AUSSIE EDUCATOR

 AUST. CAPITAL TERRITORY

 EDUCATION DIRECTORATE

• Enrolling in a Public School
  Application Form, Policy, Finding your Local School, Priority Enrolment Areas, School Open Nights, International Students, more. Access information about NSW Students Enrolling in ACT Public Schools here and check the Frequently Asked Questions further down the page.
• Starting School - A Guide for Parents
  Advice specifically for ACT government schools [PDF version available]. There are also Starting Guides covering Colleges and High School.

 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

• Catholic Schools Enrolment, ACT
  This page has links to an Enrolment Information Pack, Enrolment Form [Primary and Secondary] and Early Learning Centre Enrolment Form.

 INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

• AIS ACT Member Schools
  This page lists all schools covered by the Association of Independent Schools in the ACT. Each school provides a range of information about their enrolment procedure, e.g. the Trinity Christian School.

 MINIMUM AGE AT ENTRY

• When can my child start school in the ACT ?
  Covers both Preschool and Kindergarten. Also has a Handy Calculator to find when they can start school. Some related information is also found Enrolling in Kindergarten To Year 12 page. A brief summary follows : …
• Your child must turn 5 years of age by 30 April in the year they enrol in Kindergarten.
• Children must be enrolled, By law, when they turn 6 years of age.

 FIRST FORMAL YEAR OF SCHOOL

• Kindergarten

 SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

• Early Entry Enrolment
  ‘Early Entry will only be considered for children in the following categories :’

• Early Entry for Children with English as an Additional Language or Dialect;
• Early Entry for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Children;
• Early Entry for Gifted and Talented Children and …
• Early Entry for Mobility.

• International Students
  ‘The International Education Unit [IEU] is responsible for the enrolment of international students and the dependants of temporary residents from Pre School to Year 12 into all government schools in Canberra’.
• Students with Disability
  Make sure your child’s future school is aware if he/she suffers from a mental or physical disability to assure appropriate placement and support. ‘In partnership with the student, parents, carers and other professionals, we make reasonable adjustments for students with disability at the time of their enrolment and during the course of their education’.

 NON-LOCAL ENROLMENT

‘Every child from Kindergarten to Year 12 continues to be guaranteed a place at their local public school [by Priority Enrolment Area or PEA]. You may apply to enrol your child at a school outside your local area [referred to as an out of area enrolment application] but there is no guarantee that your application will be successful. All schools must consider such enrolment applications against specific criteria’.

• Find Your Local School
  ‘Use the ACT Schools Map [link on the page] to search by home address or by school name to confirm your local school. Alternatively, you can check the PEA by suburb or school level’. Documents listing PEAs for all types of schools are listed on this page. These may change each year.
• NSW Resident Enrolments
  ‘The ACT Government has for many years provided education services to NSW residents in the region surrounding the ACT. New arrangements were put in place for enrolments for the 2019 school year onward. When NSW families enrol in the Canberra public school system, you will be given a clear pathway through all stages of schooling. NSW Enrolment Pathways - 2023 and NSW Pathway Zones are found at these links’.

 DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED

‘You will need the following’ :

• Proof of age and identity, e.g. Birth Certificate or Passport.
• Proof of residential address.
• Proof of immunisation status.
• Appropriate VISA if applicable.

 RECOMMENDED

• Copies of documentation if legal circumstances apply e.g. custody.
• Any documentation relating to mental/physical conditions which may affect learning and/or require special assistance.
• Check with the selected school for any further requirements.

 IMMUNISATION

• Proof of immunisation status. Immunisation is encouraged.
• What happens if there is a disease outbreak and your child has not been immunised ? See below.
•  Check the Infectious Diseases Outbreak Procedures and Exclusion Periods document for details.

 ORIENTATION

• Orientation is an accepted, normal component of enrolment. Check with your child’s future school regarding date[s] and time[s].

 TRAVEL ASSISTANCE

Some special bus passes are available. Check with your child’s future school for details.

• Transport for Students With Disabilities
  For children with special needs visit this site.
• School Services
  For general student transport, try this site. Further information is found at the Student Transport Program and Rural Services sites.

 FINANCIAL

 EDUCATION DIRECTORATE

• ‘Public education is free with the exception of dependants of temporary residents who are not eligible for fee exemption. If this applies, check the Education Department International Students page for details about Fee Waivers and Fee Exemptions.
  Schools may offer or facilitate some specific optional items, activities and services for which parents may be required to pay. Financial and Resource Assistance for Families information is found here’.

 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

• Tuition Fees
  ‘A link to the Schedule of Tuition fees for the current year is available. Schools also set their own local levies and charges which will vary from school to school. Local levies and charges are available by contacting the school or by accessing the school website’.

 INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

• AIS ACT Member Schools. This page lists all schools covered by the Association of Independent Schools in the ACT. Each school provides a range of information about their fees, e.g. St Edmunds College Canberra.

 UNIFORM

 EDUCATION DIRECTORATE

• ‘Each school determines its own uniforms and dress standards. Most schools have a uniform or a colour code’. Check the Uniforms for details. ‘Please check your school’s website or contact your school for details and see the dress standards and uniforms policy and related documents for more information about uniforms in ACT public schools’.

 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

• Catholic Schools
  Find details of the school where you wish to enrol your child and confirm details regarding uniform specifications from them.

 INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

• AIS ACT Member Schools. This page lists all schools covered by the Association of Independent Schools in the ACT. Each school provides a range of information about uniforms, such as Marist College Canberra.

 OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS CARE

• Child Care Finder
  Search for Out of School Hours Care using the filter on the home page then enter an address, suburb or postcode in the search box. Select from the options provided. Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority [ACECQA]. Check the Legend box on the map for information regarding vacancies and numbers of centres in the one area.
• The Australian Child Care Index
  Search location then the alphabetical listings to find appropriate sites. The latter are indicated with the addition of the letters OSHC at the end of the relevant link.

 NEW SOUTH WALES

 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

• Enrolment
  Finding a School, Out-of-Area schools.
• Preschool enrolment
• Primary school enrolment
• High school enrolment
• Distance education enrolment
• International student enrolment.

• Updated !  Getting Ready for Primary School
  ‘Things to do this Year; School Routines; Health and Well-being; Food at School; Learning and Activities; Keeping Children Safe and Happy; Term Dates; Useful Websites;’ more.
• Going to Primary School
  ‘Video - Transition to school; Before and After School Care [BASC]; When to start; Orientation Day; Additional resources’.
• Online Enrolment
  ‘Making applying to enrol in NSW public schools easier for parents. Giving parents and school staff a fast, digital and convenient way to process applications for primary school. Watch a quick overview; Information for Parents; Online enrolment for school staff; Testimonials; School finder; Participating schools; How we work;’ more.
• Parents and Carers
  ‘Support your child’s Learning; Support your child’s wellbeing; Send your child to the right school; Discover school Year by Year; Parent and carers toolkit; Support learning at home’. There is also an Updated ! A-Z Parents Guide and Best Start Kindergarten Assessment information.
• Updated !  The Big Day [Primary School]’. You can also read Updated ! First day advice from a Kindergarten teacher.

 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

Links are provided to the Catholic Schools Offices across the state. Enrolment information and contact details are found on each site. There is also a listing of schools within each diocese. Contact details can be used if further information is required. In most cases, these links open to pages relating to enrolment at all schools in the diocese.

• Armidale Catholic Schools Office
• Bathurst Catholic Education
• Broken Bay Community of Catholic Schools
• Canberra and Goulburn – Catholic Education
• Lismore Catholic Schools Office
• Maitland-Newcastle Catholic Schools Office
• Parramatta Catholic Education
• Sydney Catholic Schools
• Wagga Wagga Catholic Education
• Wilcannia Forbes Catholic Education Office
• Wollongong Catholic Education Office

 INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

Links are provided to listings of independent schools across NSW. Individual schools provide contact details, Enrolment information and more for their individual school. Contact details can be used if further information is required.

• AISNSW School Finder
  Filters include Member/Non-Member/Provisional, Boys, Girls or Girls and Boys; School Level; Religion; Alphabetical Index.You can also find information such as sporting links across groups of schools. An example of enrolment information from an independent school can be seen at Arndell Anglican College and Chevalier College.
• Private Schools Guide - NSW Schools
  Link to a Schools Guide Magazine, Schools - Popular, Featured; Enrolment Vacancies, Ask Us, Open Day Information, School Enquiries Tool [including for (multiple) enrolment enquiries], Regional Listings, more.

 MINIMUM AGE AT ENTRY

• ‘Children can start Kindergarten at the beginning of the school year if they turn 5, on or before 31 July that year. By law, all children must be in compulsory schooling by their 6th birthday’.
• When your child starts school is an individual decision. You may wish to discuss this with your child’s preschool teacher, carer, doctor or your local primary school.
• Your school will respond to the needs, learning styles and rates of progress of individual students’.

 FIRST FORMAL YEAR OF SCHOOL

• Kindergarten

 SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Make sure your child’s future school is aware if he/she suffers from a mental or physical disability to assure appropriate placement and support.

• Disability, Learning and Support
  ‘Disability Strategy; Personalised support for student learning; different levels; Programs and Services; Resources’ more.
• NSW DE International Education
  ‘The enrolment of international students and the dependants of temporary residents from Pre School to Year 12 into government schools is handled by the international unit of the NSW Department of Education’.
• Early enrolment is possible for gifted/talented students and other children with specific needs. Check with your child’s future school for details. Be sure you have up-to-date data on which to base an application.

 NON-LOCAL ENROLMENT

Available. You may apply at other schools. Available vacancies [school and/or year] will determine possible placement. Check this Out-of-Area Schools section of the Enrolment page for a summary. Contact individual schools to find their out-of-area policy.
Note : If the demand for local enrolment exceeds the number of places available, out-of-area enrolments will not be available.

 DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED

‘You will need the child’s’ :

• Personal details;
• Proof of residential address such as a council rates notice or an electricity bill;
• Medicare number;
• Medical details and health conditions;
• Doctor’s details;
• Emergency contact details;
• Family Law or court orders [if applicable];
• Disability or other support needs, including any learning and support plans [if applicable].’

For children who have never enrolled in a NSW public school, you will also need each child’s :

• Birth Certificate or identity documents;
• Parent/carer’s details;
• Residency status or visa number [if applicable];
• Passport, travel documents or current visa [if applicable];
• AIR - Australian Immunisation History statement or Immunisation History Form;
• Proof of address if applying for non-local school [and in some cases, your local school].

You can enrol a child without an immunisation history statement, but they may be instructed by Public Health officials to stay at home during an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease.

The enrolment application form must be completed in English. You can download a copy in many languages. Translations of the enrolment form are available to help you, if required.

 RECOMMENDED

Specific information relating to areas listed in the section above can be found as follows :

• Updated !  Family Law Guidelines. This option, from those listed, provides a range of information.
• Any documentation relating to mental/physical conditions which may affect learning and/or require special support.
• Updated !  Administering prescription medication
  Covers ‘Self administration of prescribed medication by students; Emergency care; Non-prescribed medications; Legal liability’.
• Assisted School Travel Program information is found here.
• Check with your child’s future school for any further requirements.

 IMMUNISATION

• Immunisation Certificate from family doctor/hospital/local health centre as indicated in the Documentation Required section above.
• All necessary Updated ! Immunisation and your child details are found here.
• Updated !  There is a Childcare and pre-school entry and immunisation : Parent information from Health NSW which provides a detailed coverage of the requirements.

 ORIENTATION

• Orientation is an accepted, normal component of enrolment. Check with your child’s future school regarding date[s] and time[s].

 TRAVEL ASSISTANCE

• Plan your trip to school [TransportNSW]
  There is a range of assistance for students to travel to and from school. Details can be found from one of the links on this page to the School Student Travel page which provides clear parameters for its use, while it also has information about the School Drive Subsidy for areas with non-public transport. There is also information on this page about Assistance for boarding school students, Assistance for students with a disability and Travel outside of school plus more.
  Note :  The proviso about the areas where this is available.
• The Assisted School Travel Program for School Students with Disability
  Information about this program can be found here.

 FINANCIAL

 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

• Voluntary School Contribution
  Clear policy information is found here. Compulsory fees were ended in 1925.
• ‘Schools may charge students for elective subjects that go beyond the minimum requirements of the curriculum’.
• ‘Excursions, travel for sport and other costs are paid by the student and their family. Discuss any of these with the school if there are difficulties with payment’.

 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

• This link to information about Maitland-Newcastle School Fees provides one example of these. A second link, Diocese of Parramatta provides an example from another diocese. Other diocesan links can be found in the first NSW section above.

 INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

• Private Schools Guide - NSW Schools
  Link to a Schools Guide Magazine, Schools - Popular, Featured; Enrolment Vacancies, Ask Us, Open Day Information, School Enquiries Tool [including for (multiple) enrolment enquiries], Regional Listings, more. Individual school information on Fees [and scholarships] can usually be found for each school, as for example with Snowy Mountains Grammar School - Fees and Snowy Mountain Grammar School - Scholarships and Bursaries.
• AISNSW School Finder
  This site allows access to individual schools to gain information similar to that available through the link above.

 UNIFORM

 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

• ‘Each school determines its own uniforms and dress standards. Most schools have a uniform or a colour code’. Check the School Uniform Information covering policies, decision-making and resources are available here.

 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

• Catholic Schools - Canberra-Goulburn
  Find details of the school where you wish to enrol your child and confirm details regarding uniform specifications from them. Similar information can be found using the links in the Helpful Information section above.

 INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

• AISNSW School Finder
  This site allows access to individual schools to gain full details, similar to those listed Updated !  for Newington College.

 OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS CARE

• Many local and community programs operate across NSW, either at schools or local centres. Check with your child’s school about Outside School Hours Care [sometimes called Before and After School Care and Vacation Care].
• Updated !  Before and After School Care
  A brief statement from the Department of Education.
• Child Care Finder
  Search for Out of School Hours Care using the filter on the home page then enter an address, suburb or postcode in the search box. Select from the options provided. Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority [ACECQA]. Check the Legend box on the map for information regarding vacancies and numbers of centres in the one area.
• Find a before and after school care provider
  ServiceNSW. ‘If you’re looking for before and after school care, we can help you find a provider at or near your child’s school. Select the Voucher Type” button then select your Location. You can add a Business name if required. Select the search icon to display your result’.
• Network of Community Activities
  ‘OOSH [Out of School Hours] covers services for school-age children before and after school and includes Vacation care’.
• The Australian Child Care Index
  Search state areas to find appropriate OOSH sites.

 NORTHERN TERRITORY

 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

• Enrolling students with Disability
  ‘This page has information on the criteria and the process for the enrolment of students in specialist schools and centres’. Links to related information.
• Enrolment [Department of Education]
  Enrolment; Policy and Guidelines; Enrolment eligibility guidelines; Enrolment procedures; Enrolment enforcement guidelines; Enrolment management and priority enrolment guidelines; Enrolment in special schools and special centres; Enrolment in distance education guidelines; Application forms and information; more.
• Enrol your Child at School
  Enrolment form; Priority enrolment; What do I need to enrol my child; Mature age students; Student transfers, Related Information [e.g. Choose a school].
• New Online Enrolment Form
  ‘You can complete a student enrolment form either online or in person at your child’s school. If you complete the form online, you must attend your child’s school to have your signatures witnessed and to provide the required documentation. A student media consent form and other forms relevant to the school may be given to you at this time’.

 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

• Catholic Education Enrolment - Enrol Your Child
  Application Form; Interview; Orientation Programs; Enrolment Entitlement; Fee Discounts.

 INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

Links are provided to listings of independent schools across the Northern Territory. Individual schools provide contact details, Enrolment information and more for their individual school. Contact details can be used if further information is required.

• Updated !  Information for Parents [AISNT]
  ‘Most Independent Schools in the Northern Territory outline their enrolment procedures, school fees and have application forms on their website. Links to schools are provided’.
• Private Schools Guide - NT Schools
  Link to a Schools Guide Magazine, Find schools by Map; Recently Updated Northern Territory Schools; Open Day Information; School Enquiries Tool [including for [multiple] enrolment enquiries]; more.

 MINIMUM AGE AT ENTRY

• ‘School is compulsory for all children from the age of six. Your child must be at school by their sixth birthday’.
• ‘To prepare your child for the compulsory years of school, you can enrol your child in preschool [or kindergarten] from the age of four. Your child can also attend transition class in primary school when they turn five’.
• ‘Preschool and transition are recommended but are not compulsory’.

 FIRST FORMAL YEAR OF SCHOOL

• Children can attend Transition [see above] with Year 1 following on from this.

 SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Make sure your child’s future school is made aware if he/she suffers from a mental or physical disability to assure appropriate placement and support.

• About Special Education and Disability
  ‘Students with disability in the NT have a right to access a full and inclusive curriculum that meets individual needs. The Department of Education provides services to all students in NT government schools, and provides assistance in some areas to non-government schools. If your child has a disability you can access support services including specialist education advisors, specialised equipment and resources. The range of support services available cover all of the listed areas’.
• Enrolling Students with Disability
  ‘To enrol in a specialist school or centre, your child must meet the listed enrolment criteria’ as provided for different schooling levels. Information is given about the Enrolment Process, Appealing a Decision plus links to related information.

 NON-LOCAL ENROLMENT

‘You can apply to enrol your child in a school of your choice, but priority is given to students living in the school’s priority enrolment area.
If a school is approaching or has reached capacity, the school will decline applications from students who live outside its priority enrolment area’.

• Priority Enrolment Area Maps
  ‘A school’s priority enrolment area is the residential area in a school’s catchment. Students residing within a priority enrolment area will have priority placement within the school over children who reside outside of the enrolment area. Read the enrolment management and priority enrolment guidelines. To search a priority enrolment area, select the appropriate region from the list, then enter your address by using the magnifying glass in the heading’, e.g. Darwin Region Primary Schools Map 2.

 DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED

‘When enrolling your child you will need all of the following’ :

• Birth certificate or equivalent identification;
• Proof of address;
• Details of any medical conditions;
• Emergency contact details;
• Immunisation record;
• Name of previous school [if appropriate]’.

 RECOMMENDED

• For more specific details linked to the above section, go to this NT Government page for Enrolment, scroll down the page and click on this section - What do I need to enrol my child.

 IMMUNISATION

‘You must provide a Medicare immunisation history statement or the child’s immunisation card to preschools and primary schools. Your child will not be prevented from enrolling in a primary school if they have not been immunised. If your child is a middle or secondary student, you are not required to provide a Medicare immunisation history statement’.

• In addition to the policy document [.docx format], Infectious Diseases - Exclusions From School, you can access a Updated ! Policy that includes links detailing time out from school for a range of conditions.

 ORIENTATION

• Orientation is an accepted, normal component of enrolment. Check with your child’s future school regarding date[s] and time[s].

 TRAVEL ASSISTANCE

• Financial help for isolated students
  Includes links to the ‘Student travel scheme; Mid term travel scheme; Remote area travel allowance; and Conveyance subsidy’ as part of the information package.
• Getting to and from school
  ‘This page has information about school bus services for students including those with special needs and financial assistance with getting to and from school’.
• Transport for students with special needs
  ‘This page has information on transport to and from school for students with special needs, the services provided, student eligibility, how to apply, notifying absences and changes to transport arrangements’.

 FINANCIAL

 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

• ‘Tuition for the standard curriculum program is provided free to all students in government schools. There are three areas where you may be requested to make a contribution. You may be asked to make a financial contribution or donation to your child’s school for a specific purpose. You are not obliged to contribute. Greater detail is found via the following’ link.
• Back to school payment scheme
  ‘This page has information on the Back to School Payment Scheme, who can apply and how to claim the allowance. The payment provides financial assistance to parents and guardians of children enrolled in a Northern Territory school or registered for home-schooling’.
• School Fees and Contributions
  ‘School fees and contributions; Educational items; Optional extra items; Voluntary financial contributions and donations; If you are unable to pay’.

 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

• Find A School [or Early Learning Centre]
  ‘The term ‘school fees’ includes tuition fees, levies and charges. Each school assesses the school fees necessary to meet their individual school and community operation requirements. In doing this, they are firstly guided by the diocesan tuition fee set by the Catholic Education Council. The [listed] fees are for tuition only and each school will have their own levies in addition to the tuition fees’.

 INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

• Information for Parents [AISNT]
  ‘Most Independent Schools in the Northern Territory outline their school fees’, an example of which can be found at The Essington School. You might also be interested in the information to be found at Funding of Independent Schools.

 UNIFORM

 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

‘If your child attends a government school from Transition to Year 9 they must wear a school uniform whilst at school or attending official school activities during or after school hours. When your child transitions to a government senior secondary school they must follow the school’s dress code’.

• School uniforms
• School uniforms - Policy and Dress Code
  Documents detailing both of these are available here in PDF and .docx formats.

 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

• Catholic Schools
  This site allows access to individual schools to find uniform information, for example, as listed at Updated ! St John’s Catholic College.

 INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

• AISNT
  Find the school where you wish to enrol your child and confirm details regarding uniform specifications from them, an example of which can be found at Marrara Christian College [select Enrolment/Uniform/School Level].

 OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS CARE

‘Outside school hours care provides supervised care and recreation programs for primary school age children before and after school, school holidays and on pupil-free days. The services are generally located in primary schools but can also operate from child care centres or other community facilities’.

• Child Care Finder
  Search for Out of School Hours Care using the filter on the home page then enter an address, suburb or postcode in the search box. Select from the options provided. Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority [ACECQA]. Check the Legend box on the map for information regarding vacancies and numbers of centres in the one area.
• The Australian Child Care Index
  Search territory areas to find appropriate sites. These are indicated with the addition of the letters OSHC at the end of the relevant link.

 QUEENSLAND

 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

• Choosing a school
  ‘In Queensland there are almost 1 300 state schools and over 450 independent and Catholic schools. The schools directory provides contact details for all state, independent and Catholic schools, including email and website addresses if available’.
• Enrolling your child
  ‘Primary school enrolment; Preparing for the first day at school; Every day counts — including day 1; Secondary; Transition from primary to secondary school; Changing schools; Uniforms; Hours of operation; and Outside school hours care’.
• Enrolment
  ‘Enrolment forms and details of school enrolment processes are generally published on school websites. Usually, a child can be enrolled a year ahead’. Starting school; Children with disability; Non-state schools; School Enrolment Management Plan. A second page, How to Enrol [Queensland Government] contains similar information.
• Preparing your child for Prep
  This page provides a range of information to help your child start school with minimum difficulties. Another resource is Getting set for PREP while another provides Updated !  Staring school resources.
• Starting school
  ‘Starting school is an important milestone in a child’s life. By working together, early childhood services, schools, families and relevant community organisations can help children enjoy a great start to school. As a parent or carer there are lots of different ways you can help your child enjoy a great start to school’. Numerous tips are provided. There is also a Starting school brochure.

 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

• Choosing a School [QCEC]
  ‘The Queensland Catholic Education Commission is the peak body representing Catholic education in Queensland. The Commission works with the five diocesan school authorities and 17 Religious Institutes and other incorporated bodies which operate Catholic schools within the state’. It provides access to a School Directory; Choosing a School; Term Dates; Student safety and wellbeing information; and Partnership with Parents information.

• Brisbane Catholic Education
  Connects to all schools in the Brisbane Diocese. School listing; Contact Details; News & Events;
• Catholic Early EdCare
  Find a Catholic School; New Schools; Online application for Enrolment; much more. Similar information will be found at the following …
• Catholic Education - Cairns
• Catholic Education - Rockhampton
• Toowoomba Catholic Schools
• Townsville Catholic Education

 INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

• ISQ - Independent Schools Queensland
  The site has a separate section with Information for Parents; Find an independent school [a full listing and a search tool with multiple filters]; their Work with Schools; Media & Resources; more.

 MINIMUM AGE AT ENTRY

• ‘Children can participate in Updated ! Kindergarten in the year before they start Prep. This means children will be at least four years old by 30 June that year’.
• ‘Prep is the first year of schooling in Queensland. It is a full-time, school-based program and has a defined curriculum. It is compulsory for all Queensland children to undertake Prep prior to commencing Year 1. To enrol in Prep, children must be aged 5 years by 30 June in the year of proposed attendance’.
• Children must be six by 30 June in the year they enrol in Year 1.
• A child is considered to be of compulsory school age from 6 years and 6 months’.
• Further information on the Transition to school is found here.

 FIRST FORMAL YEAR OF SCHOOL

• ‘Prep is the first year of schooling in Queensland. It is a full-time, school-based program and has a defined curriculum. It is compulsory for all Queensland children to undertake Prep prior to commencing Year 1’.

 SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Make sure your child’s future school is aware if he/she suffers from a mental or physical disability to assure appropriate placement and support.

• Early and delayed entry to Prep
  ‘The decision about when a child enrols in Prep is extremely important and should be made in the child’s best educational interests to enable a positive and successful start to school’. This page details a number of options that may be encountered.
• Considerations and application process for early entry to Prep
  A Fact Sheet detailing options and the process to follow.
• Students with Disability
  This page provides information for this area. Make sure your child’s future school is aware if he/she suffers from a mental or physical disability to assure appropriate placement and support. You can find information about the Every student with disability succeeding plan using this link.

 NON-LOCAL ENROLMENT

‘Parents are free to send their children to the school of their choice, depending on available places. Some schools have an enrolment management plan that means students may not be able to attend unless they live within the designated catchment zone’.

• Schools are required to implement a School EMP when enrolments reach 80% of the school’s student enrolment capacity. A school’s student enrolment capacity is the number of students the school can accommodate within the existing learning spaces in the school. To enrol in a school that has a School EMP in place, students must meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the School EMP’. Check details for School Enrolment Management Plans information here.
• School Catchment Maps
  Contains these for all appropriate schools.

 DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED

‘You will need the child’s’ :

• Birth certificate or passport;
• Information about child’s medical conditions, medication [if applicable] and doctor;
• Proof of your child’s immunisation status;
• Any documentation that is required if the school has a School Enrolment Management Plan [e.g. a current lease agreement, rates notice, utility bill] for proof of residency;
• Details of the child’s previous education and care providers;
• Details of any relevant Family Court orders or other court orders [if applicable];
• Information about any other languages that might be spoken at home’.
• Check the next section for greater detail about each of these areas.

 RECOMMENDED

• All documents as detailed in the section above.
• Contact the school and check the school website for any specific enrolment information and procedures including documents required for an enrolment interview
• Any documentation relating to mental/physical conditions that may affect learning and/or require special support.

 IMMUNISATION

• No specific requirements for enrolment, though immunisation is encouraged.
• ‘Parents must comply with a direction to keep children who are unvaccinated for a prescribed vaccine preventable condition away from a service [school] for a prescribed period’.

 ORIENTATION

• Orientation is an accepted, normal component of enrolment. Check with your child’s future school regarding date[s] and time[s].

 TRAVEL ASSISTANCE

• School Transport [Department of Transport and Main Roads]
  Includes information about ‘Assistance schemes; School Transport Information; Code of Conduct [Find out the rules that school students have to follow when travelling to school by bus]’.
• School Transport Assistance Procedure for Students with Disabilities
  ‘This procedure sets out the processes involved in assessing eligibility, arranging, reviewing and cancelling appropriate transport assistance for Queensland students with disabilities between their home and school’.
• School Transport Assistance Scheme
  ‘The following information is a summary of STAS assistance available, terms and conditions and how to apply’.
• Transport
  ‘The aim of the Queensland Government’s school transport assistance schemes is to assist parents without removing their personal responsibility for transporting their children to school’. Covers most of those above and has links to a range of information.

 FINANCIAL

 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

• Financial Assistance
  ‘State schools provide free instruction, administration and facilities to students enrolled at state schools who are Australian citizens, permanent residents or children of Australian citizens or permanent residents. However, principals in conjunction with the school's parents and citizens’ association, are able to charge fees or ask for voluntary contributions from parents or caregivers to provide extra resources such as art materials or sporting equipment. The amount varies from school to school’.
• Other Financial Assistance
  ‘Textbook and resource allowance; Transport assistance; Living Away From Home Allowances Scheme; Queensland Academies Isolated Student Bursary; Commonwealth Government assistance; Further information’.
• Support for rural and remote school communities
  ‘The listed assistance and programs may be available for schools and students in rural and remote locations’.

 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

• School Directory – QCEC
  Use this link to access individual schools for specific fees and other financial information. Two examples are All Saints Primary School and Burdekin Catholic High School.

 INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

• ISQ - Independent Schools Queensland - School Fees and Scholarships
  ‘Fees for independent schools can vary greatly. Many schools offer scholarships and bursaries for students whose parents are unable to pay full school fees. Some schools may also offer lump sum payments or discounts for siblings. Special Assistance Schools charge minimal or no fees to parents’. Examples of fees can be found by using their ISQ Search Tool. Two examples can be seen at Calvary Christian College and Hillbrook Anglican School. You should also check for scholarships and other support by individual schools.

 UNIFORM

 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

• ‘School communities in conjunction with their Parents and Citizens’ association decide on a student dress code’.

 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

• School Directory – QCEC
  Use this link to access individual schools for specific information about uniforms. Two examples are Emmaus College and also Chanel College.

 INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

• ISQ - Independent Schools Queensland - Find an Independent School
  Most schools have specific uniform requirements. Many have uniform supplies available directly from the school. Use the School Finder to select the school you are interested in and then check the individual school for uniform information. Uniforms and uniform information can be found through examples from Brisbane Boys College and also a second school, Fairholme College.

 OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS CARE

‘Outside school hours care provides supervised care and recreation programs for primary school age children before and after school, school holidays and on pupil-free days. The services are generally located in primary schools but can also operate from child care centres or other community facilities’.

• Before and After School Care
  Information from the Queensland Government.
• Child Care Finder
  Search for Out of School Hours Care using the filter on the home page then enter an address, suburb or postcode in the search box. Select from the options provided. Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority [ACECQA]. Check the Legend box on the map for information regarding vacancies and numbers of centres in the one area.
• The Australian Child Care Index
  Search the state or use an alphabetical listing to find appropriate sites. The latter are indicated with the addition of the letters OSHC at the end of the relevant link.