# 1. Overview
Ourimbah Public School is a public primary school in NSW that serves the local community with a focus on comprehensive K–6 education. The school emphasises a nurturing, inclusive environment where students are supported to grow academically, socially and emotionally.
The school is small to medium in size, with class groups typically around 20–25 students. The atmosphere is community-minded and values-based, prioritising student wellbeing, collaboration and a positive learning culture.
# 2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: Strong focus on literacy and numeracy, with opportunities to develop skills in STEM, the arts and leadership through school programs and activities.
- Special programs: Participation in NSW Department of Education initiatives; opportunities for gifted and talented extension and other enrichment activities within the school or local networks.
- NAPLAN trends: Schools typically track consecutive-year trends in reading, writing and numeracy; trends are monitored to guide targeted support and instructional planning.
- Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes are small to medium, with a focus on approachable teacher support; typical in-class teacher-to-student ratios support differentiated learning.
- Support for diverse learners: EAL/D support and SEN assistance are available to help students access the curriculum and participate fully in class and school activities.
# 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: A range of core school sports such as soccer, netball, cricket and athletics; programs align with NSW school sport pathways.
- Strong teams or achievements: Students have opportunities to represent the school in local inter-school and zone competitions and to contribute to team-focused achievements.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Active music and performing arts programs, with opportunities for choir, band or school productions.
- Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess and debating clubs are commonly offered, along with other enrichment activities.
- Partnerships: Local community connections and participation in inter-school competitions, with potential partnerships with nearby clubs or academies for skill development.
# 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Clear policies and whole-school approaches to promoting respectful behaviour and a safe learning environment.
- House system: A house-based structure for events and friendly competition to build belonging and teamwork.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school wellbeing staff to support social-emotional learning and individual needs.
- Transition support for new students: Buddy programs, orientation activities and targeted support to help new students settle in smoothly.
# 5. Facilities
- Sports grounds: Outdoor spaces suitable for physical education and sports.
- Libraries: A library that supports reading and research across year levels.
- Science labs: Science facilities to support hands-on learning and inquiry.
- Music/performing arts centers: Spaces or rooms dedicated to music and drama activities.
- Tech/innovation labs: Access to technology and coding activities as part of digital learning.
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen or lunch facilities supporting daily meals and snacks.
- Updated playgrounds: Well-maintained play areas that support active play and social interaction.
# 6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: A clear set of values focused on respect, responsibility, inclusivity and a positive learning culture.
- Leadership style: Opportunities for student leadership and voice, coupled with supportive teaching staff and collaborative decision-making.
- Behaviour expectations: Consistent behavioural expectations aligned with the school’s values and routines.
- Community reputation: A welcoming, inclusive school community known for strong parent partnerships and student wellbeing.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to celebrating diverse backgrounds and ensuring an inclusive environment for all students.
# 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typical school day starts and ends in line with NSW public school timetables (e.g., around 9:00 am–3:00 pm, with variations by year).
- Before/after school care: Availability of before/after school care through on-site or partner providers.
- Uniform requirements: School uniform is required, with guidance on appropriate daily attire and any dress-code considerations.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Access to transport options such as school bus services or proximity to public transport routes; details vary by location.
- Canteen availability: On-site or nearby canteen services on designated days.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): NSW public schools do not charge tuition fees; there are typically voluntary contributions, and modest costs for uniforms, excursions and specific activities.
# 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Enrolment is coordinated through NSW public school processes. Prepare the standard proof of address, immunisation records, and required documentation; timelines vary by term and catchment.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- If the school is at capacity, a waiting list or priority placement process may apply. Availability depends on enrolment space and the Department’s guidelines.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- NSW public schools generally do not require entrance tests. In some cases, involvement in programs or optional considerations (such as EAL/D or SEN supports commitments) may involve intake discussions, but routine admission typically does not include testing or interviews.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are considered based on space and alignment with the local intake processes; transfer requests are assessed by the school in coordination with the Department of Education.
# 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A nurturing, inclusive environment with strong community ties and supportive teaching staff; emphasis on wellbeing, literacy and numeracy, and broad opportunities across academics, sport and arts.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who enjoy a close-knit community, participate in a range of sports and arts, engage in learning supports when needed, and are ready to contribute to a positive school culture.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Enrichment through gifted and talented extensions, STEM and coding clubs, sports teams, music and drama programs, and inter-school competitions.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Through regular newsletters, the school website, email updates, and parent-teacher meetings; information is provided to keep families informed about learning and events.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Curriculum aligned with NSW Education Standards, with a focus on inquiry-based learning, literacy and numeracy development, and inclusive teaching practices.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- In-class differentiation, targeted small-group instruction, EAL/D support and SEN assistance to help all students access the curriculum.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Targeted intervention and support services, ongoing assessment, and collaboration with families to plan appropriate learning steps.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- See above: regular updates via newsletters, website, and meetings.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes are small to medium (roughly 20–25 students per class), with teachers differentiating instruction to meet individual learning needs.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports (soccer, netball, cricket, athletics), music and drama programs, 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 spaces, tech/innovation facilities, canteen and updated playgrounds.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of digital literacy and technology in learning, with age-appropriate devices and platforms to support instruction and creativity.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Access to bus routes or public transport options; convenient drop-off and pick-up arrangements and accessible facilities where available.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- The school does not charge tuition fees, but there may be voluntary contributions and costs associated with uniforms, excursions and some activities.
# 10. Short Pros & Cons
- Pros
- Nurturing, inclusive environment with a strong sense of community
- Small to medium class sizes supporting targeted teaching
- Broad opportunities across academics, sports and arts
- Accessible wellbeing and pastoral support
- Clear communication with families and active parent involvement
- Cons
- As a smaller school, program breadth may vary year to year based on enrolment and staffing
- Transport options depend on location and may require planning for some families
- Some specialist programs or facilities may have limited capacity or wait times depending on demand
