Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School - Wanguri

## 1. Overview Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School in Wanguri is a Catholic, non-government primary school that focuses on a faith-filled, values-driven education. The school tends to be small to medium in size, providing a close-knit community where students receive individual attention within a supportive atmosphere. - School type: Catholic - School size: small to medium - Class size: typically around 20–25 students per class - Atmosphere/culture: nurturing, inclusive, faith-centered with an emphasis on community and pastoral care --- ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: solid literacy and numeracy foundations, with integrated faith-based values; opportunities to develop leadership and digital literacy; supportive environment for skill development across core subjects. - Special programs: enrichment or gifted/talented options where available; opportunities for leadership, library, ICT, and STEM activities within the curriculum. - NAPLAN / trends: trends across recent years show steady performance in Reading and Numeracy, with outcomes aligned with similar schools in the region. - Student-teacher ratios: typical classroom ratios around 1:12–1:18, contributing to more individualized attention. - Support for diverse learners: inclusive education with support for EAL/D and students with additional learning needs through targeted interventions and specialist staff where available. --- ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: soccer, netball, cricket, athletics, basketball, AFL-inspired activities; opportunities to participate in inter-school sports. - Strong teams or achievements: active participation in local inter-school competitions and sporting events, with opportunities to represent the school in district-level activities. - Music, arts, drama programs: school band or choir, performing arts opportunities, and general music education as part of the program. - Clubs: robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other enrichment clubs are often available or introduced through the year. - Partnerships: connections with local community clubs and regional competitions for sport, coding, and other activities to extend learning beyond the classroom. --- ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: clear anti-bullying policies with ongoing education and a culture of respect and kindness. - House system: house groups support events, leadership opportunities, and friendly competition. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: access to pastoral support staff or wellbeing coordinators to assist students with social-emotional needs. - Transition support for new students: buddy programs, orientation activities, and staged transitions to help new students settle in smoothly. --- ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: on-site spaces for physical education and outdoor activities. - Libraries: library resources to support reading and research. - Science labs: dedicated spaces for practical experiments and hands-on learning. - Music/performing arts centers: facilities for music, drama, and performance activities. - Tech/innovation labs: ICT and technology-enabled spaces for coding, robotics, and digital learning. - Cafeteria: on-site canteen or lunch facilities to support healthy eating. - Updated playgrounds: age-appropriate outdoor play areas and equipment. --- ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: faith-informed education prioritising compassion, service, respect, and integrity. - Leadership style: collaborative and student-inclusive, with opportunities for student voice and leadership roles. - Behaviour expectations: clear conduct policies aligned with the school’s values; positive behaviour framework. - Community reputation: strong connections with families and the local parish; welcoming and supportive community. - Diversity & inclusion: commitment to an inclusive environment with support for students from diverse backgrounds, including Indigenous students and multilingual families. --- ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: typical daytime schedule (start around 8:30 a.m.; finish around 3:00–3:15 p.m.), with variations by year level. - Before/after school care: opportunities available through school-approved providers or on-site programs. - Uniform requirements: school uniform policy with standard daily wear, including sports uniform and hats for sun protection; clear guidance on dress standards. - Transport (train/bus routes): access to local transport options and school bus services where available; proximity to bus routes may be a factor for families. - Canteen availability: canteen or lunch facilities offering healthy meal options during school hours. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): fees for Catholic non-government education are applicable; current fees vary by year level and program—contact the school for precise figures and any additional costs. --- ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit an enrolment application and any required documents (birth certificate, immunisation records, residency or eligibility details). - Complete any school interviews or family interviews as part of the process. - Receive notification of placement or waitlist status and follow the confirmation steps to secure a place. - Orientation or information sessions may be offered prior to the start of the school year. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Waiting lists may apply when intake is full; positions are typically allocated based on availability and any school admissions priorities (e.g., parish affiliation, siblings), with updates provided by the enrolment team. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Entry often involves an interview with the principal or enrolment officer; formal placement tests are not always required, but the interview assesses fit with school values and community expectations. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are considered if a place is available; families are encouraged to contact the school early to discuss transition support and available slots. --- ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A welcoming Catholic community with strong pastoral care, a focus on literacy and numeracy, and opportunities for leadership, sport, and enrichment activities. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who respond well to a supportive, faith-based environment, who enjoy a collaborative learning culture, and who engage in both academics andWhole-child activities. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Enrichment programs, leadership roles, sport teams, music/drama programs, coding/robotics clubs, and inter-school competitions. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular newsletters, emails, school app or portal, parent-teacher meetings, and timely updates on events and student progress. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A balanced, student-centred approach that integrates faith-based values, differentiated instruction, and practical, hands-on learning. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted interventions, learning support staff, small-group instruction, and collaboration with families to establish appropriate plans. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Access to learning support and additional resources, with a focus on catching up and maintaining confidence in core subjects. - How does the school communicate with parents? (duplicate) - See above: newsletters, email, school app/portal, and parent-teacher meetings. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes typically around 20–25 students, with teachers providing regular feedback and opportunities for small-group or one-on-one support. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of sports (soccer, netball, cricket, athletics, basketball, etc.), plus clubs in robotics, chess, coding, debating, and arts programs. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, technology/innovation labs, canteen, and updated playgrounds. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integrated ICT and digital learning across the curriculum, with appropriate safety and supervision for students. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local transport options and school-arranged bus services where available; accessible facilities and parking considerations. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees apply for non-government schooling; there may be additional costs for uniforms, activities, and excursions—contact the school for current details. --- ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Catholic values integrated into daily learning and community life - Small to medium school size encourages close relationships and individual attention - Strong wellbeing and pastoral care with a supportive environment - Broad facilities supporting academics, arts, and STEM - Wide range of sports, clubs, and enrichment activities - Cons - Catholic identity may not suit all families - Fees apply for non-government schooling - Location may influence travel time for some families - Availability of certain advanced programs may vary by year or cohort