A new early learning centre for St Michael’s Blacktown

The children seemed delighted to be the first little hands to play with the huge array of toys and educational resources

Hospitality students from Nagle College, Blacktown hosted the barbeque for more than 120 parents and children

On Sunday 12 February, the Diocese of Parramatta’s newest Catholic Early Learning Centre (CELC) - St Michael’s, Blacktown South - opened its doors for the first time to welcome families to an open day and barbeque.

St Michael’s CELC new director, Donna Harding, and Catholic Education’s director of system performance, Sophie Ryan, welcomed 120 parents and children to tour the new centre which will be opening on 27 February. 

Donna said the teachers and staff were working hard to have the centre ready in time for 20 children a day who are already enrolled.

‘We are extremely excited to be coming so close to welcoming our first group of children,’ said Donna. ‘The centre staff and the facilities team at the Catholic Education Office have been working very hard to ensure we have modern, comfortable and stimulating surroundings for the children.’

‘We already have an enrolment of 20 children per day but are able to accommodate double that, so we look forward to many more families joining our community,’ she said.

Sophie said St Michael’s was the newest addition to a growing number of Catholic Early Learning Centres in the diocese.

‘We are so fortunate to have early learning available for families in the parishes of Greystanes, Stanhope Gardens and at Emerton which has been offering preschool services for more than 40 years,’ said Sophie. ‘St Michael’s CELC will become part of a wonderful faith and learning community in the parish of Blacktown South and already has such support from parishioners and our local primary and high school on site.’

St Michael’s parish priest, Fr Robert Rieldling said a special prayer of blessing as a welcome to new families. An official opening and blessing ceremony will be celebrated later in the year.

Nagle College hospitality students and teachers hosted the barbeque for the open day prior to the parents and children touring the new centre. The children seemed to be delighted to be the first little hands to play with the huge array of toys, educational resources and play equipment. The first of many.

For more information or to enrol at St Michael’s Catholic Early Learning Centre telephone 8814 8406 or visit www.parra.catholic.edu.au/celc

More photos from the open day can be viewed in our media gallery

St Michael’s CELC new director, Donna Harding, said that teachers and staff are very excited to be welcoming the first group of children

St Michael’s parish priest, Fr Robert Rieldling said a special prayer of blessing as a welcome to new families. An official opening and blessing ceremony will be celebrated later in the year.

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