## 1. Overview
Quandialla Public School is a small public rural school serving the Quandialla community. As a NSW Department of Education school, it provides co-educational primary schooling from Kindergarten to Year 6 with a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on learning and community involvement.
The school is intentionally small, often running multi-age cohorts to maximise personalised attention. Class sizes are typically small, allowing teachers to know students well and tailor support. The atmosphere is nurturing, inclusive, and community-minded, with a focus on student wellbeing, collaboration, and real-world learning.
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## 2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: Strong focus on literacy and numeracy foundations, with growing strengths in STEM, leadership development, and foundational language learning. Emphasis on connecting classroom learning to real-life contexts.
- Special programs: Opportunities in digital technologies, coding, and hands-on science activities. Gifted and Talented/extension opportunities and targeted learning supports may be available through the school or regional programs.
- NAPLAN trends: In small rural schools, year-to-year results can vary, but trends typically show steady progress in reading and writing with numeracy aligned to state averages over time.
- Student-teacher ratios: Generally small, enabling closer supervision and more individualized attention (roughly in the low to mid single digits in teacher-to-student ratios within multi-age classes).
- Support for diverse learners: Inclusive education with targeted support for diverse learners, including assistance for students needing extra help, and access to additional support services as needed.
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## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: Athletics, cricket, soccer, rugby league/league, AFL, basketball, swimming, and other district activities as available.
- Strong teams or achievements: Participation in local and district competitions with opportunities for teams to earn certificates and recognition in regional events.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Regular school assemblies, opportunities in vocal/music programs, and access to drama and visual arts activities.
- Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other clubs that may run on a term-by-term basis.
- Partnerships: Local community groups and regional competitions often support extra-curricular activities; partnerships may include local sport clubs or mentoring programs.
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## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies, emphasis on respectful relationships, and restorative practices to address conflicts.
- House system: A house system fosters belonging and healthy competition (e.g., Red, Blue, Green, Yellow houses or similar names).
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to wellbeing staff or counsellors as part of the school’s pastoral care; wellbeing sessions and check-ins support student resilience and mental health.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy programs, and transition visits help students settle into the school community.
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## 5. Facilities
- Sports grounds: Open playing fields and outdoor spaces suitable for physical education and sports.
- Libraries: A dedicated library space or well-stocked classroom libraries to support literacy development.
- Science labs: A science-focused learning space or well-equipped science resources for practical investigations.
- Music/performing arts centers: An assembly space or small performance area for music and drama activities.
- Tech/innovation labs: Computer or digital technology access for coding, typing, and digital projects.
- Cafeteria: On-site meal provision or canteen facilities to support healthy lunch options.
- Updated playgrounds: Safe, well-maintained play spaces with age-appropriate equipment.
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## 6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: A values-based culture emphasising Respect, Responsibility, Resilience, and Inclusion, with a focus on student wellbeing and community involvement.
- Leadership style: Collaborative leadership with opportunities for student voice and leadership roles within classrooms and the broader school community.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear positive-behaviour expectations and a restorative approach to behaviour management.
- Community reputation: A family-friendly, community-oriented reputation with strong parent involvement and local support.
- Diversity & inclusion: Inclusive environment that welcomes and supports students from diverse backgrounds and abilities.
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## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typical day runs from around 9:00 am to 3:15 pm (times may vary; please confirm with the school calendar).
- Before/after school care: Before and after school care options are usually available through OSHC or local providers; discuss arrangements with the school.
- Uniform requirements: School uniform is usual; students wear formal uniform for most days and sports uniform for PE days, along with sun-safe hats and appropriate footwear.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Designated bus routes serve the local community; information on route eligibility and schedules is available from the school or NSW public transport providers.
- Canteen availability: Canteen or lunch program options are typically available on site or via lunch order systems on certain days.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): There is no tuition in public primary schooling; voluntary contributions and small fees may apply for excursions or activities (generally low to medium ranges).
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## 8. Enrolment & Admissions
- 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Check eligibility (in-catchment status if applicable).
- Complete the school enrolment form and provide required documents (birth certificate, immunisation record, proof of address, guardian details).
- Submit documents to the school; enrolment decisions are communicated within the school’s timeframe, typically ahead of term start dates.
- Transition steps and orientation may be scheduled for new students.
- 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- In smaller schools, there can be wait lists when capacity is reached. Applications are typically kept on file, and places are offered in order of enrolment date, with priority given to in-catchment families where applicable.
- 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- For public primary schools, there are usually no entrance tests or formal interviews. Some programs or information sessions may occur, but enrolment is generally based on eligibility and placement within the school’s capacity.
- 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Yes, subject to space and capacity. Parents should contact the school early, provide student records (transcripts, vaccination records, etc.), and complete the transfer paperwork. Transfer timing may depend on term dates and availability.
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## 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A close-knit, supportive community with small class sizes, caring teachers, and a strong focus on wellbeing and personalized learning.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who benefit from hands-on, practical learning in a small, inclusive setting with close teacher support and opportunities to participate in a range of activities.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Literacy and numeracy extension, STEM and coding activities, leadership roles, sports teams, music/drama performances, and clubs like robotics, chess, and debating.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular updates via newsletters, emails, a school app or portal, and scheduled parent-teacher meetings; timely notices for events and changes.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Student-centred, differentiated instruction with a mix of direct teaching, hands-on activities, inquiry-based projects, and integration of technology.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted interventions and small-group support, access to SEN services, reading/numeracy support programs, and progress monitoring.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Individualised support plans, additional tutoring or small-group sessions, and collaboration with families to set goals.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated)
- See above: newsletters, app/portal, emails, meetings, and notices.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes are small with multi-age groupings, enabling frequent teacher check-ins, differentiated tasks, and tailored feedback.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports (athletics, cricket, soccer, etc.), plus clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating; music and drama programs available.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, library, science resources, music/performing arts space, technology and computer resources, canteen, and safe playgrounds.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of digital technologies, access to computers/tablets, interactive whiteboards, and coding activities within the curriculum.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local bus routes and walking/cycling options; information on routes and accessibility is provided by the school and transport authorities.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- There is no tuition for public primary schooling; minor contributions may be requested for excursions or activities.
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## 10. Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Small class sizes and multi-age cohorts for personalized attention
- Strong sense of community and supportive staff
- Focus on wellbeing, inclusive education, and hands-on learning
- Broad range of extracurricular options for a small school
- Accessible communication channels with families
- Cons
- Limited specialist facilities and subject choices compared with larger schools
- Fewer on-site specialized programs; some activities may rely on regional partnerships
- Travel or coordination may be needed for certain competitions or events
- Dependency on local community resources; staffing can vary with small enrolments
