## 1. Overview
All Souls St Gabriels School is a Catholic independent school serving families in Charters Towers, Queensland. The school blends faith-informed education with a strong emphasis on community, personal growth and academic development. It operates with a small-to-medium student body and aims to provide intimate class sizes and a nurturing, inclusive culture that supports both individual achievement and collaborative learning.
In this setting, students experience a faith-centered environment that recognises each child as a unique learner. The atmosphere balances academic expectations with pastoral care, encouraging service, resilience and leadership within a supportive school community.
## 2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: strong literacy and numeracy foundations, integrated STEM and sciences, with language and humanities education embedded in the curriculum. The school also places emphasis on Catholic values within learning, including ethics, service and reflection.
- Special programs: opportunities for Gifted & Talented pathways and accelerated learning where appropriate, plus ongoing religious education and faith formation integrated across year levels.
- NAPLAN / trends: the school tracks NAPLAN results to monitor progress and identify targeted areas for improvement, aiming for year-on-year growth in key areas such as literacy and numeracy.
- Student-teacher ratios: class structures are designed to support close teacher-student interaction and individualized feedback, contributing to personalised learning.
- Support for diverse learners: inclusive education approaches with targeted support for diverse learners, including assistance for EAL students and SEN support through dedicated staff and programs.
## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: common team and individual sports suitable for the region, with opportunities to participate in local and district competitions (e.g., cricket, netball, football/soccer, rugby league, athletics, swimming as available).
- Strong teams or achievements: active participation in school sports with emphasis on teamwork, skill development and fair play; recognition often comes through local competition results and school showcases.
- Music, arts, drama programs: choir, band or ensemble options, school productions and opportunities to engage in theatre and performance.
- Clubs: robotics, chess, coding, debating and other co-curricular activities to extend skills beyond the classroom.
- Partnerships: connections with local community groups and regional competitions or academies to broaden learning experiences outside the classroom.
## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: proactive wellbeing framework with clear expectations, student support and education around respectful relationships.
- House system: a house-based structure to foster belonging, peer mentoring and healthy competition in a supportive environment.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: access to wellbeing staff to support student mental health, resilience and social-emotional learning.
- Transition support for new students: orientation activities, buddy systems and targeted induction processes to help students settle into the school community.
## 5. Facilities
- Sports grounds: on-site fields or courts suitable for a range of physical activities and games.
- Libraries: a central library that supports reading and research across year levels.
- Science labs: dedicated spaces for practical experiments and inquiry-based learning.
- Music/performing arts centers: spaces for practice, rehearsals and performances.
- Tech/innovation labs: access to digital tools and collaborative workspaces to support technology-enabled learning.
- Cafeteria: on-site canteen or dining area offering healthy meal options.
- Updated playgrounds: age-appropriate outdoor play and recreation areas.
## 6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: a faith-informed mission emphasising respect, service, integrity, compassion and personal responsibility.
- Leadership style: student voice and leadership opportunities aligned with pastoral care and community service; leadership development through clubs and roles within the school.
- Behaviour expectations: clear guidelines centered on respect, responsibility and positive conduct, with consistent routines and restorative approaches as needed.
- Community reputation: a trusted local parish and school community with a focus on support, involvement and service to others.
- Diversity & inclusion: commitment to creating an inclusive environment where students from diverse backgrounds feel welcome and supported.
## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: typical school day structure with start and finish times aligned to regional schedules; includes routines for assembly and transitions.
- Before/after school care: available options to support families’ schedules, with supervised supervision outside of normal hours.
- Uniform requirements: standard school uniform with guidelines on appropriate dress, care, and purchasing through the school’s uniform arrangements.
- Transport (train/bus routes): local bus services or school-organised transport options may be available for commuting families; details provided by admissions.
- Canteen availability: on-site canteen or lunch facilities offering everyday meal options and snacks.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): fees structured in a range typical for Catholic independent schools in regional Queensland; specific tuition, resource and uniform costs are provided by the admissions team.
## 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Typical steps: submit an application, provide required documents (birth certificate, immunisation records, proofs of residency and academic history as applicable), participate in an interview or assessment if requested, receive an offer, and confirm enrolment with payment of fees and return of required forms. Orientation and assimilation activities are usually offered before the start of the term.
- Timeline: applicants are encouraged to apply early, with offers issued in line with available vacancies and the school calendar. Open days and information sessions help families understand timelines and next steps.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Waiting lists may operate if demand exceeds current capacity. Applications may be placed on a waitlist, with priority considerations typically given to siblings and parish-affiliated or local community families. The admissions team will provide guidance on expected wait times and how to secure a place if spaces become available.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry requirements can include interview or informal assessment, and consideration of prior schooling records. Religious education or faith formation discussions may be part of the process. Specific tests or assessments, if used, are chosen to align with age and grade level.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are considered where spaces exist. Families seeking mid-year moves should contact the admissions office promptly to review availability and the application requirements, including records from the current school and any necessary transition supports.
## 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A values-based Catholic education in a supportive, close-knit community that emphasises personal growth, service and academic development.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who value community, faith-based learning, respectful relationships, and a balanced program that blends academics, sport, arts and wellbeing.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Access to extension or accelerated options where appropriate, participation in a range of clubs (robotics, chess, coding, debating), competitive and cooperative sports, and arts programs.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular updates through newsletters, emails, parent portals, and scheduled interviews; information nights and open days are commonly offered.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Student-centred, differentiation-ready learning with an emphasis on faith-informed values, inquiry and real-world application.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted learning support, small-group interventions and access to learning support staff; accommodations and referrals to specialists as needed.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Early identification, personalised learning plans and timely intervention to help students regain momentum.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- See above: ongoing channels including portals, emails and parent-teacher meetings.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes are designed to be intimate to support individual attention and timely feedback from teachers.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A broad offering across sports, arts and clubs (robotics, chess, coding, debating) to suit a range of interests and talents.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Facilities include sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, canteen and updated playgrounds.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integrated technology across the curriculum with access to digital resources, tools and collaborative platforms to support modern learning.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- School transport options or arrangements to support regional families; details provided by the admissions team.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees cover tuition and associated costs with potential additional charges for uniforms, excursions and elective activities; exact figures are provided by the admissions office.
## 10. Short Pros & Cons list
Pros
- Catholic values-based education with a strong sense of community
- Small-to-medium class sizes enabling individualized attention
- Supportive wellbeing and pastoral care
- Broad range of academic, arts, and sports opportunities
- Positive focus on character, service and leadership
Cons
- Rural location may mean fewer on-site specialist programs than larger urban schools
- Availability of places can be limited; early application recommended
- Fees are typical for private Catholic independent schools and may be a consideration for some families
- Transport options may require coordination for families outside Charters Towers
Notes
- The information above is a general overview intended to assist families in decision-making. For precise enrolment details, current programs, and up-to-date admissions timelines, please contact the school’s admissions office.
