Craigburn Primary School

# Overview Craigburn Primary School is a public, co-educational primary school serving the Flagstaff Hill community. The school emphasises inclusive, student-centred learning with a strong focus on wellbeing, practical engagement, and developing well-rounded learners. The school size is medium, with class sizes typically around 20–25 students. The atmosphere is nurturing and collaborative, fostering a sense of belonging, curiosity, and resilience among students. # Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Strong literacy and numeracy foundations with a focus on STEM and digital technologies, plus opportunities for leadership and collaboration within the curriculum. - Special programs: Gifted and Talented opportunities and enrichment activities; emphasis on inquiry-based learning and extension tasks across year levels. - NAPLAN / trends: Recent years show steady progress in reading and numeracy, with performance close to or above state averages in many cohorts. - Student-teacher ratios: Approximately 1:18 to 1:22, supporting accessible teacher contact and targeted support. - Support for diverse learners: Dedicated support for EAL learners and students with additional learning needs (SEN), including targeted intervention and inclusive practices. # Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: Soccer, netball, AFL, cricket, athletics, swimming events, and cross-country activities; participation in district-level competitions. - Strong teams or achievements: Active involvement in inter-school sports with opportunities to represent the school in regional and district events. - Music, arts, drama: School choirs, concerts, and a music/performing arts program; opportunities for involvement in drama and theatre productions. - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other STEM/academic clubs; regular opportunities to showcases skills. - Partnerships: Connections with local clubs and community organisations for competitions and enrichment experiences. # Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies and programmes focused on respectful relationships, student voice, and a positive school culture. - House system: A house structure to foster teamwork, belonging, and healthy competition across year levels. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school-based wellbeing support, including counsellors or wellbeing staff. - Transition support: Structured transition programs for new students to help them settle in smoothly and build peer networks. # Facilities - Sports grounds: On-site sports grounds suitable for a variety of activities. - Libraries: A well-stocked library to support reading and inquiry learning. - Science labs: Equipped science facilities for hands-on experiments and STEM activities. - Music/performing arts centers: Space and resources for music, drama, and performances. - Tech/innovation labs: Computer and technology spaces to support digital learning and creative projects. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen or healthy lunch options. - Updated playgrounds: Modern, well-maintained play and outdoor learning spaces. # School Values & Community Culture - Values / mission: A focus on respect, responsibility, integrity, and lifelong learning within a supportive community. - Leadership style: Distributed leadership with opportunities for student leadership and teacher collaboration. - Behaviour expectations: Clear behavioural expectations supported by positive behaviour approaches and consistent routines. - Community reputation: Strong sense of community with active parent involvement and partnerships. - Diversity & inclusion: Inclusive environment that welcomes families from diverse backgrounds and abilities. # School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical day runs from start of morning to mid-afternoon (e.g., around 8:30 am–3:00 pm). - Before/after school care: Before and after school care arrangements are available or accessible through approved providers. - Uniform requirements: School uniform policy in place. - Transport: Access to local bus routes and public transportation; clear car drop-off/pick-up procedures. - Canteen availability: Canteen or healthy food options available on-site. - Fees: Public school structure with voluntary contributions and standard item costs; overall low to moderate expense profile. # Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Enrolment is handled through the public school system's process. Families typically submit necessary documents (proof of address, child’s details, immunisation records) and may participate in a school tour or information session. Timelines vary by intake period and year level, so it’s best to start the process early. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - There can be a waiting list, especially for in-demand intake times or out-of-area requests. Placement often considers family position on the list, availability, and local policy requirements. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Generally, there are no academic entrance tests or routine interviews for primary-year enrolments. Some programs or specific placement considerations may involve brief discussions or information sessions, but most admissions are based on standard eligibility and enrolment documentation. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Yes, mid-year transfers are possible where space allows. If transferring mid-year, families should contact the school early to arrange a smooth transition and to coordinate with the receiving teacher and support staff. # Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A welcoming, inclusive community with a focus on wellbeing, strong literacy and numeracy, and opportunities for student leadership and enrichment. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who enjoy collaborative learning, active participation, and a balanced program across academics, sport, and the arts. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Enrichment tasks and gifted/Talent programs, STEM/tech activities, sports teams, music and drama programs, robotics, coding, and debating clubs. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Through newsletters, school app/portal, emails, parent meetings, and regular updates on the school website or notice boards. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A whole-child approach with emphasis on literacy and numeracy, inquiry-based learning, and integration of digital technologies. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Small-group interventions, targeted literacy/numeracy support, EAL and SEN assistance, and tailored in-class supports. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Access to dedicated staff for intervention, regular progress monitoring, and collaboration with families to plan targeted supports. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are typically around 20–25 students, with opportunities for closer teacher contact and targeted support as needed. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of sports (soccer, netball, AFL, cricket, athletics), music and drama activities, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, library, science laboratories, music/performing arts spaces, technology/innovation labs, a canteen, and updated outdoor areas. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of digital technologies across the curriculum, with access to computer/tech spaces and classroom devices to support learning. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Access to local bus routes and public transport; established drop-off/pick-up procedures and pathways to support accessibility. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Public-school-based fees include voluntary contributions and item costs for materials, excursions, and activities; overall moderate. # Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Public, inclusive environment with a strong focus on wellbeing and community. - Medium-sized school with manageable class sizes and personalized attention. - Broad range of academic, sports, arts, and STEM opportunities. - Active student leadership and supportive transition for new students. - Good access to facilities (libraries, science labs, music/arts spaces, tech labs). - Cons - As a public school, funding levels may limit some resource availability compared to larger or independent schools. - Waiting lists can occur for in-demand intake periods or programs. - Mid-year transfers depend on space and coordination with staff. - Specific programs (like IB) may not be offered and may require consideration of alternatives.