Parent Information
Enrolment
Children typically commence Atrium once they are 3 years old. Our catechists will meet with prospective children and their parents prior to enrolment to get to know the child a little and be sure they are ready to start. If you have any questions or would like to enrol your child, please contact us.
Fees and Term dates
Term fees are $60 per child per term, capped at $120 per family (i.e. if you have 3 enrolled children, you only pay fees for the first 2).
The Atrium schedule typically follows NSW independent school terms with exact dates notified to enrolled families prior to the commencement of term.
Parking
Parents park in the carpark at Our Lady of Lourdes, which is shared with the Parish Office (noted with signage).
Siblings of Enrolled Children
While enrolled children are in the Atrium, their parents and siblings may gather for a playgroup type experience. Families are welcome to use cones to section off the carpark for children to ride bikes and scooters, providing direct supervision. Parents often bring blocks or trains or drawing supplies as well as snack and enjoy time in the main meeting room.
Families are welcome to use both the front and back yard. The front yard is fenced and peeks into the Atrium space. The backyard is spacious and has great trees for climbing.
Schedule
Level 1 Catechesis occurs from 11:00am-12:30pm on Wednesday mornings.
Level 2 and 3 Catechesis occurs after school from 4:00-5:45pm on Wednesday afternoons.
We ask parents to arrive early so as to settle their children and to not rush into the Atrium. Please advise catechists if you will be late or not attending, so they can plan accordingly.
If there is sufficient interest, additional sessions are possible. Please let us know if you are interested but unable to attend current sessions.
Resources for Parents
Please visit the National Catechesis of the Good Shepherd website to review their resources for parents and for more information on the Association of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Australia under which we operate.
Location
The Atrium is located in the Parish Office adjacent to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
The Children’s Atrium Chisholm is 1 of the many locations for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd offered across Australia. We serve the Maitland / Newcastle / Lake Macquarie region. Check out the national website to learn more about this approach to catechesis and to search for Atrium locations around Australia.
