Newton Primary School

## Overview Newton Primary is a public, co-educational primary school serving students in Spearwood, WA. The school is characterized by a welcoming, inclusive culture that places a strong emphasis on community involvement and student wellbeing. It operates as a medium-sized public school with a focus on delivering quality literacy and numeracy learning in a supportive environment. Class sizes are typically in the low-to-mid 20s, which supports individualized attention and small-group learning. The atmosphere is nurturing and collaborative, with staff and families working together to foster resilience, curiosity, and a love of learning. ⸻ ## Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Strong focus on literacy and numeracy, with opportunities to engage in STEM activities and digital learning. English and maths are emphasized as core priority areas, with a broad approach to developing communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. - Special programs: Access to extension activities and opportunities for enrichment through school and cluster initiatives. Some students may participate in targeted programs for gifted and talented learners through regional arrangements. - NAPLAN / trends: The school participates in NAPLAN and tracks year-to-year trends as part of its continuous improvement cycle. Trends typically reflect broader state patterns, with ongoing emphasis on improving reading, writing, and numeracy outcomes. - Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes and teacher allocation support a favourable student-to-teacher ratio, enabling regular feedback and differentiated instruction. - Support for diverse learners: Strong EAL/D and SEN support, with targeted literacy and numeracy interventions, in-class accommodations, and access to learning support staff where available. ⸻ ## Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: A range of team and individual sports are available, including football (soccer), basketball, athletics, cricket, and AFL-aligned activities. Regular interschool carnivals and district events are part of the program. - Strong teams or achievements: Active participation in district and inter-school competitions with opportunities to develop teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship. - Music, arts, drama programs: On-going music and performing arts activities, choir, and school productions support creative development and audience engagement. - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, and debating opportunities are available through clubs and after-school programs. - Partnerships: Connections with local community groups and opportunities to participate in regional competitions and events to extend learning beyond the classroom. ⸻ ## Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Whole-school anti-bullying programs and a positive behavioural framework that promotes respect, empathy, and safe social interactions. - House system: A house-based structure for leadership, friendly competition, and collaboration across grades. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school wellbeing staff to support students with social, emotional, and behavioural needs. - Transition support for new students: Comprehensive orientation processes, buddy systems, and transitional activities to help new students settle in smoothly. ⸻ ## Facilities - Sports grounds: On-site grounds and play spaces for daily activity and sports events. - Libraries: A library space that supports reading for pleasure and research skills. - Science labs: Dedicated science spaces that enable hands-on experiments and inquiry-based learning. - Music/performing arts centers: Facilities to support music education and performing arts activities. - Tech/innovation labs: Dedicated spaces for digital learning, coding, and technology exploration. - Cafeteria: On-site eating area with provisions for students. - Updated playgrounds: Modern play equipment and safe outdoor spaces for active play. ⸻ ## School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: A focus on respect, inclusion, responsibility, and lifelong learning; building a community where every student can thrive. - Leadership style: Student leadership opportunities (e.g., student council) and open channels for student voice in school life. - Behaviour expectations: Clear expectations based on positive behaviour frameworks and restorative approaches to conflict resolution. - Community reputation: A well-regarded local school with strong family partnership and active community involvement. - Diversity & inclusion: Committed to welcoming families from diverse backgrounds and providing inclusive education to all students. ⸻ ## School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical primary school hours with a morning start and afternoon finish (adjustments may apply term-by-term). - Before/after school care: After-school and wraparound care options available through school programs or approved local providers. - Uniform requirements: School uniform policy in place, with specified attire for daily wear and events. - Transport (train/bus routes): Accessible by local bus routes and walking/cycling options; school information can guide families on nearby transport. - Canteen availability: On-site canteen or lunch facilities offering healthy choices. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): As a public school, there is no tuition fee; there are voluntary contributions and charges for certain activities and materials, typically modest in scope. ⸻ ## Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Enrolment is through the public school system. Families should check in-zone eligibility and submit the required documents (proof of address, student immunisation, birth certificate or passport). Timelines vary by intake period and space availability; early application is recommended. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - In-zone enrolments are prioritized. Out-of-zone enrolments may be placed on a waiting list depending on capacity. Waiting times vary with year level and space, and places are offered as soon as seats become available. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Generally, there are no entrance tests or interviews for standard year-level enrolments. Assessments or interviews may occur for students requiring targeted supports or for access to specific programs; most admissions are straightforward for regular intake. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Yes, mid-year transfers are possible if space is available. Parents should contact the school early to discuss enrolment options and complete the required transfer processes. ⸻ ## Frequently Ask Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A welcoming public school with a strong emphasis on community, wellbeing, and solid literacy and numeracy foundations. Local access, supportive staff, and opportunities across academics, arts, and sport make it a practical choice for families in Spearwood. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who value a nurturing, inclusive environment, enjoy collaborative learning, participate in a range of activities, and are looking for steady progress in literacy, numeracy, and wellbeing. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Extension activities in core subjects, clubs in robotics, coding, chess, and debating; participation in sports teams and interschool events; music and performing arts opportunities; occasional incursions and excursions to broaden learning. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular newsletters, email updates, a student portal, and teacher communications; parent-teacher interviews are available to discuss student progress. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Student-centered, differentiated instruction with a focus on literacy and numeracy, supported by inclusive practices and evidence-based teaching strategies. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted small-group instruction, in-class supports, EAL/D assistance, and access to learning support staff and resources. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Early identification, tailored interventions, and collaboration with families to develop individual learning plans and progress monitoring. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated) - See above: newsletters, emails, portals, and regular updates. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Typical class sizes are in the low-to-mid 20s, with teacher-led instruction and targeted small-group work to provide additional attention. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A variety of sports (soccer, basketball, athletics, cricket, etc.), plus clubs for robotics, coding, chess, and debating, along with music and performing arts programs. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, a canteen, and updated playgrounds. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of digital literacy and technology in learning, with access to devices, coding experiences, and a safe digital learning environment. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Access via local bus routes and walking/cycling options; information on routes and accessibility is available through the school and district resources. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - No tuition for public schooling; modest voluntary contributions and fees for activities, resources, excursions, and incursions. ⸻ ## Short Pros & Cons list - Pros: - Public, community-focused school with a nurturing environment - Strong literacy and numeracy emphasis with inclusive support - Broad range of clubs and extracurriculars (robotics, coding, chess, debating) - Active wellbeing, anti-bullying practices, and house-based activities - Solid facilities for STEM, arts, and sports, plus digital learning - Cons: - As a medium-sized public school, demand can vary by year level and space - Out-of-zone transfers may face waiting lists or availability limits - Specific programs (e.g., gifted and talented) may be accessed through clustering or broader networks rather than the school alone - Uniforms and incursions/extracurricular costs can be an additional consideration for families ⸻