Emanuel School’s Kindergarten of Wonder
Walking into Sydney’s Emanuel School’s new Kindergarten you will find a group of very excited young students. The newly-refurbished Lynette Sandra Phillips Kindergarten provides the children with new light and airy learning spaces with custom-made and themed furniture and décor.
From the 1930s the space provided laundry facilities for the nuns of the Little Sisters of the Poor and subsequently was Emanuel School’s High School Art Block, which has now relocated to the Sherman Family Art Precinct. Year K teacher, Emma Buzo said: “The heritage aspect of the building gives it so much character and having a designated Kindergarten space makes the students feel so special.”
The layout of the rooms allows for group work across classes as the doors between the two rooms open to create one larger classroom. Rafi Kuper, a Year K student, approves of this design aspect: “I love how the doors can open and you can see through to the other room”.
Lara Isenberg and Max Negrine working together in their new classroom
The classrooms are designed to encourage imaginative play and a sense of belonging in an aesthetically pleasing and calming environment. Pheonix Gien, aged 6, loves her new space: “I like the bookcase that is shaped like a tree,” while Max Negrine loves the leaves and the lights.
Kindergarten teacher, Carmen Yunis, recognises the space’s potential to help students to explore their creativity: “Our new tree-themed Kindergarten classroom is a wonderful space to work in. It is a bright and happy place that allows the students to blossom into creative thinkers”.
Anne Hastings, Emanuel School’s Principal commented: “We are delighted with the new Kindergarten cottage. The classrooms provide the students with creative, personalised spaces which encourage collaboration and the opportunity to explore the built environment with a sense of wonder. Our Head of Primary, Natanya Milner, was closely involved from design phase through to the finished product which is a testament to her creativity, commitment and great attention to detail. We are very grateful to her and to our Building Committee, Board and builders for bringing to us such a showcase for our youngest children in ‘big school’.
