As schools across the state celebrate World Teachers’ Day (Friday 31 October), our youngest learners are reaping the rewards of a passionate teaching team for their innovative approach to early years learning. The St Peter Chanel Primary School, The Gap leadership team has pre-Prep children digging for dinosaur fossils and exploring their local creek before they’ve even started their first day of school.
Principal Bec O’Connor, together with APRE Hayley Hadfield and Primary Learning Leader (PLL) Cindy Plater, developed an imaginative, hands-on transition program in 2024, designed to welcome future students and their families into the school community.
“Ready, Set, Prep has become our signature offering, transforming the traditional school readiness model into a series of joyful adventures throughout the year,” she said.
“Each session has a clear purpose. We carefully select a book to read with the children at the start of each session, followed by engaging literacy and numeracy activities built around the text.
“There's often singing and dancing involved too, with morning tea to conclude the session and connect with families.
“It’s a beautiful way to spark imagination and help children make early connections with language and learning.
“So far this year, we’ve been on a mini expedition to explore beautiful Fish Creek, which is right in our school backyard.
“Our goal is to help children feel excited and confident about starting school, while also encouraging their love of learning from the get-go.”
Cindy said the results from their program speak for themselves.
“Our Prep students started the year with so much confidence and smiles,” she said.
“First-day nerves were noticeably reduced because the children already knew us, familiar faces and spaces helped them feel calm and confident!
“That’s a huge testament to the program and how well it prepares our pre-Preps for school.
“The program is also hugely beneficial for us educators.
“On day one, we already knew every child’s name, every parent’s name, we were welcoming people we had already made a connection with.”
Bec adds, “Ready Set Prep invites families to participate alongside their children, building a sense of connection and familiarity with St Peter Chanel Primary School, even before enrolment”.
“There are four sessions across Term 2 and Term 3 and are open to all local families with children approaching Prep age,” she said.
“The sessions are also an opportunity for Ann-Louise Henrick, our Support Teacher Inclusive Education, to meet our new students and understand their individual needs before the new school year begins.
“Parents are encouraged to join in the fun, and we wrap up each session with morning tea so families can meet, connect, and become part of our school community.
“Pre-Prep children are also invited to borrow books from our school library.
“Families can return these books and borrow new ones at any stage of the school Term.
“We also coordinate playdates for our pre-Prep students to facilitate friendship building and foster a strong sense of community before their commencement at SPC.”
Bec said, “as we approach the end of the year, we also hold a Prep orientation which helps prepare both our future Preps and their parents for the first day”.
“For our future Preps, it’s an opportunity for them to get familiar with their classroom and meet their Prep teachers.”
“While for our new parents, the orientation goes over the basics and logistics like what to pack for lunch, pick up and drop off times.”
For more information about St Peter Chanel Primary School, The Gap or to enrol click here.
About Queensland World Teachers’ Day:
Queensland World Teachers' Day is a wonderful opportunity to recognise and applaud our teachers for the important role they play in our communities and for the positive impact they have on the lives of students. This year’s Queensland theme is Celebrating Teachers. If you would like to thank a staff member at a BCE school, share your appreciation on your school’s appreciation wall, take a photo and tag BCE on social media.
©Brisbane Catholic Education, St Peter Chanel Primary School, The Gap (2025).
©Brisbane Catholic Education, St Peter Chanel Primary School, The Gap (2025).