Our Lady of Good Counsel Primary School - Deepdene

1. Overview Our Lady of Good Counsel Primary School Deepdene is a Catholic, co-educational primary school that focuses on faith-informed, holistic education within a caring community. The school blends strong academic learning with genuine pastoral care, encouraging students to grow as confident, respectful individuals who contribute to their local community. With a small-to-medium school environment, classes typically maintain close teacher-to-student interaction, fostering an atmosphere that is warm, inclusive and values-driven. - School type: Catholic - School size: Small to medium - Class size: Approximately 20–25 students per class - Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, faith-based and academically focussed ⸻ 2. Academics & Learning OLGCD emphasises solid literacy and numeracy foundations alongside broad enrichment opportunities. - Academic strengths: Literacy and numeracy, STEM learning, leadership development, and languages embedded in the curriculum. - Special programs: Catholic faith formation, sacramental preparation, leadership opportunities, gifted/talented extensions where appropriate, and a range of clubs (e.g., robotics, coding, debating). - NAPLAN / trends: Historically steady to improving trends in reading and numeracy over recent years, with classes performing well relative to state averages. - Student-teacher ratios: Generally around 1:12 to 1:18, supporting targeted instruction and personalised feedback. - Support for diverse learners: EAL support and targeted SEN assistance; inclusive teaching practices to meet diverse needs. ⸻ 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths A strong focus on well-rounded development with a variety of options for boys and girls. - Sports offered: Interschool sport, athletics, swimming, netball, soccer, and other foundational activities throughout the year. - Strong teams or achievements: Regular participation in interschool events; opportunities to showcase skill development and team spirit. - Music, arts, drama: Active involvement in music and performing arts, with opportunities to participate in ensembles and productions. - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other interest-based clubs. - Partnerships: Connections with local clubs and diocesan networks for competitions and external programs. ⸻ 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care Wellbeing is a cornerstone of student success, with proactive supports and a clear pastoral framework. - Anti-bullying approach: Whole-school programs, buddy systems, restorative practices, and ongoing staff training. - House system: A house structure that promotes positive belonging, healthy competition and teamwork. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Dedicated staff support for social-emotional learning and individual or small-group needs. - Transition support: Orientation activities, buddying and gradual onboarding for new students, especially at Prep entry. ⸻ 5. Facilities Facilities are designed to support a diverse range of learning experiences and safe, enjoyable environments. - Sports grounds - Libraries - Science labs - Music/performing arts centre - Tech/innovation labs - Cafeteria - Updated playgrounds ⸻ 6. School Values & Community Culture The school community reflects its Catholic values while fostering an inclusive, supportive culture. - School values / mission: Faith-informed education emphasising respect, service, integrity and community. - Leadership style: Collaborative leadership with teacher input and student voice in appropriate settings. - Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct focused on respect, responsibility and resilience. - Community reputation: A known, trusted community with active parent involvement and school partnerships. - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to inclusivity and support for diverse learners and backgrounds. ⸻ 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations Practical information to help families plan around the school day. - School hours: Typical daytime schedule with start and finish times aligned to the standard school timetable; before/after school care commonly available. - Before/after school care: OSHC or similar programs often offered. - Uniform requirements: School uniform policy with established guidelines. - Transport: Access to local bus routes and proximity to train services; car drop-off/pick-up procedures in place. - Canteen availability: Canteen offering healthy options; breakfast and lunch provisions as part of school routines. - Fees: Fees fall in the mid-range for non-government Catholic primary schools; families are advised to check the current schedule for exact costs and any additional charges. ⸻ 8. Enrolment & Admissions 1) What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit an online or paper enrolment application with required documentation (birth certificate, immunisation records, baptism if applicable, parent/guardian details). - Complete any school-specific forms and participate in a short meeting or interview with families and, where appropriate, the student. - Applications are reviewed; offers are issued subject to space and eligibility. - If offered, families confirm acceptance by the stated deadline and complete the enrolment process, including any joining instructions and orientation details. - Timeline can vary by year and intake; it is best to start the process well in advance of the intended start year. 2) Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Yes, depending on capacity. Places are allocated according to space availability and, where applicable, policy priorities (e.g., siblings, Catholic families, parish affiliations). A waitlist is typically maintained and applicants may be contacted if a place becomes available. 3) Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Most primary-entry programs involve an interview or meeting with families and the student. There is usually no formal academic entrance exam for typical Prep entry, though schools may assess readiness informally and consider support needs or language requirements (EAL/SEN) as part of the process. 4) Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are considered based on space and alignment with the cohort; families should contact the enrolments team to review availability and provide necessary transcripts, reports and school references. ⸻ 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - What type of student thrives at this school? - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - How does the school communicate with parents? - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - What support is available for academic challenges? - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - What transport and accessibility options are available? - What are typical school fees or additional costs? Answers are integrated throughout the sections above and are reinforced by the school’s published communications. Inquiries can be directed to the enrolments team for the most current details on programs, fees, and scheduling. ⸻ 10. Short Pros & Cons list Pros - Catholic values-based education with a nurturing, inclusive culture - Small-to-medium size promoting strong teacher-student relationships - Broad academic program with emphasis on literacy, numeracy and STEM - Rich extras: music, arts, robotics, coding, debating and sport - Robust wellbeing supports, house system and transition programs - Flexible transport options and available before/after care Cons - As a Catholic school, religious education and faith activities are central; families seeking a secular option may prefer non-religious settings - Class sizes, while small to medium, can vary; some families may experience larger cohorts in certain year levels - Fees are mid-range for non-government schools; families should review current fee schedules and any ancillary costs - Availability of places can be limited in popular intake years; mid-year transfers depend on space ⸻