Starting Strong At St Peter’s – Pre Prep & Prep Orientation

Welcome to St Peter's Catholic Primary School! We are thrilled that you have chosen our school for your child's Prep year. For those in our local community who are considering St Peter's for their child's education, we extend a warm invitation to explore what we have to offer.

Our Pre-Prep and Prep Orientation programs are designed to ensure that our youngest students start their school journey with confidence and excitement. We are committed to supporting every child and family, helping them feel connected and ready for a successful first year at St Peter's.

We look forward to welcoming you and your child to our school community!

At St Peter's Catholic Primary School, we believe that a positive start to school sets the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. Our Pre-Prep and Prep Orientation programs are designed to help children and families feel confident, connected, and ready for the exciting journey ahead.

Pre-Prep Sessions – Building Familiarity and Fun (sessions are optional, but encouraged)

  • Held during Term 3 from August to September
  • Designed for children who will be starting Prep the following year
  • Sessions focus on:
    • Familiarising children with the school environment and staff
    • Introducing the structure of a typical Prep session
    • Engaging in play-based learning activities that build age-appropriate skills
    • Meeting future classmates and teachers
  • Activities:
    • Session 1-2: Parents stay and play with their child
    • Engage in Pre-Prep activities
    • Familiarise with Prep classrooms
    • Parent Learning Series – topics include Getting ready for Prep, supporting positive behavior, and early literacy and language skills
    • Special Events: Teddy Bear Picnic, Treasure Hunt
    • Notes: Some limited Saturday sessions are available

 

Teacher with student in prep talking

Prep Orientation – Feeling Ready and Connected

  • Term 4 from October to November
  • Focused on:
    • Getting to know each child individually
    • Helping children experience real classroom settings
    • Building relationships with teachers and peers
    • Ensuring families feel part of the school community
  • Activities:
    • Children engage in play, learning activities and see what a morning in Prep feels like!
    • Parent sessions with the Principal and Guidance Counsellor on social-emotional skills and school expectations
    • Welcome Evening with a BBQ, information session, and meet the teacher session

By Day One of Prep, your child will walk through the gates feeling confident, familiar, and excited to begin.

“The 2025 Pre-Prep and Prep Orientation was wonderful for Jack and our whole family.

Even though Jack is our fourth child to start Prep at St Peter's, it had been over 10 years since we last went through the process, so it all felt quite new again. Jack had been incredibly excited about starting “big school" for nearly 18 months beforehand, and we were a little worried that the reality might not live up to his expectations. But the orientation program completely eased those concerns. It offered us, as parents, all the practical information we needed and plenty of chances to reacquaint ourselves with the school layout and routines.

More importantly, the multiple school visits while he was still at Kindy gave Jack the chance to explore, play, and get comfortable in the environment.
The transition from kindy felt so smooth and well supported, plus the earlier engagement really helped to manage all our expectations, especially with how excited he was in what felt like a long lead up. He walked into his first day of Prep with less nerves and more excitement because he already knew what to expect.

We are truly grateful for the thoughtful and engaging way the 2025 Pre-Prep and Prep Orientation program was delivered."

Sarah- parent of 2025 Prep Student

Prep student playing in sand pit pretending to be on the phone         Prep students playing in prep area with giant soft blocks

 

 

Supporting You Every Step of the Way

  • Information sessions for parents
  • Opportunities to meet staff and ask questions
  • Tips for preparing your child for school
  • Access to school resources and community connections
  • Resource: Each family will receive a 'Get Set for Prep' pack to help prepare their child for the start of school.
  • Newsletters: Families will receive 'Get Set for Prep' newsletters containing all the information they need to know in the lead-up to starting Prep.
  • Pamphlets: The Parent Learning Series will be summarised in pamphlet form for those who cannot attend the sessions.