Enrolment process

Most children start school in the year they turn 5 years of age. Your child must be at school by their 6th birthday.

Government primary schools have 2 major enrolment intakes, one at the beginning of the year (intake 1) and one for children to start school in term 3 (intake 2).

If your child turns 5 years old:

  • before 1 May, they can start reception in term 1 of that year
  • between 1 May and 31 October, they can start reception in term 3 (mid-year)
  • after 31 October, they can start reception in the following year.

Students enrolled through a mid-year intake will complete 6 terms of reception.

To obtain the enrolment form or for more specific enrolment inquiries, contact us.

If our school is not your local school, you can still apply, but enrolment will only be offered if we have places available.

Visit the school enrolment section on the department’s website for more information.

Transition visits

Parents planning for Kindergarten should begin the process in the year prior to their child’s eligibility to start school. Please contact Kathleen Mellor Kindergarten or your chosen Kindergarten to arrange enrolment details.

At Tea Tree Gully Primary School, we aim to have children transition into their new class (or with the teacher) where they will commence school. However, this is not always possible due to staff changes and staffing for the following year.

Transition visits begin in the 2nd and 4th terms before your child’s start date, giving ample time for children to experience school life.

Once your enrolment is complete, details about the transition program and dates will be shared via your child’s Kindergarten or by mail.

Supporting your child's transition

Beginning school is an exciting milestone. To help your child prepare, we offer a series of gradual visits over three weeks:

  • visit 1: 9am to 10.30am
  • visit 2: 9am to 12pm
  • visit 3: 9am to 1pm

These visits are usually scheduled on Friday mornings in weeks 6, 7 and 8 of term 4. Letters go home by week 4 informing parents of times and transition dates.

During the second and third visits, children will have the chance to eat recess and enjoy playtime at school. The first visit includes a parent meeting to discuss the school’s educational programs and ways to support learning at home.

Classroom teachers also visit Kindergarten prior to the transition to meet children in a familiar environment and discuss their development with Kindergarten staff.

School tours

Prospective parents are invited to visit our school to explore our facilities, learn about our philosophy and development priorities, and ask questions.

We would welcome the opportunity to show you through the school. Please contact us directly to to arrange a suitable date and time for a guided tour with a member of our leadership team.

Visit our school tours page to hear our school song and take a virtual tour of our school.

Things your child will need at school

  • school bag
  • legionnaire hat or slouch hat
  • school uniform (bottle green or gold top with black pants/shorts)
  • art smock (preferably with elastic cuffs and easy to put on)
  • named drink bottle and lunch box.