## Overview
Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School is a Catholic primary school in Esperance, Western Australia, offering a values-based education in a close-knit community. The school focuses on faith, learning, and service, helping students grow as confident and caring individuals within a supportive environment.
- School type: Catholic primary school
- School size: small-to-medium
- Class size: typically modest (approximately 18–22 students per class)
- Atmosphere/culture: nurturing, inclusive, values-based
## Academics & Learning
The school emphasises strong foundations in literacy and numeracy while weaving faith and character education into everyday learning. There is a clear focus on student growth, curiosity, and practical applications of knowledge.
- Academic strengths: English, mathematics, science, and English/heritage literacy within a holistic curriculum; emphasis on reading comprehension and problem-solving; opportunities to develop leadership and critical thinking.
- Special programs: Religious Education as a core element; potential access to gifted and talented pathways and targeted able learners support; integration of faith-based service and community learning.
- NAPLAN trends: steady progress with trends showing improvement in key areas (reading, writing, numeracy) relative to regional and state contexts; emphasis on continuous improvement over time.
- Student-teacher ratios: small-to-medium class sizes with strong teacher-to-student contact and additional learning support where needed.
- Support for diverse learners: strong inclusivity framework with support for diverse learners, including assistance for students with English as an Additional Language (EAL) needs and numbers of support staff for learning support (SEN).
## Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
In Esperance, the school offers a broad mix of sports, arts, and clubs to suit a range of interests and talents. The emphasis is on participation, teamwork, and personal development.
- Sports offered: team sports such as netball, soccer, basketball, and athletics; opportunities in swimming and other local interschool activities.
- Strong teams or achievements: involvement in regional and interschool events; celebrates participation and sporting development across age groups.
- Music, arts, drama programs: choir and school concerts; opportunities to participate in music and performing arts events.
- Clubs: robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other curiosity-driven pursuits.
- Partnerships: connections with local clubs and regional competitions to broaden experiences and pathways in sport, arts, and STEM activities.
## Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
Wellbeing is central to student success, with programs designed to foster a safe, respectful, and inclusive school culture.
- Anti-bullying approach: proactive positive-behaviour systems and programs to promote respect, resilience, and online safety.
- House system: house-based culture to encourage camaraderie, leadership, and healthy, friendly competition.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: access to school wellbeing support and guidance for students and families.
- Transition support for new students: buddy programs, orientation sessions, and targeted transition help to ease start-of-year and year-to-year moves.
## Facilities
Facilities are designed to support a well-rounded education, with spaces for both academic learning and creative expression.
- Sports grounds
- Libraries
- Science labs
- Music/performing arts centers
- Tech/innovation labs
- Cafeteria
- Updated playgrounds
## School Values & Community Culture
The school fosters a community where faith, respect, and service are central to daily life and learning.
- School values / mission: faith-based values such as respect, compassion, service, and responsibility embedded in daily practice.
- Leadership style: collaborative and inclusive, with student voice and opportunities to lead in classroom and school activities.
- Behaviour expectations: clear, consistent standards focused on safety, respect, and accountability.
- Community reputation: a trusted part of the Esperance community with strong relationships among families, staff, and parish.
- Diversity & inclusion: welcoming environment for families from diverse backgrounds; inclusive practices in teaching and student support.
## School Logistics & Daily Operations
Practical details help families plan around school life.
- School hours: typical day runs from morning to afternoon with structured break times; before/after school arrangements available.
- Before/after school care: available or coordinated through on-site or local providers.
- Uniform requirements: standard school uniform with seasonal options; guidance on dress and presentation.
- Transport (bus routes): local transport arrangements and bus routes information available through the school or transport providers.
- Canteen availability: on-site canteen or approved snack options for students.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): fees for a Catholic primary school in a regional area are generally within a moderate range; exact figures provided by the school with yearly updates.
## Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Interested families typically begin with an information session or family inquiry, followed by an application and submission of required documents (birth certificate, immunisations, baptism (if applicable) and any parish details). The school reviews applications and invites families to an interview or meeting with leadership or teaching staff. Offers are issued for the upcoming intake year, with timelines varying by year and space availability.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Waiting lists may operate when vacancies are limited. In general, the school will place applicants on a waiting list and communicate expected timelines. Availability for enrolment can depend on space, parish considerations, and balance across cohorts; inquiries are encouraged early.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry usually involves a family interview or meeting with school leadership and/or teachers. There are typically no formal entrance exams for primary-aged students; schools may request basic information about the child’s previous schooling and learning needs, plus immunisation records. Baptism or parish considerations are common but not always mandatory.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are considered where space and staffing allow. Families should contact the school as soon as possible to discuss capacity, assessment needs, and required documentation (transcripts, reports, latest assessments).
## Frequently Ask Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A values-based Catholic environment, small class sizes, supportive staff, faith integration with learning, and a strong sense of community.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who respond well to a nurturing setting, value-based education, collaborative learning, and active involvement in school life, sports, and arts.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Strong core subjects with opportunities in reading, writing, numeracy, and STEM; participation in sports teams, music and performing arts, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular newsletters, emails, notices via school apps or portals, parent-teacher interviews, and open days; timely updates on student progress and school events.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Holistic, faith-informed education that combines core academic skills with character formation, differentiated instruction, and opportunities for inquiry-based learning.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- In-class support, targeted intervention, learning support staff, and coordinated programs for EAL and SEN needs.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Individual or small-group assistance from teachers and support staff, with pathways for extension or remediation as needed.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated)
- See above: newsletters, apps, emails, and parent-teacher meetings to ensure ongoing visibility into student progress and school life.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes are kept small to moderate, enabling frequent teacher-student interaction, tailored feedback, and closer monitoring of each student’s progress.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports (netball, soccer, basketball, athletics), music and arts programs, plus clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Modern facilities including sports grounds, a library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, and on-site catering and playgrounds.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of digital resources and age-appropriate technology in learning, with guidance on safe and responsible use and opportunities for independent and collaborative digital projects.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local transport options and convenient access for drop-offs; details about bus routes and accessibility are provided by the school and local providers.
- What are typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are in a moderate range for regional Catholic primary schools; additional costs may include uniforms, excursions, and supplies. Exact figures are provided by the school and updated annually.
## Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros:
- Strong sense of community and faith-based values
- Small-to-medium class sizes enabling individualized attention
- Holistic education with focus on core academics, wellbeing, and character
- Broad range of extracurriculars, arts, and sports
- Support for diverse learners and inclusive practices
- Cons:
- As a regional Catholic school, opportunities may be more limited than urban centers
- Availability of some programs can be contingent on staff and space
- Fees and uniform costs are a consideration for families; precise amounts vary by year
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