Growing together at Grace Lutheran Primary School

For many parents, thinking about primary school can feel like something for the distant future. But according to Trudy Moala, Principal of Grace Lutheran Primary School, those conversations are beginning earlier than ever before.

“Just last month, we welcomed a mum on a Principal’s Tour whose baby won’t start school until 2030,” Mrs Moala said with a smile. “It might sound early, but it’s becoming increasingly common.”

Families are recognising that planning ahead offers reassurance, clarity and choice. With strong demand for places and established enrolment timelines, leaving decisions until the year before Prep can limit options.

“If families wait until the year before Prep, it’s very unlikely they’ll secure a place. That’s simply the reality.”

While current families with siblings already attending Grace Primary, and families with children attending our Grace Early Learning Centre take precedence of places for Prep, new families and their children are also welcomed from a wide range of childcare centres and kindergartens across the region.

“There’s no requirement to attend our Grace Early Learning Centre,” Mrs Moala said. 

“We welcome children from many different pathways."

For those who have already spent time on campus, the move into Prep often feels familiar and comfortable. Children recognise the environment, know many of the staff, and feel confident in their surroundings.

“Our Grace ELC children are very excited to start Prep at ‘big school’ when the time comes to commence at Grace Primary”.

Building connection before the first day

For families joining Grace Primary from other centres, connection begins early through School Tours, conversations, and thoughtfully planned transition experiences. The school places strong emphasis on helping both children and parents feel at ease well before the first day of school.

“Everything we do centres around young children,” Mrs Moala said. 

“Families understand that we share a common commitment to each child’s safety, happiness and wellbeing.”

That sense of care and connection is intentionally nurtured. Parents are often seen chatting after drop-off, sharing a coffee, or building friendships on campus. According to Mrs Moala, those relationships make a meaningful difference.

“We place great importance on creating a strong sense of community, because when families feel connected, children feel safe and secure.”

Grace Primary’s approach to early learning is guided by a simple mission: Engage. Educate. Excite.

Learning experiences are active, hands-on, and thoughtfully designed to meet children where they are, while building confidence, independence and a genuine love of learning. Alongside strong foundations in literacy and numeracy, students engage in performing arts, sport and language learning, giving them opportunities to discover their interests from an early age.

Supporting families through the transition to Prep

While strong academic foundations are important, Mrs Moala believes the most positive primary experiences are shaped by how supported families feel in the early years. Starting school is a significant emotional milestone - particularly for first-time parents - and Grace Primary is intentional about creating a calm, reassuring transition for every family.

Each year begins by welcoming families with a Parent Welcome Night, followed by a Transition Morning where children spend time in classrooms and begin forming friendships. Just before Term 1, a ‘Meet and Greet’ morning allows students to connect with teachers and visit their classroom, helping everyone feel prepared, confident and excited for the year ahead.

Enrolment advice for families

Grace Primary’s Enrolments Registrar, Melissa Johnson, encourages families to begin conversations early.

“We recommend submitting applications at least 18 months before a child’s eligible Prep year commences” Mrs Johnson said.

“Booking a School Tour or attending one of our monthly Principal’s Tours gives families the opportunity to see learning in action, meet staff and ask questions in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Getting to know the school and the ‘Grace way’ early really helps families feel confident in their decision.”

She says new families often comment on how quickly their children settle.

“Parents regularly tell us how supported they feel and how smoothly their child transitions into school. That first year is such an important step in the foundation of their child’s educational journey.”

As an independent Lutheran school, Grace Primary welcomes families from across the region, subject to availability and enrolment criteria. Families of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, with enrolment open to those who support the school’s Christian values.

For parents beginning to explore their child’s school journey, Mrs Moala’s advice is simple and heartfelt:

“We welcome you to come and visit our wonderful school and see the school in action, so you can truly picture what your child’s journey might look like at Grace Lutheran Primary School.”

Find out more

To book a Principal’s Tour or enquire about Prep enrolment, contact Enrolments Registrar Melissa Johnson on 3283 0011 or email [email protected]

Visit www.glps.qld.edu.au to learn more or begin your enrolment journey.

This article is part of the Bright Futures: Schools Special Feature.

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Grace Lutheran Primary School and proudly endorsed by Moreton Daily. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make Moreton Daily possible.