Our story

From humble beginnings to inspiring futures – The remarkable journey of St Nicholas

Who we are

St Nicholas is a community in which children and young people develop the cultural, physical and educational skills to belong in a contemporary world.

Collectively, St Nicholas provides education services spanning early education, out of school hours care and vocational education.

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A St Nicholas OOSH educator drawing with a children at OOSH's before and after school program

A Pathways students assisting a child outside at a Pathways training facility

Our history

In 2015 parents across the Hunter were crying out for help as places in early education centres were sparse.

Driven by a desire to support and partner with families, St Nicholas Early Education was established by the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle with two early education centres opening in early 2016. With one in central Newcastle and the other in Singleton, St Nicholas provided vital support for families who responded with enthusiasm.

With a vision going beyond education and care, St Nicholas was established to have a positive impact by creating inclusive environments where every child is supported in their spiritual, moral, social, intellectual and physical development. With continuing positive community response, St Nicholas continued to provide reliable and trusted support for families as it expanded its network of Early Education centres.

Pictured: Children enjoying a group time with their educators at St Nicholas Early Education Newcastle West, 2023.

To further support families, St Nicholas OOSH was established in 2018 and provides high-quality education and care for primary school children, both before and after school as well as during school holidays.

Not only recognising the need for a pipeline of passionate and qualified staff but also providing opportunities for school-based students and others wanting to explore or further their career in early childhood education and care, St Nicholas Pathways was established the following year. Pathways provides an exciting, engaging, and supportive environment for those in the community interested in pursuing a career in the industry.

Today, St Nicholas provides education and care to more than 6,000 children across 12 Early Education centres and 34 OOSH services and offers world-class vocational education and professional development to more than 700 educators through St Nicholas Pathways.

Pictured: Uncle James Wilson Miller (Wonnarua Elder) at the opening of St Nicholas Pathways’ Training Facility in Maitland, 2020.

Looking to the future, St Nicholas remains resolute in its commitment to supporting and partnering with families to nurture and inspire children and young people as they develop the skills to thrive at home, at school, and in society. With a desire to ensure sustained growth without compromising quality or ethos, St Nicholas’ strategic direction is grounded in our purpose and guided by four intersecting themes: community and partnerships, sustainability, growth and quality.

Supporting children through their early years, into school and beyond – St Nicholas is with you for life.

Pictured: Children enjoying a group time at St Nicholas Early Education Raymond Terrace, 2023.

"St Nicholas is open to all, including children from all different backgrounds."

- Bishop William 'Bill' Wright, Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle (2011-2022)

Our Vision

Our vision is to support ‘families as the first school of the social virtues that every society needs’*.

Our vision goes beyond education and care for the individual. We want to have a positive impact by creating inclusive environments where every child is supported in their moral, social, intellectual and physical development.

*Gavissimum Education n3.

Our Mission

St Nicholas is a welcoming and safe environment for children.

We believe passionately in supporting and partnering with families to nurture and inspire children as they develop the skills to thrive at home, in care and in society.

Our Values

St Nicholas’ core values of Compassion, Hope, Integrity, Justice and Participation allow us all to connect to our work and provide connection to our mission.

Compassion – We commit to treating all people with kindness, respect, empathy and dignity.

Hope – We strive to create places that allow the opportunity to thrive.

Integrity – We have the courage to do what is right.

Justice – We are accountable for moral and ethical behaviour.

Participation – We unite as a community, incorporating the voices of all.

Our 'Why?'

Our ‘Why?’ is the driving force behind everything we do, uniting us with a shared passion:

‘We believe in supporting communities to flourish.’

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Please note:

Submitting a booking request or enquiry does not constitute a confirmed booking. No booking is confirmed until you have received email confirmation from St Nicholas.
For casual and Vacation Care bookings, we have a 5-day cancellation policy, after which the parent/carer will be liable for their full fees for that session. For permanent bookings, we have a 2-week cancellation policy.
One-off cancellations for permanent bookings still require the parent/carer to pay their full fees for that session, unless the cancellation is permanent, in which case the family will forfeit their permanent place for that session.

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Testimonials

‘St Nicholas has exceeded our expectations in every possible way. We couldn’t be happier.’

Sandy Early Education Parent

‘Whenever I pick my daughter up from OOSH, she always has a huge smile on her face, which is super comforting as a parent.’

Elizabeth OOSH Parent

‘St Nicholas Pathways has enabled me to fast-track my dream of becoming an educator.’

Kayla Pathways Student

‘The educators really made us feel comfortable about going back to work.’

Chris Early Education Parent

‘It makes us feel at ease being able to work to provide for our family knowing that our son is with qualified and talented professionals.’

Andrew OOSH Parent

‘St Nicholas supported me for the entirety of my work-based traineeship. I’m now one step closer to achieving my dream of becoming a Centre Director.’

Talia Pathways Student

‘Brilliant early education. The educators are the best we have experienced.’

Debbie Early Education Parent

‘All of my children are interested in very different things and St Nicholas OOSH caters to those varied interests.’

Josh OOSH Parent

‘The Immersion program has been amazing to be able to get a taste of what it’s like to work in early childhood. I now know this is the career path for me.’

Steph Pathways Student