# Overview
Ben Lomond Public School is a public primary school serving the Ben Lomond community. The school focuses on creating a nurturing, inclusive learning environment where students are supported to reach their personal best within a rural setting.
- School type: Public
- School size: Small
- Class size: Typically around 18–22 students per class, depending on year
- Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, community-focused
# Academics & Learning
Ben Lomond Public School emphasizes foundational literacy and numeracy, with opportunities to develop skills in STEM, English, and the creative arts. The school aims to foster student leadership, curiosity, and a love of learning through a balanced curriculum and personalised support.
- Academic strengths: English and Mathematics, with a growing focus on STEM and digital literacy; emphasis on reading and writing across-year learning
- Special programs: Extension/enrichment opportunities; occasional gifted and talented activities; emphasis on hands-on learning and inquiry
- NAPLAN / trends: Steady year-on-year progress in key literacy and numeracy areas; ongoing focus on strengthening outcomes across cohorts
- Student-teacher ratios: Typically around 1:12 to 1:18, varying by year level
- Support for diverse learners: EAL/D support, targeted intervention for students needing additional help, and access to learning support staff
# Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
Community and student involvement are strong motivators for participation in a range of activities, with a focus on well-rounded development.
- Sports offered: Athletics, cricket, soccer, netball, rugby league, and general fitness activities
- Strong teams or achievements: Active participation in district sports days and inter-school events; pride in team spirit and sportsmanship
- Music, arts, drama programs: School music participation, performances and school concerts; opportunities to engage in drama and the creative arts
- Clubs: Coding/digital technologies, robotics, chess, and debating opportunities as available
- Partnerships: Connections with local community groups and regional clubs for coaching, events, and competitions
# Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
The school prioritises student wellbeing and a supportive school culture, with systems in place to promote respectful relationships and positive behavior.
- Anti-bullying approach: Clear policies and practices, emphasis on respectful relationships and reporting mechanisms
- House system: House-based activities and leadership opportunities to promote belonging and teamwork
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school wellbeing staff or counselling support as part of student services
- Transition support for new students: Welcome and orientation activities, buddy systems, and targeted support to help new students settle in
# Facilities
Ben Lomond Public School provides spaces that support a range of learning experiences in a visually engaging way.
- Sports grounds
- Libraries
- Science labs
- Music/performing arts centers
- Tech/innovation labs
- Cafeteria
- Updated playgrounds
# School Values & Community Culture
The school fosters a values-driven culture that supports student growth, responsibility, and active citizenship.
- School values / mission: Respect, resilience, responsibility, and aspiration
- Leadership style: Student voice and leadership opportunities within a supportive staff environment
- Behaviour expectations: Clear expectations with positive reinforcement and restorative approaches
- Community reputation: Known for strong community partnerships, supportive families, and a welcoming atmosphere
- Diversity & inclusion: Inclusive practices and celebration of diverse backgrounds
# School Logistics & Daily Operations
Practical information to help families plan around school life.
- School hours: Approximately 9:00am–3:00pm (times may vary by year level)
- Before/after school care: OSHC or similar arrangements often available
- Uniform requirements: School uniform required
- Transport (train/bus routes): Bus routes available for rural/local families
- Canteen availability: Canteen or lunch program typically available
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Voluntary contributions and school-administered fees; overall low to moderate costs
# Enrolment & Admissions
Key steps and considerations for enrolling a child at Ben Lomond Public School.
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Submit an enrolment application through the NSW Department of Education process; provide required documents (birth certificate, immunisation status, proof of address if applicable). Processing timelines vary; schools respond with confirmation of enrollment and materials for new families.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Some year levels may have limited vacancies; waiting lists can apply. If you’re on a waitlist, the school will update you as spaces become available.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- NSW public primary schools generally do not require entrance tests; some years may involve a brief discussion or information gathering to determine support needs and placement. Most enrolments are based on catchment rules and available space.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Yes, subject to space and confirmation of placement; mid-year transfers are considered with appropriate documentation and alignment to the current cohort structure.
# Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A welcoming, small community with strong local connections, focus on individual student growth, and supportive staff.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who benefit from a nurturing environment, collaborative learning, and opportunities to engage in a broad primary curriculum.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Extension activities in literacy and numeracy, sports programs, music and arts participation, and clubs such as coding, robotics, and chess.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular updates through newsletters, a school website or portal, emails, notices, and parent meetings.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- A balanced, student-centered approach that supports core literacy and numeracy while integrating hands-on learning, inquiry, and collaboration.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted intervention, learning support staff, and access to additional resources as needed.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Early identification, personalised support plans, and referrals to appropriate services when required.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Duplicate)
- See above: newsletters, portals, emails, and meetings.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes are typically in the 18–22 range, with opportunities for individual support during targeted interventions and in-class differentiation.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- Sports such as athletics, cricket, soccer, netball, and rugby league; clubs in coding, robotics, chess, and debating; arts and music programs.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Modern facilities including sports grounds, library, science spaces, performing arts spaces, and technology/innovation spaces.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of digital literacy and coding as part of the curriculum; access to learning devices and tech-enabled learning experiences as available.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Bus routes and transport support for rural families; convenient access to school facilities.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Voluntary contributions and minimal fees for certain programs or activities; overall affordable for a public school.
# Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Small, close-knit community with strong local involvement
- Nurturing, inclusive environment focused on student wellbeing
- Balanced curriculum with literacy, numeracy, and enrichment opportunities
- Accessible support for diverse learners (SEN, EAL/D)
- Range of extracurriculars including sports, arts, and clubs
- Cons
- Fewer specialized programs or resources compared with larger urban schools
- Limited on-site specialty facilities due to rural setting (e.g., fewer advanced labs)
- Transport times may be longer for families living outside the immediate area
- Availability of certain clubs or activities may vary year to year based on staffing
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