Chilwell Primary School

## 1. Overview Chilwell Primary School is a public (government) primary school serving families in Geelong’s Newtown area. It is a medium-sized school with class sizes typically around the low-to-mid 20s, creating a welcoming, community-focused environment. The school emphasises a nurturing yet achievement-oriented culture, offering a broad range of learning opportunities and strong wellbeing supports to help students grow academically and socially. ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy, with opportunities to engage in STEM/STEAM activities and creative arts. Leadership and student voice are encouraged through various school programs. - Special programs: Gifted and talented offerings, enquiry-based learning opportunities, and targeted support to cater for diverse learners. EAL and SEN support are available to assist students who need additional help. - NAPLAN / trends: Public reporting indicates steady progress over time, with focus on improving reading and numeracy skills while maintaining overall consistency with state and district trends. - Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes and teacher loads vary by year level, with typical student-teacher ratios that support small-group and in-class instruction. - Support for diverse learners: Dedicated support for EAL students and students with additional learning needs, including access to learning support staff and targeted interventions where required. ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: A broad range of physical education and team sports, including athletics, ball sports, and swimming activities, with opportunities to compete in district events. - Strong teams or achievements: Active participation in inter-school and district competitions, with emphasis on teamwork, sportspersonship, and personal improvement. - Music, arts, drama programs: Regular music and performing arts activities, choir or instrumental opportunities, and involvement in school arts events. - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other enrichment clubs that foster problem-solving, strategic thinking, and collaboration. - Partnerships: Connections with local clubs and community groups to support competitions, demonstrations, and additional skill-building experiences. ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying framework, with restorative practices and a culture of respect and responsibility. - House system: House groups support leadership, events, and friendly competition throughout the year. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: A dedicated wellbeing team, including access to a school counsellor or wellbeing coordinator for student support. - Transition support for new students: Structured buddy programs, orientation activities, and targeted support to help new students settle in quickly. ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: Generous outdoor spaces and athletic facilities for PE and recreation. - Libraries: Well-stocked library with a focus on literacy and information literacy. - Science labs: Dedicated science spaces to support hands-on inquiry and experiments. - Music/performing arts centers: Music rooms and spaces for drama and performance. - Tech/innovation labs: Computing and technology facilities to support digital learning and tech projects. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen or lunch facilities for lunch orders and breaks. - Updated playgrounds: Modern, age-appropriate playgrounds and play areas. ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: A values-driven culture emphasising respect, resilience, inclusion, and curiosity. - Leadership style: Collaborative leadership with regular student voice through councils and committees; strong family and community partnership. - Behaviour expectations: Positive behaviour framework focused on respectful conduct, responsibility, and restorative approaches to discipline. - Community reputation: Known for a welcoming, connected community where parent involvement and partnerships are valued. - Diversity & inclusion: Inclusive environment that supports students from diverse backgrounds and abilities. ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical day runs from morning start to mid-afternoon (commonly around 9:00 am–3:30 pm, subject to term schedules). - Before/after school care: OSHC or equivalent arrangements available to support families with before/after school needs. - Uniform requirements: Uniforms are worn as part of school policy; specifics provided by the school. - Transport (train/bus routes): Access via local public transport and school-bussing options; proximity to bus routes and train services may be a consideration for families. - Canteen availability: On-site canteen or lunch-order options for daily meals and snacks. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Being a public school, tuition is not charged; nominal costs may apply for certain activities, excursions, or materials (usually moderate). ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. Enrolment process and timeline: - Enrolment is typically handled through the Victorian Department of Education and the school’s catchment processes. Families apply to enroll their child in the appropriate year level, providing required documents (birth certificate, immunisation status, proof of address, etc.). Timelines align with the school year schedule and district intake periods. 12. Waiting list and how it works: - There is sometimes a waiting list when a year level is full. Admissions are generally prioritised by catchment eligibility and space availability, with updates provided by the school as vacancies arise. 13. Entry requirements, tests, or interviews: - There are usually no entry exams or formal interviews for primary school enrolment. Some documents or information may be requested to support a smooth transition, particularly for students with additional learning needs. 14. Mid-year transfers: - Mid-year transfers are possible if there is space, subject to appropriate documentation and timing. Families seeking a mid-year move should contact the school promptly to discuss vacancy and transition arrangements. ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? Public, approachable environment with a nurturing culture, strong wellbeing supports, and a balanced focus on academics, sport, and the arts. - What type of student thrives at this school? Motivated, curious, collaborative students who enjoy learning in a supportive team atmosphere and who engage in both academics and activities beyond the classroom. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? A mix of core academics with enrichment in STEM/STEAM, arts, music, leadership activities, and a broad range of clubs (robotics, coding, chess, debating) and sports. - How does the school communicate with parents? Regular updates through newsletters, emails, and parent-teacher meetings; information shared via school portals or platforms used by the school. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? Inclusive, literacy- and numeracy-focused with differentiated instruction to meet diverse learning needs; inquiry-based learning and real-world connections are encouraged. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? In-class differentiation, targeted small-group supports, and access to learning support staff and wellbeing teams. - What support is available for academic challenges? Early intervention strategies, progress monitoring, and collaboration with families to tailor supports. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated) See above: newsletters, emails, meetings, and digital platforms used by the school. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? Typical classes around 22–28 students; teachers provide regular feedback, targeted support, and opportunities for small-group instruction. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? A broad program including sports, music and arts, robotics, chess, coding, debating, and inter-school competitions. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? Modern facilities including sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, canteen, and updated playgrounds. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? Emphasis on digital literacy, classroom devices and online safety, and integrating technology into learning experiences. - What transport and accessibility options are available? Access via local transport networks and school-provided or partner transport options; convenient drop-off/pick-up arrangements are considered. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? No tuition fees for public schooling; some costs for excursions, materials, or optional activities may apply. ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Public, inclusive environment with strong wellbeing and support for diverse learners - Balanced focus on academics, sports, arts, and leadership - Active student voice and collaborative leadership with a sense of community - Wide range of clubs and enrichment opportunities - Moderate class sizes that support individualized attention - Cons - As a public school, throughput and class sizes can vary by year and intake - Some activities or excursions may incur additional costs - Transportation options depend on local routes and may require planning for some families If you’d like, I can tailor any section to emphasize particular programs or recent achievements you want highlighted.