At St Joseph’s Home Infant & Childcare Centre, education goes beyond academics. We follow the Canossian way, a holistic philosophy rooted in the teachings of St. Magdalene of Canossa, who founded her first community in early 19th-century Verona, Italy. Today, this Italian heritage inspires our focus on compassion, character formation, and a nurturing environment—preparing children for success both in and out of the classroom.
“The Canossian way at St Joseph’s Infant & Childcare Centre is more than a set of rules—it’s a holistic lifestyle that places equal importance on moral growth and academic excellence. Inspired by Italian heritage and adapted to Singapore’s multicultural setting, our approach ensures that children develop empathy, resilience, and a love for learning,” says Principal Imelda Anthony.
<can add any key learning points and advantages from Imelda’s learning experiences in Italy?>
The Italian Heritage Behind Canossian Education
The Canossian Sisters have a legacy of serving the marginalised and promoting values-based education. Their mission originated in Verona but rapidly expanded worldwide, embracing the principle that every child, regardless of background, deserves an upbringing grounded in love, humility, and service.
At St Joseph’s, we weave these ideals into our childcare programmes, blending the warmth of Italian hospitality with Singapore’s local context.
Core Values Guiding the Canossian Way
Compassion and Service
Children learn to care for others through daily interactions, community outreach, and collaborative projects. By practicing empathy, they develop the social and emotional skills necessary for lifelong success.
Humility and Respect
Canossian education emphasises respect for different perspectives. Through shared responsibilities—like tidying common areas—children learn to value teamwork and mutual understanding.
Holistic Character Formation
Education is not just about test scores; it’s about shaping resilient, ethical individuals. Our programs highlight moral integrity, patience, and responsibility, helping children grow into thoughtful, confident learners.
Holistic Learning for a Brighter Future
At St Joseph’s, we blend the Canossian ethos with modern pedagogical methods:
- Experiential Activities: Children explore math, language, and nature through hands-on experiences that spark curiosity and build practical skills.
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Emphasis on communication, conflict resolution, and empathy fosters emotional intelligence.
- Creative Arts: Whether it’s painting or music, the arts allow children to develop self-expression while reinforcing core values like sharing and collaboration.
By nurturing intellectual, social, and emotional growth, we help children develop a solid foundation for primary school and beyond.
<anything to add?>
Bringing Italian Heritage to Singapore
Although the Canossian Congregation is Italian in origin, we celebrate Singapore’s multicultural environment. Children enjoy activities that merge Italian traditions, such as simple pasta-making, with local festivities like Chinese New Year and Hari Raya. This blended approach broadens their worldview, teaching respect for diverse customs and cultures.
Preparing Children for Lifelong Success
Values-Infused Academics
Our curriculum integrates moral lessons with core subjects, reinforcing kindness, honesty, and perseverance alongside reading and numeracy.
Community Spirit
Children participate in age-appropriate service projects—like making cards for seniors or helping to organise donations—cultivating a sense of civic responsibility.
Future-Ready Mindset
The Canossian way encourages curiosity and adaptability. By learning through play, structured lessons, and social interactions, children gain skills to excel in a rapidly changing world.
If you’re seeking a nurturing environment that allows little ones to grow in empathy, devotion, and a deeper understanding of Christ’s love, consider St. Joseph’s Home Infant & Childcare Centre.
Are you ready to see how Canossian values can shape your child’s future? Book a tour with us and we’ll show you around!