Discover St James
With limited spaces in Kindergarten in 2026, we invite you to book a tour to discover all that our Kindergarten has to offer.
Join us for our Open Day on 25th June, from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Registration Form Open Day
Open Day Term II 2025
The early years of schooling lay the foundation for a child’s education. At St. James, we nurture curiosity and foster a lifelong love of learning through play-based experiences in both indoor and outdoor spaces.
We personalise each child’s learning journey, recognising their unique strengths and developing key skills such as problem-solving and communication. Our dedicated staff work closely with parents to ensure every child thrives academically and socially.
From 2025 we offer both a 3-day and a 5-day Kindergarten program to provide the best educational experiences for your child.
Q&A
General Information
What are the school hours for Kindergarten?
From 8.50 to 3pm
Is before and after-school care available?
We work alongside Cygnet Children’s Centre to allow this to happen.
What is the student-to-teacher ratio in Kindergarten?
In Tasmanian Catholic schools, the student-to-teacher ratio in kindergarten is typically around 13.4:1. However, at St James Catholic School, the ratio is often as low as 10:1, with the added support of a teacher’s aide. Smaller class sizes help create a more supportive and personalized environment, leading to better academic and social outcomes for students.
How does St. James support children transitioning into Kindergarten?
St. James supports children transitioning into kindergarten by offering a welcoming and nurturing environment that eases the shift from home or daycare. The school provides orientation sessions for both children and parents, introducing them to the classroom routines, teachers, and peers. Teachers also engage in small-group activities that promote social skills, emotional regulation, and early academic learning. With a focus on individualised attention and gentle guidance, St. James helps children build confidence, making them feel secure and excited about starting kindergarten. The school also fosters strong communication with parents to ensure a smooth transition.
Daily Routine & Activities
What does a typical day in Kindergarten look like?
A typical day in kindergarten is filled with a balance of structured activities and play. The day usually starts with a morning routine, which may include a welcome circle where the class discusses the schedule and the weather. Then, children engage in lessons focusing on early literacy, math, and social skills, often using hands-on activities like arts and crafts or group games. Snack and recess breaks are incorporated to allow kids to recharge and socialize. Throughout the day, there is time for imaginative play, both indoors and outdoors, which helps develop creativity and teamwork. The day often wraps up with a story or music session before preparing for home time.
What types of learning activities do children engage in?
Kindergarten is a place where you will see a wide range of stimulating activities in an environment that encourages students to learn through play. You will see your child engage in many different tasks, and may even wonder at times how each is connected to their learning pathway; however, as you will see, each has a greater purpose
Are there rest or nap times during the day?
Our afternoon routine includes: a small rest period with a story, relaxation game, music and a piece of fruit or vegetable.
How does play-based learning work in the Kindergarten program?
In the kindergarten program, play-based learning is a core approach that allows children to explore and develop key skills through hands-on, interactive activities. Rather than traditional lessons, children learn by engaging in guided play that encourages creativity, problem-solving, and social interaction. Whether it’s building with blocks, role-playing, or participating in art projects, play-based learning helps children strengthen their cognitive, emotional, and physical development. Teachers facilitate the play by observing, offering prompts, and incorporating learning objectives, all while allowing children to direct their own learning in a fun and meaningful way.
What extracurricular activities or special programs are available for Kindergarten students?
Activities may change from year to year, but they consistently offer engaging and enjoyable learning experiences for everyone involved. Whether it’s through interactive lessons, creative projects, or group challenges, each activity is designed to be both fun and educational, ensuring that children remain curious and excited to learn. The variety helps cater to different interests and developmental stages, making sure that every child has the chance to grow and thrive in a supportive environment.
Facilities & Resources
What facilities are available for Kindergarten students? (Classrooms, play areas, libraries, etc.)
We have an enclosed play area for Kinder only students, a classroom with attached toilets (student-sized), and we visit the school library once a week. Students participate in 2 Physical Education lessons and 1 music lesson a week
How does the school handle outdoor play and weather conditions?
Yes, the school takes outdoor play and weather conditions seriously. We ensure that children have the opportunity for outdoor activities, regardless of the weather, as long as it is safe to do so. In case of extreme weather, such as heavy rain or hot sunny days, appropriate indoor alternatives are provided. On sunny days, children are encouraged to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and hats, and take breaks in shaded areas to stay cool. Our goal is to promote physical activity and fresh air while keeping safety and well-being a top priority.
Health & Emergencies
What happens if my child gets sick or injured at school?
If your child gets sick or injured at school, we have a trained first aid team available to provide immediate care. In the event of an injury or illness, we will assess the situation and contact you to inform you and discuss the next steps. For more serious conditions, we may seek medical attention and ensure your child is taken care of promptly. Your child’s safety and well-being are our priority, and we make sure parents are kept updated throughout the process.
What is the policy for absences due to illness?
A detailed list of policies is available on the TCO website for parents to review.https://catholic.tas.edu.au/policies
Are there any medical or allergy management plans in place?
At St James we have comprehensive medical and allergy management plans in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all students. Parents are asked to inform the school of any medical conditions or allergies, and we work closely with them to create individualised plans for their children. These plans are shared with relevant staff members to ensure proper care is provided. We also take steps to create an allergy-safe environment, such as avoiding certain foods and maintaining clear emergency protocols if needed.
What are the lunch and snack options? Can children bring their own food?
For lunch and snacks, children have the option to bring their own food from home or order from the school canteen, which offers healthy meal choices from Tuesday to Friday. We encourage healthy eating habits by promoting balanced lunches, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Parents are welcome to pack nutritious snacks like fruit, yogurt, or whole-grain crackers to support their child’s energy throughout the day. Choosing wholesome options helps children stay focused and active, ensuring they have a productive day at school!
Parental Involvement & Communication
How does the school communicate with parents about their child’s progress?
Parents are welcome to book and attend learning conferences with their child’s teacher.
Are parents encouraged to be involved in the school community?
Yes, parents are encouraged to be actively involved in the school community. We believe that a strong partnership between parents and the school enhances the overall experience for students. Parents can participate in various school events, volunteer opportunities, and contribute to classroom activities. This involvement helps foster a supportive environment for children and strengthens the connection between home and school, ensuring that every student has the best chance to succeed.
How can parents provide feedback or raise concerns?
Parents are always encouraged to provide feedback or raise any concerns they may have. We believe in open communication and value the input of parents to help improve the school experience for everyone. Parents can share their thoughts through regular meetings, emails, or by scheduling appointments with staff members. We are committed to addressing concerns promptly and working together to ensure a positive and supportive learning environment for all students
Visit Us
We warmly invite you to book a personalised tour of our Kindergarten and discover all that St James has to offer your child.
During the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to explore our purpose-built indoor and outdoor learning spaces, see our dedicated teaching staff in action and get a firsthand look at our welcoming and safe Kindergarten environment.