Expanding Flexibility in our Early Learning Centre: Introducing Part-Time 3-Year-Old Kindergarten

At St Michael's, we are always listening. When families told us they were looking for greater flexibility in how their youngest learners begin their educational journey, we heard them and we acted.

From 2027, St Michael's Grammar School will introduce part-time enrolment options within our 3-Year-Old Kindergarten program, offering families flexible attendance across three-day, four-day, or full-time programs while continuing to access the same high-quality program that has earned our Early Learning Centre an 'Exceeding' rating from ACECQA and a perfect 100% satisfaction score in the 2024 Kindergarten Parent Opinion Survey.

Listening to Our Community

The decision follows a survey of current ELC families, complemented by conversations with prospective families at Open Mornings throughout the year. The feedback was clear: families value the exceptional quality of St Michael's early childhood education and want greater flexibility in how their children access it.

This responsiveness is at the heart of who we are. Our ELC is a place where children are known, valued, and empowered — and that same spirit of care and attentiveness extends to the families who entrust us with their children's earliest years of learning.

What the New Options Look Like

From 2027, families enrolling in 3-Year-Old Kindergarten will be able to choose from three flexible enrolment options, all running from 8:40am to 3:15pm:

A 3-Day Program (Monday–Wednesday) and a 4-Day Program (Monday–Thursday) will be offered in the Floris Room, while the Full-Time Program (Monday–Friday) will continue in the Botanica Room.

Wherever possible, the full range of specialist learning experiences available in our ELC will be offered across each program's attendance days. 

Across all three options, the core elements of our 3-Year-Old Kindergarten remain unchanged — strong relationships with educators and peers, a deep sense of belonging and wellbeing, growing confidence and independence, and a rich curriculum that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and early Literacy and Numeracy skills. 

Our Signature Programs will also continue to be a central feature of every child's experience.

Pre-Preparatory Remains Full-Time

Our Pre-Preparatory (4-Year-Old Kindergarten) program will continue as a full-time, five-day program. This reflects the comprehensive, developmentally rich curriculum that supports school readiness and allows children to fully engage in the breadth of learning on offer each week.

Fees and Subsidies

Fees for part-time programs will be pro-rated based on days of attendance. Families will continue to be eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) and Free Kinder, subject to individual eligibility requirements. The 2027 Fees and Charges schedule will be published in early Term 4 2026.

Our Educators, Our Strength

Throughout this transition, retaining our exceptional team of educators remains a central priority. Their expertise, dedication, and deep relationships with children and families are what make the St Michael's ELC experience truly distinctive. While some roles may evolve, we are committed to drawing on the full breadth of our educators' skills and knowledge as we grow.

We are proud to offer this new flexibility while remaining steadfast in our commitment to the excellence, care, and sense of community that define the St Michael's Early Learning Centre — the place where so many of our students begin a journey that carries them all the way through to Year 12.