Enrolment Information

HomeEnrolment Information

Enrolling at Castlemaine Steiner School & Kindergarten

We’re delighted that you’re considering Castlemaine Steiner School & Kindergarten (CSSK) for your child’s education. Whether you’re starting at Playgroup, Kindergarten, Primary School or Years 7 and 8 for our Senior Years program, we’re here to support your family every step of the way.

What We Offer

Castlemaine Steiner School provides:

A Playgroup for children aged birth to 2 years and their parents
Fully funded 3-year-old and 4-year-old Kindergarten programs
A vibrant Prep to Year 8 School Program

Enrolment Pathways & Information

Playgroup & Parents and Babies Group

We warmly invite families to join our early years programs:

Playgroup – Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 9.15am–11.15am
Parents & Babies Group – Fridays, 9.45am–11.45am

A casual, welcoming space for parents of children from birth to 2 years. Share experiences, connect, and enjoy morning tea together. Entry is by donation.

Contact: playgroup@cssk.vic.edu.au

Kindergarten & School Enrolment

Castlemaine Steiner School offers both three and four-year-old Kindergarten programs, and a full Prep to Year 8 curriculum. Entry to the school officially begins at Prep.

Free Kinder program at Castlemaine Steiner School

Castlemaine Steiner School currently offers 15 hours per week of Free Kinder for both 3 and 4-year-olds under the Victorian Government’s Free Kinder initiative. All families are welcome.

We are enhancing our Kinder experience with more nature-based learning, including time in our:

Biodynamic vegetable garden
Indigenous bushfood island
Native wetland areas

Learn more about Free Kinder at vic.gov.au/kinder

All admissions to the CSSK Kindergarten program must comply with the Department of Health & Human Services “No jab, no play” legislation. For further information refer to; https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/campaigns/no-jab-no-play Our Enrolments Officer will advise on what types of documentation are required for this during the enrolment process.

How to Register Your Interest

All families begin the enrolment journey by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) Form, which places your child on our waiting list by birth year and intended entry year. We recommend submitting your EOI as early as possible.

Expression of
Interest Form

Enrolment Process Overview

Submitting an EOI begins the formal process. Here’s what to expect:

For Kinder to Class 8:

$100 non-refundable application fee

Enrolment steps include:

• School tour (before or after EOI)
• Expression of Interest
• Pre-enrolment chat without the young person, if required
• Enrolment conversation with our Deputy Principal
• Further transition support meetings, if relevant

CSSK applies the DET Priority of Access criteria to identify High Priority children https://www.vic.gov.au/priority-access-criteria before applying CSSK preference criteria. For children eligible for Early Start Kindergarten, details are available at https://www.vic.gov.au/early-start-kindergarten

Once a Place is Offered:

Enrolment form signed by all guardians

Supporting documentation provided (e.g., school reports, assessments)

Payment of the Entry Bond or Holding Fee

Entry Bonds & Holding Fees

Prep to Class 8: $600 Entry Bond

(Fully refundable with a term’s notice or upon graduation at Class 8)

Kindergarten: $250 Holding Fee

(Refunded upon commencement in Term 1 as part of the Free Kinder initiative)

Payments

Application fees and entry bonds can be paid via:

Account Name: Castlemaine Steiner School

Bank: Bank Australia

BSB: 313-140

Account Number: 1211 7546

Reference: EOI or Entry Bond + your child’s name

Application Forms

Each year Castlemaine Steiner School offers a limited number of partly or fully subsidised Scholarships. Further information can be found at Scholarships.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or would like to speak with someone about your child’s enrolment, please reach out:

Tracey Robertson – Enrolments Officer

(03) 5479 2000

enrolments@cssk.vic.edu.au

We look forward to welcoming your family to Castlemaine Steiner School.

Vision Statement

Through a contemporary Steiner Education, we guide our students to step authentically into the world, with a strong internal compass, creative and critical thinking and deep connection to country. Our highest ambition is to tread life’s paths with courage, insight and an open heart, motivated by a sense of service, discernment and a love of learning and life.