Kinma preschool
Play-based curriculum, beautiful child-centred learning environment, parent participation welcome!
Welcome to Kinma
Kinma is a dynamic independent progressive school in Sydney offering a unique child-centred, democratic education for preschool and primary school aged children.
Kinma encourages children to become flexible thinkers and independent, self-directed learners in a non-competitive environment which respects and nurtures the individuality of its members.
Established in 1972 and set on 5 acres of beautiful bushland in Terrey Hills, Kinma has been leading the way in innovative teaching and learning for over 40 years. Learn more...
Kinma Play Group
Join us for Play Group every Monday during term time in our school hall, 9.30-11.30am
Contact us
127 Coolowie Rd,
Terrey Hills NSW 2084
Find us on Google Maps
Primary: +61 2 9450 0738
Preschool: +61 2 9486 3018
Fax: +61 2 9450 0748
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Seeking a Primary Teacher
- Curious and enthusiastic learner
- Collaborative and creative
- Critical thinking fused in curriculum
We seek a suitably qualified primary teacher who enjoys the company of children. We are a small school on Sydney's Northern Beaches. You will find us on 5 acres of bushland; an integral part of our students' learning. The position is available from Term 3 2021 full-time or four days per week.
Our School philosophy centres around genuinely involving children and encouraging advocacy in their own education. If you have an interest in exploring our learning/teaching environment , please email Julie Carr @ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for an application by 9th July, 2021. Telephone enquiries 9450 0738 are most welcome.
Real Life Learning at Kinma Preschool
Authentic learning describes the active engagement of children in experiences that are relevant and meaningful to them. Motivation is high when children can see how learning relates to their own lives.
Kinma Play Group
Kinma Play Group is on hold for now, however usually runs on Mondays during term time, 9.30-11.00am. We will advise next start date.
We hope to see you when we start back up again!
Focus and tinkering at Kinma
The ability to focus on one activity or experience for a considerable period of time is universally agreed upon as very beneficial in the suite of learning skills. It can also be incredibly enjoyable and according to Csikszentmihalyi, author of Flow, when it is, the learning and outcomes are enormous for the individual and the community of which they are a part.
What does focus look like at Kinma? Where is it found? How do teachers arrange scenarios to encourage it?
Kinma Preschool: Exceeding National Quality Standard
Kinma Preschool completed the new NQS assessment and ratings process with the Education and Care Services Directorate, NSW Office of Education and Communities in November 2013. We are pleased to announce that we have been assessed with an overall rating of: EXCEEDING NATIONAL QUALITY STANDARD
Read more: Kinma Preschool: Exceeding National Quality Standard
The importance of play in our curriculum
Play is predominant in the early years at Kinma. It is seen as a leading factor in the child's development. Central to the success of play is the child's self-control.
From play, children learn how to behave in social situations that are acceptable. Since play is child-centred and directed, the children learn self-discipline and self-motivation.
The Friendship Seed Project
We believe that people who are friends care for each other so the more friends there are, the more people are cared for and the less people are harmed. As a symbol of children's friendships all over the world, we are creating the world’s longest friendship band and hope you will join us in its creation.
Click here and find out how to participate. Lets design world peace together.
The Friendship Seed team
Latest news
Open Days
Our next Preschool and Primary School Tour is 9.30 - 11am on Thursday 11th August. Bookings essential. Call 9450 0738 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to book your place.
Open days
Our next Preschool and Primary School Tour is 9.30 - 11am Thursday 11th August. Bookings essential. Call 9450 0738 or email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
to book your place.
We invite you to join us on our next Open event, hear how our dynamic, progressive, independent school works, and tour our beautiful Primary and Preschool, set in the bush on 5 acres of land. See how we offer a unique child-centred education for preschool and primary school aged children, which includes Music, Spanish, basketball, bush walking, and much more.
If you’re not able to join us for one of our open events, we invite you to join us for a tour of the school.
You will have the opportunity to look around the Preschool and have an informal chat to answer all your questions, as well as meet the teachers and staff.
Please check our calendar for upcoming tour dates. Please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 02 9450 0738 to book in.
Term Dates 2022
- Term 1: Mon 31 Jan to Fri 8 April
- Term 2: Thu 28 Apr to Fri 1 July
- Term 3: Weds 27 July to Fri 23 Sep
- Term 4: Tues 11 Oct to Fri 16 Dec
Term Dates 2023
- Term 1: Tues 31 Jan to Thu 6 April
- Term 2: Thu 27 Apr to Fri 30 June
- Term 3: Weds 26 July to Fri 22 Sep
- Term 4: Tues 10 Oct to Fri 15 Dec