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What to do on the first day of school
What to do on the first day of school
Walk with your child to their learning space.
The Play Plaza gates open at 8:30am and learning spaces open at 8:35am and this provides the opportunity to help your child orientate before the day begins.
The bell will ring for the start of the day at 8:45am.
We would appreciate it if you could leave at this time so that we can begin the day.
If your child is upset when you leave, please trust us with them. We will contact you during the day if necessary.
In order to support your child’s growing independence, it is important that they carry their own school bag into the learning space as well as unpack their belongings.
What your child will need
What your child will need
All items must be clearly labelled with your child’s full name.
Every day:
A large school bag
St James school hat (in Terms 1 and 4)
A packed lunch, play lunch (snack) and water bottle (lunches cannot be heated or refrigerated at school)
A change of clothes (which includes socks and underwear)
Blue book bag (given to your child at Orientation)
School beanie in winter months (The school will provide a beanie to all Prep children)
A raincoat / school spray jacket when the weather is inclement (optional)
During the first week:
An art smock (large enough to cover their school uniform - an old shirt will be OK!)
A large box of tissues for the learning community
Helpful hints
Helpful hints
Check your child’s school bag daily.
Teachers are always available to help sort out problems. Some problems only surface at home and unless the teacher is told, we cannot assist with solving them.
Ensure all of your child’s belongings are clearly labelled with their name.
How to help your child prepare for school
How to help your child prepare for school
Assist your child to recognise their name.
Practise writing some of the letters in your child’s name.
Read with and to your child. Ask them to hold the book and turn pages when required.
Have your child practise dressing in their school uniform.
Practise tying shoe laces and school shoe buckles.
Practise opening and closing a lunch box and drink bottle, and unwrapping sandwiches.
Ensure your child has developed toileting skills and can blow their nose.
Encourage your child to make new friends and not to rely on big brothers or sisters.
Prep Dates for Term 1 2026
Prep Dates for Term 1 2026
Week 1:
Week 1:
Thursday 29 January: Assessment interviews only Years1-6
Thursday 29 January: Preps at school from 8:45am to 1:00pm; Assessment interviews for all other learners
Friday 30 January: Preps at school from 8:45am to 1:00pm; Assessment interviews for all other learners
Week 2:
Week 2:
Monday 2 February: 8:45am to 3:10pm
Tuesday 3 February: 8:45am to 3:10pm
Wednesday 4 February: No school for Preps
Thursday 5 February: 8:45am to 3:10pm
Friday 6 February: 8:45am to 3:10pm
Week 3:
Week 3:
Monday 9 February: 8:45am to 3:10pm
Tuesday 10 February: 8:45am to 3:10pm
Wednesday 11 February: No school for Preps
Thursday 12 February: 8:45am to 3:10pm
Friday 13 February: 8:45am to 3:10pm
Week 4:
Week 4:
Monday 16 February: 8:45am to 3:10pm
Tuesday 17 February: 8:45am to 3:10pm
Wednesday 18 February: No school for Preps
Thursday 19 February: 8:45am to 3:10pm
Friday 20 February: 8:45am to 3:10pm
Week 5:
Week 5:
Monday 23 February: 8:45am to 3:10pm
Tuesday 24 February: 8:45am to 3:10pm
Wednesday 25 February: No school for Preps
Thursday 26 February: 8:45am to 3:10pm
Friday 27 February: 8:45am to 3:10pm
Week 6:
Week 6:
Monday 3 March: 8:45am to 3:10pm
Tuesday 4 March: 8:45am to 3:10pm
Wednesday 5 March: School Closure
Thursday 6 March: School Closure
Friday 7 March: School Closure
Week 7:
Week 7:
Monday 9 March: School closed - Labour Day holiday
Tuesday 10 March: 8:45am to 3:10pm
Wednesday 11 March: 8:45am to 3:10pm
Thursday 12 March: 8:45am to 3:10pm
Friday 13 March: 8:45am to 3:10pm
Weeks 8 - 10:
Weeks 8 - 10:
Full weeks for all learners until the end of term
Thursday 2 April (last day of Term 1): 8:45am to 1:00pm
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