## 1. Overview
Perthville Public School is a small public primary school serving the rural Perthville community in NSW. With a K–6 focus, it emphasises individual student attention, strong literacy and numeracy foundations, and active involvement from families and local groups. The school fosters a welcoming, supportive environment where students are encouraged to participate in a range of learning and community activities.
- School type: Public
- School size: Small
- Class size: Approximately 18–22 students per class
- Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, community-focused
⸻
## 2. Academics & Learning
Perthville Public School prioritises solid literacy and numeracy, with growing emphasis on STEM and digital learning. Students are supported to develop reading, writing and mathematical proficiency, while teachers integrate inquiry-based activities to build curiosity and problem-solving skills. Leadership opportunities and mentoring are promoted within the student body.
- Academic strengths: Strong literacy and numeracy foundations; growing focus on STEM, digital literacy, and student leadership
- Special programs: Enrichment tasks and targeted supports for gifted/talented learners; opportunities for accelerated learning within cohorts
- NAPLAN / Ofsted trends: Historically steady progress in reading and numeracy with ongoing targeted interventions to support writing and critical thinking
- Student-teacher ratios: Approximately 1:12 (varies by year level)
- Support for diverse learners: EAL support, SEN support, individualized learning plans, inclusion team; access to external services as needed
⸻
## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
Sport and activity options help students build teamwork, resilience and physical wellbeing, with opportunities across both school and community contexts. The school encourages participation and sportsmanship, with involvement in local interschool events.
- Sports offered: Soccer, netball, rugby league, athletics, cross-country, cricket
- Strong teams or achievements: Participation in local or district interschool events; emphasis on participation and skill development
- Music, arts, drama programs: School choir, music lessons or ensembles, and annual performances or productions
- Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, environmental/clubs activities
- Partnerships: Local clubs and regional competitions; connections with community organisations for events and coaching
⸻
## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
wellbeing and pastoral care are central to creating a safe and supportive learning environment. The school uses proactive strategies to support students’ social-emotional growth and to foster positive relationships.
- Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies, positive behaviour support, buddy systems
- House system: House-based activities for sport, events and recognition
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school wellbeing staff; referrals to external services as needed
- Transition support for new students: Orientation sessions, buddy programs, transition visits and family welcome processes
⸻
## 5. Facilities
The facilities support a broad curriculum and healthy student life, presented in a simple, visual way.
- Sports grounds: Practical spaces for physical education and sports
- Libraries: On-site library for reading and research
- Science labs: Basic science facilities for hands-on experiments
- Music/performing arts centers: Space for music, drama and performances
- Tech/innovation labs: Access to ICT equipment and learning technologies
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen or lunch facilities with healthy options
- Updated playgrounds: Play areas and outdoor learning spaces
⸻
## 6. School Values & Community Culture
The school fosters a values-driven culture that supports respectful, responsible and inclusive behaviours, with emphasis on student voice and strong community ties.
- School values / mission: Respect, Responsibility, Kindness, Cooperation
- Leadership style: Distributed leadership with teacher and student voice; opportunities for student leadership
- Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct and restorative approaches
- Community reputation: Positive, family-friendly, with active parent and local community involvement
- Diversity & inclusion: Welcoming to families from diverse backgrounds; inclusive education practices
⸻
## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
Key daily logistics help families plan around school routines and care needs.
- School hours: Typically 9:00 am–3:20 pm
- Before/after school care: OSHC or local care options available; check with the school for current providers and slots
- Uniform requirements: School uniform required; details in the policy
- Transport (bus routes): School bus routes service Perthville and surrounding areas; contact the school for current routes and schedules
- Canteen availability: Canteen or lunch facilities offering healthy options
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Public school with low typical costs; some voluntary contributions and uniform expenses
⸻
## 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Applications are managed through the NSW Department of Education process via the local public school. Parents should initiate enrolment by providing required documents (birth certificate, proof of address, immunisation details, and family information). The school will confirm placement and provide start dates, with timelines varying by intake and space availability.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- In-area enrolments generally have priority. If the school reaches capacity, out-of-area applicants may be placed on a waiting list. The waiting list is managed by the school in coordination with NSW Department of Education guidelines, and offers are made as places become available.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- NSW public primary schools typically do not require entrance exams. Schools may conduct brief interviews or tours for out-of-area applicants or special programs; assessments are usually informal and aimed at understanding support needs rather than selection.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are possible if places are available. Parents should coordinate with the school and provide up-to-date student records, immunisation status, and any transport arrangements. Start dates will align with the school term schedule.
⸻
## 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A small, community-focused public school that offers individual attention, strong literacy/numeracy foundations and a welcoming culture.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Curious, cooperative students who value close teacher-student relationships and active participation in both academics and community activities.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Enrichment tasks, leadership opportunities, clubs (robotics, coding, chess, debating), sports programs, music and drama performances.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular newsletters, parent-teacher meetings and updates, digital platforms or portals where relevant; open channels for feedback.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Student-centered with a focus on literacy and numeracy foundations, integrated STEM and digital learning, and inclusive practices to support diverse learners.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted interventions, EAL/SEN support, individualized learning plans and referrals to additional services as needed.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- In-class differentiation, targeted tutoring and access to wellbeing and learning support staff.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (duplicate)
- See above; ongoing, transparent updates with multiple channels.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes around 18–22 students; teacher-led instruction with opportunities for individual focus and small-group support.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports (soccer, netball, rugby, athletics, cross-country, cricket) plus clubs in robotics, coding, chess, debating, and performing arts.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, technology/innovation labs, cafeteria, and well-maintained play areas.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of ICT and digital literacy across the curriculum, with access to devices and learning platforms appropriate to year level.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- School transport via local bus routes; family arrangements for other modes; accessibility details available from the school.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Public schools have low costs with some voluntary contributions and uniform expenses; additional costs may vary by activity or excursion.
⸻
## 10. Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Small, close-knit community with individualized attention
- Strong focus on literacy and numeracy foundations
- Broad range of clubs and activities for a rural school
- Supportive wellbeing and inclusive practices
- Cons
- Limited specialist facilities or programs compared with larger urban schools
- Fewer optional elective subjects or advanced programs in some years
- Transport options may require planning for families in outlying areas
⸻
Note: This content is a draft intended to help families compare Perthville Public School with other options. Please verify all details with the school's current information and NSW Department of Education resources.
