Kelso Public School

## 1. Overview - School type: Public - School size: Medium - Class size: Typically around 20–25 students per class (varies by grade) - Atmosphere/culture: Inclusive, nurturing, community-focused, with emphasis on belonging and student wellbeing ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Core literacy and numeracy, with emphasis on STEM foundations, reading and writing development, and student leadership opportunities - Special programs: Gifted & Talented programs and activities; opportunities for accelerated learning and enrichment within the primary years - NAPLAN trends: Schools often show year-to-year fluctuations; ongoing focus on strengthening literacy, numeracy and writing across cohorts - Student-teacher ratios: Generally aligned with NSW primary norms; class sizes and teacher support vary by year level - Support for diverse learners: EAL support where needed; inclusive education practices; additional learning support and targeted assistance for students with SEN ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: Seasonal programs such as soccer, cricket, rugby league/alternative football, basketball, athletics, and swimming - Strong teams or achievements: Participation in local and regional competitions; school teams take part in district events - Music, arts, drama programs: School choir or music groups; performing arts opportunities and school productions - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other STEM/academic clubs plus general clubs for student interests - Partnerships: Local community clubs and district-level competitions; opportunities to engage with nearby sports and arts organizations ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Proactive whole-school programs focusing on respect, inclusion, and safe peer interactions - House system: House structure used to promote leadership, teamwork, and friendly competition - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school wellbeing staff or a school counsellor for student support - Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy systems, and transition planning to help new entrants settle in ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: On-site fields or courts for physical education and games - Libraries: Central library with age-appropriate resources - Science labs: Primary-level science facilities to support experiments and inquiry - Music/performing arts centers: Space for music lessons, rehearsals, and school performances - Tech/innovation labs: Basic ICT and digital learning spaces supporting coding and project work - Cafeteria: On-site canteen or lunch facilities - Updated playgrounds: Safe, well-maintained play areas and outdoor learning spaces ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: Focus on inclusion, respect, resilience, and lifelong learning - Leadership style: Student leadership opportunities, teacher-guided learning, and a collaborative school culture - Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct centered on positive behaviour and mutual respect - Community reputation: Built on a welcoming, supportive environment and active parent involvement - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to embracing diverse backgrounds and ensuring access and belonging for all students ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Standard primary school timetable with start and finish times aligned to NSW guidelines - Before/after school care: Availability of before/after school care programs or supervision - Uniform requirements: NSW public school uniform policy with specified colours and items - Transport: General information on bus routes and proximity to common transport options (students may use local bus services) - Canteen availability: On-site canteen or lunch facilities with healthy options - Fees: Public school baseline costs; note that additional charges may apply for activities, excursions, or resources ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions - 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit the application with required documents (proof of identity, and residency details as applicable) - Receive confirmation of intake and any next steps from the school - Timeline varies depending on year level and intake periods; usually aligned with term start dates - 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Waiting lists may apply if year-level capacity is reached; ranking is typically based on date of application and applicable NSW policy - Siblings or priority considerations may influence waitlist position in some cases - 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - For most primary enrollments, no entrance tests or interviews are required - Some programs or early opportunities (e.g., gifted/talented track, specialized activities) may involve assessments or conversations; check with the school for specifics - 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Yes, subject to available space and alignment with NSW enrolment processes - Mid-year transfers typically require documentation and a short transition plan to support the move ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A welcoming, inclusive environment with a focus on student wellbeing, solid core academics, and strong community involvement - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who value a supportive community, consistent routines, opportunities to engage in sports, arts, and clubs, and who respond well to a collaborative learning approach - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Enrichment programs within core subjects, gifted/talented options, school clubs (robotics, coding, chess, debating), athletic teams, and performing arts participation - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates via newsletters, notices, parent-teacher meetings, and digital platforms; ongoing channels for two-way communication - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Balanced focus on literacy and numeracy, inquiry-based learning, and differentiation to meet diverse needs - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted learning support, small-group or one-on-one assistance, and access to learning support staff - What support is available for academic challenges? - Additional tutoring or intervention programs, progress monitoring, and collaboration with families to plan next steps - How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated) - See above: newsletters, digital platforms, meetings, and direct contact with teachers - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are typical for NSW primary schools; teacher attention varies by class and student needs; schools aim to provide differentiated instruction - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of sports across seasons, plus clubs in robotics, coding, chess, debating, music, and drama - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, and basic technology/ICT facilities - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of digital tools to support learning, with appropriate supervision and emphasis on digital literacy and safe online practices - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local transport options (bus routes) and accessibility considerations; details provided by the school and NSW transport services - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Public primary schools have standard government funding; additional costs may include excursions, activities, or voluntary contributions; specifics vary by year level and program ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Inclusive, supportive school culture with strong community ties - Balanced emphasis on academics, sports, arts, and clubs - Access to wellbeing supports and transition assistance for new students - Broad facilities for learning, creativity, and physical activity - Cons - As with many public schools, class sizes and resource allocations can vary by year level - Availability of certain programs or clubs may depend on enrolment and staffing - Transport options depend on location and external services; some families may rely on private arrangements