Holy Spirit Primary School - Kurri Kurri

## 1. Overview Holy Spirit Primary School is a Catholic primary school serving families in Kurri Kurri and the surrounding area. The school emphasises faith-based education, community values, and a commitment to each child’s learning and wellbeing. With a small-to-medium roll, classes are intimate enough for teachers to get to know students well, supporting personalised learning while fostering a warm and inclusive school culture. The atmosphere is typically nurturing and community-focused, encouraging positive relationships, resilience and active participation in school life. ⸻ ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: The school focuses on strong literacy and numeracy foundations within a faith-informed context, and offers opportunities for leadership, critical thinking and character development. - Special programs: Religious education and sacramental preparation are central, alongside enrichment opportunities and ICT/literacy activities to extend learning beyond the core curriculum. - NAPLAN / trends: Public trend data for NSW primary schools is published separately; schools often aim for steady progress year to year with targeted interventions where needed. Check the latest school annual report for current directions. - Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes are typically in the vicinity of 20–25 students, with teachers and support staff able to provide targeted instruction and small-group support as needed. - Support for diverse learners: EAL and SEN support are available, including differentiated instruction, targeted adjustments and access to learning support staff to help students progress. ⸻ ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: A range of team and individual sports are typically available, including netball, soccer, cricket, rugby league and athletics, with opportunities to compete in local or regional events. - Strong teams or achievements: Students have opportunities to participate in zone and school-level competitions; success varies by year level and cohort. - Music, arts, drama programs: There are opportunities to participate in choir, school concerts and drama activities, with a focus on developing confidence and expression. - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding and debating are commonly offered or supported, providing pathways to extend skills outside the classroom. - Partnerships: The school often engages with local community clubs, sport associations and inter-school programs to broaden experiences and competitions for students. ⸻ ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: A proactive anti-bullying policy and supportive, inclusive practices help foster respectful relationships among students. - House system: A house-based structure supports leadership, teamwork and friendly competition across activities and events. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: A designated wellbeing team or school counsellor supports students’ emotional and social development. - Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy programs and gradual transition supports help new students settle in smoothly. ⸻ ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: Access to suitable outdoor spaces for physical education and games. - Libraries: A school library supports reading, research and quiet study. - Science labs: Dedicated spaces for practical science activities. - Music/performing arts centers: Facilities or dedicated spaces for music and drama activities and performances. - Tech/innovation labs: ICT or computer/tech spaces to support digital learning and coding activities. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen or lunch facilities for students. - Updated playgrounds: Age-appropriate, well-maintained play areas for breaks and recreation. ⸻ ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: A faith-based mission with emphasis on respect, service, responsibility and community. - Leadership style: Generally collaborative and student-inclusive, with opportunities for student voice and leadership through the house system and clubs. - Behaviour expectations: Clear expectations around respectful conduct, responsibility, honesty and care for others. - Community reputation: A supportive school community known for welcoming families and fostering strong partnerships with parish and local groups. - Diversity & inclusion: An inclusive environment that welcomes families from diverse backgrounds and supports equitable access to learning and activities. ⸻ ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Regular school day with structured start and finish times; arrangements exist for before/after school care. - Before/after school care: Available to families needing extended supervision and activities. - Uniform requirements: A school uniform is standard, with guidelines for daily wear and special occasions. - Transport (bus routes): Local transport options and bus routes are typically available; families should consult the school for specifics. - Canteen availability: A canteen or food programs are available on certain days or for specific activities. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are generally in the medium range for NSW Catholic primary schools, with additional costs for camps, excursions and some activities. ⸻ ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Start with an expression of interest and complete the school’s application form. - Provide required documents (e.g., birth certificate, immunisation records, family details). - Attend information sessions or interviews as part of the process. - Receive an enrolment offer if space is available; submit any required acceptance and fees; participate in orientation activities. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Yes, depending on year level and capacity. Offers are typically made in order of application and available places; there may be a waiting list that is managed by the admissions team. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Generally, there is no entrance exam for primary school entry. An interview or family conversation may form part of the process, often to discuss fit with the school’s faith-based approach and values. Immunisation records and Catholic parish considerations may also be part of the process. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Yes, subject to space and availability. Transfer documentation (records of previous schooling, etc.) is usually required, and transfer timing will depend on cohort capacity and administrative processing. ⸻ ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - Many families value the Catholic, faith-centered environment, supportive relationships with teachers, and a strong sense of community and belonging that supports both academic and personal growth. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who engage well in a close-knit community, respond to collaborative teaching, participate in service, and appreciate a faith-informed approach tend to thrive. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Enrichment in literacy/numeracy, leadership opportunities, sport teams, music and drama programs, and clubs such as robotics, chess and coding. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Through newsletters, emails, a parent portal, parent-teacher interviews and regular updates on events, student progress and school activities. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A faith-informed, student-centered approach with differentiated instruction to meet diverse learning needs and promote critical thinking and resilience. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted learning support, small-group instruction, and access to a learning support team or specialist staff as part of an inclusive education approach. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Early identification, intervention strategies and ongoing monitoring to help students stay on track with their learning goals. - How does the school communicate with parents? - See above; ongoing communication is a priority through multiple channels. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are typically around 20–25 students, with teachers providing classroom differentiation and opportunities for individual support. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A broad range of sports, arts and clubs, including robotics, chess, coding and debating, plus music and drama programs. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Facilities include sports grounds, a library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, a cafeteria, and well-maintained play areas. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Digital literacy is integrated into learning with access to ICT spaces, devices and age-appropriate technology use that supports the curriculum and safe online practices. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local transport options and bus routes are available; the school can advise on accessibility and proximity to public transport. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees fall in the medium range for NSW Catholic primary schools, with costs for uniforms, excursions and some activities typical of an active school program. ⸻ ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Strong sense of community and values - Nurturing, small-to-medium class sizes - Supportive wellbeing and pastoral care - Broad range of extracurriculars (sports, arts, clubs) - Inclusive education with EAL/SEN support - Cons - Fees and uniform costs are a consideration for some families - Catholic-focused environment may not suit all faith backgrounds - Availability of certain programs can vary by year and cohort - Transport options depend on family location and can require planning - Limited non-Catholic-specific programs in some areas