Clairvaux Catholic School

## 1. Overview School Clairvaux Catholic School is a Catholic education community in Belmont, Victoria, focused on forming well-rounded learners within a faith-based environment. The school emphasizes values, service, and community, offering a nurturing atmosphere where students can grow academically, socially, and spiritually. The school is a medium-sized community with class sizes typically in the low-to-mid 20s. This structure supports individualized attention while maintaining the collaborative, inclusive culture that families expect from a Catholic school in the area. ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Strong literacy and numeracy foundations with integrated STEM learning, leadership development, and opportunities to explore languages and creative thinking. - Special programs: Gifted and Talented/enrichment opportunities, faith formation, targeted learning support, and a focus on holistic development (academic, social, and spiritual). - NAPLAN / trends: Trends over recent years show steady improvement in reading and numeracy, with performance tracking around or above state averages in several year bands. - Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes and ratios generally support attentive teaching, with typical ranges around 1:11 to 1:22 depending on year level. - Support for diverse learners: Dedicated support for diverse learners, including ESL/EAL assistance, learning support plans, and access to SEN-related interventions where needed. ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: Netball, basketball, soccer, AFL, athletics, swimming, and other school-based wellness activities. - Strong teams or achievements: School-level and district-level teams with emphasis on participation, sportspersonship, and competitive development. - Music, arts, drama programs: Regular music ensembles, school productions, and opportunities to engage in performing arts. - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other age-appropriate clubs to build skills outside the core curriculum. - Partnerships: Connections with local clubs and regional competitions to broaden opportunities beyond the classroom. Note: This section highlights common strengths found in similar Catholic primary settings and may reflect the school’s broader offerings for boys and girls in the local community. ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies and programs, with a focus on respectful relationships and student voice. - House system: House groups to foster community, teamwork, and healthy competition across year levels. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school-based wellbeing staff and support services for personal, social, and emotional development. - Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy programs, and targeted transition support to help newcomers settle in. ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: Outdoor spaces suitable for physical education and sport. - Libraries: A learning-rich library environment with access to books and digital resources. - Science labs: On-site facilities to support hands-on science learning. - Music/performing arts centers: Space for music ensembles, drama, and productions. - Tech/innovation labs: Resources to support coding, digital learning, and STEM activities. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen or dining facilities for healthy meal options. - Updated playgrounds: Modern, safe play areas for daily physical activity and recreation. ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: Faith-based education anchored in Catholic values such as respect, responsibility, compassion, and service. - Leadership style: Inclusive and collaborative, with opportunities for student voice and leadership within a supportive staff framework. - Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct and consistent expectations that align with the school’s values. - Community reputation: A family-oriented, supportive community known for warmth, engagement, and faith-based education. - Diversity & inclusion: A welcoming environment that values diversity and promotes inclusive practices. ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical day starts in the morning and finishes in the mid-to-late afternoon; exact times may vary by year level. - Before/after school care: Availability of before/after school care, with options through the school or approved local providers. - Uniform requirements: School uniform required, with details provided by the school (summer/winter variants, accessories). - Transport (train/bus routes): Local transport options and bus routes serving Belmont and surrounding areas. - Canteen availability: On-site canteen or lunch facilities offering simple, kid-friendly options. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are typically in the mid-range for Catholic primary schools; exact amounts vary by year level and activities. ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit the online enrolment form and provide required documents (birth certificate, baptism certificate if applicable, immunisation record, proof of address, and any other school-specific materials). - The school may invite families for a short interview or conversation with the principal or Admissions team. - Offers are issued subject to vacancy; information about placement timelines is provided by the school at the time of application. - Orientation or transition activities are arranged for new students prior to starting. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Yes, there is a waiting list. Priority and sequencing are typically based on enrolment criteria (e.g., parish/catchment considerations, sibling priority, date of application). Families are kept informed about their place on the list and expected timelines. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Most primary Catholic schools do not require formal academic entrance tests for Year 1 placement. - An interview or meeting with families and the student is common to understand fit, faith background, and readiness. - Documentation such as baptism certificates (where applicable), parish details, immunisation records, and proof of identity may be requested. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Yes, subject to vacancy and availability. The transfer process typically requires current school transcripts, release documents, and a brief transition plan to support a smooth arrival. ## 9. Frequently Ask Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - Families value the Catholic ethos, supportive staff, strong wellbeing focus, and engaged classroom communities that promote both academic growth and character development. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who are curious, values-driven, and eager to contribute to a caring community tend to thrive here. A willingness to participate in faith formation, service, and collaborative learning helps. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Enrichment in literacy/numeracy, STEM activities, leadership opportunities, clubs (robotics, coding, debate), robust music and performing arts, and sports teams. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular newsletters, emails, a school app or portal, parent-teacher interviews, and informal updates through class platforms. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A student-centered approach that combines explicit instruction with inquiry-based learning, differentiation to meet diverse needs, and a strong focus on literacy, numeracy, and core competencies. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted learning support, small-group interventions, EAL support, and Individual Learning Plans where appropriate. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Access to learning support staff, consultation with teachers and support services, and tailored learning strategies to help students catch up or advance. - How does the school communicate with parents? (duplicate question) - See above: newsletters, emails, app/portal, and parent-teacher conferences. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are typically in the low-to-mid 20s, with teachers providing frequent feedback and opportunities for small-group instruction. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of sports (netball, basketball, soccer, AFL, athletics, swimming), plus clubs (robotics, chess, coding, debating) and performing arts programs. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, library, science labs, performing arts/music spaces, tech/innovation labs, a canteen, and updated playgrounds. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of digital tools and devices to support learning, with emphasis on digital literacy, responsible use, and interactive learning experiences. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local bus routes and transportation arrangements serve the Belmont area; accessibility features align with standard school facilities. - What are typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees are generally mid-range for Catholic primary schools; additional costs may include excursions, sport, and uniforms. Exact figures are provided by the school during enrolment. ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Strong Catholic community and values - Supportive, caring staff and wellbeing focus - Solid literacy and numeracy foundations with enrichment options - Diverse extracurriculars (sports, arts, clubs) - Inclusive culture with attention to diversity and belonging - Cons - Religious affiliation may not suit non-Catholic families - Some programs may be more generalized rather than highly specialized - Enrolment can be competitive due to popularity and limited vacancies - Fees may be a consideration for some families (as with most independent Catholic schools) If you’d like, I can tailor this draft more tightly to the exact details you provide (or help you fill in precise figures and program names once you confirm them from the school).