28 October 2014
On Tuesday 21 October, Minister for Education Martin Dixon and Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development Wendy Lovell, joined children at Newport Gardens Primary School and Early Years Centre (NGEYC) to launch the My Passport to Languages initiative, and present Japanese passports to incoming Preps.The initiative will see children starting Prep in Victorian government schools next year learning a foreign language until at least year 10 under a Government commitment to languages education."We know that children who participate in high quality languages education as early in life as possible become better thinkers and more confident communicators and global citizens," Mr Dixon said.Early Childhood Management Services (ECMS), manager of NGEYC in partnership with Hobsons Bay City Council, supports the Government’s investment in languages education.“The research regarding the ways in which children learn in their early years is consistent and compelling. The 0-3 childhood years are a time when the brain develops and much of its ‘wiring’ is laid down. Positive learning experiences help the brain to develop in healthy ways and it is these experiences that are the foundation of learning and development throughout a child’s life,” says ECMS CEO, Bernie Nott.Children at Newport Gardens EYC have the opportunity to learn about the Japanese culture before learning the language in Prep, via a successful exchange program with student teachers from Nagoya Women’s University in Japan. During the annual two week program, the student teachers assist in kindergarten sessions and participate in an educational Japanese Cultural Day with students from the EYC and the school.“The children benefit greatly during this time, enhancing their understanding of culture, diversity and language in a hands-on context,” says Newport Gardens kindergarten educator, Leonie Hede. The exchange program is only one example of NGEYC and the school collaborating to enhance the children’s learning experiences. The kindergarten children regularly play on the school playgrounds, use the school facilities and participate in a range of joint events with primary school children. “The strong partnership we have established with the primary school engenders community empowerment, shared knowledge and resources and will support our children in making a smooth transition to primary school next year,” says Ms Hede.