Welcome to Prep at Helensvale State School. It is our privelge to welcome you to our school community. Starting Prep is a very special milestone, and we are delighted to welcome your family to our school community. At our school, we are committed to creating a safe, supportive and engaging environment where every child feels valued, confident and inspired to learn.
Prep is the first year of school and provides the foundation for your child's education. Prep is a full-time program and has a defined curriculum. Children attend Monday to Friday, during our normal school hours 8:55am – 3:00pm.
Children must be 5 years of age by 30th June in the year they enrol.
Ensure that you live in our Helensvale State School catchment area. You can check on the Department of Education's Queensland school catchment map.
You can view the Department of Education's online calculator External link to determine when your child can commence Prep.
You can find more information in our Prep at Helensvale State School booklet.
Prep Enrolment Process:
- Attend a Principal Tour
- Submit an application form (online or collect an enrolment pack from school administration)
- Attend a Welcome Meeting - the school will make contact with you to organise this
- Stay connected - follow our school Facebook page for information around 'Making big moves smaller' events
1. Principal Tours
Join our school principal, Mr James Forrest, for a guided school tour and discover the engaging, supportive and student-led environmnet we're proud to offer every student. Principal Tours commence at 9.15am, starting at our school administration building.
Term 2 Dates: 27th May & 10th June
Term 3 Dates: 30th July, 20th August & 10th September
To book your tour call (07) 5556 1333 or email mfree50@eq.edu.au
2. Your enroment application
- Complete an enrolment pack
- Make sure you complete all forms and provide all supporting documents
- Submit your enrolment application in person at our school Recepetion or via email at enrolments@helensvaless.eq.edu.au
- View all relevant documents prior to your Welcome Meeting
3. Welcome Meetings
All enrolling families are required to attend an Welcome Meeting with our Deputy Principal for Prep – Year 2, Mrs Susan O'Brien.
Enrolment interviews will commence in Term 3 and are a friendly and informal opportunity to meet you and your child, share information, answer any questions you may have and learn how we can best support your child in their transition to Prep.
'Making big moves smaller' to support your child in their successful transition to school
Koala Joey's Playgroup
All families are invited to accompany their child/ren aged from birth to 5 years, to attend our Koala Joey's Playgroup fortnightly on Friday Morning from 9:15am – 10:30am. Playgroup commences in Week 2, Semester 2 and is facilitated by one of our Senior Experienced Teachers.
Our Koala Joey's Playgroup is located within our school and provides a range of organised activities aligned to the Early Years Learning Framework and aimed at promoting fun and learning, building community connections, enhancing confidence and self-esteem and developing oral language, listening and fine motor skills.
Prep Orientation Morning
Our Prep Orientation Morning provides an exciting opportunity for all 2027 Prep students to begin their school journey with us. During this special morning, children will meet their classroom teacher, spend time in their Prep classroom, and experience a taste of what school life is like.
Students will participate in engaging learning experiences, explore their new environment, and begin building confidence and familiarity with school routines in a warm and welcoming setting. This morning is designed to support a smooth and positive transition to prep while helping children make connections with their ppers, and learning spaces ahead of the 2027 school year.
Queensland Department of Education: Positive Transitions
In 2026, Queensland announced a Transitions Position Statement, sharing evidence-informed commitments to enable educational transitions acorss birth to Year 12. These commitments have been built from university research literature and consultation with stakeholders in Queensland.
For more information, visit: Transitions Position Statement
Starting Prep in Queensland
Starting Prep is a big step for your child. It is also a big step for you as a parent or carer.
Queensland state schools welcome you and will support you and your child to make these steps positive ones.
For more information, visit: Starting Prep in Queensland
Postitive transitions to school
Information for families: Positive transitions to school