St Michael’s Signature Programs start from 3-year-old Kindergarten and continue into the senior years of schooling. Through local, interstate and international partnerships, students apply their on-campus learning in real-world and natural contexts whilst being guided to develop critical leadership skills for the future.
Early Learning Centre – 3 and 4-year-old Kindergarten
Focussed on preparation for school, our educators provide a nurturing and calm environment for children and integrate play, rest, learning and life skills into their daily experience. Kindergarten students visit other areas of the St Michael’s campus, where they engage with older students and academic staff as part of their learning.
Overview
- Ages: 3 and 4-year-old Kindergarten
- Full-time: 8.40am to 3.15pm
- Extended care, tuition and holiday programs: yes, including dance, coding, gymnastics and soccer programs.
Program highlights and specialist experiences
- Literacy development through games, music, craft, puppetry, research activities and story time in the School Library.
- Play, personal development and nature through indoor and outdoor learning experiences including yoga, mindfulness, environmental workshops, leadership activities and beach and community walks.
- Mandarin language and Chinese culture introduced within class routines, structured conversations, and activities using teacher-modelled tones and rhythms.
- Music and Visual Arts classes led by specialist teachers from our Junior and Senior School.
- Physical education classes led by specialist teachers to develop coordination, fitness, balance, locomotion and problem-solving.
Signature Program: Mighty Me
Children in the Early Learning Centre engage in the ‘Mighty Me’ program to develop their understanding of self. They participate in learning experiences that enhance their wellbeing in mind, body, and spirit. This program supports them to learn from our resident experts and the wider community, including parents.
Program themes:
- 3-year-old Mighty Me Explorers: Focus on nature, wellbeing, yoga, imagination, growth, and curiosity.
- Pre-preparatory (4-year-old) Mighty Me Adventurers: Emphasis on personal wellbeing, leadership skills, and environmental stewardship through activities such as local garden visits, the beach, and community walks.
Prep to Year 6
Prep to Year 6 students continually build upon their skills for learning and leadership as they progress towards secondary schooling. Literacy and Numeracy remain a focus across the Curriculum, and each year level embarks on a year-long immersive program to integrate classroom learning with personal development and environmental awareness.
“Through our Signature Programs, we are cultivating future leaders who excel academically, demonstrate social responsibility, and are committed to environmental stewardship.”
– Mrs Belinda Klose, Director (P–3)
Signature Programs
- Prep Little Farmers: At Collingwood Children’s Farm, Prep students connect with nature and learn about life cycles. This hands-on program fosters a love for the environment and an understanding of agricultural practices.
- Year 1 Surfer Gulls: Partnering with Port Melbourne Life Saving Club, Year 1 students focus on teamwork and water safety. This program builds confidence in the water and teaches essential life skills.
- Year 2 Sailing Cygnets: At Albert Park Lake, Year 2 students learn the basics of sailing, teamwork, and explore local fauna. This program enhances their understanding of marine environments and develops their coordination and balance.
- Year 2 Roaring Fun: School sleepover followed by a visit to Werribee Zoo, fostering bonds and wildlife exploration. This experience helps students build social connections and learn about animal conservation.
- Year 3 Penguin Squad: Year 3 students investigate the breeding cycle of St Kilda penguins and care for the local environment, promoting principles of environmental stewardship and scientific inquiry.
- Year 3 One Coastal Community: A two-night camp at The Briars, engaging in outdoor activities that promote teamwork, resilience, and
- Year 4 Tomorrow’s Leaders for Sustainability: Students learn about Indigenous connections, climate change, biodiversity, sustainability, and local history.
- Year 4 Coastal Guardians: A two-night coastal camp featuring activities such as archery, low ropes, and conservation workshops.
- Year 5 Lead the Future: Students participate in workshops, guest speaker sessions, and community projects that develop their leadership skills and civic responsibility.
- Year 5 Journeying Through History and Heritage: An immersive regional camp blending Australian history studies with outdoor adventures. Students engage in activities such as gold panning, historical reenactments, and bushwalking.
- Year 6 Enterprising Futures: Students work on real-world projects, developing business plans and presenting their ideas to a panel of experts, enhancing their innovation and teamwork skills.
- Year 6 Our National Neighbour: A four-day trip to Canberra including interactive sessions with policymakers and scientists, providing students with a broader perspective on national governance and scientific innovation.
To learn more, visit https://www.stmichaels.vic.edu.au/.
