Lilian Cannam Kindergarten in South Melbourne, is the only City of Port Philip Kindergarten to be selected as a showcase centre for the biennial Reggio Emilia conference that takes place at the Melbourne Convention Centre from 2-5 July 2015.
REAIE (Reggio Emilia Australian Information Exchange) conferences provide an opportunity for educators from around Australia and from overseas to meet to explore and discuss the key teaching principles of schools in Reggio Emilia. As part of the 2 day conference delegates are able to visit centres around Melbourne that follow aspects of and are inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach.
What is Reggio Emilia?
The Reggio Emilia Approach originated in the town and surrounding areas of Reggio Emilia in Italy from a movement towards progressive and cooperative early childhood education. The Reggio Emilia approach is not a recipe or a model as with some education philosophies, and many different interpretations are possible. This is important, as each student, teacher, parent, community, and town are different. No two Reggio-inspired communities should look the same, as the needs and interests of the children within each community will be different. Those working in Reggio Emilia inspired contexts in Australia also greatly value the perspectives and contributions of parents to the learning community. Parents are welcomed into the educational spaces, invited to share their ideas and skills and join their children in their learning journey.
About Lilian Cannam
Lilian Cannam has been operating in South Melbourne since 1922 and is regarded as a leader in developing innovative children’s programs through art, music, language and the broad involvement of families and community. The kindergarten provides a large, outdoor sanctuary for inner city children and is inspired by aspects of the Reggio Emilia approach which is why we were chosen as a showcase centre.