Why Choose Prep at St Francis College
St Francis College is a caring, vibrant community where students from more than 50 cultural backgrounds learn and grow together. Our Prep program provides a purposeful, faith-inspired start to schooling, supported by dedicated staff, strong family partnerships and high-quality learning environments. It is a place where each child's journey begins with confidence, belonging and opportunity.
What you can expect
- A purposeful, play-informed curriculum that nurtures the whole child socially, emotionally, physically, cognitively and spiritually. Learning experiences promote curiosity, creativity, exploration, imagination and active engagement.
- Access to specialised learning environments and resources that support hands-on learning, investigation and collaboration.
- Caring, qualified teachers and support staff who guide each child with understanding, skill and care.
- Faith-based learning that is gently embedded into daily routines through simple prayers, stories of faith and age-appropriate participation in liturgies, Mass and Gospel reflection.
- Strong partnerships with families, with teachers encouraging meaningful involvement in classroom activities and the broader Prep experience.
- A nurturing, culturally diverse environment that celebrates the many backgrounds represented in our community and fosters understanding, respect and a strong sense of belonging.
- A smooth connection to the wider College, with learning continuing seamlessly from Prep to Year 12.
When to Start Prep
Prep is the first formal year of schooling in Queensland. Children are eligible if they turn five by 30th June in their year of entry. The Prep year provides a secure foundation that supports a confident transition into Year 1 and beyond.
How Prep Benefits Your Child at St Francis
Foundational learning across the curriculum
Through inquiry-rich, hands-on experiences, children develop early skills in language, literacy, numeracy, thinking and communication. Learning is purposeful and engaging, helping children make meaning, solve problems, work with early mathematical concepts and express their ideas with confidence.
Personal and social capability
Prep provides a supportive environment where children learn to build relationships, manage emotions, collaborate with others and develop confidence and resilience. Through everyday interactions and guided activities, they practise sharing, cooperating, communicating, making decisions and becoming more independent.
Creative and inquisitive learning
Our program blends inquiry, structured teaching and thoughtfully designed experiences that deepen understanding and support creativity and problem-solving. Children take part in investigations and guided learning that help them explore their world, develop their identity and learn to work with others.
Belonging and cultural awareness
Within our multicultural College community, children develop empathy, understanding and appreciation of difference. These values reflect our Franciscan tradition of simplicity, harmony, dignity and respect.
Religious Education and Spiritual Life
Faith is an integral part of life at St Francis College. In Prep, children engage with age-appropriate religious education aligned with Brisbane Catholic Education guidelines. Through stories, prayer and regular liturgies and Masses, we nurture spiritual growth, community connection and an understanding of Christian values and traditions.
Uniform and Enrolment
Prep students wear the College's formal day uniform, with the sports uniform worn on designated sports days. Uniform requirements are discussed during the Prep enrolment interview.
CLICK HERE to complete the Online Enrolment Application Form or contact Mrs Nicole Carter, College Registrar: SCRE_Enrolments@bne.catholic.edu.au