Leibler Yavneh College

## 1. Overview Leibler Yavneh College is an independent/private Jewish day school offering a continuous K–12 education in Melbourne’s Elsternwick area. The school emphasises a values-based, inclusive community with a strong focus on academic achievement and Jewish studies. It operates as a mid-to-large sized school with a diverse student body and a culture that balances high educational standards with pastoral care and community involvement. - School type: Independent/private Jewish day school - School size: Medium to large - Class size: Typically around 18–25 students per class (primary and secondary) - Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, academically oriented, inclusive, and community-focused --- ## 2. Academics & Learning Leibler Yavneh College offers a broad, rigorous curriculum designed to prepare students for VCE pathways and beyond, with particular strength in Jewish studies and Hebrew language alongside core subjects. - Academic strengths: STEM subjects, strong English/literacy, Hebrew language and Jewish studies; opportunities to pursue leadership and senior academic pathways - Special programs: Gifted and Talented/extension opportunities; leadership programs; strong community and Jewish studies components - NAPLAN / trends: Consistently strong literacy and numeracy outcomes with positive year-to-year trends; common practice to monitor progress and support targeted growth - Student-teacher ratios: Generally favorable, supporting moderate personal attention (typical primary ratio around 1:8–1:12; secondary around 1:12–1:16) - Support for diverse learners: Dedicated learning support, EAL assistance where needed, and SEN support through a coordinated student services team --- ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths Important for families seeking balanced development, with a range of activities beyond the classroom. - Sports offered: Basketball, soccer, Australian rules football, cricket, athletics, swimming, tennis and more; active participation in inter-school competition - Strong teams or achievements: Regular involvement in regional/inter-school sports, with school-level teams and development programs - Music, arts, drama: Comprehensive music program, instrumental lessons, choir, drama productions, and performing arts opportunities - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, entrepreneurship/leadership clubs, and other student-led initiatives - Partnerships: Connections with local sport groups, robotics/tech competitions, and inter-school events --- ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care Wellbeing and pastoral support are core to the school experience, helping students thrive academically and socially. - Anti-bullying approach: Clear policies and proactive programs; emphasis on positive school culture and student responsibility - House system: House-based activities and friendly competition to foster belonging and peer support - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school counsellors and wellbeing staff to support mental health and adjustment - Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems, and targeted transition assistance for newcomers --- ## 5. Facilities Facilities are designed to support a wide range of learning, sport, and creative activities. - Sports grounds: On-site facilities to support physical education and team sports - Libraries: Well-equipped library resources to support reading and research - Science labs: Dedicated science classrooms and labs for hands-on experiments - Music/performing arts centers: Spaces for music, drama, and performances - Tech/innovation labs: Computers, coding, and technology spaces to support digital learning - Cafeteria: On-site canteen or dining facilities - Updated playgrounds: Age-appropriate outdoor spaces for recreation and break times --- ## 6. School Values & Community Culture The school promotes a strong sense of identity and community, underpinned by shared values and respectful leadership. - School values / mission: Values-based education anchored in Jewish identity, ethics, and responsibility - Leadership style: Collaborative leadership with student voice and family involvement - Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct emphasizing respect, integrity, and responsibility - Community reputation: Positive reputation within Melbourne’s Jewish and broader school communities for warmth and academic focus - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to a welcoming, inclusive environment for students from diverse backgrounds --- ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations Key practical details for daily planning and family routines. - School hours: Typical day starts in the morning and finishes in the mid-afternoon, with variations by year level - Before/after school care: Wrap-around care options often available - Uniform requirements: School uniform with year-level specifications - Transport: Local bus routes and access to public transport; arrangements for drop-off/pick-up - Canteen availability: On-site canteen or meal services - Fees: Tuition and fees generally sit in the mid-to-high range for independent schools; check current schedules and any additional costs (e.g., activities, excursions) --- ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit an online application and necessary documents - Attend information sessions or open days - Complete any required assessments or interviews - Receive a decision and complete enrolment steps (payments, forms) 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Waiting lists may apply for certain year levels or cohorts - Priority often given to siblings and then on a rolling basis depending on vacancies 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Typically includes an interview and/or family meeting - May include age-appropriate assessments or placement discussions 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Transfers can be possible if there is space; intake depends on vacancy and alignment with year-level programs - Process usually involves school submission of records and a placement discussion --- ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A values-based Jewish education with strong academics, supportive community, and a focus on holistic development. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who value rigorous academics, community involvement, and a warm, inclusive environment. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Extension programs in STEM and humanities, leadership opportunities, competitive sports, arts, music, drama, robotics, debating, and coding clubs. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates via newsletters, emails, school portals, and parent-teacher discussions; open channels for feedback. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Balanced approach combining strong literacy and numeracy with enquiry-based learning, differentiation, and support for diverse learners. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Dedicated learning support, targeted interventions, EAL assistance, and SEN services as part of a coordinated plan. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Individual or group tutoring, access to learning support staff, and adjustment of learning goals as needed. - How does the school communicate with parents? (duplicate question) - See above; multiple touchpoints established for timely information. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Typical classes are in the mid-teens to low-twenties, with teachers available for targeted support within the timetable. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - Wide range of sports, arts, music, drama, robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other clubs; inter-school events and competitions. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Comprehensive facilities across sports, libraries, science labs, performing arts spaces, and tech/innovation labs. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integrated technology across the curriculum, with digital learning tools, coding opportunities, and one-to-one or small-group support where appropriate. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Access to local transport routes (bus/train) and organized drop-off/pick-up arrangements; accommodation for accessibility needs where possible. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees fall in the mid-to-high range for independent schools; additional costs may include camps, activities, and optional programs. Please confirm current figures with the school. --- ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Independent/private, Jewish day school with a strong community focus - Balanced emphasis on academics, Jewish studies, and wellbeing - Broad extracurriculars (sports, arts, robotics, debates) - Supportive pastoral care, transition programs, and inclusive practices - Modern facilities and dedicated learning spaces - Cons - Fees are higher than many public schools - Limited availability in some year levels; potential waiting list - Religious culture and daily life are a central part of the environment, which may not suit every family