Joining us
Enrolments are now being accepted for preps to start next year. We currently have a couple of vacancies at other grade levels, please get in touch with us to find out more. Email us at info@learningcooperative.vic.edu.au.
Interested parents are encouraged to attend an Open Day or contact the Co-op to arrange a visit at a mutually convenient time.
We usually recommend that you make your first visit without children, as this will help you to form an independent opinion regarding the suitability of the Co-op for your family. Children usually fall in love at first sight so it is good for you to get a chance to check it out before they do.
Because it is a large commitment from parents, we recommend that you visit the school as many times as you can to get a feel for how it works and to get a better understanding of what your role as a parent might involve before you make a decision to apply. Different days have a different feel so it is good if you can visit on different days. When you visit talk to as many different people as you can. Once your family have made at least six visits, usually over 6 weeks, and you feel it would be a good fit for you, you can apply to start. Children can join at any time during the academic year. You are welcome to stay with your child to help them settle for as long as you feel this would be helpful.
For new prep students, we offer a transition in term 4 where you can come with your child one day a week to help them to get used to Co-op and to feel comfortable. Prep students usually start part time (taking Wednesdays off) until they feel able to come full time. For some this may last for just the first term, for others the whole year. When preps first start, you can stay with them for as long as you both need to feel comfortable. This means, unlike mainstream schools, it can be a much more natural and gentle transition. Some preps are fine from day 1 but others prefer to have their parents with them for the first few weeks or months whilst they transition.
When you visit or if you are doing 'time on' you are welcome to bring younger siblings with you.
