Holy Family Catholic Primary School - Karama

## 1. Overview (1–2 paragraphs max) Holy Family Catholic Primary School, Karama is a Catholic, faith-based primary school serving families in Karama and the surrounding Darwin area. The school combines a values-driven education with a nurturing, inclusive atmosphere to help students grow academically, spiritually, and socially. It operates as a small-to-medium community school where teachers know students well and aim to support each child’s unique strengths. The environment is community-focused and supportive, emphasising respect, responsibility and service. Classrooms and programs are designed to foster cooperation, positive relationships, and a balanced learning experience that includes faith formation, academics, arts, and sport. ⸻ ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Strong focus on literacy and numeracy within a faith-based framework, with opportunities to develop critical thinking, discussion, and character alongside core subjects. - Special programs: Integrated digital learning, with technology used to enhance classroom learning; faith formation and compliant religious education as part of the broader curriculum. - NAPLAN trends: Historical patterns for many small primary schools show stable results with gradual year-on-year improvement in key areas; it’s best to check the school's most recent published trends for current details. - Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes typically reflect a small-to-medium primary setting, enabling more frequent teacher attention and support. - Support for diverse learners: Targeted support for students needing extra literacy/numeracy help, plus provision or coordination for EAL and other learning needs. ⸻ ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: A range of team and individual sports common to Australian primary schools, with emphasis on participation, teamwork and fair play. - Strong teams or achievements: Regular participation in inter-school events and carnivals; focus on school-wide participation and development. - Music, arts, drama programs: Active music, drama, and performing arts opportunities that showcase student talents. - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other clubs to extend learning beyond the classroom. - Partnerships: Engagement with local community and sports/kids’ clubs for competitions and additional opportunities. ⸻ ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies and restorative practices to support positive behaviour and inclusive interactions. - House system: A house-based structure to develop teamwork, leadership, and school spirit. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to wellbeing staff to support students’ social and emotional needs. - Transition support for new students: Welcome programs, buddy systems, and orientation to help new students settle in smoothly. ⸻ ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: On-site play areas and outdoor spaces for physical education and recreation. - Libraries: School library supporting reading, research, and learning enjoyment. - Science labs: Practical science spaces to explore experiments and inquiry. - Music/performing arts centers: Dedicated spaces or areas for music, drama and performance activities. - Tech/innovation labs: Spaces or resources for technology-enabled learning and creative projects. - Cafeteria: On-site eating space with options for students. - Updated playgrounds: Well-maintained play areas designed for safe, active play. ⸻ ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: Faith-based, values-driven education emphasising respect, responsibility, compassion, service and integrity. - Leadership style: Collaborative and inclusive leadership that involves staff, students, and families in decision-making and school life. - Behaviour expectations: Clear expectations around conduct, respect, and responsibility with consistent reinforcement. - Community reputation: Strong parish and local community connections, with active family involvement and service-minded culture. - Diversity & inclusion: Welcoming environment that recognises and respects a range of backgrounds and abilities. ⸻ ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Standard school day with start and finish times consistent with primary school schedules. - Before/after school care: Availability of after-school care arrangements or programs to support families. - Uniform requirements: Formal school uniform policy with guidelines for daily wear and approved accessories. - Transport (train/bus routes): Information provided on transport options and local routes; consider campus parking arrangements and accessibility. - Canteen availability: On-site canteen or snack facilities offering healthy options. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees and contributions are typically moderate for a Catholic primary school; specific items (uniforms, excursions, activities) may incur additional costs. ⸻ ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Applicants usually begin with an expression of interest or application through the school office, followed by providing required documentation (birth certificate, immunisation records, proof of address, etc.). The timeline varies by intake year (often aligned with end-of-year or early-year windows depending on availability). 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Waiting lists are common when year levels reach capacity. The school typically prioritises Catholic families and then other applicants, with placement based on availability and alignment with school values. Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for follow-up steps. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Some years may require information gathering or short interviews to understand readiness and fit with the school environment. Entrance assessments or conversations may occur for transitional or special programs, but many primary schools also rely on family involvement and prior schooling records. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are sometimes possible depending on space and readiness; timing and documentation will be coordinated with the school administration to minimise disruption for the student. ⸻ ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A faith-based, values-driven environment with caring staff, strong pastoral care, and a community-focused culture. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who value faith-informed education, inclusive community life, participation in sport and the arts, and strong relationships with teachers. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - A mix of core academic programs, plus clubs (robotics, coding, chess, debating), music and drama, and inter-school sport participation. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular newsletters, parent-teacher meetings, and a school communications system or app; updates on events and student progress. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Student-centered, with a focus on literacy and numeracy, integrated with faith formation and values education; effective use of classroom technology to support learning. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Differentiated instruction and targeted interventions within the school, with access to learning support staff. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Access to teachers and support staff who can provide additional help, along with planned intervention opportunities. - How does the school communicate with parents? - See above; ongoing, proactive communication through multiple channels. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are small-to-medium, allowing for more teacher contact and personalised guidance within the classroom. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A variety of sports, music, drama, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Comprehensive facilities including sports grounds, library, science labs, performing arts spaces, and technology/innovation resources. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integrated technology across the curriculum, with age-appropriate devices and digital learning tools, plus emphasis on digital safety and responsible use. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Information on local transport routes, parking, and accessibility options; options for families to plan the commute. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees are generally moderate, with additional costs for uniforms, excursions, and some activities; exact figures available on request. ⸻ ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Values-based Catholic education with a nurturing, inclusive culture - Small-to-medium class sizes enabling more individual attention - Strong pastoral care and community connections - Broad range of clubs, sports, and arts opportunities - Focus on wellbeing and a positive behaviour framework - Cons - As a Catholic school, religious alignment is a factor for families - Transport and commuting considerations depending on location - Some costs beyond base fees (uniforms, camps, extracurricular activities) - Availability can vary by year level due to capacity