# 1. Overview
Isabella State School is a public (state) primary school serving the local Queensland community. As a medium-sized school, it aims to provide a welcoming, inclusive environment where students can grow academically and socially.
Class sizes are typically around 20–25 students, contributing to a supportive, community-focused atmosphere. The school emphasises an inclusive culture that values wellbeing, curiosity, and collaboration, helping students develop confidence and resilience across core learning areas.
# 2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: Focused development of literacy and numeracy within the Australian Curriculum, with opportunities to explore STEM, science, and digital literacy, alongside strong English and mathematics programs.
- Special programs: Gifted and talented opportunities or extension groups where available, plus access to targeted support for students needing extra help. EAL/D and other diverse-learner supports are provided through the school’s learning support teams.
- NAPLAN / trends: Department of Education reports provide trend data over time; current summaries are available from the school or the department. This section provides a general sense of steady progress and efforts to lift performance across key areas.
- Student-teacher ratios: Typical ratios are in the vicinity of 1:18 to 1:23, reflecting a classroom-focused model with specialist support where needed.
- Support for diverse learners: Robust supports for students requiring additional assistance, including learning support staff, intervention programs, and accommodations to help EAL/D and SEN students succeed.
# 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: General school programs include common team sports such as soccer/football, netball, cricket, athletics, and swimming, with opportunities to participate in inter-school events.
- Strong teams or achievements: Active participation in regional and inter-school competitions; emphasis on teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal bests.
- Music, arts, drama programs: School ensembles or choirs, music tuition or programs, and regular drama or performance opportunities.
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, science/clubs, and other interest-based groups to enrich learning beyond the classroom.
- Partnerships: Local community partnerships and inter-school collaborations support competitions, events, and enrichment activities.
# 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Clear policies and procedures promoting safe, respectful behavior; restorative practices and accessible reporting channels.
- House system: A house-based framework to foster positive competition, teamwork, and leadership opportunities.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school-based wellbeing staff or guidance support to help students with social, emotional, and academic needs.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation, buddy systems, and targeted support to help new students settle in smoothly.
# 5. Facilities
- Sports grounds: On-site outdoor spaces for PE, games, and athletics.
- Libraries: Library facilities to support reading, research, and quiet study.
- Science labs: Dedicated spaces for hands-on science learning.
- Music/performing arts centers: Facilities to support music, drama, and performance activities.
- Tech/innovation labs: Areas for coding, robotics, and technology-based learning.
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen or meal service for lunch and snacks.
- Updated playgrounds: Play spaces designed for safe play and physical development.
# 6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: Emphasis on respect, responsibility, resilience, and empathy; a focus on creating a positive learning environment.
- Leadership style: Collaborative and student-involved leadership opportunities, with staff support and clear communication channels.
- Behaviour expectations: Positive-behaviour framework with consistent routines and celebrations of effort and achievement.
- Community reputation: A welcoming school with an engaged parent community and active participation in school events.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to an inclusive environment that supports cultural diversity and equitable opportunities for all students.
# 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typically a morning-to-afternoon day with a lunch break; exact times published by the school each year.
- Before/after school care: OSHC or other early/after-school options are often available, subject to the school’s arrangements.
- Uniform requirements: School uniform is normally compulsory, with details provided by the school.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Bus services and walking/cycling arrangements are common; specific routes and schedules are published by the transport authorities and the school.
- Canteen availability: On-site canteen or lunch service available on certain days.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): As a public school, tuition is not charged; there may be small voluntary contributions and costs for uniforms, excursions, and extracurricular activities.
# 8. Enrolment & Admissions
- 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Check catchment eligibility and submit an enrolment application to the school. You’ll typically need documents such as proof of identity, proof of residence, and immunisation status. The school will outline the timeline for intake, orientation, and start dates.
- 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Some places may have wait times depending on space. If a wait list exists, families are contacted when spaces become available, with priority often given to catchment residents.
- 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Public primary schools in Queensland generally do not require entry tests or interviews for enrolment. Documentation such as birth records, immunisation status, and proof of residence are typically required.
- 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are possible if spaces are available. Parents should contact the school to discuss timelines, available places, and transitional arrangements.
# 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- Because it offers a public, inclusive, community-focused environment with solid literacy and numeracy programs, wellbeing support, and a range of extracurricular opportunities.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who enjoy a supportive, collaborative learning environment, value well-being and participation in a broad range of activities, and who respond well to a positive-behaviour framework.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Access to enrichment programs in literacy, numeracy, STEM; gifted/extension opportunities where available; music, drama, sports, robotics, debating, and other clubs.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Through regular newsletters, parent-teacher meetings, digital portals, and phone or email updates. The school aims to maintain open, regular communication with families.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- A standards-based approach aligned with the Australian Curriculum, with emphasis on student engagement, differentiation, and ongoing assessment to support growth.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Learning support staff, targeted interventions, and flexible teaching strategies to assist students needing additional help.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Access to learning support, small-group or one-on-one assistance, and collaboration with families to plan suitable goals.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (duplicate item retained for completeness)
- See above: regular updates, meetings, and digital communications.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Classes typically around 20–25 students; individual attention is supported through teacher time, learning support staff, and targeted interventions as needed.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports, arts, and clubs such as robotics, chess, coding, debating, and school-wide performances.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, a canteen, and updated playgrounds.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of digital literacy and coding into the curriculum, with opportunities to engage with technology through appropriate devices and programs.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Bus routes and walking/cycling arrangements are typically available; details depend on the local area and transport services.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Public schools do not charge tuition; there may be voluntary contributions and costs related to uniforms, excursions, and some extracurricular activities.
# 10. Short Pros & Cons list
Pros
- Public, inclusive primary education with a strong wellbeing focus
- Moderate class sizes and student-teacher interaction
- Broad activity options: academics, sports, arts, and clubs
- Support for diverse learners and a range of enrichment opportunities
- Community-oriented culture with active parent involvement
Cons
- Specialized programs may vary by year and require enrollment in available groups
- Mid-year transfers depend on space; timing can affect availability
- Some activities may incur voluntary or ancillary costs (uniforms, excursions)
- Transport and after-school arrangements depend on local services and school capacity
