He says it will provide a certain “symbiosis” with the existing catholic school system.

The most senior Catholic in the Hunter was in Singleton on Wednesday morning for the official opening, and blessing, of the St Nicholas Early Education service.

Formerly St Patrick’s, it has been operating for ten years now under the management of the Singleton Parish.

But, now the Diocese will run the business, says the Bishop.

“With all the rules and regulations, as well as the increase in demand, it makes for a larger organisation to offer this service,” he explains.

“This centre is the first, next week we are opening in Newcastle West and we have plenty more planned.” 

He says this includes a centre in Lochinvar near St Josephs.

St Catherines Catholic College student Annie O’Brien attended the special ceremony.

Annie was the first, and youngest child, enrolled at the centre.

“I was five months old,” she says.

Although she can not remember this, the bubbly Year 5 student remembers playing in the cubby house with her current school mate, Mia Hayes, when they were pre-schoolers.

Annie says it was installed just before the pair moved onto primary school.

“We only got to play in it for a week,” recalls Mia.