1. Overview
Lithgow Public School is a public primary school that serves the local Lithgow community with a focus on inclusive, student-centred learning. As a small-to-medium sized school in a regional setting, it aims to provide a supportive environment where students feel safe to take risks and grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
Class sizes typically sit in the 20–25 student range, supported by teachers and teacher aides where available. The atmosphere is nurturing and community-focused, with an emphasis on creating an inclusive culture that values effort, teamwork, and personal bests.
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2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: Core literacy and numeracy are prioritised, with opportunities to engage in STEM activities, digital literacy, and developing strong communication and problem-solving skills. There is a focus on helping students build a solid foundation to support ongoing learning.
- Special programs: Schools like this often offer differentiated learning opportunities and targeted support for students who need extra help; options such as gifted and talented or enrichment activities may be available subject to annual planning.
- NAPLAN trends: NSW primary schools track NAPLAN performance over time to identify trends in literacy and numeracy. Expect a focus on steady progress and targeted interventions where needed; consult the latest NSW Department of Education data for current trends.
- Student-teacher ratios: Typical classroom environments favour small-to-medium class sizes with teacher-led instruction and opportunities for small-group or one-on-one support during the day.
- Support for diverse learners: EAL/D assistance, inclusive education practices, and SEN supports are commonly provided, including targeted interventions and access to support staff to assist students with diverse learning needs.
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3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: Common offerings include team sports such as netball, soccer, cricket, rugby league, athletics, and swimming, along with school-wide sports events and inter-school participation where practical.
- Strong teams or achievements: Schools in regional areas often participate in local and district-level competitions; success can vary by year, with opportunities to showcase talent in representative teams.
- Music, arts, drama programs: A music and performing arts culture is typically encouraged, with school performances, choir or band opportunities, and local arts participation.
- Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other STEM or academic clubs may be available depending on staff expertise and student interest.
- Partnerships: Local community groups, regional sporting associations, and nearby clubs often provide pathways for competitions, coaching, or enrichment activities.
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4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Schools follow NSW guidelines with a whole-school approach to bullying prevention, often incorporating clear behaviours, restorative practices, and ongoing wellbeing education.
- House system: A house-based structure is common, supporting belonging, friendly competition, and peer mentoring across year levels.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school counsellors or wellbeing staff helps support student mental health, resilience, and social-emotional learning.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy programs, and targeted onboarding help new students settle in quickly and build connections.
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5. Facilities
- Sports grounds: Access to outdoor fields and play spaces suitable for physical education and recreational activities.
- Libraries: A library or learning hub supporting reading, research, and literacy programs.
- Science labs: Dedicated spaces for hands-on science activities and experiments.
- Music/performing arts centers: Rooms or spaces for music, drama, and performances.
- Tech/innovation labs: Computer or maker spaces to support coding, robotics, and digital projects.
- Cafeteria: On-site or nearby canteen facilities for snacks and meals.
- Updated playgrounds: Modern play equipment and outdoor spaces for active play and outdoor learning.
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6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: A clear set of values around respect, responsibility, teamwork, and a commitment to learning is typically articulated and modelled by staff.
- Leadership style: Leadership often emphasises collaborative planning, open communication with families, and shared responsibility within the school community.
- Behaviour expectations: Consistent expectations and positive behaviour approaches are emphasised, with clear routines and restorative practices where needed.
- Community reputation: The school generally cultivates a welcoming, friendly reputation within the local community, emphasising inclusion and student well-being.
- Diversity & inclusion: The environment tends to celebrate diversity and strives to provide equitable access to learning and participation for all students.
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7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typical primary school hours run roughly from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, with variations by year level or activity.
- Before/after school care: Care arrangements are commonly offered through OSHC programs or school-based services; check current options.
- Uniform requirements: A school uniform is standard, with guidance on dress code and available suppliers through the school or district.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Students may use bus services or nearby transport options; families should verify routes and schedules with the school or local transport authorities.
- Canteen availability: An on-site or nearby canteen typically provides recess and lunch options.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): NSW public schools generally do not charge tuition, but may have voluntary contributions and charges for activities, excursions, uniforms, and materials; these costs vary by year and activity.
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8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Enrolment is typically organized through the NSW Department of Education with the local school handling the intake process. Families submit an application, provide required documentation (e.g., proof of age, immunisation status, and proof of residence within the school’s catchment), and await confirmation of placement. Timelines vary by term and catchment demand; contact the school for the current timeline and steps.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- If the school is at capacity, a waitlist may operate for out-of-area applicants or future-year placements. Waiting lists are managed by the school and depend on vacancies, with priority often given to students within the catchment.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Primary-entry usually does not require entrance exams or interviews. Immunisation documentation and proof of residence are typically required. Some schools may request brief information to support transition planning, but formal testing is uncommon at this level.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are possible if vacancies exist. Families should coordinate with the school as early as possible to determine availability and the necessary documentation.
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9. Frequently Ask Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A public, community-focused option with a nurturing environment, strong core instruction, and accessible programs for families in the Lithgow area.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who value a supportive, inclusive community, active participation in learning, and engagement in both academics and well-rounded activities.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Enrichment in literacy and numeracy, potential STEM and ICT activities, sports teams, music/drama opportunities, and a range of clubs depending on staff and student interest.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Through newsletters, emails, parent-teacher interviews, school events, and digital platforms used by the school community.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Student-centred instruction with differentiation, focus on core literacy and numeracy, and integration of ICT and hands-on learning.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted interventions, SEN supports, EAL/D assistance, reading/numeracy support, and access to wellbeing staff to help with learning challenges.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Additional in-class support, small-group or one-on-one instruction, and referral pathways to specialist services as needed.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- See above; ongoing and responsive communication is standard practice.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes typically around 20–25; teachers provide whole-class instruction plus targeted small-group or individual support where needed.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports and arts activities, plus clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating where offered; opportunities vary by year.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Access to sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, cafeteria, and updated playgrounds.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of ICT and digital literacy into learning; availability of computer or maker spaces and opportunities for coding or digital projects.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Bus routes and local transport options; accessibility details typically provided by the school and transport authorities.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- No tuition for public schooling; possible voluntary contributions and costs for activities, excursions, uniforms, and materials.
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10. Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Strong sense of community and inclusivity
- Manageable class sizes with supportive teaching staff
- Focus on core literacy and numeracy alongside STEM and digital learning
- Access to wellbeing support and transitional programs for new students
- Range of extracurricular activities and arts opportunities
- Cons
- As a regional/public school, specialist facilities and programs may be more limited than larger urban schools
- Availability of certain clubs, teams, or programs can vary by year and staffing
- Transport options may depend on family location and schedule
- Fees for optional activities, uniforms, and excursions can add up year to year
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