The Prep Program at Mountain Creek State School is a full-time program. Children attend from Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM.
The Preparatory Year is a crucial first step in a child's educational journey. To enroll in Prep, children must turn five by June 30 of the year they begin.
As we are not restricted by catchment areas, we welcome enrolments from all locations.
Prep at Mountain Creek is an incredibly exciting year that fosters a genuine love of learning. Our Prep classrooms are designed with a strong focus on the needs of the children, reflecting our commitment to excellence in teaching and learning.
Our dedicated staff are energetic, enthusiastic, and caring, ensuring that each child receives the support they need to thrive.
Every Prep classroom is equipped with a smartboard and iPads, enhancing the learning experience with modern technology. Additionally, we have a number of computer labs and a well-stocked resource center.
Our school hall, outfitted with advanced sound and lighting technology, serves as the venue for school parades, special events, and performances.
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:
- Wednesday 2 October
- Wednesday 9 October
- Wednesday 16 October
- Wednesday 23 October
- Wednesday 30 October
- Wednesday 6 November
- Wednesday 13 November
- Wednesday 20 November
- Wednesday 27 November
We are pleased to inform you that a school tour will be held on Wednesday 16 October and Wednesday 6 November, starting promptly at 9:00 AM. There is no need to register for these tours—simply arrive at 9:00 AM.
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by Mrs Codie Iddles, who will guide you on a brief walk through some of the key areas of our school. This is a wonderful opportunity to familiarize yourself with our facilities and gain insight into the school's environment before the playdate.
Please check our Facebook page or here for Term 4 dates once they have been confirmed.
Personal 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.