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Young minds are full of ideas, questions and theories about the world. Our pre-school learning spaces capture the inherent curiosity of each child by providing stimulating and engaging indoor and outdoor areas, purpose built within our new Junior School precinct. From 2009, MLC will introduce a pre-school program for girls expecting to start formal schooling in 2010, in either a two, three or five day program.
| ‘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
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-school 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. Daily activities are likely to include: indoor and outdoor play, group time (projects), rest periods (sleep if desired), breaks, language activities, sharing stories, dance or drama.
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 ha ben offered, all other conditions and procedures of enrolment apply. Further details can be found in the MLC School prospectus.
MLC welcomes a new Pre-Kinder class in 2009. The Year 12 class of 2022 will commence at MLC next year in their own specially designed, stimulating, early childhood environment for girls. In the year prior to starting formal schooling, 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 who is currently enrolling the excited families of the first Pre-Kinder class.
“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-kindergarten will operate between the hours of 9am and 2.30pm during school term time.
- Commencement Age: Pre Kinder is a specific program for girls in the year before they start 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
- ASC: After School Care, run by Camp Australia, is available on-site at the Junior School every afternoon from 2.30pm until 6pm during MLC School terms. Please note: Girls must be four years of age before they are eligible to attend 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: MLC’s Pre-kinder is licensed under the Department of Community Services. As such, our staff-student ratio is in line with staffing levels at other pre-schools and long day care centres. 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-kindergarten 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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