Our Preschool

Welcome to Moorak Preschool

Where curiosity leads the way and every child belongs.

About Our Preschool

Moorak Preschool is a vibrant and nurturing learning environment located within Moorak Primary School. We provide a high-quality, play-based early childhood program that supports each child’s social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development. Our experienced and caring educators are committed to building strong relationships with children and families, fostering a love for 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 are able to access 15 hours of a quality preschool program.

Session Days:
Monday & Tuesday (odd weeks of term)
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday (even weeks of term)

Session Times:
9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Our sessions align with the South Australian school term calendar.

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Meet Our Educators

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

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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 sense of belonging and connectedness. Our play-based, inquiry-driven curriculum supports each child’s holistic development through inclusive practices, sustained shared thinking, and meaningful engagement with nature. We embrace a strength-based image of children, value critical reflection, and prioritise 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.

Philosophy Statement – Moorak SBP

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Enrolment

At Moorak Primary School, we follow the South Australian Department for Education guidelines to ensure a smooth and equitable enrolment process for all families.

Children are eligible to attend preschool for up to four terms in the year before they start school. Aboriginal children and children in care can start preschool any time after their third birthday.

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 Registration of Interest form to express your desire to enrol your child. This is not an enrolment but an application process to secure a place.

Step 3: Documentation

Provide the following documents:

  • Proof of your child’s date of birth (e.g., birth certificate or passport).
  • Immunisation History Statement.
  • Proof of residence (e.g., utility bill or rental 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.

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Mid-Year Intake

A mid-year intake may be available for children who turn 4 between 1 May and 31 October.

These children can start preschool in Term 3 and attend for 4 terms.

Please contact us to discuss whether a mid-year intake is right for your child.

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What To Bring

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

  • A named backpack

  • A 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)

    Please not that preschool children are not required to wear the school uniform, however many families choose to for convivence. Uniform items can be purchased through Hip Pocket in Mount Gambier.

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Playgroup

Moorak Playgroup provides a welcoming and supportive introduction to our preschool and wider school community. Children and families develop their sense of belonging and become familiar with the preschool environment as children, parents and educators play alongside each other.

Our playgroup is run by educators who engage families and children in the playful learning process, and work together to create a fun, sociable and challenging environment for children from birth to school age and their families.

Playgroup runs on Friday mornings from 9:00am until 11:00am and is open to all children accompanied by a parent or guardian. The cost is $2.00 per family per week. Families are asked to bring a piece of fruit and a bottle of water for their child.

Playgroup has a closed Facebook group for current families. The Moorak Playgroup group advertises current events and sessions, and offers family additional information and support. Please request to join or contact one of our friendly educators for more information.

Please contact the school if we can help you in any way.

 

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Parenting Resources and Support

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

  • Learning with your child (GreatStart) gives parents everyday learning ideas and activities to help build their child’s maths and language skills.
  • 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.
  • Raising Children Network provides up-to-date, evidence-based, scientifically validated information about raising children and caring for yourself as a parent or carer.

See parent support and advice for more resources.