A new Pre-Prep program is helping to fill an early learning literacy and numeracy gap in the town of Gayndah, west of Maryborough.
The introduction of Joey’s Jumpstart to St Joseph’s Primary School, a Brisbane Catholic Education school, will allow children to develop the skills and confidence they need.
St Joseph’s Pre-Prep teacher Raquel Hetherington said the program had been designed to gently introduce young children and their families to school life, while strengthening early social, emotional and foundational learning skills.
“We don’t have a lot of access to pre-school literacy and numeracy programs because we are such a small town,” Ms Hetherington said.
“This means some children are missing out on that early social, emotional, and academic exposure before school.
“For us to be able to offer that experience with no pressure whatsoever is pretty lucky.”
Ms Hetherington said she focused on getting the children to feel confident, familiar with routines, and comfortable in the school environment so that they were ready to learn and thrive in Prep.
Parent Jade Eisel has children in Prep at St Joseph’s – it’s the family’s fourth generation at the school.
Ms Eisel was attracted to the school by its sense of warmth and belonging.
“You know your child is going to be looked after, not just by their teacher, but by all the teachers, and they’re also being enriched academically,” she said.
Principal Martha Hill said Joey’s Jumpstart was a natural extension of the school’s commitment to early learning and community connection.
“Joey’s Jumpstart was a passion project for me,” Ms Hill, who has been at the school for three years, said.
“As an early year’s teacher, I recognised the need to strengthen literacy and numeracy skills before children came to school, but it was also about providing a service that isn’t always readily accessible in rural towns.
“It strengthens trust and connection with families and gives them confidence that their children are supported in a caring environment.”
This care extends well beyond the classroom, with the school deeply embedded in its local community.
The students regularly participate in community walks and initiatives that foster gratitude and connection.
At the school’s breakfast club volunteers provide breakfast each morning, giving the community something to do together where they sit, eat, talk and play before the day begins.
For staff and families, the rural setting is part of the school’s strength.
For both staff and families, the rural setting is part of the school’s strength.
“There’s something extra special about rural communities,” Ms Hill said.
“When you move here, people go out of their way to welcome you, they invite you to dinner, to morning tea, and before you know it, you’re part of the community.”
Ms Hetherington agreed, describing her experience teaching in Gayndah as a privilege.
“It’s hard to describe how amazing the community is,” she said.
“You get to know students from Prep right through to Year 6 and then see them succeed outside of school as well. As an early career teacher, the support, opportunities and love you receive out here are incredible.”
