## Overview
OLSH Catholic College in Alice Springs is a Catholic secondary school that focuses on creating a caring, values-driven learning community. The school aims to balance strong academic opportunities with faith formation and social responsibility, serving families in the Alice Springs region.
Size and feel: the college is a medium-sized school that fosters a supportive atmosphere. Class sizes are designed to be manageable, typically in the mid-teens to low-20s, which helps teachers give more individual attention while maintaining a collegial, inclusive culture.
⸻
## Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: the college emphasizes literacy and numeracy foundations alongside strong engagement in Science, Technology, English, and Humanities. Leadership development and faith-based learning run alongside core subjects to build well-rounded students.
- Special programs: opportunities for student leadership, faith formation, and pathways that may include vocational education and training (VET) or senior secondary options aligned with the Northern Territory Curriculum Framework.
- NAPLAN / trends: public data on NT schools varies by year; the college focuses on improving literacy and numeracy outcomes and monitors progress over time. For precise trend data, consult the school’s annual report or regional education summaries.
- Student-teacher ratios: classroom environments aim for small-to-medium ratios to support individual support, typically around 1:12–1:18 depending on year level and subject.
- Support for diverse learners: robust support for diverse learners, including EAL/D (English as an Additional Language/Dialect) and SEN (special educational needs) services, with accommodation and targeted assistance as needed.
⸻
## Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: common school programs include netball, basketball, football (soccer), athletics, swimming, and cross-country.
- Strong teams or achievements: active participation in local and regional competitions with teams representing the college in various inter-school events.
- Music, arts, drama programs: formal music instruction and opportunities for ensembles, choir, and school productions; drama and performance opportunities are part of the arts offering.
- Clubs: robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other interest-based clubs support a broad range of student talents.
- Partnerships: connections with local community groups, sports bodies, and regional competitions to provide extra opportunities and exposure beyond the classroom.
⸻
## Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: a proactive, whole-school approach to wellbeing and safety, with clear policies and supports in place.
- House system: pastoral care through a house system that fosters belonging, leadership, and healthy competition.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: onsite wellbeing staff, including guidance and counselling services, to support students’ academic and personal development.
- Transition support for new students: orientation programs, buddy systems, and targeted transition support to help new students settle in smoothly.
⸻
## Facilities
- Sports grounds: accessible athletic spaces for physical education and competition.
- Libraries: dedicated library and study spaces for reading, research, and independent learning.
- Science labs: well-equipped science facilities to support practical experiments.
- Music/performing arts centers: spaces for music practice, rehearsals, and school performances.
- Tech/innovation labs: modern spaces for digital learning, coding, and project-based work.
- Cafeteria: on-site canteen or food service options for students.
- Updated playgrounds: maintained outdoor spaces that support recreation and break times.
⸻
## School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: a faith-informed ethos centered on compassion, service, respect, and striving for excellence.
- Leadership style: generally collaborative and student-inclusive, with opportunities for student voice in school life.
- Behaviour expectations: clear codes of conduct that promote respect, responsibility, and integrity.
- Community reputation: a welcoming, family-oriented community with strong ties to local parish and community groups.
- Diversity & inclusion: commitment to a respectful, inclusive environment that welcomes students from varied backgrounds.
⸻
## School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: typical day runs during standard daytime hours with start around 8:30am and finish around 3:30pm; specific timetables may vary by year level.
- Before/after school care: may be available through school or community programs; check current offerings.
- Uniform requirements: formal school uniform guidance with standardized dress codes.
- Transport (bus routes): local transport options or school-coordinated bus services within Alice Springs; check current routes and schedules.
- Canteen availability: on-site canteen or snack facilities available to students.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): considered mid-range within the private Catholic schooling sector; exact fees vary by year level and program and should be confirmed with the school.
⸻
## Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Typically, families start with an information session or open day, submit an application form, and provide required documents (e.g., birth certificate, immunisation records). After applying, families may be advised on timelines for enrolment offers and any interview steps.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Some intakes may have a waiting list depending on capacity. Entry priority is usually given to siblings and local parish or community members, with spaces allocated as they become available.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Commonly, schools conduct interviews and may request a short assessment or form part of the enrolment process to understand fit with the school’s values and programs.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are sometimes possible, subject to space and a smooth transition plan, including providing current school records and a successful enrolment process.
⸻
## Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A values-based Catholic education that emphasizes community, wellbeing, and academic growth in a supportive environment.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who value a nurturing, inclusive culture with opportunities to participate in academics, faith formation, sports, and clubs.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Strengths in literacy and numeracy, leadership development, VET or college pathways, sports teams, music and drama programs, and clubs such as robotics, coding, debating.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular updates via newsletters, parent portals, meetings, and scheduled info nights; open channels through student support and leadership teams.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- A balanced, student-centered approach that integrates core academic subjects with faith formation, pastoral care, and real-world applications.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted literacy and numeracy support, EAL/D assistance, SEN services, and differentiated instruction within classrooms.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Access to guidance staff, tutoring or small-group supports, and coordinated interventions as needed.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Duplicate)
- See above; frequent updates and accessible channels for ongoing engagement.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes designed for manageable learning environments; typically around 1:12–1:18 in many subjects, with additional tutoring or support available as needed.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A broad program including sports (netball, basketball, football, athletics), music, drama, and clubs (robotics, chess, coding, debating).
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, canteen, and well-kept outdoor spaces.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of digital tools to support learning, with access to appropriate devices and online resources as part of curriculum delivery.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local transport options and school-related arrangements; accessibility considerations are addressed for students with mobility needs.
- What are typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are in the mid-range for private Catholic schooling; families should confirm exact amounts with the school administration.
⸻
## Short Pros & Cons
- Pros
- Catholic values-based education in a caring, inclusive environment
- Moderate class sizes and strong pastoral care
- Broad range of extracurriculars and clubs
- Focus on literacy and numeracy with opportunities for leadership
- Local community connections and support networks
- Cons
- Fees are applicable (mid-range for private schooling)
- As a regional school, some specialist programs may be limited compared to larger metro schools
- Availability of specific programs or sports teams can depend on annual enrollment and space
⸻
