Nazareth Catholic Primary School - Shellharbour City

## 1. Overview (1–2 paragraphs max) Nazareth Catholic Primary School is a Catholic, co-educational primary school in Shellharbour City, designed to nurture faith-based learning within a inclusive, community-focused environment. The school aims to blend strong academic routines with values-based education, supporting students to grow in character as well as knowledge. The school size is medium, with small to mid-size classes that foster approachable student–teacher relationships. Class sizes typically sit in the low-to-mid 20s, allowing for individualized attention and active participation. The atmosphere is welcoming, supportive, and inclusive, emphasising respect, responsibility, and a positive sense of belonging. ⸻ ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: English literacy and numeracy are central, with a strong emphasis on STEM inquiry, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Leadership development and collaborative learning are embedded in everyday lessons, helping students build confidence and communication skills. - Special programs: Faith formation and values education run alongside core learning; opportunities for Gifted and Talented programs or enrichment activities may be available, along with targeted learning support as needed. - NAPLAN / trends: The school shows steady progress over time, with cohorts typically trending toward or above state averages in key areas such as reading and numeracy, reflecting effective teaching and targeted support. - Student-teacher ratios: Generally small to medium class sizes, supporting a favorable student-teacher ratio (approx. 1:15 to 1:22 depending on year level and staffing). - Support for diverse learners: Strong support for EAL/D students and SEN needs, with targeted interventions and inclusive practices to ensure all learners access the curriculum. ⸻ ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: Soccer, netball, rugby league, basketball, cricket, athletics, swimming, and general physical education programs. - Strong teams or achievements: Involvement in inter-school sports with opportunities to participate in representative and local competition teams. - Music, arts, drama programs: Choir, school band, and various performing arts activities are encouraged, along with opportunities in drama and visual arts. - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other academic or creative clubs are available to extend learning beyond the classroom. - Partnerships: Engagement with local community groups and diocesan programs to broaden competitions, events, and enrichment activities. ⸻ ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Proactive, whole-school strategies emphasizing respect, kindness, and restorative practices; clear reporting and support pathways for any concerns. - House system: A house-based structure fosters a sense of belonging, healthy competition, and leadership opportunities within a supportive framework. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to wellbeing staff or School Counsellors to support emotional health, resilience, and social development. - Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy systems, and gradual integration processes to help new students settle in smoothly. ⸻ ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: Multiple outdoor spaces suitable for team sports and games. - Libraries: An on-site library supporting reading for pleasure and research skills. - Science labs: Dedicated spaces for hands-on science experiments and inquiry-based learning. - Music/performing arts centers: Facilities to support music education and performing arts programs. - Tech/innovation labs: Flexible spaces for STEM activities, coding, and technology learning. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen or dining area serving healthy meal options. - Updated playgrounds: Age-appropriate play areas and outdoor learning spaces. ⸻ ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: An explicit focus on faith-based education, character development, and inclusive community involvement; values such as respect, responsibility, and integrity underpin daily life. - Leadership style: Collaborative and student-centered, with opportunities for student voice through councils, leadership roles, and peer mentorship. - Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct aligned with restorative practices; consistent routines across year levels. - Community reputation: Known for a welcoming parish-connected culture, strong parent engagement, and a commitment to supporting families. - Diversity & inclusion: Emphasis on welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and ensuring access to learning supports and inclusive practices for all. ⸻ ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical day runs from morning start to mid-afternoon, with clear start and finish times and a structured timetable. - Before/after school care: Availability of before and/or after-school care or programs to support working families. - Uniform requirements: Standard school uniform with seasonal adjustments; guidance on dress code and expectations. - Transport (train/bus routes): Access to local transport options and bus routes servicing Shellharbour and surrounding areas. - Canteen availability: On-site canteen or lunch arrangements offering healthy options. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are mid-range relative to NSW Catholic primary schools, with additional costs for excursions, camps, and elective activities as applicable. ⸻ ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Enquiries typically begin with an expression of interest or enrolment form, followed by submission of required documents (birth certificate, proof of residence, baptismal certificate if applicable). The school may conduct information sessions and an interview or family visit. Timelines vary by intake year, with offers usually made for the upcoming school year after the assessment and interview processes. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Yes, many Catholic primary schools maintain a waiting list. Priority often goes to siblings of current students, parish or Catholic community members, and then by date of application. Waiting times depend on year level and capacity. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Entry typically involves an interview or meeting with families, and may include readiness discussions or brief assessments to understand learning needs. Documentation such as birth certificate and baptismal certificate (if applicable) is usually required. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are possible if there is space and the school can meet the student’s needs. The process typically involves an application, a meeting with administration, and coordination with the receiving teacher to ensure a smooth transition. ⸻ ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A values-based Catholic education with a strong sense of community, supportive staff, inclusive practices, and a focus on both academic growth and personal development. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who respond well to a faith-informed, collaborative learning environment with opportunities in sports, arts, and leadership, and who benefit from small-to-mid-sized class settings. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Enrichment programs in STEM, leadership activities, clubs (robotics, coding, debating), participation in inter-school sports, music and performing arts programs, and inclusive learning supports. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular communication through newsletters, parent meetings, class notices, and digital platforms to share progress, events, and policy changes. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A balanced, student-centered approach combining core literacy and numeracy with inquiry-based learning, faith formation, and restorative classroom practices. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted interventions, EAL/D support, SEN assistance, small-group instruction, and collaboration with families to plan appropriate supports. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Additional tutoring or support times, differentiated tasks, and ongoing monitoring of progress to adjust supports as needed. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated) - See above: regular updates via newsletters, meetings, and digital platforms. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are small to medium (approximately 20–25 students per class), enabling more individualized attention and frequent teacher–student interaction. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of sports (soccer, netball, rugby league, basketball, cricket, athletics), plus clubs in robotics, coding, chess, debating, and arts programs. - 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 learning tools within the curriculum, with a focus on digital literacy, responsible use, and collaborative projects. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local bus routes and transport options, with arrangements to support students commuting from surrounding areas. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees are mid-range for NSW Catholic primary schools, with potential extra costs for excursions, camps, uniforms, and some program fees. ⸻ ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Values-based Catholic education with a supportive, inclusive culture - Medium-sized classes promoting individual attention - Broad range of extracurriculars (sports, arts, clubs) - Strong wellbeing and pastoral care framework - Modern facilities supporting STEM, arts, and digital learning - Cons - Fees typical of Catholic primary schools (ongoing cost to families) - Transport options may depend on location and availability - Limited to the school’s intake capacity, which can affect mid-year transfers - Availability of certain enrichment programs may vary by year or cohort