Glen Iris
St Roch's
Learn & discover.
Starting Prep is a huge milestone, not just for your child, but for your entire family. This first year is an important launchpad for lifelong success.
Our literacy program uses a systematic, multisensory phonics approach to build foundational skills in reading and writing, while Mathematics is brought to life through hands-on, explicit teaching that connects numbers to the real world. We move from guided practice to independent discovery, always encouraging students to explore the "why" and "how" behind everything they see. Beyond academics, Prep is where children learn to navigate their world; we teach clear routines and expectations to foster positive behaviors for learning, ensuring every student is engaged, self-managed and truly ready to succeed.
Prep
Prep Learning Programs
Core Curriculum
Specialist Program
A robust focus on fundamental literacy and numeracy skills, tailored to meet each child at their developmental starting point.
From day one, Preps enjoy dedicated, expert-led classes in Italian, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Physical Education (PE), and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
Support
Extension & Enrichment
Responsive Teaching to support all learners through interventions including Multisensory Structured Language (MSL in Literacy and Targeted Mathematics Intervention.
We foster an environment where every child can succeed. Through a diverse range of subjects, enriching activities and strong student leadership opportunities as well as excellent Programs, we challenge our students to grow and thrive.
Beyond the Classroom
Welcome to Prep: An Inspiring Start to Your Child's Journey
Our Prep program is intentionally designed to wrap around your child with care, warmth, and the exact right balance of academic rigour and joyful discovery. From their very first day, we ensure our youngest learners are supported to build confidence, make friends, and thrive.
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Here is a look at the comprehensive offerings that make the Prep year at St Roch’s so magical and complete:
The Academic Foundation
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Explicit Synthetic Multi-Sensory Phonics Program: An evidence-based, highly engaging approach to reading and spelling that uses sight, sound, and touch to unlock literacy early.
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Talk for Writing Program: A brilliant, storytelling-based program that builds oral language, vocabulary, and confidence, setting the stage for early writing success.
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Responsive Teaching for Intervention & Enrichment: Continuous, everyday monitoring ensuring that students who need an extra boost receive immediate support, while those ready to fly are given extension and enrichment.
Specialist Subjects & Co-Curricular Exploration
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Lunchtime & Active Clubs: Young minds and bodies can explore their unique talents through Chess Club, Art Club, Dance, Music, Tennis, and an introduction to Cross Country.
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Real-World Learning: The curriculum comes alive through carefully curated excursions and incursions, alongside vital community programs like Fire Education.
Wellbeing, Faith, & Community Connection
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Comprehensive Prep Transition Program: A warm, stepped introduction to school life that ensures a smooth, tear-free start for both children and parents.
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The Buddy Program: Every Prep is paired with a caring senior student mentor, giving them a familiar, friendly face in the playground and an instant sense of security.
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Prep Water Safety Program: A vital introduction to water confidence and safety basics, keeping our youngest students safe and active.
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Preps in Pyjamas Family Faith Night: A beautiful, relaxed community evening where families come together in their PJs to share stories, connect, and celebrate our shared values.
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Student Representative Council (SRC): Even our littlest leaders have a voice! Prep representatives can join the SRC to share ideas and help shape their school.
Milestones We Celebrate
100 Days of Prep Celebration: A major, joy-filled milestone where we celebrate how much our Preps have grown, learned, and achieved in their first 100 days of big school.
Wellbeing
Starting school is a beautiful milestone, and at St Roch’s, we ensure our youngest learners feel a deep, immediate sense of belonging. From their very first day, we partner with families to support Prep students in building the confidence and resilience they need to navigate their exciting new world.
Central to our transition process is helping children develop emotional intelligence and make responsible choices. We focus on explicitly teaching the five core competencies of social-emotional learning, guiding students to identify their emotions and understand how they impact daily life. By utilising the Zones of Regulation framework, we give our Prep students a shared language to recognise their feelings and select the best tools to support their own problem-solving.
Through this nurturing approach, we empower our Prep students to feel safe, connected and fully equipped to thrive as they begin their school journey.
Discover Prep
