1. Overview
La Salle Academy is a Catholic, Lasallian-inspired co-educational school serving families in Lithgow and the surrounding region. The school emphasises values-based education within a nurturing, inclusive culture that supports students to grow academically, spiritually, and socially. It tends to be described as a medium-sized community where students benefit from close relationships with teachers and staff.
- School type: Catholic
- School size: Medium
- Class size: Typically around 20–25 students per class
- Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, values-driven, academically focused with strong pastoral care
Note: This overview is a draft compilation for parental decision-making. Please verify current details with the school.
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2. Academics & Learning
La Salle Academy focuses on strong core subjects with opportunities to grow beyond the classroom.
- Academic strengths: English and literacy, STEM areas, leadership development, and language study.
- Special programs: Gifted and Talented pathways; accelerated learning options where available.
- NAPLAN / trends: Trends typically show steady, year-to-year improvement or stability in key domains (reading, writing, numeracy) with ongoing focus on literacy and numeracy development.
- Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes around 20–25; overall student-teacher ratios commonly in the low teens to high teens, depending on year level and subject.
- Support for diverse learners: EAL support, SEN assistance, and targeted intervention programs to help diverse learners succeed.
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3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
A focus on well-rounded development with a range of co-curricular options.
- Sports offered: Football (soccer), rugby, basketball, cricket, netball, athletics, swimming, and more depending on season and facilities.
- Strong teams or achievements: Competitive regional teams with emphasis on teamwork, discipline, and school pride.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Active music groups, choir, school productions, and drama activities.
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other academic or interest-based clubs.
- Partnerships: Connections with local clubs, regional competitions, and external programs to broaden opportunities (e.g., regional sports leagues and inter-school events).
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4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
Pastoral care and student wellbeing are central to student success.
- Anti-bullying approach: Proactive anti-bullying policies, child-safe practices, and ongoing education on respectful behaviour.
- House system: House structure to foster belonging, leadership, and community spirit.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to qualified counsellors and wellbeing staff for student support.
- Transition support for new students: Induction programs, buddy systems, and transitional mentoring to ease entry and integration.
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5. Facilities
Facilities are designed to support learning, creativity, and activity.
- Sports grounds: On-site sports fields or access to local facilities for physical education.
- Libraries: Dedicated library spaces for study and reading programs.
- Science labs: Contemporary science laboratories for hands-on experiments.
- Music/performing arts centers: Spaces for music, rehearsals, and performances.
- Tech/innovation labs: Computing and STEM labs to support digital learning and projects.
- Cafeteria: On-site or affiliated canteen facilities for meals and snacks.
- Updated playgrounds: Safe outdoor spaces for recreation and play.
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6. School Values & Community Culture
The school aims to cultivate responsible, compassionate young people who contribute to their communities.
- School values / mission: Lasallian-inspired values such as faith, service, respect, and community.
- Leadership style: Student and staff collaboration, with opportunities for student voice and leadership in clubs, homerooms, and student council.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear norms around respect, integrity, responsibility, and perseverance.
- Community reputation: Generally positive reputation in the local community for values-based education and supportive environment.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to inclusive practices and welcoming students from diverse backgrounds.
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7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
Practical information to help families plan.
- School hours: Typically a daytime schedule consistent with NSW schooling norms; start and finish times vary by year level.
- Before/after school care: Availability of after-school care or supervised activities through school programs or partnerships.
- Uniform requirements: Standard school uniform with any specified dress code requirements.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Access to local bus services and connections; proximity to catchment routes and transport options.
- Canteen availability: On-site or approved lunch programs, with canteen catering offered on certain days.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees generally described as moderate for regional Catholic schools; exact figures vary by year level and program.
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8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Submit an online inquiry or application.
- Provide required documentation (birth certificate, proof of address, previous school records, immunisation details).
- Complete any school-specific testing or interviews, if applicable.
- Receive offer of enrolment and confirm placement within the family’s timeline.
- Prepare for start date with orientation and orientation activities.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- There is often a waitlist for popular year levels or limited places.
- Placement on the waitlist is usually determined by date of application and available spaces.
- Families on the waitlist are kept informed about potential openings and timelines.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Some year levels may require an intake interview or assessment to determine fit and support needs.
- Documentation of prior schooling and immunisation is typically required.
- In some cases, preference may be given to parish families or siblings, depending on the school’s enrolment policy.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are sometimes possible if spaces are available and curriculum alignment is feasible.
- Parents should contact the enrolments office to discuss availability and transfer requirements.
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9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A values-based Catholic education in a nurturing, supportive setting with strong pastoral care and community feel.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who respond well to small-to-medium class sizes, a focus on both academics and character, and a collaborative school culture.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Core academic programs plus gifted/ Talented pathways, accelerated learning where offered; diverse sports, music, drama, robotics, debate, and coding clubs.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular newsletters, online portals, parent-teacher meetings, and open channels with teachers and counsellors.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- A balanced, student-centered approach emphasising literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, and values education; integrated ICT and hands-on learning.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted literacy/numeracy support, SEN services, EAL assistance, and intervention programs.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Access to tutors, counsellors, and planning for remedial or enrichment pathways as needed.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (duplicate)
- See above; multiple channels used for timely updates.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Typical class sizes around 20–25 students; teachers provide regular feedback and opportunities for individual guidance.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports, music, arts, robotics, coding, debating, and other clubs aligned with student interest.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, performing arts spaces, and technology labs to support various programs.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of ICT in learning, with opportunities for coding, digital literacy, and online collaboration.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local bus routes and transport support; walkable catchment options; accessibility considerations in facilities.
- What are typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees described as moderate with possible additional costs for excursions, camps, and certain programs; exact figures available on enquiry.
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10. Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Values-based Catholic education with a caring, inclusive atmosphere
- Medium-sized community fostering strong teacher-student relationships
- Broad academics with potential gifted/talented pathways
- Wide range of extracurriculars and clubs
- Robust wellbeing and pastoral support
- Cons
- As a regional Catholic school, offerings may differ year to year based on staffing and funding
- Some programs or facilities may vary in availability by campus or year level
- Transport options depend on local networks and may require planning for families outside core areas
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Note: The content above is a draft designed to assist families in evaluating Enrolments & FAQ aspects for La Salle Academy in Lithgow. Please verify all details with the school directly and update any specifics (exact programs, numbers, timings, and fees) to ensure accuracy.
