20 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Year in Review 2024 JULIE COBBLEDICK From Sandhurst Catholic Early Childhood Education & Care Ltd Introduction The vision of Sandhurst Catholic Early Childhood Education and Care Ltd (SCECE&C) is to create high quality environments, where each child and family is accompanied on their journey of development, supported by the pastoral ministry of our Church as embodied in our Sandhurst communities. The authentically Catholic nature of diocesan early childhood education and care, where young children will experience being part of God’s family, combined with the awe–inspiring mystery and wonder of creation, will nurture and influence significantly an holistic approach for the development of each child. New ELCs Opening In 2024, the Board has had oversight for the opening of the MacKillop Early Learning Centre located at St Joseph’s Primary School, Nagambie. This is an exciting development and, despite some of the external challenges presented, we are confident of a vibrant and engaging service for our children and families as they experience Catholic Education in the early years. Extensive work in 2024 has led to the anticipated opening of Brigid’s Light, Echuca West and McAuley, Wodonga West Early Learning Services in January 2025. These centres will provide both education and care, as we offer services to children from 0 to 5 years. 2023/2024 Strategic Priority Goals The following has been achieved in support of the priority goals: • Approval and implementation of Shared Mission Framework • Staff formation in Catholic Identity • Approval and implementation of Quality Framework for early childhood education and care • CatholicCare Victoria Services being accessed by families within centres • Board formation in Child Safeguarding • Ongoing implementation of Risk Management Framework and Risk Appetite Statement • Formation and development for staff in Early Learning Centres. Capital Grants and Projects Projects supported with grants allocated by the Victorian School Building Authority in 2024 included Brigid’s Light Early Childhood Centre, Echuca ($4,909,000.00), St Mel’s Kindergarten Expansion ($372,133.00) and St Mel’s Internal Renovations ($98,000). “The Board has continued to lay strong foundations for strengthening and growing the provision of early childhood education and care within the Diocese of Sandhurst.”
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