Enrolment Information

Enrolling at RedGum

We’re delighted that you’re considering RedGum – the Waldorf School of Central Victoria, 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

RedGum 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

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

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. Come along to share experiences, connect with other families, and enjoy a relaxed morning tea together. Entry is by donation.

Planning to join us for the first time? We’d love you to get in touch before your first visit. This helps us welcome you personally and keep you updated if there are any last-minute changes, including program closures during school holidays.

Contact: playgroup@redgum.vic.edu.au

Kindergarten & School Enrolment 

RedGum 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 RedGum

RedGum 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 RedGum 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. 

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
• Enrolment conversation with a member of the leadership team
• Further transition support meetings, if relevant

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

Round 1 Kinder applications, including Priority of Access places close on June 30. Applications received after this date will be processed as received and enrolment progressed, should there be places available.

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  Ltd t/a RedGum

Bank: Bank Australia

BSB: 313-140

Account Number: 1211 7546

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

Application Forms

Contact Us

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

 (03) 5479 2000 

 enrolments@redgum.vic.edu.au 

We look forward to welcoming your family to RedGum.