Little Learners at St Canice’s School
Little Learners is St Canice’s School’s fun, free, play-based school readiness program designed for children aged 3.5–5 years who will be starting school in the next 1–2 years. The program provides a gentle and positive introduction to school life, helping children feel confident, capable, and excited about beginning their learning journey.
Through engaging, hands-on experiences, children are supported to develop foundational skills while becoming familiar with the routines, people, and environment of St Canice’s School. Sessions are designed to be relaxed and welcoming, allowing children to explore, create, and learn at their own pace.
Little Learners at St Canice’s School
Program Goals
- Support children in developing early literacy, numeracy, and social skills through play-based learning
- Ease the transition to school by building familiarity with routines, expectations, and the school environment
- Build positive, trusting relationships between families and St Canice’s School staff
- Encourage independence, confidence, and a sense of belonging in young learners
- Strengthen community connections and provide a clear, supportive pathway to school enrolment
What Children Will Experience
- Storytime, songs, and early literacy activities
- Counting, sorting, and problem-solving games
- Creative play including art, craft, and construction
- Opportunities to practise social skills such as sharing, turn-taking, and communication
- Familiarisation with school spaces such as classrooms, playgrounds, and the library
- Gentle introduction to routines like group time, pack-up time, and transitions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can attend Little Learners?
Children aged 3.5 to 5 years who will be starting school within the next one to two years are welcome to attend.
Do parents or carers stay during the session?
Yes. Parents and carers are required to stay, particularly at the beginning, to help children feel comfortable. As children grow more confident, some may be happy to engage more independently.
How much does the program cost?
Little Learners is completely free.
How often are sessions held?
Sessions are held on Wednesdays of term 3, starting on the 22nd July from 9-10:30am
What should my child bring?
Just a hat, a water bottle, and a willingness to have fun! All learning materials are provided.
How does this program help my child get ready for school?
Children become familiar with school routines, develop early learning skills, and build confidence in a supportive environment. This helps reduce anxiety and makes starting school a more positive experience.
Can my child attend if they are shy or anxious?
Absolutely. The program is designed to be gentle and flexible, allowing children to participate at their own pace. Staff are experienced in supporting a range of needs and personalities.
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST
Everyone is Welcome!
CONTACT US
If you have any questions regarding the Little Learners School Readiness Program, please reach out to us via our enquiry form.
LATEST NEWS All news items
18 May 2026
From Facebook
☀️🍞 Brekky Club at St Canice’s! 🍎🥣 A great start to the day happens here at St Canice’s with our Brekky Club! Students are welcomed to enjoy a healthy breakfast, connect with friends, and settle into the school day feeling nourished and ready to learn. It’s a calm, friendly space where everyone is supported—because a good breakfast helps set up a great day of learning and wellbeing. 💛 A big thank you to our staff and volunteers who help make Brekky Club such a positive part of our school community. We look forward to seeing you bright and early at our next Brekky Club on Thursday 11th June! 🌞
18 May 2026
From Facebook
🌟 Congratulations to our Lyrebird Award recipients! 🌟 At St Canice’s, our Positive Behaviour Support for Learning (PBS4L) program is an integral part of who we are as a school community. Our students strive to Love Selflessly, Live Responsibly, and Learn Purposefully, and these values are nurtured and encouraged every day by our dedicated staff and students. Today we celebrated a group of students who have consistently demonstrated these qualities and were recognised with a Lyrebird Award at our assembly. 🎉👏 Well done to all the recipients—we are so proud of you! #StCanices #LyrebirdAward #LoveLiveLearn
14 May 2026
From Facebook
Our Year 4, 5 and 6 students have enjoyed spending time visiting local early childhood centres in our community. Through reading stories, engaging in play, and building meaningful connections, our students have shown kindness, leadership and care for younger children. These visits have been a wonderful opportunity for students to develop confidence, communication skills and a sense of community while creating special memories together. We are so proud of the positive relationships they are building and the joy they bring to others. 💛📚
14 May 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to all of our students who competed at the Diocesan Cross Country yesterday! 🏃♀️🏃♂️ We are so proud of your determination, sportsmanship, and the way you represented our school throughout the day. A fantastic effort by everyone involved — well done on your achievements and for giving your very best! Thank you also to our staff, families, and supporters who helped make the day such a success. 👏
14 May 2026
Music, art, movement: why creativity matters more than you think
Did you know creativity is one of the biggest predictors of how well children do in school and in life?
11 May 2026
From Facebook
📚 Enrolments for 2027 are now open at St Canice's Catholic Primary School! A welcoming and inclusive K–6 Catholic school where every child belongs 💙 ✨ Now FEE FREE!* ✨ Small class sizes with personalised learning ✨ Contemporary learning spaces ✨ Passionate teachers using the latest technology ✨ Supporting every child to grow through love and learning Located in beautiful Katoomba, St Canice’s nurtures students to reach their full potential in a caring community. #InclusiveEducation #StCanicesKatoomba #CatholicEducation #Katoomba #BlueMountains #PrimarySchool #NowEnrolling #FeeFree #InclusiveEducation
04 May 2026
From Facebook
What a fantastic day for our Stage 2 boys and girls at the Futsal Gala Day! A huge congratulations to all students who competed with enthusiasm, skill and outstanding sportsmanship throughout the day. It was wonderful to see teamwork on display, determination in every match, and a genuine respect for opponents and officials. A special mention to our amazing parent supporters—your cheering and encouragement from the sidelines made such a positive difference and helped create a great atmosphere for all involved. Well done Stage 2, you did yourselves and the school proud! 🏆
04 May 2026
From Facebook
St Canice’s students proudly marched in the ANZAC Day parade in Katoomba, showing respect, courage and community spirit as they honoured the service and sacrifice of our ANZACs. We are so proud of the way our students represented the school with such dignity and pride. 🌺
30 Apr 2026
From Facebook
On Thursday, our FIAT (Faith In Action Team) gathered for the first time this term. 💛 Together, we spent time in prayer, giving thanks and reflecting on how we can continue to make a positive difference in our school community. The company was delightful, the conversations meaningful… and of course, the cupcakes were absolutely delicious! 🧁 We look forward to all that FIAT will bring this term as we continue to put our faith into action. ✨
29 Apr 2026
From Facebook
🌟 Is your child starting school in 2027? 🌟 Enrolments are now open at St Canice’s Primary School! In an exciting move to support families, St Canice’s is fee-free because we want families to choose the right education for their children without money being the deciding factor. At St Canice’s, excellence in education is at the heart of everything we do. From engaging classroom learning to enriching outdoor experiences, students thrive in a supportive and inspiring environment. 🌿 Set in a world heritage-listed location 🎶 Weekly music lessons & Conservatory of Music access 🏀 Spacious outdoor play areas, sandpits & basketball court 🤝 Strong community focus with inclusive programs St Canice’s is more than a school — it’s a place where children grow, belong, and flourish. 📞 Book a tour today: 4780 6800 📧 Email: stcanices@parra.catholic.edu.au ✨ Discover the difference at St Canice’s ✨
22 Apr 2026
From Facebook
🍂 St Canice’s is back for Term 2! 🍂 As the leaves begin to change and the air takes on that crisp autumn feel, we’re excited to welcome our students and families back for another wonderful term of learning and growth. Wishing everyone a great start to Term 2! 🍁
22 Apr 2026
From Facebook
21 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Little Lyrebirds Playgroup is on tomorrow at 9am at St Canice’s! 🐦💛 We look forward to seeing you there for a fun morning of play, connection, and community.
15 Apr 2026
From Facebook
31 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Our students are on their way home from Camp Wedderburn! 🚌 Check out some more pics of the amazing adventures they’ve had along the way! From outdoor challenges to team activities, it’s been a camp full of fun, growth, and great memories. Please check your Compass Parent Portal for updates and further details regarding arrival time. We look forward to welcoming everyone back soon!
UPCOMING EVENTS All upcoming events
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22 Jul 2026
Little Learners - School Readiness Program
Little Learners is St Canice’s School’s fun, free, play-based school readiness program designed for children aged 3.5–5 years who will be starting school in the next 1–2 years.
09 Jun 2026
Helping Your Child Learn at Home - Practical strategies every parent can use
How can you help your child learn at home without stress, conflict, or overwhelm? Join CSPD’s Learning Outcomes team for a practical parent session focused on simple, realistic ways families can support learning at home, from primary through to secondary school.
07 Aug 2025
St Canice's Brekky Club
All students are invited to join the St Canice's Brekky Club. Brekky Club will now run on Thursdays – 7th, 21st, and 28th August.
30 Jul 2025
Little Lyrebirds Playgroup
Little Lyrebirds Playgroup is a FREE event for all little ones aged 0 - 6. Held at St Canice's Primary School every Wednesday of the school term, 9am-10:30am. Everyone is welcome.