For 75 years, Mater Dei Catholic Primary School has bee a place where children are known by name, cared for deeply and supported to grow as learners and individuals. Set on a beautiful, leafy campus in Ashgrove West, our school community is shaped by our Catholic faith and our commitment to nurturing confident, capable and compassionate children from Prep to Year 6.
We understand that beginning Prep is a special milestone for every family. As parents prepare uniforms, practise morning routines and anticipate the first day of school, one hope is shared by all: that their child will be happy and thrive. At Mater Dei, we take this responsibility to heart.
At Mater Dei, Prep is a joyful and engaging introduction to formal schooling. Our program is grounded in Play-Based Learning, a proven approach that honours the natural curiosity, energy and creativity of young children. Our dedicated and experienced teachers work in partnership with families to support each child to flourish academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually.
Play-Based Learning allows children to:
- explore ideas and make discoveries
- communicate, collaborate and problem-solve
- strengthen fine and gross motor skills
- build confidence and independence
- develop critical and creative thinking
- learn through real-life, hands-on experiences
As long-standing Mater Dei Prep teacher Dina Nona shares:
"Play-based inquiry learning is intuitive and child-centred. It celebrates each child's interests, curiosity and uses these as the basis for rich learning experiences".
This approach ensures learning is meaningful, responsive and aligned with what young children need to succeed in their early years of schooling.
What does Prep look like at Mater Dei?
Our Prep classrooms are bright, calm and welcoming spaces where children feel safe, supported and excited to learn. Each day includes a balance of structure and flexibility, with a wide variety of indoor and outdoor experiences designed to meet the needs of the whole child.
In Prep at Mater Dei, children:
- engage in a blend of teacher-led and student-initiated learning
- enjoy daily sensory, creative, social and investigative play
- follow predictable routines that build confidence
- experience learning aligned to the Australian Curriculum and BCE's Early Years expectations
This thoughtful, age-appropriate approach ensures every child is supported to grow at their own pace while achieving key developmental milestones.
Now enrolling for Prep
If your family is preparing for Prep in the coming years, we warmly invite you to book a school tour. Meet our Principal and staff, explore our beautiful campus and experience firsthand the nurturing and vibrant community that makes Mater Dei Catholic Primary School such a special place for children to learn and grow.