Freestone State School

## 1. Overview Freestone State School is a public primary school that serves families in the local rural community. It offers a close‑knit learning environment where students are known by name and supported by teachers, staff and families working together. The school emphasises foundational literacy and numeracy, hands-on learning, and a positive culture that encourages participation in school life. - School type: Public - School size: Small - Class size: Typically 12–20 students per class - Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, community-focused --- ## 2. Academics & Learning The school focuses on strong literacy and numeracy skills, with practical, hands-on learning that ties in STEM concepts through everyday projects. Students are encouraged to develop leadership and collaborative skills through classroom roles and school activities. - Academic strengths: Literacy and numeracy core programs; STEM integration and project-based learning; leadership opportunities. - Special programs: Opportunities for gifted/talented pathways where available; accelerated learning options as appropriate; participation in regional learning clusters or activities. - NAPLAN / trends: Generally stable performance with emphasis on year-to-year growth and mastery of foundational skills; trends show improvement when targeted teaching supports are in place. - Student-teacher ratios: Approximately 1:12 overall, with small class environments that enable more individualized attention. - Support for diverse learners: EAL and SEN support through in-class differentiation, dedicated learning support staff, and access to regional specialist services as needed. --- ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths A strong focus on well-rounded development with opportunities in sport, arts, and technology. The school encourages participation, teamwork and personal bests. - Sports offered: Athletics, swimming, cricket, netball, soccer, and local football/cricket activities; participation in regional carnivals where feasible. - Strong teams or achievements: Regular involvement in regional athletics and swimming carnivals; pride in small-team participation and personal bests. - Music, arts, drama programs: School choir, instrumental/music activities, and annual performances or concerts. - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other activity clubs aligned to student interest. - Partnerships: Local community clubs and regional competitions (e.g., robotics/coding events) to extend learning beyond the classroom. --- ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care Wellbeing is central to student success, with structures in place to nurture resilience, safety and positive relationships. - Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policy, buddy programs and restorative practices to resolve conflicts. - House system: Yes, with house-based activities and recognition to foster belonging and friendly competition. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to wellbeing support through a school-based officer or regional services; regular check-ins and wellbeing programs. - Transition support for new students: Orientation sessions, buddy systems, welcome materials and parent information evenings to ease transitions. --- ## 5. Facilities The school offers a welcoming, functional campus with spaces to support learning, creativity and physical activity. - Sports grounds: Oval and courts for outdoor sport and activities - Libraries: Well-stocked library with reading programs and independent reading time - Science labs: Dedicated space or flexible lab area for experiments and hands-on science - Music/performing arts centers: Multi-purpose hall or music room for performances and practice - Tech/innovation labs: Computer lab and digital learning resources; makerspace or media room where available - Cafeteria: On-site or nearby canteen options for lunch and snacks - Updated playgrounds: Age-appropriate outdoor learning and play spaces --- ## 6. School Values & Community Culture Parents look for a school where students are respectful, responsible and engaged citizens. - School values / mission: Core values often include respect, responsibility, resilience and inclusion; mission framed around a supportive learning community. - Leadership style: Inclusive and student-centered with opportunities for student voice through councils and roles. - Behaviour expectations: Clear code of conduct with consistent routines and positive behaviour support. - Community reputation: Known for a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere and active parent involvement. - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to an inclusive environment with respect for diverse backgrounds and support for Indigenous perspectives where relevant. --- ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations Clear daily routines help families plan around school activities. - School hours: Typically 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (with possible variations on school days) - Before/after school care: Available through local providers or community arrangements; check current offerings with the school - Uniform requirements: School uniform required; hat and sun protection; seasonal adjustments as per policy - Transport (train/bus routes): Local bus routes and walking/carpool options available; check with school for exact routes - Canteen availability: Canteen or lunch-time service available on-site or nearby - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Public school with modest fees; booklists and basic contributions required; additional costs for excursions or activities --- ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit the enrolment form and required documents (proof of identity, birth certificate, immunisation records, proof of residency/catchment if applicable). After submission, the admin team will confirm placement and provide a start date and orientation details. Applications are typically processed on a rolling basis with an expected start date aligned to term times. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - In-catchment applicants are given priority; oversubscription may result in a waitlist. If a ballot or prioritisation is required, the school will follow local policies and communicate timelines to families. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Generally, there are no entrance exams or interviews for primary enrolments. Some schools may conduct a brief information session or orientation for new families. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Yes. Mid-year transfers are accommodated where possible. Prospective families should contact the school promptly to discuss intake, provide previous school records, and arrange a smooth transition. --- ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A strong sense of community, individualized attention in small classes, a safe and supportive environment, and solid foundations in literacy and numeracy with opportunities across sports and arts. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who prefer a close-knit, nurturing setting, enjoy hands-on learning, and value building strong relationships with teachers and peers. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Access to clubs (robotics, coding, chess, debating), participation in regional sports and arts events, and leadership or advanced learning opportunities where available. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular newsletters, email updates, school app or notice boards, and scheduled parent-teacher interviews. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Curriculum aligned with national standards, student-centered differentiation, and practical, project-based learning that integrates literacy, numeracy and STEM. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted literacy/numeracy support, small-group interventions, in-class differentiation, and access to learning support staff and regional specialist services. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Individual learning plans or targeted interventions; progress monitoring and escalation pathways to extra help when needed. - How does the school communicate with parents? (duplicate) - See above: newsletters, digital updates, and parent-teacher conversations to keep families engaged and informed. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are small (roughly 12–20 students), enabling more direct teacher attention, with additional support from teacher aides where available. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of sports (athletics, aquatic events, team sports), plus clubs in robotics, coding, chess and debating; music and arts programs are also available. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, library, science space, music/performing arts areas, technology/computer facilities, canteen, and outdoor learning/play areas. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Emphasis on digital literacy, computer/lab access, safe online use, and integration of technology into everyday learning. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local bus routes and walking/carpool options; facilities designed for accessibility; clear travel information provided by the school. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Public school fees are modest; there are booklists and uniform costs, with occasional additional costs for excursions or optional activities. --- ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Small class sizes enabling more individualized attention - Strong sense of community and supportive culture - Broad range of extracurriculars for a school of its size - Focus on literacy and numeracy with practical learning - Accessible transport options and active parent involvement - Cons - Fewer specialist subjects and elective options than larger schools - Smaller student bodies can limit some team or ensemble opportunities - Rural location may mean longer travel for some families or fewer on-site facilities - Availability of certain programs may depend on year-to-year staffing and student interest