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Young minds are full of ideas, questions and theories about the world. The Pre-Kinder program is shaped by our belief that young children are capable, rich learners, well positioned to acquire early literacy and numeracy concepts and skills in a supported environment. Through in-depth exploration of topics, some of which are based on the interests of the children themselves, Pre-K students enjoy the benefits of starting
their formal school journey in our stimulating indoor and outdoor Pre-Kinder spaces, purpose built within our new Junior School precinct.
In addition to working closely with our well-qualified early childhood teachers, Pre-Kinder students will have the advantage of learning from MLC specialist teachers in areas such as Music, Library, PE and Fundamental Movement.
Importantly, transition to Kindergarten from Pre-Kinder 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.
Students entering the school at Pre-Kinder are expected to continue their education at MLC and as such, enrolment into Kindergarten happens automatically.
| ‘Education is a social process; education is growth; education is not a preparation for life, but is life itself.’ John Dewey |
Philosophy
Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, our Pre-kindergarten program is stimulating and innovative, capturing the joy of discovery. The exploration of ideas stems from the interests of the students. Through project work and developmental play, children are encouraged to use many different ‘languages’ (modes of expression or communication) to deepen their understanding of the world. Children are viewed as competent, rich and strong. The new Junior School building lends itself to a celebration of the learning process through display and the documentation of thinking.
Curriculum
The Junior School learning programs are characterised by their depth, rigour, 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 viewed as fundamental. Specialist teachers from MLC’s talented pool of staff work with the girls in the areas of Music, Sport and Library.
Importantly, transition to ‘big school’ from our Pre-kindergarten is a smooth one 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.
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.
Students entering the school at this entry point are expected to continue their education at MLC and as such enrolment into Kindergarten happens automatically.
Enrolment Information
Pre-kindergarten is open to girls in the year before they start formal schooling. Parents may select a two, three or five day program. Approximately 12 months prior to your daughter's entry you will be invited to attend an interview at MLC School. Once a place has been offered, all other conditions and procedures of enrolment apply. Further details can be found in the MLC School prospectus.
The MLC early learning program will take a child-centred approach that provokes active learning and remains in touch with what children are thinking.
“A happy and stimulating start to the learning journey comes with experimentation, discovery, enjoyment and wonder,” said Mrs Michele Timmins, the Director of Admissions.
“At MLC we know all about fun, mess, and make-believe for little ones. The difference for us is that we understand the research that importantly connects these experiences to the beginnings of independence, inquiry and creativity,” said Mrs Diana Drummond, Head of Junior School.
Principal of MLC, Mrs Barbara Stone agrees: “Successful early childhood experiences make such an enormous difference to future learning success that we believe the experiences, and the environment, cannot be left to chance.” |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Hours: Pre-kinder will operate between the hours of 9.00am and 2.30pm during school term time. Before and After care is available for Pre-kinder girls once they have turned 4 years of age. (See below)
- Commencement Age: Pre-kinder 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-kinder.
- Uniform: We have devised a practical and attractive uniform for Pre-kinder girls to wear. Importantly, nearly all the uniform will be worn again as your daughter moves into Kindergarten.
Summer - MLC PE Short-Sleeved polo shirt, MLC cullotes, MLC floppy hat, MLC white socks and predominantly white sport shoes
Winter - MLC PE tracksuit, ie pants and jacket, MLC PE long -sleeved polo shirt, MLC floppy hat, MLC white socks and predominantly white sport shoes
- Before and After School Care, run by Camp Australia, is available on-site at the Junior School every morning from 7:30am until school commences and every afternoon from 2.30pm until 6:00pm during MLC School terms. Please note: Girls must be 4 years of age before they are eligible to attend Before and After School Care.
- Arrivals and Departures: Parents of Pre-kinder girls must sign their daughter in and out of the classroom each day. Our Junior School building is a safe and secure environment, accessible during the day via the Junior School front office.
- Staff / pupil ratio: Our staff-student ratio is in line with staffing levels at other prep-schools and pre-kinder schools. As a minimum, each class will be staffed by an Early Childhood teacher and a qualified classroom assistant.
- Playground arrangements: Girls in Pre-kinder have access to their very own outdoor play area, flowing directly from their indoor learning area. Sometimes, break times will allow Pre-kinder students to play with Kindergarten students and of course, Pre-kinder will use the larger outdoor landscaped areas for learning when appropriate.
Pre-Kinder Schedule of Fees 2009
| 5 days per week |
$13,200 |
$3,300 |
| 3 days per week |
$8,052 |
$2,013 |
| 2 days per week |
$5,412 |
$1,353 |
*Fees are subject to alteration
| Application Fee (to be paid with enrolment application)
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$200 |
| Offer Fee (to be paid upon acceptance of offer) |
$500 |
| Enrolment Fee for Pre-Kinder students who intend to continue into Kindergarten at MLC School the following Year |
$2,000 |
*Application, Offer and Enrolment Fees are not refundable.
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