Pre-Kindergarten
In Pre-K, fearless thinking exists in a spirit of adventure and discovery, an understanding that the world is there to be explored, and that our four year olds are fully qualified to take on the challenge.
The Pre-Kindergarten program is shaped by our understanding that young children are capable, rich learners, able to master important concepts and skills in a supportive environment where inquiry, discovery and learning are celebrated. The Pre-Kindergarten learning environment is purpose built within our state of the art Junior School. The vibrant studio flows seamlessly to the outdoors, supporting our understanding that the girls' learning does not exist solely within the four walls of a classroom.
Pre-K girls learn quickly. They inquire into concepts related to their interests, supported by highly qualified and experienced teachers, skilled in the art of documenting the process of their learning. Our staff facilitate the process of the inquiries and document the girls' learning, understanding that mastery is a process. Oral language skills are a vital step in literacy learning. Whilst four year olds do not often have the skills to record their thoughts in written form, they have the skills to verbalise these thoughts, capturing the extent of their oral storytelling skills. Research tells us that encouraging this, and developing oral skills to their full extent before introducing the pencil, is so important for later literacy mastery. Our teachers are skilled in the art of documenting and celebrating the girls' literacy learning.
In addition to working closely with our early childhood teachers, Pre-K girls learn from ÌÇÐÄlogoÃ×·ÆÍà specialist teachers in areas such as Visual Arts, Drama and Dance, Library, PE and Music. Importantly, the transition to Kindergarten from Pre-Kindergarten is smooth as teachers and parents work together to understand the needs of each student. For the girls, the familiarity of the Junior School learning environment creates a sense of confidence. Girls entering the School at Pre-Kindergarten continue their education at ÌÇÐÄlogoÃ×·ÆÍà and as such, progression into Kindergarten happens automatically.
Philosophy
At ÌÇÐÄlogoÃ×·ÆÍÃ, we take special care to ensure your daughter’s first year in school is enjoyable and the transition to formal schooling is as smooth as possible. We achieve this by partnering with parents/guardians.
We provide our Pre-Kindergarten girls with ample opportunities and guide them to a lifelong love of learning. With an emphasis on play-based learning, Pre-Kindergarten fosters discovery at your daughter’s own pace with a curriculum that is interest-based, stimulating and informed by current research and framework. Simply stated, we take a holistic view of each girl in our care; nurturing her social, emotional, physical, cognitive, language and spiritual wellbeing.
The Pre-Kindergarten learning studio and playground act as the third teacher and is thoughtfully designed to spark our girls’ curiosity as they begin to explore, discover and wonder. The educators in Pre-Kindergarten know precisely when to step in and out of play-based experiences to elevate and enhance girls’ learning. The Pre Kindergarten girls are connected to the rest of the Junior School as they make use of the facilities around the School including visiting the music studios, library, Chapel and at times, the gymnasium.
Each day our girls experience a plethora of play-based activities and the explicit teaching of literacy and numeracy that meet the needs and attention span of three-and four-year olds. We complement our Pre-Kindergarten program with a diverse range of specialist classes that assist in developing each girl’s academic and personal growth. These specialist lessons include Music, Art, Library and Physical Education (PE). These classes run each week and are taught by specialist teachers. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics) and Dance and Drama are run two terms per year.
In Pre-Kindergarten, girls are encouraged to wonder about the world and their place in it. Expanding their numeracy and literacy skills is important but we place equal value on nurturing a girl’s identity, together with her social, physical and creative capabilities.
We empower our girls to discover their true potential as they create meaning in their world, stretch their creative thinking and practise social skills, meet new challenges and build resilience. We teach the girls about diversity and acceptance and celebrate each child’s individuality on a journey of learning, friendships, collaboration, wonder, inquiry, creativity, expression, experimentation and reflection.
Curriculum
The Junior School learning programs are characterised by their depth, flexibility and focus on the connections between learning areas. In Pre-Kindergarten, teachers focus on the development of communication, early numeracy and literacy skills, and the exploration of scientific concepts. Developing social skills is also fundamental. Specialist teachers work with students in the areas of PE, Sport, Visual Arts, Drama and Dance, Music and Library.
Structure of the Day
After signing your daughter into Pre-Kindergarten each day, she will experience a myriad of wonderful learning opportunities. While each day promises to be different, set structures give a familiarity and sense of belonging to each girl. The program is designed to ensure that girls attending on both three and five days have similar specialist program opportunities.
Enrolment Information
Pre-Kindergarten is a one year program designed for girls in the year before Kindergarten. As such, they must turn 4 by the 31 May in Pre-Kindergarten. Parents may choose a three day (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday) or five day program. As places are limited and highly sought after, we do advise families to enquire early. By Term 4, it is expected that all girls attend for five days in preparation for the transition to Kindergarten. Once a place has been offered, all other conditions and procedures of enrolment apply. Find out more about how to Enrol.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Pre-K day? What are the start and finish times?
Pre-Kindergarten operates between the hours of 9:00am and 2.40pm during school term time. Before and After School Care is available for Pre-Kindergarten girls.
How old does my daughter need to be to enter Pre-K?
Pre-Kindergarten is a specific program for girls in preparation for their formal schooling. Girls need to turn four years of age by 31 May in the year of Pre-Kindergarten.
What does she wear? Is there a uniform?
The Pre-Kindergarten girls wear the following uniform:
- Summer – ÌÇÐÄlogoÃ×·ÆÍà PE short-sleeved polo shirt, ÌÇÐÄlogoÃ×·ÆÍà culottes, ÌÇÐÄlogoÃ×·ÆÍà floppy hat, ÌÇÐÄlogoÃ×·ÆÍà white socks and predominately white sport shoes.
- Winter – ÌÇÐÄlogoÃ×·ÆÍà PE tracksuit, ie. pants and jacket, ÌÇÐÄlogoÃ×·ÆÍà PE long-sleeved polo shirt, ÌÇÐÄlogoÃ×·ÆÍà floppy hat, ÌÇÐÄlogoÃ×·ÆÍà white socks and predominately white sport shoes.
What if I need Outside School Hours care?
Outside School Hours Care, run by Uniting ÌÇÐÄlogoÃ×·ÆÍà Outside School Hours Care, provides a planned program of play and leisure activities for MLC Junior School students. Programs are designed to contribute to the children’s ongoing development and wellbeing and include opportunities for positive peer relationships, physical activity, building life skills and a positive sense of identity.
How many staff are there per student? How many students?
Our staff-student ratio is in line with staffing levels at other prep-schools and Pre-Kindergarten schools. As a minimum, each class will be staffed by an Early Childhood teacher and a qualified classroom assistant.
Where will she play in the school playground? Are there spaces?
Girls in Pre-Kindergarten have access to their very own outdoor play area, flowing directly from their indoor learning area. Sometimes, break times will allow Pr-Kindergarten students to play with Kindergarten students. Pre-Kindergarten use the larger outdoor landscaped areas for learning and playing throughout each day.
Pre-Kindergarten Fees at ÌÇÐÄlogoÃ×·ÆÍÃ
View the full schedule of ÌÇÐÄlogoÃ×·ÆÍà fees