Caddies Creek Public School

Overview

Caddies Creek Public School is a public primary school serving students from Kindergarten to Year 6. The school emphasises inclusive learning and a supportive community, with a focus on helping every child become confident, capable learners.

With a medium-sized student body, the school offers balanced class sizes and a collaborative, respectful atmosphere. There is a clear commitment to student wellbeing, digital literacy, and a broad program of academics, sport, arts and STEM activities designed to engage a diverse range of interests.

Academics & Learning

• Academic strengths: English and mathematics are emphasized across the primary years, with strong focus on literacy development, numeracy foundations, and opportunities to engage in STEM-related learning through digital literacy and hands-on projects.

• Special programs: Opportunities for enrichment in STEM, leadership development and arts are provided as part of a broad curriculum. The school supports diverse learners with targeted programs and activities to stretch abilities where appropriate.

• Support for diverse learners: Strong EAL/D support, inclusive education pathways, and a dedicated learning support team assist students with additional needs, alongside access to targeted interventions and assistive technologies where required.

Sports & Extracurricular Strengths

• Sports offered: A broad program includes team sports such as soccer, cricket, netball, and athletics, with opportunities for swimming and other activities throughout the year.

• Strong teams or achievements: Students compete in zone events and school teams regularly participate in inter-school activities, helping build teamwork and school spirit.

• Music, arts, drama programs: School music programs, choirs and drama/performing arts opportunities contribute to a well-rounded arts culture.

• Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating and other after-school clubs foster problem-solving, strategic thinking and collaboration.

• Partnerships: The school often participates in local inter-school competitions and partnerships with community groups to extend opportunities in sport, robotics and coding.

Wellbeing & Pastoral Care

• Anti-bullying approach: A proactive, whole-school approach to safety and respectful behavior, with clear policies and ongoing education to promote a positive climate.

• House system: A house-based structure supports belonging, teamwork and leadership opportunities across year levels.

• Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school-based wellbeing staff to support social and emotional learning, along with referrals to external services when needed.

• Transition support for new students: Welcome orientation, buddy programs and targeted transitions help new students settle in smoothly.

Facilities

• Sports grounds: On-site sports facilities support a wide range of physical education activities and after-school sport.

• Libraries: Central library space supports reading for pleasure, research and learning across year levels.

• Science labs: Dedicated science facilities enable hands-on experiments and practical inquiry.

• Music/performing arts centers: Performance spaces and music rooms support choir, band and drama activities.

• Tech/innovation labs: Dedicated ICT/digital technology spaces foster coding, robotics and other STEM activities.

• Cafeteria: On-site canteen offers healthy choices for recess and lunch.

• Updated playgrounds: Modern play areas provide engaging spaces for break times.

School Values & Community Culture

• School values / mission: A focus on respect, responsibility, resilience and inclusion guides day-to-day learning and interactions.

• Leadership style: Distributed leadership with opportunities for student voice and staff collaboration, promoting shared ownership of school improvement.

• Behaviour expectations: Clear, positive behaviour policies align with the school’s values and are reinforced consistently across all year levels.

• Community reputation: A welcoming, family-friendly school with active parent involvement and a reputation for caring for students’ wellbeing and development.

• Diversity & inclusion: The school aims to be inclusive, welcoming families from diverse backgrounds and providing appropriate supports to ensure all students can participate fully.

School Logistics & Daily Operations

• School hours: Typically a daytime schedule with start around 9:00 am and finish around 3:00 pm, with specific times published by the school each year.

• Before/after school care: Options are available through OSHC or school-approved providers to extend care beyond the core day.

• Uniform requirements: Public-school uniform policy; students wear the school uniform, with guidance on appropriate wear and care.

• Transport: Access to local bus routes and convenient drop-off/pick-up arrangements; transport details provided by the school and local authorities.

• Canteen availability: Canteen or lunch-order options available to support healthy eating during the day.

• Fees: Public schools generally have low to moderate additional costs (uniforms, excursions, certain activities). Specific costs are advised by the school.

Enrolment & Admissions

1. What is the enrolment process and timeline?

• Enrolment is managed through the NSW Department of Education procedures. Families should initiate the process via the school’s enrolment team, typically starting in the year prior to entry. Zone and availability considerations influence timelines, and the school will communicate the expected intake dates and required documentation.

1. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?

• Waiting lists may apply for non-local enrolments or where space is limited. Preference is generally given to in-zone applicants, with the waiting list managed by the school and local education authorities. Timing and position on the list depend on when applications are received and space becomes available.

1. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?

• For public primary enrolments, there is no entrance exam. Some cases may involve readiness considerations or inclusivity supports; documentation and immunisation status are typically required. Interviews are not standard for general enrolment but may occur for specific support needs or program placements.

1. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?

• Mid-year transfers are possible if there is space. Families should contact the school as early as possible to discuss availability, required documentation, and transition supports to ensure a smooth move.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Parents Choose This School?

- A welcoming, inclusive learning environment with strong wellbeing supports, solid academics and broad extracurricular options that engage a range of interests.

• What type of student thrives at this school?

- Students who are curious, collaborative, engaged in learning, and who value participation in clubs, sport and the arts, as well as strong relationships with teachers and peers.

• What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?

- Enrichment in STEM and literacy, leadership opportunities, coding/robotics clubs, drama and music programs, and competitive sport teams. Involvement in inter-school events and community partnerships also broadens opportunities.

• How does the school communicate with parents?

- Regular updates via newsletters, emails, a school app or portal, parent-teacher interviews, and community forums or information nights.

• What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?

- A student-centered, evidence-based approach with differentiation to meet diverse learning needs, integrated digital literacy, collaborative learning, and ongoing assessment.

• How does the school support students who need extra academic help?

- In-class support, targeted interventions, a learning support team, EAL/D assistance, and access to additional resources as required.

• What support is available for academic challenges?

- Early identification, personalized learning plans, small-group tutoring or targeted programs, and referrals to external supports when necessary.

• What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?

- A wide range of clubs and activities including robotics, coding, chess, debating, music and drama, plus team sports and inter-school competitions.

• What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?

- Modern facilities including sports grounds, a library, science labs, music/drama spaces, tech/innovation labs, and a canteen, plus well-designed playgrounds.

• What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?

- Integrated digital literacy across the curriculum with access to devices, coding and robotics programs, and technology-rich learning environments.

• What transport and accessibility options are available?

- Local bus routes and ordered drop-off/pick-up arrangements; standard accessibility measures and support for families requiring additional assistance.

• What are the typical school fees or additional costs?

- Public primary schools have low to moderate additional costs (uniforms, excursions, materials). Specific costs are provided by the school at enrolment.

Short Pros & Cons list

• Pros

- Inclusive, welcoming community with a emphasis on wellbeing and student support - Broad academics plus opportunities in STEM, arts and leadership - Strong range of extracurriculars and clubs - Solid facilities for learning, science, arts and technology - Active parent and community involvement

• Cons

- Budget-driven costs for uniforms and excursions are expected - High demand may impact wait times for out-of-zone enrolments