Our Lady’s is a Catholic Parish School - Craigieburn

## 1. Overview (1–2 paragraphs max) Our Lady’s Catholic Parish School in Craigieburn is a Catholic primary school that emphasises faith-filled learning and community. It is a mid-sized school that provides a warm, inclusive atmosphere where students are known and supported. Class sizes are designed to be manageable to foster strong teacher–student relationships, with a focus on academic growth, character development, and service to others within a faith-based context. The school cultivates a nurturing, supportive culture that values diversity, respect, and collaboration. It aims to balance academic rigour with spiritual formation, encouraging students to be thoughtful, compassionate, and resilient members of the broader Craigieburn community. ⸻ ## 2. Academics & Learning Our Lady’s offers a comprehensive curriculum aligned with the Australian Curriculum, with strengths across literacy, numeracy, and religious education. The school places emphasis on securing strong foundational skills while integrating critical thinking, digital literacy, and creative/problem-solving opportunities. Special programs include gifted/t gifted education pathways where appropriate, as well as opportunities to develop leadership and teamwork through school initiatives. NAPLAN and ongoing assessment trends show steady growth in literacy and numeracy over recent years, reflecting targeted teaching and student support. Student–teacher ratios are kept to a level that supports individual feedback and extension where needed. Support for diverse learners is a core priority, with EAL (English as an Additional Language) and SEN (Special Educational Needs) provisions to help all students access learning and reach their potential. ⸻ ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths Sports offered typically include netball, basketball, AFL/football, cricket, soccer, and athletics, with opportunities to represent the school in local and diocesan competitions. The school often fields strong teams in key sports and participates in school-wide athletics events. In addition to sport, there is a vibrant arts and music program, with regular opportunities in drama and performance. Clubs commonly offered include robotics, chess, coding, and debating, providing students with stimulating, hands-on experiences beyond the classroom. The school maintains partnerships with local clubs and community organizations to provide additional competitions, coaching, and enrichment experiences that broaden students’ horizons and talents. ⸻ ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care Wellbeing is central to school life. The anti-bullying approach emphasises a respectful, inclusive community, with clear codes of conduct and proactive student support. A house system supports positive belonging, teamwork, and healthy competition. Counsellors or wellbeing officers are available on-site to support students’ emotional and social development, with regular wellbeing programs and access to transition support for new students to help them settle in smoothly. The school emphasises proactive transition support for moving between year levels and into the broader school community. ⸻ ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds and play spaces for outdoor learning and physical education - Library with reading corners and research spaces - Science labs for hands-on experiments - Music and performing arts spaces or centres for ensembles and productions - Tech/innovation labs supporting digital learning and project work - Canteen facilities with students’ lunch options - Updated playgrounds and outdoor learning areas The facilities are designed to be visually engaging and easy to navigate, supporting a range of learning styles and activities. ⸻ ## 6. School Values & Community Culture The school’s values commonly reflect faith-based principles such as compassion, respect, responsibility, and integrity, integrated with a commitment to daily learning and service. Leadership is collaborative, with opportunities for student voices in student councils or peer leadership roles. Behaviour expectations are clear and consistently applied across the school, contributing to a positive school reputation within the community. The school promotes diversity and inclusion, welcoming families from varied backgrounds and faith traditions and fostering a sense of belonging for all students. ⸻ ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours typically run from a morning start to mid-afternoon finish, with specific start/end times published by the school each year. - Before/after school care is available to support families with working schedules. - Uniforms are required and are designed to be practical and durable for everyday school life. - Transport options include local bus routes, with information provided by the school and local transit authorities. - Canteen services are available, offering a range of healthy meal and snack options. - Fees are in the low to mid range for private Catholic primary schools in the area, with information provided during enrolment and on the school’s official communications. ⸻ ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Inquiries are welcomed throughout the year, with formal applications following the school’s prescribed timeline (often aligned with the academic year). - Families typically attend an information session/open day and submit an application with supporting documents (birth certificate, immunisation records, etc.). An enrolment interview or meeting with the principal or enrolment officer may be requested to discuss the family’s expectations and the child’s fit with the school community. - Offers of enrolment are typically made based on availability and alignment with school priorities; once offered, families complete the enrolment agreement and confirm placement by the due date. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - There can be a waiting list when applications exceed vacancy capacity. Priority is commonly given to siblings, parish families, and applicants who align with the school’s Catholic community priorities. The waiting list process is managed by the school and communicated to applicants with expected timelines. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Entry usually involves an interview or meeting with the principal/enrolment team. There are generally no formal standardised entrance tests for primary-aged students, though readiness discussions and information about the child’s strengths and needs are common. Documentation, immunisation records, and any applicable support plans may be reviewed. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Yes, mid-year transfers are often welcomed where vacancies exist. Transfer requests are assessed on a case-by-case basis, with documentation from the previous school and a smooth transition plan to support the student’s continuity of learning and wellbeing. ⸻ ## 9. Frequently Ask Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? Families often cite Catholic values, a caring community, strong academics, and attentive pastoral care as key reasons. The school’s emphasis on character, faith formation, and well-supported learning attracts families seeking a holistic primary education. - What type of student thrives at this school? Students who value faith-based community, collaborative learning, and opportunities to contribute to school life tend to thrive. The school supports a range of learners through inclusive practices and targeted supports. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? Opportunities include advanced literacy/numeracy initiatives, leadership roles, sport teams, music and drama programs, and clubs such as robotics, coding, and debating, plus local and diocesan competitions. - How does the school communicate with parents? Regular updates via newsletters, a digital learning platform, parent-teacher interviews, and open days. Frontline communications cover academic progress, wellbeing, and upcoming events. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? A balanced approach combines evidence-based teaching, differentiation to meet diverse needs, and ongoing assessment to guide instruction and feedback. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? Targeted small-group or one-on-one support, in-class adjustments, and access to EAL/SEN supports are provided to assist learners needing additional help. - What support is available for academic challenges? Early intervention, tutoring options, and referrals to specialist support services help students address academic challenges promptly. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated) See above: newsletters, portals, interviews, and structured updates. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? Class sizes are designed to be conducive to learning, with teachers providing ongoing feedback and targeted support to individual students within the classroom context. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? A range of sports (netball, basketball, AFL/football, cricket, soccer, athletics), arts and music programs, and clubs such as robotics, chess, coding, and debating. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts facilities, tech/innovation labs, canteen, and updated play spaces. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? Integrated digital learning across the curriculum, with age-appropriate use of devices, coding and ICT activities, and digital citizenship education. - What transport and accessibility options are available? Local transport options and bus routes are provided by transport authorities; the school supports accessibility and information is shared with families. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? Fees are in the low to mid range for private Catholic primary schools in the area, with additional costs for activities or specific programs outlined in the enrolment information. ⸻ ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Strong faith-based community with pastoral support - Medium-sized, close-knit school environment - Positive focus on literacy, numeracy, and holistic development - Range of extracurriculars: sports, arts, STEM clubs - Inclusive approach with EAL/SEN support - Clear values and behaviour framework fostering respectful culture - Cons - Limited to private/Catholic school option (not public) - Enrolment may involve waiting lists at peak times - Fees, while competitive for the sector, are an ongoing consideration for families - Transport logistics can depend on local routes and availability ⸻