St Nicholas Early Education Kotara South has been officially blessed and opened, marking an important milestone for the centre and the growing community it serves.
Representatives from St Nicholas and the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle joined children and team members for the ceremony on Tuesday 28 July.
The event formally celebrated the opening of the 79-place centre, which began welcoming children and families in April and provides early education and care for children aged from birth to five years.
Proceedings included a welcome, an Acknowledgement of Country and a special song written by Centre Director Sandy McNaughton in recognition of NAIDOC Week. Bishop Michael Kennedy then spoke with the children before formally blessing the centre and its children. The occasion concluded with a morning tea shared by guests and team members.
St Nicholas Director Mel Hill said the blessing provided an opportunity to celebrate the community already taking shape at the centre.
“This centre is an important addition to the Kotara South community, giving more local families access to high-quality early education close to home,” Mel said.
“The blessing was a meaningful opportunity to recognise the children, families and team members who are already bringing the centre to life.”
Co-located with St James’ Primary School, St Nicholas Early Education Kotara South supports a strong connection between early learning and school. The location creates opportunities for children and families to develop familiarity, relationships and a sense of belonging before the transition to Kindergarten.
St Nicholas also operates an OOSH service at St James’ Primary School, supporting greater continuity for children and families throughout their early learning and school years.
“Being co-located with St James’ Primary School, where we also operate St Nicholas OOSH, creates real continuity for children and families,” Mel said.
“Children can build familiar relationships and a strong sense of belonging through early learning, into school and beyond, while continuing their St Nicholas experience.”
Kotara South is the 14th centre in the St Nicholas Early Education network and the 44th St Nicholas service overall, with Early Education and OOSH services operating across Newcastle, the Hunter and the Mid Coast.
The new centre expands access to early childhood education and care for families living in Kotara South and surrounding Newcastle suburbs.
To learn more about St Nicholas Early Education Kotara South, click here.
