## Overview
Notre Dame College, Shepparton, is a Catholic, co-educational college serving students across primary and secondary years. The college prioritises values-based education, community engagement, and academic development within a regional Victorian context. It operates as a medium-sized school with class sizes typically in the low- to mid-20s, fostering a supportive yet academically rigourous learning environment. The culture is nurturing and inclusive, with a strong emphasis on student wellbeing, faith formation, sporting involvement, and service to the local community.
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## Academics & Learning
The college provides a balanced curriculum with strengths in English, STEM, and humanities, alongside opportunities to develop leadership and language skills. There are pathways for VCE/VCAL across subject areas, with options for accelerated or advanced study for high-achieving students. NAPLAN trends across recent years show steady improvement in key domains such as reading and numeracy, reflecting ongoing focus on literacy and mathematical foundations. Student–teacher ratios are typically in the low teens to mid-teens, allowing some level of individual attention within a collaborative class setting. The college offers dedicated support for diverse learners, including EAL (English as an Additional Language) support and formal SEN/coordinator services to help students access personalised learning plans and targeted interventions.
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## Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: football (soccer), netball, basketball, cricket, tennis, athletics, swimming, and other regional programs.
- Strong teams or achievements: active participation in regional school sporting competitions with competitive representation and notable school-based achievements.
- Music, arts, drama programs: dedicated music programs, choir or ensembles, and regular drama productions or school performances.
- Clubs: robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other student-led or teacher-supported clubs.
- Partnerships: connections with local community clubs, regional sports academies, and inter-school competitions to broaden opportunities beyond the campus.
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## Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: whole-school anti-bullying framework with clear reporting channels, inclusive practices, and restorative approaches.
- House system: house-based pastoral care structure to promote belonging, leadership, and healthy competition.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: on-site counselling and wellbeing support to assist students with social, emotional, and mental health needs.
- Transition support for new students: orientation programs, buddy systems, and targeted induction to help students settle in smoothly.
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## Facilities
- Sports grounds: on-site or nearby facilities for athletics and team sports.
- Libraries: well-equipped library spaces supporting study and reading for all year levels.
- Science labs: dedicated science laboratories for practical experiments.
- Music/performing arts centers: spaces for music tuition, rehearsals, and performances.
- Tech/innovation labs: laboratories and rooms for practical digital learning and STEM projects.
- Cafeteria: on-site canteen with healthy meal and snack options.
- Updated playgrounds: modern outdoor spaces for recreation and social activity.
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## School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: Catholic ethos emphasising respect, service, integrity, and compassion within the school community.
- Leadership style: student voice and collaborative leadership opportunities, supported by staff and lay leadership.
- Behaviour expectations: clear behavioural standards aligned with the school’s code of conduct and Catholic values.
- Community reputation: active involvement from families and alumni, with a reputation for a welcoming, supportive local culture.
- Diversity & inclusion: inclusive environment that supports students from varied backgrounds and learning needs.
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## School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: typical day runs through the late morning to mid-afternoon, with possible variations by year level.
- Before/after school care: available options to support families with early drop-offs or late pick-ups.
- Uniform requirements: formal school uniform with seasonal options (summer/winter) and a sports uniform for physical education and activities.
- Transport (train/bus routes): local bus services and school-arranged transport options linked to regional routes.
- Canteen availability: on-site canteen offering healthy options.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): fees are moderate to higher depending on year level and program; financial assistance or concessions may be available.
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## Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Submit an application with required documents (birth certificate, immunisation records, and any prior school information).
- Attend an interview or information session (often part of a campus tour or formal interview) and complete any required assessments for specialised programs.
- Receive offer of enrolment if space is available; confirm acceptance and pay any initial fees or deposits.
- Finalise enrolment and join orientations or induction activities for new students.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- There can be a waiting list when intake capacity is reached. Applications date and readiness for placement often influence waiting list order; families may be contacted if space becomes available.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry typically involves an interview or information session, and may include discussions about prior learning or readiness for specific programs. Immunisation records and other standard documents are usually required.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers may be possible subject to space, alignment of year level placements, and completion of required documentation. Contact the admissions team early to discuss availability and process.
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## Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A values-based Catholic education within a supportive, close-knit community; balanced focus on academics, wellbeing, and extracurricular opportunities.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who value community, want a balance of academic challenge and pastoral support, and enjoy participation in sports, arts, and service.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Pathways through VCE/VCAL, accelerated options for high achievers, leadership opportunities, sports teams, arts programs, music ensembles, robotics and debating clubs.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular updates via newsletters, parent portals, face-to-face meetings, and scheduled information evenings; responsive communication channels with teachers and leadership.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- A combination of strong literacy and numeracy emphasis, inquiry-based learning, pastoral care, and differentiated instruction to support diverse learners.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted learning support, EAL programs, SEN coordination, and access to tutoring or intervention sessions as needed.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Early identification, tailored learning plans, classroom accommodations, and specialist staff to assist with challenges.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- See above; ongoing channels for updates, progress reports, and parent-teacher discussions.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes typically range from the low- to mid-20s, with student-teacher ratios allowing for some individual attention and ongoing feedback.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A broad range of sports, music, drama, robotics, coding, chess, debating, and local partnerships through regional competitions.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Comprehensive facilities including sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, a canteen, and updated outdoor spaces.
- What is the school's approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integrated digital learning with access to technology for classrooms, coding and STEM programs, and opportunities to engage with digital projects across subjects.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local bus routes and school transport options; accessible facilities to support students with various needs.
- What are typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees vary by year level and program; families can inquire for current cost details and explore available financial assistance options.
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## Short Pros & Cons
- Pros
- Catholic values-based education with a strong sense of community.
- Balanced emphasis on academics, wellbeing, sport, and the arts.
- Range of pathways (VCE/VCAL) and support for diverse learners.
- Active extracurriculars including sports, music, robotics, and debating.
- Good student-teacher ratios enabling some individual attention.
- Cons
- Fees may be higher than some public options and may require financial planning.
- Limited availability in popular year levels; mid-year transfers depend on space.
- As a regional school, there may be fewer specialist facilities or programs than in larger city campuses.
