Saint Francis Of Assisi Primary School

Overview

Saint Francis of Assisi Primary School (Baranduda, VIC) is a Catholic, co-educational primary school that emphasises a faith-based, nurturing learning community. The school tends to be small-to-medium in size, with class sizes typically around 20–25 students, allowing for strong teacher-student relationships and individualized attention. The atmosphere is known for being inclusive, supportive, and focused on both academic growth and personal development within a Catholic values framework.

Class sizes and the community focus foster a warm, welcoming culture where students are encouraged to participate, collaborate, and lead in age-appropriate ways. The school aims to balance academic achievement with pastoral care, service learning, and participation in parish and community activities.

Academics & Learning

• Academic strengths: Strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy in the early years, with opportunities to develop skills in STEM, digital technologies, and creative inquiry. A faith-integrated approach supports whole-child learning, including leadership development and civic responsibility.
• Special programs: Religious education is central, with opportunities for leadership roles and involvement in faith-based service. There are typically differentiated learning options to support gifted/talented students and targeted support for students needing extra help.
• Support for diverse learners: Inclusive education practices are in place, including EAL (English as an Additional Language) support and targeted SEN (special education needs) assistance, plus intervention programs as needed.

Sports & Extracurricular Strengths

• Sports offered: A range of core primary activities such as Australian Rules football, soccer, basketball, cricket, athletics, and swimming are commonly available, with opportunities to participate in inter-school and diocesan events.
• Strong teams or achievements: School-level teams often compete in district or regional events; emphasis on teamwork, skill development, and fair play.
• Music, arts, drama programs: Active music program with performances, choir or ensembles, and opportunities for drama and performing arts as part of the curriculum and school productions.
• Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other after-school clubs are typically offered to extend students’ interests.
• Partnerships: Local clubs, community associations, and regional competitions provide extra opportunities for sport, music, and coding or robotics events.

Wellbeing & Pastoral Care

• Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies, ongoing education, and a supportive school climate that encourages respectful relationships among students and staff.
• House system: A house-based framework supports pastoral care, class unity, and friendly competition in events and festivals.
• Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to wellbeing staff or a school counsellor to support mental health, social-emotional learning, and individual needs.
• Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems, and targeted onboarding help new students settle into school life smoothly.

Facilities

• Sports grounds: Accessible playing fields and courts for a variety of sports.
• Libraries: A functional library for independent reading and research.
• Science labs: Dedicated spaces for hands-on science activities and experiments.
• Music/performing arts centers: Facilities or spaces to support music education and school productions.
• Tech/innovation labs: Integrated technology and digital learning spaces supporting ICT and STEAM activities.
• Cafeteria: On-site canteen or lunch facilities supporting healthy eating options.
• Updated playgrounds: Modern play areas and outdoor learning spaces for breaks and activities.

School Values & Community Culture

• School values / mission: Catholic values underpin daily life, with a focus on faith, compassion, respect, service, and integrity.
• Leadership style: Collaborative and distributed leadership that includes student leadership opportunities and teacher collaboration.
• Behaviour expectations: Clear expectations centered on respect, responsibility, kindness, and resilience.
• Community reputation: Positive links with the parish and local community, with an emphasis on service and involvement.
• Diversity & inclusion: A welcoming, inclusive culture that values every learner and supports a diverse range of backgrounds and abilities.

School Logistics & Daily Operations

• School hours: Typical school day runs from mid-morning to mid-afternoon, with regular breaks; exact times may vary by year level.
• Before/after school care: Availability of before- and after-school care programs or activities (OSHC) to support families.
• Uniform requirements: School uniform is standard, with specified dress items for daily wear and approved accessories.
• Transport (train/bus routes): Local bus services or parent drop-off/pick-up arrangements; information on routes and schedules available through the school.
• Canteen availability: Canteen or lunch program offering healthy meal options on select days.
• Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees fall in the moderate range for primary Catholic schools, with additional costs for levies, excursions, and uniforms; family discounts or concessions may apply.

Enrolment & Admissions

1. What is the enrolment process and timeline?

• Start with submitting an enrolment application with required documentation (birth certificate/immunisation record, baptism certificate (if applicable), and family details).
• The school conducts an interview or parent information session to understand fit and readiness.
• Offers of place are made when vacancies exist; a timeline is generally aligned with the intake year (often several months before start of the school year).
• Once offered, families complete the acceptance process, submit any remaining documents, and prepare for orientation.

1. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?

• Yes, there is typically a waiting list when applications exceed vacancies.
• Prioritisation often considers factors such as siblings already attending the school, parish affiliation, and distance from the school; the order of application and availability also influence offers.

1. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?

• Entry usually requires a family interview or information session; formal academic testing is not standard for all year levels.
• Some documentation may be requested to confirm immunisation status, baptism (if applicable), and readiness for school entry.
• Religious education involvement or parish confirmation may be part of the process for Catholic families.

1. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?

• Yes, subject to vacancies and availability in the desired year level.
• Families seeking mid-year transfers should contact the enrolment office early, bring up-to-date school reports, and complete any required transfer paperwork.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Parents Choose This School?

• What type of student thrives at this school?

- Students who value a close-knit community, family involvement, faith-based learning, and opportunities for leadership, collaboration, and service.

• What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?

- Enrichment in literacy/numeracy, STEM and digital technologies, music and drama programs, sports teams and fixtures, leadership roles, coding/robotics clubs, debating, and community service.

• How does the school communicate with parents?

- Regular newsletters, emails, parent-teacher interviews, a parent portal or class updates, and notices about events and school decisions.

• What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?

- Student-centered, differentiated instruction with an emphasis on literacy, numeracy, inquiry-based learning, and integration of faith-based values into daily lessons.

• How does the school support students who need extra academic help?

- Targeted small-group interventions, reading and numeracy support programs, EAL assistance, and access to specialist staff as needed.

• What support is available for academic challenges?

- Early identification, personalised learning plans, and collaboration with families to design appropriate interventions and goals.

• How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated)

- See above: newsletters, emails, parent-teacher interviews, and school portals.

• What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?

- A range of sports (football, soccer, basketball, cricket, athletics), music and drama, robotics/coding/chess/debating clubs, and participation in regional events.

• What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?

- Sports grounds, a library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, technology/innovation labs, a canteen, and updated playgrounds.

• What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?

- Integrated ICT across the curriculum with access to devices, interactive learning tools, and projects that build digital literacy and problem-solving skills.

• What transport and accessibility options are available?

- Local bus routes and family drop-off/pick-up options; facilities designed to be accessible to students with mobility needs.

• What are the typical school fees or additional costs?

- Fees are in the moderate range for primary Catholic schools, with additional costs for uniforms, books, excursions, and some activities; families may be eligible for concessions or rebates.

Short Pros & Cons list

• Pros

- Catholic values and a faith-centered community - Strong pastoral care, student leadership, and sense of belonging - Broad range of extracurriculars in academics, arts, and sport - Inclusive education with support for diverse learners

• Cons

- Smaller school footprint may mean fewer subject choices than larger schools - Waiting lists can occur during popular intake years - Location may require travel or longer drop-off times for some families - Fees and uniform costs are an ongoing consideration for families

Note: Enrolment details and programs can vary by year and cohort. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please contact the school’s enrolment office or admissions team.