Dominic and Discovery Celebrating 10 Years of Partnership

The milestone of the ten-year partnership between Dominic College and Discovery Early Learning was a timely opportunity to bring families and staff together for a big birthday party and Christmas celebration. The occasion was an opportunity to reflect on the success of the collaboration, and its benefit to the local Glenorchy community.

Dominic College opened the Early Learning Centre in 2009, wanting to provide high quality, accessible and affordable care and education for pre-school aged children on the school’s premises.

The Centre opened its doors with 35 children and has since cared for hundreds of children in both long daycare and outside of school hours care over this time. The experienced and accredited staff at the Centre have grown in number from ten employees in 2009 to 65 today.

Dominic College work experience students and VET placement Old Scholars, as well as students from Guilford Young College, have added to the partnership and have benefited from the opportunities that this collaboration has allowed.

Dominic Early Learning Centre Director, Mrs Trudy Peterson said she felt fortunate to work so closely with the Dominic College community. “It’s a pleasure to work with such a professional and dedicated school community as well as care for the children of College families and staff.”

College Principal, Ms Beth Gilligan said that Dominic College and Discovery had ongoing plans for expansion and that the centre was a focus of the College’s Master Plan.

Ms Gilligan added that one of the biggest benefits of the partnership is the smooth transition it allowed for students and families between the Early Learning Centre and the College’s Kindergarten.

“Our partnership enables the College to deliver quality education for families from birth to Year 10 and beyond that into Guilford Young College.”

“Children are familiar with the environment of the College through shared programs and facilities, and when it comes time for Kindergarten, parents feel that the next best step in their learning journey is to continue at Dominic where they are already known and valued.”

The birthday party and Christmas celebration was an opportunity to acknowledge the strong and supportive community spirit which exists within the College environment.

A huge birthday cake, jumping castles, craft activities and of course, a visit from Santa Claus were all highlights of the event.