1. Overview
Our Lady's Primary School, Wangaratta is a Catholic, co-educational primary school that emphasizes both faith and learning within a caring community. The school typically operates as a small to medium-sized campus with multiple classes across Prep to Year 6, offering a close-knit environment where students are known well by teachers and staff.
Class sizes are generally in the low-to-mid 20s, promoting strong teacher-student relationships and personalised feedback. The atmosphere is nurturing and inclusive, with a culture that values faith, character development, and teamwork alongside academic progress.
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2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: Strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy, with integrated faith-based learning that supports personal growth and ethical understanding. Opportunities for enrichment in STEM, English, and creative arts are commonly part of the curriculum.
- Special programs: Religious education forms a core part of daily life, alongside pastoral care and opportunities for extension in core subjects as appropriate for students’ needs.
- NAPLAN trends: Schools of this type typically monitor NAPLAN progress to identify year-to-year improvements and target supports for literacy and numeracy, using results to inform teaching practices and differentiation.
- Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes commonly support a favourable teacher-to-student ratio, with additional support staff available to assist learners as needed.
- Support for diverse learners: Strong inclusive education approach, with targeted support for EAL learners and students with additional learning needs through in-class differentiation and targeted interventions.
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3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: Typical offerings include team sports such as soccer, netball, cricket, and AFL-aligned activities, plus athletics and cross-country programs throughout the year.
- Strong teams or achievements: Schools in this category often participate in interschool events and community competitions, with emphasis on participation, teamwork, and healthy competition.
- Music, arts, drama: Regular programs in music and performing arts; opportunities to participate in choir, solo performance, and school productions.
- Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other inquiry-based clubs are commonly available to extend learning beyond the classroom.
- Partnerships: Partnerships with local sporting clubs, community programs, and regional interschool events help provide additional pathways for athletics and arts participation.
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4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Proactive, whole-school anti-bullying and safety programs, with clear expectations and a supportive reporting framework.
- House system: A house or team structure supporting belonging, friendly competition, and recognition across activities.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to wellbeing staff or school counselors to support mental health, resilience, and social-emotional learning.
- Transition support for new students: Structured orientation, buddy programs, and targeted support to help new families settle in smoothly.
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5. Facilities
- Sports grounds: On-site outdoor play areas and fields suitable for physical education and interschool sports.
- Libraries: Dedicated library space supporting independent reading, research, and borrowing.
- Science labs: Functional spaces for hands-on experiments and STEM activities.
- Music/performing arts centers: Areas for music practice, rehearsals, and small productions.
- Tech/innovation labs: Rooms or makerspaces supporting coding, design, and digital learning.
- Cafeteria: School canteen facilities for healthy, affordable meals and snacks.
- Updated playgrounds: Modern, safe play areas that encourage active break times.
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6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: A faith-informed mission focusing on respect, compassion, integrity, service, and community engagement.
- Leadership style: Collaborative and student-friendly, with opportunities for student voice in appropriate contexts.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct emphasizing respect for self, others, and property; consistent positive reinforcements and restorative approaches.
- Community reputation: Strong parish and parent-community connections, with a sense of belonging and shared responsibility for students’ growth.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to welcoming families from diverse backgrounds and ensuring opportunities are accessible to all students.
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7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typical start and finish times aligned with the local school calendar, with structured routines to support learning continuity.
- Before/after school care: Accessible options or partnerships for before and after school care to support families.
- Uniform requirements: Registered school uniform policy with specified attire for daily wear and physical education.
- Transport: Information on bus routes or public transport connections; guidance on drop-off and pick-up arrangements.
- Canteen availability: On-site canteen or lunch service offering healthy options.
- Fees: Fee ranges are generally aligned with public and Catholic school expectations in the region; families can expect modest, predictable annual or term-based costs with potential additional costs for excursions and activities.
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8. Enrolment & Admissions
- 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Begin with an expression of interest and completing the school’s application or enrolment form.
- Attend an information/open day and submit required documents (birth certificates, custodial/guardian information, immunisation status, parish details where applicable).
- Seat allocation is confirmed following the school’s intake timeline, with formal notification of placement and any accompanying fees or forms to complete.
- 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- If enrolments exceed capacity, a waiting list is established. The school will communicate the process, expected wait times, and how priority might be determined (e.g., siblings, parish connections).
- 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Most Catholic primary schools do not require formal academic entrance tests for enrolment. An interview or conversation with the family and, for some year levels, a short meeting with the child may be held to understand needs, interests, and fit with the school’s program.
- 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are considered based on space availability and readiness of the student to integrate into the current year level. Families should contact the enrolment officer as early as possible to discuss options and the transfer timetable.
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9. Frequently Ask Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A faith-based environment, strong sense of community, focus on literacy and numeracy, and supportive pastoral care.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who value community, service, and a balanced approach to academics, faith, and activities tend to thrive.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Enrichment in literacy and numeracy, STEM-related activities, arts and music programs, interschool sports, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular updates via newsletters, emails, parent portals, and parent-teacher meetings; open channels with the front office and leadership team for ongoing dialogue.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Differentiated instruction to meet diverse needs, integrated faith-based values, project-based and inquiry-led learning where appropriate.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted interventions within the classroom, small-group support, and coordination with specialist staff as required.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Access to learning support staff, additional pacing and scaffolding, and ongoing progress monitoring with families.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Reiterated)
- See above; multiple channels and regular updates to keep families informed.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes typically mid-20s, with teacher-led differentiation and targeted support to ensure individual attention within the classroom.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports and athletic programs, plus music, arts, robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other clubs.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Modern facilities including sports grounds, library, science labs, performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, and a canteen.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of digital tools to support learning, with age-appropriate use, digital literacy activities, and safe online practices.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Information on bus routes or local transport connections, plus accessibility considerations for families and students.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees align with regional Catholic school norms; there are typically core tuition/levies with possible extras for excursions and activities.
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10. Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Catholic, values-driven environment with a focus on literacy, numeracy, and character.
- Supportive wellbeing and pastoral care; inclusive culture.
- Small to medium size enabling close teacher-student relationships.
- Range of extracurriculars including sports, arts, and clubs.
- Solid facilities and a sense of community with parish connections.
- Cons
- As a smaller school, some niche specialist programs or courses might be more limited than larger schools.
- Availability of mid-year transfers depends on space; waiting lists may apply during peak intake periods.
- Some programs may vary year to year based on staffing and funding; verify current offerings with the school.
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