Pre-Prep (Kindy)

Vision/Mission Statement

Mackay Christian College Pre-Prep Learning Centre is a place where each child in its care can develop a love of learning. The College’s vision is “Becoming all God wants us to be.”

Philosophy

Mackay Christian College Pre-Prep believes that every child is a unique creation of God. All children have God given gifts and talents but not every child is the same. We work together with parents to provide the more formal part of a child’s education. Our purpose is to help every child to ‘become all God wants them to be.’

We believe that children are capable young people who have been learning since birth and are able to take part purposefully in, and contribute to, their learning. They are capable of knowing truth about themselves and their world and they enjoy engaging in life and learning. We understand that they are complex, whole beings made in the image of God, subject to many influences and in need of guidance and support. They are individually gifted by God for His purposes and designed to function in, and contribute to, an interdependent community.

Our goals are:

To support each child in their discovery of the Person of Jesus Christ, God’s Son.
To inspire each child’s love of learning through supporting their social awareness, emotional maturity, communication skills, critical learning, physical development and spiritual growth.
To present a physical environment that is aesthetically pleasing, safe and stimulating.
To encourage good health, nutrition and hygiene practices for children, staff and families.
To encourage our staff to grow in their professional journey through seeking and implementing up-to-date research and theories.
For all children to be inspired, develop curiosity and investigate the world.
To encourage all children to be the best they can be and celebrate achievement by others and in themselves.
To allow individuals to plan their learning and develop at their own natural pace.
To create collaborative partnerships between children, staff and families.

Curriculum

The Mackay Christian College Pre-Prep Programming Model was born out of the Emergent Curriculum Model and it incorporates its fundamental principles. The curriculum is, therefore, constantly evolving and aimed at engaging children in activities that are relevant to their experiences. It has been carefully developed to align with the Queensland Kindergarten Guidelines and so encompasses a skilful balance of spontaneous and intentional learning opportunities.

This framework recognises children as competent individuals and gives credit for the things they can do while supporting them in areas where they are still developing. The curriculum nurtures the child through an investigative approach using their areas. It is well resourced, giving children access and freedom to a variety of materials and investigative tools.

Firm Foundations

We aim to create a nourishing Centre that is rich in culture and where the curriculum is enhanced with a variety of information. Everyone is part of the teaching and learning process and acts as coach, aiding children to investigate and not settle for the first answer. We believe this enables children to learn and grow to the best of their potential.

At Mackay Christian College Pre-Prep, we believe we are beginning their journey in faith and education. Our hope is that with confidence the children will continue their schooling, healthy in mind, body and spirit; secure that their ideas and thinking are valued. Such a strong foundation provides our children the opportunity for the growth of a love for learning which will assist them in their life-long education.

The Pre-Prep Learning Centre is a happy, relaxed environment where learning experiences contribute to each child’s understanding of themselves, others and the created world. Godly attitudes and values will be encouraged.

Frequently Asked Questions

For Frequently Asked Questions about Mackay Christian College Pre-Prep click here.

Application for Enrolment

An Enrolment Application Pack is available from the Pre-Prep Learning Centre or the Mackay Christian College Office. A Pre-Prep Enrolment Form and Medical Form should be completed and submitted to the College Office along with your $200 deposit. Please include proof of age (birth certificate or passport) and proof of immunisation for your child.

Once your application has been processed, you will be required to attend an interview with the Principal and/or the Head of Junior Campus. If your child’s enrolment is successful, an offer of placement will be made by the Enrolment Officer a short time after the interview.

Please note: Submission of the Enrolment Application and $200 deposit does not guarantee placement in the Pre-Prep Learning Centre.

Enrolment at Mackay Christian College

Placement at Mackay Christian College Pre-Prep Learning Centre does not guarantee enrolment in Mackay Christian College. Families wishing to enrol their students into Mackay Christian College in Prep – Year 12 should make a separate application for enrolment with the College. Enrolment policies and procedures for Mackay Christian College can be found by clicking here.

Child Care Benefit (CCB)

Mackay Christian College Pre-Prep Learning Centre is a Registered Child Care Provider. As such, parents may be eligible for Child Care Benefit from the government. The CCB is means tested, and parents must register with Centrelink to find out if they are eligible. This can be done either online or through the Family Assistance Office at Centrelink. If eligible, parents can claim up to $32.60 per week on CCB. Once parents have paid their Pre-Prep fees, Mackay Christian College will issue special receipts to enable parents to make their claim. A Claim for Childcare Benefit for Registered Care Form FA018 must accompany each claim, and claims must be made within 12 months of the care taking place. Parents can download Form FA018 from the Centrelink Website
http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/forms/fa018.

Claims are made through the Family Assistance Office and may be made at any time, however can take up to between 14 – 35 working days to be processed.