North Parmelia Primary School

## 1. Overview North Parmelia Primary School is a public primary school in Parmelia, WA, serving students from Kindergarten to Year 6. As a public school, it focuses on inclusive, community-driven education with an emphasis on building strong foundations in literacy, numeracy and well-being. The school is medium-sized, with class sizes generally in the mid-20s. The atmosphere is nurturing and inclusive, prioritising student wellbeing, belonging and a positive, supportive learning culture that helps students feel confident to participate and learn. --- ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: A strong emphasis on foundational literacy and numeracy, with a growing focus on STEAM learning, digital technologies and creative arts to develop well-rounded learners. - Special programs: STEAM/technology integration, library literacy initiatives, student leadership opportunities, and targeted EAL/D and SEN support to help diverse learners succeed. - NAPLAN / Ofsted trends: The school tracks NAPLAN trends over time and uses results to inform teaching and intervention strategies. WA-wide trends show improvements in key areas like reading and numeracy, with schools regularly adjusting practice based on outcomes. - Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes are typically in the low-to-mid 20s, withstudent-teacher ratios aligned with state averages and additional support staff available to assist learners as needed. - Support for diverse learners: Strong support for EAL/D students and students with additional learning needs, including inclusive classroom practices and individual learning plans where appropriate. --- ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: Basketball, netball, football (AFL/soccer variants), athletics, and other team or individual sports common to WA primary programs. - Strong teams or achievements: Active participation in interschool and district-level events; house competition fosters teamwork and school spirit. - Music, arts, drama programs: Regular music programs, choir or ensemble opportunities, and opportunities to participate in school drama and performing arts activities. - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other STEM/academic clubs that support skill-building and critical thinking. - Partnerships: Collaboration with local clubs and community groups; opportunities to participate in competitions and events that extend learning beyond the classroom. --- ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Whole-school anti-bullying strategies with restorative practices and buddy systems to promote respectful relationships and a positive school climate. - House system: A house-based structure used to build belonging, healthy competition and community spirit across year levels. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school-based wellbeing staff, including counsellors or wellbeing officers, to support students' emotional and social needs. - Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy programs and transitional visits to help new students settle in smoothly. --- ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: On-site sport facilities and outdoor areas for physical activity and play. - Libraries: Well-stocked library space supporting reading, research and information literacy. - Science labs: Dedicated spaces for hands-on science learning and experiments. - Music/performing arts centers: Music rooms or performing arts spaces to support singing, instrument practice and drama. - Tech/innovation labs: Computing/ICT spaces and maker-style areas to explore digital technologies and innovation. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen or lunch facilities offering healthy choices and daily meals. - Updated playgrounds: Modern, safe outdoor play areas and learning spaces designed for exploration and physical activity. --- ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: A focus on respect, responsibility, resilience and inclusion, embedded in daily practice and decision making. - Leadership style: Collaborative, distributed leadership with opportunities for student voice through councils or representatives and strong worker/teacher partnerships. - Behaviour expectations: Clear, consistently applied expectations supported by positive behaviour approaches and restorative practices. - Community reputation: A welcoming, engaged school community with active parental involvement and partnerships that support student learning. - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to an inclusive environment that supports students from diverse backgrounds and abilities. --- ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Follows WA Department of Education schedule, typically starting around the morning and finishing in the mid-afternoon. Exact times are confirmed at enrolment. - Before/after school care: Before and after school care options are available through OSHC or school-supported programs. - Uniform requirements: School uniforms are in place; details are provided at enrolment and on the school crest/guide. - Transport (train/bus routes): Transport options include local bus services and access to public transport; details available through the school and local transit authorities. - Canteen availability: Canteen or lunch program available on select days or as part of school options; healthy meal choices promoted. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): As a public school, fees are modest, with compulsory contributions kept to a minimum and additional costs for excursions and activities outlined in the school’s fee schedule. --- ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Enrolment is managed through the Western Australian Department of Education process. Parents typically submit an enrolment form with required documents (birth certificate, proof of address, immunisation records). For Kindergarten, intake follows the state’s scheduling; for Year 1 and above, placements are offered based on space availability and local intake areas. The school provides an estimated timeline during the application process. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Waiting lists may apply when there are more applications than places. Offers are made as spaces become available, with priority given to local intake areas. The school can advise on current wait times and options if your preferred year level is full. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - There are no academic entrance tests for general enrolment. Readiness for kindergarten may be assessed, and staff may meet with families to discuss needs and placement. Interviews are not typically part of standard enrolment. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are possible if there is space. Prospective families should contact the school early to check availability and begin the enrolment process, providing necessary documentation and alignment with current student provisions. --- ## 9. Frequently Ask Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A welcoming, inclusive community with a strong focus on fundamental skills, student well-being, and opportunities across academics, sports and the arts. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who respond well to a supportive, collaborative learning environment with emphasis on wellbeing, teamwork and steady progress in core subjects. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Strengths in literacy/numeracy, STEAM, coding and robotics clubs, music and drama programs, interschool sports and house events, plus leadership opportunities. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates through newsletters, parent portals, meetings, and the school’s communications channels; open channels for contact with teachers and administration. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A student-centred approach with strong literacy and numeracy foundations, integrated STEAM and digital learning, and inclusive practices to support diverse learners. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - EAL/D and SEN support, targeted intervention programs, and collaborative planning with teachers and specialists. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Additional coaching, reading and numeracy supports, and access to specialist staff to adapt learning plans as needed. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated) - Through meetings, emails, newsletters, and parent portals; in-person updates and phone contacts as required. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are typically in the low-to-mid 20s, with teachers able to provide targeted support within the classroom and via targeted intervention when needed. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of sports, music/arts activities, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess and debating, plus interschool and district competitions. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, libraries, science laboratories, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, a canteen, and updated outdoor play areas. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of digital technologies across the curriculum, with dedicated spaces and activities to build information literacy, computational thinking and responsible use. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local bus services and public transport options; strategies to support accessibility and safe travel to and from school. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Public school fees are modest, with some optional activities and excursions that may incur costs; uniform and essential resources are typically outlined at enrolment. --- ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list Pros - Public, inclusive, community-focused environment - Balanced emphasis on literacy, numeracy and STEAM - Strong wellbeing and pastoral care provisions - Diverse extracurricular options (sports, arts, clubs) - Student voice and leadership opportunities Cons (potential considerations) - Class sizes in the mid-20s (not as small as some private settings) - Some activities may require additional voluntary contributions or excursion fees - Availability of certain specialist programs may depend on year level or funding If you’d like, I can tailor any section with more specific language or adjust details to match the latest information from North Parmelia Primary School as needed.