## Overview
Bourchier Street Primary School is a public (government) primary school serving families in Shepparton and surrounding areas. The school is medium-sized, with a welcoming, family-focused atmosphere that emphasizes inclusion and community involvement. Class sizes are typical for Victorian primary settings, designed to support individual attention while fostering collaboration among students.
The school fosters a nurturing, inclusive culture where students are encouraged to participate, try new things and develop a strong sense of belonging. It aims to balance academic learning with social and emotional growth, building a positive school community that values effort, respect and resilience.
## Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: Focus on core literacy and numeracy, with emphasis on developing foundational skills, problem-solving and critical thinking. The school also supports STEM–related activities and enrichment opportunities to broaden student learning.
- Special programs: Targeted literacy and numeracy support, with opportunities for extension and enrichment as appropriate. The school supports diverse learner needs and may offer programs to assist students who require additional challenge or intervention.
- NAPLAN / trends: The school participates in NAPLAN assessments and uses results to monitor progress over time, with a view to improving reading, writing and numeracy outcomes across cohorts. Publicly reported trends typically show gradual improvement or stability in key areas as part of ongoing school improvement planning.
- Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes and staff ratios align with typical Victorian primary schools, providing consistent teacher contact time and targeted support where needed.
- Support for diverse learners: Strong emphasis on inclusive education, with EAL (English as an Additional Language) and SEN (special needs) support available to students who require extra assistance. Individual learning plans and appropriate accommodations are part of the school’s approach.
## Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: A range of team and individual sports typical for primary schools, including athletics, soccer, cricket, football/netball and cross-country activities, with opportunities to participate in school and district events.
- Strong teams or achievements: Active involvement in interschool sports and local competitions, with recognition for teamwork, sportsmanship and effort across grade levels.
- Music, arts, drama programs: School programs include music and performing arts activities, school performances and opportunities to explore creative expression.
- Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess and debating are commonly offered or facilitated, providing students with practical, hands-on learning experiences beyond the classroom.
- Partnerships: Connections with local community groups and sporting clubs, as well as participation in district-wide events and competitions to broaden student experiences.
## Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Clear policies and practices aimed at reducing bullying, promoting respectful behaviour and supporting students who experience or witness conflict; emphasis on restorative practices and a positive school climate.
- House system: A house-based structure is used to foster belonging, teamwork and healthy competition across year levels.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to wellbeing support, including school counsellors or wellbeing officers, to assist students with social, emotional and personal development needs.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation activities and transition programs help new students settle in, build connections with peers and learn the school routines smoothly.
## Facilities
- Sports grounds: Access to outdoor spaces suitable for physical education and recreational activities.
- Libraries: A library space supporting reading, research and collaborative learning.
- Science labs: Dedicated areas or spaces for science activities and hands-on experiments.
- Music/performing arts centers: Facilities or spaces that support music and drama activities and performances.
- Tech/innovation labs: Access to ICT resources and learning spaces that enable coding, digital learning and project work.
- Cafeteria: On-site dining or canteen facilities to support student meals and snacks.
- Updated playgrounds: Play areas that are age-appropriate and maintained for safe outdoor play.
## School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: A focus on respect, responsibility, resilience and inclusion; a mission centered on helping students grow academically and socially within a supportive community.
- Leadership style: Collaborative leadership that involves staff, students and families in decision-making and school improvement efforts.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear expectations around conduct, courtesy and responsibility, reinforced through positive behaviour frameworks and consistent routines.
- Community reputation: A welcoming and supportive local community reputation, with active family engagement and participation in school events.
- Diversity & inclusion: A commitment to welcoming families from diverse backgrounds and ensuring equitable opportunities for all students.
## School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typical primary-school day structure with start and finish times aligned to Victorian guidelines; details are published by the school on enrolment day.
- Before/after school care: OSHC or similar arrangements are commonly available through school or community providers for working families.
- Uniform requirements: School uniform policy in place, with guidelines on acceptable attire for daily wear and excursions.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Transport options typically include local bus services coordinated with the school; specific routes and schedules are provided by transport authorities.
- Canteen availability: Canteen or lunch program available to support daily meals and snacks.
- Fees: As a public school, there are no tuition fees; families may incur costs related to essential materials, excursions and activity levies typical of Victorian government schools (generally considered low to moderate).
## Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Enrolment is typically initiated through the Victorian Department of Education’s enrolment process, with a priority timeline for intake year levels. Parents submit an application, provide required documents (birth certificate, proof of address, immunisation status, etc.), and follow the school’s published timelines for commencement in the relevant year. The school may hold information sessions or open days to help families understand the process.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Some year levels may experience waiting lists when vacancies are limited. When applicable, waiting lists are managed in order of application date and prioritised according to Department guidelines and school-based policies. Places are offered as vacancies arise.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- For most primary-year entries, formal testing or interviews are not required. The enrolment process focuses on eligibility, the student’s current year level, and ensuring the school can meet the student’s educational needs. Some schools may request information about supports or additional needs to plan appropriate support.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are considered if a place is available. Availability depends on class size, staffing and current enrolments. Prospective families should contact the school directly to confirm capacity and the transfer process.
## Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A welcoming, inclusive environment with a focus on foundational skills, personal growth and community involvement.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who engage with both academic learning and social development, and who respond well to a supportive, collaborative school culture.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Enrichment in literacy and numeracy; STEM activities; music and performing arts; sports programs and interschool participation; clubs such as robotics, coding, chess and debating.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular updates through newsletters, emails, and the school website; parent-teacher conferences; notices about events and student progress.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Balanced, evidence-informed teaching with a focus on strong literacy and numeracy foundations, differentiated learning, and opportunities for student collaboration and hands-on learning.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted intervention programs, in-class supports, and access to learning support staff; EAL and SEN services as required.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Early identification, individual learning plans, and additional tutoring or small-group support as needed.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (duplicate question)
- See above: newsletters, notices, events, and parent-teacher discussions.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes are designed to be manageable for effective teaching; students typically receive a mix of whole-class instruction and targeted small-group or one-on-one support.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports (team and individual), music and arts programs, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess and debating; involvement in district-level events where possible.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Libraries, science and ICT resources, music/drama spaces, and outdoor play areas; sports facilities and multipurpose spaces support a variety of activities.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Access to ICT equipment and digital learning activities; emphasis on safe, age-appropriate use of technology to support learning.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local bus routes and walking/cycling paths where applicable; school facilities are designed to be accessible to students with varying needs.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- As a government school, there are no tuition fees; families may incur costs for materials, excursions and optional activities as outlined by the school.
## Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Public, inclusive environment with a focus on foundational literacy and numeracy.
- Balanced emphasis on academics, wellbeing and community involvement.
- Range of extracurriculars and clubs, including STEM and arts options.
- Support for diverse learners (EAL and SEN) and a student-centered approach.
- Active involvement in sport and local community activities.
- Cons
- As a medium-sized public school, some parents may prefer a larger or smaller school environment depending on their priorities.
- Specific advanced programs (e.g., formal IB or large-scale international exchange) may not be available on-site; enrichment is provided through in-school and local partnerships.
- Availability of mid-year transfers depends on vacancies and staffing at the time.
