Fraser Primary School

## 1. Overview Fraser Primary is a public, co-educational Australian capital territory primary school serving families in Fraser (ACT 2615). As a mid-sized community school, it offers a welcoming, inclusive environment where students are known and supported. Class sizes are kept within a manageable range to promote active participation and teacher attention, contributing to a nurturing yet academically focused atmosphere. The school emphasises a balanced approach to learning, combining strong literacy and numeracy with inquiry-based STEM, arts, and language opportunities. The culture is inclusive and community-driven, encouraging student voice, collaboration, and resilience. --- ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Core literacy and numeracy, STEM inquiry, and opportunities for emerging leadership and language study. - Special programs: Gifted and Talented pathways or accelerated learning where available, with flexible options to extend capable students. - NAPLAN / trend context: ACT schools typically focus on year-to-year progress and relative trends; Fraser Primary aims for steady improvement and consistency across cohorts. - Student-teacher ratios: Class rosters and support staffing are structured to maintain favorable ratios that support individual attention. - Support for diverse learners: Dedicated support for EAL learners and students with SEN, with inclusive education practices and targeted support plans. --- ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: A broad range of team and individual sports, with participation encouraged across physical education lessons and after-school activities. - Strong teams or achievements: School participates in local inter-school events and competitions, with opportunities to represent the school across age groups. - Music, arts, drama programs: Active programs in music, performing arts and visual arts to develop creativity and confidence. - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other activities designed to spark curiosity and collaboration. - Partnerships: Connections with local clubs, community organisations, and regional competitions to broaden opportunities beyond the classroom. --- ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies, restorative practices, and a proactive stance to cultivate a safe, respectful environment. - House system: House-based activities and competitions to foster belonging, teamwork, and leadership. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school-based counsellors or wellbeing staff to support students’ emotional and social needs. - Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems, and targeted onboarding to ease transitions for new families and students. --- ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: On-site playing fields or courts suitable for PE and casual sport. - Libraries: A library space that supports reading, research, and quiet study. - Science labs: Dedicated spaces to run practical experiments and inquiry-based science activities. - Music/performing arts centers: Areas for rehearsal and performance, supporting vocal and instrument work. - Tech/innovation labs: Access to computers, coding, and digital making activities. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen or food service supporting healthy options. - Updated playgrounds: Safe and engaging outdoor spaces for play and physical activity. --- ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: A commitment to respect, responsibility, curiosity, and inclusion, guiding daily routines and interactions. - Leadership style: Distributed leadership with opportunities for student voice and leadership roles, supported by staff. - Behaviour expectations: Positive behaviours framework that recognises effort, responsibility, and respectful conduct. - Community reputation: Families typically value Fraser Primary for its welcoming culture, inclusivity, and collaborative school-community relationships. - Diversity & inclusion: Strong emphasis on welcoming diverse families and supporting equity in participation and learning opportunities. --- ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical start and finish times aligned with Canberra public primary schedules; daily curriculum delivered across core learning blocks. - Before/after school care: After-school programs or wrap-around care may be available to families. - Uniform requirements: School uniform policy in place, with guidelines on items and acceptable attire. - Transport (bus routes): Local bus or public transport options used by families, with information available from the school or transport authorities. - Canteen availability: On-site canteen or lunch facilities offering standard options. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Public primary schools generally operate with minimal compulsory fees; voluntary contributions and additional costs for activities vary by year level and program. --- ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions - 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Begin by submitting an enrolment application during the official intake period through the relevant ACT education processes. You’ll typically need proof of identity, proof of Canberra address, immunisation records, and any required custody or court documents. After submission, the school processes enrollment within the allocated timelines, with notification of acceptance or further steps. If your child is transitioning from another school, gather your prior school records to support the enrollment. - 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Some year levels or programs may experience wait lists if capacity is reached. If a wait list applies, the school will provide guidance on placement order, priorities (e.g., siblings, catchment considerations), and expected wait times. Keeping contact details up to date helps the school communicate options as spaces become available. - 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Entry generally does not involve entrance tests for standard enrolment. Some programs may have interview or information-sharing steps to understand student needs and to place them in appropriate supports or pathways. Proof of immunisation and address is typically required. - 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are considered when places are available. Families should contact the school as soon as possible to discuss space, current class compositions, and transfer procedures. Transfer requests are assessed in line with enrolment capacity and policy. --- ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - Fraser Primary attracts families with its inclusive culture, supportive staff, and balanced approach to academics, wellbeing, and community involvement. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who are curious, collaborative, and aim to engage in a range of learning experiences—academic, creative, and physical—typically flourish here. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - A mix of enriched literacy/numeracy, STEM activities, language exploration, arts and performing arts, plus a broad suite of clubs and sports to stretch talents. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates through newsletters, parent-teacher meetings, digital portals, and community events help keep families informed about learning progress and school activities. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A student-centered approach that blends explicit instruction with inquiry-based learning, guided by evidence-based practices and differentiated support. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted intervention, small-group or one-on-one support, and access to specialist staff for literacy, numeracy, and-SEN needs. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Additional tutoring, resource accommodations, and tailored learning plans are available to help students meet their individual learning goals. - How does the school communicate with parents? (duplicate question) - See above: newsletters, meetings, and digital platforms are used to share progress and updates. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are kept to a level that supports engagement; teacher attention per student is enhanced by support staff where available. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A variety of sports, clubs (robotics, coding, chess, debating), and arts programs support diverse interests and talents. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Facilities include sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts areas, tech/innovation spaces, and canteen. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Emphasis on safe, purposeful use of technology to support learning, with access to devices and digital tools integrated into the curriculum. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Public transport and school-provided transport options are available; details depend on your postcode and bus routes. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Public primary schools typically have minimal compulsory fees; additional costs relate to activities, camps, and optional programs. --- ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Inclusive, supportive school culture with emphasis on student wellbeing and community. - Balanced academics with opportunities across literacy, numeracy, STEM, arts, and languages. - Broad extracurricular landscape including clubs and sports. - Access to wellbeing support, diverse learners programs, and transition assistance for new students. - Modern facilities supporting science, technology, and performing arts. - Cons - As with many public primary schools, wait lists can occur for popular programs or certain year levels. - Specific programs or specialist staff may vary by year and funding; some offerings may be limited based on enrolment. - Transport options depend on location and available routes; families may need to arrange some travel arrangements.