## Overview
Our Lady of Good Counsel School Gatton is a Catholic, co-educational learning community serving families in the Gatton region. The school emphasises faith-informed learning, character development, and inclusive education in a close-knit, family-friendly setting. As a small to medium-sized school, class sizes are designed to support individual attention and strong relationships between students, teachers, and families, helping to create a warm and supportive atmosphere that values each student’s growth.
The school combines academic rigour with a values-driven culture that encourages service, respect, and community involvement. Students benefit from a welcoming environment that fosters spiritual development, practical learning, and active participation in school life, both inside and outside the classroom.
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## Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: strong focus on literacy and numeracy with integrated STEM, English, and humanities learning; emphasis on religious education as part of a holistic curriculum; opportunities to develop leadership skills through classroom and student-led activities.
- Special programs: leadership development opportunities, and pathways for gifted and talented students; structured differentiation and acceleration where appropriate.
- NAPLAN / trends: steady progress in reading and numeracy over recent years, with continued focus on writing and comprehension; trends show ongoing improvement through targeted teaching strategies.
- Student-teacher ratios: small to moderate class sizes enabling more individualized support; approximate ranges commonly align with 1:12–1:22 depending on year level.
- Support for diverse learners: dedicated support for diverse needs, including programs for EAL (English as an Additional Language) learners and SEN (special educational needs) support, with intervention and inclusive practices to help every student progress.
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## Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: a broad range of team and individual sports typical for the region, including options such as cricket, netball, football (soccer), rugby-related activities, athletics, and swimming, with PE programs reinforcing healthy, active lifestyles.
- Strong teams or achievements: active participation in regional competitions with school teams regularly competing and achieving results across various age groups.
- Music, arts, drama programs: active music and performing arts offerings, including school ensembles or choirs and opportunities to participate in drama productions and showcases.
- Clubs: robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other after-school clubs that promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.
- Partnerships: connections with local clubs, community groups, and regional competitions to broaden experiences and opportunities for students to excel beyond the classroom.
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## Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: proactive, school-wide anti-bullying policies with restorative practices and student support networks; emphasis on respect, empathy, and safe environments.
- House system: house-based structure to foster belonging, teamwork, and healthy competition across activities and wellbeing programs.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: dedicated staff focused on student wellbeing, with access to counselling and wellbeing support as part of the school’s pastoral care.
- Transition support for new students: orientation programs, buddy/mentoring arrangements, and family information sessions to ease transition and help students settle in quickly.
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## Facilities
- Sports grounds: well-maintained playing fields and outdoor spaces for physical education and sports.
- Libraries: welcoming libraries with age-appropriate resources and study areas.
- Science labs: equipped laboratories to support hands-on science learning and experiments.
- Music/performing arts centers: spaces for music lessons, rehearsals, and performances.
- Tech/innovation labs: classroom and lab spaces for technology, coding, and STEAM activities.
- Cafeteria: on-site canteen or dining area offering healthy meal options.
- Updated playgrounds: modern outdoor play equipment and safe recreation spaces.
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## School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: Catholic faith-based education centred on service, integrity, compassion, and social responsibility; emphasis on developing the whole person.
- Leadership style: collaborative leadership with opportunities for student voice and teacher leadership; supportive, approachable staff.
- Behaviour expectations: clear expectations around respectful behaviour, responsibility, and positive discipline; restorative approaches to addressing conflicts.
- Community reputation: trusted, family-oriented school with strong ties to the local Gatton community; emphasis on inclusion and parental involvement.
- Diversity & inclusion: welcoming environment for students from diverse backgrounds and faiths; commitment to inclusive practices and equitable access to opportunities.
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## School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: typical school day runs during standard daytime hours with variations for early/late start days; check current term schedule.
- Before/after school care: available or arranged through associated facilities; supervision provided outside normal hours.
- Uniform requirements: school uniform policy with specific guidelines provided on enrolment; routines emphasise neat, practical attire.
- Transport (bus routes): regional transport options or bus services available to support families; information on routes and schedules provided by the school.
- Canteen availability: canteen or lunch options available, often focusing on healthy choices and convenient meal options.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): fees vary by year level and program; families are encouraged to contact the school for a current fee schedule and any additional costs.
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## Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Students can submit an application through the school’s enrolment process. After initial documentation is reviewed, families may be invited to an information session or open day. An interview (with parents and the student) is typically part of the process, along with providing required documents (birth certificate, immunisation records, baptism details if applicable). Offers are made for available places, followed by confirmation of acceptance and submission of any required fees. Timelines vary by intake year and vacancy, so it’s best to contact the school’s enrolment team for a current schedule.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Places are limited, so a waiting list is common when vacancies are filled. The school usually manages the waitlist by considering factors such as sibling priority, availability, and enrolment policies. Families on the waiting list are kept informed about their position and any changes in vacancy status.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- An enrolment interview is typical, sometimes accompanied by a short assessment or discussion to understand the student’s needs and fit with the school programs. Immunisation records and relevant school documentation are usually required. Baptism or religious affiliation is not always a prerequisite, but Catholic identity and alignment with school values are considered.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are possible subject to vacancies and transfer documentation (transcripts, immunisation records, etc.). Families interested in a mid-year move should contact the enrolment team as early as possible to review availability and the transfer process.
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## Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A close-knit Catholic community with supportive teachers, small class sizes, and a focus on values-based education, academic growth, and student wellbeing.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who are engaged, enjoy a faith-informed learning environment, participate in community life, and benefit from personalised attention and opportunities to lead and contribute.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- A range of academic programs, leadership roles, sports teams, music and drama opportunities, and clubs such as robotics, chess, coding, and debating.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Through emails, newsletters, a school app or portal, parent-teacher interviews, and regular updates about events and student progress.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Student-centred, differentiated instruction with an emphasis on literacy, numeracy, and holistic development, integrated with Catholic values and community engagement.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted learning support, intervention programs, EAL and SEN assistance, and progress monitoring to tailor support to individual needs.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Access to learning support staff, small-group or one-on-one interventions, and collaboration with families to plan support strategies.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (repeated)
- See above: regular updates via newsletters, emails, and school communication platforms; parent-teacher meetings and information sessions.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes are small to medium, designed to enable more individualized attention and active teacher-student interaction; actual numbers vary by year level.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A broad spectrum of sports, music and drama programs, and clubs such as robotics, chess, coding, and debating; opportunities to participate in regional and local competitions.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Modern 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 technology across the curriculum with classroom devices, digital learning tools, and opportunities for coding and ICT experiences.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Regional transport options or school-arranged bus services, with clear information on routes and drop-off points; accessible facilities and support for students with mobility needs.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees vary by year level and program; contact the school for a current breakdown and information about any additional costs or subsidies.
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## Short Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong Catholic values and faith-based learning integrated with academics
- Small to medium class sizes for personalized attention
- Supportive, family-like community with active parental involvement
- Wide range of extracurriculars (sports, arts, clubs, leadership)
- Inclusive environment with EAL and SEN support
Cons
- Rural/regional location may mean fewer specialist subjects or course options than larger urban schools
- Fees and uniform costs require budgeting and ongoing commitment
- Availability of mid-year transfers depends on vacancy; spaces can be limited
- Busy periods around enrolment and school events may require planning in advance
