Mount Larcom State School

## 1. Overview Mount Larcom State School is a public, co-educational primary school serving Prep to Year 6 in a rural Queensland community. As a small-to-medium school, it places a strong emphasis on a welcoming, family‑friendly atmosphere where students feel cared for and supported. Class sizes are kept intentionally manageable to foster individual attention and active participation, contributing to a nurturing, inclusive culture focused on student wellbeing and achievement. The school values a community‑minded spirit with opportunities for leadership, teamwork and diverse interests. Students are encouraged to be curious, responsible and respectful, contributing positively to both the school and local community. --- ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Strong focus on literacy and numeracy with integrated STEM activities, real‑world learning projects, and opportunities for leadership and collaboration across year levels. - Special programs: Access to enrichment and extension opportunities via district networks; consideration for gifted and talented pathways where available. - NAPLAN trends: Public data focuses on year‑over‑year progress in reading, writing and numeracy; the school aims to show steady improvement and maintenance of strong results across cohorts. - Student‑teacher ratios: Typically small to moderate class sizes with a favorable student‑teacher ratio that supports individualized guidance. - Support for diverse learners: In‑class support and targeted interventions; dedicated assistance for students requiring EAL/SEN support within the school’s inclusive education framework. --- ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: Athletics, cricket, rugby league/football, netball, swimming and other traditional school‑level activities. - Strong teams or achievements: Active participation in district and regional events; emphasis on teamwork, sportsmanship and personal bests. - Music, arts, drama programs: Access to music programs, choir or band, and school drama/performing arts opportunities. - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating and other student clubs available through the school or regional partnerships. - Partnerships: Collaboration with local clubs and regional competitions to extend opportunities beyond the classroom. Most parents in this age group value the balance of academic, sports and arts opportunities available within a close‑knit school community. --- ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti‑bullying approach: Clear anti‑bullying policies and restorative practices designed to promote respect and safe interactions. - House system: House activities and competitions foster belonging, motivation and positive peer support. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school wellbeing staff or guidance support to help students with social, emotional and mental health needs. - Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy programs and welcome sessions to help new students settle in quickly and confidently. --- ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: On‑site fields and courts suitable for a range of physical activities. - Libraries: A school library supporting reading for pleasure and inquiry. - Science labs: Dedicated spaces for hands‑on experiments and STEM learning. - Music/performing arts centers: Facilities for music, drama and performances. - Tech/innovation labs: Computing and digital learning spaces to build ICT and problem‑solving skills. - Cafeteria: On‑site dining options supporting healthy choices. - Updated playgrounds: Safe, age‑appropriate play areas and outdoor learning spaces. Visual, user‑friendly spaces that support a balanced mix of learning and recreation. --- ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: Emphasis on respect, responsibility, resilience and inclusion within a supportive learning environment. - Leadership style: Collaborative and inclusive, with opportunities for student voice and leadership within classrooms and school activities. - Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct and behavioural expectations aligned with the school’s values. - Community reputation: Known for a warm, family‑friendly atmosphere and strong community involvement. - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to an inclusive environment that welcomes students from diverse backgrounds. --- ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical day from start around 9:00 am to around 3:00 pm, with variations for breaks and activities. - Before/after school care: Availability may be offered via the school or local providers; check current options. - Uniform requirements: Queensland state school uniform policy (prep–year levels) with school‑approved sports and formal uniforms for different terms and activities. - Transport (train/bus routes): Bus services and local transport arrangements are available to support commuting students; transfers and drop‑offs consider safe access. - Canteen availability: On‑site canteen or snack facilities available on specific school days. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Public schools typically charge minimal fees for certain activities and excursions; uniform costs and voluntary contributions may apply. --- ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Enrolment is handled through the school with support from the regional education office. Start by submitting the required documents (birth certificate, immunisation status, proof of address). Check catchment eligibility and any regional timelines for the upcoming term or year. Once documents are submitted, the school will guide you through the intake process and important dates. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - If the school reaches capacity, there may be a waiting list. Priority is generally given to students residing in the school’s catchment area. Out‑of‑area enrollments are considered if vacancies exist, and placement decisions are made in line with local policy and regional availability. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Public primary schools in Queensland typically do not require entrance exams. An enrolment interview or discussion may occur for out‑of‑area applications or to support transition planning, but there are no standard academic tests for entry. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid‑year transfers may be possible, subject to vacancy and board/region approval. Prospective families should contact the school as early as possible to arrange documentation and a smooth transition plan. --- ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A close‑knit, supportive community with attentive staff, strong literacy/numeracy focus, and a well‑rounded program across academics, sport and the arts. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who value a family‑like school environment, smaller class sizes, hands‑on learning, and opportunities to participate in a range of activities. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Enrichment in literacy/numeracy, STEM activities, leadership roles, sports teams, music and drama programs, robotics, coding, chess and debating clubs, plus regional competitions. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular newsletters, phone calls, emails, school app or portal updates, and parent‑teacher meetings to share progress and events. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Student‑centred, evidence‑based practices focusing on core skills, differentiation to meet diverse needs, and a mix of in‑class and hands‑on learning experiences. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - In‑class support, targeted interventions, reading/numeracy support programs, and access to allied staff to assist with learning needs. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Structured intervention plans, additional tutoring or small‑group support, and ongoing monitoring of progress to adjust support as needed. - How does the school communicate with parents? - See above: regular updates, meetings, and various channels to keep parents informed about progress and events. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are small to medium for a primary school setting, allowing more opportunities for individualized guidance and teacher attention. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A mix of sports (e.g., athletics, cricket, netball, football), music and drama, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess and debating. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - On‑site sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, technology/ICT labs, canteen, and updated play facilities. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integrated digital learning with appropriate ICT tools, safe and responsible use of technology, and opportunities to build digital literacy. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local bus services and family drop‑off arrangements; routines designed for safe access and accessibility. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Generally low and primarily for optional activities, with uniform costs and possible charges for excursions or extra programs. --- ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list Pros - Close‑knit, supportive community with small to medium class sizes - Strong focus on core literacy and numeracy alongside STEM and the arts - Broad range of extracurriculars (sports, music, clubs) - Inclusive environment with good wellbeing and transition support - Accessible facilities for learning, science, arts and technology Cons - As a rural public school, specialist programs may be more limited than larger city schools - Variety of courses and elective options may be fewer due to smaller enrolments - Transport options may depend on regional routing and availability Note: This overview is intended to help you compare options. For precise current details (enrolment specifics, exact programs, and up‑to‑date facilities), please contact the school directly.