## Overview
Anakie Primary School is a public primary school serving families in Anakie, VIC. It fosters a welcoming, community-minded learning environment where students are supported to grow academically and socially.
As a medium-sized public school, class sizes are designed to enable close teacher attention and collaborative learning. The atmosphere is inclusive and nurturing, with a strong focus on helping every student participate, belong, and succeed.
- School type: Public
- School size: Medium
- Class size: Approximately 18–22 students per class
- Atmosphere/culture: Inclusive, nurturing, community-focused
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## Academics & Learning
Anakie Primary School supports solid literacy and numeracy foundations while expanding students’ curiosity across STEM, arts, and digital literacy. The school emphasizes student leadership and enquiry-based learning to build confidence and independent thinking.
Special programs and opportunities may include STEAM activities, arts and performing arts experiences, and targeted interventions to support different learning needs. The school strives to provide opportunities for gifted and talented students through enrichment and extension activities where available.
- Academic strengths: Literacy and numeracy foundations; STEM/digital literacy; leadership and collaboration
- Special programs: STEAM/arts integration; enrichment and differentiation opportunities; reading and numeracy support
- NAPLAN trends: Generally stable performance with ongoing improvement efforts as part of the school’s improvement plan
- Student-teacher ratios: Typically around 1:18 (varies by year and cohort)
- Support for diverse learners: EAL support; SEN support and inclusive education; targeted literacy/numeracy interventions
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## Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
This school supports a broad range of physical and creative pursuits, giving students plenty of opportunities to explore interests beyond the classroom.
- Sports offered: Australian rules football, netball, cricket, soccer, athletics, and general fitness activities
- Strong teams or achievements: Participation in intra-school and district-level events; competitive involvement across teams
- Music, arts, drama programs: School music programs, choir or ensembles, school plays and regular arts activities
- Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating
- Partnerships: Local sport clubs, district/interschool competitions, and community arts partnerships
Most parents in this age group (boys around 10–14) often look for strong participation in team sports and accessible clubs; this school aims to provide that balanced mix.
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## Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
Student wellbeing is a central focus, with systems in place to promote a safe, respectful, and supportive environment.
- Anti-bullying approach: Whole-school policy with clear reporting channels and proactive education on respectful relationships
- House system: House groups to promote belonging, friendly competition, and leadership opportunities
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school wellbeing staff for individual and small-group support
- Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy programs, and targeted support during transitions between year levels
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## Facilities
The school offers a range of facilities designed to support learning, wellbeing, and creativity.
- Sports grounds
- Libraries
- Science labs
- Music/performing arts centers
- Tech/innovation labs
- Cafeteria
- Updated playgrounds
Visually oriented and easy to navigate, the facilities are designed to be used flexibly for different learning experiences and events.
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## School Values & Community Culture
This school emphasizes character, collaboration, and inclusion as core elements of everyday learning.
- School values / mission: Respect, resilience, inclusion, and integrity guiding daily learning and interaction
- Leadership style: Distributed leadership with student voice and teacher collaboration
- Behaviour expectations: Clear positive-behaviour framework that encourages responsibility and mutual respect
- Community reputation: Known for a welcoming, family-friendly environment and active parent involvement
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to inclusive practices and opportunities for all students to participate
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## School Logistics & Daily Operations
Practical details help families plan around school life.
- School hours: Typically 9:00am–3:30pm (with a morning supervision period if offered)
- Before/after school care: Available through in-school or local community programs (fees apply)
- Uniform requirements: School-uniform policy with approved school wear
- Transport: Bus routes and local transport options; families may arrange drop-offs and pickups as appropriate
- Canteen availability: Canteen or coordinated food services available with healthy options
- Fees: Generally low; some materials, excursions, and voluntary contributions may apply
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## Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Check catchment areas and eligibility, submit online or paper application, provide required documents (proof of address, birth certificate, immunisation history), and complete any school-specific steps. Offers are made according to the local enrolment timetable and capacity.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- If the school is oversubscribed, a waiting list may be used. Priorities are typically determined by catchment status and sibling eligibility. Families are informed of their place in the queue and expected timelines.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- For most year levels, there are no entrance tests. Some programs (if available) may involve additional assessments or information sessions, particularly for gifted and talented pathways or special programs.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Yes, subject to vacancy and alignment with the school’s enrolment policies. Prospective mid-year families should contact the school early to discuss availability and the transfer process.
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## Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A welcoming community, strong literacy and numeracy foundations, and opportunities across sports, arts, and clubs within a supportive environment.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who are curious, collaborative, and eager to engage across academics, sport, and creative activities in a inclusive setting.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Enrichment activities in STEM/arts, leadership roles, sport teams, musical and drama programs, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Through regular newsletters, email updates, a school app or portal, and scheduled parent-teacher interviews.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- A balanced, evidence-based approach focusing on differentiation, inquiry-based learning, and real-world connections to help all students grow.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted literacy and numeracy support, EAL and SEN services, and intervention programs as part of the student support plan.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Ongoing assessment to identify needs, small-group or one-on-one interventions, and collaboration with families to tailor supports.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A broad range of sports, music and drama programs, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Modern libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, sports grounds, and updated play areas.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of digital literacy into the curriculum, classroom devices for learning, and a focus on safe, responsible use of technology.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local bus routes and encouragement of family travel planning; facilities and access designed to support all students.
- What are typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are generally low with potential costs for excursions, materials, and voluntary contributions as outlined by the school.
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## Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Inclusive, supportive environment with a strong sense of community
- Solid foundations in literacy and numeracy with opportunities in STEM, arts, and digital learning
- Broad range of sports, clubs, and performing arts offerings
- Focus on student wellbeing, anti-bullying, and transition support
- Accessible facilities with spaces for learning, creativity, and collaboration
- Cons
- As a mid-sized public school, some programs may have limited capacity or vary by year
- Specific programs (e.g., gifted and talented) may require assessment or placement considerations
- Uniforms and certain activities may involve ongoing costs
- Transport options rely on local bus routes and family arrangements in the area
