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Facilities A programme for the development of Preparatory Year facilities is underway in Catholic schools across the Diocese of Cairns. Schools will provide quality, specialised learning areas and equipment and be ready to accommodate Preparatory classes from the beginning of 2007.
Developing the whole child Catholic schools are committed to the growth of the whole child by offering a developmentally appropriate programme which addresses children's needs - spiritual, intellectual, physical, cultural, social and emotional.
Faith, spiritual and values development In keeping with the ethos and values of Catholic education, faith, spiritual and values development will be integrated into the Preparatory Year curriculum.
About Prep YearThe Preparatory Year is designed to strengthen links between the Preparatory Year and Year 1 and will streamline the move through the early years with a new curriculum. Preparatory Year will be a full time, non-compulsory programme which replaces preschool. As a result of the introduction of the Preparatory Year, Queensland children will be starting compulsory schooling at about the same age as children in other states of Australia.
Teachers and staff Preparatory Year teachers will be suitably qualified and committed to the philosophy of Early Years education. Specialised professional development and training will be provided by Catholic Education Services for both teaching and support staff in Preparatory Year classrooms.
A safe and caring environment Catholic schools aim to provide special care and attention, fostering each child's unique beauty and gifts. Child protection matters are taken seriously, and practices and protocols are in place to ensure Catholic schools are safe places that not only comply with regulations but move beyond mere compliance to prevention. Preparatory Year classrooms in Catholic schools nurture right relationships. Through social emotional learning, children are supported in the development of the life skills of confidence, getting along, persistence, organization and emotional resilience.
In close partnership Catholic schools see education as a partnership between school and families. Parents are welcomed as members of the school community and opportunities are provided to share in the school experience. Close communication between school and home is a priority.
The curriculum The Early Years Curriculum Guidelines are designed to better prepare children for school. The Preparatory curriculum is based on active learning, which includes inquiry, investigation and play. What will they learn in Preparatory Year?
What will they do?
What do I need to do now?
For further information about enrolling your child in Preparatory Year for 2007 or beyond please contact your nearest Catholic school (see below), or Catholic Education Services, or visit the Education Queensland website http://education.qld.gov.au/etrf/preparatory.html
Who is eligible for Prep? In line with criteria set by the Queensland government, to be eligible to enrol in the non-compulsory preparatory year in 2007, a child must be born between 1 January 2002 and 30 June 2002. Children born between 1 July 2001 and 31 December 2001 will enrol in Year 1 unless they are assessed as having exceptional educational needs. In such cases, preparatory year enrolment could be considered.
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Select schools in the Diocese of Cairns have participated in the trialing and phase-in of the Preparatory Year of schooling in Queensland for the past few years. From 2007 the preparatory year will be offered by all our primary schools to families seeking schooling in the Catholic tradition for their children. 
