.3 million care sessions have been delivered and 2,200 educators have been employed.
The broader St Nicholas network now also includes 30 St Nicholas OOSH services and St Nicholas Pathways programs supporting the next generation of early childhood educators.
While St Nicholas has grown considerably, its purpose remains unchanged: to create safe, nurturing and inclusive places where children feel known, valued and supported to thrive.
“This anniversary belongs to every child, family and educator who has been part of our centre,” Alexandria said.
“We are grateful for the trust Singleton families have placed in us and excited to continue growing together in the years ahead.”
To see how else St Nicholas is celebrating its 10-year anniversary, including our commemorative eBook and The First Ones web series, click here.
To learn more about St Nicholas Early Education Singleton, click here.
