Craigie Heights Primary School

## 1. Overview Craigie Heights Primary School is a public, co-educational primary school serving families in the WA community. The school offers a well-rounded Australian curriculum with a focus on literacy, numeracy, and inquiry-based learning, supporting students to grow academically and socially. It is a medium-sized school that strives to create a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere where students feel safe to take risks, ask questions, and collaborate with peers. With a nurturing culture and dedicated staff, the school emphasises student well-being, respect, and resilience. Classrooms are designed to be engaging and supportive, and the school places a strong emphasis on developing confident, responsible learners who contribute positively to the school and broader community. --- ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Strong literacy and numeracy foundations, robust English and Mathematics programs, emphasis on STEM, and supportive programs for developing thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills. - Special programs: Differentiated learning within the classroom, opportunities for extension in areas like science and technology, and targeted support for students who benefit from additional challenge or intervention. - NAPLAN trends: Consistent improvement and steady performance relative to state averages over time, with a focus on sustaining gains in reading and numeracy and building confidence across year levels. - Student-teacher ratios: Approximately 1:20 (varying by year and subject), with small-group support where needed to ensure appropriate attention and feedback. - Support for diverse learners: EAL/D support for students learning English, comprehensive supports for students with diverse learning needs (including targeted interventions and access to learning support staff). --- ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: Team sports and athletics through interschool competitions; participation in local cricket, netball, football, and general fitness activities; school-level events and carnivals. - Strong teams or achievements: Active involvement in district/interschools with opportunities for competitive participation and recognition in various age groups. - Music, arts, drama programs: Regular music sessions, school concerts, and opportunities to participate in singing, instrument ensembles, and school drama activities. - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other inquiry-based clubs that run through the term or as part of after-school programs. - Partnerships: Collaboration with local clubs and community organizations for competitions, coaching, and enrichment activities; access to district-level events and initiatives. --- ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Whole-school policies and preventative programs, with restorative practices and buddy systems to promote safe, respectful interactions. - House system: House-based activities and competitions to foster belonging, teamwork, and friendly rivalry. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school wellbeing staff and support services, with pathways to external support when needed. - Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy programs, and targeted induction to help new students settle into routines and friendships. --- ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: Open playing fields and courts suitable for a range of physical education activities. - Libraries: Well-stocked library with spaces for reading, research, and collaborative learning. - Science labs: Dedicated science spaces for practical experiments and inquiry-based learning. - Music/performing arts centers: Rooms and spaces for music, drama, and performances. - Tech/innovation labs: Facilities to support digital technologies, coding, and project-based learning. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen offering healthy meal options and snacks. - Updated playgrounds: Modern outdoor play spaces and equipment to support active breaks and exploration. --- ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: Emphasis on respect, responsibility, resilience, inclusion, and collaboration as core to everyday learning and interactions. - Leadership style: Student opportunities for leadership through class roles and school activities; teacher-led guidance with student voice encouraged in decision-making. - Behaviour expectations: Clear behaviour codes aligned with positive discipline, consistency across year levels, and restorative approaches to develop accountability. - Community reputation: Strong sense of community involvement, supportive parent networks, and positive relationships between staff, students, and families. - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to inclusive practices that welcome students of all backgrounds, with activities and programs that celebrate diversity. --- ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical instructional day aligned with WA public school times; start and finish times communicated by the school each year. - Before/after school care: Availability of supervised programs and care before and after school through approved providers. - Uniform requirements: School uniform policy with prescribed items; guidance provided to families on purchasing and dress expectations. - Transport (train/bus routes): Local bus routes and transport options available to families; information provided to help with planning daily commutes. - Canteen availability: On-site canteen offering healthy, convenient options. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Government-funded public schooling with modest excess costs for materials, activities, and excursions; details provided by the school. --- ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Enrolment typically starts with confirming catchment eligibility and submitting an enrolment application through the school's or District’s process. The school will provide timelines for application windows, orientation events, and communication about placements. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - If the school reaches capacity, a waiting list may be established. Placements are usually offered according to the Department of Education guidelines, the order of registration, and available vacancies. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Public primary schools generally do not require entrance tests. Some programs or assessments may occur if a student has specific learning needs or if the school runs targeted extension or support initiatives. Interviews are not typically required for standard enrolment. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are possible if there are vacancies and the appropriate documentation is provided. Parents should contact the school directly to discuss space and processes. --- ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A welcoming, inclusive community with a strong focus on literacy and numeracy, supportive staff, and opportunities for involvement in a range of programs. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who respond well to a collaborative, respectful environment, enjoy hands-on learning, and appreciate a balanced emphasis on academics, sport, arts, and wellbeing. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Extension in literacy and numeracy within the classroom, STEM activities, coding/robotics clubs, music and drama programs, and participation in interschool sport. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular newsletters, a school app or portal, notices, parent-teacher interviews, and timely updates on campus events and student progress. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Student-centred, differentiated instruction with a focus on inquiry, collaboration, and applying learning to real-world contexts; integration of digital technologies. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted Reading/Numeracy interventions, Learning Support staff, small-group instruction, and collaboration with families to set individual learning goals. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Access to learning support teams, progress monitoring, and referrals to external specialists when needed. - How does the school communicate with parents? - See above: regular updates, events, and feedback channels designed to keep families informed and engaged. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Typical class sizes are around 20–25 students, with additional small-group support for targeted needs and regular teacher feedback. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - Sports teams and PE programs, music and performing arts, robotics/coding/chess/debating clubs, and opportunities to participate in district/interschool events. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, and a canteen, plus updated outdoor areas. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of digital technologies across learning areas, access to devices and software to support coding, research, and creative projects. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local bus services and accessible routes; information provided to assist with planning; family-friendly parking and drop-off arrangements. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Government-funded schooling with modest costs for materials, excursions, and optional activities; details provided by the school. --- ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Welcoming, inclusive school culture with a focus on well-being - Strong literacy and numeracy foundations plus STEM and digital learning - Wide range of extracurriculars (arts, robotics, chess, coding, debating) - Supportive staff and active community involvement - Clear behaviour expectations and restorative approaches to discipline - Cons - As a medium-sized public school, course variety and specialist facilities may be more limited than larger independent schools - Some programs and opportunities may require additional time or transport for participation - Fees are modest but can add up for camps, incursions, and extra activities