PREP INFORMATION FOR 2027
Emails:
Rebekah.bruyn@lords.qld.edu.au
gillian.treleaven@lords.qld.edu.au
beverley.hunt@lords.qld.edu.au
Student absences can be reported to: studentabsence@lords.qld.edu.au
If your child will not be attending school due to illness or other unplanned reason, please send an email to studentabsence@lords.qld.edu.au and “cc:” to your child’s teacher. Please ensure you include your child’s name, class, and reason for absence. This will enable us to keep our attendance records up to date and replace the need for parents to write notes explaining absence on the student’s return to school.
FAQ's about Prep
When will we find out about the Saturday orientations?
You should have already been notified. If you have not heard, please contact our Admissions Department, and they will be happy to help.
When do we find out about classes and booklists etc?
Towards the end of the year, we will send out class allocations with a video link introduction to your child’s teacher. This email will also include a link to a webpage with information about uniforms, booklists, tuckshop, and more.
Where do I find term dates?
Term dates are always on our website under Our School/Term Dates
When will I know about fees and how to pay them?
Our Accounts Department will issue fees in January via Parent Lounge. Previous to this, you will receive an email advising of the 2027 fees structure and levels late in 2026.
When will I have access to Parent Lounge and what is it?
Parent Lounge is the online portal for families which provides a host of information and access to various school-based modules, including fee statements and the capacity to make payments online, excursion and sports permissions, as well as the capacity to notify the school of your child’s absences. Access is via a username and password and will be provided in January.
How many sets of uniforms should we buy?
Prep students wear the sports uniform every day. As a minimum, you will probably need two full sets so one can be in the wash while the other is being worn. Depending on how your household is organised, you may prefer to have five sets and complete the laundry once a week. Remember to keep spare underwear in their school bag in case of accidents. Some families also have a spare uniform in their bag for the same reason (second-hand is a good backup).
How do we find out about the bus service and how does it work for Preppies?
When you receive the link for booklists etc., there is also a link to request the bus service. This is a user-pays system with most families making a regular permanent booking to ensure their child does have a seat. There may be occasions where the school can offer seats on an ad hoc basis, but this is not guaranteed.
How can I help prepare my child for Prep?
- Build independence by encouraging your child to dress themselves and practice managing food packets (perhaps have a picnic with a ‘school’ lunch and check they can manage different containers and packets) and zipping their school bag.
- Name recognition (this will help to recognise and locate their belongings at school).
- Explore their social skills such as turn-taking, sharing, asking for help and asking other children to play. Simple board or card games can help with this.
- Continue reading together (talk about characters, events and new words in the story). Please keep reading to your child every day.
- Enhance their fine motor skills through play with playdough, drawing, colouring, Lego, puzzles, threading and scissor skills. We suggest giving them a large scrapbook, some glue, magazines or toy catalogues and safety scissors, and a ‘theme’. This can be a lot of fun in the lead-up to Christmas as they can create a visual ‘wish list’.
- Talk positively about school, explaining that teachers help children, it’s okay to feel nervous, and they can tell an adult if they need help.
What should we be putting in their lunch boxes?
Many websites offer lunchbox suggestions and recipes. Basically, look for easy-to-manage food items such as small wraps, sandwiches, fruit, yoghurt pouches and vegetables. Please avoid high sugar items including cordials, cakes and chocolates. Owing to the risk of anaphylaxis for some of our students, we are a nut-aware school and, as such, ask that you do not send any nuts or products containing nuts such as peanut butter, Nutella and muesli bars. Please note that lunch boxes are kept outside the classroom in the child’s school bag so it is suggested that they do contain a reusable ice pack, a frozen drink bottle, or a frozen food item.
How is drop-off and pick-up handled?
Before the start of the school year, you will receive communication regarding the most up-to-date drop-off and pick-up procedures.
What transition programs help children settle in during the first weeks?
- During the first few weeks, teachers focus on building relationships, establishing routines, and helping children develop a sense of belonging.
- We provide opportunities for children to connect with other students and build friendships, helping them feel part of their new class and the wider school community.
- Teachers and our leadership team keep a close eye on how children are settling and provide additional support where needed.
- We work closely with families to share information and respond to individual needs, recognising that every child settles into a new environment differently.
- We recognise that starting school can be tiring and a big adjustment, particularly for our youngest children. If parents feel their child would benefit from having a day or half day at home to rest during the first few weeks, that is completely fine. We encourage families to do what is right for their child.
- Our goal is for every child to feel known, valued, and confident as they begin their next chapter at LORDS.
What happens if my child gets upset or tired during the full 5-day week?
Prep is a big step up even if your child has been in full-time childcare prior to starting school. Some children may take a little bit of time to adjust, and that is completely normal. Look to see how you can quieten their before and after school routines to give them time to reset. Finding a quiet 10 minutes to talk about their day each afternoon can reassure them and give opportunity gauge what downtime they need. On weekends, perhaps give them an hour’s quiet time in their rooms without screens and perhaps limit social engagements where possible, especially for the first few weeks or term. If you notice your child is struggling, please do have a conversation with their teacher.
How are medical needs or emergencies handled?
Our Student Services department is responsible for dispensing first aid and medications. The staff are trained in first aid and will communicate with you if your child needs to go home or presents at Student Services with a serious injury. Most times, after being reassured and first aid applied, the children will return to class.
What are my options for communicating both with my child’s classroom teacher and Administration?
You are always welcome to contact the school for any reason. To communicate with your class teacher, we strongly suggest emailing and asking for a suitable time to discuss any matter. Please be aware teachers are usually setting up for the day in the mornings and therefore often not available unless a prior arrangement has been made. Student Services is available via phone, email, or even Parent Lounge, as is Administration.
How do I get the School App?
On your device, go to the Apple Store or Android Store and search for: Lutheran
Ormeau Rivers. The App looks like this:
How do I see the School's Policies?
You can view our main policies here
Some Additional Information
Birthdays
Birthdays are special times, and we love to celebrate student birthdays within our class.
We remind you that the food provided NEEDS to be nut-free due to students with nut allergies. Ideally, all Birthday treats should be shop-bought and individually wrapped.
Preferred items to bring along on birthdays:-
- Freddo frogs or Plain Chocolate mini bars
(Some students have nut allergies) - Ice blocks
Before & After School Supervision
- Staff are on duty at the P-2 playground (outside Prep) from 8:10 am each morning. You are welcome to drop off your child from 8:10 am for them to have a play on the playground before school starts at 8:25 am.
- The classroom doors will not be opened until 8:25 am.
- Prep students finish school at 3 pm. You can pick up your child from outside their classroom at 3 pm.
- If your child has not been collected by 3:10 pm, they will be supervised in the breezeway until they are collected. The Prep teachers will walk the students to the breezeway for supervision.
- Students remaining at school after 3:40 pm will be taken to the Administration Building (which closes at 4:00 pm), and the parents/carers of the student will be contacted by phone.
We believe that communication between the Parent and Teacher is very important. If there are any issues or questions
that you wish to discuss, please see your child’s teacher to arrange a meeting. The best way to arrange a meeting time is to email the class teacher.