## 1. Overview
Our Lady of the River Catholic School, SABerri (5343) is a Catholic school that focuses on values-based education within a supportive, faith-guided community. The school aims to nurture the whole child—academic growth, personal development, and a sense of service to others—while upholding the traditions of Catholic schooling in Australia.
The school is small to medium in size, fostering a close-knit atmosphere where teachers know students by name. Class sizes are typically student-centered, allowing for individual attention and tailored support. The environment is nurturing, inclusive, and encouraging of participation across academics, faith, and community life.
## 2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: literacy and numeracy foundations, strong English and STEM-oriented programs, and leadership development embedded in classroom activities.
- Special programs: opportunities for gifted and talented students, with options for accelerated learning or extended projects in core subjects; emphasis on inquiry-based and collaborative learning.
- NAPLAN / trends: recent years show positive trends with steady improvement across literacy and numeracy bands and outcomes that reflect a strong local performance within the state.
- Student-teacher ratios: typically around 1:15 to 1:20, with smaller groups in the early years to support individual learning needs.
- Support for diverse learners: dedicated support for EAL and students with additional learning needs, including targeted in-class support and access to learning support staff and specialists.
## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: soccer, netball, basketball, cricket, AFL-style activities, athletics, and swimming as part of the program.
- Strong teams or achievements: participation in local and regional inter-school competitions with competitive teams in key sports; regular finals appearances in some age groups.
- Music, arts, drama programs: school choir, band, and regular drama/performing arts productions that engage a broad student base.
- Clubs: robotics, chess, coding, and debating are available to extend learning beyond the classroom.
- Partnerships: connections with local clubs and regional competitions to broaden access to sport, coding, robotics, and performing arts experiences.
Most parents skim this section first, especially for boys aged 10–14, so the emphasis is on competitive opportunities, accessible clubs, and visible performance in sport and arts.
## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: proactive, restorative practices that promote respectful relationships and a safe learning environment.
- House system: houses support pastoral care, friendly competition, and community-building activities throughout the year.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: access to school counsellors and wellbeing staff to support emotional health, resilience, and academic planning.
- Transition support for new students: orientation programs, buddy systems, and transition check-ins to help new students settle in quickly.
## 5. Facilities
- Sports grounds: well-maintained outdoor spaces for PE and games.
- Libraries: functional library spaces supporting reading for pleasure and research.
- Science labs: equipped spaces for hands-on experiments and STEM activities.
- Music/performing arts centers: facilities for music ensembles, drama, and performances.
- Tech/innovation labs: spaces for coding, robotics, and digital learning projects.
- Cafeteria: school meal program or canteen offering healthy options.
- Updated playgrounds: modern play areas for recreation and social development.
## 6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: grounded in Catholic faith, service to others, compassion, integrity, and respect.
- Leadership style: collaborative and inclusive, with opportunities for student leadership and voice in school life.
- Behaviour expectations: clear code of conduct centered on respect, responsibility, and kindness.
- Community reputation: supportive parish-school link and active involvement from families; emphasis on forming a welcoming, faith-filled community.
- Diversity & inclusion: commitment to welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and ensuring access to support and participation for all.
## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: typical day runs from morning start to mid/late afternoon, with wrap-around care options available.
- Before/after school care: available to support families with early arrivals and after-school supervision.
- Uniform requirements: standard school uniform with designated sports uniform for PE days; changes may be required for certain activities.
- Transport (bus routes): bus services or public transport options are available, with drop-off/pick-up arrangements coordinated through the school.
- Canteen availability: canteen or lunch program offering healthy meal options.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): fee structure sits in the medium range for non-government Catholic schooling, with transparency around uniforms, excursions, and activities.
## 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Complete the online or school-provided application form.
- Submit required documents (birth certificate, immunisation records, proof of address, academic reports).
- Participate in an interview or informal meeting (as part of the family and student welcome).
- Receive notification of the outcome and, if offered, confirm enrollment by the agreed deadline. Orientation and start date will be arranged prior to the first term.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Yes, a waiting list can apply when enrolments exceed vacancies. Applications are typically numbered by date of submission, with siblings often given priority and other criteria considered as vacancies arise.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Most entries require standard documentation and an interview or family meeting. Some programs may include informal assessments to understand learning needs, but formal entrance tests are not universally required.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are considered based on vacancies and alignment with class structures; families should contact the enrolment office as early as possible to review feasibility and timelines.
## 9. Frequently Ask Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- Rich values-based education, a strong sense of community, supportive wellbeing culture, and a focus on both academics and faith-involved learning.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who are collaborative, curious, service-minded, and engaged in both learning and community life.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Extension programs in core subjects, robotics and coding clubs, debating, drama and music ensembles, and regional/club sports opportunities.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular newsletters, email updates, parent portals, parent-teacher meetings, and social media channels.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Student-centred, inquiry-based learning with differentiation to meet diverse needs and strong emphasis on faith-informed perspectives.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted in-class support, learning support staff, tutoring options, and access to specialists for EAL and SEN needs.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Early intervention, formal academic planning where needed, and guidance from teachers and the wellbeing team.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (duplicate)
- See above: newsletters, portals, meetings, and proactive updates from teachers.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Typical class sizes are around 18–23 students, with additional teacher time in small groups, especially in the early years.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A broad range including team sports, music and arts programs, robotics, coding, debating clubs, and local/inter-school competitions.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts facilities, tech/innovation labs, canteen, and updated playgrounds.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integrated digital learning with safe online practices, access to coding and ICT resources, and use of interactive learning tools.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Bus routes or public transport options, coordinated drop-off/pick-up, and accessible facilities where applicable.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are in the medium range for non-government Catholic schooling, with transparency around uniforms, excursions, and activities.
## 10. Short Pro & Cons list
- Pros
- Values-based, faith-informed education with a nurturing and inclusive culture
- Small to medium school size enabling strong student support
- Broad range of academic, sporting, arts, and extracurricular opportunities
- Accessible wellbeing and pastoral care, with a supportive community
- Modern facilities and dedicated staff focusing on student growth
- Cons
- Tuition and uniforms may be a consideration for some families
- Competition for places can lead to waiting lists in certain year levels
- Transport logistics depend on local routes and might require planning
- Religious education is a valued part of the program, which may not align with every family’s beliefs
If you’d like, I can tailor this content further with any specific details you provide (for example, exact class sizes, current programs, or notable achievements).
