Starting school in 2026

We warmly welcome all our 2026 kindergarten children and their families. We look forward to getting to know your child.

First day of kindergarten:

All kindergarten students start on **Monday, 2nd February 2026,**between 8.40 am and 9.10 am.

Please enter the school through the Ada Street gate and enter the classrooms via the courtyard near the kindergarten rooms. Your child’s teachers and support staff will be waiting. We will take a family photo as they arrive at school on their very first day.

Following farewells, your child will then begin their school day in the kindergarten classrooms with some play activities with their teachers, peers and Year 6 buddies. Families are invited to head up to the Hall for a cup of tea with our wonderful P&C parents.

Afternoon pick up:

The school day ends at 2.55 pm. Please enter via the Ada St gate to pick up your child from the courtyard outside the Kindergarten classrooms. This is the same gate and location you used in the morning.

Teachers

Ms Helen Abbey – Kindergarten teacher and Assistant Principal, Early Stage 1

Ms Chelsea Parker – Kindergarten/Stage 1 teacher

Ms Zoe – School Learning Support Officer for transition to kindergarten

Transitioning to kindergarten

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

We provide multiple opportunities for our new students and their families to familiarise themselves with the school environment and staff in the year before they start school. They will have the opportunity to get to know some of the other children who are also starting their learning journey, and you'll meet other families. We run information sessions for parents and caregivers, providing families with a chance to connect with our staff, each other and the broader school community, and you are always welcome to book an individual tour of our beautiful school.

Community playgroup

A great way to help your child becoming comfortable and familiar in the school environment, is to come along to a Stronger Beginning, Brighter Future playgroup. These playgroups are held at local schools, including Katoomba Public School, Wentworth Falls Public School and Hazelbrook Public School, and are great way to build familiarity and confidence before starting school.

Our Starting School Buddy Program

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 their school year and throughout their kindergarten year.

Best Start

The Best Start Kindergarten Assessments at Katoomba Public School will take place early in your child's kindergarten year. 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.

Kindergarten resources for parents & carergivers

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.

Have a question for our principal or teachers?

Our friendly office team can help you get in touch.

Contact us