## Overview
Ellison Public School is a public primary school serving families in Springwood and the surrounding NSW area. As a public school, it is government-funded and focused on delivering high-quality foundational education to all students within its local community. The school aims to provide a welcoming, supportive environment where students can develop literacy, numeracy, curiosity, and social-emotional skills.
The campus is medium-sized with class structures designed to support individualized learning. Class sizes typically sit in the low-to-mid 20s, allowing teachers to tailor instruction and provide meaningful student-teacher interaction. The atmosphere is nurturing and inclusive, with a strong emphasis on student voice and community involvement.
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## Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: Strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy as foundations for learning, with opportunities in STEM, English language development, and creative arts. The school supports inquiry-based learning to build critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Special programs: Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) or extension programs, STEM initiatives, and participation in school-wide reading and writing programs; opportunities in coding, robotics, and drama.
- NAPLAN trends: The school uses NAPLAN data to monitor progress and inform teaching. Trends typically show ongoing focus on improving literacy and numeracy outcomes, with adjustments made based on annual results.
- Student-teacher ratios: Classroom ratios commonly around the low 20s per class, with additional teaching and support staff to assist targeted learning.
- Support for diverse learners: Strong EAL (English as an Additional Language) support and inclusive education for students with SEN (Special Educational Needs), with targeted interventions and small-group support where needed.
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## Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: Soccer, netball, basketball, rugby league, cricket, athletics, swimming and other school-wide physical activities.
- Strong teams or achievements: Interschool and district-level participation with opportunities to represent the school in various sports; emphasis on teamwork, fair play, and personal bests.
- Music, arts, drama programs: School band or choir, school concerts, and opportunities in drama and performing arts to showcase student talents.
- Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other STEM or literacy clubs to extend learning beyond the classroom.
- Partnerships: Local clubs and community organizations collaborate on competitions and events, including regional coding and robotics competitions and inter-school events.
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## Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Whole-school positive behaviour framework with clear anti-bullying policies, regular rallies, and ongoing wellbeing education.
- House system: House-based activities to foster belonging, leadership, and healthy competition among students.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school counsellors or wellbeing staff to support student mental health and social-emotional development.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation for new students, buddy systems, and structured check-ins to help students settle in confidently.
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## Facilities
- Sports grounds: On-site playing fields and courts for a variety of sports.
- Libraries: Well-equipped library supporting reading, research, and quiet study.
- Science labs: Dedicated laboratories for hands-on science activities and experiments.
- Music/performing arts centers: Space for music practice, rehearsals, and performances.
- Tech/innovation labs: Computer labs and maker spaces supporting coding, robotics, and STEM projects.
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen offering healthy meal options and snacks.
- Updated playgrounds: Modern, well-maintained play areas with safe, age-appropriate equipment.
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## School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: Emphasis on respect, responsibility, resilience, and inclusion, with a mission to develop well-rounded learners who contribute to the community.
- Leadership style: A blend of teacher-led instruction and strong student voice (e.g., Student Representative Council) to develop leadership skills and accountability.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear code of conduct aligned with positive behaviour approaches and consistent expectations across the campus.
- Community reputation: Viewed as a welcoming, family-friendly school with engaged parents and active community involvement.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to inclusive practices, welcoming students from diverse backgrounds, and ensuring equitable opportunities for all.
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## School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typically 9:00 am–3:00 pm, with variations for assemblies or special events.
- Before/after school care: OSHC or similar programs available to support families seeking care outside school hours.
- Uniform requirements: Standard school uniform, with guidance on summer and winter options and hats for outdoor play.
- Transport (bus routes): Access to local bus services and public transport options; transportation arrangements are coordinated with families and the school.
- Canteen availability: On-site canteen or snack facilities on certain days, offering healthy choices.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): As a public school, tuition is not charged; there are voluntary contributions and costs for excursions and some activities, with transparency around requested contributions.
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## Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Enrolment is typically managed through the NSW Department of Education. Begin by checking catchment eligibility, then complete the school’s enrolment form and provide required documents (birth certificate, immunisation record, proof of address, and previous school records if applicable). Applications for the year before start are common, with timelines published by the school and Department of Education. Offers are made in line with place availability and catchment priorities.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- In-catchment enrolments usually take priority. Out-of-catchment and non-local placements may be placed on a waitlist. The school communicates waitlist status and placement opportunities as vacancies arise.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- For most public primary enrollments, there are no entrance exams. Schools may offer a tour or information session for families, and some cases may involve confirmations of progressive readiness or sibling placement, but formal testing is not typically required for primary placement.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Yes, subject to space availability and placement processes. Parents should contact the school early to assess capacity and required documentation for a mid-year transfer.
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## Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A publicly funded, community-focused environment with strong literacy and numeracy programs, supportive staff, and a welcoming culture that prioritizes student well-being and involvement.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who collaborate well, display curiosity, show resilience, and engage in a well-rounded program that includes academics, sports, arts, and community activities.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Access to gifted/extension programs, STEM and coding clubs, sports teams and interschool events, and performing arts opportunities such as music and drama productions.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Through newsletters, emails, a school app or portal, parent-teacher meetings, and notices posted in the community. Timely updates about events and student progress are standard.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- A data-informed, differentiated approach emphasizing literacy and numeracy as foundations, with inquiry-based learning, collaboration, and inclusive practices to meet diverse learner needs.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted interventions within the classroom, small-group support, EAL and SEN programs, and access to school counsellors and wellbeing staff as needed.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Access to additional tutoring, targeted literacy/numeracy support, and collaboration with teachers to adjust learning goals and pace.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated Q)
- See above: newsletters, portals, and direct communications from teachers and administration.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes typically sit in the low-to-mid 20s, with opportunities for small-group instruction and targeted feedback to support individual learning.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A broad range of sports (e.g., soccer, netball, basketball, cricket, athletics), plus clubs in robotics, coding, chess, debating, and performing arts activities.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Modern facilities including sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, and a cafeteria.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integrated digital learning with access to devices, computer labs, and age-appropriate software to support coding, research, and creative projects.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local bus routes and public transport access, with provisions to support families and students requiring mobility or accessibility arrangements.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Tuition is not charged in public schools; there are voluntary contributions and costs for excursions, activities, and some uniform items, which are communicated clearly by the school.
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## Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Public, community-focused environment with strong literacy and numeracy foundations.
- Inclusive culture and robust student support (EAL and SEN).
- Wide range of extracurriculars (sports, arts, coding, robotics) and active student leadership.
- Modern facilities across science, technology, arts, and recreation.
- Clear wellbeing framework and house-based engagement.
- Cons
- Class sizes in the low-to-mid 20s, which may vary with year and cohort.
- Being a public school means enrollment can be influenced by catchment and space availability.
- Some optional activities or excursions may involve additional costs.
- Transport options depend on local public routes and can require planning for families living further away.
