## 1. Overview
Our Lady of Lourdes Primary – Seven Hills is a Catholic, co‑educational primary school that serves families in Seven Hills, NSW. The school combines a faith‑based, values‑driven program with a nurturing, community‑oriented atmosphere. It is a small to medium‑sized school that focuses on creating welcoming relationships among students, families, and staff.
Class sizes are typically in the mid‑range for NSW Catholic primary settings, fostering plenty of opportunities for teacher‑student interaction. The environment emphasises inclusivity, respect, and collaboration, with an emphasis on developing strong moral character alongside academic achievement.
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## 2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: Strong focus on literacy and numeracy, with integrated religious education, STEM/ inquiry‑based learning, and opportunities for leadership development within the classroom.
- Special programs: Gifted & Talented pathways, accelerated learning options where appropriate, and Catholic Education‑driven programs that integrate faith with learning.
- NAPLAN / Ofsted trends: NSW‑specific performance data show positive trends over recent years, with steady progress and sustained attainment relative to state benchmarks. Ofsted is not applicable in Australia; the school’s performance is tracked via NSW reporting and Catholic Education indicators.
- Student‑teacher ratios: Typical class sizes support attentive teaching, with ratios around 1:20–1:28 in primary grades and additional learning support where needed.
- Support for diverse learners: Strong EAL/D support and targeted SEN assistance; access to learning support staff, inclusive education practices, and differentiated instruction.
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## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: Soccer, netball, basketball, cricket, athletics, and other inter‑school activities.
- Strong teams or achievements: Regular participation in inter‑school events with opportunities to contribute to school‑level teams and squads.
- Music, arts, drama programs: School music ensembles, choir, and opportunities in drama and performance areas.
- Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating clubs, and other inquiry‑based activities.
- Partnerships: Links with local clubs and Catholic Education of Parramatta or broader diocesan programs, enabling participation in regional competitions and events.
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## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti‑bullying approach: Proactive anti‑bullying policies with restorative practices and clear codes of conduct to foster safe, respectful environments.
- House system: A house framework supports teamwork, leadership opportunities, and school spirit through friendly intra‑school competition.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school wellbeing staff or counsellors to support student mental health, resilience, and social development.
- Transition support for new students: Welcome programs, buddy systems, and transitional activities to help new students settle into the school community and routines.
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## 5. Facilities
- Sports grounds: On‑site playing fields or courts suitable for a range of physical activities.
- Libraries: A dedicated library/resource centre to support reading and research.
- Science labs: Equipped spaces for practical science work and hands‑on experiments.
- Music/performing arts centers: Facilities or spaces for music, drama, and performances.
- Tech/innovation labs: Computers or iPad/computer labs supporting digital learning and coding activities.
- Cafeteria: On‑site canteen or food service for daily lunch options.
- Updated playgrounds: Safe, well‑maintained outdoor play spaces for recess and lunch activities.
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## 6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: Faith‑centered education focusing on service, integrity, respect, responsibility, and community.
- Leadership style: Collaborative leadership with opportunities for student voice, peer mentoring, and leadership roles within classrooms and student groups.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear behavioural expectations grounded in respect, responsibility, and kindness; consistent routines and positive reinforcement.
- Community reputation: Strong parish connections and a reputation for a caring, supportive environment where families feel welcome.
- Diversity & inclusion: Inclusive culture that welcomes families from diverse backgrounds and supports accessibility for all students.
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## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typical school day starts in the morning and finishes in the early afternoon (start around 8:30am, finish around 3:00pm; exact times may vary by year/group).
- Before/after school care: Availability of before/after school care or supervision programs.
- Uniform requirements: Formal school uniform policy with appropriate daily wear and seasonal adjustments.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Access to local transport options with school transport arrangements or recommended routes; safe drop‑off/pick‑up procedures.
- Canteen availability: On‑site canteen or lunch facilities offering daily options.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are in the moderate range for NSW Catholic primary schools, with potential additional costs for excursions, events, and items such as uniforms.
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## 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Families submit an enrolment application via the school or diocese portal, with an expected intake cycle (often Kindergarten first). The timeline typically includes submission, documentation, and interviews/assessments, followed by notification of placement.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- There is often a waiting list for limited vacancies. Applications are considered according to the diocese’s admissions policy, with priority given to enrolled parishioners and sibling considerations where applicable.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry generally requires documentation (birth certificate, immunisation records, baptism/catholic confirmation information if applicable) and may include an interview or discussion to understand fit with the school’s Catholic ethos and community expectations.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Yes, subject to vacancies and a smooth transition plan; mid‑year transfers are assessed case‑by‑case with consideration of current class sizes and curriculum continuity.
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## 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A values‑driven Catholic education with a supportive, close‑knit community and strong focus on faith, learning, and character.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who are engaged in learning, values‑driven, and receptive to collaborative, inclusive classroom environments.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Academic extension through Gifted & Talented programs, competitive sports, music and drama programs, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular newsletters, parent portals, emails, phone calls, and scheduled information nights; ongoing updates from teachers and leadership.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Differentiated instruction with a focus on literacy and numeracy, inquiry‑based learning, and integration of faith with daily learning.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted learning support, small‑group instruction, EAL/D services, and access to learning support staff.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Individualised support plans, classroom accommodations, and connections to specialist staff as needed.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- See above; multiple channels are used to keep families informed.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes typically around 20–28 students, with differentiated instruction and opportunities for targeted teacher attention.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports, music and drama programs, plus clubs like robotics, coding, chess, and debating.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, library, science labs, performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, canteen, and well‑kept playgrounds.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of digital tools, computer labs or device‑based learning, and safe, purposeful use of technology within the curriculum.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local transport options and/or school organise safe drop‑off/pick‑up; accessible entry and loading zones where applicable.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are moderate for NSW Catholic primary schools; additional costs may include excursions, uniforms, and voluntary contributions.
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## 10. Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Strong Catholic values and inclusive, caring culture
- Balanced focus on academics, faith formation, and wellbeing
- Supportive environment with targeted assistance for diverse learners
- Active extracurricular program including sports, arts, and clubs
- Positive parent communication and community involvement
- Cons
- As a small/medium Catholic school, opportunities may be fewer than larger systems in some specialist areas
- Wait lists can occur for popular intake years or specialties
- Uniforms and certain excursions can add ongoing costs
- Availability of mid‑year transfer places is subject to vacancies
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