## 1. Overview
Invermay Primary School is a public (government) primary school serving the Invermay community in Victoria. The school is committed to inclusive education, student wellbeing, and a supportive learning environment where every child can grow academically and socially.
The school is small to medium in size, with class sizes around 20 students. The atmosphere is nurturing and inclusive, emphasising a balanced program that supports both academic progress and personal development, with a focus on teamwork, participation, and community involvement.
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## 2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: Strong literacy and numeracy foundations, with a focus on engaged learning across key subjects. The school also emphasises inquiry-based approaches to science and digital technologies, and fosters creativity through arts and music.
- Special programs: Targeted literacy and numeracy support, early intervention where needed, and opportunities for extension in literacy, numeracy, and STEM activities. Some students may access gifted and talented opportunities where available.
- NAPLAN / trends: NAPLAN trends show steady improvement in English and numeracy over recent years, reflecting focused teaching practices and targeted student support.
- Student-teacher ratios: Generally around 1:12 to 1:18 in year-level classes, with smaller groups for targeted instruction as needed.
- Support for diverse learners: Dedicated support for EAL students and students with additional learning needs (SEN), including in-class support and specialist programs where available.
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## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: Basketball, cricket, football (AFL-style programs), soccer, netball, athletics, and school-based swimming programs when available.
- Strong teams or achievements: Active participation in district-level events and inter-school competitions, with opportunities for development in team leadership and sportsmanship.
- Music, arts, drama programs: School choir and regular performing arts activities; opportunities to participate in school productions and concerts.
- Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other practical STEM/academic clubs supported by staff and volunteers.
- Partnerships: Connections with local community clubs and regional competitions to broaden opportunities in sport, arts, and STEM activities.
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## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Whole-school wellbeing framework with positive behaviour expectations and restorative practices to address concerns and promote respectful relationships.
- House system: A house-based system fosters camaraderie, healthy competition, and a sense of belonging across year levels.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to wellbeing staff and school-based support for student welfare and social-emotional learning.
- Transition support for new students: Buddy programs, orientation sessions, and guided transitions to help new students settle in quickly and feel welcome.
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## 5. Facilities
- Sports grounds: On-site sports fields and courts suitable for a range of physical activities.
- Libraries: A well-equipped library supporting reading, research, and digital literacy.
- Science labs: Dedicated spaces for hands-on science activities and experiments.
- Music/performing arts centers: Facilities or designated spaces for music rehearsal, drama, and performances.
- Tech/innovation labs: Access to technology-enabled learning spaces and digital learning resources.
- Cafeteria: On-site or nearby canteen facilities providing healthy meal options on school days.
- Updated playgrounds: Safe, age-appropriate play areas designed to encourage active play and outdoor learning.
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## 6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: A focus on respect, resilience, curiosity, inclusion, and a love of learning as core values guiding everyday practice.
- Leadership style: Collaborative leadership across staff, with student voice and family involvement encouraged in school decisions.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear positive-behaviour framework supported by consistent routines and restorative approaches.
- Community reputation: Known for a friendly, welcoming, and supportive school community that values inclusion and partnership with families.
- Diversity & inclusion: Strong commitment to inclusive education, celebrating diversity, and ensuring all students have opportunities to participate and succeed.
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## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Morning start around 9:00 am and finish around 3:30 pm, with time built in for learning and activities.
- Before/after school care: Availability of before- and after-school care through school-supported programs or local providers.
- Uniform requirements: School uniform policy in place; typically navy and gold colours with polo shirts, shorts or skirts, and appropriate footwear.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Access to local bus routes and public transport options; arrangements for drop-off/pick-up are supported by the school.
- Canteen availability: Canteen or healthy food options available on designated days.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Government primary school with modest contributions; costs are generally low to medium, with transparency around any voluntary contributions or essential item costs.
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## 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Families submit an enrolment application through the school. Prep intake is typically coordinated for the start of the new school year, with timelines provided by the school and regional education authority. Offers and transitions are communicated with families as part of the process.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- If applications exceed available places, a waiting list may operate. The school will provide guidance on how waitlists are managed and where to place a child on the list.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- For most primary enrolments, there are no formal entrance tests. Prep entry may involve readiness considerations and conversations, but there are no standard academic entrance exams.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Yes, mid-year transfers are possible where vacancies exist. Prospective families should contact the school to discuss availability and the enrolment steps.
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## 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A welcoming, inclusive community with strong literacy and numeracy foundations, dedicated wellbeing support, and opportunities for involvement in sport, arts, and clubs.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who respond well to a collaborative, supportive environment with a focus on respectful relationships, active participation, and a balance of academics and extra-curriculars.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Targeted literacy/numeracy support and extension opportunities in STEM, arts, and leadership; involvement in sports teams, arts performances, coding/robotics clubs, and debating.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular newsletters, emails, parent-teacher meetings, and digital platforms that share updates on learning, events, and student progress.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Student-centred, evidence-based practices with explicit teaching, inquiry-based learning components, and a focus on developing critical thinking and collaboration.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- In-class support, targeted interventions, and access to specialist staff for literacy, numeracy, and wellbeing.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Additional tutoring or small-group instruction as needed, along with assessment-based planning to address gaps in understanding.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Duplicate)
- See above; ongoing and transparent communication through multiple channels.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes are around 20 students, with opportunities for individual or small-group support through targeted instruction and teacher supervision.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports, music/arts activities, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating; participation in local and regional events.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Facilities include sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, and a canteen with healthy options.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of digital literacy and technology in learning, with appropriate devices and online learning tools to support student engagement and safety.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Access to local bus routes and public transport; supported drop-off/pick-up arrangements; accessible facilities for students with diverse needs.
- What are typical school fees or additional costs?
- Generally low to medium, with clear information about any voluntary contributions, essential item costs, and additional activity fees where applicable.
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## 10. Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Supportive, inclusive community with strong wellbeing focus.
- Small to medium size enabling personalised attention.
- Solid literacy and numeracy foundations with opportunities in STEM, arts, and sport.
- Active participation in sport, clubs, and local/region competitions.
- Clear communication with families and supportive transition processes.
- Cons
- As a smaller school, available specialised programs may be more limited than larger urban schools.
- Transfer and options for some specialised electives may depend on year level and vacancies.
- Some families may rely on external providers for after-school care or extended programs.
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