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
We will contact you about an orientation session. This will be a 1-hour session in term 4 where you can ask questions.
Before they start preschool your child can come to pre-entry transition visits. These will be in term 4 and will be a chance for your child to meet the staff and other children.
Fees
We ask you to contribute towards the cost of your child attending preschool.
The parent contribution is $320 per year. You can choose to pay the total amount at the beginning of the year or to pay instalments of $80 each term.
A concession of $70 per term or $280 per year is available if you have a health care card.
When to pay
We will invoice you by week 3 via your child's news pocket, which is located in the foyer.
Payments are due by week 5.
Please contact us if you are having difficulty paying.
How to pay
Cash or EFTPOS
You can pay cash or via EFTPOS at our reception desk. For cash payments, please put the correct money in a sealed envelope with your child's name on the front and put the envelope in our fees box (envelopes are next to the fees box).
EFT information
You can pay by direct deposit.
BSB: 065509
Account number: 10217694
Please put your child’s name in the notes as the reference.
Preschool session times
Your child can attend preschool for up to 15 hours per week. They will attend 5 days per fortnight.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.00am to 3.00pm | 9.00am to 3.00pm | 9.00am to 3.00pm | – | 9.00am to 3.00pm |
What to bring
Children need to bring these items each day:
- bag
- change of clothes
- SunSmart hat with no cord (left on the hat rack)
- drink bottle containing water only
- healthy packed lunch, such as a sandwich, roll or wrap.
Read what clothes and hat style (PDF 72KB) your child should wear.
Please put sunscreen on your child before arriving and we will help your child to re-apply.
A list of healthy lunch ideas is included in your enrolment pack, and we have a healthy recipe folder for you to look through. You are welcome to take a copy of any recipes you'd like to try.
Please write your child’s name on all their belongings, and check our lost property box often.
What not to bring
Children should not bring these things:
- food containing nuts including muesli bars (some children have nut allergies that can be dangerous)
- unhealthy food (chips, lollies, chocolate, chocolate chip cookies)
- unhealthy drinks (soft drinks and juice)
- toys from home, unless it is a special treasure they wish to share with us.
You don't need to pack your child any snacks. We will offer them fruit, cereal, bread and milk.
Additional information
We often need extra items for children's making activities. See what you can bring in and how you can be involved (PDF 32KB).
Please let us know if your child will be absent and the reason. This is very important if they have a contagious illness such as chicken pox, whooping cough, mumps, skin complaints or head lice.
Dental services are available to preschool children through the school dental service.
To respect the rights of all families, we ask that you do not take photos or video of any children (other than your own).
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.
We welcome you and your family to our supported playgroup. We offer experiences for children aged birth to 5 years, and we also have lots of ideas for you to try at home.
Times
Thursday, 9.00am until 11.00am during term time.
Cost
Free.
What to bring
If required, please bring nappies and a change of clothes for your child.
We supply fruit, milk and water.
Additional information
We may offer additional playgroups each term such as twins or baby playgroup, depending on the needs of families.
Special playgroup events are regularly posted on our Facebook page.