Time flies when you're having fun, and it looks like that is what's been happening at St Nicholas Early Education, Lochinvar.
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On Friday, March 22, the centre's staff members, parents and children celebrate 12 months of operation.
The previously vacant block of land opposite St Joseph's College is now home for the early education facility.
According to those at St Nicholas, enrolments have grown strongly over the past year.
Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle CEO Sean Scanlon said Lochinvar was on the cusp of experiencing immense change.
"What was once a rural area is now earmarked for significant growth," he said.
"With this in mind the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle made the strategic decision to deliver the township its first early education centre.
"We wanted to provide the Lochinvar community with a local, state of the art early education centre committed to providing play-based learning opportunities for children as part of a quality curriculum.
"Enrolment figures at the centre continue to climb.
"We built for the future, and so there are still opportunities for more children to enrol at the centre and experience the St Nicholas difference."
The centre's staff members are also proud of the way the town's rich Aboriginal history is recognised and taught; how the children learn about sustainable living through the building's design; and the safety rating the facility has received.
Amelia Wood, 3, started at St Nicholas Early Education in Lochinvar six months ago, when her family moved from Tamworth to Rutherford.
Her mother Helen Noble said she had looked at a number centres before visiting St Nicholas and instantly decided she had found what she was looking for.
"When I first arrived at the Centre for a tour I was shown around by the Director, Elisa who so lovely and made us feel welcome," Ms Noble said.
"The outdoor environment is amazing and so are the classrooms.
"The centre's child-led, play-based learning curriculum compliments our parenting approach, which provides great consistency for Amelia.
"When I saw how instantly happy Amelia was, from the moment she walked in the door-chatting to other children and playing games,I knew St Nicholas Early Education was the right fit for our family."
Amelia said her favourite thing about attending St Nicholas Early Education was "playing with my friends".
