Hendon Primary School

## 1. Overview Hendon Primary School is a public, government primary school serving families in Royal Park, SA 5014. The school focuses on building a warm, inclusive community where students feel safe to learn, take risks and grow. The campus is small-to-medium in size, with class sizes typically around 20–24 students. The atmosphere is nurturing and supportive, emphasising student wellbeing, respect and a collaborative approach to learning. ⸻ ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Strong emphasis on English literacy and numeracy, with opportunities in STEM activities, digital learning and the arts to develop well-rounded learners. Leadership experiences are available through student roles and collaboration projects. - Special programs: Gifted and talented options, accelerated learning opportunities and targeted interventions may be available. There are pathways to nurture student leadership and inquiry-based learning. - NAPLAN / trends: NAPLAN performance trends at SA public primary schools show stable to improving results in reading and numeracy over recent years, with ongoing focus on supporting students to meet national benchmarks. - Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes typically around 20–24 students, supporting regular interaction with teachers and tailored feedback. - Support for diverse learners: EAL (English as an Additional Language) support for students new to English; inclusive practices for students with diverse learning needs; in-class and targeted SEN support as required. ⸻ ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: Soccer, netball, basketball, cricket, Australian rules football, athletics and other standard primary-school activities. - Strong teams or achievements: Participation in inter-school sport and district events; opportunities to represent the school in local competitions. - Music, arts, drama programs: Music programs and opportunities to participate in school productions or drama activities; ensemble or recital-style experiences. - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess and debating are commonly available options to extend interests beyond the classroom. - Partnerships: Involvement with local community clubs and regional competitions to broaden experiences in sport, arts and STEM activities. ⸻ ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies with a focus on respectful relationships, social-emotional learning and restorative practices. - House system: A house system is used to promote school spirit, teamwork and positive competition across events. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school-based wellbeing staff or counsellors to support social and emotional learning. - Transition support for new students: Buddy programs, orientation activities and transition support to help new students settle in smoothly. ⸻ ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: Adequate outdoor spaces for active play, sport and physical education. - Libraries: A well-stocked library fostering reading for pleasure and research skills. - Science labs: Dedicated spaces for hands-on science activities. - Music/performing arts centers: Facilities for music, drama and performance. - Tech/innovation labs: Computer or ICT spaces to support digital learning and coding. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen or lunch options, with healthy meal choices. - Updated playgrounds: Well-maintained play areas and outdoor learning spaces. ⸻ ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: A focus on respect, responsibility, resilience and integrity, aligned with a culture of wellbeing and inclusion. - Leadership style: Collaborative leadership with opportunities for student voice through councils or representative roles. - Behaviour expectations: Clear behaviours standards with positive reinforcement and restorative approaches to discipline. - Community reputation: Known for a friendly, welcoming community and active parent involvement. - Diversity & inclusion: Inclusive environment with support for families from diverse backgrounds and access needs, including EAL students. ⸻ ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical day runs from around 9:00am to 3:15pm (times may vary; confirm with the school). - Before/after school care: Available through local providers; options for before and after school care around the school day. - Uniform requirements: School uniform required; sport uniform on PE days. - Transport (train/bus routes): Access to local bus routes and proximity to public transport; catchment-based enrolment considerations. - Canteen availability: Canteen or lunch-order options available to students. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Public school education has no tuition fees; there are voluntary contributions and costs for excursions, camps, uniforms and some activities. ⸻ ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Check catchment eligibility and school placement criteria. - Complete the school enrolment form and submit required documents (proof of address, birth certificate, immunisation details). - Review space availability and, if needed, arrange a brief discussion or interview for placement considerations. - Receive enrolment confirmation and information about orientation and transition activities. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - There may be a waiting list, particularly for non-catchment or high-demand periods. Priority is generally given to students within the catchment area. Out-of-area applicants may be placed on a waitlist and offered placement when spaces become available. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Typically no entrance exams are required. Some transfer cases (especially mid-year or out-of-area) may involve a brief discussion with the principal or a member of the leadership team to discuss needs and fit. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Yes, mid-year transfers are possible if there is space. Parents should contact the school early to discuss availability and transition planning. ⸻ ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? Public, local access with a welcoming, inclusive culture; strong focus on student wellbeing, literacy and community involvement. - What type of student thrives at this school? Students who enjoy collaboration, supportive relationships and a balanced program across academics, sport, arts and wellbeing. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? Opportunities in gifted and talented pathways, leadership roles, inter-school sport, music and drama programs, coding and robotics clubs, and creative arts projects. - How does the school communicate with parents? Regular newsletters, notices, school app or portal updates, parent-teacher meetings and clear channels for feedback. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? Student-centred, evidence-based approaches with differentiation, inquiry-driven learning and integrated ICT to build digital literacy. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? Targeted interventions, in-class support, EAL programs and access to SEN support staff or specialists. - What support is available for academic challenges? Additional tutoring or small-group support as needed, with referrals to specialist services when appropriate. - How does the school communicate with parents? See above; ongoing updates through multiple channels to keep families informed. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? Class sizes typically around 20–24 students, enabling regular teacher feedback and targeted support. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? A range of sports, clubs (robotics, coding, chess, debating) and arts activities, plus opportunities to participate in inter-school events. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? Outdoor sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, ICT/tech labs, canteen and modern playgrounds. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? Integrated ICT in learning with access to computer labs or devices for students to develop digital literacy and coding skills. - What transport and accessibility options are available? Local bus routes and proximity to public transport; consideration of accessibility for families and students. - What are typical school fees or additional costs? No tuition for public schooling; additional costs for uniforms, excursions, camps and voluntary contributions may apply. ⸻ ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Public, local school with easy access for families in Royal Park. - Small-to-medium size fosters a close-knit, supportive community. - Strong emphasis on wellbeing, inclusive education and student voice. - Broad range of academic, sport, arts and coding clubs to extend learning. - Clear communication with families and active community involvement. - Cons - As a public school, some programs may be more limited in scope compared with larger independent or specialist schools. - Availability of mid-year transfers can depend on space; waiting lists may apply for out-of-area placements. - Specific extracurricular offerings and facilities may vary by year and demand; confirm current availability with the school.