Koala Joeys Pre-Prep Program
At Ripley Central State School, we recognise the importance of early learning and the vital role that smooth, positive transitions play in setting children up for success at school.
Our Koala Joeys Pre-Prep Program is designed to provide our future Prep students with an authentic experience of what being part of our school community is like. Through a series of engaging sessions, children and their families will have the opportunity to explore our learning environments, meet key staff, and participate in a range of activities that reflect the daily life of a Prep student at Ripley Central.
These sessions not only help our future students feel confident and excited about starting school, but they also allow our staff to get to know the children who will be joining us in 2027. We believe that successful transitions are a two-way process - it is just as important for our staff to be ready for our students as it is for our students to be ready for school.
How the Koala Joeys Program Works
- Starting in 2026 - we are running two programs simultaneously and families are invited to attend as many sessions as they can.
1. Koala Joey's Afternoon Sessions
2. Prep Readiness Program
- The programs are open to children who are enrolled in Prep for 2027 at Ripley Central State School.
- Each session requires a parent or family adult member to attend and assist with supervision.
Koala Joeys Afternoon sessions
The program consists of four sessions, held on Tuesday afternoons from 3.45pm to 4.30pm.
When: 3.45pm to 4.30pm
Arrival and Sign-in: From 3.20pm
Dates: November 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th.
Tuesday 3 November - School Tour
Future students and their families will enjoy a guided tour of our school, exploring key learning and play spaces. Along the way, children will participate in activities across different areas of the school.
Tuesday 10 November - Classroom Experience
Our future Preps will step into a Prep classroom and experience what it feels like to be part of the learning environment. Some of our Prep teachers will lead lessons and activities designed to build confidence and familiarity.
Tuesday 17 November - Specialist Experience
Students will meet our specialist teachers in Health and Physical Education and The Arts and explore the unique spaces where these lessons take place. This session helps children become familiar with our specialist programs and routines.
Tuesday 24 November - Quiet Session
Our final session is designed for families who feel their child may benefit from a smaller, calmer environment. This session provides a more flexible experience, allowing families to take a guided tour and visit a Prep classroom in a quieter setting.
Join Our Koala Joeys
The Koala Joeys Pre-Prep Program is an exciting first step in your child's educational journey with Ripley Central State School. Enrolments for 2027 are already open, so please ensure you enrol prior to joining us. We look forward to welcoming our 2027 Prep students and their families as they begin their learning adventure with us.
Bookings: Koala Joeys 2026
Prep-Readiness Program
This program will run on four consecutive Monday's the aim being for the child to participate at the same time every week for all four weeks.
New for 2026, our Prep Readiness Program will provide future Prep students with additional opportunities to experience a classroom environment, practice school routines and participate in school-like activities before beginning Prep in 2027.
The program will run during the school day across four consecutive Monday's.
Dates: November 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd.
Session Length: 50 Minutes
Attendance: A parent or adult family member must attend each session.
Families can attend the following session times:
- 8.55am - 9.45am
- 10.00am - 10.50am
- 12.00pm - 12.50pm
- 1.50pm - 2.40pm
Families will attend their selected session time each week. Places are limited in each timeslot, so early booking is encouraged. As spaces are limited, please ensure you are able to attend all four sessions before registering, as this will help ensure opportunities remain available for other families.
The sessions will be led by one of our current prep teachers and will take place in one of our classrooms. Children will have opportunities to participate in developmentally appropriate activities, practice classroom routines and build familiarity with the school learning environment.
While the children participate in their classroom experience, parents and caregivers will be located in a nearby room. Staff from across different areas of the school will share important information about starting Prep and be available to answer questions.
This program is designed to complement our established Koala Joey's afternoon sessions by providing a more extended experience of classroom life during the school day.
Bookings: Prep Readiness Program 2026
Uniform Shop
Our uniform shop, operated by UMS, will also be open during each of the Prep transition sessions for our future Prep families. Located next to Administration, the uniform shop will be open from 2.00pm - 5.00pm on each session date.
This is a great opportunity to get organised early, with families able to try on and purchase uniforms in preparation for Prep 2027.
Please note that a parent or carer must remain with their child throughout the session. If you plan to visit the uniform shop while your child participates in the session, please ensure that a second adult is available to supervise your child.