Marian Catholic School - Currajong

## 1. Overview Marian Catholic School, Currajong is a Catholic co-educational school serving the local Townsville community. As a Catholic school, it aims to combine faith-based values with high-quality learning in a supportive, inclusive environment. The school typically fosters a small-to-medium community feel where students are encouraged to grow academically, spiritually, and socially. - School type: Catholic - School size: Small to medium - Class size: Generally around 20–24 students per class - Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, faith-based, community-focused ⸻ ## 2. Academics & Learning The school emphasises a well-rounded approach to learning, with a focus on building strong literacy and numeracy skills alongside essential critical-thinking and social skills. Learning is supported by values-based education that integrates faith with daily classroom practice. - Academic strengths: Literacy and numeracy foundations, development of critical thinking, leadership and character development, integration of Catholic values across learning - Special programs: ICT and digital literacy, library/enhanced reading programs, potential gifted/talented or acceleration options where available - NAPLAN / trends: Where public trend data exists for the school, expectations are typically that reading and writing show steady or improving trends, with numeracy showing consistent progress over time - Student-teacher ratios: Generally around 1:15 to 1:22, with variation by year level - Support for diverse learners: EAL/D support, inclusive education practices, and targeted support plans for students needing extra help ⸻ ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths Extracurricular activity is an important part of the school experience, with a range of sport and club options to engage students aged 10–14 and beyond. - Sports offered: Soccer, rugby league, Australian rules football, basketball, netball, cricket, athletics, and other district activities as available - Strong teams or achievements: Participation in local inter-school competitions and district events; opportunities to contribute to school teams during sport carnivals and events - Music, arts, drama programs: School choirs, performing arts activities, and opportunities to participate in dramatic productions - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other interest-based clubs - Partnerships: Local clubs, community organisations, and regional competitions where available ⸻ ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care Wellbeing and pastoral care are central to creating a safe, supportive learning environment. - Anti-bullying approach: Whole-school policies with restorative practices and peer-support initiatives - House system: House groups to foster belonging, teamwork, and healthy competition - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school-based wellbeing support or counselling services as needed - Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems, and family support during transitions ⸻ ## 5. Facilities Facilities are designed to support learning across a range of disciplines and activities. - Sports grounds - Libraries - Science labs - Music/performing arts centers - Tech/innovation labs - Cafeteria - Updated playgrounds ⸻ ## 6. School Values & Community Culture Families often choose schools that align with their values and community expectations. - School values / mission: Catholic ethos emphasizing respect, responsibility, compassion, service, and faith - Leadership style: Inclusive, student-centered, collaborative with staff and families - Behaviour expectations: Clear standards emphasising respect, safety, and positive relationships; restorative approaches used where appropriate - Community reputation: Welcoming, supportive parent involvement and partnerships with local parish and community groups - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to a welcoming environment for students and families from diverse backgrounds ⸻ ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations Practical information helps families plan around school life. - School hours: Term-time schedule with morning and afternoon sessions; exact times may vary by year level - Before/after school care: Usually available (OSHC or similar programs) or linked community options - Uniform requirements: School uniform required with details provided in the school handbook - Transport (train/bus routes): Some students use public transport or bus services; check local routes and school transport options - Canteen availability: On-site canteen or lunch program; details provided by the school - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees set by the school; typically communicated in the annual parent handbook ⸻ ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Inquiry and information session: Express interest, attend an information session if offered - Application & documents: Submit enrolment forms along with required documents (birth certificate, immunisation records, baptism certificate if applicable, proof of address, health information) - Interview/visit: Family interview or school visit to discuss placement and family expectations - Offer & timeline: Enrolment offers issued based on space; timelines vary by year level and demand - Orientation: New student orientation and transition activities prior to starting 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Waiting lists can occur depending on year level and capacity - Priorities often include siblings of currently enrolled students and families with certain diocesan/catholic affiliations; once space becomes available, offers are made accordingly 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - For most primary entry, there is usually no formal entrance exam - Some years or programs may include informal readiness discussions or short assessments to understand needs - Documentation requirements (proof of identity, immunisation records, baptism/catholic identity where applicable) 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are often possible if there is space and can be arranged in coordination with the school administration - Parents should initiate the process well in advance of the intended start date to align with class placements and transitions ⸻ ## 9. Frequently Ask Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A combination of faith-based values, a nurturing environment, strong small-to-medium class settings, and a focus on foundational academic skills and character development. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who enjoy a faith-informed learning environment, who respond well to supportive teacher-student relationships, and who value community involvement and service. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - A range of programs across literacy, numeracy, technology, leadership, sports, music, drama, and clubs such as robotics, chess, coding, and debating; opportunities to participate in local competitions and performances. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates via newsletters, parent portals, notifications about events and student progress, and opportunities for parent-teacher meetings. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Practices are typically student-centered with a focus on literacy and numeracy, critical thinking, values-based education, and differentiation to meet diverse learner needs. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted interventions, in-class support, and access to specialist staff or programs for EAL/D and SEN students; plans tailored to individual learning needs. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Early identification, individualized support plans, and collaboration with families to implement appropriate strategies and referrals when needed. - How does the school communicate with parents? (duplicate) - See above: regular channels such as newsletters, portals, and meetings. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes typically range around 20–24 students per class, with teacher guidance designed to provide individual feedback and support within the group setting. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A mix of sports (soccer, netball, basketball, AFL/rugby league options, athletics), plus clubs in robotics, chess, coding, debating, and performing arts activities. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, canteen, and updated playgrounds. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Emphasis on digital literacy, appropriate use of technology to support learning, and integration of ICT across the curriculum where available. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local transport options and school-provided guidance; accessibility considerations discussed with the admissions team. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees are set by the school; families are advised to consult the annual fee schedule for details on tuition, resources, uniforms, and any additional costs. ⸻ ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Catholic ethos with a values-based approach - Small-to-medium class sizes supporting individual attention - Nurturing, inclusive community with a focus on wellbeing - Broad range of extracurriculars and clubs - Strong sense of community and partner involvement - Cons - As with many local Catholic schools, space may be limited at peak enrollment periods - Some programs may depend on staffing and funding; availability can vary by year - Specific facilities or programs may differ from larger city schools; check current offerings ⸻