Mackellar Primary School

## Overview Mackellar Primary School is a public primary school serving Foundation to Year 6 students in Delahey, Victoria. The school aims to provide a welcoming, inclusive learning environment where families feel connected and students are supported to grow academically and socially. With a medium-sized community and a focus on positive relationships, the school seeks to balance strong literacy and numeracy with opportunities across STEM, arts, sport, and wellbeing. - School type: Public - School size: Medium - Class size: Approximately 22–28 students per class - Atmosphere/culture: Inclusive, nurturing, community-focused ⸻ ## Academics & Learning Mackellar Primary places emphasis on solid literacy and numeracy foundations while expanding opportunities in STEM, digital learning, and languages. The school provides targeted supports to help all students access the curriculum and pursue extension where appropriate. - Academic strengths: English literacy, numeracy, foundational STEM and digital literacy - Special programs: Gifted/talented extension options where available; STEAM initiatives; language (LOTE) opportunities - NAPLAN trends: Trends are monitored by the school; families can review the latest year’s trends in the annual report or school communications for updates on writing, reading, and numeracy improvements - Student-teacher ratios: Generally around 1:18–1:22 in classrooms - Support for diverse learners: EAL support, SEN support, learning support staff, and targeted interventions ⸻ ## Sports & Extracurricular Strengths Sports and a broad range of activities are a key focus, supporting the development of teamwork, discipline, and resilience. The school participates in interschool events and local competitions and offers creative and technical outlets beyond the classroom. - Sports offered: Interschool sports, cricket, soccer, basketball, athletics, football (AFL) and swimming programs - Strong teams or achievements: Participation in district-level competitions with opportunities to progress to finals; emphasis on student development and teamwork - Music, arts, drama programs: School music program, choir, instrumental lessons, and opportunities to participate in productions and performances - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other STEM/creative clubs - Partnerships: Connections with local community clubs and regional competitions to broaden opportunities for students ⸻ ## Wellbeing & Pastoral Care Wellbeing and safe, supportive school culture are central to student success. The school uses proactive approaches to nurture a positive environment and provide support during transitions. - Anti-bullying approach: Explicit policies with restorative practices and ongoing wellbeing education - House system: House groups used to foster belonging, leadership, and healthy competition - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school-based wellbeing staff and trusted adults for support - Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy programs, and targeted transition planning to help new students settle in ⸻ ## Facilities Mackellar Primary offers a range of facilities designed to support learning, creativity, and physical activity. The environment is designed to be visual, welcoming, and easy to navigate for students and families. - Sports grounds: Ovals and multi-use courts - Libraries: Well-resourced library with print and digital resources - Science labs: Dedicated science labs for hands-on investigations - Music/performing arts centers: Music rooms and a performing arts space - Tech/innovation labs: Computing and STEAM-focused spaces - Cafeteria: On-site canteen with healthy options - Updated playgrounds: Modern outdoor play areas and learning spaces ⸻ ## School Values & Community Culture The school emphasizes values and a community culture that support respectful, responsible, and inclusive learning. - School values / mission: Respect, resilience, responsibility, inclusion - Leadership style: Collaborative leadership with opportunities for student voice - Behaviour expectations: Clear code of conduct with consistent, fair enforcement and restorative approaches - Community reputation: Strong family and community involvement; open communication with parents - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and supporting diverse learning needs ⸻ ## School Logistics & Daily Operations Practical, day-to-day information helps families plan and participate in school life. - School hours: Typically from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm, with supervision and breaks built in - Before/after school care: Availability of OSHC or school-linked programs - Uniform requirements: School uniform policy (including sport uniform) with guidelines for daily wear - Transport (train/bus routes): Local bus routes and walking/cycling options; catchment-based accessibility - Canteen availability: On-site canteen operating on school days - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Public primary school with minimal compulsory fees; optional contributions for camps, excursions, and activities; uniform costs ⸻ ## Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Enrolment process and timeline: Check eligibility within the local catchment; complete the school enrollment form and provide required documents (birth certificate, immunisation records, proof of address); follow Department of Education timelines for Foundation intake or other year levels; attend any orientation or information sessions - Waiting list: If demand exceeds spaces, there may be a waiting list. Priorities typically apply for in-catchment applicants and siblings; timing and placement depend on space availability - Entry requirements, tests, or interviews: Public primary schools generally do not require entrance tests. Immunisation records and documentation are standard; information sessions may be offered to families - Mid-year transfers: Possible if there is space and upon completion of required paperwork and transfer documentation; contact the school early to discuss options ⸻ ## Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A welcoming, inclusive environment with a focus on literacy, numeracy, and well-rounded development; active student support and community involvement; breadth of extracurriculars - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who are curious, collaborative, and engaged in both academics and school life; those who benefit from a supportive, inclusive setting - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Extension in literacy and numeracy, STEM/STEAM activities, arts and music programs, sports and interschool competitions, and clubs such as robotics, coding, and debating - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular newsletters, emails, school app/portal updates, parent-teacher interviews, and community events - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Student-centered, evidence-informed instruction with differentiation, explicit teaching strategies, and ongoing assessment to guide support - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted interventions, small-group support, EAL and SEN services, and access to learning support staff - What support is available for academic challenges? - Individual or small-group tutorials, literacy and numeracy supports, and accommodations as needed - How does the school communicate with parents? (Duplicate) - See above: newsletters, digital platforms, direct contact with teachers, and scheduled meetings - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes typically 22–28; average teacher-student contact with opportunities for individual feedback and targeted support - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - Interschool sports, local competitions, clubs (robotics, coding, chess, debating), music and performing arts, and drama - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, and tech/innovation labs - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integrated ICT across the curriculum, access to devices where appropriate, and digital citizenship education - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local bus routes, walking/cycling options, and accessible facilities; vehicle drop-off/pick-up zones - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Generally low to moderate; compulsory costs are minimal, with additional charges for camps, excursions, or activities; uniform costs apply ⸻ ## Short Pros & Cons list - Pros: - Inclusive, community-focused environment - Strong literacy and numeracy foundations with additional STEM opportunities - Broad range of extracurriculars (sports, music, clubs) - Support for diverse learners (EAL, SEN) and wellbeing services - Engaged community and clear communication channels - Cons: - Class sizes in the mid-range (not very small) depending on year level - Some programs may be limited by school size and funding; selective extensions may vary by year - Transport options depend on local routes and catchment access - Mid-year transfers depend on space availability