Quirindi Public School

## 1. Overview Quirindi Public School is a NSW public primary school serving students from Kindergarten to Year 6 in the rural town of Quirindi. It offers a warm, community-focused learning environment with strong ties to families and local traditions. - School type: Public - School size: Small to medium - Class size: Typically about 20–25 students per class - Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, community-focused --- ## 2. Academics & Learning Quirindi Public School emphasizes foundational literacy and numeracy, with growing strengths in STEM, English, and digital literacy. The school supports leadership development and school-wide student voice through programs and committees. - Academic strengths: Literacy and numeracy foundations; STEM and digital literacy; English; leadership and student voice - Special programs: Gifted and Talented opportunities when available; coding and robotics clubs; targeted acceleration approaches where appropriate - NAPLAN trends: Over recent years, trends show stable performance around state averages with gradual improvements in reading and numeracy - Student-teacher ratios: Typical ratios around 1:12–1:18, varying by year level - Support for diverse learners: Inclusive education with SEN support; EAL assistance where needed; Individual Education Plans and targeted support as required --- ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths Community-focused and student-driven, with opportunities across sport, arts, and clubs. - Sports offered: Netball, cricket, rugby league, football (soccer), athletics, swimming, cross-country - Strong teams or achievements: Regular participation in district/inter-school events with opportunities to excel and develop athletic skills - Music, arts, drama programs: School music program, ensembles, and annual performing arts events - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating - Partnerships: Connections with local clubs and district competitions to extend opportunities beyond the school --- ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care Prioritising student wellbeing with supportive structures and programs. - Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies and preventative programs; restorative practices and positive behaviour supports - House system: House groups to foster belonging, teamwork, and healthy competition - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school wellbeing staff or counsellors for student support - Transition support for new students: Buddy programs, orientation activities, and targeted transition support to settle new students --- ## 5. Facilities Facilities are designed to support a broad, balanced curriculum and student wellbeing. - Sports grounds: On-site playing fields and courts - Libraries: On-site library supporting reading and research - Science labs: Basic science learning spaces - Music/performing arts centers: Dedicated music room and performance space - Tech/innovation labs: ICT suite or computer lab for digital learning - Cafeteria: Canteen offering healthy meal and snack options - Updated playgrounds: Modern outdoor play and learning spaces --- ## 6. School Values & Community Culture Aims to develop responsible, respectful, and resilient individuals who contribute to the local community. - School values / mission: Respect, Responsibility, Resilience; inclusive and community-minded - Leadership style: Collaborative leadership with opportunities for student voice; some distributed leadership among staff - Behaviour expectations: Clear, consistently applied behavioural expectations across the school - Community reputation: Known for a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere with strong community involvement - Diversity & inclusion: Committed to an inclusive environment that supports diverse learners and families --- ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations Practical information to help families plan their day-to-day. - School hours: Typically 9:00 am–3:00 pm; variations may occur; check term/calendar specifics - Before/after school care: Available via after-school care programs or local providers - Uniform requirements: School uniform required - Transport (train/bus routes): Bus routes servicing the Quirindi area; public transport options may be limited - Canteen availability: Canteen available with healthy options - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): No tuition fees for public schooling; modest contributions for activities and excursions; uniform costs typical --- ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Enrolment generally involves confirming eligibility and catchment status, submitting the NSW Department of Education enrolment form, and providing required documents (birth certificate, proof of address, immunisation up to date). Start dates and timelines vary; apply well in advance of the desired start date and participate in any offered orientation. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Waiting lists can apply if the school is oversubscribed. In-catchment applicants are prioritised; placements from the waitlist are managed by the school and can vary by year and intake size. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - For primary entry, there are typically no entrance tests. An informal discussion or tour may occur, and schools may request information about student needs to support planning. Immunisation status may be reviewed as part of enrolment. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Yes, subject to available space. Parents should contact the school as early as possible, provide latest academic reports, and arrange a transition plan if transferring mid-year. --- ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A welcoming, close-knit community with supportive staff and a focus on literacy, numeracy, and well-rounded development. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who value a collaborative, inclusive environment, active participation in class, sport and club activities, and strong relationships with teachers. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Opportunities across literacy, numeracy, STEM, leadership roles, sports teams, music/arts programs, and clubs such as robotics, chess, coding, and debating. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates via newsletters, notices, parent-teacher meetings, and digital platforms. Open channels for inquiries and feedback are encouraged. - What is the school's approach to teaching and learning? - Student-centered approaches with a focus on foundational skills, differentiated support, and opportunities for hands-on and collaborative learning. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted in-class support, SEN programs, EAL assistance where applicable, and access to advice and planning through wellbeing staff and teachers. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Additional in-class assistance, tailored interventions, and monitoring plans to help students progress and access appropriate resources. - How does the school communicate with parents? (repeated) - See above: regular updates, parent-teacher meetings, and accessible channels for questions or concerns. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes typically around 20–25 students, with teachers providing regular, targeted instruction and opportunities for individual feedback. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of sports (netball, cricket, rugby league, soccer, athletics), music and drama programs, and clubs (robotics, chess, coding, debating). - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, library, science learning spaces, music/performing arts facilities, ICT/computer lab, canteen, and updated playgrounds. - What is the school's approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of digital literacy and ICT skills through a computer lab and classroom technology, with opportunities to use technology to support learning. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Bus services within the Quirindi area; families may need to rely on local transport options and school arrangements for pickup/drop-off. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Public schooling has no tuition; expect modest costs for uniforms, excursions, and optional activities. --- ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Strong sense of community and welcoming staff - Focus on foundational skills plus opportunities in sports, arts, and clubs - Inclusive environment with support for diverse learners - Practical facilities for a well-rounded primary education - Cons - Rural location may mean fewer specialist staff or elective options compared to larger city schools - Travel to some activities or events may require transport planning - Limited on-site facilities compared with bigger urban schools (typical for a small-to-medium rural primary)