About Prep 

Catholic schools are committed to providing a special place for your child in Prep. Our college offers: 

• An exciting, fun, inquiry and play-based curriculum, 

• Specialised new classrooms, play spaces and equipment, 

• Qualified, dedicated teachers and committed support staff, 

• Faith and values development integrated into the curriculum 

• Close partnerships with parents, families and community 

• Commitment to the growth and development of the whole child – spiritually, intellectually, physically, culturally, socially and emotionally 

• A safe environment and caring community fostering the unique beauty of each child 

• Integration within the wider school community enabling a smooth transition to Year 1 and beyond. 

Below if further information about Prep from the Catholic Education Website that may be useful. 

Can my child go to Prep? 

To be eligible to enrol in Prep your child must turn 5 by 30 June in the year of attendance in Prep.  

Enrolment in Prep Year 

It is compulsory for all Queensland children to undertake full-time Prep Year, prior to commencing Year 1. The changes have been made to establish the importance of Prep as the first year of schooling. 

Most parents enrol their child in Prep at the Prep-eligible age – in the year they turn f ive by 30 June. However; parents still retain flexibility to enrol their child in Prep the following year, in the year they turn six by 30 June, giving consideration to the child's developmental, behavioural and emotional readiness for schooling. 

The only exceptions to compulsory participation in Prep are where: 

• a child has undertaken education in another jurisdiction that is equivalent to Prep; 

• a child was registered for home education in the year prior to enrolment in a state or non-state school; or 

• the Principal is satisfied the child is ready to be enrolled in Year 1 considering the child's attributes. 

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How will my child benefit from Prep Notre Dame College? 

As a Prep to Year 12 College, students, Parents and Caregivers can experience the benefits of a seamless approach to curriculum, teaching and learning for the length of their schooling life.  

Notre Dame College has a dedicated early years precinct on campus to foster the development of our youngest students.  

How do I enrol my child in Prep? 

To enrol in Prep please follow the same process for all enrolments. Complete the Application for E nrolment Form or contact the school office.  

What activities will my child be doing in a Prep program? 

Some of the activities your child will be participating in: 

• actively making choices about what and how they learn 

• investigating and learning how to inquire about their interests 

• planning collaboratively with the teacher 

• participating in music and language experiences 

• investigating and playing independently, in pairs, small groups and as a class 

• drawing and painting to encourage oral language, reading and writing skills 

• constructing, using blocks and creating collages to develop early mathematical concepts and skills. 

What will they wear? 

Your child will wear the College sports uniform.  

What will my child learn about Religious Education? 

The Religious Education Guidelines for the Early Years support teaching and learning of religious education in the Preparatory Year and align with the aim of Religious Education in the Brisbane Archdiocese. 

“All young Catholics, throughout their school years, are provided with opportunities for religious education suited to their age, background and the changing world in which they live." 

(Policy Statement Religious Education of school-Aged Catholics- Archdiocese of Brisbane Catholic Education Council August 2005) ​

How can I be involved in my child's learning? 

Building partnerships is a key part of the new early years curriculum. Making partnerships with families and carers is a key element to a positive learning environment for young children. Prep teachers will be building on these partnerships and involving families in a variety of ways in the prep classroom. Opportunities to be involved include excursions, reading groups and class rotation activities as well as through assemblies, liturgies and special College events.  

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