The Catholic Diocese of Townsville initiated its kindergarten, Mary MacKillop, in 2004. This was under the management of Townsville Catholic Education. They wanted to provide high-quality, accessible and affordable education for Kindergarten children in an environment of lived Catholic values, where children can get the best possible start to their learning journey.
Sites were established on eight Catholic school sites in Townsville, Charters Towers, Mount Isa and Proserpine. Additionally a ninth site was established in the newly built St Benedict’s Catholic School site at Shaw. One of the greatest benefits of the kindy-school colocation is the continuity of learning. Our kindergartens provide children with opportunities to participate in the life of the Catholic school community. We do this by visiting the library, the local Catholic church, art/science programs, school sporting events, assemblies and special celebrations.
Mary MacKillop Childcare North Queensland’s newly appointed Executive Director, Carolyn Cousins, said the programs and curriculum have grown exponentially. This is due to the addition of the Outside School Hours Care and Holiday Programs on some sites. “The service has grown and changed over the years to meet the needs of the local community and the families across North Queensland,” she said. “Our partnerships with local Catholic schools enable the Mary MacKillop Childcare North Queensland centres to deliver quality education to families. They also allow us provide a clear pathway for their child’s educational journey.”
Mary MacKillop Childcare North Queensland are proud to offer a range of learning environments. These environments specifically enrich children’s engagement in the kindergarten.
Our experienced teachers implement high quality educational programs in a stimulating, safe and supportive learning environment. This environment provides the best start to your child’s learning journey and transition to school. “We believe children learn through the process of exploration within an educational, inquiry-based curriculum” Carolyn said.
Centres are located at St Anthony’s Kindergarten Deeragun, St Clare’s Kindergarten Burdell, St Benedict’s Kindergarten Shaw, Ryan Kindergarten Kirwan, St Joseph’s Kindergarten North Ward, Columba Kindergarten Charters Towers, St Catherine’s Kindergarten Proserpine, St Joseph’s Kindergarten Mount Isa and St Michael’s Kindergarten Palm Island.
