Overview
Holy Rosary School, Derby is a Catholic school in Western Australia offering a faith-based education within a small-to-medium, community-focused setting. As a systemic Catholic school, it emphasizes values, pastoral care and a supportive learning environment where families feel connected and involved.
The atmosphere is nurturing and inclusive, with small class sizes that allow teachers to know students well and tailor support. The school promotes academic growth alongside character development, service to others, and active participation in school life.
Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: English literacy, numeracy, religious education, and opportunities to engage in STEM and the arts. Leadership and character development are woven into learning programs.
- Special programs: Religious education and sacramental preparation are integrated; pathways for leadership and student initiative; gifted/talented or accelerated options where available.
- Support for diverse learners: EAL support, SEN support and inclusive education practices to meet varied learning needs; targeted interventions as required.
- Sports offered: Football (soccer), netball, cricket, athletics, basketball, and seasonal activities.
- Strong teams or achievements: Participation in local inter-school competitions with opportunities for regional recognition; emphasis on teamwork and sportsmanship.
- Music, arts, drama programs: School choir and liturgical music, drama productions and performances that involve the broader school community.
- Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating and other interest-based clubs to extend learning beyond the classroom.
- Partnerships: Local clubs, community programs and inter-school competitions that provide additional opportunities for students to excel.
Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies, restorative practices and a culture of respect; supportive procedures for reporting and resolution.
- House system: House group activities that foster leadership, collaboration and school spirit.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to a school counsellor or wellbeing staff to support emotional and social wellbeing.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems and family-friendly transition activities to help new students settle in.
Facilities
- Sports grounds: Well-maintained playing fields and courts for diverse activities.
- Libraries: Central library spaces for reading and research.
- Science labs: Functional science facilities to support hands-on experiments.
- Music/performing arts centers: Rooms and spaces for music, drama and performances.
- Tech/innovation labs: Creative and digital learning spaces for coding and technology projects.
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen or lunch facilities supporting daily meals.
- Updated playgrounds: Safe, modern play areas and outdoor learning spaces.
- School values / mission: Faith-based education grounded in Catholic values such as respect, compassion, integrity and service.
- Leadership style: Distributed leadership with opportunities for student involvement and peer leadership.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct emphasizing positive behavior, respect and responsibility.
- Community reputation: A welcoming, faith-informed community known for pastoral care and active parental involvement.
- Diversity & inclusion: Inclusive environment that welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and supports belonging for all.
School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typical start and finish times aligned with WA school calendars; day structured for learning with breaks.
- Before/after school care: Availability varies; check with the school for programs or partner providers.
- Uniform requirements: School uniform with seasonal options; guidance on appropriate attire for daily wear.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Public transport accessibility and local bus routes; some families may use school bus services where available.
- Canteen availability: On-site canteen or school meal program operating on most school days.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees apply as a private Catholic school; generally mid-range for WA private education with additional costs for excursions and certain activities.
Enrolment & Admissions
- What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Submit an expression of interest or application to the school.
- Provide required documents (birth certificate, immunisation records, baptism/religious background information as applicable).
- Attend any required information session or interview; school will advise timelines for applications, offers and enrollment.
- Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Waiting lists are common; priority may be given to siblings and parish families. The school will outline the process, indicative wait times and how to remain on the list.
- Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Generally no formal entrance exam for primary grades; there may be an interview with families and the student to assess fit, readiness and understand the school’s ethos. Religious education background and language readiness may be considered.
- Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are possible if there is vacancy; you’ll typically need to coordinate with the admissions team, provide current school information and complete enrollment steps.
Frequently Ask Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A values-based, Catholic education with a nurturing, inclusive community and strong pastoral care that supports both academics and personal growth.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who value community, faith-based education, service to others, and active participation in school life—academic curiosity paired with character development.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Strong literacy and numeracy focus, leadership opportunities, sports teams, music and drama programs, robotics and coding clubs, debating and other enrichment activities.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular newsletters, emails, parent portals or app updates, parent-teacher interviews and information evenings.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Student-centered, differentiated instruction within a faith-informed framework; emphasis on literacy, numeracy and inquiry-based learning.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted learning support, in-class differentiation, EAL and SEN support, and access to specialist staff or programs as needed.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Structured intervention plans, ongoing progress monitoring and collaboration with families to adjust supports.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- See above: newsletters, portals, emails, interviews and events.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports (football, netball, cricket, athletics, basketball), music and drama, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess and debating.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Modern sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs and a canteen, plus updated playgrounds.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integrated digital learning with age-appropriate devices and online resources, focusing on digital literacy and safety.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Access to local public transport routes and school-friendly arrangements; some families use bus services or car drop-off/pick-up options.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees apply for enrolment in a private Catholic school; additional costs may include excursions, activities and certain resources. Check with the school for current fee schedules.
Short Pros & Cons list
- Strong sense of community and faith-based values
- Nurturing, small-to-medium class settings with good student–teacher interaction
- Comprehensive pastoral care and wellbeing supports
- Broad range of extracurriculars in academics, sports, arts and clubs
- Inclusive environment with attention to diversity and belonging
- Modern facilities that support science, technology, arts and physical education
- Fees associated with private/Catholic schooling
- Extracurricular options may be more limited than larger urban schools
- Transport options can depend on local services and may require planning
- Availability of some specialist programs may vary by year or intake
- Mid-year transfers depend on vacancies and may involve transition adjustments
