## Overview
Holy Cross Catholic Primary School, New Gisborne, delivers a faith-based primary education within a warm, supportive Catholic community. The school emphasises a nurturing environment that values each student and fosters a sense of belonging.
- School type: Catholic
- School size: Small to medium
- Class size: Typically around 18–24 students per class
- Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, community-focused
## Academics & Learning
Holy Cross prioritises strong literacy and numeracy foundations, with an emphasis on Catholic identity woven into daily learning. The curriculum supports curious, confident learners and encourages active student engagement across core subjects and integrated projects.
- Academic strengths: English/literacy, mathematics, science and inquiry-based learning; strong literacy and numeracy focus; faith formation integrated with general learning
- Special programs: Catholic Identity programs, faith formation activities, opportunities for extension in key year levels
- NAPLAN trends: Positive, with steady year-on-year improvement in reading and numeracy over recent years (no Ofsted data applicable in Australia)
- Student-teacher ratios: Generally around 1:12 to 1:20
- Support for diverse learners: EAL support and targeted assistance through a learning support team; programs for students with additional needs (SEN)
## Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
A strong focus on well-rounded development through sport, arts, and clubs, with opportunities for competition and performance.
- Sports offered: Netball, soccer, AFL-related activities, cricket, athletics, cross-country
- Strong teams or achievements: Active inter-school participation and school-level teams across multiple sports
- Music, arts, drama programs: Choir, school bands, drama productions, and supporting arts initiatives
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating
- Partnerships: Connections with local sporting clubs, community groups, and regional competitions
## Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
Wellbeing is central to student success, with clear structures to support a positive school climate and smooth transitions.
- Anti-bullying approach: Comprehensive anti-bullying policy and restorative approaches to behaviour
- House system: House groups to foster leadership and teamwork (structure supports positive peer relationships)
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to wellbeing staff to support student welfare
- Transition support for new students: Planned programs to help students settle into school life and routines
## Facilities
The school provides inviting, well-maintained spaces that support learning, creativity, and physical activity.
- Sports grounds
- Library
- Science labs
- Music/performing arts centers
- Tech/innovation labs
- Canteen
- Updated playgrounds
## School Values & Community Culture
Holy Cross fosters a values-based culture that guides behaviour, leadership, and community engagement.
- School values / mission: Faith, compassion, respect, responsibility; emphasis on service and community
- Leadership style: Student voice and leadership opportunities; collaborative culture
- Behaviour expectations: Clear positive-behaviour expectations with supportive interventions
- Community reputation: Welcoming parish and local community connections; inclusive atmosphere
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to a diverse, respectful school community
## School Logistics & Daily Operations
Practical details to help families plan and participate in school life.
- School hours: Regular school day with standard start and finish times
- Before/after school care: Available at designated times (subject to enrolment)
- Uniform requirements: School uniform policy (standard items and guidelines)
- Transport: Local bus routes and access to public transport where available
- Canteen availability: Canteen services during school days
- Fees: Moderate ranges typical for Catholic primary schools; additional costs for activities and resources
## Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Enrolment process and timeline: Applications typically involve an online form, required documentation, and a formal interview or meeting with leadership. Offers follow assessment of eligible intake and parish considerations; orientation or welcome sessions are often provided before the start of term.
- Waiting list: Where demand exceeds places, a waiting list is maintained and managed by date of application and availability. Families may be contacted as vacancies arise.
- Entry requirements, tests, or interviews: Admissions may include conversations with families and may involve discussions around faith background or parish involvement; some years may include informal assessments or reflections as part of a holistic view of fit.
- Mid-year transfers: Possible subject to vacancy and readiness of the receiving class; families should contact the school to discuss timetables and transition supports.
## Frequently Ask Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- Parents value a faith-based, caring community with strong literacy and numeracy foundations, small-to-medium class sizes, and a supportive wellbeing program.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who respond well to a nurturing environment, active learning across core subjects, and opportunities to participate in sport, arts, and service projects.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Enrichment in literacy and numeracy, STEM-inspired projects, inter-school sports, music and drama programs, robotics, chess, debating, and public speaking opportunities.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular updates via newsletters, parent portals, and scheduled meetings; timely communications about student progress and events.
- What is the school's approach to teaching and learning?
- A holistic approach blending core academic skills with faith formation, inquiry-based learning, and differentiated support to meet diverse needs.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted learning support, EAL assistance, and access to a learning support team for individualized plans and interventions.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Early identification, targeted interventions, and collaboration with families to build personalised learning plans.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated)
- See above for typical channels: newsletters, portals, and parent-teacher meetings.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Classes typically range around 18–24 students, with teacher time and additional support designed to provide individual or small-group attention.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A broad menu including netball, soccer, AFL-related activities, cricket, athletics, cross-country, as well as clubs in robotics, chess, coding, and debating.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, library, science labs, performing arts spaces, music facilities, tech/innovation labs, and a canteen.
- What is the school's approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of digital literacy across the curriculum, with age-appropriate technology use and safe, responsible practices.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local bus routes and access to public transport where available; school grounds are designed to be accessible for students.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are in the moderate range for Catholic primary schools, with some activity or resource costs charged separately. Families can expect transparent communications about any additional costs.
## Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros:
- Strong faith-based community with a nurturing environment
- Small-to-medium class sizes enabling individual attention
- Focus on wellbeing and pastoral care
- Broad range of sports, arts, and clubs
- Positive academic focus with support for diverse learners
- Cons:
- Smaller town setting may limit some specialist offerings compared to larger urban schools
- Enrolment demand can lead to waiting lists
- Travel options may depend on family location within the region
