St Ann’s School, Redbank Plains is three leaps ahead in early learning thanks to its Tadpole Academy—an innovative program that is putting future students on the front foot before they even start Prep.
As the St Ann’s School community marks Under Eights Week (19 to 23 May), a time to celebrate the importance of the early years of a child’s life, St Ann’s School is proudly highlighting how its Tadpole Academy supports both local children and their families.
With the program set to return in Term 3, the program continues its mission to guide future scholars into the rhythm and rhyme of school life.
A large leap forward
St Ann’s School Principal Sonny Smith said the Tadpole Academy reflects his school’s commitment to nurturing our Early Years learners.
“The Tadpole Academy stands as a shining example of how newer schools, like ours, can champion a strong start for its future scholars,” he said.
“In the five years we have been operating, we’ve come to understand the needs of our local families and recognise that some children have limited exposure to a structured learning environment.
“The Tadpole Academy was born from a desire to bridge that gap for local families and give our future scholars the confidence and skills they need to thrive from the very first day of school.”
Building school readiness
St Ann’s School Prep teacher Kate Seaton said, “we realised families were unaware of what skills their child would need for school”.
“The program supports families to work on these skills at home—from holding scissors to using a pencil correctly,” she said.
“We also run parent information sessions on name recognition, early letter and number awareness, and the importance of learning nursery rhymes, which helping children hear and recognise rhyming words—an important first step in learning to read.
“The program also focuses on concepts for print which supports children in developing reading readiness— for example, going over how we read books from left to right.”
“We also introduce families to the religious life at our school and how we support their child’s wellbeing and holistic development.”
Every leap counts
Kate adds “the program also allows us to identity which children may need support early on”.
“Our school Guidance Counsellor and Support Teacher Inclusive Education are also present during the sessions, observing and supporting students as needed,” she said.
“It’s also important to note, while we want children to have basic skills when coming to Prep, it is not necessary.
“Any child can start Prep at any stage in their learning journey.
“Our role as educators is to meet our students where they are and leap forward together.”
For more information about St Ann’s School, Redbank Plains or to enrol click here.
What our parents think
St Ann’s School parent, Kaila Biddle joined the program in 2024 and said the Tadpole Academy was a fantastic stepping stone into what starting school looked like and eliminating any worries parents and children might have.
“The Tadpole Academy was such great fun and a wonderful transition into Prep,” Kaila said.
“Having our children being able to engage in mornings of fun and learning in a classroom and meeting the teachers and students helped greatly with building friendships and having familiar faces and environments on the first day of Prep.”
Jasmine Briskey said her daughter Aaliyah also benefited from the opportunity to meet her PAL teacher and familiarise herself with the classroom environment before beginning prep.
“Set in a fun and engaging atmosphere, this experience helped her feel more at ease with the transition and gain a better understanding of what to expect at Prep and St Anns.,” Jasmine said.
Under Eights Week
Under Eights Week was initiated by Early Childhood Australia Queensland, creating a day dedicated to children under eight years old, highlighting the importance of the early years of a child’s life.