Mother Teresa Catholic Primary School

## 1. Overview Mother Teresa Catholic Primary School is a Catholic, co-educational primary school serving families in the Mount Ridley area. The school is typically described as a medium-sized community that prioritises a welcoming, faith-based environment where students feel safe and supported. Classrooms focus on a positive culture that blends academic growth with social-emotional development. The atmosphere is generally nurturing and inclusive, with strong involvement from families and the parish community. Students are encouraged to show respect, responsibility and service, while teachers aim to foster a sense of belonging and a love of learning across year levels. Class sizes are commonly described as small-to-medium, with typical ranges around 20–25 students per class. ⸻ ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: The school emphasises strong literacy and numeracy foundations, with integration of Catholic values across learning. There are opportunities to develop skills in English, Mathematics, and key STEM concepts, along with leadership and collaborative learning experiences. - Special programs: There are extension opportunities in select year levels (e.g., for gifted and talented students) and a robust Religious Education program that weaves faith-based learning into everyday classroom activities. Support for diverse learners is available through targeted classroom supports and inclusive practices. - NAPLAN / trends: Trends across cohorts typically show steady improvement and ongoing focus on literacy and numeracy development, with intervention strategies in place to help students who need extra support. Schools in this context often track year-by-year progress to inform planning. - Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes and teacher-to-student ratios generally reflect a small-to-medium school model, with dedicated teachers providing regular instruction and guidance. Support staff and specialists are available to support learning where needed. - Support for diverse learners: EAL (English as an Additional Language) support and SEN (Special Educational Needs) planning are available. The school aims to ensure inclusive access to learning through targeted supports, modified tasks, and individualized plans when required. ⸻ ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: The school supports a range of sports and physical activities common to Australian primary settings, including ball sports, athletics and team-based activities through regular P.E. sessions and interschool events. - Strong teams or achievements: Participation and teamwork are valued, with opportunities to compete in local inter-school sports, celebrate participation, and develop sportsmanship across age groups. - Music, arts, drama programs: Music and performing arts are part of the offering, with opportunities to participate in school productions, ensembles, and choir where available. - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess and debating are among the extracurricular options that may be available, alongside other clubs that promote inquiry, creativity and problem-solving. - Partnerships: The school often engages with local community groups and inter-school programs to provide additional competitions and experiences for students, helping to broaden opportunities beyond the classroom. ⸻ ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: A clear anti-bullying policy and wellbeing framework underpin student safety, with proactive approaches to recognise, respond to and prevent bullying and to promote a positive school climate. - House system: A house-based structure supports belonging, healthy competition and pastoral care, fostering leadership and collaboration among students. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: A dedicated wellbeing team, including school counsellors or wellbeing officers, supports students’ social and emotional needs and provides drop-in or scheduled support. - Transition support for new students: Transition programs, buddy systems and orientation activities help new students integrate smoothly, build friendships, and settle into the school routine. ⸻ ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: On-site sports facilities and outdoor spaces support physical activity and sport programs. - Libraries: A school library provides space for reading, research and quiet study. - Science labs: Dedicated spaces for science learning and hands-on experiments. - Music/performing arts centers: Areas for music and performing arts activities, rehearsals and small productions. - Tech/innovation labs: Computer or technology spaces support digital learning and STEM activities. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen or dining facilities for lunch and breaks. - Updated playgrounds: Modernised play spaces to support active play and outdoor learning. ⸻ ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: The school centres on Catholic faith, service, respect, responsibility and inclusive community engagement as core values. - Leadership style: Leadership tends to be collaborative, with opportunities for student leadership and teacher-facilitated guidance to help students take initiative and contribute to school life. - Behaviour expectations: Clear expectations around respectful behaviour, responsibility and positive conduct, supported by a consistent code of conduct and restorative practices where appropriate. - Community reputation: The school typically enjoys strong ties with the local parish and families, with a reputation for a welcoming, faith-centered community culture. - Diversity & inclusion: A focus on inclusion and support for students from diverse backgrounds, with access to language support and targeted interventions as needed. ⸻ ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: School days generally run during standard primary hours, with start and finish times aligned to local norms. - Before/after school care: Before- and after-school care options are commonly available to support families with early drop-offs or late pick-ups. - Uniform requirements: A formal school uniform policy is in place, with guidance on acceptable attire through the school or designated uniform shop. - Transport (train/bus routes): Public transport options and local bus routes are available, with convenient access to the school site and parking arrangements for drop-off and pick-up. - Canteen availability: A canteen or meal program is typically available for students during lunch breaks. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are generally in the mid-range for Catholic primary schools in the area, with additional costs for excursions, levies and resources. Specifics are best obtained directly from the school for the current year. ⸻ ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit a completed enrolment application with required documentation. - Attend any information sessions or school tours offered. - Complete any school-specific steps (e.g., interviews or information meetings) as part of the admissions process. - If spaces are available, a confirmation of enrolment is issued within the school’s stated timeline. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Waiting lists are common when places are limited. Admission often considers factors such as year level vacancies, sibling priority, and catchment or parish guidelines. Families may be offered a place as spaces become available. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Entry requirements typically focus on eligibility within the Catholic Education framework, with interviews or information meetings common for prospective families. Some year levels may have brief discussions or activity-based observations rather than formal tests. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers may be accommodated if there are vacancies and timetabling allows. Transfer timing and documentation will be coordinated with the school administration. ⸻ ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A faith-based, inclusive community with supportive staff, a focus on values-based education, and strong family involvement. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who value a caring community, collaborative learning, and opportunities to grow academically, socially and spiritually. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Extension in literacy, numeracy, and STEM concepts; involvement in clubs such as robotics, coding, chess and debating; music and performing arts; interschool sports and leadership roles. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular newsletters, a school app or portal, parent-teacher interviews, and open channels with teachers and administration. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A balanced approach that blends rigorous literacy and numeracy with inquiry-based learning, faith integration, differentiation for diverse learners, and ongoing assessment to guide instruction. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted intervention, small-group support, reading and numeracy programs, and access to specialists or learning support staff. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Individualised learning plans, pace adjustments, additional tutoring or targeted exercises, and capitalising on classroom strategies designed to boost confidence and capability. - How does the school communicate with parents? (duplicate) - See above: newsletters, app/portal, interviews, and direct contact with teachers. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are small-to-medium (roughly 20–25 students per class), with teachers providing regular individual or small-group attention and progress monitoring. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of sports, music/arts programs, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess and debating; opportunities to participate in interschool events and community partnerships. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, technology/innovation labs, canteen, and updated outdoor play areas. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of technology into learning with computer or device-based activities; emphasis on digital citizenship and safeguarding; some year levels may include 1:1 device access. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Access to public transport routes and bus services; parking and drop-off zones; accessible facilities accommodating students with diverse needs. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees are in the mid-range for primary Catholic schools, with additional costs for resources, excursions and levies. Exact figures are provided by the school for the current year. ⸻ ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Catholic faith-based education with a values-focused environment - Supportive, inclusive community and family involvement - Small-to-medium class sizes with opportunities for individual attention - Range of extracurriculars (sports, arts, clubs) and leadership opportunities - Modern facilities supporting learning across core subjects and activities - Cons - Fees and levies are an ongoing consideration for families - Availability of places can be limited; waiting lists may apply - As a faith-based school, religious education is central, which may influence some non-Catholic family considerations - Transport options may require planning depending on location and families’ commute ⸻