Edmund Rice Flexi School

## Overview Edmund Rice Flexi School (ERFS) in Elizabeth, SA, is a Catholic, flexible-learning environment designed for young people who benefit from an alternative pathway to high school completion. As a Catholic education facility within the Edmund Rice Education Australia network, the campus focuses on personalised learning and strong pastoral support. The school is small to medium in size, offering intimate class groups and a nurturing, inclusive atmosphere that helps students re-engage with education and work toward their SACE goals. The campus prioritises a supportive culture where students receive individualized attention, mentorship, and practical opportunities to develop academically, socially, and personally. The environment emphasises respect, resilience, and community involvement, with a clear focus on helping each student progress at their own pace while staying connected to the broader school values. ⸻ ## Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Core literacy and numeracy foundations, practical and project-based learning, and pathways toward SACE completion. The school emphasises real-world relevance and builds skills that support further study or work. - Special programs: Flexible learning approaches with individual learning plans, integrated VET/workplace learning opportunities, and connections with local training providers to support career pathways. - NAPLAN / progress trends: The school uses ongoing progress data to tailor supports; emphasis is on steady improvement and engagement rather than purely focusing on scores. Staff monitor literacy, numeracy, and engagement metrics to track growth over time. - Student-teacher ratios: Small class groups with dedicated mentors and support staff to enable individualized attention and personalized learning plans. - Support for diverse learners: Strong support for EAL and students with additional learning needs (SEN), with targeted interventions, literacy/numeracy supports, and multi-disciplinary collaboration to meet diverse needs. ⸻ ## Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: Participation-oriented physical education and access to local community sports opportunities; emphasis on skill-building, fitness, and teamwork. - Strong teams or achievements: Focus on personal and group development, with opportunities to participate in regional events and school-wide teams. - Music, arts, drama programs: Availability of music, drama, and arts activities, with showcases and performance opportunities. - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other interest-based clubs that foster problem-solving and collaboration. - Partnerships: Local community partnerships for sport, arts, and competitions; connections with nearby academies or training providers to broaden opportunities. Most parents in this age group (boys around 10–14) often engage with the flexible timetable and clubs as a way to maintain interest and participation. ⸻ ## Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Restorative practices and proactive anti-bullying policies that promote respectful behavior and safe environments. - House system: A house-based structure to foster belonging, leadership, and peer support among students. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: On-site counsellors or wellbeing coordinators available to students, with referral pathways to external support if needed. - Transition support for new students: Structured orientation, buddy programs, and targeted transition planning to help new students settle in smoothly. ⸻ ## Facilities - Sports grounds: Access to outdoor spaces and nearby facilities for physical activity. - Libraries: On-site library with study spaces and resources to support reading, research, and quiet study. - Science labs: Practical science facilities to support experiments and inquiry-based learning. - Music/performing arts centers: Dedicated spaces for music, drama, and performances. - Tech/innovation labs: Computers and maker-spaces to support digital literacy, coding, and project work. - Cafeteria: On-site or nearby meal options and comfortable dining areas. - Updated playgrounds: Safe and inviting outdoor spaces for breaks and recreation. ⸻ ## School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: Catholic ethos guided by Edmund Rice principles (compassion, respect, service, resilience) and a commitment to inclusive education. - Leadership style: Student voice and collaborative leadership; staff work with students to co-create learning plans and set goals. - Behaviour expectations: Clear expectations around respect, responsibility, and safety, with restorative approaches to addressing issues. - Community reputation: A supportive, inclusive community that values each student's progress and well-being. - Diversity & inclusion: Active emphasis on diversity and inclusive practices, ensuring access and belonging for all students. ⸻ ## School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Structured day with flexibility to accommodate individual learning plans and attend to personal circumstances. - Before/after school care: Wrap-around support options may be available or arranged through partnerships; check campus for specifics. - Uniform requirements: Catholic-school guidelines typically apply; uniform requirements or dress expectations are communicated by the campus. - Transport (train/bus routes): Access via local bus routes and public transport options; maps and schedules provided by the school. - Canteen availability: Canteen or lunch options available on site or nearby; dietary needs accommodated where possible. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are typically modest for Catholic education, with information provided upfront and potential concessions or subsidies available. ⸻ ## Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Inquiries typically start with an information session or intake contact, followed by an application, intake assessment, and interview. Depending on spaces, a start date is scheduled after acceptance and any necessary documentation is completed. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Waiting lists can occur when spaces are limited. Applications are prioritized based on readiness, need, and availability. The school will provide timelines and next steps if a placement is not immediately available. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Entry usually involves an intake interview and may include literacy/numeracy checks or educational assessments. The process focuses on understanding the student’s needs, goals, and supports required, with family input encouraged. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are possible where spaces exist. Coordinated intake planning, orientation, and a smooth transition plan are typically provided to support continuity of learning. ⸻ ## Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A Catholic, values-based environment with flexible learning that supports re-engagement and personalized pathways to SACE completion. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who benefit from small class sizes, individualized plans, supportive relationships, and connection to practical learning and VET/work-based opportunities. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Access to literacy and numeracy supports, SACE pathways, VET and workplace learning, robotics, coding, debating, music and drama, and community sport opportunities. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates through meetings, newsletters, phone/video check-ins, and digital platforms to share progress and upcoming activities. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Student-centered, goal-focused instruction with individualized learning plans, small groups, and hands-on experiences that connect learning to real-life outcomes. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted literacy/numeracy supports, dedicated mentors, and access to learning support staff and counsellors. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Early identification, tailored interventions, and ongoing progress monitoring with opportunities for re-engagement and tutoring. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated) - See above: regular updates via meetings, newsletters, and digital platforms. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Small class groups with a high level of teacher and mentor attention to support individualized progress. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of clubs (robotics, chess, coding, debating) and participation in local sports and arts activities supporting well-rounded development. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Science labs, libraries, music/drama spaces, tech/innovation labs, and dining/commons areas, plus access to sports facilities. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Strong emphasis on digital literacy, responsible use of technology, and access to devices and software that support learning and creativity. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Connections via local bus routes and public transport, with accessibility considerations in facility design and programming. - What are typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees are generally modest for Catholic education, with information provided upfront and options for concessions or supports where eligible. ⸻ ## Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Catholic, values-driven environment with a flexible learning approach - Small class sizes and strong individual support - Focus on re-engagement, practical pathways, and SACE completion - Comprehensive wellbeing and pastoral care - Wide range of clubs and activities (coding, robotics, debates, arts) - Cons - Smaller campus with more limited course breadth than large mainstream schools - Availability of some electives may depend on student cohort and spaces - Transport logistics may require commuting or planning for families - Uniform expectations may differ from non-Catholic or casual-dress settings ⸻