1. Overview
Good Shepherd Primary School is a Catholic, co-educational primary school located in Amaroo, ACT. The school emphasizes a faith-based learning environment that supports families and fosters a sense of community. It is a small to medium-sized school, with class sizes typically in the mid-20s, enabling more individualized attention while maintaining a strong classroom community. The atmosphere is nurturing and inclusive, focused on forming confident learners who value respect, service and collaboration.
2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: Strong literacy and numeracy foundations, with integrated approaches to English, mathematics and religious education. There is an emphasis on developing critical thinking and communication skills across the Australian Curriculum.
- Special programs: Catholic education programs and opportunities for enrichment in line with school capabilities; potential provision for gifted and talented pathways or accelerated learning where appropriate.
- NAPLAN / trends: Demonstrated steady performance with positive trends in literacy and numeracy over recent years, reflecting ongoing focus on foundational skills.
- Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes in the mid-20s with teacher support tailored to student needs; ratio varies by year level.
- Support for diverse learners: Access to support for diverse learners, including EAL/D (English as an Additional Language/Dialect) and SEN (special education needs) through targeted interventions and in-class support.
3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: A range of school-based team and individual sports, including netball, football (soccer), cricket, athletics and swimming activities where available.
- Strong teams or achievements: Participation in inter-school competitions and local leagues, with opportunities for school teams to showcase skill and teamwork.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Choirs or music ensembles, music literacy activities, and school drama/performing arts experiences.
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating and other interest-based clubs supported by staff and community volunteers.
- Partnerships: Connections with local clubs and external programs for competitions and development opportunities in sport, STEM and the arts.
4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies and programs, with a focus on respectful relationships and restorative practices.
- House system: A house-based structure to promote belonging, healthy competition and peer support.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school-based wellbeing staff to support emotional health, resilience and social skills.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy programs and targeted supports to help new students settle into the school community.
5. Facilities
- Sports grounds: On-site outdoor spaces suitable for physical education and sport.
- Libraries: A library space supporting reading and research across year levels.
- Science labs: Dedicated science facilities to support inquiry and hands-on learning.
- Music/performing arts centers: Space for music instruction, rehearsals and performances.
- Tech/innovation labs: Areas for digital learning, coding and project-based activities.
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen or dining area supporting daily food service.
- Updated playgrounds: Modern, safe play areas for break times and physical activity.
6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: Focus on values such as respect, responsibility, compassion and service within a faith-based education framework.
- Leadership style: Collaborative and student-centered, with opportunities for student voice and leadership within the school community.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear expectations and routines supported by a restorative approach to behavior and conflict resolution.
- Community reputation: Positive reputation within the local community for inclusivity and partnership with families.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to welcoming diverse learners and promoting an inclusive school culture that respects different backgrounds and abilities.
7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Standard start and finish times for primary school days, with adjustments for specific year levels or activities.
- Before/after school care: Availability of before- and after-school care or supervision options.
- Uniform requirements: School uniform policy with seasonal variations; dress code aligned with school values and safety.
- Transport: Bus routes and local transport options serving the school; information typically provided by the school or local transport authorities.
- Canteen availability: Canteen services or recess/lunchtime food options available on site.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees fall within a standard range for Catholic primary schools in the area; precise figures provided by school administration or enrolment materials.
8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Submit an enrolment application and any required documentation (birth certificate, immunisation records, proof of address, etc.).
- Complete any parish or school-specific forms and provide copies of academic or behavioural records if requested.
- Receive an offer of enrolment based on available places and applicable criteria; secure a place by the stated deadline.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Waiting lists are common when year group capacity is reached; placement typically occurs when a place becomes available or at the start of a new school year.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry requirements may include documentation checks and, in some cases, discussions or interviews to understand student needs and fit with the school environment.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers may be considered depending on space availability and alignment with the school program and timetable.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A welcoming, faith-based learning environment with strong community involvement and focus on literacy, numeracy and well-being.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who value belonging, respectful relationships, and opportunities to participate in a range of academic, faith-informed and extracurricular activities.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Enrichment in reading and math, leadership opportunities, sports teams, music and drama programs, coding and robotics clubs, and inter-school events.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular newsletters, school portals or communications from teachers and administration; meeting times and open communication channels are typically provided.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Australian Curriculum-aligned instruction with emphasis on literacy and numeracy, inquiry-based learning, and a values-driven approach informed by Catholic education.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted interventions, small-group support, EAL/D and SEN programs, and access to learning support staff.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Early identification, differentiated instruction, and tailored support plans for students requiring additional help.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (duplicate)
- See above: multiple channels including newsletters and digital portals.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes typically in the mid-20s, with teacher differentiation and targeted support to help individual students.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports, music and drama programs, plus clubs such as robotics, chess, coding and debating.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, canteen, and updated playgrounds.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of digital tools and coding activities within the curriculum; access to devices and online learning platforms as appropriate.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local bus routes and transport options; accessibility considerations discussed with families as needed.
- What are typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are in the standard range for Catholic primary schools in the area; further details provided by enrolment materials.
10. Short Pros & Cons list
Pros
- Catholic, values-driven education with a nurturing, inclusive atmosphere
- Strong focus on literacy, numeracy and well-being
- Range of extracurriculars including sports, music and clubs
- Small to medium school size enabling closer teacher support
- Clear transition and student support structures
Cons
- Enrolment capacity may limit mid-year placements
- Specific enrichment or advanced programs may depend on year level and available resources
- Uniform and fees structure should be confirmed with the school for precise costs
Note: The above content is a draft designed to reflect common features of a Catholic primary school in the ACT. Please verify all details with the school to ensure accuracy and update any data (class sizes, programs, facilities, admissions process, fees, and transport options) before publishing.
