We offer a number of programs and services to support your child’s early years learning.
Preschool
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 in term 4 about a parent information evening. This will be a 1-hour session 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 $760 per year. You can choose to pay the total amount at the beginning of the year or pay $190 each term.
We offer other programs that may have additional costs.
When to pay
We will invoice you in term 1 via your communication pocket.
Payments are due by the end of term 1.
Please contact us if you are having difficulty paying.
How to pay
Cash or cheque
You can pay cash, cheque or EFTPOS at the School Office. If paying by cash or cheque, please put the payment in a sealed envelope with your child’s name on the front. Please hand the envelope to us at our office.
EFT information
You can pay by direct deposit using BPOINT or Qkr.
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.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.30am - 3.15pm | 8.30am - 3.15pm | – | – | Fortnightly 8.30am - 11.30am |
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| – | – | 8.30am - 3.15pm | 8.30am - 3.15pm | Fortnightly 8.30am - 11.30am |
What to bring
Children need to bring these items each day:
- bag
- hat
- change of clothes
- drink bottle containing water
- healthy snack
- packed lunch.
Please write your child’s name on all their belongings.
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.
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, child care 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.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
8.30am to 11.15am | 8.30am to 11.15am | – | 8.30am to 11.15am | – |
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
8.30am to 11.15am | 8.30am to 11.15am | – | 8.30am to 11.15am | – |
What to bring
Children need to bring these items:
- bag
- hat
- change of clothes
- nappies if required
- drink bottle containing water
- healthy snack.
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.
We have multiple playgroup sessions available to cater for a range of family needs.
See the relevant term program on our what's happening page for more information.