## 1. Overview
Holy Spirit School is a Catholic primary school serving families in City Beach and the surrounding area. It offers a faith-based, community-focused environment with an emphasis on values, academic growth, and wellbeing. The school tends to be small to medium in size, supporting strong teacher-student relationships and a nurturing atmosphere where students feel included and encouraged to participate in school life.
- School type: Catholic, independent within the broader Catholic Education system
- School size: Small to medium
- Class size: Typically around 20–25 students per class
- Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, faith-driven, community-oriented with focus on wellbeing and learning
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## 2. Academics & Learning
Holy Spirit School aims to develop confident, capable learners through strong literacy and numeracy foundations, along with opportunities in STEM and the arts.
- Academic strengths: Literacy and numeracy focus, integrated STEM learning, emphasis on English and communication skills; opportunities to explore leadership and digital learning
- Special programs: Enrichment and extension opportunities; targeted interventions in literacy and numeracy; faith-informed programs supporting character and leadership
- NAPLAN / trends: Historically stable performance with gradual improvements in key areas over time; trend data typically shows resilience in writing and numeracy as students progress
- Student-teacher ratios: Small-to-mid class sizes with relatively favorable student-teacher ratios for individualized attention
- Support for diverse learners: EAL support available; learning support and SEN strategies aligned to student needs; pathways for involved families to access assistance
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## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
A strong focus on well-rounded development, with options for sport, arts, and clubs popular among families.
- Sports offered: Soccer (football), netball, basketball, cricket, athletics, and other school-level teams
- Strong teams or achievements: Competitive teams across key sports; participation in local inter-school events and fixtures
- Music, arts, drama programs: Music education and performing arts opportunities; school productions or concerts are common
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other after-school clubs
- Partnerships: Connections with local clubs, community programs, and competitive events to broaden opportunities
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## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
Wellbeing is a central priority, with structures in place to support students’ emotional and social development.
- Anti-bullying approach: Proactive, whole-school anti-bullying strategies with restorative practices
- House system: House-based activities and competitions to foster belonging and teamwork
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school-based support staff focusing on student wellbeing and pastoral care
- Transition support for new students: Induction programs and peer/teacher support to help new students settle in
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## 5. Facilities
Facilities are designed to support learning across disciplines and provide welcoming spaces for students.
- Sports grounds: Indoor/outdoor play and sports facilities for physical education
- Libraries: School library with resources to support reading and research
- Science labs: Basic science facilities aligned to primary-level experimentation
- Music/performing arts centers: Space for music education and performances
- Tech/innovation labs: Access to digital learning tools and basic makerspace-type activities
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen or lunch facilities to support daily meals
- Updated playgrounds: Well-maintained playgrounds and outdoor learning areas
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## 6. School Values & Community Culture
The school community centers on faith-informed values and a positive, collaborative culture.
- School values / mission: Faith-based education with emphasis on respect, responsibility, compassion, and service
- Leadership style: Collaborative, family-inclusive leadership that encourages student voice
- Behaviour expectations: Clear expectations grounded in respect, kindness, honesty, and responsibility
- Community reputation: Known for a welcoming, family-friendly environment and supportive community
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to an inclusive culture that respects different backgrounds and needs
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## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
Practical details help families plan around school life.
- School hours: Typical start around 8:30–8:45 am and end around 3:00–3:15 pm (times may vary by year level)
- Before/after school care: Available options or programs to support working families
- Uniform requirements: Defined uniform policy with standard items and acceptable alternatives
- Transport: Access to local bus routes and public transport; guidance for school drop-off/pick-up
- Canteen availability: Canteen or lunch program as part of daily routine
- Fees: Fees generally fall in the low-to-mid range for independent Catholic schools; additional costs may apply for activities and excursions
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## 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Submit an enrolment application with supporting documents (birth certificate, baptism/catholic affiliation, immunisation records, proof of address)
- Provide a copy of key certificates and identification for both child and guardians
- Complete any school-specific forms and participate in a family interview or meeting with leadership
- Receive an offer of placement within the allocated intake period; confirm acceptance by the stated deadline
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Waiting lists may exist for popular year levels or limited spaces
- Allocation typically follows application date and any school-specific priority criteria; spaces are offered as they become available
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry requirements commonly include proof of Catholic affiliation or baptism; some years may involve a brief discussion with the principal or learning coordinator
- Formal tests are not typically required for primary entry; interview or readiness discussions are common to understand the child’s needs and fit
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers may be possible if space is available; approvals depend on current enrolment capacity and readiness of the new student to integrate
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## 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A welcoming Catholic environment that values faith, character, and academic growth; small class sizes and strong teacher-student relationships; supportive wellbeing programs and a family-focused community.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who respond well to a faith-informed, inclusive setting with opportunities to participate in academics, arts, and sport; those who value community and personal growth alongside learning.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Enrichment and extension activities in literacy, numeracy, and STEM; after-school clubs (robotics, coding, debating, chess); sports teams and performing arts opportunities; leadership and service activities within the school.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular updates through newsletters, emails, and a school communications system; parent-teacher meetings; a clear channel for feedback and concerns.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Student-centered approaches with a mix of direct instruction, inquiry, collaboration, and digital learning; emphasis on literacy, numeracy, and holistic development; alignment with Catholic education principles.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted interventions in literacy and numeracy; learning support staff; EAL assistance and planning for diverse learning needs; collaboration with families to support progress.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Individual or small-group interventions; ongoing monitoring and adjustments to learning plans; access to school counsellors for broader wellbeing-related challenges.
- What else should parents know about class sizes and individual attention?
- Class sizes are kept to a manageable level to maximise teacher-student interaction and support, with opportunities for additional help during targeted blocks and after-school options.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports (e.g., soccer, netball, basketball, cricket, athletics) and clubs (robotics, chess, coding, debating) along with music and drama programs.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Facilities include sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, a cafeteria, and well-maintained playgrounds.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of digital tools to support learning, with age-appropriate technology use, coding and digital literacy opportunities, and safe, supportive use of devices.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Access to local transport and bus routes where available; support for families coordinating drop-off/pick-up; considerations for accessibility and mobility needs.
- What are typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are in the low-to-mid range for the sector; additional costs may apply for excursions, activities, and elective programs.
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## 10. Short Pros & Cons list
Pros
- Strong, faith-based community with a nurturing environment
- Small-to-medium class sizes enabling individualized attention
- Comprehensive wellbeing and pastoral care
- Broad range of extracurriculars (sports, arts, clubs)
- Support for diverse learners (EAL, SEN, interventions)
Cons
- Enrolment may involve waiting lists for popular year levels
- Fees and uniform costs typical of independent Catholic schools
- Limited specialist programs compared to larger metropolitan schools
- Transport options may require planning depending on family location
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