History
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From 1914 Hornsby Primary School and Kindergarten (Norwood College) operated in Dural Street, Hornsby.
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This was the earliest known example of a purpose-built kindergarten/preparatory school found in Sydney.
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The school was attended by an 8-year-old Dorothy Banister (nee Gillan) who liked the name and later used it when she founded Norwood Kindergarten in 1959.​
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Mrs Bannister, who had trained as an early childhood teacher at Waverley, adapted her own home at Mount Colah to accommodate a preschool for 8 children, which included her own daughter.
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The following year there were 22 children and Mrs Carlene Smith was employed as her assistant.
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Over the years, Mrs Bannister’s daughter, two of her grandson’s and one great grandson have attended Norwood. In 1964 the preschool was purchased by Mrs Smith who then became the director.
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Norwood Kindergarten became a Community Based Preschool in 1976 with an active parent Management Committee. Mrs Karin Watts joined the staff in 1984 and became Director in 1988 when Mrs Smith retired.
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Mills Park which is on Crown Land, was the site of an old Quarry. It was first developed by council for sporting facilities in 1944 and was leased by Hornsby Women’s Bowls Club, various playgroups and several community clubs over the years.
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The preschool moved from Mount Colah to its current location at 2A Chelmsford Road, Asquith (Mills Park Hall) in 1990.
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In 1996 Mrs Beverley Gowenlock joined Norwood as Co-Director.
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The community of Norwood currently provides quality early education for around 50 students per year, 25 students per day.
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Over the years the parents, staff and community have actively fundraised to provide playground and indoor equipment, storage sheds, building improvements, learning areas, and volunteered their time to establish and landscape its beautiful gardens.
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To this day, Norwoood continues to lease the premises from Hornsby Shire Council.
Our Vision
Our vision is to educate and support the children of today who will be our community leaders of tomorrow.
Our Philosophy
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We offer a warm and nurturing environment where each child feels that they belong, as well as providing a safe and healthy environment that embraces the ‘Rights of the Child’.
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We offer a play-based learning program that is open ended, collaborative and allows children to develop skills at their own pace, explore, experiment, discover and build relationships.
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We believe that children are strong and capable and have the capacity to succeed. We will support each child in their own unique journey which is based on their learning style, needs and interests.
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We acknowledge that children learn first in the context of their family and bring with them a diverse range of knowledge and experiences. We will work in partnership with parents to achieve their goals and outcomes.
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Our learning environment encourages children to be active participants. We believe children have the right to make their own choices and decisions and promote spontaneous child-initiated activities. Our spaces are stimulating, enjoyable and include a variety of natural resources.
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We promote reciprocal relationships between our staff, children, families and the community, and provide an inclusive environment where equity, diversity and respect are valued.
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As a team we will support one another, work collaboratively, and champion each other’s learning development to build shared professional knowledge.
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We embrace the unique qualities of the staff and recognise that these will enhance positive relationships with children and families as well as guiding quality practice.
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We value the importance of sustainable practices and believe in a shared responsibility for our environment. We will teach it and practise it to ensure we remain a part of our community for future generations…
Hours and Holidays
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Norwood Community Preschool (NCP) is licensed to enrol 25 children per day aged from 3 to under 6 years old.
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Children attend the preschool for either two days per week (Monday/Tuesday or Thursday/Friday) or three days per week (Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday or Wednesday/Thursday/Friday) between the hours of 8.15am - 3.45pm.
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Our terms operate in line with NSW school terms. The preschool is not open on school holidays or public holidays.​​​
Meals
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Meals are not provided by the preschool. Parents/Carers must pack morning tea and lunch each day.
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Educators will assist the children with their lunch boxes and positively encourage them to be self skilled at meal times in preparation for school.
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NCP promotes an allergy aware environment
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