Preston North East Primary School

## 1. Overview Preston North East Primary School is a public, co-educational primary school serving the Preston area. The school emphasises a nurturing, inclusive learning community where students are encouraged to achieve their best across academic, social and creative pursuits. It aims to balance strong literacy and numeracy foundations with opportunities in STEM, arts and physical activity. - School type: Public - School size: Small to medium - Class size: About 20–24 students per class - Atmosphere/culture: Inclusive, nurturing and community-focused with a learning ethos that supports all abilities --- ## 2. Academics & Learning Preston North East Primary School focuses on solid literacy and numeracy development while expanding students’ skills across STEM, digital technologies and the arts. The school supports students to become curious, capable learners who can apply knowledge in real-world contexts. - Academic strengths: English literacy, numeracy, foundational STEM experiences, digitally-enabled learning and development of leadership and collaboration skills - Special programs: Targeted literacy and numeracy support, extension opportunities in key areas, EAL (English as an Additional Language) support, and a variety of library-based and inquiry-based activities - NAPLAN / trend: Trends show steady progress over recent years with improvements in reading and numeracy in some cohorts; the school regularly communicates progress and targeted goals - Student-teacher ratios: Typical core classes run with approximately 1 teacher for every 10–15 students, with specialist teachers for areas like arts, languages, and PE - Support for diverse learners: EAL support, learning support staff, and interventions designed to assist students who need extra help or enrichment --- ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths A strong focus for many families is well-rounded activity beyond the classroom. Preston North East Primary offers a range of sports and enrichment opportunities, with additional clubs and programs to suit varied interests. - Sports offered: Athletics, cricket, soccer, netball, basketball and other district-level activities; emphasis on participation and skill development - Strong teams or achievements: Active involvement in inter-school and district competitions; opportunities to represent the school at events and carnivals - Music, arts, drama: Regular music and performing arts activities; school assemblies and performances; opportunities to participate in choir or drama projects - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating and other after-school clubs or lunchtime activities - Partnerships: Collaborations with local clubs and district competitions to extend opportunities beyond the classroom --- ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care Wellbeing is central to the school experience, supporting students to feel safe, valued and capable. - Anti-bullying approach: Explicit anti-bullying policy, proactive student wellbeing initiatives, and a culture of respect and inclusion - House system: House groupings to foster belonging, healthy competition and teamwork - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school-based wellbeing support and counsellors, with referrals and in-school programs - Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy programs, and targeted supports to help new students settle in --- ## 5. Facilities The school provides a range of facilities to support learning, creativity and recreation in a visually engaging environment. - Sports grounds: Access to outdoor play and sporting areas - Libraries: School library with a range of reading materials and learning resources - Science labs: Science-based learning spaces for experiments and inquiry - Music/performing arts centers: Dedicated spaces and activities for music and drama - Tech/innovation labs: Integrated technology and digital learning spaces - Cafeteria: On-site canteen or lunch facilities supporting healthy choices - Updated playgrounds: Modern play spaces and equipment for active breaks --- ## 6. School Values & Community Culture The school fosters a values-driven culture that supports respectful, responsible and resilient learners. - School values / mission: Focus on respect, resilience, inclusion and achievement; a mission centered on supporting every student to reach their potential - Leadership style: Collaborative and inclusive, with opportunities for student voice and leadership - Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct and positive behaviour supports to promote a safe learning environment - Community reputation: Welcoming and supportive school community with active family involvement - Diversity & inclusion: Strong emphasis on inclusion for students from diverse backgrounds and with varying needs --- ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations Practical details help families plan around school life. - School hours: Typical day starts around 9:00 am and finishes around 3:30 pm - Before/after school care: Out-of-school-hours care (OSHC) or similar arrangements may be available, often via external providers - Uniform requirements: School uniform preferred or required, with guidelines for daily wear and approved options - Transport (train/bus routes): Access via local bus routes and nearby train lines; specifics available from school or local transit authorities - Canteen availability: On-site or school-based lunch program offering healthy options - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Public school fees are generally modest, with optional contributions for equipment, activities or excursions --- ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11) What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Enrolment is typically initiated through the Victorian Department of Education process for state schools. Families submit an enrolment form along with required documentation (proof of address, birth certificate, immunisation status). The school will confirm vacancy and provide an indicative timeline for offers or placements. 12) Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Waiting lists can apply if the year level is full. The school communicates vacancy timing and moves applicants onto waiting lists as needed. Priority is generally based on catchment and availability. 13) Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - For most public primary enrollments, there are no entry tests or interviews. Some schools may request a brief meeting to discuss needs or placements, particularly for students requiring extra support or special programs. 14) Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers may be considered if there is vacancy. The process typically requires consultation with the school’s administration and may involve documentation and a transition plan. --- ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A welcoming, public school with a strong sense of community, a balanced focus on academics, wellbeing and extra-curricular opportunities, and supportive staff. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Curious, collaborative learners who respond well to a nurturing environment, value inclusion, and enjoy participation in a range of activities from sports to arts and clubs. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Extension activities in literacy and numeracy, STEM experiences, arts and music programs, and various clubs (robotics, coding, chess, debating) along with school teams and inter-school competitions. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular newsletters, emails, a school app or portal, and opportunities for parent-teacher meetings and open days. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Student-centered, differentiated instruction with a focus on literacy and numeracy, inquiry-based learning, and integration of digital technologies. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted intervention and small-group support, EAL assistance, and access to learning support staff and resources. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Structured support plans, early intervention, and collaboration with families to tailor learning approaches. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Repetition in FAQ) - See above: newsletters, portals, emails, and parent-teacher meetings. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are around 20–24 students, with teacher attention targeted to core lessons and specialist sessions to support diverse needs. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of sports (athletics, cricket, soccer, netball, etc.), music and performing arts, 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 labs, canteen, and updated playgrounds. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integrated use of digital tools across the curriculum, with appropriate supervision, digital citizenship, and opportunities to develop ICT skills. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Access to local bus routes and nearby train services, with advice on best options for families, and accessibility considerations as needed. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Public primary school fees are generally modest; some activities or materials may involve optional or requested contributions for excursions or special programs. --- ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Public, welcoming, community-focused environment - Small-to-medium class sizes with strong literacy and numeracy emphasis - Broad range of extracurriculars (sports, arts, clubs) - Built-in wellbeing and support programs - Inclusive approach to students from diverse backgrounds - Cons - As a public school, some facilities or resources may be less specialized than larger independent settings - Transport routes and parking considerations can vary based on location and time of day - Availability of certain extras (e.g., specific clubs or programs) may depend on term by term enrolments and staff allocations