Anglesea Primary School

1. Overview Anglesea Public Primary School serves the Anglesea community as a public, Prep–6 school with a strong sense of coastal town pride. The school emphasises a balanced, inclusive education that supports wellbeing, curiosity, and high engagement across the curriculum. It cultivates a nurturing atmosphere where students are encouraged to try new things, develop resilience, and contribute to the local community. With small-to-medium enrolments, classes typically range around 18–24 students, enabling more personalised attention and a warm, supportive culture. The school environment stresses collaboration, respect, and a love of learning, helping students feel secure and motivated to reach their best. 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Strong foundations in literacy and numeracy, with opportunities to explore STEM, arts, and leadership through integrated projects and inquiry-based learning. - Special programs: Arts and performing arts experiences, STEAM/maker activities, and extension opportunities for students who seek additional challenges. - NAPLAN / trends: The school monitors NAPLAN outcomes over time to inform teaching and supports; trends typically reflect steady progress and responsive intervention where needed. - Student-teacher ratios: Generally supportive class sizes with student-teacher ratios in the approximate range of 1:12–1:22, depending on year level and enrolments. - Support for diverse learners: Inclusive education with EAL/D support and targeted assistance for students requiring additional help; a learning support team coordinates interventions and adjustments as needed. 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: Interschool and local program options typically include AFL-aligned activities, soccer, netball, cricket, athletics, cross-country, and swimming. - Strong teams or achievements: Active participation in district competitions and school-level teams, with emphasis on teamwork, skill development, and personal bests. - Music, arts, drama programs: Regular opportunities in music and performing arts, school productions, assemblies, and concerts to showcase student talent. - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, book club, and other lunchtime or after-school clubs to broaden interests. - Partnerships: Connections with local clubs, regional competitions, and community organisations to extend learning beyond the classroom. 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies with whole-school programs focused on respectful relationships and safe, inclusive behaviours. - House system: A four-house structure that fosters friendly competition, teamwork, and school spirit through regular activities and events. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to a wellbeing officer or school counsellor, with regular check-ins and support for social-emotional learning. - Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy systems, and targeted transition programs to help new students settle in smoothly. 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: Dedicated playing fields and outdoor spaces for physical activity. - Libraries: A well-stocked library supporting reading for pleasure and information literacy. - Science labs: Science and practical learning spaces to support hands-on inquiry. - Music/performing arts centers: Facilities for music practice, rehearsals, and performances. - Tech/innovation labs: Makerspace or technology-focused areas for coding, robotics, and STEM activities. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen or lunch facilities supporting healthy eating choices. - Updated playgrounds: Modern, safe play areas and outdoor learning spaces. 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: A culture built on respect, responsibility, resilience, inclusion, and student well-being, with a focus on developing capable, caring young people. - Leadership style: Collaborative leadership with opportunities for student voice and involvement in school decisions where appropriate. - Behaviour expectations: Positive behaviour framework underpinned by clear expectations, consistent routines, and restorative approaches. - Community reputation: A welcoming, family-friendly school known for strong community ties and parental involvement. - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to inclusive practices that support students from diverse backgrounds and abilities. 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical day runs from morning start to mid-afternoon with a lunch break; details are published by the school each year. - Before/after school care: Before and after school care options are available, often through on-site programs or local providers affiliated with the school. - Uniform requirements: Official school uniform required, with specified items and guidance on acceptable dress. - Transport (train/bus routes): Access to regional transport options; families typically use local bus services or car drop-offs; check local routes for specifics. - Canteen availability: Canteen or lunch program operates on scheduled days. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): As a public school, fees are generally modest, with government funding and a materials and services charge; additional costs may arise from excursions or activities. 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit an enrolment application through the school (or DET portal where applicable) with required documents (birth certificate, immunisation details, proof of address). - Attend any information sessions if offered and complete any school-specific steps. - Receive offer of placement when available and confirm acceptance by the specified date. - Complete enrolment finalisation and arrange start date. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Some year levels or out-of-area registrations may have a waiting list. Placement is typically subject to catchment rules and availability. Families on the waitlist may be contacted as vacancies arise, with priority often given to catchment residents. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Primary school enrolment usually does not require entrance testing. Some situations (out-of-area requests, specific programs, or special circumstances) may involve information sessions or brief interviews. Immunisation requirements and documentation are standard. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are possible if vacancies exist. Families should contact the school as early as possible to discuss availability, transfer documentation, and start dates. 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A welcoming, inclusive environment with a focus on wellbeing, strong community connections, and a balanced academic program that supports each child’s growth. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who value a supportive, collaborative atmosphere, engaging in both academics and extra-curriculars, and who respond well to small-to-medium class sizes and personalised attention. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Access to literacy and numeracy enrichment, STEAM activities, arts and performing arts experiences, sports and interschool competitions, coding and robotics clubs, and leadership opportunities. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates through newsletters, a parent portal or app, scheduled parent-teacher interviews, and direct communication from teachers as needed. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Student-centred, inquiry-based learning that integrates literacy, numeracy, and cross-curricular projects, with supports for diverse learners and ongoing assessment to inform instruction. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted interventions through a learning support team, small-group coaching, EAL/D assistance, and adjustments to teaching strategies to meet individual needs. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Structured interventions, progress monitoring, and referrals to specialists or external services as appropriate, with collaboration between teachers, families, and support staff. - How does the school communicate with parents? (reframed) - Through regular updates, meetings, and accessible channels to discuss student progress, classroom activities, and school events. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes typically range around 18–24 students, with teachers able to provide more individual attention due to smaller cohort sizes and inclusive teaching practices. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of sports, arts, music, robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other clubs, along with opportunities to participate in interschool and local community competitions. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, a canteen, and updated outdoor play areas. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integrated ICT across the curriculum, access to devices for learning, and a focus on digital literacy and online safety within the school program. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local transport options (bus routes) and car access for drop-off/pick-up; detailed information available from the school about current routes and accessibility facilities. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Being a public school, fees are generally modest with a materials and services charge; additional costs may apply for excursions, camps, or optional activities. 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros: - Public school with a warm, inclusive culture - Small-to-medium class sizes supporting individual attention - Focus on wellbeing and student engagement - Broad range of academic, arts, and sports opportunities - Strong support for diverse learners and transitioning new students - Cons: - Limited specialist facilities compared with larger urban schools - Availability of certain programs may depend on enrolment numbers - Transport options may require coordination for families outside the immediate area If you’d like, I can tailor this content further with any specific details you have from the school’s latest information or annual reports.