Pre School Room
Our Philosophy
At Hippo’s Friends Preschool, we believe every child is unique and develops at their own pace. Our educators recognise individual learning styles and provide experiences that support each child’s strengths, interests, and needs.
Children learn deeply from each other and from their environment. We encourage kindness, inclusion, and respect, supporting children to be mindful of others’ abilities and differences.
Sustainability & Environmental Learning
We are passionate environmentalists and embed sustainable practices into our daily program. Children are actively involved in:
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Recycling and composting
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Growing herbs and vegetables
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Learning about energy efficiency
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Practising water-wise habits
These experiences help children develop care for the environment and an understanding of their role in protecting it.
Child-Led, Inquiry-Based Learning
Children’s interests guide our fortnightly program. From dinosaur investigations to exploring spaceships, we build learning experiences around what excites and motivates them.
Educators observe each child’s current understanding and extend their learning through engaging, hands-on investigations aligned with the curriculum.
We document learning using photography and children’s words, capturing thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. These moments make learning visible and help families see how understanding grows over time.
Our Program
Our rich and balanced program supports children’s development across all learning areas and includes:
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Weekly sports classes to build strength, coordination, and confidence
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French lessons introducing language, culture, and early global awareness
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Yarning Circle visits, fostering storytelling, listening, and respect for Aboriginal culture
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Community excursions to local parks and organisations connected to our learning
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Letterland to support phonics, early literacy, and emerging writing skills
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Regular library visits to nurture a love of books and storytelling
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LEEEP Program (Language, Early Engagement, and Emergent Phonics) to strengthen communication and early literacy foundations
Preparing for Kindergarten
We support children to feel confident, capable, and ready for the transition to Kindergarten. Preparation looks different for every child, and we work closely with families to support individual needs.
Children are encouraged to:
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Develop independence and confidence
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Care for their own belongings
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Carry their bags and remember their hats
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Work towards individual learning goals
Preschool readiness is discussed during parent–teacher chats, and families are encouraged to connect with their chosen school to understand specific expectations.