Mount Terry Public School

## 1. Overview Mount Terry Public School is a NSW public primary school serving families in the Albion Park area. As a public school, it focuses on inclusive, community-based education with a medium-sized school community. Class sizes are typically around 20–25 students, supporting a nurturing, collaborative learning environment where students are encouraged to do their best. The atmosphere is generally described as inclusive and supportive, with a strong emphasis on student wellbeing, teamwork, and community involvement. The school aims to balance academics with personal development, offering opportunities for students to participate in a range of activities that build confidence and a positive school experience. ⸻ ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Focus areas often include literacy and numeracy mastery, with emphasis on STEM thinking, clear writing and reading comprehension, and opportunities to develop leadership skills across year levels. - Special programs: Inclusive access to Gifted & Talented (G&T) opportunities, leadership opportunities, and pathways for accelerated or enriched learning where available. Strong support structures for EAL/D and diverse learners. - NAPLAN trends: Over recent years, trends typically show steady performance in core areas (reading, writing, numeracy) with improvements progressing toward or above state averages in some cohorts. The school participates in ongoing improvement planning aligned with NSW standards. - Student-teacher ratios: Generally around 1:12–1:25, varying by year level and class, with teachers supported by specialist staff as needed. - Support for diverse learners: Strong commitment to inclusive education, with EAL/D support, SEN support, and targeted interventions to help students access learning at their level. ⸻ ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: Participation in intraschool and interschool sports, with opportunities in common NSW primary activities such as soccer, netball, rugby league, athletics, cricket and related team events. - Strong teams or achievements: The school emphasizes teamwork and school representation in district/inter-school events, with pathways to compete at local levels. - Music, arts, drama programs: Opportunities in music, performing arts and drama, including school ensembles or productions when available. - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating and other student-led clubs are available to extend learning beyond core curriculum. - Partnerships: Connections with local community groups, sports clubs and regional competitions to broaden experiences and opportunities for students. ⸻ ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Clear policies and proactive programs to promote respectful conduct and a safe school climate; student wellbeing is a priority. - House system: A house or team system is used to foster belonging, healthy competition and collaboration during events and daily school life. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school-based support staff for student wellbeing, with referral pathways to help students manage social, emotional and academic concerns. - Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy programs and targeted supports to help new students integrate smoothly into the school community. ⸻ ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: On-site sports facilities suitable for a range of activities and events. - Libraries: A welcoming library space that supports reading comprehension, research and independent learning. - Science labs: Dedicated spaces or shared facilities to support hands-on science learning. - Music/performing arts centers: Areas or spaces for music practice, chorus or small-scale performances. - Tech/innovation labs: Access to technology-enabled learning environments that support coding, design and digital literacy. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen or lunch facilities to provide daily meals and snacks. - Updated playgrounds: Play spaces designed for safe, active play and skill development. ⸻ ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: Aims centered on respect, responsibility, inclusion, resilience and striving for personal best. - Leadership style: A culture of student voice and teacher guidance, with opportunities for student leadership, responsibility and involvement in school decisions through pupil groups or representative structures. - Behaviour expectations: Clear positive behaviour frameworks that encourage courteous conduct, self-regulation and accountability. - Community reputation: A friendly, welcoming school community with active family involvement and strong partnerships within the local area. - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to diversity and inclusive practices that support students from different backgrounds and with varied learning needs. ⸻ ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typically a morning start around 9:00 am and finishing around 3:00 pm, with variations by year level or term. - Before/after school care: Availability of before/after school care arrangements through on-site programs or external providers, depending on term and enrolment. - Uniform requirements: Uniforms are standard for NSW public schools; details are provided by the school and NSW Department of Education policies. - Transport (bus routes): Local bus services and school transport options are available for families within the catchment and nearby areas. - Canteen availability: Canteen or canteen-style service is available on-site or through organized lunch programs. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Public schools do not charge tuition fees; families may contribute toward voluntary school contributions, uniform costs, excursions and other approved activities, typically at a low to moderate level. ⸻ ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - NSW public schools manage enrolments through the Department of Education. Families submit an enrolment form with required documents (proof of address, immunisation history, birth certificate or passport, and any relevant medical or support information). The timeline depends on catchment and placement availability; schools may confirm enrolment and provide orientation details after documentation is reviewed. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - If the school is oversubscribed, a waitlist may be used. Priorities are typically given based on catchment rules, sibling attendance, and housing location, with offers made as places become available. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - NSW public primary schools generally do not require entrance exams. Some schools may conduct mild transition discussions or information sessions to understand learning needs, supports required (including EAL/D or SEN considerations), and to share school programs. Immunisation requirements and documentation are typically requested. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are possible if a place is available. Families should contact the school to check current vacancies and begin the transfer process, providing required documents and arranging any necessary supports for a smooth transition. ⸻ ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A welcoming community with supportive staff, strong focus on literacy and numeracy, and a balanced mix of academics, wellbeing and extra-curriculars. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who are collaborative, curious and motivated to engage in a range of subjects and activities, including sports, arts and leadership opportunities. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Access to enriched literacy and numeracy activities, STEM/digital learning, clubs (robotics, coding, chess, debating), music and drama programs, and sport pathways through interschool competition. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Through newsletters, email, parent-teacher interviews, school apps or portals, and regular updates about learning, events and student wellbeing. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Student-centered, differentiated instruction that supports a range of learning needs, with emphasis on core literacies, numeracy, critical thinking and digital literacy. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted in-class support, small-group interventions, EAL/D and SEN support, and access to learning support staff and suitable adjustments. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Early identification, personalised learning plans, and referral pathways to specialist support where needed. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated) - See above: newsletters, portals, and regular contact from teachers and leadership. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes typically around 20–25 students, with teachers able to provide substantial individual support within the classroom and via targeted interventions. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of sports and clubs, including team sports, music and performing arts, robotics, coding, chess and debating, plus opportunities to participate in interschool events. - 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? - Integration of digital tools and resources to support learning, with appropriate supervision and guidelines, and opportunities for students to engage with coding and digital projects. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local bus routes and transport options are provided; the school supports accessibility and safe arrival/departure for students. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Public schools do not charge tuition; there are expected costs for uniforms, excursions and approved activities, which are typically modest and transparent. ⸻ ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Public, inclusive environment with a focus on well-being and core academics - Medium-sized, family-friendly community - Broad range of extracurriculars (sports, clubs, arts, STEM) - Support for diverse learners (EAL/D, SEN) and emphasis on student wellbeing - Reasonable class sizes and strong teacher support - Cons - As a public school, resources may align with departmental budgets and may vary by year - Availability of some specialist programs or facilities can depend on funding and schedules - Mid-year transfers depend on vacancies and placement processes - Uniform requirements and potential costs for uniforms and some activities - Local transport options depend on family location and bus routes ⸻