Our Lady of Good Counsel School

Overview

Our Lady of Good Counsel School Wakarrinyup is a Catholic, independent primary school community serving families in the northern suburbs of Perth. The school emphasizes a faith-based education within a nurturing, inclusive atmosphere, helping students grow academically, morally and socially.

The school is medium-sized, offering a welcoming, close-knit feel with class sizes typically in the low-to-mid 20s. This fosters strong teacher–student relationships and active student participation in learning and school life.

Academics & Learning

• Academic strengths: Strong literacy and numeracy emphasis with solid STEM and humanities foundations; English, mathematics and a language program are well supported, along with opportunities to develop leadership and critical thinking skills.
• Special programs: Catholic faith formation, leadership opportunities, and pathways for gifted and talented students. Some year levels offer accelerated or enriched learning options where appropriate.
• Support for diverse learners: Dedicated support for EAL (English as an Additional Language) learners and SEN (Special Educational Needs) support, plus access to learning support staff and targeted interventions.

Sports & Extracurricular Strengths

• Sports offered: Soccer, netball, basketball, AFL-style programs, athletics and swimming are commonly available, with opportunities for participation across year levels.
• Strong teams or achievements: Frequent participation in interschool competitions and local sporting fixtures, with emphasis on teamwork, sportsmanship and personal development.
• Music, arts, drama programs: Active music program (instrumental lessons and choir), drama productions and visual arts activities that complement classroom learning.
• Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating and various curiosity-based clubs to broaden skills beyond core subjects.
• Partnerships: Connections with local sporting clubs, community arts venues and interschool competitions to provide broader experiences and showcase student talents.

Wellbeing & Pastoral Care

• Anti-bullying approach: Clear policies and restorative practices designed to foster a safe, respectful school culture where concerns are addressed promptly.
• House system: A house-based structure supports belonging, leadership opportunities and positive competition.
• Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school-based counsellors or wellbeing staff to support emotional health, resilience and transition needs.
• Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems and targeted transition activities to help new students settle in smoothly.

Facilities

• Sports grounds: On-site sports fields and multi-use spaces for physical education and extracurricular activity.
• Libraries: Well-resourced library accessible for reading, research and quiet study.
• Science labs: Dedicated laboratories to support practical science learning and experiments.
• Music/performing arts centers: Space for music practice, rehearsals and performances.
• Tech/innovation labs: Access to technology-enabled learning environments and digital projects.
• Cafeteria: On-site canteen or lunch facilities supporting healthy meal options.
• Updated playgrounds: Safe and engaging outdoor play spaces supporting active breaks and physical development.

School Values & Community Culture

• School values / mission: Grounded in Catholic values such as respect, responsibility, compassion and faith-based service.
• Leadership style: Collaborative leadership with opportunities for student voice, peer leadership and teacher-facilitated guidance.
• Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct emphasizing respect for self, others and the school environment, with consistent consequences and positive reinforcement.
• Community reputation: Known as a welcoming, family-focused community that values involvement and open communication with families.
• Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to an inclusive environment that respects diverse backgrounds and needs.

School Logistics & Daily Operations

• School hours: Typical start and finish times align with standard WA primary schedules (morning start around 8:30am and afternoon finish around 3:00pm), with slight variations by year level.
• Before/after school care: Available options to support working families, including supervision before and after the school day.
• Uniform requirements: Formal school uniform policy, including summer and winter options, with logo embroidery and appropriate footwear. Sport uniform for physical education or extra-curricular activities.
• Transport (train/bus routes): Access to public transport options and nearby bus routes; convenient drop-off/pick-up arrangements for families in surrounding suburbs.
• Canteen availability: On-site or approved canteen facilities offering healthy meal and snack options during school breaks.
• Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are positioned in the mid-range for WA Catholic independent primary schools, with information provided transparently at enrolment.

Enrolment & Admissions

1. What is the enrolment process and timeline?

• Inquire with the school, submit an application, and participate in any required information sessions or interviews. The school will review applications and provide timelines for shortlisting, offers, and the start of the school year or term.

1. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?

• Yes, there is often a waiting list for some year levels. Allocation follows the school's enrolment policy, with priority given to siblings and parish/Catholic community considerations, and families may be asked to confirm continued interest or place a deposit when a space becomes available.

1. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?

• Entry may involve an information session, parent interview and student readiness discussion. Some year levels may include a brief assessment to understand learning needs and placement, along with ensuring alignment with the school’s values and programs.

1. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?

• Yes, mid-year transfers are considered when space permits. Prospective families should contact the enrolments team to discuss availability and the transfer process, including documentation and transition planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why parents choose this school: A strong sense of community, Catholic values in daily learning, supportive staff and a focus on holistic development (academic, faith, wellbeing) in a medium-sized setting.
• What type of student thrives here?: Students who respond well to a nurturing, inclusive environment with opportunities for leadership, service, sport, arts and academic challenge.
• What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?: Enrichment through targeted programs, leadership opportunities, clubs (robotics, coding, debating), sports teams and performing arts productions.
• How does the school communicate with parents?: Regular newsletters, parent portals, concerts, information evenings and open channels with teachers and leadership.
• What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?: Student-centered learning with religious education integrated, evidence-based literacy and numeracy teaching, differentiated instruction and supportive learning environments.
• How does the school support students who need extra academic help?: Targeted interventions, learning support staff, EAL and SEN support, and ongoing progress monitoring.
• What support is available for academic challenges?: Access to tutoring, small-group instruction and collaboration between teachers and specialists to address gaps.
• How does the school communicate with parents? (duplicate): See above; ongoing updates and opportunities for direct conversations with teachers and leaders.
• What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?: Wide range of clubs and sports across year levels, including robotics, chess, coding, debating, and interschool sports.
• What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?: Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation facilities, canteen and modern outdoor play areas.
• What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?: Integrated technology across the curriculum, digital literacy, and age-appropriate use of devices to enhance learning.
• What transport and accessibility options are available?: Bus routes and public transport access with convenient drop-off/pick-up arrangements.
• What are the typical school fees or additional costs?: Fees are mid-range for WA Catholic independent schools, with information available from the enrolments team.

Short Pros & Cons list

• Pros:

- Catholic, values-driven education in a supportive, medium-sized community - Strong literacy and numeracy foundations with diverse learning supports - Wide range of extracurriculars (sports, arts, clubs) and leadership opportunities - Positive wellbeing, anti-bullying culture and transition support for new students - Good facilities across science, arts, tech and recreation

• Cons:

- As a medium-sized school, demand for popular year levels can create waitlists - Uniforms and scheduled timetables may require adherence to specific dress codes - Parental involvement and communication channels can vary in frequency depending on year level and activity