Glendore Public School

## 1. Overview Glendore Public School is a public, co-educational primary school serving families in the Maryland, NSW area. As a public school, it focuses on inclusive education and building a strong sense of community among students, families, and staff. The school is medium-sized, with class experiences designed to feel personal while offering broad opportunities for learning and development. Class sizes are typically around 20–25 students, allowing for differentiated instruction and individual attention within a supportive, welcoming environment. The atmosphere is nurturing and inclusive, with a focus on academic achievement, well-being, and helping every child grow as a confident, responsible learner. --- ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: English and Mathematics are core strengths, with a clear emphasis on literacy development, numerical fluency, and critical thinking. There is also a focus on STEM and digital literacy to prepare students for an ever-changing world. - Special programs: Gifted and Talented (G&T) opportunities and enrichment activities are available, along with technology and coding clubs to extend learning beyond the classroom. - NAPLAN / trends: NAPLAN trends in recent years show steady improvement in reading and numeracy, with consistent performance in other key areas such as writing. - Student-teacher ratios: Typical ratios run around 1:20 to 1:25, supporting targeted teaching and small-group support. - Support for diverse learners: Strong EAL (English as an Additional Language) support and SEN (Special Educational Needs) services, including targeted interventions and access to learning support staff. --- ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: Soccer, netball, cricket, rugby league, athletics, and school-level swimming activities are common offerings, with opportunities to represent the school in district competitions. - Strong teams or achievements: Active participation in inter-school and district events with a culture of teamwork and sportsmanship; recognition for effort and improvement in various sports. - Music, arts, drama programs: School music ensembles, choir, and drama opportunities are available to develop performance skills and creativity. - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, and debating clubs provide pathways for strategic thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative learning. - Partnerships: Collaboration with local sporting clubs and community groups for coaching clinics, fixtures, and competitions to broaden student exposure and opportunities. --- ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies with restorative practices and student well-being programs to promote respectful relationships. - House system: A house system supports positive social belonging, competition, and collaboration across year levels. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to a school counsellor and wellbeing team focused on social-emotional learning, mental health awareness, and support pathways. - Transition support for new students: Buddy systems, orientation sessions, and dedicated transition activities help new students settle in smoothly. --- ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: On-site playing fields and courts for a range of sports and active play. - Libraries: A well-equipped library supporting reading programs and independent learning. - Science labs: Dedicated science spaces for hands-on experiments and inquiry-based learning. - Music/performing arts centers: Facilities to support music education, rehearsals, and performances. - Tech/innovation labs: Computers or tech spaces to support coding, robotics, and digital projects. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen offering healthy food options and snacks. - Updated playgrounds: Modern outdoor play areas that encourage active, imaginative play. --- ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: A focus on core values such as respect, responsibility, integrity, and cooperation to guide student conduct and learning. - Leadership style: Student leadership opportunities (e.g., school council or prefect roles) supported by a collaborative staff approach. - Behaviour expectations: Clear behavioural expectations with positive reinforcement, consistent routines, and restorative practices when issues arise. - Community reputation: Known for a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and strong parent involvement that supports student learning and events. - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to an inclusive environment that respects and celebrates diverse backgrounds and experiences. --- ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical school day runs from morning to mid-afternoon (e.g., 9:00 am–3:15 pm), with variations by year level or term. - Before/after school care: OSH Club or school-sponsored after-school programs are often available to families. - Uniform requirements: School uniform policy with designated items and a harmonised dress code. - Transport (bus routes): Local bus routes and accessible drop-off points within the catchment area; safe arrival and departure procedures. - Canteen availability: On-site canteen offering healthy options and snacks. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): As a public school, there is no tuition; families may contribute through voluntary school contributions and pay for optional activities or excursions. Overall costs are typically low to medium for additional activities. --- ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Begin with an enrolment application through the NSW Department of Education for the local catchment area. Submit required documents (proof of address, birth certificate, immunisation records) and complete the school’s application form. Once documents are verified, the school will confirm the enrolment date. Orientation or transition activities are typically arranged before the start of the school year. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Spaces depend on enrolments and catchment demand. If the school is oversubscribed, a waiting list may operate with priority given to students within the local catchment and then to out-of-area applicants based on availability and policy. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - For primary entry, there are generally no entrance tests or formal interviews. The process focuses on eligibility (catchment considerations) and readiness for starting school. Some information sessions or tours may be offered to families. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Yes, subject to space and alignment with NSW Department of Education enrolment processes. Families should contact the school promptly to review availability, complete transfer paperwork, and provide necessary documentation (transfer certificate, immunisation records, etc.). --- ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A welcoming, inclusive community with strong academic programs, supportive staff, and meaningful student leadership opportunities. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Curious, collaborative learners who respond well to a nurturing environment, with a mix of academic and enrichment opportunities. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Enrichment programs, gifted and talented options, coding/robotics, debating, music ensembles, sport teams, and drama/arts experiences. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Through newsletters, emails, a school app or portal, SMS notices, and parent-teacher interviews; regular updates keep families informed about learning and events. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Student-centered, differentiated instruction with a focus on literacy, numeracy, inquiry, and critical thinking; emphasis on digital literacy and responsible technology use. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - In-class targeted supports, learning support staff, EAL/SEN programs, and small-group intervention as needed. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Access to teachers, wellbeing staff, and learning support services; referrals for additional assessment or external services when appropriate. - How does the school communicate with parents? (See above for details; multiple channels are used.) - See above. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Typical class sizes are around 20–25 students, with opportunities for targeted small-group instruction and targeted interventions. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of sports (e.g., soccer, netball, cricket, athletics), music/arts programs, robotics, coding, chess, debating clubs, and participation in district competitions. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts facilities, tech/innovation labs, a canteen, and updated playgrounds. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integrated digital literacy across the curriculum, use of age-appropriate tech tools, coding and robotics programs, and safe, responsible use of technology. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local bus routes and safe drop-off/pick-up areas; accessibility considerations may be available depending on the site. - What are typical school fees or additional costs? - There is no tuition for public schooling; costs arise from voluntary contributions and expenses for excursions, camps, or additional activities. --- ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Publicly funded with no tuition, strong community feel, supportive staff, good student support services, and a balanced mix of academics, sports, and arts. - Cons - Class sizes may vary by year; availability of certain enrichment programs can depend on funding and demand; transport options may be limited outside peak routes.