Queen of Peace Parish Primary School

## 1. Overview Queen of Peace Parish Primary School is a Catholic, co-educational primary school serving families in Altona Meadows and surrounding Melbourne regions. As a parish school, it aims to provide a faith-based learning community that supports the development of the whole child—academically, socially and spiritually. The school is small-to-medium in size, fostering a close-knit community where relationships between students, teachers, and families are valued. Class sizes are typically around 20–25 students, enabling personalised attention and strong student–teacher connections. The atmosphere is nurturing, inclusive, and faith-forward, with an emphasis on respect, service and belonging. --- ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Solid foundations in literacy and numeracy, with opportunities for inquiry-based learning and creative thinking. The school emphasises a well-rounded approach that integrates English, mathematics, science, and the humanities. - Special programs: Religious education is central to the curriculum, complemented by arts, music, and physical education. There are opportunities for leadership, service learning, and enrichment activities; some students may access extension or gifted/talented opportunities where available. - NAPLAN / trends: NAPLAN is part of the national assessment program. For specific year-by-year trends, view official NAPLAN reports for the school. The school aims to maintain steady progress and high engagement across learning areas. - Student-teacher ratios: Typically around 1:15–1:22, varying by year level and class structure, allowing for differentiated instruction. - Support for diverse learners: Dedicated learning support is available, including assistance for students needing extra help, EAL (English as an Additional Language) support where needed, and inclusive education practices to meet diverse needs. --- ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: A range of core primary sports such as soccer, basketball, netball, athletics, cricket and AFL-style activities, with opportunities to represent the school in local inter-school events. - Strong teams or achievements: The school participates in district and inter-school competitions and aims to develop teams with solid teamwork and sportsmanship. - Music, arts, drama programs: Music education and performing arts are encouraged, often including choir, school productions or concerts, and visual arts activities. - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, and debating are among the clubs commonly available, fostering problem-solving and critical thinking outside the classroom. - Partnerships: The school often collaborates with local community groups and participates in regional competitions or events to broaden student experiences. --- ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: A whole-school, proactive approach to wellbeing and anti-bullying, with clear expectations and supportive interventions. - House system: A house structure fosters belonging, teamwork and healthy competition across year levels. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to wellbeing staff or a school counsellor to support student welfare, coping skills and social-emotional development. - Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems and targeted transition activities help new students settle into the school community and routines. --- ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: On-site sports ovals or play spaces suitable for physical education and after-school activities. - Libraries: A dedicated library resources space to support reading and inquiry. - Science labs: Access to science-related learning spaces to support hands-on investigations. - Music/performing arts centers: Rooms or spaces for music, drama and performance activities. - Tech/innovation labs: Integration of technology and digital learning spaces to support modern learning. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen or lunch facilities with options for daily meals or order-in services. - Updated playgrounds: Well-maintained and age-appropriate play areas and outdoor learning spaces. --- ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: A faith-centered mission focused on values such as faith, respect, compassion, responsibility and service to others. - Leadership style: A collaborative leadership approach at the school level, with opportunities for student leadership and input from staff, families and parish involvement. - Behaviour expectations: Clear behavioural expectations underpinned by a positive behaviour framework and restorative practices where appropriate. - Community reputation: A longstanding parish-connected community with engaged families and a welcoming atmosphere for students and caregivers. - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to an inclusive environment that welcomes families from diverse backgrounds and supports equitable participation. --- ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical school day runs from morning to afternoon with start and finish times in line with local guidelines; before/after school care is commonly available. - Before/after school care: Options often include on-site or nearby providers to support working families. - Uniform requirements: School uniform policy with clear guidelines for everyday wear and sports uniform for physical education and events. - Transport (train/bus routes): Access via local bus routes and nearby public transport options; check current schedules and school drop-off/pick-up arrangements. - Canteen availability: Canteen services or lunch orders may be available, with provisions for daily meals or snacks. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees align with local Catholic primary school benchmarks; details and any financial assistance options are available on inquiry. --- ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit a completed enrolment application with supporting documents. - Attend an open day or information session if offered. - School may conduct an interview or information meeting with families. - Offers are issued according to the school’s enrolment policy and placement availability. - Confirm acceptance by the specified deadline; enrolment is confirmed after documentation and fees are processed. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - If oversubscribed, a waiting list may be maintained. Families can express interest and will be contacted if a place becomes available, typically in order of the school’s enrolment policy. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Entry usually involves a discussion or interview with families and may consider Catholic community involvement or baptism where relevant. Formal testing is not always required; exact requirements vary by school policy. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are considered subject to vacancy and alignment with intake processes and timelines. --- ## 9. Frequently Ask Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A faith-based, nurturing community with strong pastoral care, solid academics, and a focus on the development of the whole child. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who respond well to a structured, values-oriented environment with opportunities to engage in both academics and service, and who benefit from small-to-medium class sizes. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Access to literacy and numeracy development, enrichment activities, arts and music programs, sports teams, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates via newsletters, emails, parent-teacher meetings, and school systems or portals used for notices and student progress. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A balanced, faith-informed approach that combines core academics with inquiry-based learning, differentiation, and opportunities for student voice and leadership. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted learning support, intervention programs, and access to specialists or resource staff for students needing additional assistance. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Individual or small-group interventions, progress monitoring, and collaboration with families to plan appropriate supports. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Reiterated) - See above: regular communication through multiple channels to keep families informed and engaged. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes typically around 20–25 students, with teachers providing differentiated instruction and opportunities for individual support within the class. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of sports, music and arts programs, plus clubs such as robotics, chess, coding and debating. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts facilities, tech/innovation spaces, canteen, and modern playgrounds. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of ICT into learning, with age-appropriate devices and digital literacy initiatives to prepare students for a tech-enabled world. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Public transport routes and school-run arrangements to assist with commuting and accessibility; check current options with the school and local transport authorities. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees exist and are generally in line with other local Catholic primary schools; see the school for current fee schedules and any available financial assistance. --- ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Catholic, values-based education with a nurturing, inclusive culture - Small-to-medium class sizes enabling individual attention - Strong wellbeing and pastoral care with a supportive community - Broad range of academics, arts, and sports, plus clubs - Parental involvement and community connections through the parish - Cons - As a smaller school, program scope may be more limited than larger institutions - Availability of some enrichment programs may depend on staffing and student interest - Transport options may require reliance on public transit or school arrangements depending on location If you’d like, I can tailor any section further with more specific details you provide (for example, exact enrolment numbers, current uniform policy, or up-to-date fee information).