St. Kilian’s after-school STEM sessions proving popular

ST KILIAN’S Primary School in partnership with the YMCA has ramped up its outside school hours care (OSHC) service with the introduction of STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) sessions on Monday afternoons.

As a result enrolments for the service have grown as word has spread and activities often carry into Friday because children ask to repeat their favourite experiments.

Coordinator and educator Felicia Lacey said the atmosphere changes on STEM days.

“I’ve found that with the STEM they’re just so excited to come in and sit down and see what we’re doing,” she said.

“It’s the enthusiasm, the laughter, the smiles, how they’re so involved in the program.

“You can really tell it makes a difference.”

For Ms Lacey, the initiative has also rekindled her own personal passion.

“I’ve always loved science and technology as well, I just love learning,” she said.

“To be able to do that with the children, for me, has been so rewarding.

“I just love to see the kids happy and learning and doing what they enjoy, and it brings joy to me.”

YMCA operations manager Matthew Slaughter said the response at St Kilian’s shows the potential of STEM in OSHC.

“STEM is a really good opportunity,” he said.

“Not many kids get that exposure.

“STEM is certainly an element that is not being utilised at home, so it is a real key focus for us.”

Families interested in YMCA OSHC at St Kilian’s for 2026 can find more information on the YMCA website.