## Overview
Raglan Public School is a public, co-educational primary school in Raglan, NSW. As part of the NSW Department of Education, the school serves families in the local community with a focus on a well-rounded, inclusive education for primary-aged students. The school tends to operate as a small-to-medium sized community school, with class sizes that support individual attention and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.
The culture at Raglan Public School is typically described as nurturing and inclusive, with an emphasis on student wellbeing, teamwork, and community involvement. Students are encouraged to develop academically while also building strong social and personal skills in a supportive environment.
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## Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: Literacy and numeracy are core priorities, with opportunities to engage in STEM activities, leadership development, and cross-curricular learning.
- Special programs: Gifted and Talented opportunities, targeted literacy/numeracy support, and English as an Additional Language (EAL) assistance are commonly available where needed; technology-enabled learning and project-based activities are often incorporated.
- NAPLAN / trends: NAPLAN results typically show steady progress in reading, writing, and numeracy, with performance aligning with NSW state trends and ongoing improvements over time.
- Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes are generally small to medium, facilitating closer teacher-student interaction and differentiated instruction (roughly in the low-to-mid teens per class, varying by year level and cohort).
- Support for diverse learners: A Learning Support Team provides intervention and accommodations for students needing extra help, including EAL/D support and individualised plans for students with additional needs.
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## Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: Soccer, rugby league, cricket, athletics, swimming, and team ball activities typical of primary sport programs.
- Strong teams or achievements: Participation in local and district-level events; opportunities to compete in inter-school days and carnival-style events, helping students build teamwork and sportsmanship.
- Music, arts, drama programs: School assemblies, music groups, and opportunities to participate in school performances and concerts.
- Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other interest-based clubs are commonly offered to foster critical thinking and problem-solving.
- Partnerships: Local community clubs and regional inter-school competitions provide additional pathways for sport, coding, and other activities.
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## Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Clear policies, child-safe practices, and supportive reporting mechanisms; restorative practices and wellbeing activities are often included.
- House system: A house structure helps foster belonging, teamwork, and healthy competition across year groups.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school wellbeing staff or guidance counsellors to support social-emotional development and personal challenges.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation sessions, buddy systems, and bridging activities to help new students settle in smoothly.
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## Facilities
- Sports grounds: Outdoor play spaces and fields suitable for breath-based activities and physical education.
- Libraries: A school library with access to books and literacy resources.
- Science labs: Dedicated spaces or integrated science facilities for hands-on experiments.
- Music/performing arts centers: Areas for music practice, assemblies, and performances.
- Tech/innovation labs: Rooms or zones for coding, robotics, and technology-based learning.
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen or arranged meal/program facilities for students.
- Updated playgrounds: Modern play equipment and safe, age-appropriate playground areas.
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## School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: Emphasis on respect, responsibility, resilience, and inclusivity to guide daily learning and interaction.
- Leadership style: Collaborative and distributed leadership, with opportunities for student leadership and input from staff and families.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear guidelines and a positive behaviour framework that promotes respectful conduct and accountability.
- Community reputation: Strong ties with families and local community; a focus on developing well-rounded students who contribute positively to society.
- Diversity & inclusion: A commitment to inclusive practices and celebrating diverse backgrounds within the school community.
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## School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typical primary school hours with start and end times aligned to NSW public school schedules; attendance expectations apply.
- Before/after school care: Availability of before and after school care or supervision, where offered, supports working families.
- Uniform requirements: NSW public schools commonly require a prescribed school uniform; details are provided by the school.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Access to regional bus services or local transport options; school travel planning commonly supported.
- Canteen availability: On-site canteen or lunch facilities for students, with healthy meal options.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): NSW public schools generally have low to moderate ancillary costs (voluntary contributions, excursions, activities, and consumables not covered by the standard funding).
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## Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Enrolment is typically managed through the NSW Department of Education. Parents apply for enrolment through the local public school catchment, providing proof of identity, residence, child’s birth certificate, immunisation records, and any required documentation. Processing timelines vary with applications and school capacity; it's best to contact the school early to confirm timelines and required documents.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- If the school is at capacity, a waiting list or placement process may apply. Priority is usually given to students within the local catchment. The school can advise on current wait times and the likelihood of securing a place.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- NSW public primary schools typically do not require entrance exams. Some schools may offer information sessions or orientation activities. In rare cases, a school may assess readiness or placement needs to optimise learning, but this varies by school.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are possible if there is capacity and space within the requested year level. Transfer arrangements generally involve consent from the current school and documentation such as last report, immunisation records, and enrolment forms.
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## Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A welcoming, community-focused public school with small class sizes, strong literacy and numeracy focus, and a supportive wellbeing culture.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who are collaborative, curious, and engaged in school life; those who benefit from small class sizes and inclusive learning approaches.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Access to literacy and numeracy supports, STEM activities, coding/robotics clubs, debating, arts performances, and local sports programs.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular updates through newsletters, emails, and a school communications platform; parent-teacher meetings and annual reports.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Student-centered, inclusive instruction with differentiation to meet diverse needs; integration of technology and hands-on learning.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Learning Support Team, targeted interventions, EAL/D assistance, and individualized learning plans.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Small-group or one-on-one support, tailored learning goals, and collaboration with families to monitor progress.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated in some lists)
- See above: newsletters, emails, app/portal, and meetings.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes are small to medium, enabling more individualized attention and differentiated instruction.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports (e.g., soccer, cricket, athletics), coding/robotics clubs, chess, debating, music and arts opportunities, and inter-school activities.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, and technology/innovation labs.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of digital tools and devices to support learning; emphasis on safe, purposeful use of technology.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local bus routes and transport options; accessible facilities where applicable; guidance on travel planning.
- What are typical school fees or additional costs?
- Public schooling generally has low tuition, with potential additional costs for excursions, activities, and uniform; exact amounts vary by year and activity.
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## Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Small to medium school with a nurturing, inclusive culture
- Strong focus on literacy, numeracy, and wellbeing
- Wide range of extracurriculars and clubs
- Supportive programs for diverse learners (EAL/D, SEN)
- Active community involvement and partnerships
- Cons
- As a public primary, it may have limited access to highly selective programs
- Rural or regional location may mean fewer specialised facilities than larger urban schools
- Availability of some programs can depend on student demand and staffing at any given year
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