All Saints' School

## 1. Overview All Saints' Boonah is a Catholic, co-educational primary school serving Prep to Year 6 in Boonah, Queensland. The school emphasizes faith formation alongside strong academic foundations, guided by a values-based approach that supports families and the local parish community. It offers a warm, close-knit environment where students are known and supported as individuals. - School type: Catholic - School size: small to medium - Class size: typically around 20–24 students per class - Atmosphere/culture: nurturing, inclusive, community-focused --- ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Strong literacy and numeracy foundations, with dedicated programs to develop English, maths, and digital literacy. STEM integrated learning and opportunities for leadership development are emphasised within a faith-informed context. - Special programs: Catholic Religious Education (CRE), leadership opportunities, and targeted learning support; options for gifted and talented pathways and accelerated learning where appropriate. - NAPLAN trends: Trends over recent years show steady progress in literacy and numeracy, with ongoing focus on early intervention and higher-order thinking skills. - Student-teacher ratios: Small-to-medium class cohorts support regular teacher-student interaction and personalized feedback. - Support for diverse learners: EAL support where needed; dedicated learning support staff and inclusive practices to assist students with additional learning needs. --- ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: Soccer, netball, cricket, football/rugby league, athletics, and other school-based physical activities. - Strong teams or achievements: Active participation in district competitions and school-level teams with emphasis on teamwork and fair play. - Music, arts, drama programs: School choir, music sessions, and regular performing arts opportunities such as school productions and assemblies. - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other student-led clubs that support curiosity and critical thinking. - Partnerships: Connections with local community and sport clubs for inter-school events and talent development opportunities. Most parents skim this section, especially for boys aged 10–14, so these points are highlighted to show practical opportunities and achievements. --- ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies, restorative practices, and a culture of respect and empathy across the school community. - House system: House groups used for friendly competitions and social bonding during school events. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school-based wellbeing staff or counsellors to support emotional and social development. - Transition support for new students: Buddy systems, orientation activities, and targeted support to help new students settle in quickly. --- ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: On-site playing fields and courts suitable for a range of activities. - Libraries: School library with a focus on literacy encouragement and reading for enjoyment. - Science labs: Practical spaces to support hands-on science learning. - Music/performing arts centers: Dedicated spaces for music, drama, and performances. - Tech/innovation labs: Modern classrooms with integrated technology to support digital learning. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen or lunch facilities offering healthy options. - Updated playgrounds: Safe, age-appropriate play areas and outdoor learning spaces. --- ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: A faith-centered community that emphasises Respect, Responsibility, Compassion, and Courage. - Leadership style: Inclusive and collaborative leadership with student voice encouraged through age-appropriate roles and responsibilities. - Behaviour expectations: Clear conduct policies aligned with school values; consistent expectations and positive behavior supports. - Community reputation: Strong sense of belonging; active involvement with families and parish partners. - Diversity & inclusion: Welcoming environment that recognises and values diverse backgrounds and perspectives. --- ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical day runs from morning to early afternoon with variations for term times (approx. 8:30am–3:00pm; check current term schedule). - Before/after school care: Availability of before/after care through school arrangements or local providers. - Uniform requirements: School uniform policy with designated daily wear and sports uniform for physical education and events. - Transport (train/bus routes): Local transport options available; school bus services may operate within Boonah and nearby areas. - Canteen availability: Canteen or lunch facilities offering kid-friendly healthy options. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are in the low-to-medium range for Catholic primary schools; details vary by year level and arrangements. --- ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions ### 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? Enquiries typically begin with a school information session or tour, followed by an application submission, collection of required documents, and a meeting or interview with the principal or admissions team. The timeline varies by intake year and space; early applications are encouraged to secure a place. ### 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? Yes, there is often a waiting list when year groups are at capacity. Spots are allocated based on order of application, siblings, parish affiliation, and the school’s enrolment policies. The school will provide updates on wait-list status and expected timelines. ### 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? Entry typically involves an information session and an interview with the family and student. There is generally no entrance examination for primary-level enrolments, though the school may discuss faith commitments, support needs, and placement considerations during the interview. ### 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? Mid-year transfers are sometimes possible, subject to space and placement considerations. Applications for mid-year transfer are reviewed by the admissions team, and placements are contingent on availability and suitability. --- ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A welcoming Catholic community with strong pastoral care, small class sizes, and a focus on values-based education that supports both academic and personal growth. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who respond well to a nurturing, faith-informed environment, with a willingness to participate in school life, collaborate with peers, and engage in a broad curriculum. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - A range of programs across academics, sports, arts, music, debating, robotics, coding, and leadership opportunities, plus clubs and inter-school events. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular newsletters, parent-teacher meetings, emails, a school app or portal, and annual or mid-year reports; timely updates about events and activities. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Student-centered, inclusive, and faith-informed learning that integrates technology, hands-on inquiry, and collaborative projects; differentiation to meet diverse needs. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted learning support, reading and numeracy interventions, and access to specialist staff to assist students as needed. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Early identification, personalised plans, and collaboration with families to set realistic goals and monitor progress. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Duplicate question) - See above: newsletters, portals, and direct contact with teachers and administration as needed. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are small-to-medium, allowing regular individualized feedback and teacher support in class and through targeted interventions. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A broad mix including sports teams, music and drama programs, and clubs such as robotics, chess, coding, and debating. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - On-site sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, and a canteen. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integrated technology across the curriculum, with devices and digital resources used to enhance learning, collaboration, and creativity. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local transport options and school-arranged or partner transport services where available; accessible facilities for students with mobility needs. - What are typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees are generally in the low-to-medium range for Catholic primary schools; additional costs may apply for camps, excursions, and extra-curricular activities. --- ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Close-knit, supportive community with strong pastoral care - Small-to-medium class sizes enabling personalized attention - Values-based, faith-informed education - Broad range of academics, arts, and sports - Positive emphasis on inclusivity and student wellbeing - Connection to parish and local community - Cons - Smaller school footprint may mean fewer specialist subjects or older-year facilities compared with larger schools - Transport or commuting needs for families outside Boonah - Enrolment may involve wait lists in some year levels - Availability of certain electives or clubs may vary by year or staffing