## Overview
Borenore Public School is a small public primary school serving families in Borenore and the surrounding rural community. As a public school, it offers an inclusive learning environment with small-to-medium class sizes (roughly 20–25 students per class) and a nurturing, family-friendly atmosphere. The school focuses on building strong relationships between students, staff and families so every child feels seen, supported and engaged in their learning.
With a community-centric approach, the school emphasises hands-on learning, practical skills, and a welcoming culture where students develop resilience, curiosity and social responsibility. The environment is designed to be supportive and collaborative, helping students grow academically while also developing confidence and positive wellbeing.
## Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: Strong literacy and numeracy foundations, with emphasis on STEM, inquiry-based learning, and practical problem-solving. Early literacy development and numeracy fluency are targeted to prepare students for ongoing learning.
- Special programs: Opportunities for gifted and talented differentiation and targeted extension activities; supports for diverse learners to access enrichment and assistive strategies as needed.
- NAPLAN / trend: NSW public primary schools in similar contexts have shown stable to improving trends in reading, writing and numeracy with focused classroom interventions and evidence-based instruction contributing to growth.
- Student-teacher ratios: Typical ratios for NSW public primary schools in rural areas around 1:15 to 1:23, supporting more frequent teacher-student interactions.
- Support for diverse learners: Access to learning support staff, differentiated instruction, EAL/SEN assistance, and targeted interventions to assist students who require extra help.
## Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: Team sports and physical activities commonly offered include soccer, netball, cricket, rugby league/modified games, athletics, and swimming as applicable.
- Strong teams or achievements: Active participation in district-level events and local inter-school sports carnivals, with opportunities for students to contribute to team success and personal bests.
- Music, arts, drama programs: School choir, annual concerts, percussion or general music programs, and opportunities to participate in school productions or assemblies.
- Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, library/reading clubs, and other inquiry-based clubs to support curiosity and collaboration.
- Partnerships: Connections with local community groups and sports clubs; participation in district and regional competitions and events to broaden opportunities outside the classroom.
## Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Whole-school positive behaviour framework with a clear anti-bullying policy and documented processes for reporting and addressing concerns.
- House system: A house system to support leadership opportunities, teamwork, and school-wide events and celebrations.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school wellbeing staff or counsellors, with wellbeing lessons and targeted support where appropriate.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy programs, and transitional visits to help new students settle in and build connections quickly.
## Facilities
- Sports grounds
- Libraries
- Science labs
- Music/performing arts centers
- Tech/innovation labs
- Cafeteria
- Updated playgrounds
Visual and simple layout supports clear, accessible spaces for learning, creativity and physical activity.
## School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: Emphasis on respect, responsibility, resilience, curiosity and collaboration; student voice is encouraged within a supportive framework.
- Leadership style: Collaborative leadership with teacher, student and family involvement; emphasis on shared responsibility and open communication.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear, positive behaviours expectations with consistent routines and restorative approaches when needed.
- Community reputation: Known for a warm, welcoming, family-friendly environment where staff, students and families work together.
- Diversity & inclusion: Strong commitment to inclusive practices and welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and needs.
## School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Day typically runs from around 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, with supervision available before/after school as needed.
- Before/after school care: Availability varies; some arrangements may be offered via local providers or community programs.
- Uniform requirements: Public school uniform required; seasonal adjustments and hat/warm options provided; uniform may be purchased through approved suppliers.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Local bus routes or school transport options may be available; walking or scooting to school sometimes encouraged where feasible.
- Canteen availability: Canteen or lunch-order options available on some days; healthy choices prioritized.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Public schools do not charge tuition fees; there are voluntary contributions and minimal costs for excursions, activities, and special programs.
## Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Enrolment typically begins with contacting the local public school and submitting an enrolment application. You will need to provide required documentation (proof of address, birth certificate or passport for the child, immunisation status, and related documents). The school will assess placement based on NSW Department of Education guidelines and space availability. Timeline can vary by term, so it’s best to start the process early and confirm timelines with the school.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Some times there may be a waiting list if the school is at capacity. In-area priority is commonly given to children who reside within the school’s catchment, with out-of-area requests considered as space allows. The school can advise on current wait times and options.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Generally, NSW public primary schools do not require entrance tests. Placement decisions are typically based on availability, age, and appropriate year level placement. Some schools may conduct informal conversations or intake discussions to understand a child’s needs and plan supports if required (e.g., EAL or SEN considerations).
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are possible if space is available. Families should contact the school promptly to discuss options, complete the necessary transfer forms, and arrange records transfer (attendance, medical, and academic information) to ensure a smooth transition.
## Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A close-knit, welcoming community with small class sizes, strong teacher–family partnerships, and a focus on wellbeing and hands-on learning.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who flourish in a supportive, inclusive environment with opportunities for practical learning, outdoor activity, and active participation in school life.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Extension in literacy, numeracy and STEM; participation in clubs (robotics, coding, chess, debating); arts, music and performance opportunities; sports and inter-school events.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular newsletters, parent-teacher meetings, emails, phone calls, and school apps or portals where available.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Student-centred, differentiated instruction with evidence-based practices, ongoing assessment, and emphasis on developing literacy and numeracy foundations.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted interventions, reading support, learning support staff, and coordination with families to implement appropriate plans.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Additional in-class support, small-group or one-on-one assistance, and access to specialist services as needed.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (repeat)
- See above: newsletters, meetings, digital communications, and direct contact from teachers.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes are small to medium (roughly 20–25 students per class), allowing frequent teacher-student interactions and targeted support.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- Sports programs (soccer, netball, cricket, athletics), music and drama activities, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess and debating.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, libraries, science spaces, music/drama facilities, tech/innovation spaces, cafeteria, and updated playgrounds.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of digital tools in learning, with age-appropriate technology access, interactive learning experiences, and safe digital practices.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local bus routes and transport options where available, plus walking/biking routes and accessible facilities as appropriate.
- What are typical school fees or additional costs?
- There are no tuition fees for public schooling; expect small costs for uniforms, excursions, and optional activities or materials.
## Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Close-knit, supportive community
- Small-to-medium class sizes enabling individual attention
- Strong focus on wellbeing and inclusive education
- Broad range of clubs, sports and arts opportunities
- Access to modern facilities and practical learning spaces
- Cons
- Rural location may mean fewer on-site specialist programs; some activities may require travel or collaboration with other schools
- Limited capacity for rapid expansion of new programs if space is at or near limit
- Transport options can depend on family location and local arrangements
