So, when exactly should you enrol your child for school?
As parents, few responsibilities weigh as heavily on our minds as the education of our children. And knowing when to enrol them for school or early education can be confusing!
Understanding the enrolment process and key dates is crucial for parents and carers.
In South Australia, the compulsory school starting age is six years old. However, most children begin school in Foundation (Reception) at the start of the year they turn five, provided they turn five before 1 May. This means if your child turns five on or before 30 April, they can start school at the beginning of that year. If they turn five after 1 May, they will start the following year.
From their earliest years to their eventual transition into adulthood, the choices we make about their education shape their future in profound ways. While it’s a journey with many twists and turns, planning ahead can help navigate the path with confidence and purpose.
Your Child’s Education with Good Shepherd Lutheran School and Curiosity ELC
The Early Years – Laying the Foundation
The journey begins long before your child sets foot in a classroom. Early childhood education lays the foundation for all future learning. Our learning programs at Curiosity ELC will nurture your child’s love, optimism, and curiosity, their social skills, and their emotional, physical and cognitive development.
Primary Education – Choosing the Right Path
As your child reaches school age, the choices become more significant. Good Shepherd Lutheran School focuses on curriculum, our teaching approach, whole child wellbeing, extracurricular activities, and core values of love, optimism, and creativity. In alignment with our eight principles for learning, our aim as a Christian learning community is to foster a culture and environment infused with the fundamental virtues of love, justice, compassion, forgiveness, service, humility, courage, hope, quality, and appreciation. We strive to align with your child’s unique needs and aspirations.
Transitioning to Secondary Education: Planning for the Future
As your child approaches adolescence, thoughts turn to secondary education and beyond. Good Shepherd Lutheran School is part of Connected Schools, working in partnership with Endeavour College to offer priority consideration to continue your child’s journey from Year 7 to Year 12.
Financial Planning: Investing in the Future
Your child’s education is one of the most important investments you will make. Speak to our finance team to discuss our many payment options to support your child’s educational journey without compromising your family’s financial stability.
Supporting Learning at Home
Education extends beyond the school gates. Good Shepherd Para Vista benefits greatly from an enthusiastic contingent of parents, grandparents, and friends. Whether it is serving on a council team, assisting classroom teachers, or supporting an event or project, the work of volunteers in our school is valued enormously. There is no more powerful message a child can receive from a parent about the importance of their education, than that of a parent voluntarily giving their time to the school. When a child observes a parent or friend actively involved in their schooling, they know that education is valued and further, know they too are valued.
Beyond School: Lifelong Learning and Personal Growth
Education doesn’t end with graduation. We encourage a mindset of lifelong learning, empowering your child to pursue knowledge and personal growth throughout their lives.
Key Enrolment Dates
The primary intake for Foundation in South Australia is at the beginning of the school year, in late January. To ensure your child has a place, it’s advisable to start the enrolment process well in advance. Here at Good Shepherd Lutheran School, we accept enrolment applications two years before the desired start date.
Steps to Enrol Your Child at GSPV
- Enquire: Reach out to our enrolments team and request a prospectus pack. Our comprehensive prospectus includes detailed insights into our school ethos, curriculum, facilities, and overall educational experience, as well as fees and tuition schedule and school uniform guide.
- Visit: We offer a variety of principal’s tours and casual tours throughout the year, allowing you to meet staff and see the school environment first-hand as our students proceed with their day of learning. If you wish to also enrol your child at Curiosity Early Learning Centre, you will have the opportunity to see our centre at the end of each school tour. Our tours fill up quickly so be sure to book early so you don’t miss out!
- Submit an Application: A minimum two years before the desired start date, submit an enrolment application (*1 enrolment form per child). This includes filling out the enrolment form and providing necessary documents such as proof of your child’s age (birth certificate), immunisation records, and any relevant medical or developmental information. We do not charge a fee for submitting an enrolment form.
- Interview and Orientation: If your child’s application for enrolment is successful, we will then arrange a ‘Meet & Greet’ session with the Principal. This is an opportunity for the school to get to know your child and your family, and how we can best support your child’s learning and for you to ask any remaining questions.
- Enrolment Confirmation: Upon acceptance, you’ll receive an enrolment confirmation. Ensure you complete any requested additional paperwork, understand the school’s policies and procedures, and pay the deposit to secure their enrolment.
Benefits of Early Enrolment
Enrolling your child early has several benefits:
- Priority Placement: Popular schools like Good Shepherd Lutheran School may have limited spots, so early enrolment helps your chance to secure your child’s place.
- Time to Prepare: Early enrolment gives your family ample time to prepare for the transition to school, including attending orientation sessions and organising uniforms and supplies.
- Reduced Stress: Knowing that your child’s education pathway is planned reduces stress for both parents and children.
Early Learning and Preschool Considerations
For children younger than five, South Australia offers early childhood education options such as preschool (kindergarten). Children are eligible for up to four terms of preschool in the year before they start school, beginning at age four with applications often submitted up to two years in advance.
At Curiosity Early Learning Centre, we offer specific learning programs with long day care options for children aged 3 years old and 4 years old, taking them to the beginning of their primary school education, starting in Foundation.
Making the decision on when to enrol your child in school is a significant step in their educational journey. By understanding the timelines and requirements specific to South Australia, you can ensure a smooth and positive start for your child’s schooling experience.
Resources for Parents
For more detailed information and resources about when to enrol your child for school, please review the following:
- Department for Education, South Australia: Offers comprehensive guidelines on starting school, age requirements, and enrolment processes. SA Department for Education
- Good Shepherd Lutheran School Para Vista: Our school’s enrolment page provides specific details on our enrolment process. Good Shepherd Lutheran School Enrolment
Want to find out more about our school?
If you’re interested in enrolling your child at our school or ELC, book a Principal’s Tour or submit an application for enrolment.
