We aim to create a balanced and engaging curriculum that promotes:

• Curiosity: Encouraging exploration and discovery.
• Creativity: Providing opportunities for self-expression through art, music, and play.
• Community: Building friendships and learning to work together.

Key Highlights:

• Personalised & Play-Based Learning Tailored to each child’s strengths, interests, and learning style.

• Grounded in Catholic Values Fostering kindness, respect, and a strong sense of belonging.

• Daily Literacy & Specialist Classes Building early reading skills through engaging activities, with enrichment in Music, PE, and Languages.

• Wellbeing & School Readiness Supporting emotional growth and a smooth transition to Prep.

• Nature Play & School Involvement Outdoor learning and participation in school events nurture curiosity and connection.

• Aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework v2.0 A holistic, high-quality approach to early childhood education.

Key Benefits for Children and Families

• Consistent Routine & Stability
  Attending five days a week helps children settle quickly into school life. They learn routines, build friendships, and grow in confidence — all while supported by familiar teachers and environments.
• Stronger Social and Emotional Development
  Daily interactions allow children to form deeper friendships, develop emotional regulation skills, and learn how to work through challenges in a safe and supportive setting.
• Earlier and Deeper Learning
  More time means more opportunity for personalised teaching, early intervention, and rich, play-based learning experiences that strengthen thinking, communication, and problem-solving.
• Better Transition into Prep
  Children are already used to full-time school hours, expectations, and social environments — reducing anxiety and setting them up for success from Day 1 in Prep.
• Support for Working Families
  The program offers reliability and peace of mind to parents balancing work and family life, while also offering flexibility (three, four, or five days) to suit different needs.

To accommodate diverse needs, selected schools offer a flexible five-day Kindergarten program.
Parents can:

• Enrol for a minimum of three days, and
• Request additional days based on availability.

This gives families the freedom to customise their child’s early learning journey around their lifestyle.

At many Catholic schools, intentional play is a cornerstone of early learning.
It involves purposeful, educator-guided activities designed to support:

• Cognitive Development: Enhances memory, reasoning, and language skills.
• Social Skills: Builds sharing, negotiation, and cooperation.
• Emotional Growth: Encourages self-expression and emotional management.
• Physical Development: Promotes motor skills and overall health through movement.

Our curriculum integrates intentional play to foster problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking in a joyful environment.

Enrolments are now open for Five-Day Kinder Program! 

• Mount Carmel College - Sandy Bay
• Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School - Deloraine 
• Sacred Heart Catholic School - Geeveston
• St Anthony's  Catholic School - Riverside
• St James Catholic College - Cygnet
• St Joseph's Catholic School - Rosebery
• St Joseph's Catholic School - Queenstown
• St Patrick's Catholic School - Latrobe
• Star of the Sea Catholic College - George Town 

How to Enrol

Applications for the 2026 extended Kindergarten program are now open in North / Northwest

Age Requirement: Children must be aged four on January 1st of their Kinder year.

To begin:

• Contact your preferred school directly
• Gather enrolment info
• Secure your child’s place early

Give your child the opportunity to thrive in a caring, values-based educational environment.

What Our Families Are Saying

Cassy – Parent

“By the end of the Kindergarten year, my child had learned the school routines, built strong friendships, and developed trust in her teachers. There was no drastic change when she moved into Prep – she was already ready.”

Priscilla – Parent

“At first I was hesitant to try five days. But once my daughter settled in, she loved it, especially being there with her friends. It’s been really good for her, and I’m glad we made the switch.”

What Our Teachers Are Seeing

Selina Taylor – Kindergarten Teacher, Star of the Sea Catholic College

“We’re seeing improved developmental outcomes across the board. Children are more confident, more connected, and more ready for the next step in their schooling. The five day model gives us time to really know each child and tailor learning to their needs.”

“It also allows stronger partnerships between educators, teacher assistants, and families all working together to support each child.”

Insights from Early Learning Experts

Tash Williams – Subject Matter Expert: Early Years, Catholic Education Tasmania

• On Learning & Development:

“Five-day programs provide more time for intentional, play-based learning. This approach, grounded in the Science of Early Learning, supports all areas of a child’s development - cognitive, social, emotional, and physical.”

• On Readiness & Wellbeing:

“Children who attend five days transition more smoothly into Prep. They’re more familiar with the environment, expectations, and routines - which reduces stress and builds confidence.”

• On Family & Community Support:

“Flexible attendance options allow families to make choices that suit their work and lifestyle, especially in smaller communities. It’s an approach that supports not just the child, but the wellbeing of the whole family.”

What Our School Leaders Say

Mrs Megan Richardson – Principal, Mount Carmel College

“Five-day Kindergarten offers our girls the gift of time to play, to build friendships, and to grow in confidence, laying a joyful foundation for Prep and beyond.”

Ms Melanie Sluyters – Director of Primary, Mount Carmel College

“This model strengthens relationships, enhances learning, and builds routines that mirror formal schooling, all of which support academic, emotional, and social readiness.”