Kindergarten 2026

A successful transition to school helps improve children’s educational and social outcomes. Katoomba Public School’s orientation program prepares children to make new friends, learn routines, and develop a sense of belonging. It also helps us to recognise and support your child’s individual developmental needs, interests and skills.

We encourage all families with a child preparing to start school in 2026, to take advantage of our transition to school program. We provide multiple opportunities for our new Kindergarten students to familiarise themselves with the school environment and staff, and to get to know some of the other children who are also starting their learning journey. During this time, parents and caregivers will be offered information sessions and opportunities for families to connect with our staff, each other and the broader school community.

Orientation events for Kindergarten 2026:

• Thursday, 22 May at 5pm - Information evening for parents & caregivers in the school hall. Meet our principal and teachers and have a tour of our beautiful school.
• Wednesday, 29 October from 9.30am-11am - Orientation morning for children in the classroom. Parents and caregivers are invited to stay for an information session in the hall, where you will meet the principal and teachers.
• Wednesday, 5 November from 9.30am-11am - Orientation morning for children in the classroom. Parents and caregivers are invited to stay for tea & coffee.
• Tuesday, 11 November from 4.30pm-5.30pm - Families and children are invited to a more casual “get to know you” afternoon BBQ in the courtyard, with school staff and members of our P&C.
• Wednesday, 19 November from 9.30am-11am - Orientation morning for children where they will meet their big senior student buddies and participate in activities designed to further familiarise themselves with the school environment.
• Wednesday, 26 November from 9.30am-10.30am – Orientation Stay and Play for families and children to spend time getting to know each other and their student buddies whilst enjoying our school grounds (weather permitting).

Connect Starting School playgroup

Connect Children & Family Services run a transition to school playgroup each Wednesday morning of terms 3 and 4, in one of our Kindergarten classrooms. 

Children who are starting school in 2026, and their families, are invited to come along. Children will have the opportunity to become comfortable in the school environment, meet other children who they will be starting school with them, and meet some of the teachers. 

Please bring a hat, a water bottle and a fruit snack in a lunch box that your child can open.

Enrolments are open for 2026 at Katoomba Public School. You can access the enrolment information on our website.

Starting "Big School" is a milestone in every child’s life and, at Katoomba Public School, we aim to make this transition as smooth and as positive as possible for both our students and their families. A big part of this transition is our Starting School Buddy Program.

Our senior students are invited to apply for the very important role of Kindergarten Buddy. Their role is to support your child as they meet their teacher, engage in some "Big School" activities and familiarise themselves with the school environment, and to act as a support and friend for them on orientation days, the start of the 2026 school year and throughout their kindergarten year.

Our wonderful P&C volunteers open the Uniform Shop each Wednesday morning from 8.45am to 9.15am, or you can order and pay online for uniforms. 

Second hand items are also available from the Uniform Shop, for a gold coin donation.

Uniforms will also be available for sale during our orientation program events.

Best Start Kindergarten Assessments at Katoomba Public School will take place early in 2026.

You will receive the results of the assessment within a few weeks after they start school.

You can find more information about the Best Start Kindergarten Assessment here.

Daisy's First Day The Department of Education has produced a special picture book for parents and carers to support their child's transition to primary school. Follow Daisy the koala as she embarks on her exciting first day.

Starting primary school Children who have a positive start to school are likely to engage and experience ongoing academic and social success. The Department of Education offers useful information and tips for the lead up to starting school and has some helpful information to assist your child's orientation and smooth transition to Kindergarten in 2026.