Mini Saints
Nestled in the heart of our school, St Catherine’s Pre‑Primary offers a nurturing and secure environment where children can thrive. Our gardens and facilities are carefully maintained and regularly upgraded, ensuring little ones are exposed to fresh, exciting learning opportunities every day.
We follow a thoughtfully planned, research‑based educational programme designed to meet the developmental needs of each child. Our qualified teachers, specialising in the Pre‑Primary and Foundation Phase, guide children through play and structured activities that foster imagination, creativity, physical growth, and intellectual curiosity.
As a family‑oriented community, we are committed to helping every child reach their full potential in a warm and supportive setting.
Operating Hours:
- School opens at 07h00 and the morning programme ends at 12h30.
- Aftercare is available from 12h30 to 17h00.
Daily Routine at St Catherine’s Pre‑Primary
At St Catherine’s Pre‑Primary, our goal is to give children the chance to actively experiment, discover, and develop academic, physical, social, and language skills, all while having fun through play.
We ensure a seamless transition into “big school” by integrating our Grade R children into Junior Primary extension activities. Theme‑based teaching and cross‑curricular projects are encouraged, and children benefit from specialist teachers in Music, Drama, and Physical Education.
- Grade RRRR & Grade RRR: Our language‑enriched programme offers plenty of opportunities to learn through play, songs, and rhymes in a loving, caring environment. Children spend their busy day exploring and making discoveries.
- Grade RR: Building on the foundation of Grade RRR, this class introduces more formal periods where children explore concepts that prepare them for Grade R.
- Grade R: Following the CAPS curriculum as a foundation, we enrich learning with pre‑reading (Letterland and Time to Read), pre‑writing, and pre‑maths programmes. This ensures our children are well prepared for Grade 1, both academically and socially.
Through this carefully structured routine, every child is guided to grow confidently.
School Life at St Catherine’s Pre‑Primary
In keeping with our family ethos, St Catherine’s Pre‑Primary hosts a variety of events throughout the year that bring our community together. These occasions allow families to share in the joy of their children’s learning journey and strengthen the bonds within our school.
- Getting to Know You Gathering: At the start of each year, families are invited to meet one another in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
- Mother’s Day Tea: A special celebration where mothers are honoured with a delightful tea, filled with warmth and appreciation.
- Father’s Day Coffee Morning: Fathers join us for a meaningful assembly, followed by coffee, treats and fun and games on the Astroturf.
- Family Day Picnic: A highlight of the year, giving parents the chance to play alongside their children at school and experience first-hand the activities that make each day so enriching followed by bike‑riding and picnicking on the school grounds .
These events reflect our commitment to building a nurturing, family‑oriented community where every child, and every parent, feels at home.
Extramural Activities at St Catherine’s Pre‑Primary
At St Catherine’s Pre‑Primary, we are privileged to offer a variety of private extramural activities that enrich our children’s school experience. These activities provide opportunities for growth, creativity, and physical development beyond the classroom.
Our current offerings include:
- Swimming – Building confidence and water safety skills.
- Ballet – Encouraging grace, discipline, and self‑expression.
- Playball – Developing coordination, teamwork, and a love for sport.
- Kiddigym – Promoting strength, balance, and motor skills through fun movement.
These activities complement our educational programme, giving children the chance to explore new interests and discover hidden talents in a supportive environment.
Living Our Faith at St Catherine’s Pre‑Primary
As a Christian school, faith is at the heart of everything we do. Our daily programme is rooted in prayer, worship, and values that guide children in their spiritual growth.
- Daily Devotions: Each day begins with a Bible story, prayer, and songs, and ends with prayer, creating a rhythm of faith and reflection.
- Mass Attendance: Once a term, our children attend Mass, deepening their connection to the wider faith community.
- Weekly Assembly: A Christian‑based assembly is held every week, where children learn core values, sing together, and pray as a community.
- Community Outreach: We actively participate in outreach programmes, raising funds and collecting items for charities, teaching children the importance of compassion and service.
- Nativity Play: A highlight of the year, our Nativity play brings families together to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.
Faith is not just taught; it is lived daily, shaping the character and values of every child in our care.
Contact St Catherine’s School, Empangeni, to arrange a viewing of our beautiful school.
