# Overview
Maria Regina Catholic Primary School is a Catholic, independent primary school that serves families seeking a faith-based education with a strong sense of community. The school emphasises values-based learning, pastoral care and a supportive classroom environment, helping students grow academically, socially and spiritually.
With a small-to-medium campus community, class sizes are typically in the low-to-mid 20s, supporting personalised attention and strong teacher–student relationships. The atmosphere is nurturing and inclusive, encouraging participation in learning, sport and community life while upholding respectful, responsible behaviours.
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# Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: emphasis on English and mathematics with integrated STEM, literacy, and numeracy across the curriculum; opportunities to develop leadership and digital literacy through classroom projects and school programs.
- Special programs: core curriculum aligned to the NSW syllabus; opportunities for gifted and talented pathways and enhanced learning activities; faith-based education integrated with studies.
- NAPLAN / trends: aims for steady progress year over year; schools in this sector typically show consistent performance relative to state averages with improvements in key literacy and numeracy indicators.
- Student-teacher ratios: commonly around 1:12 to 1:22, varying by year level, enabling more teacher support per student.
- Support for diverse learners: offers targeted support for EAL and SEN students, literacy and numeracy interventions, and inclusive education planning through a dedicated wellbeing or learning support team.
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# Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: common primary-level programs include soccer, netball, basketball, cricket, athletics and swimming events through school or district activities.
- Strong teams or achievements: participation in inter-school events and house-based competitions helps build team spirit and school pride.
- Music, arts, drama: broad programs may include choir, instrumental lessons, school productions and drama activities to foster creativity.
- Clubs: robotics, coding, chess, debating and other interest clubs are typically available to extend student learning beyond the classroom.
- Partnerships: involvement in local inter-school events and partnerships with community or regional clubs to broaden opportunities in sport, arts and STEM.
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# Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: proactive, whole-school anti-bullying strategies with clear expectations, reporting channels and restorative practices.
- House system: fosters belonging, teamwork and leadership across year levels through house-based activities and events.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: access to school-based wellbeing staff or guidance counsellors to support mental health and social development.
- Transition support: buddy and peer-mentoring programs, orientation for new students and families to help with smooth transitions between year levels or schools.
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# Facilities
- Sports grounds: on-site playing fields or hard courts for physical education and sport.
- Libraries: well-stocked library supporting literacy, research and reading programs.
- Science labs: dedicated spaces for hands-on investigations and experiments.
- Music/performing arts centers: spaces for music lessons, choir, drama and performances.
- Tech/innovation labs: classrooms or labs equipped for digital learning, coding and STEAM activities.
- Cafeteria: on-site canteen or dining area supporting healthy meal options.
- Updated playgrounds: modern outdoor play spaces supporting active break times.
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# School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: faith-based education centered on respect, responsibility, compassion, integrity and service.
- Leadership style: distributed leadership with opportunities for student voice through student council or leadership roles; collaborative planning with staff.
- Behaviour expectations: positive behaviours for learning with clear codes of conduct and consistent routines.
- Community reputation: established for supportive community, family involvement and a welcoming school culture.
- Diversity & inclusion: commitment to inclusive education, respect for diverse backgrounds and equal access to learning opportunities.
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# School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: typical start and finish times aligning with NSW primary norms; punctual attendance encouraged.
- Before/after school care: options commonly offered to accommodate working families.
- Uniform requirements: standard school uniform with seasonal adjustments; specifics provided by the school.
- Transport: information on local bus routes or school drops-offs; proximity to public transport may be considered.
- Canteen availability: on-site canteen or lunch program available for students.
- Fees: typical Catholic primary schools have moderate annual fees and book/material costs; exact ranges provided by the school.
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# Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Families typically complete an application form, submit required documentation, and may attend an enrolment information session. Timelines vary by year; there is often a yearly intake cycle with notices of acceptance communicated by the school.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Most Catholic primary schools have a waiting list when enrolments exceed vacancies. Priorities often apply (e.g., siblings, parish residence, or other Catholic community ties). The school will inform families of their place on the list and expected timelines.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Enrolment interviews are common, focusing on school fit, Catholic identity, and family engagement. Formal academic entry tests are less typical for primary years, but some programs may involve brief assessments to inform learning support needs.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are usually considered on a vacancy basis and subject to meeting enrolment criteria, along with appropriate documentation and a smooth transition plan for the student.
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# Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A faith-based, values-driven education with a supportive community, strong pastoral care and focus on holistic development.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who respond well to collaborative learning, inclusive practices, a faith-based culture and active participation in both academics and community life.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Strong core curriculum with enrichment in literacy, numeracy and STEM; sport, music, drama and various clubs (robotics, coding, chess, debating) to broaden interests.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular communications through newsletters, parent portals, meetings and events; responsive channels for updates and concerns.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Curriculum aligned to NSW standards, with a focus on student engagement, differentiated instruction and inclusive education.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted literacy and numeracy interventions, EAL/SEN supports and access to wellbeing staff to coordinate support plans.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Individual or small-group tutoring, learning support plans and regular progress reviews with teachers and specialists.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated)
- See above; mechanisms include digital platforms, meetings and formal reports.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes typically in the low-to-mid 20s with supportive teacher-to-student ratios enabling targeted feedback and assistance.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- Sports programs, music/drama, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess and debating; participation in inter-school events.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts facilities and technology/innovation spaces.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of digital literacy across the curriculum, with access to devices and age-appropriate coding and ICT activities.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Information on local transport options and school-run arrangements; accessibility considerations for families.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are in the moderate range for NSW Catholic primary schools; exact amounts and possible additional costs provided by the school.
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# Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Catholic values-based education with strong pastoral care.
- Small-to-medium school community fostering close relationships.
- Support for diverse learners and inclusive practices.
- Broad range of extracurriculars (sports, arts, clubs).
- Positive focus on student wellbeing and community.
- Cons
- Fees relevant to private/Catholic schools; may be higher than public options.
- Class sizes, while typical for the sector, can still mean limited one-on-one time at peak years.
- Availability of mid-year transfers depends on vacancies, which may limit flexibility.
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$430+
