Lighthouse Early Learning

Lighthouse Early Learning opened its doors to our youngest learners at Encounter in May 2025. This new Centre, featuring a bespoke nature playground and modern, secure facilities, has doubled our previous capacity—now welcoming fifty-five 3 and 4-year-olds as they begin their educational journey at Encounter.

Lighthouse Early Learning has been thoughtfully named to reflect the essence of a lighthouse—a beacon of guidance, a safe passage, and a recognisable landmark. Just as a lighthouse provides direction, Encounter stands at the entrance to Victor Harbor, positioning itself as a safe haven, a welcoming destination, and a point of reference. These values align with our vision for our youngest learners and the broader community.

For those with a keen eye, you may have noticed the brightly painted ‘Brighton’ beach hut designs adorning the Adelaide Road facade of Lighthouse Early Learning. These colourful designs pay homage to our College colours, featuring two coastal huts—one in sunset hues and another in blue skies with seagulls—as well as the distinctive white and red of a lighthouse.

Additionally, four meaningful numbers are displayed on the beach huts, each representing a significant piece of our history:

• 2001 – (Brighton in our three school colours) The year Encounter was established.
• 78 – (Brighton in Fleurieu sunrise/sunset colours) The number of students who enrolled in 2001.
• 1517 – (Brighton in ocean tones with seagulls) A pivotal year in Lutheran history—the beginning of the Reformation, influenced by Martin Luther.
• 8:12 – (Brighton in traditional lighthouse colours) A reference to John 8:12: "I am the light of the world." This verse serves as a reminder that we can seek light, love, and hope in God throughout our lives.

At Lighthouse Early Learning, your child will embark on a remarkable journey in preparation for school. Our Centre offers a high-quality early childhood program for children aged 3 years through school age. As an early learner at Encounter Lutheran College, your child will be nurtured in an environment designed to foster resilience, happiness, and curiosity. We strive to create a proactive and engaging atmosphere that prioritises well-being while encouraging natural inquiry.

We utilise the exceptional facilities and resources of Encounter Lutheran College, including the Kondole (gym), Japanese classroom, The Nest (library), and the bushland of Wurar Ruwi (the block), to foster exploration and learning in nature.

Our Lighthouse Early Learners are actively engaged in the College community. They participate in “Shine” (worship), specialist lessons, and enjoy access to key spaces such as the oval, courts, and playground.

To support a smooth transition to Foundation, students build connections with staff and peers through shared play once a week, as well as Bush School every Thursday.

Inspire, Create, Belong 

In Early Learning, we believe that every child is a precious gift from God, created in His image and filled with unique gifts and potential.

We affirm that:

• Children are deeply loved by God
• Each child has inherent worth and purpose
• Every student has a special role to play in the world

This belief shapes everything we do—from the way we teach and care, to the way we nurture each child’s growth in learning and life.

In relation to nurturing relationships with children: 

In Early Learning, we are committed to nurturing a strong, positive self-image in every child. We believe that when children see themselves as capable, valued, and unique, they are empowered to:

• Embrace challenges with confidence
• Build meaningful relationships
• Discover their God-given gifts and purpose

In relation to building partnerships with families and the community: 

We value relationships with children, their families and the wider community. We believe parents and caregivers have a primary role in their children's education, and we desire to work collaboratively with them. The Early Learning team welcome parents and caregivers to the service and values the important, shared role of creating a learning environment where trust is built and confidence is developed between all stakeholders. 

In relation to our team: 

We have a staff team that are passionate, dynamic and professional. We emphasise the importance of strong relationships between children, staff and families and work together to embed a culture of equity, collaboration and honesty.

In relation to our program: 

We believe that children learn best through an inquiry-driven, play-based and inclusive environment where children feel safe, secure and free to express themselves. 

Our learning program is divided into three components. 

• “Heart” recognises the importance of children’s social, emotional and spiritual development, their sense of identity and the important connection to relationships which is central to the heart of our program.
• “Body” emphasises physical and mental health and wellbeing and their impact on children’s growing bodies, their fundamental movement skills, perceptual motor skills and their kinesthetic awareness.
• “Mind” encompasses all the different modes and types of learning. We encourage the connection of children with their natural environment and are inspired by the Reggio Emillia approach to learning. We bring nature into our classrooms, and we connect to local outdoor spaces such as Wurar Ruwi. We encourage dispositions for learning and incorporate literacy and numeracy, STEM explorations, visual art and music. We offer invitations for children to investigate and explore and respond to their world, make connections, investigate, wonder, create and discover. 

Our staff team are highly qualified in Early Childhood Education and recognise their important role in providing the best start for our Early Learners. They are kind, nurturing and work in partnership with families to support and guide children on their learning journeys at Encounter.

• Vanessa Harvie - Director of Early Learning
• Celeste Torok - Preschool Teacher
• Jess Pater - Preschool Teacher
• Adele Nightingale - Preschool Teacher
• Tarina Falanga - Co-educator
• Emma Andrewartha - Co-educator
• Jess Bridge - Co-Educator
• Kara Toming - Finance and Administration Officer

• Download the Lighthouse Early Learning Parent Handbook