Our Lady of The Rosary Catholic Primary School - Kensington

## 1. Overview Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary School is a Catholic, co-educational primary school serving families in Kensington, NSW. It combines faith-inspired learning with a focus on student wellbeing, helping children develop academically, socially and morally in a supportive community. The school aims to nurture curious, compassionate learners who contribute positively to their communities. - School type: Catholic private primary - School size: Medium - Class size: Typically around 22–26 students per class - Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, academically focused, with strong pastoral care ⸻ ## 2. Academics & Learning The school emphasises strong literacy and numeracy foundations alongside faith-based education, with opportunities to grow across core and creative subjects. - Academic strengths: Literacy and numeracy, Religious Education, integrated inquiry projects, visual and performing arts, and early STEM exposure - Special programs: Gifted and Talented or enrichment opportunities; targeted literacy and numeracy interventions; inclusive education practices - NAPLAN / trends: Expect stable to improving trends over recent years, with solid performance in reading and numeracy relative to state averages; check the latest school report for specifics - Student-teacher ratios: Approximately 1:18–1:24, depending on grade level and class mix - Support for diverse learners: EAL support where needed; SEN support and Individual Learning Plans; emphasis on inclusive education practices ⸻ ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths A broad range of activities supports physical development, teamwork and personal interests. - Sports offered: Soccer, basketball, netball, rugby league, cricket, athletics; playground and PE-focused activities - Strong teams or achievements: Participation in local inter-school events and diocesan competitions; school carnivals and showcases - Music, arts, drama programs: School choir, instrumental involvement, music groups, drama productions and annual performances - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating and other STEM or academic clubs - Partnerships: Local community and diocesan sports programs; opportunities to compete in inter-school events and related competitions ⸻ ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care Wellbeing and pastoral care are central to a positive school experience, with systems designed to support every student. - Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies, proactive supports, and restorative practices to foster respectful relationships - House system: Typically operates a house system to promote belonging, leadership opportunities and healthy competition - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school wellbeing staff or a guidance counselor to support students’ emotional and social health - Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy programs and transition support to help new students settle ⸻ ## 5. Facilities Facilities are designed to support learning across a range of environments. - Sports grounds: On-site play and athletic spaces suitable for daily activity and events - Libraries: Well-stocked library with reading corners and study spaces - Science labs: Dedicated spaces for hands-on experiments and inquiry - Music/performing arts centers: Space for rehearsals, performances and concerts - Tech/innovation labs: Basic makerspace or digital learning resources - Cafeteria: On-site canteen providing healthy meal options - Updated playgrounds: Modern play equipment and safe outdoor spaces ⸻ ## 6. School Values & Community Culture The school fosters values-driven education within a faith-informed community. - School values / mission: Faith, compassion, service, respect, integrity and community - Leadership style: Collaborative, inclusive, with opportunities for student voice and leadership roles - Behaviour expectations: Clear, positive behavior expectations supported by restorative approaches - Community reputation: Strong parish connections and a welcoming, supportive environment for families - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to welcoming families from diverse backgrounds and ensuring accessibility ⸻ ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations Key day-to-day information to help families plan around school life. - School hours: Typical school day runs from morning start around 8:30am to afternoon finish around 3:00pm - Before/after school care: Available via on-site or partner providers; wrap-around care options - Uniform requirements: School uniform (seasonal variations may apply) with clear guidelines - Transport: Accessible by public transport; school bus or route options may vary; consider nearby train/bus services and parking - Canteen availability: Canteen or lunch program with healthy options on several days - Fees: Fees generally in the low–medium range for Catholic primary schools ⸻ ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions If you’re considering enrolling, here’s a typical pathway and what to expect. - 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? Submit an enquiry/application, provide required documents (birth date, custody/parish information, baptism proof if applicable), attend open day or intake meeting, complete enrolment forms, wait for space availability and offer; upon acceptance, complete necessary paperwork and orientation steps - 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? Yes, waiting lists may apply; priority often given to siblings and parish connections; spaces allocated as they become available - 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? Catholic identity and community fit are considered; may involve documentation, short interview or conversation with staff; readiness for school readiness is assessed - 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? Yes, subject to space and placement; mid-year applications are reviewed with spacing and staffing considerations ⸻ ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - Strong community feel, supportive pastoral care, solid academic program, and visible faith-based values integrated into daily learning. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Curious, respectful students who benefit from a balanced program of academics, faith formation, and social development. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Enrichment programs, STEM and arts activities, clubs (robotics, chess, coding, debating), and competitive sports opportunities. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular newsletters, emails, a school portal, parent-teacher meetings, and open days; emphasis on accessible and timely communication. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Student-centered learning with focus on literacy, numeracy and inquiry; differentiation to meet diverse needs; integration of faith and values. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted interventions, small-group support, EAL and SEN supports, and ongoing progress monitoring. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Reading and maths support, extension opportunities for advanced learners, and collaboration with families to develop learning plans. - How does the school communicate with parents? (repeat) - See above: multiple channels including portal, newsletters, and meetings; open lines for conversations with teachers. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Typical class sizes around 22–26 students; teachers provide frequent feedback and differentiation to support individual needs. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - Wide range of sports, music, arts, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts facilities, and tech/innovation spaces. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of digital learning tools, age-appropriate tech use, and opportunities to develop digital literacy skills. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Access via public transport; school may offer bus routes depending on the area; check current transport options with the school. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees in the low–medium range for Catholic primary schools; additional costs may apply for camps, excursions, or activities. ⸻ ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Strong community and pastoral care - Balanced focus on faith, academics and character - Broad range of co-curricular activities - Solid facilities and resources for learning - Support for diverse learners and inclusive practices - Cons - Possible waitlists for popular year groups - Uniform and elective costs may add to overall fees - Limited mid-year transfer opportunities if spaces are filled - Transport options may vary depending on where families live ⸻