We offer a number of programs and services to support your child’s early years learning.
Preschool
We invite you to join the governing council, which meets twice a term to make sure the centre runs smoothly. Read through what a governing council does and speak to us to register your interest.
When your child can start preschool
Your child is entitled to access 4 terms (1 year) of government preschool in the year before they start school.
We are introducing a mid-year intake into preschool. This means from 2023 children who turn 4:
- before 1 May are eligible to start preschool at the beginning of the year.
- on 1 May to 31 October can start preschool through the mid-year intake at the beginning of term 3 of that year.
Regardless of whether your child starts at the beginning of the year, or through a mid-year intake they will undertake 4 terms of preschool.
If your child turns 4 after 31 October they can start preschool at the beginning of the following year.
If you are uncertain about the best time for your child to start preschool or feel your child may benefit from starting preschool later, please talk to us about your options.
If your child is Aboriginal or under guardianship (in care) they are eligible for 12 hours of preschool after they turn 3. They will then be eligible for 15 hours per week of preschool in the year before they start school.
Early entry
If you have a child with disability or additional needs, they might be able to start preschool earlier if there are places available. Talk to us if this applies to you. Being given early entry to preschool does not guarantee early entry to school.
Enrolling your child
You can register your interest to enrol your child with us by using the preschool registration of interest form. This form is also available from us.
Try to register your interest by 30 June, but you can do this any time during the year.
Priority will be given to children living in our catchment area. If you don’t live in our catchment area you should indicate at least 2 other preschool options on your form.
If we can give your child a place with us we’ll send you an offer letter in term 3. You can accept the offer by filling in and sending back the acceptance slip by the due date.
Before your child starts
Before your child starts, we will arrange a time for you both to come in for a visit. This is so we can all get to know each other before the first day. The orientation process is flexible and is something we can arrange together.
Your child might find their first day a little hard. When you drop your child off, we find it is better to say goodbye when you leave rather than leaving without a goodbye when your child is distracted.
On the first day, make sure you can be contacted easily in case your child is upset and we need to contact you.
Fees
We ask you to contribute towards the cost of your child attending preschool.
The parent contribution is $480 per year. You can choose to pay the total amount at the beginning of the year or pay instalments of $120 each term.
When to pay
We will invoice you by each term via your child's pocket.
Payments are due in week 9 of each term.
Please contact us if you have difficulty paying.
How to pay
Cash, cheque or EFTPOS
You can pay cash, cheque or EFTPOS at the centre. If paying by cash or cheque, please put the payment in a sealed envelope with your child’s full name on the front.
EFT information
You can pay by direct deposit.
BSB: 065 504
Account number: 10362131
Please put your child’s full name as the reference.
Preschool session times
Your child can attend preschool for up to 15 hours per week.
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
---|---|---|---|---|
8.45am to 11.45am | 8.45am to 11.45am | 8.45am to 11.45am | 8.45am to 11.45am | 8.45am to 11.45am |
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
---|---|---|---|---|
12 noon to 3.00pm | 12 noon to 3.00pm | 12 noon to 3.00pm | 12 noon to 3.00pm | – |
What to bring
Your child needs to bring these items each day:
- bag
- broad-brimmed, legionnaire or sun-safe hat (without chin straps)
- change of clothes
- drink bottle containing water
- healthy snack (fresh or dried fruit, vegetable or cheese or yoghurt)
- packed lunch
- coat in winter.
Please write your child’s name on all their belongings.
Your child will be very active when they are with us and will get messy as they play. Always provide practical clothing that you don't mind getting dirty.
What not to bring
Children should not bring these things:
- food containing nuts (some children have nut allergies that can be dangerous)
- unhealthy food or drink (lollies, chocolate, chips, fizzy drinks)
- toys from home
- thongs or loose floppy footwear.
Additional information
Please read our drop-off and pick-up procedure (PDF 281KB).
Occasional care
Occasional care is for children under school age who aren’t in any other early childhood education and care programs, such as preschool, childcare or family day care. It promotes young children’s development by giving them access to high-quality early childhood education.
It may help parents to take part in a range of activities including non-work and casual work commitments.
Priority of access
The education department has a priority of access policy to decide who can get into occasional care. This might mean that some families get more sessions than others.
Talk to us about enrolling in occasional care.
Cost
This program costs $5 per session and $2.50 for siblings.
If you have an Australian Government Pensioner Concession or Health Care Card, the cost is $1.50 per session and 75 cents for siblings.
Occasional care session times
Children generally can go to 1 session a week.
Children under 2 years old
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
---|---|---|---|---|
– | 9.00am to 11.45am | – | – | – |
Children over 2 years old
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
---|---|---|---|---|
– | 12 noon to 2.45pm | 9.00am to 11.45am or 12 noon to 2.45pm | 9.00am to 11.45am or 12 noon to 2.45pm | – |
What to bring
Your child needs to bring these items each day:
- bag
- broad-brimmed, legionnaire or sun-safe hat (without chin straps)
- change of clothes
- nappies if required and wipes
- drink bottle containing water
- healthy snack, piece of fruit
- coat in winter.
Please write your child’s name on all their belongings.
Playgroup
Playgroup is an interactive, fun opportunity for children and parents to play and learn together. Playgroups are usually supported by an early childhood professional who will give support, information and advice about children’s health, learning and development.
Our unstructured playgroup is for all children under 4 years of age.
Times
9.00am to 11.00am
Cost
This program is free.
What to bring
Children need to bring these things:
- hat
- drink bottle
- nappies and wipes if required
- appropriate clothing.
Please label belongings.
Additional information
While our school services officer runs this program, you are responsible for supervising your child during the session.
Learning together
Being involved in your child’s learning makes a positive difference. Read about this program and how it can help your family.