The Prep Program at Mountain Creek State School is a full time program.
Children attend from Monday – Friday from 8.30 – 2.30 pm.
The Preparatory Year is the important first year of schooling. Children must turn five by the 30th June in the year they commence Prep.
As we are not catchment managed we are able to accept enrolments from all areas.
Pre-Prep Play Dates
During our Pre-Prep dates the children will be involved in a range of activities with one of our amazing Prep teachers in one of our Prep classrooms.
Our playdates will be conducted at 9.30-10.30. You will not be required to register for our playdates. Please sign in at the administration office on arrival at school before being shown to the classroom. The dates for our Term 4 Play Dates are:
- Friday 13 October 2023
- Friday 20 October 2023
- Friday 27 October 2023
- Monday 30 October 2023
- Monday 6 November 2023
Prep at Mountain Creek is an extremely exciting year that promotes a genuine love of learning.
Our Prep classrooms are child focused and our commitment to excellence in teaching and learning.
Our staff are energetic, enthusiastic and caring.
Smartboards and iPads are available in each Prep classroom and we offer a computer lab, and resource centre. Our school hall features advanced technology in sound and lighting and hosts our school parades, special events and performances.
Prep Tours
Please contact our school to organise a personal guided tour with one of our staff, giving your child a look at the Prep learning precinct. Prep Information Sessions will also be run. Dates to be confirmed so please keep checking here or follow us on
Facebook for dates and times as they are released.
If you would like to organise a tour or have any inquiries please phone our friendly office staff on (07) 5452 3444 or email:
admin@mtncreekss.eq.edu.au
Some frequently asked questions about Prep
When can my child start Prep?
Children must turn 5 before 30 June in the year they start Prep to be eligible. If a parent/carer thinks their child may not be ready to start Year 1 in the year they turn 6 years by 30 June, the parent should discuss their child’s needs with the school principal. Where a child will turn the compulsory school age during the calendar year, parents/carers can enrol in either the Preparatory Year or Year 1 giving consideration to the child’s aptitude and ability, social and emotional competence and physical development. If a child has already turned the compulsory school age on or before the beginning of the school year and has not previously been enrolled in the Preparatory Year, parents/carers should discuss placement options with the school principal. In determining the most appropriate year level placement for the child consideration should be given to the child’s aptitude and ability, social and emotional competence and physical development. Early entry to prep is only allowed for children on transfer from interstate or overseas and who have been enrolled in a similar pre-Year 1 program.
What about before Prep?
For more information about kindergartens and other child care service options for children prior to Prep contact:
What will the children learn?
In Prep children learn in many different ways including play, organised games and investigation. They develop important life skills by working with other children and adults. Prep makes connections between school and what your child learns at home and in early childhood education and care.
Prep helps your child develop:
- a positive approach to learning
- independence and confidence
- language skills
- thinking and problem solving skills
- literacy and numeracy
- physical abilities.
Prep teachers in state schools use the Foundation year of the Australian Curriculum to guide children's learning. The Foundation year in the Australian Curriculum refers to the year before year one. In Queensland this is called Prep.
Learning through Play
When children start prep they move to a more structured learning environment, but they continue to learn through play.
During play children make decisions, solve problems, develop thinking and team work skills, communicate and develop a positive sense of themselves.
Types of play used to help prep children learn may include:
- manipulative - doing puzzles, making necklaces or constructions
- games with rules - playing board and card games or outdoor games with rules
- exploratory - using blocks to investigate weight, height, number, shape and balance
- imaginative - children creating props for e.g. space play or princesses
- physical - moving through obstacle courses, climbing and running
Other activities like music, painting and drawing encourage language, reading and writing skills.