Set
PREP 2027 Ready,
WELCOME TO @ CCC PREP
Ready, Set, Prep
At Cooloola Christian College (CCC), we understand that a child’s first steps into formal education are some of the most important they’ll ever take. That’s why we’re passionate about preparing little learners not just for Prep, but for a lifelong journey of learning. “Ready, Set, Prep” is more than a catchphrase; it’s our commitment to ensuring every child begins their school years with confidence, capability, and curiosity.
The foundation for this strong start begins in Kindergarten. At our CCC Early Learning Centre, we create a nurturing and engaging environment that helps children build essential skills long before they step into a Prep classroom. Our learning programs are intentionally designed to develop social and emotional confidence, early literacy and numeracy skills, and the ability to communicate and collaborate. These core skills are vital for long term educational success.
The move from Kindergarten to Prep is a significant step, and we believe in building a strong bridge between these years. Children who experience a well-supported transition are more likely to thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. At CCC, we walk alongside families through this process, offering support, guidance, and clear communication every step of the way.
We don’t just prepare children for their first day of school, we prepare them for a life of learning. Our goal is to equip every child with the skills they need to succeed in education and beyond: critical thinking, creativity, resilience, and a love of learning rooted in strong Christian values. Let’s work together to give your child the best start.
Let the journey begin!
MRS NATALIE COCKS DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - PRIMARY
FOUNDATION A FIRM
At CCC Early Learning Centre, we are passionate about nurturing the whole child, supporting their growth, wellbeing, and development so they are ready to thrive when they step into Prep and beyond.
From the moment your child enters Kindy at CCC ELC, they are immersed in a learning environment designed to develop key foundational skills across all areas: cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual. Our Kindy program is intentional in helping children become ‘Prep ready,’ offering structured, yet play-based experiences, that build independence, resilience, and a love of learning.
Importantly, our Kindy children are not only growing academically, they are growing in character and community. Being immersed in the College environment gives them early exposure to school life: the people, the places, and the rhythms of the day. Our dedicated Prep Transition Program ensures little learners are ready for Prep; they’re not stepping into the unknown, they’re stepping into a familiar and welcoming space with confidence.
Our CLEAR values: Courageous, Learners, Excellence, Accountable, and Respectful, are consistently implemented across both the ELC and the College. Children begin to understand and embrace these expectations early, creating a positive, consistent culture of care, responsibility, and Christian character.
As a Christian school, we believe each child is a precious creation of God, uniquely gifted and deeply loved. Our role is to walk alongside families - nurturing gifts, growing potential, and planting seeds of faith and learning that will flourish for years to come.
At CCC, we’re not just getting children ready for Prep; we’re preparing them for life.
GAQLD KINDERGARTEN LEARNING GUIDELINE (QKLG)
Our curriculum is thoughtfully aligned with the Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guideline, which recognises that early childhood is a time of significant learning and development. We believe that children thrive when they feel secure, confident, and connected. The QKLG supports this by promoting a holistic approach to learning, encouraging children to build strong relationships, develop empathy, and engage in meaningful experiences that foster a positive sense of identity and wellbeing.
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PRE-LITERACY FOCUS
At CCC ELC, we use PreLit, an evidence-based program that builds essential pre-reading skills through fun, play-based learning before formal schooling. When children move into Prep at CCC, they continue with InitiaLit, which builds on this foundation, ensuring a smooth and consistent transition into school.
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SPECIALIST TEACHERS
Each week, specialist teachers visit the ELC to lead music and movement sessions. These fun, engaging lessons support brain development, coordination, memory, rhythm, and body awareness, while building confidence and encouraging selfexpression in a supportive environment.
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COLLEGE VISITS
Kindy children regularly visit our College Adventure Playground, where they play, explore, and build important physical and social skills. Each week, they join Primary Chapel to worship and learn about God with the school community. They also visit the College Library, helping them develop a love for books and become familiar with new routines in a school setting.
SERVICE LEARNING - BUDDIES
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At CCC, we value service and community connections. Throughout the year, Primary students visit the ELC to read, craft, and play with Kindy children. These interactions build friendships and a sense of belonging, helping younger children feel supported, confident, and more comfortable as they prepare for a smooth transition into Prep.
BEAR PROGRAM & CCC SUPPORT SERVICES
We work with the College’s Support Services team, who guide the BEAR program at the ELC. This program helps children understand their feelings, self-regulate, show care for others, and build emotional resilience; important skills for effective learning and forming strong friendships.
TRANSITION TO PREP PROGRAM
In the second half of the Kindy year, CCC offers a dedicated Prep Transition Program, giving children even more opportunities to explore the Prep classrooms, meet the teachers, and participate in age-appropriate school activities. This thoughtful and gentle approach ensures our little learners are truly ready for their next big step.
THE FIRST STEPS
We know that starting Prep is a big step for both children and their families. That’s why we offer a thoughtful and engaging Transition to Prep Program designed to prepare little hearts and minds for the exciting journey ahead. The program begins with our much-loved Teddy Bears Picnic, where each child is gifted their very own CCC teddy bear. Children enjoy games, activities, and a special morning tea; giving them a chance to meet new friends while parents connect with one another in a relaxed setting.
In Term 4, children attend three Transition Mornings, spending time in the Prep classrooms with the teachers and other children who will be in Prep. These sessions help children become familiar with their new learning environment, daily routines, and the people they’ll see each day; building confidence, reducing anxiety, and making the first day of Prep feel exciting rather than overwhelming. Each child receives a Ready, Set, Prep pack, filled with fun resources and a countdown calendar to help them look forward to starting school.
Parents are invited to join a Meet & Greet Parent Information Session during the last transition morning. This is an opportunity to meet key staff, ask questions, share concerns, and learn ways to support their child’s transition. It’s a great time to start building community with other families, after all, the connections formed now often lead to future friendships, playdates, and birthday parties!
At CCC, we’re not just preparing children for school, we’re walking alongside families to build strong foundations together.
# PREP READINESS: Pre-Literacy Skills
Reading aloud with your child is one of the best ways to build early literacy skills and foster a love of learning. It supports listening, vocabulary, comprehension and strengthens your bond too.
For helpful tips, listen to CCC’s The Village Effect podcast episode with Sarah Edwards, our experienced Early Years Teacher, Primary Learning Support Coordinator, and mother, as she shares practical ideas for building routines and nurturing a love of reading.
OCT
TEDDY BEARS PICNIC
Thursday 8 October 9.30am - 10.45am
TRANSITION MORNING
Thursday 15 October 9.30am - 10.45am
TRANSITION MORNING
Wednesday 28 October 9.30am - 10.45am
Growing together A SUPPORTED APPROACH TO STARTING SCHOOL
NOV
TRANSITION MORNING
Thursday 12 November 9.30am - 10.45am
MEET & GREET
PARENT INFORMATION MORNING
Thursday 12 November
9.30am - 10.45am
We’re excited to begin this journey with you and your child as you prepare to start Prep at Cooloola Christian College in 2027.
As part of our commitment to supporting a smooth and confident transition into ‘big’ school, we’ve planned a number of key events throughout the year specifically for families who have enrolled with us for Prep 2027.
These special moments beginning with a Teddy Bears Picnic and continuing with our Transition Morning sessions are all about helping your child feel ready, excited, and connected.
is BOB, MY BEAR
Q + A
What if my child is not reading or writing yet?
That’s absolutely okay! Prep is designed to build these skills from the ground up. Through programs like InitiaLit, we support each child at their own pace as they grow in confidence and ability.
What uniform does my child need to wear?
In their first year of Prep, students wear the Sports uniform each day, this includes the CCC polo shirt with shorts or skorts, navy socks, and allblack leather or leather-like joggers. New Preppies receive a complimentary sports polo, perfect for wearing to transition mornings. Our Uniform Shop is conveniently located in the Administration Building for all uniform needs.
Do I need to provide stationary & books?
No, the College supplies all classroom resources your child will need in Prep so there’s no need to purchase individual items like pencils or exercise books.
Prep students will need a Library and Homework Bag, both available from the Uniform Shop. These help protect books and support good learner routines right from the start.
How will my child be supported if they feel nervous or overwhelmed?
Our caring Prep team understands that the transition to school is a big step. We provide a gentle start, clear routines, and lots of encouragement to help children feel safe, settled, and confident.
Does my child need to be able to tie their shoe laces or open lunch containers?
Independence is encouraged, but we know every child develops at their own rate. Practising simple tasks at home, like opening lunchboxes or putting on jumpers, can help build confidence, and our staff are always there to assist when needed.
Will my Prep student get homework?
Yes, homework is kept simple, usually a review of sounds and letters covered in class, and a weekly memory verse. Later in the year, home readers may be sent home for students who are ready. Please know that we’re here to support both your child and your family, so if you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to contact the teacher.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN ...
PREP
Prep is an exciting and important milestone; the first official year of school and a time of big changes, new routines, and lots of learning. We believe in starting gently, helping children settle into their new environment with confidence and joy. The early weeks are all about building relationships, learning classroom routines, and becoming comfortable with new faces, spaces, and expectations.
To ease this transition, we begin by dipping our toes into early literacy and numeracy through playful, hands-on learning. Some of the first programs children engage with are InitiaLit a structured phonemic-based literacy program designed to build strong foundational reading and spelling skills and Maths Trek to build numeracy skills.
Students in Prep to Year 6 also enjoy a rich variety of weekly specialist lessons that extend and enrich their learning. These include Health & Physical Education, Creative Arts, and Music, which provide opportunities to grow physically, creatively, and culturally.Prep students attend Chapel and visit the College Library each week. Chapel is a special time to worship together and learn more about God, while Library visits include storytime and borrowing books to take home, which fosters a love of reading and supports early literacy development.
Learning success is closely linked to a child’s social and emotional wellbeing. Having enough sleep, eating well, and feeling supported at home all contribute to a strong start. In the lead-up to Prep, parents can help by talking positively about school, encouraging questions, and reassuring children that it’s okay to feel a little nervous. That’s exactly why our Prep Transition Program is valuable; it helps children feel familiar with the school environment, meet their future teachers and classmates, and gradually build confidence before the first day arrives.
With the right support, Prep becomes more than just the start of school, it becomes the beginning of a lifelong love for learning.
OUR TEAM
NATALIE COCKS
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL | PRIMARY
Natalie brings a wealth of experience in Early Years education and a deep understanding of the full learning journey from Prep to Year 12. As a mother of five children - Primary and Secondary - she brings both professional insight and personal perspective to her role.
Before becoming Deputy, Natalie taught in both Primary and Secondary. She works closely with Kindy and Prep staff to support a smooth and successful transition into formal schooling.
Natalie is passionate about nurturing each child’s potential in a safe, Christcentred environment and leads a dedicated team of educators committed to helping students flourish.
EMMA KUBLER CCC EARLY LEARNING CENTRE DIRECTOR
Emma is a passionate advocate for young children, believing every child deserves a safe, nurturing environment where they feel a true sense of belonging. She partners with families to support each child’s identity and confidence.
Dedicated to her team, Emma offers guidance and mentorship, helping educators grow and flourish. As an experienced Early Years Teacher, she supports play-based, inquiry-driven learning. Emma hopes all children feel loved, valued, and part of a caring community grounded in faith.
TRUDY EVANS | PREP TEACHER
Trudy is a proud mother of five adult children and a loving Nanna to two grandchildren. With over 17 years at CCC, she is dedicated to nurturing young learners and fostering a love of school. She creates a warm, welcoming, and beautiful classroom where children feel safe, valued, and confident. Passionate about literacy, Trudy builds strong foundations in reading and writing, supporting students to grow into capable, confident learners.
JEMMIMA WALTISBUHL | PREP TEACHER
Jemmima is an Early Years teacher with over four years’ experience, passionate about nurturing young learners in a warm, supportive environment. Beginning her career in childcare, she now teaches Prep to Year 2. She fosters creativity and curiosity while celebrating each child’s God-given gifts and supporting their learning journey.
COURTNEY BRIDGE | KINDY TEACHER AT CCC EARLY LEARNING CENTRE
This is my 11th year working in Early Years education, with experience supporting children aged 0-4 years. I am passionate about creating a warm, safe, and nurturing environment where children feel confident to explore, play, and learn at their own pace. Building strong relationships with children and families is very important to me, and I look forward to partnering with you as we support your child’s learning and growth throughout the year God has planned for us.
SARA KNECHTLI | KINDY TEACHER AT CCC EARLY LEARNING CENTRE
I have recently finished my Bachelors in Primary education, and I am very excited to be teaching in Kindy for my first year! l am also currently studying my Cert Ill in Early childhood and my Diploma in Ministry. I love to see children blossom and become all that God has called them to be. l am eager to watch your child learn, grow, and develop new skills throughout the year.
