Loreto Normanhurst

## 1. Overview - Type: Independent Catholic girls’ school with a strong Loreto charism. - Size: Large day school with a substantial enrolment and vibrant campus life. - Class size: Medium classes, typically around 20–25 students per class. - Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing and academically focused, with a supportive, inclusive, and community-driven culture. The school emphasizes Catholic values, service to others, and academic excellence within a welcoming community. It provides a broad range of programs that aim to develop confident, compassionate young women prepared for leadership in school and beyond. --- ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: English and literacy, STEM pathways, humanities, languages, and renowned arts and music programs; strong emphasis on leadership and global outlook. - Special programs: Gifted and talented opportunities, accelerated learning options, and senior pathways aligned with the NSW HSC; leadership and service-linked programs. - NAPLAN trends: Consistently strong results relative to NSW state averages, with a trend of stability or gradual improvement across cohorts over time. - Student-teacher ratios: Generally low to moderate ratios, supporting personalised attention and small-group learning. - Support for diverse learners: Robust learning support services, EAL assistance where needed, and dedicated support for students with SEN to help them access curriculum and stay engaged. --- ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: Netball, Basketball, Tennis, Swimming, Athletics, Soccer, Hockey, Cross Country, and more; strong inter-school team participation. - Strong teams or achievements: Notable participation in inter-school competitions with a record of competitive teams and programs that encourage commitment and sportsmanship. - Music, arts, drama programs: Comprehensive music ensembles, choirs, Orchestra, drama productions, and opportunities for performance across the year. - Clubs: Robotics, Chess, Coding, Debating, Public Speaking, Model United Nations, and other specialty interest groups. - Partnerships: Participation in local and regional competitions and festivals, with collaboration opportunities through music, sport, and academic networks. Most parents value the balance of competitive sport, performing arts, and rigorous academics, especially for students around ages 10–14. --- ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Clear policies, safe reporting channels, and an emphasis on respectful relationships and student wellbeing. - House system: House-based pastoral framework that fosters mentorship, belonging, and a healthy sense of competition and community. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school counsellors and wellbeing staff to support mental health, resilience, and personal development. - Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy programs, and targeted transition support to help new students settle in smoothly. This section is designed to build trust with families by showing a proactive, caring approach to student wellbeing. --- ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: Well-maintained outdoor spaces and courts to support a broad sporting program. - Libraries: Modern libraries with study spaces and resources for research and reading. - Science labs: Specialized labs equipped for hands-on inquiry and practical science work. - Music/performing arts centers: Dedicated spaces for rehearsal, recording, music ensembles, and theatre productions. - Tech/innovation labs: Contemporary spaces for digital learning, coding, and design projects. - Cafeteria: On-site dining with healthy meal options. - Updated playgrounds: Safe, age-appropriate play and recreation areas as part of the campus environment. The campus is designed to be visually engaging and easy to navigate, supporting a range of learning styles. --- ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: Grounded in the Loreto charism—faith, service, and justice—shaping character and a commitment to others. - Leadership style: Collaborative and student-inclusive, with opportunities for student voice and leadership roles. - Behaviour expectations: Clear standards around respect, responsibility, integrity, and inclusion. - Community reputation: Known for strong pastoral care, a supportive alumnae network, and positive family engagement. - Diversity & inclusion: Active commitment to inclusion and access, fostering a welcoming environment for students from diverse backgrounds. This section communicates the school’s ethos and the kind of students who thrive there. --- ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Regular daytime hours with a structured timetable; after-school activities run beyond the core day. - Before/after school care: Availability of supervised programs to support families with early drop-offs or late pick-ups. - Uniform requirements: Formal school uniform with summer and winter options; dress code observed for all students. - Transport (train/bus routes): Access via local bus routes and train services in the Sydney metro area, with guidance on family-friendly travel options. - Canteen availability: On-site canteen offering a range of meals and healthy options. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are in the higher range for independent Catholic schools; additional costs may apply for excursions, books, and activities. Note: Specific hours, transport services, and fee amounts can change; please verify with current school communications. --- ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Online expression of interest or application, followed by submission of required documentation (birth certificate, academic records, etc.). An interview is typically part of the process, with timelines varying by year level. Scholarships or music/audition-based opportunities may have separate timelines. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Yes, there is often a waiting list. Placement depends on year level vacancies, date of application, and any special considerations (e.g., siblings, scholarships). Waiting lists are managed in order of priority and availability. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Interviews are common for most year levels. Some entry levels may require diagnostic assessments in literacy and numeracy; music or performative auditions may apply for specialist programs or scholarships. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are sometimes possible but depend on vacancies and space in the relevant year level. Transfers typically require current school records, assessments, and a formal application. Note: For exact steps, timelines, and scholarships, check the latest school admissions information. --- ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? A blend of strong academic outcomes, faith-based values, supportive pastoral care, and a vibrant co-curricular program that develops the whole person. - What type of student thrives at this school? Students who value community, service, leadership, academic challenge, and opportunities in sport, arts, and clubs. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? Advanced subjects and extension programs, leadership roles, competitive sport, performing arts ensembles, robotics, coding, debating, and MUN. - How does the school communicate with parents? Regular newsletters, a parent portal or app, emails, and scheduled parent-teacher evenings; timely updates on events and wellbeing. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? A mixture of rigorous academics, differentiated instruction, inquiry-based learning, and strong pastoral support to help all students reach their potential. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? Targeted learning support, EAL assistance, tutoring programs, and collaboration between teachers and learning support staff. - What support is available for academic challenges? Access to counsellors, study skills coaching, and individualized plans to help students stay on track. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? Class sizes are moderate, with opportunities for small-group and one-on-one support through tutoring and guidance from teachers and learning support staff. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? A broad mix of sports, music ensembles, drama, debating, robotics, chess, coding clubs, and MUN, with inter-school competitions. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? Modern sport facilities, well-equipped science labs, comprehensive performing arts spaces, libraries, and technology labs. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? Integration of digital tools across the curriculum, a learning management system for communication and resources, and a focus on digital citizenship and responsible use. - What transport and accessibility options are available? Bus and train options with school-run transport guidance; campus accessibility features and support services for students with special needs. - What are typical school fees or additional costs? Fees reflect a private, independent school provision with possible additional costs for trips, textbooks, uniforms, music programs, and extracurricular activities. --- ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list Pros - Strong Catholic identity with a service-oriented ethos. - Supportive pastoral care and a clear house-based wellbeing framework. - Robust academic offerings with opportunities for extension and leadership. - Wide range of co-curriculars, including sports, arts, STEM, and debating. - Modern facilities and well-integrated learning spaces. - Positive school culture with emphasis on inclusion and community. Cons - Higher tuition fees and associated costs typical of independent schools. - Single-sex environment may not suit all families seeking co-education. - Competitive environment can feel demanding for some students; requires strong family support and student resilience. - Travel/commuting considerations for families living outside the immediate area. - Availability of places can be limited depending on year level and scholarships. Note: This overview is a general guide. For precise current details on programs, admissions, and fees, please refer to the school’s official information and admissions team.