Early Learning Centre
The award-winning Hutchins School Early Learning Centre (ELC) was opened in 1999 and provides a stimulating environment for boys from three and a half years of age. ELC boys benefit from a varied program which extends to the end of Year 2.
The Centre meets the specific requirements of Early Childhood Education, provides a secure environment that is an extension of the home and is a first introduction to socialisation.
The ELC is a warm, secure learning environment, with small class sizes and a structured educational program that stimulates boys' interests in a wide range of subjects. Classroom teachers, specialist teachers and Teacher Assistants offer caring, individual attention and are sensitive to the special needs of boys in their formative years.
The ELC builds a solid foundation for social, emotional and intellectual growth, using play to provide active, experience-based learning.
Children build the rest of their lives around the foundations developed in early childhood. Each child is unique, with his individuality being recognised and nurtured at The Early Learning Centre.
Young learners rely on teachers for support and encouragement when learning. Our talented and enthusiastic teachers provide an excellent learning program with clear expectations, where the boys' interests provide the stimulus for inquiry and investigation. The early learning curriculum focuses on the boys and their needs and interests.
A small library is located in the Early Learning Centre for boys in Kinder - Year 2. All boys have at least one lesson per week in the Library. Computer Assisted Learning is an integral part of the learning program. Class teachers have school-based technical and professional support to ensure the effective use of technology.
Chapel
The Chaplain is the Rev’d Matt Gray. The Chapel of St Thomas, dedicated and opened in 1971 by Bishop Robert Davies, has a prominent position on the Campus and in the life of The Hutchins School. The Chapel is open for private prayer and quiet reflection each day during school time. Each year the Chaplain offers preparation courses to help boys decide whether or not they wish to be Baptised and / or Confirmed. All students and families are welcome to attend any service advertised in the Term Calendar. All boys from Kindergarten to Year 12 attend regular services in the Chapel as part of their school life and an emphasis is placed on students playing a significant part in these services.
Daily Routine
The Early Learning Centre is open from 0815. Parents are requested to inform the School of any absence by telephoning the Early Learning Centre Office before 0900 on 03 6221 4200.
The daily program of the Early Learning Centre is:
| Bell time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 0830 | Start P – 2 |
| 0900 | Start Kinder |
| 1015 - 1035 | Recess |
| 1215 - 1315 | Lunch |
| 1430 | Dismissal Kindergarten |
| 1500 | Dismissal P - 2 |
Class sizes
Throughout the Early Learning Centre classes are usually no more than twenty-four boys in size.
Special Programs
Classrooms
Much of the work the boys do in the ELC is hands-on, discovery-based work. Boys in the ELC enjoy a building which offers special areas for reading, recreation, arts, and play. There are staff offices and specially-designed WCs between each pair of classrooms all of which open onto covered verandahs overlooking the War Memorial Oval and the Derwent River.
Teachers
Specialist Teachers are provided for Music, French, Physical Education and Art. Each pair of Classroom Teachers is assisted by a qualified Teacher Assistant.
Excursions
Frequent excursions to areas around Hobart are used to supplement the boys’ in-classroom activities
Clubs
The Early Learning Centre operates a Joeys’ Club on Mondays and Cubs (8 – 11 years of age) on Wednesdays.
Homework
Children from Kindergarten to Year 1 do not have homework apart from their regular home reading. In Year 2, as well as reading, the children will have some literacy and numeracy activities to complete in preparation for homework routines in the Junior School. Parents can provide valuable support to the development of good home study habits by negotiating a suitable time and place for homework.
Sport
Sport is a compulsory part of the educational activities of The Hutchins School. Sport practice is conducted during the school time and is time-tabled. It is compulsory for all boys in Year 2. A boy will only be excused from a sport period if his Class Teacher receives a note requesting that he not take part and giving a reason for this.
Sports offered by the Junior School are athletics, cricket, mixed games, orienteering, softball, swimming, tennis, T-ball, bushwalking, lifesaving, Australian Rules football (modified rules), hockey, Minkey (modified rules hockey), soccer and cross country.
