Welcome to the Pre-Kindergarten Programme at Orana Catholic Primary School. We look forward to meeting you and your child.

The early years of school are very special. Pre-Kindergarten is the bridge between home and the more formal institution of school. It is a period when children enter the social world beyond their family. It is a time of steady growth, a time of exciting discoveries and a time to have fun. Our primary concern is the contentment and happiness of each child.

Pre-Kindergarten is a place where children can become creative thinkers and doers. Our number one goal is to guide the children towards developing an "I can do it" self-image. Our process-orientated format and open-ended activities allow creativity to blossom. At Orana, our focus for Pre-Kindergarten is on social development. Success in the early years of schooling depends upon the acquisition of social skills. These skills are acquired primarily through play. The Play experiences in the formative years are one of the most important stages in a child's life as it is the foundation for future social and academic performances.

2024 Pre-Kindy and Kindergarten Booklet

A POEM TO HELP YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT YOUR CHILD DOES AT PRE-KINDERGARTEN

WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING

When you thought I wasn't looking,
I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator,
and I wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking,
I saw you feed a stray cat,
and I thought it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking,
I saw you make my favourite cake for me,
and I knew that little things are special things.

When you thought I wasn't looking,
I heard you say a prayer,
and I believed that there was a God to talk to.

When you thought I wasn't looking,
I felt you kiss me goodnight,
and I felt loved.

When you thought I wasn't looking,
I saw tears come from your eyes,
and I learned that sometimes things hurt,
but it's alright to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking,
I saw that you cared,
and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking,
I looked....
and I wanted to say thanks for all the things
I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.

Mary Rita Schilke Korazan