San Damiano College

## 1. Overview San Damiano College is a Catholic, co-educational secondary college serving Year 7–12 within the Queensland Catholic education system. It emphasises faith-based learning, community, and a values-driven approach to schooling. The college is part of a growing regional cluster in Yarrabilba and aims to provide a supportive, inclusive atmosphere where students can develop academically, physically, and socially. The school is medium-to-large in size with a growing enrolment. Class sizes are typically in the low-to-mid 20s, balancing individual attention with opportunities for collaboration and peer learning. The atmosphere is nurturing and inclusive, with a strong focus on student wellbeing, faith formation, and broader educational experiences beyond the classroom. --- ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: The college places emphasis on STEM, English and literacy, leadership development, and robust humanities programs. Language offerings typically include Indonesian or Spanish to support global awareness. - Special programs: There are pathways for accelerated learning and gifted/talented opportunities, plus ongoing faith formation and community service experiences that complement academic study. - NAPLAN / trends: Historical trends show stable performance across key areas such as reading and numeracy, with gradual improvements in writing and overall academic engagement over time. - Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes and teacher-to-student ratios align with typical Queensland Catholic secondary schools, supporting differentiated instruction and targeted support. - Support for diverse learners: The college provides inclusive education supports, including dedicated learning support, EAL (English as an Additional Language) assistance, and SEN (Special Educational Needs) programs to help students reach their potential. --- ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: The college supports a range of sports including football (soccer), rugby league, basketball, cricket, netball, athletics, and swimming, with opportunities to compete at school and district levels. - Strong teams or achievements: Competitive teams often represent the school in district and inter-school events, contributing to a strong culture of sport and teamwork. - Music, arts, drama programs: Active music ensembles, bands, choirs, and drama productions provide outlets for performance and creative expression. - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, and debating are among the popular clubs, offering hands-on learning, problem-solving, and public-speaking opportunities. - Partnerships: The college engages with local clubs, community groups, and inter-school competitions to broaden student experiences and external opportunities. --- ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: A clear, proactive anti-bullying policy is in place, with values-based education helping to cultivate respect, empathy, and positive relationships. - House system: A house structure supports pastoral care, competition, and community belonging through regular events and activities. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: The school provides access to counsellors and wellbeing staff to support emotional, social, and mental health needs. - Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems, and targeted transition activities help new students settle in smoothly and build connections quickly. --- ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: On-site sports facilities support physical education and extracurricular activities. - Libraries: A library serves as a hub for reading, research, and study. - Science labs: Modern science laboratories underpin practical learning and experimentation. - Music/performing arts centers: Dedicated spaces support music ensembles, drama, and creative performances. - Tech/innovation labs: Technology and innovation spaces facilitate coding, robotics, and STEM projects. - Cafeteria: An on-site canteen provides meals and snacks. - Updated playgrounds: Play spaces and outdoor areas support recreation and downtime between classes. --- ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: The college embeds Catholic values such as faith, service, integrity, respect, and community in daily learning and student life. - Leadership style: Leadership is collaborative and student-centered, with opportunities for student voice and service leadership. - Behaviour expectations: A clear code of conduct promotes respectful behavior, responsibility, and accountability. - Community reputation: The school enjoys a supportive Catholic community reputation, with families and staff working together to foster belonging and safety. - Diversity & inclusion: The college prioritises inclusion and respect for diversity, aiming to create an equitable environment for all students. --- ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: The day typically runs during standard local hours, with start and end times aligning with the regional school timetable. - Before/after school care: Before- and after-school care options are available, either within the college or through approved community providers. - Uniform requirements: A prescribed school uniform is required, with details provided through the school uniform shop. - Transport (train/bus routes): Bus services and local transport options support student commuting; families rely on a combination of school transport and public routes. - Canteen availability: An on-site canteen offers options for meals and snacks. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees reflect the non-government, Catholic school sector and can include tuition, resources, and specific levies; current fee ranges are provided by the admissions team. --- ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Inquiries typically begin with the college’s admissions team or open information sessions. Applicants submit an online or paper application, provide required documentation, and participate in any required interviews or assessments. The school communicates timelines for intake, orientation, and start dates, and places are allocated based on available spaces and order of application. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Waiting lists can occur when year levels are at capacity. Applications remain on the list, and spaces become available as current students relocate or progress to the next year. Families are kept informed of their status and any opportunities for movement within the year level. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Entry may involve an interview and consideration of the family’s alignment with the Catholic ethos of the school. Documentation such as birth records and guardian consent is typically required. Specific testing may be used on a case-by-case basis for certain pathways or year levels. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are considered where vacancies exist. Parents should contact the admissions team to discuss availability, required documentation, and transfer timelines. --- ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A values-based Catholic environment, strong wellbeing supports, inclusive community, and a broad range of academic, sporting, and cultural opportunities. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who are motivated by faith-based education, who enjoy teamwork, service, and participation in clubs, sports, and arts. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Enrichment programs, accelerated learning pathways, STEM and language opportunities, competitive sports teams, music ensembles, drama productions, and clubs such as robotics, coding, and debating. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Through newsletters, parent portals, emails, notices, school events, and parent-teacher interviews; regular updates on student progress and wellbeing. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Student-centered, differentiated instruction, integration of technology, and a focus on critical thinking, literacy, and real-world application. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Learning support staff, EAL assistance, SEN programs, tutoring, and targeted intervention plans. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Access to counsellors, learning mentors, academic coaching, and adjustments to learning plans as needed. - How does the school communicate with parents? - See above; multiple channels to ensure timely and clear information sharing. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are typically in the low-to-mid 20s, with teachers providing differentiated instruction and targeted support where needed. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A wide range of sports (e.g., soccer, rugby league, basketball, cricket, netball), music and drama programs, robotics, chess, coding, debating, and inter-school competitions. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts centers, tech/innovation labs, canteen, and updated outdoor spaces. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integrated technology across the curriculum, access to devices and digital tools, and use of learning management systems to support learning. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local bus routes and transport options; accessible facilities and parent-friendly transport arrangements. - What are typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees reflect the Catholic independent-school sector and can include tuition, uniforms, and excursions; current amounts are provided by the admissions team. --- ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list Pros - Strong Catholic values and inclusive community - Comprehensive wellbeing and pastoral care - Wide range of academic, sports, arts, and extracurricular options - Modern facilities that support STEM, arts, and digital learning - Collaborative leadership and student voice opportunities Cons - Fees relative to public schooling; ongoing costs for uniforms and activities - Busy campus environment due to size and programs - Dependence on regional transport options for some families