Hackham East Primary School

## 1. Overview Hackham East Primary is a public, co-educational primary school serving families in the southern suburbs of Adelaide. It is committed to creating an inclusive, nurturing learning environment where students feel valued and encouraged to grow academically, socially, and personally. With a small-to-medium student body, the school prioritises strong teacher–student relationships and class sizes that support individualized instruction. The atmosphere is welcoming and community-focused, emphasising safety, well-being, and a positive school culture where diversity is respected and every child has the opportunity to participate and succeed. ⸻ ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Emphasis on literacy and numeracy foundations, with a focus on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. There are also opportunities to engage in science, technology, and arts activities that complement core subjects. - Special programs: Access to targeted literacy and numeracy supports, along with in-school initiatives aimed at digital literacy and student engagement. Science and technology activities are offered to extend curious learners. - NAPLAN / trends: The school aims for steady improvement and consistent performance in line with state averages, with yearly moves that reflect school-wide goals and intervention effectiveness. - Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes typically around 20–25 students, with specialist teachers supporting targeted areas such as science, arts, and physical education. - Support for diverse learners: Strong commitment to inclusive education, with EAL/D support and adjustments for students with additional learning needs to help them participate fully in class and activities. ⸻ ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: A range of team and individual sports, including grounds for physical education, with opportunities in soccer, netball, athletics, cricket, and other inter-school activities. - Strong teams or achievements: Participation in district and inter-school events, with opportunities for students to contribute to school teams and showcase skills in competitions. - Music, arts, drama programs: School music programs, assemblies, and performing arts activities that foster creativity and stage experience. - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, and debating are available to students who want to extend learning beyond the classroom. - Partnerships: Local clubs and district-level partnerships provide opportunities for competitions, events, and collaboration with the broader school community. ⸻ ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Whole-school anti-bullying policies and social-emotional learning practices, with proactive staff involvement and student education on respectful behaviour. - House system: House groups (e.g., Red, Blue, Green, Yellow) support friendly competition and a sense of belonging across year levels. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school-based counselling and wellbeing supports to assist students with personal, social, and emotional needs. - Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy programs, and transition visits to help new students settle in smoothly and build connections. ⸻ ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: Outdoor playing fields and multi-use spaces for PE and team sports. - Libraries: Library area with borrowing, reading initiatives, and quiet learning spaces. - Science labs: Access to science-related learning spaces to support inquiry and practical experiments. - Music/performing arts centers: Space for music practice, ensembles, and possible drama activities. - Tech/innovation labs: Computers and tech-enabled learning environments to support digital literacy and coding activities. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen or lunch-order system to cater for daily meal needs. - Updated playgrounds: Modern, safe play areas with updated equipment and spaces for recreation. ⸻ ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: A focus on respect, responsibility, resilience, and inclusion—applied across classroom learning and school life. - Leadership style: Emphasis on student voice and opportunities for leadership through student council or class leadership roles; staff encourage initiative and collaboration. - Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct and positive behaviour for learning to promote a respectful, safe environment. - Community reputation: Known for being welcoming to families, with strong parent–school partnerships and a supportive, family-oriented culture. - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to equity and inclusion, celebrating diverse backgrounds and ensuring accessible learning for all students. ⸻ ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical day runs from around 8:45am to 3:15pm, with variations on early dismissals or specific school events. - Before/after school care: Access to before/after school care through OSHC providers or school-supported arrangements where available. - Uniform requirements: School uniform standard, with guidelines provided by the school. - Transport (train/bus routes): Accessible via public transport with nearby bus stops and train routes; parking and drop-off zones supported by local services. - Canteen availability: Canteen services or lunch-order options available on certain days or through a lunch-order system. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Public primary schools generally have low fees with voluntary contributions and costs for excursions or activities; specifics vary by year level and activity. ⸻ ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Confirm eligibility within the school’s catchment area. - Complete and submit the enrolment form with required documents (birth certificate, immunisationrecords, proof of address, etc.). - Provide any necessary health and immunisation information. - The school will review documents, communicate next steps, and offer placement; orientation or welcome activities may be scheduled prior to start. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - If the school is at capacity, a waiting list may operate. Local area priority and date of application are typically considered. Families on the list may receive updates as spaces become available. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Generally, no entrance tests are required for primary enrolments. Some brief discussions with parents or a short information exchange may occur to understand needs. EAL assessments or additional considerations may be arranged if needed. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are considered where space allows. Prospective families should contact the school as soon as possible to discuss availability and transfer procedures, including records from the previous school. ⸻ ## 9. Frequently Ask Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? — A welcoming, inclusive community with a focus on well-being, strong teacher–student relationships, and opportunities across academics, arts, and sports. - What type of student thrives at this school? — Students who respond well to a nurturing, collaborative classroom environment, value range of activities, and benefit from strong pastoral support and inclusive practices. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? — Literacy and numeracy supports, coding and robotics clubs, science and technology activities, music and performing arts programs, and inter-school sports participation. - How does the school communicate with parents? — Regular updates through newsletters, emails, parent-teacher meetings, and school portals. Open channels for feedback and involvement are encouraged. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? — Student-centred learning with explicit instruction in literacy and numeracy, collaborative learning, and differentiation to meet diverse needs. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? — Targeted literacy and numeracy supports, small-group interventions, and access to specialist staff to tailor learning plans. - What support is available for academic challenges? — Additional tutoring, learning support plans, and monitoring by teachers and support staff to help students progress. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Duplicate) — See above: regular updates, meetings, and accessible channels for feedback. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? — Class sizes typically around 20–25 students, with teachers differentiating instruction to provide individual support within the group. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? — Clubs in robotics, coding, chess, debating; a range of sports and inter-school competitions; music and performing arts activities. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? — Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, canteen, and updated play areas. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? — Integration of digital literacy and coding activities within the curriculum, supported by computer/tech spaces and teacher guidance. - What transport and accessibility options are available? — Access to public transport routes, nearby stops, and parking; arrangements to support families in commuting to and from school. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? — Public primary schools have low tuition-like costs; there may be voluntary contributions and costs for excursions and some activities. ⸻ ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Public primary with a welcoming, inclusive culture - Strong emphasis on student well-being and relationships - Range of academics, arts, and sports opportunities - Support for diverse learners and English language needs - Safe, family-oriented community with clear behaviour expectations - Cons - Class sizes can be on the larger side for some families (typical public primary ranges) - Enrolment demand can lead to wait lists in busy years - Specific programs may vary by year or funding, so some offerings change over time ⸻