Our Mission


Our mission is to INSPIRE children to create, discover and learn; to PREPARE and develop their resilience and holistic potential all within a NURTURING, Christian environment.

OUR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

The centre is located in a peaceful bushland setting in Balgowlah Heights on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. The preschool’s large outdoor play area has soft fall, shaded and natural learning spaces giving the children lots of room to run and play. The children are also encouraged to learn about sustainable living within our playground by assisting with maintaining our vegetable and herb garden, our worm farm and (stingless) bee hive.

Our large open plan indoor area has high ceilings, provides lots of natural light and is equipped with air conditioning and heating.

St James is a no nut and no egg environment, for those with allergies.
DAILY PROGRAMME

OUR CLASSES

The preschool programme begins when your child turns 3 years old and can join our 2 day class (Thursday and Friday). The same teachers and classmates attend both days ensuring a consistent, familiar environment for your child to settle into, build confidence and relationships away from home and begin to explore, discover and learn through play.

Most of the children then generally transition to the 3 day class (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday) the following year. Again the teachers and classmates remain consistent across the 3 days and while the active learning approach continues, there is of course a greater focus toward preparing your child for a successful transition to school.

The planned programme is placed within a structured, predictable routine with regular transitions between indoor and outdoor play, whole and small group activities.

ENROLMENT

OUR EDUCATORS

Our highly qualified educators have extensive experience in preschool education, are dedicated, talented and passionate about seeing your child grow and develop strong foundations for life, by providing the best care and education within a fun and nurturing environment.

Some of the staff have been with St James Preschool for over 20 years, even 30 years, providing consistency in education, care and values. Your child will have the same teacher and educator every day, which is vital for building and maintaining relationships.

St James Preschool maintains higher than required staff ratios.

St James Director Debbie Atkinson, has been teaching for more than 30 years in long day cares and preschools. She is passionate for Early Childhood Education and has a heart for children with additional needs. She heads a stable, skilful and committed team of 8 qualified preschool teachers and educators and a part time office administrator.
Debbie Atkinson
Director
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education / Director and Nominated Supervisor; over 30 years Experience.

Tristan Brandis
Educational Leader 

Bachelor of Education; nearly 25 years Experience.

Ali Hammond
Room Leader

Bachelor of Early Childhood Education; nearly 10 years Experience.

Mandy Phillips
Educator

Diploma of Teaching K-6; Certificate III in Early Childhood; over 30 years Experience.
Emma Brown
Educator
Certificate III in Early Childhood (Teachers Support).

Ann Collins
Administrative Assistant

NSW Justice of the Peace, Bachelor of Science.

Heidi Moes 
Educator

DipIoma in Early Childhood; nearly 5 years Experience.

Chloe Collins    
Educator

Certificate III in Early Childhood (Educational Support).
Debbie Blunden
Educator
Certificate III in Early Childhood (Teachers Support).

Trish Appleby
Casual Educator

Bachelor of Early Childhood Education; over 20 years Experience.

Annie Segaert
Casual Educator

DipIoma in Early Childhood; over 20 years Experience.