## Overview
Cooee Primary School is a public primary school in Tasmania that focuses on creating a welcoming, inclusive learning environment for its students. The school maintains a medium-sized community with class sizes generally in the 20s, fostering strong teacher-student relationships and a sense of belonging.
The atmosphere is nurturing and community-oriented, with an emphasis on student wellbeing, teamwork, and active participation in school life. The school values respect, inclusivity, and effort, aiming to support students across academic, social, and personal development.
## Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: Focus on literacy and numeracy foundational skills, with curriculum enriched through integrated STEM, digital literacy, and expressive arts. Emphasis on critical thinking, problem solving, and real-world application.
- Special programs: Australian Curriculum-aligned learning with opportunities for enrichment and extension where appropriate. Access to targeted learning supports and opportunities to develop leadership and collaborative skills.
- NAPLAN trends: Generally shows steady or improving performance in reading and numeracy over time, with writing trends monitored and supported through targeted teaching strategies.
- Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes typically around 20–25 students, with teacher-to-student ratios that support some level of individual attention and small-group instruction.
- Support for diverse learners: Inclusive education approach with access to learning support staff, EAL assistance as needed, and tailored supports for students with additional learning needs.
## Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: Broad program that may include soccer, netball, basketball, cross-country, athletics, swimming, and general fitness activities. Regular opportunities to participate in inter-school and district events.
- Strong teams or achievements: Active participation in local and district sports programs; school teams represent the community in competitive events.
- Music, arts, drama programs: In-school music participation, ensembles or choirs, and opportunities to participate in drama and school performances.
- Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other clubs to develop problem-solving and teamwork skills.
- Partnerships: Connections with local community clubs, sports associations, and competitions to broaden experiences outside the classroom.
## Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Whole-school strategies focused on respectful relationships, positive behaviour, and proactive inclusion.
- House system: House-based activities and leadership opportunities to build belonging and healthy competition.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school wellbeing staff to support social-emotional health and individual concerns.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy systems, and targeted support to help new students settle in smoothly.
## Facilities
- Sports grounds
- Libraries
- Science labs
- Music/performing arts center
- Tech/innovation labs
- Cafeteria
- Updated playgrounds
## School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: Emphasis on respect, inclusion, responsibility, and collaboration; a focus on curiosity and lifelong learning.
- Leadership style: Distributed leadership with teacher leadership and student voice in appropriate settings.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear code of conduct with consistent expectations across year levels and strong emphasis on respectful interactions.
- Community reputation: Known in the community as welcoming and supportive, with active parent involvement and open communication.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes diverse backgrounds and abilities.
## School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Core day typically around 9:00 am–3:00 pm (times may vary by year level and term; please confirm with the school).
- Before/after school care: Available through local providers or school-approved programs.
- Uniform requirements: School uniform is required.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Local transport options and bus routes available for eligible students; check eligibility and schedules with the school.
- Canteen availability: Canteen or tuck shop options available to students.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Public school fees are generally low with voluntary contributions and book packs; no tuition charged for standard enrollment.
## Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Enrolment is handled through the Tasmanian Department of Education. Begin by submitting the required enrollment documents within the district’s intake periods. Offers and placement considerations are guided by catchment rules and space availability. Timelines vary by year and cohort, so check with the school for current timelines.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Some term or year levels may have waiting lists depending on space and demand. If a waitlist applies, you’ll typically be informed of your waiting position and any expected timelines. Placement often depends on availability within the requested year level.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Most enrolment processes for public primary schools do not require entry tests or interviews. Documentation such as proof of residency, immunisation status, and birth certificates is usually requested. The focus is on fitting the child’s needs within the school’s available capacity.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are possible, subject to space and placement availability. If you’re considering a mid-year move, contact the school early to discuss spaces, transition supports, and required documentation.
## Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A welcoming, inclusive environment with strong emphasis on wellbeing, literacy and numeracy foundations, and opportunities for student involvement in a broad range of activities.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who value a supportive community, collaborative learning, and participation in a balanced program across academics, arts, sport, and clubs.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Enrichment opportunities within the curriculum, optional extension activities, and clubs in robotics, coding, chess, debating, music, drama, and sport; access to community partnerships for broader experiences.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular updates through newsletters, notices, and notices via preferred channels; opportunities for parent meetings, and proactive channels for feedback and involvement.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Curriculum aligned to national standards with a focus on literacy, numeracy, inquiry, and digital literacy; emphasis on inclusive practices and differentiated instruction.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted learning support, small-group instruction, and access to learning support staff to address individual learning needs.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Early identification, intervention strategies, and consultation with teachers and support staff to design appropriate plans.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated)
- See above: regular updates, parent meetings, and accessible channels for feedback.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes typically around 20–25 students, with teacher-directed instruction and opportunities for small-group and individual support.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports, music, arts, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating, plus inter-school and district competitions where available.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Comprehensive facilities including sports grounds, libraries, science labs, performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, a canteen, and updated play areas.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of digital literacy and technology across the curriculum, with access to appropriate devices and online learning tools to support teaching and learning.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local transport options and bus routes where eligible, with information available through the school and local transport providers.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- As a public school, tuition is not charged; there are usually voluntary contributions and book packs with minimal ongoing costs.
## Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Welcoming, inclusive community with a focus on wellbeing and strong literacy/numeracy foundations.
- Broad range of clubs, sports, arts, and STEM opportunities.
- Support for diverse learners and a clear anti-bullying and behaviour framework.
- Accessible facilities and programs that encourage student involvement and leadership.
- Open communication with families and active community engagement.
- Cons
- Class sizes and resources can vary by year level and enrollment demand.
- Uniforms and certain programs may require ongoing contributions or purchases.
- Availability of mid-year transfers depends on space; waitlists may occur during busy periods.
- Specific enrichment opportunities may be limited by staffing and budget constraints.
