Prep is the first year of school and provides the foundation for your child’s education. It is compulsory for Queensland children to undertake Prep prior to Year 1. Prep is a full-time program in primary schools. Children attend Monday – Friday for the same hours as all other year levels. Children must be 5 by 30 June in the year they enrol.
| Birthdate | Eligible for Prep in |
|---|---|
| Child born 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018 | 2023 |
| Child born 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019 | 2024 |
| Child born 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020 | 2023 |
| Child born 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021 | 2024 |
Early entry to Prep
An amendment to the Education Act has allowed for the possibility of early entry for some students who will turn five by July 31st in the year they are in Prep, however that entry is conditional on the Principal also being satisfied that they are ready for schooling in terms of:
- aptitude and ability; and
- social and emotional competence; and
- physical development; and
- level of knowledge and understanding.
This is not a mandatory change for all children born in July and it is certainly not compulsory to send your child to Prep if he or she turns five during July.
Delayed entry to Prep
Delayed entry to Prep is an option which may be considered in specific circumstances and where it is in a child’s best educational interests.
No formal documentation or approval is required for delayed entry to Prep. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s readiness for Prep you can speak with your child’s Kindergarten teacher or our Principal.
Prep Transition Program
During Term 4, St Rita’s School offers a Prep Transition Program and all children enrolled for the following year are invited to attend. Each week the teacher will guide them through different pre-prep activities, as well as familiarity of the school grounds and facilities. Pre-Preps come every Tuesday, over 6 weeks in Term 4. Experience has shown that our Prep Transition Program assists greatly with our newest students (and their parents!) having a smooth and happy start to school life.
Getting ready for Prep
Getting ready for the first year of schooling – Prep – is a big life-changing event in the lives of young people and their parents! Good advice for those about to step into school for the first time can be found at: https://www.cns.catholic.edu.au/our-school-communities/parent-engagement/getting-ready-for-prep/
Tips can also be found on Catholic Education’s ‘Be Prepped for Prep’ Facebook page.
