Starting Prep is an exciting milestone for children and their families. At Yarra Valley Grammar, our Prep program helps children feel safe, supported and confident as they begin their formal school journey within our Junior School in Ringwood.
We welcome children from a wide range of early learning settings, including our own Early Learning Centre, and recognise that every child begins school with their own experiences, strengths and interests. Our experienced Prep teachers work closely with families, kindergarten educators and the broader Junior School team to create a warm, positive and nurturing start to school life.
Starting school is a major step, and our Prep program is designed to help children feel known, connected and ready to learn. Before students begin, Prep teachers take time to understand each child through kindergarten visits, transition sessions, conversations with families and early one-on-one time at the beginning of the school year.
This thoughtful approach helps children become familiar with their teachers, classroom spaces and routines before moving into full school days. It also gives teachers valuable insight into each child’s interests, friendships, strengths and individual needs.
Our Prep transition program supports both children and families as they move into school life. Before the formal transition program begins, Prep teachers visit children in their kindergarten settings. These visits help teachers build early connections and learn about each child in a familiar environment.
Children attending Yarra’s Early Learning Centre also have opportunities throughout the year to connect with current Prep teachers and classes. Our Year 3 students spend time with Pre-Prep students through the Buddy Program, helping younger children build a sense of connection and belonging before they move into the Junior School.
In Term 4, incoming Prep students participate in three transition sessions. Each session begins with a whole-cohort developmental play experience, followed by time in a Prep classroom with a Prep teacher.
These sessions are designed to be relaxed, engaging and supportive. They help children become familiar with the school environment, while giving teachers the opportunity to observe, interact with and better understand each child.
On the final morning of Term 4, students return to meet their Prep teacher and classmates for the following year. This important experience helps children feel a sense of belonging and excitement before their first official day of school.
At the start of the school year, each Prep student attends a short individual session during the first four days. This gives children one-on-one time with their teacher, helps them explore their classroom and introduces simple routines, such as where to store their belongings.
This gentle start helps teachers build relationships with each child and supports a smooth, confident transition into full school days.
Children learn best when they feel safe, connected and supported. In Prep, teachers focus on helping students build friendships, confidence, routines and independence as they settle into school life.
The Junior School environment supports student wellbeing through strong teacher relationships, pastoral care, buddy activities and close communication with families. This helps children feel a sense of belonging from the beginning of their school journey.
Yarra Valley Grammar offers the benefits of a close Junior School environment while also being part of a broader Early Learning to Year 12 school community. Prep students begin their journey in a setting that supports confidence, curiosity and belonging, with access to the wider facilities, opportunities and culture of the School.
Junior School students at Yarra progress from Prep to Year 6 before transitioning into Middle School for Year 7. This gives families a clear long-term pathway through the School.
Starting school is a partnership with families. To help parents feel informed and confident, Yarra offers opportunities to meet staff, ask questions and become familiar with the Junior School environment.
Parents are invited to attend a New Prep Parent Walkthrough, led by the Head of ELC and Head of Junior School. This session gives families the opportunity to explore the learning spaces and understand the school environment before the year begins.
Families also attend an Information Evening, where they meet the Prep team and receive key information about routines, expectations and ways to support their child’s transition to school.
Prep is one of Yarra Valley Grammar’s main enrolment entry points, alongside Kindergarten 3, Year 4 and Year 7. Families are encouraged to enquire early to learn more about availability, transition opportunities and the enrolment process.
To take the next step, families can book a tour, submit an enrolment enquiry or apply online.
Prep teachers visit children in their kindergarten settings and gather insights from educators and families. Transition sessions and early one-on-one time at the start of the year also help teachers build a strong understanding of each child’s interests, strengths and needs.
Children participate in play-based activities as a whole group before spending time in a Prep classroom with a teacher. These sessions are designed to be engaging, relaxed and supportive, helping children become familiar with the school environment before they begin Prep.
Teachers carefully consider observations from transition sessions, kindergarten visits and conversations with families and educators to create balanced and supportive class groupings. Prep interviews with the Head of Early Learning also help match incoming students with current ELC students based on their interests, supporting a smooth start to formal schooling.
Parents are invited to attend an Information Evening and a New Prep Parent Walkthrough, where they can meet staff, ask questions and become familiar with the Junior School environment. These opportunities help families feel informed, connected and confident before the school year begins.
Children begin with a short individual session during the first four days. This allows each child to meet their teacher, explore their classroom and gradually ease into school routines before beginning full school days.
Yes. Prep is one of Yarra Valley Grammar’s main enrolment entry points, along with Kindergarten 3, Year 4 and Year 7.
Yarra Valley Grammar is located in Ringwood, Victoria, approximately 30 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD.
Yes. Families can book a school tour before applying. A tour is a valuable opportunity to explore the Junior School, meet members of the school community and learn more about Prep at Yarra.
Yarra Valley Grammar’s current tuition fees are available on the School Fees page. Families considering Prep are encouraged to review the latest fee schedule and contact the Admissions team if they have questions about enrolment costs, payment options and any other enquiry related to fees.
