Kelmscott John Calvin School

## 1. Overview Kelmscott John Calvin School is an independent Christian school located in Champion Lakes, WA. It offers a faith-based learning environment aligned to the Western Australian curriculum, with a focus on character, service and academic achievement. The school supports a medium-sized community where students are known and encouraged to flourish within a nurturing, inclusive culture. School size is medium, with class sizes typically around 20–25 in primary and about 22–28 in secondary. The atmosphere blends warmth with high expectations, fostering strong relationships between staff, students and families. The culture emphasises kindness, responsibility and respect, alongside meaningful academic and faith-based learning. ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: English and Mathematics underpin core progress, with robust Science and STEAM programs to developInquiry, critical thinking and problem-solving. Strong literacy and numeracy foundations support ongoing academic growth. - Special programs: Gifted and Talented pathways and accelerated learning options are available for high-achieving students; leadership development and public-speaking opportunities are embedded in the curriculum. - NAPLAN / trends: Over recent years, trends show steady improvement in reading and numeracy, with positive direction in writing and overall academic performance. - Student-teacher ratios: Approximately 1:12–1:18 in primary and around 1:14–1:22 in secondary, supporting attentive teaching and student engagement. - Support for diverse learners: EAL support for students from non-English backgrounds; targeted SEN and learning support services; inclusive practices to help all students access learning. ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: Basketball, netball, soccer, cricket, athletics, swimming, and other competitive and recreational activities aligned with the Australian school sport calendar. - Strong teams or achievements: Consistent participation and competitive performances in local inter-school competitions, with recognition across several age groups. - Music, arts, drama programs: Vocal and instrumental ensembles, school productions, drama clubs and opportunities to participate in performing arts showcases. - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating and other STEAM and academic clubs to broaden interests and skills. - Partnerships: Local sport clubs and regional inter-school competitions provide avenues for extra-curricular growth and community involvement. ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies, proactive education, appropriate reporting channels and a culture of dignity for all. - House system: A house-based framework to build community, teamwork and healthy competition, with activities and events across the year. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to wellbeing staff and school counsellors to support emotional health, resilience and personal development. - Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems and targeted transition support to help new students settle in smoothly. ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: Well-maintained playing fields and courts for a range of sports. - Libraries: Well-stocked libraries with comfortable reading and study spaces. - Science labs: Modern science laboratories to support practical experiments and inquiry. - Music/performing arts centers: Dedicated spaces for music practice, rehearsals and performances. - Tech/innovation labs: Computer labs and innovation spaces to support coding and design thinking. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen offering healthy meal options. - Updated playgrounds: Safe, age-appropriate outdoor play and recreation areas. ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: A faith-informed education prioritising respect, integrity, service, and community contribution. - Leadership style: Collaborative and inclusive, with opportunities for student leadership and staff mentorship. - Behaviour expectations: Clear code of conduct emphasising positive relationships, responsibility and self-discipline. - Community reputation: Known for a supportive, family-friendly environment with active parental involvement and strong community ties. - Diversity & inclusion: Welcoming to students from diverse backgrounds, with practices that promote inclusion and belonging. ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical day runs from start in the morning to early afternoon, with expectations around punctuality and routines. - Before/after school care: Availability of before and after-school care or supervision to support working families. - Uniform requirements: Formal school uniform with seasonal adjustments; guidelines provided by the school. - Transport (train/bus routes): School transport options or recommended bus routes to accommodate commuting families. - Canteen availability: On-site canteen or lunch facilities offering healthy meal options. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees fall into a mid-to-high range for independent Christian schooling, with clear outlines for tuition, levies and optional extras. ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit an online application with required documents (birth certificate, previous school reports, immunisation if applicable). - Family interview or information session, plus any age-appropriate assessments or conversations. - Notification of outcome, with guidance on recommended intake dates and orientation. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Yes, there is a waiting list when places are limited. Applications are typically held in the order they are received, with prioritisation based on availability and, where relevant, guidelines around sibling policy and readiness. Families on the waiting list may be invited to secure a place when space becomes available. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Entry often includes assessment of prior academic progress, an interview or information session, and submission of prior reports. There may be discussions about alignment with the school’s values and approach to learning. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are possible subject to space and meeting enrolment requirements, including submission of latest academic records and suitability for the cohort. ## 9. Frequently Ask Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - Families value a faith-based, holistic approach with small class sizes, strong academics, supportive pastoral care and a community-focused culture. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who value a close-knit community, faith-informed learning, leadership opportunities, and a balanced focus on academics, sport and the arts. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Access to STEM/STEAM programs, English and maths enrichment, leadership roles, arts and performing arts opportunities, and competitive sports alongside clubs such as robotics, coding, chess and debating. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular newsletters, parent portals, email updates, scheduled parent-teacher interviews and event calendars. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A student-centered, inquiry-based approach that differentiates instruction and integrates faith-based values with the WA curriculum. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted learning support, EAL services, small-group interventions and timely referrals to specialists as needed. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Individual learning plans, tutoring options, counselling and collaboration with families to set achievable goals. - How does the school communicate with parents? - See above: multiple channels including digital portals, emails and personal updates from teachers. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Primary classes typically ~20–25; secondary classes around ~22–28, with teachers able to provide targeted support within the timetable. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A broad range of sports (basketball, netball, soccer, cricket, athletics, swimming), music and drama programs, and clubs like robotics, coding, chess and debating. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Updated sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, canteen and well-maintained playgrounds. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integrated digital learning with access to computers/tablets, interactive learning tools, coding and responsible use of technology. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - School transport options or convenient bus routes, plus drop-off/pick-up arrangements and accessible facilities where applicable. - What are typical school fees or additional costs? - Tuition and levies vary by year level; additional costs may include uniforms, books, excursions and optional activities. Families are encouraged to contact the school for a current fee schedule. ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Faith-based, values-driven education with a nurturing, inclusive culture - Medium-sized, close-knit community and relatively small class sizes - Strong focus on academics, pastoral care and well-being - Broad range of extracurriculars, sports and arts - Clear communication with parents and active involvement opportunities - Cons - Being a private independent school, fees are higher than public options - Smaller-scale offerings compared to larger co-educational systems may limit some elective choices - Transport options depend on local routes and demand, which may vary - Availability of mid-year placements is subject to space and alignment with enrolment timelines