Gunning Public School

## 1. Overview Gunning Public School is a public, co-educational primary school serving students in and around Gunning, NSW. It provides Kindergarten to Year 6 with a small-school feel that emphasises community connections and individual attention. Class sizes are typically small to medium, allowing teachers to know students well and tailor support where needed. The atmosphere is nurturing and inclusive, with a focus on building positive relationships and a love of learning. The school aims to balance a caring, supportive environment with high expectations for academic and personal growth. Students are encouraged to participate in a range of activities that promote social involvement, resilience, and a sense of belonging to the local community. --- ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: solid foundations in English and mathematics, with opportunities to explore science, technology, and the arts. The school fosters literacy and numeracy development while encouraging curiosity across core subjects. - Special programs: involvement in NSW Department of Education initiatives (e.g., STEM activities, library programs, and student leadership opportunities). There may be programs to support gifted and talented students within the school and via regional pathways. - NAPLAN / trends: the school focuses on steady improvement across key strands (reading, writing, numeracy) with trends showing gradual year-to-year progress and strong performance in core areas relative to local context. - Student-teacher ratios: small to medium class sizes that enable more individualized instruction and quicker feedback. - Support for diverse learners: robust support for students needing extra help, including targeted literacy and numeracy support, alongside plans for students with additional learning needs; access to EAL and SEN supports as appropriate. --- ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: a range of NSW-relevant activities such as athletics, cricket, soccer, and other court or field-based sports depending on the season and facilities. - Strong teams or achievements: participation in local inter-school events and district activities; emphasis on teamwork, fair play, and personal bests rather than large-scale competitive results. - Music, arts, drama programs: basic to intermediate music and performing arts opportunities, with school assemblies and events that showcase student work. - Clubs: potential after-school options such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating; availability can vary by year and term. - Partnerships: connections with local clubs and regional activities or competitions to extend learning beyond the classroom. Aussie and UK parents often value clear pathways to sport and arts; this school aims to provide accessible entry points to a broad range of activities. --- ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: active anti-bullying policies, clear reporting channels, and proactive safeguarding practices to create a respectful school climate. - House system: a house-based structure to foster belonging, healthy competition, teamwork, and leadership opportunities (names and colors may vary by year). - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: access to school-based wellbeing support, with staff trained to support social-emotional development and resilience. - Transition support for new students: welcome programs, buddy systems, and targeted onboarding to help students settle in from other schools or year levels. This section is designed to build trust with families by showing a consistent commitment to student wellbeing. --- ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: outdoor playing fields and courts suitable for physical education and inter-school activities. - Libraries: a school library supporting reading, research, and information literacy. - Science labs: dedicated spaces for hands-on science exploration. - Music/performing arts centers: a room or space for music and drama activities and performances. - Tech/innovation labs: computer or creative tech spaces for coding and digital projects. - Cafeteria: on-site meal or snack facilities or arrangements for canteen services. - Updated playgrounds: safe, age-appropriate play areas and outdoor learning spaces. The facilities are presented to be visually accessible and easy to navigate, highlighting opportunities for practical, hands-on learning. --- ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: emphasis on respect, responsibility, inclusivity, and striving for personal best; a mission aligned with preparing students for their next steps. - Leadership style: collaborative and student-centred, with opportunities for student voice through peers, house activities, and leadership roles. - Behaviour expectations: clear codes of conduct, consistent consequences, and a focus on positive reinforcement and restorative practices where appropriate. - Community reputation: a well-regarded local school with strong parent-school partnerships and active community involvement. - Diversity & inclusion: welcoming environment for students from diverse backgrounds, with supportive programs to ensure access and belonging. This section reflects a welcoming, community-driven culture where students are encouraged to contribute and grow. --- ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: typical day running from morning to early afternoon, with start and finish times aligned to NSW public school norms. - Before/after school care: programs or collaborations with local providers to support families beyond the school day. - Uniform requirements: official school uniform or dress code; clarity on what is required for daily wear and excursions. - Transport (bus routes): available bus services or local transport options to support families in surrounding areas. - Canteen availability: on-site or nearby canteen options, with meals or snacks on certain days. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): NSW public schools generally have low-to-moderate discretionary costs related to activities, excursions, and supplies; specific fees vary by year and activity. This section helps families plan daily routines and budget around school life. --- ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Enrolment is handled through the NSW Department of Education with a focus on catchment eligibility. Start the process by checking your catchment area, then submitting the school’s enrolment form along with required documents (birth certificate, immunisation status, proof of address, and any legal guardianship papers if applicable). Timelines typically align with school terms and can vary by year. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - If the school reaches capacity, there may be a waiting list. Placement generally prioritises local catchment families, with space allocated as vacancies arise. Families on the waiting list are kept informed of status and expected timelines. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - For most primary enrollments, there are no entrance tests. Kindergarten entry may involve short on-site processes or information sessions, but formal tests or interviews are uncommon. Individual needs and transitions may be discussed with families as part of onboarding. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are considered subject to space and available resources. Prospective families should contact the office as soon as possible to review space, class composition, and the transfer process. --- ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A welcoming, close-knit community with small class sizes and attentive teaching, focused on each child’s growth and well-being. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who respond well to personalized attention, collaborative learning, and participation in a range of core academics, arts, and activities. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Access to strong core programs in literacy and numeracy, opportunities in STEM and the arts, plus local sports and after-school clubs when offered. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates through newsletters, emails, and briefings; platforms for notices about events, performance, and student wellbeing; opportunities to meet with teachers and leadership. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Student-centred and evidence-informed practices with a focus on building foundational skills, inquiry-based learning, and real-world applications. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted literacy and numeracy supports, small-group intervention, and differentiated instruction aligned to student needs. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Access to teacher feedback, learning supports, and, where appropriate, referrals to additional help within the NSW system. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated) - See above: newsletters, direct communications, and parent-teacher meetings; multiple channels to keep families informed. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are small to medium, with teachers able to provide more individualized attention and timely feedback. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of sports and clubs (subject to term availability), with pathways to inter-school activities and local community partnerships. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, library, science spaces, music/arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, and a canteen or meal options depending on term availability. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of digital literacy and computer skills into learning, with appropriate supervision and access to devices where available. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Bus routes and local transport options may be available; families should confirm current routes and accessibility with the school. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Public primary schools in NSW generally have low discretionary costs for activities and excursions; exact amounts vary by year and activity. --- ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Small-to-medium class sizes enabling individualized attention - Strong sense of community and belonging - Focus on well-being and character development - Broad range of core academic programs with opportunities in STEM and the arts - Local involvement and engagement with families - Cons - May have fewer specialist subjects or clubs compared with larger urban schools - Transport options may require coordination for families located outside the immediate area - Facilities and program offerings can vary by year and term; some extras may depend on funding and partnerships