Welcome to Preschool Parent Information

DIRECTOR OF EARLY LEARNING - Michelle Heath (08) 8522 0666

TRINITY COLLEGE GAWLER PRESCHOOL - (08) 8522 0660 
Director - Sue Reynolds
Administration - Anita Borchard

TRINITY COLLEGE GAWLER RIVER PRESCHOOL - (08) 8284 6018
Director - Shannon Mells
Administration - Jessica Street

TRINITY COLLEGE ROSEWORTHY PRESCHOOL - (08) 8522 9910
Director - Hayley Jones
Administration - Jenna Fraser

2025 Fees

Full-day session (8 hours) $133.00
Half-day session (4 hours) $66.50

Sessions begin and end promptly. A fee of $10.00 plus $2 per minute, per child will apply for late collections to cover the cost of the required two staff who must remain with the child. 

Every day offers something new but is grounded in familiar routines that build children’s confidence and provide a strong sense of security.  

Children arrive from 8:30am and are welcomed by their Educator team. They begin their day through purposeful play and meaningful interactions. A morning group time invites children and educators to come together through stories, songs, shared conversations and a light snack before heading back into a day rich with exploration, collaboration and creativity.  

While we sometimes have a group morning tea, we also offer a ‘rolling snack,’ where children choose when to eat, supporting their independence and recognising that not all children are ready to eat at the same time. This flexible approach reduces unnecessary transitions, supports engagement in play, and fosters a sense of agency as children learn to listen to their own needs. 

Lunch is enjoyed in a social setting. While rest is not formally scheduled, quiet spaces and downtime are always available to those who need them. 

Our outdoor spaces invite children to play, explore, and connect with nature. Time spent outside encourages learning through movement, imagination, and sensory experiences. These environments foster curiosity, care for the environment, and a deeper understanding of the world around them. 

Although the Preschool session finishes at 3.30pm, our after-Preschool care service is available until 4.30pm. The holiday program provides an option for families during term breaks, with children able to attend on their usual enrolled days. While our teaching staff take a break, this program is led by our familiar team of qualified Educators, ensuring continuity of care in a safe and engaging environment. 

Drop-off

Sessions begin at 8.30am (morning) and 12.30pm (afternoon). Please arrive on time to help your child settle alongside their peers and enjoy the full day.

Sessions will not begin before the allocated time to ensure children arrive to a safe, engaging, and well-prepared environment; if you arrive early, please wait with your child in the reception area. 

Pick-up 

Children finish their Preschool day at 3.30pm however, they may be collected earlier to align with school finishing times. An option to continue their afternoon at our onsite after Preschool care service until 4.30pm is provided for those children attending afternoon sessions.   

We ask that if you need to collect your child prior to 3.00pm that you notify us beforehand. 

Anyone collecting your child will need to be listed as an authorised collector on Xap. They may be asked to show photo ID so we can verify their identity.  

Our centre closes at 4.30pm, please ensure children are collected by this time to avoid a late fee charge.  

We know that every child and parent adjusts to Preschool in their own way. We're here to support you through this important transition. You’re welcome to stay briefly in the early days to help your child settle. 

When saying goodbye, we encourage you to keep it short, calm, and confident. Your child will sense your emotions, so showing trust in us helps them feel secure. 

Crying during separation is normal, and sometimes it's harder after the second or third visit. Our educators are skilled in supporting children through these moments with comfort and reassurance. 

Please avoid returning once you've said goodbye—this can make it harder. Always let your child know you're leaving and that you'll return. If you're unsure or concerned, feel free to call us to check in. We'll also contact you if we believe your child needs you. 

We're confident your child will soon feel at home and enjoy their time at Preschool. 

Each child will be assigned to a classroom and teaching team who will support them throughout their time at Preschool. 

While all staff work together to provide care and oversight, we encourage you to get to know the Educators in your child’s room. 

We’re committed to building strong, trusting relationships and are always available to answer questions or discuss any concerns. 

Children will need

• A bag that is big enough to comfortably store everything required for a day at Preschool and that your child can open and close independently.
• A Trinity College hat (broad-brimmed or legionnaire) is required every day.
• Healthy snacks and lunch in easy-to-open containers. Lunch boxes are refrigerated. Morning snacks are not, so please include an ice pack for perishable items or choose non-perishable options like fruit, vegetables, crackers.
• We promote healthy eating and a safe food environment, for all children, especially those with allergies. To support this, we ask that you avoid packing nuts or nut products (including Nutella and peanut butter) lollies, chocolate, chips and sugary drinks in your child’s lunch box. On some occasions we may need to exclude other foods such as egg depending on the allergies present at the preschool but will advise families of this if necessary.
• A drink bottle (water only).
• A spare set of underwear and socks and pants. Plain blue shorts or long pants are fine for spare clothes. 
• Please ensure all items your child brings to Preschool are clearly labelled.

Children attending Preschool must wear the Trinity College sports uniform (summer and winter options), available from STARstore, the sole supplier of the Trinity College uniform. STARstore is located in STARplex.

Closed-in shoes suitable for climbing such as running sneakers or sandals with secure straps must be worn. Slip on styles like thongs, slides or crocs are not suitable to be worn at Preschool.

At Preschool, children learn through play, exploration, and conversation. This learning may not result in something to bring home, but it's deeply meaningful. 

We focus on the process of learning. Activities like painting, making, puzzles, digging in the sandpit, building, role-playing, and experimenting with water foster creativity, problem-solving, and social skills – so valuable for their school and life preparation! 

We suggest you talk to your child at the end of the day by asking open-ended questions to encourage reflection: 

• “What something you loved doing today?
• “What did you build or create?” 
• “Who did you play with and what did you do together?” 

We support your child in developing confidence and independence however, independence is encouraged but not forced - we follow each child’s lead. 

• Children are encouraged to unpack and repack their bags.
• Children are supported to eat independently by managing their own lunchboxes, choosing what to eat and opening containers on their own, building confidence and self-help skills.
• Children ask for help when needed.
• Children should be able to manage their toileting needs independently as although our educators will provide gentle reminders and promote capability through clear routines and child-accessible facilities. We do not have nappy-changing facilities on site.
• While quiet rest time is available for those who need it, we do not have dedicated areas to support regular daytime sleep. 

We are Cancer Council Sun Safe School. In line with their recommendations and to protect children from UV exposure and promote safe outdoor play habits; 

• Children will wear hats when playing outside, hats should be labelled and will be kept in children’s bags when not in use.
• Please apply sunscreen before arrival; staff will reapply as needed.

To help keep all children and staff well, we ask that you please keep your child at home if they are unwell or showing signs of illness. This helps stop the spread of infections and gives your child the time they need to rest and recover. 

In particular please keep your child home if they have: 

• An infectious illness and are still within the contagious period
• A fever or raised temperature
• School sores or boils that are not covered
• Cold sores, conjunctivitis, or head lice
• A heavy cold or flu, especially with yellow or green nasal discharge
• Vomiting or diarrhoea in the past 24 hours 

For further information, we encourage you to visit the SA Health website.   

If your child becomes unwell while at Preschool, educators may contact you to collect them early. A doctor’s clearance may be required for return after communicable illness. Families will be notified of reported illnesses at Preschool. 

We appreciate your understanding and support in keeping our Preschool community safe and healthy.  

We are able to administer over the counter or prescription medication, provided we have the documentation signed by the doctor and parent. DOWNLOAD A MEDIACAL AUTHORITY FORM HERE.  

Regular medication needed by your child is managed through the action plans provided your GP/specialist. 

• Fees are charged for all booked days, including absences due to illness or holidays.  
• There is no charge for sessions during term breaks, unless children are booked to attend the holiday program.
• There is no charge for sessions that fall on public holidays.
• Families are entitled to 42 allowable absences per financial year under CCS and need to provide a medical certificate for illness-related absences to avoid using the 42-day allowance.
• Fees are invoiced weekly in arrears for the gap fee (the difference between full fee and CCS).
• Payment options include Direct Debit (preferred), Bpay, or Xap.
• We ask you to notify absences via Xap, phone, or email to your Preschool.

All policies are available to view on the Trinity College website and through each Preschool’s administration office. 

Please ask if you would like to view or discuss them. 

We value strong relationships with families and want you to feel involved in your child’s learning: 

• Communication through face-to-face chats, emails, and Xap app.
• Updates include learning stories, photos, and important reminders.
• Your feedback and ideas are always welcome.