Group of young children sitting and kneeling on a patterned rug, facing away, in a classroom or play setting.
Blank dark blue banner with no visible objects or text.

WHO WE ARE

Nestled in the heart of Cooks Hill, Newcastle Community Preschool is a small, tight-knit Preschool for children aged 3–5 years, welcoming 25 children each day.

MEET OUR EDUCATORS

Child holding a piece of pie while sitting on a picnic blanket during a picnic, with a lunchbox nearby and other children around, eating and enjoying the outdoor meal.

fostering a nurturing and dynamic environment where children are encouraged to explore, discover, and grow.

IN THE HEART OF COOKS HILL

Guided by aspects of the Reggio Emilia approach, our philosophy sees children as capable, curious, and full of potential. We place strong emphasis on relationships, community, and the environment as integral parts of the learning process. As a community of learners, we value connection—with each other, with families, and with the world around us—creating a warm and inspiring place for children to thrive.

At Newcastle community Preschool, children and teachers learn together. Teachers don’t just give answers—they explore alongside the child. Learning is sparked by the child’s interests and curiosity. It’s a partnership where everyone grows through shared discovery.

Our Preschool is situated on the grounds of the Cooks Hill Presbyterian Church, a site that holds a long and meaningful history in the local community. While we are not affiliated with the church, Newcastle Community Preschool operates as an independent and separate entity, with its own unique identity, governance, and educational philosophy.

A church with gothic-style windows and brick walls, surrounded by greenery including tall trees and large leafy plants, under a clear blue sky.
A yellow brick church with gothic windows, iron gates, and stone pillars, with a sign indicating it's a preschool, and lush green trees behind it under a clear blue sky.
solid navy blue vertical banner with no objects or text
Colorful overlapping leaf shapes in orange, yellow, green, pink, and teal with black outlines.

  • Our logo, featuring a tree, reflects the story of our place and our people. The tree symbolises growth, strength, and interconnection. Each leaf represents a season—a moment in time, a stage of learning, a child’s unique story. The branches stand for the educators, families, and wider community who support and grow alongside the children. This imagery captures the essence of who we are: a co-learning community rooted in care, connection, collaboration, and shared growth.

    At Newcastle Community Preschool, we don’t just learn—we grow together, connected to our past, grounded in the present, and inspired by the future.

WHAT INSPIRES OUR EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY

Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, our curriculum is child-centred and inquiry-based, allowing children to engage in deep, meaningful learning experiences. We believe that children express themselves in "a hundred languages," encompassing various forms of communication such as art, music, movement, and play. Educators collaborate with children to co-construct knowledge, fostering a sense of agency and ownership over their learning journey.

PRESCHOOL
PHILOSOPHY

Set on Awabakal land formed by the elders of past.
We respect, acknowledge & value traditions
that are embedded to last.
Belonging, Being, Becoming are three words we standby,
Capable, competent learners is how we identify.

Out in the community you will see
So many of our faces smiling happily.
We love to explore, get out and about
Giggling and laughing, there is no doubt.

Caring for the environment we love to do
Flora and fauna are important to us too.
Reduce, re-use, recycle makes our preschool sustainable
And when we all pitch in it certainly is attainable.

Natural resources are everywhere
We love our environment, we take such care.
Playing in the mud, the sand, the garden or with rocks
Or even building structures with our natural timber blocks.

Indoors or outdoors we create many spaces to play
To continue our learning and growing each day.
Produce from our sustainable garden which we have grown from seed
Gives us healthy food, which is what our bodies and brains need.

Through play is how we love to learn
It’s fun and exciting and what we yearn.
With our friends around us, we give and take
Relationships are forming which is what we love to make. 

Our preschool community is diverse, equal and fair,
We have many different cultures and we encourage each to share.
Each child is unique no matter what ability, race or creed,
And through love, encouragement and respect, we help them to succeed.

Our families are the core of what makes our service great
Together as a partnership it’s like working with a mate.
To educate and care for all children is what we’re here to do
Newcastle Community Preschool we know is just the place for you.

THE ROLE OF
OUR ENVIRONMENT

We consider our learning environment as the "third teacher." Our spaces are thoughtfully designed to be aesthetically pleasing, accessible, and rich in natural materials.

These environments invite exploration and creativity, supporting children in making connections with the world around them.

Children playing in a colorful outdoor backyard, with toys, baskets, and a small stage area, on a sunny day.
A bouquet of fresh yellow sunflowers with dark centers in a glass vase, with children's painted sunflower pictures in the background.

MEET OUR EDUCATORS: CO-LEARNERS AND COMMUNITY BUILDERS

At Newcastle Community Preschool, our team of dedicated teachers/ educators is at the heart of our vibrant learning community. Together with the children, we explore, inquire, and grow—believing that learning is a shared journey. Our teacher/educators bring a wealth of experience, passion, and a commitment to fostering a nurturing environment where every child feels valued and inspired.

  • Child's drawing of a person wearing glasses and a polka dot top, smiling, with short hair and raised arms.

    Nat – NS Director – Bachelor Teaching EC

  • Child's drawing of a person with black hair, smiling face, and long legs, standing with arms extended to the sides.

    Alice (2IC/Early Childhood Teacher)

  • A child's drawing of a smiling person with long hair, holding flowers in both hands, and wearing shoes and pants.

    Georgia (Ed Leader/Diploma Educator)

  • A child's drawing of a girl with a big round face, straight hair, smiling with open mouth showing teeth, wearing a dress, holding a bag in one hand, and standing among several bags or objects.

    Megan (Diploma Educator)

  • Child's drawing of a person with a round face, big eyes, a small body, long arms, and black hair.

    Abbey (Diploma Educator / Admin)

  • A child's drawing of a smiling person with long hair, holding teddy bears in each hand, wearing striped pants.

    Sam (Trainee/Studying Cert III)

  • A childlike drawing of a smiling person with dark hair, wearing a polka-dotted dress and a scarf, holding a flower in each hand.

    Bella (Cert III Educator)

  • Drawing of a person with long hair, glasses, and a smiling face, with a stick figure body.

    Dee (Cert III Educator)

  • The safety, health and wellbeing of children is a priority through Newcastle Community preschool's organisational culture, values and practices that embed a culture of child safety. All children have the right to experience quality education and care in an environment that promotes opportunities to thrive with adults who safeguard and advocate for their health, safety, security and wellbeing.

  • Our 2025 Vision.

    Collaboration

    Diverse Teams working together.
    Shared responsibility and empowerment.
    Community, families, children.
    Family feedback.
    Reflective practices.
    Inquiry Based Learning.
    Strengths-based Approach.

    Inclusive Environments

    Intentionality.
    Equitable.
    Flexible.
    Intuitive Children's learning is visible.
    Family Input.
    Risky Play.
    Nature-inspired.

    Community

    Committee roles and relationships.
    Global citizenship.
    Place Based Pedagogy.
    History.
    Excursions.
    AEDC Data.
    First Nations Perspectives and Knowledges.

  • “There’s something really special about the way this preschool connects with the wider Cooks Hill community. Whether it’s exploring the nearby parklands, visiting local galleries, or just bumping into familiar faces on the street, the children feel part of something bigger. These connections help them build a real sense of place and identity, and it strengthens the ties between families, neighbours, and the world around them.”

    PARENT COMMITTEE MEMBER

  • "As new here in Australia, we love Newcastle Community Preschool because all the teachers take very good care of the kids at school. Every day, they provide updates about what is happening inside the premises, and the teachers are friendly and keep you informed about the progress of our kids. Thank you so much for helping us, our child has learned a lot, and we’re going to miss you guys when we go to big school."

    KRISTINE

  • "As parents and committee members, we feel incredibly fortunate to be part of the NCP community. Over the years, many of us have had multiple children come through the service, and with that kind of long-standing connection, you start to feel a real sense of responsibility for the preschool’s wellbeing. It becomes more than just a place your children go — it becomes part of your family’s story. Even our older kids, now well into primary school, still speak fondly of their time here and the friendships they made."

    PARENT COMMITTEE MEMBER

  • "What sets this preschool apart is the caring educators, the focus on play-based learning, and the strong sense of belonging it fosters. Our children have grown in confidence, curiosity, and kindness, and we’ve felt just as supported as parents."

    PARENT COMMITTEE MEMBER

  • "Being involved in the committee has been a rewarding way to give back. It’s a chance to support the staff, help shape the future of the service, and stay connected with the amazing families around us. This preschool isn’t just where learning begins—it’s where community grows, and we’re proud to be part of it."

    PARENT COMMITTEE MEMBER