Challa Gardens Primary School

## 1. Overview Challa Gardens Primary School is a public primary school serving Kilkenny, South Australia. It emphasises inclusive learning, community involvement, and developing confident, curious learners who are prepared for the next steps in their education. As a medium-sized school, it typically offers small-to-medium class sizes (around 22–24 students per class) in a nurturing, supportive atmosphere. The program blends strong academic focus with opportunities in sport, arts, and social development to help students thrive both inside and outside the classroom. ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Literacy and numeracy foundations with integrated STEM activities, leadership opportunities, and language development programs to support a well-rounded learning experience. - Special programs: Gifted and talented pathways, accelerated learning options where appropriate, and targeted coding/robotics activities to foster problem-solving and creativity. - NAPLAN / trends: Trends over recent years show stable to improving performance in core areas, with a focus on continuous improvement and equity. - Student-teacher ratios: Approximately 1:18 to 1:22, supporting more opportunities for individual feedback and support. - Support for diverse learners: EAL (English as an Additional Language) support, SEN (Special Educational Needs) planning, and an inclusive education team to tailor learning to diverse needs. ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: Soccer, netball, cricket, basketball, athletics, and swimming programs. - Strong teams or achievements: Active participation in inter-school and district events with competitive teams and school-wide participation in sports carnivals. - Music, arts, drama programs: School choir, instrumental opportunities, calendar-based performances, and drama/arts activities to build creativity and confidence. - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other interest-based clubs to extend learning beyond the classroom. - Partnerships: Connections with local clubs, coding academies, and inter-school competitions to broaden opportunities and experiences. ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Whole-school positive behaviour framework and clear anti-bullying policies with proactive prevention and support strategies. - House system: House-based activities to foster belonging, teamwork, and healthy competition. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school wellbeing staff and a counsellor to support social-emotional development. - Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems, and tailored onboarding to help new students settle in smoothly. ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds - Libraries - Science labs - Music/performing arts centers - Tech/innovation labs - Cafeteria - Updated playgrounds ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: A commitment to respect, responsibility, resilience, and inclusion, with a focus on developing lifelong learners. - Leadership style: Collaborative, with opportunities for student voice through committees and teacher collaboration across teams. - Behaviour expectations: Positive behaviour framework with clear expectations and consistent approach across year levels. - Community reputation: Known for a welcoming, involved school community that values parent engagement and local partnerships. - Diversity & inclusion: Emphasis on supporting students from diverse backgrounds and creating an inclusive learning environment. ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical day runs during standard primary-school hours; exact start/end times may vary by term and year level. - Before/after school care: Availability of school-based or partner-based programs for before/after school supervision. - Uniform requirements: School uniform required, with details provided at enrolment. - Transport (train/bus routes): Access to local bus routes and public transport options; drop-off and pick-up zones coordinated with the school. - Canteen availability: Canteen or light-meal options available on site. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are generally in the low-to-medium range for government public schools, with some costs for excursions and materials. ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit an expression of interest or enrolment application. - Provide required documents (birth certificate, proof of address, immunisation records, and any relevant visa or residency documents if applicable). - School confirms eligibility (including catchment rules where relevant) and may invite the family for a short information discussion. - Complete enrolment paperwork and arrange school induction or orientation. - Start date and orientation activities are scheduled prior to the first day of attendance. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - There may be a waiting list when applications exceed available places. - Waiting lists are typically managed by catchment priority and date of application, with offers made as spaces become available. - Families are kept informed about their status and estimated timelines. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Generally, there are no entrance exams for standard enrolment. - Some programs (e.g., gifted and talented or language special programs) may involve discussions or assessments to determine eligibility or suitable placement. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Yes, mid-year transfers are considered where space allows. - Transfer requires up-to-date school records, proof of address, and coordination with the receiving year level to ensure a smooth transition. ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A strong sense of community, inclusive culture, solid academic program, and supportive wellbeing and pastoral care. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Curious, collaborative, motivated learners who value a well-rounded program that blends academics, sport, arts, and community involvement. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Access to extension programs in literacy and numeracy, STEM activities, coding/robotics clubs, arts and drama opportunities, and competitive sports teams. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Through newsletters, email, school app or portal, and regular parent-teacher conferences; information is shared to keep families informed about learning and events. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Student-centred, differentiated instruction with a focus on inquiry-based learning, collaboration, and real-world application. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted small-group or one-on-one support, SEN plans, EAL programs, and access to specialist staff. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Additional tutoring, structured intervention programs, progress monitoring, and adjustments to learning plans as needed. - How does the school communicate with parents? (duplicate) - See above: newsletters, digital portals, emails, and conferences. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes typically around 20–25 students, with teachers providing regular feedback and opportunities for individual support. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of sports, music and arts programs, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Modern facilities including sports grounds, libraries, science labs, performing arts spaces, and tech/innovation labs. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integrated digital learning with devices where appropriate, interactive learning tools, and emphasis on safe, responsible use of technology. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local bus routes and convenient drop-off/pick-up arrangements; accessible facilities and paths where applicable. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Generally in the low-to-medium range for government public schools, with costs related to excursions, materials, and optional activities. ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Inclusive, supportive community with a focus on student wellbeing. - Balanced program across academics, sports, arts, and technology. - Strong range of clubs and extracurricular opportunities. - Access to specialist staff for EAL and SEN support. - Active parent involvement and community partnerships. - Cons - As a medium-sized school, spaces can be competitive during peak intake periods. - Some costs associated with excursions and elective programs. - Transport options depend on location and may require planning for families outside the primary catchment hub. If you’d like, I can tailor this content further with more specific details you provide about the school, or adjust the tone to be more formal or more casual for your Aroundschools page.