SPORTING chef hats, 46 soon-to-be Prep students from St Finbarr’s School, Ashgrove stirred up creativity in their brand-new classrooms before their first day of school on January 23.
Gathering for a special ‘Prep’-aration event on January 16, the littlest St Finbarr’s students crafted paper pizzas on the newly constructed activities bench – part of the school’s new Prep precinct.
Principal Catherine Connors said she expected the bench would be a highlight of the new Prep learning where students could try their hand at their favourite sensory activities and science experiments.
The activity bench is an exciting feature of the two new state-of-the-art classrooms equipped with flexible furniture co-designed by teachers, especially for the little learners.
She said the exciting Prep precinct expansion came after a 285 per cent increase in Prep enrolments for 2024 – attributed to a new 12-month Pre-Prep program.
“Our Pre-Prep program amplifies our parent community’s understanding of how to nurture their child’s growth, erasing any uncertainties our Preps might have before their big day,” she said.
“This year our Prep Readiness program stemmed from a deep desire for our future learners to be truly seen and embraced, to feel an unbreakable sense of belonging right from the start.
“The heart-warming scenes we’ve witnessed – families and children orchestrating playdates throughout the year – speaks volumes about the eagerness and anticipation for the Prep classroom, embodying a beautiful journey of excitement and readiness.”
Prep parent Camille Hacking from The Gap said her daughter Isabelle was excited to start Prep.
“She’s been dressing up in the St Finbarr’s School uniform at kindy,” she says.
“Isabelle is looking forward to learning to read and write and is excited to see her Year 6 buddy Olive.”
Fellow Prep parent Joel Negline from Paddington said the highlight of his daughter Rose’s week was attending the Pre-Prep program.
“The Pre-Prep program and Catherine made our daughter feel like she is s part of something bigger than herself,” he said.
Ms Connors said the school had experienced a 30 per cent increase in enrolments across the school.
“We have a great learning and teaching team,” she says.
“Our philosophy here is our learners are all high potential learners, and it’s our job as educators to stretch, explore, and challenge students in areas that interest them, while also honing their God given talents.”
In 2024, St Finbarr’s School will introduce a playgroup that will run twice a term and be open to children of all ages.
