Early Learning Getting ‘Earlier’ On St. John Vianney Campus

St. John Vianney's Early Learning Center includes these 4-year-olds, who know how to pledge allegiance to the flag: (from left) Teia Vazquez, Alexander Kelz, Kayana Tanaka, Abigail Flores, Kamaha'o Kahawai, Dylan Shriver, Neveah Asing and Kahiau Cates. They soon will be the 'big kids on campus,' as the center opens its doors next month to 3-year-olds. Photo from Earl Walker.

Early learning for “the little ones” is getting much closer in the Enchanted Lake community, thanks to the latest donation to St. John Vianney School.

Samuel N. and Mary Castle Foundation recently awarded $25,000 to the Kailua parochial school for its capital improvement project that will add a 3-year-old component to its Early Learning Center.

Renovations are under way now to the John Read Center, which will house a teacher and an aide for the new age group. The center already educates 4-year-olds.

The new funds cover facilities, supplies, equipment, books and other teaching tools.

“We are very thankful to the foundation for this grant, which will help with our endeavor to education children and prepare them to pursue a wealth of future opportunities,” said Father Thomas Gross, SJV pastor.

The school will accept new enrollment immediately after the renovations are completed, which is expected by the end of this month.

Applications are welcome now for those children turning 3 years old by their first day of school. Fee is $30, and forms are available on the school website at sjvkailua.org.

For more information on the Early Learning Center, call 261-4651.