Our preschool - Moorak Primary and Preschool

About our preschool

Moorak Preschool is a vibrant and nurturing learning environment situated within Moorak Primary School. We deliver a high-quality, play-based early childhood program designed to support each child’s social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development. Our experienced and caring educators are dedicated to building strong relationships with children and families, fostering a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.

Preschool days and times

We offer a part-time preschool program for children in the year before they start school. Children can access 15 hours of quality preschool each week.

Session days

Monday and Tuesday (odd weeks of term)
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (even weeks of term)

Session times

9.00 am to 3.00 pm

Our sessions align with the South Australian school term calendar.

Meet our educators

Our qualified early childhood educators bring warmth, creativity, and extensive knowledge to our preschool community.
We work in partnership with families to ensure each child feels confident, valued, and connected.

Our educators:

Emma Hayward – Principal and Nominated Supervisor
Lauren Baudinette – Preschool Leader and Educational Leader
Jesse Beavis – Early Childhood Educator and Playgroup Coordinator
Keelie Lindner – Early Childhood Educator
Jorja Lawson – Early Childhood Educator
Mary Nunn – Early Childhood Educator

Our philosophy

At Moorak Preschool, we are committed to creating a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive learning community where every child can thrive. We foster strong, respectful partnerships with families, children, educators, and the wider community, nurturing a profound sense of belonging and connectedness.

Our play-based, inquiry-driven curriculum supports holistic development through inclusive practices, sustained shared thinking, and meaningful engagement with nature. We value a strength-based view of children, prioritise critical reflection, and create responsive learning environments that inspire curiosity, creativity, and collaboration.

As co-learners, we walk alongside children on their unique learning journeys, ensuring every child feels valued, respected, and included.

Find out more about our goals and our focus in our philosophy statement.

When your child can start preschool

Your child is entitled to access 4 terms (1 year) of government preschool in the year before they start school.

Children who turn 4 years old:

before 1 May, can start preschool at the beginning of the year
between 1 May to 31 October, can start preschool in term 3 (mid-year intake)
after 31 October, can start preschool at the start of the following year.

Regardless of whether your child starts at the beginning of the year, or through a mid-year intake they will attend 4 terms of preschool.

If you’re unsure about the best time for your child to start preschool or feel your child may benefit from starting preschool later, talk to us about your options.

Universal 3-year-old preschool will be rolled out in government preschools in stages from 2026 to 2032.

Universal 3-year-old preschool will be available at our preschool from 2027.

Early entry

Aboriginal children and children who are or have been in care are eligible for 15 hours of preschool a week after they turn 3, continuing until they start school.

If you have a child with a disability or additional needs, they might be able to start preschool earlier if there are places available. Talk to us if this applies to you. Early entry to preschool does not guarantee early entry to school.

Step 1: Book a tour and contact our educators

Please contact us on 8726 6261 to discuss your child’s enrolment with us, book a tour of our preschool and school, and meet our educators.

Step 2: Registration of interest

Submit a preschool registration of interest form (PDF 173 KB) to express your desire to enrol your child. This is not an enrolment but an application process to secure a place. You can also contact us for a paper form.

Step 3: Documentation

Provide the following documents:

a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate or passport
the child’s current immunisation certificate
a copy of the residency visa for non-Australian residents
recent proof of address, such as a current utility bill or a lease agreement.

Step 4: Placement and confirmation

Priority is given to children living within the local catchment area. You will be notified of your child’s placement by the end of Term 3.

Aboriginal children and children in care have priority access and do not need to participate in the major enrolment intake.

Step 5: Transition

Prior to beginning their preschool year, children will be offered transition sessions in the term before.

What to bring

Here’s a checklist to help you prepare for preschool days:

named backpack
piece of fruit, healthy snack and lunch
drink bottle with water
sun-safe hat (for days when the UV is 3 or above)
spare clothes
appropriate shoes for play (we love messy and water play).

Note: Preschool children are not required to wear the school uniform, but many families choose to for convenience. Uniform items are available at Hip Pocket in Mount Gambier.

Playgroup

Moorak Playgroup offers a welcoming and supportive introduction to our preschool and school community. It helps children and families develop a sense of belonging and familiarity with the preschool environment through play.

Run by our educators, playgroup encourages playful learning, social interaction, and fun for children from birth to school age, along with their families.

When: Fridays, 9.00am to 11.00am
Cost: $2.00 per family per week
What to bring: a piece of fruit and a water bottle for your child

We also have a closed Facebook group for current families, where we share updates and organise events. Please ask to join or contact us for more information.

Parenting resources and support

Several early childhood parenting resources are available to help your child learn and grow right from the start.

Raising Literacy Australia supports families to read, talk, sing and play with their children from birth, with access to book recommendations, reading packs and resources.
Mum’s Grapevine offers advice for fathers to encourage reading together with their child.
Parenting SA has free parenting factsheets, videos and upcoming seminars on many parenting topics.
Positive Parenting program has free seminars, workshops and one-on-one sessions for parents of children aged 3 to 12 years.
Learning with your child (GreatStart) gives parents everyday learning ideas and activities to help build their child’s maths and language skills.
Raising Children Network provides up-to-date, evidence-based, scientifically validated information about raising children and caring for yourself as a parent or carer.
Australian Physical Activity and Exercise Guidelines offers evidence-based recommendations on how much physical activity young children should engage in daily to support their health and development.