Expanded Pre-Prep Program Helps Kids Get Ready for School in Manly

St John Vianney’s Primary School in Manly has expanded its Pre-Prep program to help children and their families feel more comfortable and confident about starting Prep. 



The school used to offer orientation mornings to introduce children to their new environment. However, they saw the need for a more hands-on approach and have now added more activities and support for both kids and parents. The new program focuses on play-based learning, getting involved with the community, and supporting parents through the transition.

What’s New in the Pre-Prep Program?

The updated program now includes Prep Play and Stay afternoons in Term 2, giving children a chance to explore their new surroundings in a relaxed and friendly way. In Term 3, parents can attend workshops and take part in three orientation sessions to help them prepare for the school journey. By Term 4, Pre-Prep students can start borrowing library books to build an early love for reading.

Assistant Principal Religious Education Carmel Smith said the school is also working closely with local kindergartens like Treehouse Early Learning Manly and Wings Early Learning Manly. Throughout Term 3, Year 6 students visited these centres to play with the kindergarteners, helping them feel more comfortable about moving to “big school.”

Parents are happy with the changes. Prep parent Ashleigh Zarif said her son is excited to start school, and she appreciates how the program helps children feel at ease and ready to learn.

Helping Families Prepare for School

To support parents, the school now offers sessions on important topics like reading, maths, and building emotional resilience. These sessions also give parents the chance to meet each other and feel like part of the school community.

Carmel Smith’s Top 5 Tips for Parents When Getting Ready for Prep

  1. Encourage independence – Let your child practise dressing themselves and doing simple tasks like putting on shoes to build their confidence.
  2. Create a goodbye routine – A simple routine, like a hug or a special phrase, can help make goodbyes easier and less stressful.
  3. Introduce the teacher – Talk to your child about their teacher and explain how they are there to help and make learning fun.
  4. Get involved in the school community – Go to school events, set up playdates, and join in parish activities to help your child make friends and feel comfortable.
  5. Talk about feelings – Let your child know it’s okay to feel excited or nervous about starting school and encourage them to share their feelings.


With the positive response to the expanded Pre-Prep program, St John Vianney’s Primary School will continue improving how they help children get ready for school. The school is now taking enrolments for Prep 2026.

Published 24-Jan-2025

How St John Vianney’s Principal Challenges Community To Raise Funds For Student Needing Help

Katherine McKay, principal at St John Vianney’s Primary School in Manly, is a proud New South Wales supporter but she did not mind putting on a Maroons jersey during Game 3 of the State of Origin series, for a great cause.


Read: Manly West Mum Shares Life-Saving Experience with Royal Flying Doctor Service


Mrs McKay challenged the school community to raise more than $5,000 for the medical treatment of Lachlan or simply ‘Lachie,’ a Year 5 student who was diagnosed with a series of medical conditions including Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy. 

Lachie’s condition caused him to have stiff, tight muscles in all four limbs, but worse in his legs. Whilst he’s receiving treatment and therapies for his condition, his muscles are continuing to tighten.

st john vianney
Photo credit: St John Vianney’s Manly/Facebook

The school succeeded with this cause and was able to raise $20,000, which will assist with surgery to help Lachie stand and walk and prevent pain associated with muscle tightness.

“Lachie is such an important part of our school community, he brings joy everywhere he goes.  I am so proud of our students who have come together to support a fellow student receive SPML surgery, a life changing operation for one of our much-loved students,” Mrs McKay said.

The NSW-born principal proudly traded her Blues jersey for Game 3 of the State of Origin, which took place on 13 July at the Suncorp Stadium.

Lachie himself loves Rugby League, and one day, hopes to kick a football like his hero, Jonathan Thurston.

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Photo credit: www.gofundme.com

Lachie’s family, especially his parents Nigel and Victoria, thanked  the St John Vianney’s Primary School community for their generosity in supporting their son.

All donations will help fund Lachie’s SPML (Selective Percutaneous Myofascia Lengthening) Surgery, a minimally invasive and non-traditional operation, which they are aiming to undertake this September.

Dr. David A. Yngve, one of two pediatric orthopedic surgeons who are regularly doing SPML in the United States, called Lachie’s mum and said he can help them. His family quickly jumped at the opportunity and launched their fundraising efforts via GoFundMe so that Lachie could receive a life-changing surgery.

You can learn more about Lachie’s story by visiting https://www.lachieslegendarysteps.com.