Our Lady of Victories Primary School

# Overview Our Lady of Victories Primary School (Shortland, NSW) is a Catholic primary school that focuses on values-based education within a nurturing, inclusive community. The school emphasizes a close-knit, family-like atmosphere where students are encouraged to grow academically, spiritually, and socially. - School type: Catholic - School size: Medium - Class size: Approximately 20–25 students per class - Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, faith-informed, with a focus on community and holistic development --- # Academics & Learning The school places strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy, with supportive programs to lift student outcomes and a faith-informed approach to learning. - Academic strengths: English, Mathematics, Religious Education, and foundational STEM/technology integration; emphasis on critical thinking and clear communication - Special programs: Gifted and Talented or enrichment opportunities where available; support for diverse learners; focus on inclusive education - NAPLAN / trends: Steady engagement in NAPLAN with ongoing efforts to improve literacy and numeracy; trends show progress over recent years - Student-teacher ratios: Generally around 1 teacher per 20–25 students, with additional support staff as needed - Support for diverse learners: EAL/D support, learning support teachers, targeted interventions, and small-group assistive strategies --- # Sports & Extracurricular Strengths Aussie and UK parents often prioritise opportunities beyond academics, and the school offers a range of options. - Sports offered: Athletics, soccer, cricket, rugby league, basketball, netball, and general fitness activities - Strong teams or achievements: Regular participation in local school sports events; opportunities to compete in parish/diocesan-level competitions - Music, arts, drama programs: Choir, school performances, music lessons, and opportunities in drama and performing arts - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other STEM/academic clubs as available - Partnerships: Local community clubs and diocesan activities; opportunities for external competitions and events --- # Wellbeing & Pastoral Care Pastoral care is central to student success, with systems in place to support emotional and social development. - Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policy, restorative practices, and wellbeing education incorporated into the curriculum - House system: House-based activities and competitions to build belonging and leadership - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school counsellors or wellbeing leaders for student support - Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy systems, and gradual integration processes --- # Facilities Facilities are designed to support a well-rounded education with spaces for learning, creativity, and recreation. - Sports grounds: External playing fields and courts - Libraries: On-site library with a range of books and literacy programs - Science labs: Dedicated spaces for hands-on science activities - Music/performing arts centers: Music room and space for performances - Tech/innovation labs: Computer/tech rooms for coding and digital learning - Cafeteria: On-site canteen or meal service options - Updated playgrounds: Safe, modern play areas for breaks and outdoor learning --- # School Values & Community Culture The school’s culture reflects its Catholic mission and a commitment to community, leadership, and inclusion. - School values / mission: Faith-based learning with a focus on respect, responsibility, compassion, and service - Leadership style: Collaborative, with opportunities for student voice and leadership roles - Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct aligned with school values; positive-behaviour supports - Community reputation: Strong ties with parish and local families; supportive parent community - Diversity & inclusion: Welcomes diverse families and strives to create an inclusive environment --- # School Logistics & Daily Operations Key daily logistics help families plan and participate in school life. - School hours: Typical primary-school day (e.g., 9:00 am–3:00 pm) with possible before/after care options - Before/after school care: OSHC or similar programs available - Uniform requirements: School uniform policy (and sports uniform for certain days/activities) - Transport (bus routes): Access via local bus routes and parent drop-off options; proximity to public transport - Canteen availability: Canteen or lunch-order service available - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are in the moderate range for Catholic primary schools; some costs for excursions and voluntary contributions --- # Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Applications are submitted to the school or through the parish; information sessions may be offered; an enrollment interview or tour is commonly part of the process; confirmation of placement typically follows after documents and eligibility checks 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Some years may have a waiting list; priority often given to siblings, parishioners, and families with prior connections; families are notified by email or phone about their status 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Typically includes an interview or tour; may require proof of immunisation, baptism status (depending on policies), and basic documentation; no formal standardized tests for primary-age entry, though literacy/numeracy snapshot activities may occur 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Yes, subject to vacancy and placement availability; transfer requires documentation (academic records, immunisation status, and other parish/school forms) and may include a transition plan for the new student --- # Frequently Ask Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A values-based Catholic education in a supportive, family-like community with a focus on holistic development and strong pastoral care. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who value a faith-informed, collaborative environment, and who respond well to a supportive learning culture with emphasis on literacy, numeracy, and social development. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Enriched literacy and numeracy work, STEM and technology integration, music and performing arts, debating, robotics and coding clubs, and a range of sports teams and competitions. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular newsletters, emails, a school app or portal, and parent-teacher interviews; updates on events and student progress are common. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A combination of explicit instruction and student-centered inquiry; differentiation to meet diverse needs; integration of faith-based perspectives into learning; emphasis on digital literacy and responsible use of technology. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Access to learning support staff, targeted interventions, EAL/D support, and small-group tutoring or remediation where required. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Early identification, personalised learning plans, and collaboration with families to implement effective strategies and progress monitoring. - How does the school communicate with parents? - (Duplicate) See above: through newsletters, portals, and direct communication with teachers and leadership. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes typically around 20–25 students, with opportunities for individual feedback and small-group support from teachers and support staff. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - Wide range across sports, arts, robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other clubs; participation in local and parish competitions. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, technology/innovation labs, and rehearsal/performing areas. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integrated digital literacy across the curriculum, use of interactive teaching tools, and appropriate supervision for technology use; opportunities in coding and media creation. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Bus routes and local transport options; parent drop-off zones; accessible facilities where applicable. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees are moderate for Catholic primary schools; some additional costs for excursions, voluntary contributions, and uniform items. --- # Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Values-based Catholic education within a supportive community - Medium-sized school with a focus on individual attention and inclusivity - Range of academic, sporting, arts, and STEM opportunities - Strong wellbeing, pastoral care, and transition support - Active parental engagement and parish connections - Cons - As a Catholic school, religious affiliation is a core aspect; families seeking secular education might prefer other options - Enrolment capacity may be limited in certain year levels, potentially leading to waiting lists - Additional costs for excursions, uniform, and activities beyond standard fees - Availability of mid-year transfers depends on vacancies and may require adjustment for the new term