Learning
20 Years of Kindergarten at Heathdale
For two decades, our Kindergarten at the Heathdale Werribee campus has partnered with families to nurture children through their earliest years of learning, faith and development. Register for our upcoming Open Day to experience our community firsthand and see our Kindergarten in action.
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Our Kindergarten program
Kindergarten is more than preparation for school. It's the start of a learning journey where children are known, loved and encouraged to develop their God-given potential from 3 years old right through to Year 12.
Structured through a series of informal and directed play–based activities, our Kinder children learn how to listen to instructions, make friendships, share, be honest, add to their own knowledge and grow as learners. It is through their innate curiosity, exploration and engagement with peers and educators that children begin to make sense of God’s world and the valuable part they play within their community.
To help our children develop into successful and confident learners, they will be immersed in environments that encourage them to explore multiple perspectives and ways of working. We encourage play-based learning where children will engage in nature play, indoor/outdoor play, song and dance, messy play and games, all within a Christian learning environment. Children also learn Maths, Literacy, Science, French, Music and PE basics.
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Why Families Choose Heathdale Kindergarten
Hear from Heathdale families about their experience and why they chose Heathdale Kindergarten for their children.
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Learning Values
The excitement of our current Kindergarten students is often reflected through the laughter and chatter you hear as you approach our purpose-built Kindergarten rooms. Their zeal and enthusiasm as they learn and play with staff and other students is often contagious.
We strive to create a healthy learning environment where our students are loved, cared for and respected as individuals who belong to different, diverse communities. We believe that children begin to know who they are and what they can achieve by Believing, Belonging and Becoming the person God created them to be.
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Learning Framework
We are informed by current research and practices throughout our Kindergarten program, as this is the beginning of the formal learning journey for students. More information can be found via the Victorian Early Years Learning Framework and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kindergarten
What makes Heathdale Kindergarten different?
Heathdale Kindergarten is more than a place for children to learn and play. It is the beginning of a 15-year learning journey within a safe and caring Christian community. From their earliest years of learning, our children are known, valued and encouraged to develop their God-given potential through high-quality play-based learning, nurturing relationships and a strong sense of belonging.
What makes Heathdale unique is the opportunity for children to grow within one community from Kindergarten right through to Year 12. Located within our Kinder to Year 2 precinct, children become familiar with their future classrooms, playgrounds and school environment long before they commence Prep.
Our Kindergarten students also enjoy access to College facilities and participate in selected school experiences such as French Week, Book Week, whole school assemblies and dedicated Prep transition sessions at the end of 4-year-old Kindergarten.
Throughout the Kindergarten journey, our experienced and passionate Kindergarten educators work in partnership with families to support each child's spiritual, social, emotional, cognitive and physical development. We strive to nurture confident learners who are well-prepared for school and equipped to flourish throughout their educational journey.
What age can my child start Kindergarten?
For 3-Year-Old Kindergarten, children must turn three by 31 January of the enrolment year.
For 4-Year-Old Kindergarten, children must turn four by 30 April of the enrolment year.
Should my child attend 3-Year-Old Kindergarten or wait until 4-Year-Old Kindergarten?
Every family is different, but research shows that two years of Kindergarten can provide significant benefits for children's development. Joining at 3 years old can help children settle into their learning community, build confidence and friendships, and establish a strong foundation for future learning.
What does a typical Kindergarten day look like?
A typical day includes free play, exploration, group learning experiences, Bible stories, prayer, singing, literacy and numeracy activities, outdoor play, music and movement.
Our daily routine is carefully designed to support children's wellbeing, relationships, confidence and learning.
Our program combines structured play-based learning with opportunities to develop early foundations in literacy, mathematics, science, French, music and physical education.
Children learn through indoor and outdoor play, nature-based experiences, creative activities, singing, movement and problem-solving opportunities.
Is Heathdale Kindergarten play-based?
Yes. Play is intentionally central to our approach. We believe children learn best through meaningful, hands-on experiences that encourage curiosity, creativity, exploration and discovery.
Our program includes nature play, risk-based play, indoor and outdoor learning, games, music, movement and imaginative play.
Is Heathdale Kindergarten government funded?
Every child's Kindergarten place receives base-level funding from the Victorian Government.
As Heathdale does not participate in the Free Kinder program, families pay school fees, which enable us to invest beyond the minimum funding requirements and provide high-quality facilities, resources and learning experiences.
Please refer to our school fees here.
Does my child automatically receive a place in Prep?
Yes. When families join Heathdale in either 3-Year-Old or 4-Year-Old Kindergarten, their child automatically has a place in Prep if they choose to continue their education at Heathdale.
They do not need to reapply for Prep. This provides certainty and continuity throughout your child's learning journey.
Where is the Kindergarten located?
Our purpose-built Kindergarten facility is located on our Werribee campus within the Kinder to Year 2 precinct. The facility includes dedicated Kindergarten learning spaces, a welcoming reception area, outdoor play environments and a vegetable garden designed to support children's learning, discovery and growth.
Our Kindergarten is also intentionally positioned alongside our Prep classrooms and playground. This allows children to become familiar with their future learning environment long before they begin Primary School, helping them develop a strong sense of belonging, confidence and excitement about their transition to Prep.
To further support their transition, Kindergarten students participate in three Prep transition sessions towards the end of 4-year-old Kindergarten, providing valuable opportunities to connect with Prep teaching staff, explore their future classrooms and become school-ready in a familiar and supportive environment.
How do I apply for Kindergarten?
We encourage all families to visit Heathdale before submitting an application. Attending a School tour or Open Day provides an opportunity to experience our Kindergarten environment, meet members of our team, learn about our Christian educational philosophy and determine whether Heathdale is the right fit for your family.
Following your visit, you will receive access to our online application form. Applications require supporting documentation and payment of a non-refundable application fee. Please refer to our Enrolments Process for more information.
As places can be limited, we encourage families to begin the process early and attend a tour as soon as possible.
Is applying a guarantee of enrolment?
No. Applying for enrolment does not guarantee a place, as demand may exceed available spaces. Heathdale encourages families to apply early and maintain alternative Kindergarten options while enrolment decisions are being made. You can refer to our Enrolments process here.