Spring Terrace Public School

1. Overview Spring Terrace Public School is a public NSW government primary school serving students in the Spring Terrace area. As a public school, it offers a co-educational environment with a medium-sized community that typically features class sizes in the low-to-mid 20s. The school emphasises an inclusive, nurturing culture where staff, students and families work together to support literacy, numeracy and well-being. Students are encouraged to participate in a broad range of academic and co-curricular activities, helping to build a sense of belonging and community pride. The atmosphere is community-focused and supportive, with a strong emphasis on respect, collaboration and personal growth. The school aims to balance strong academic foundations with opportunities in sport, arts and leadership, fostering well-rounded learners who are prepared for the next steps in their education. 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Strong literacy and numeracy foundations, with growing emphasis on STEM and digital literacy. There are opportunities for leadership development and language learning within the broader NSW curriculum. - Special programs: Gifted & Talented programs and targeted support for students with additional learning needs, including EAL (English as an Additional Language) support and SEN (Special Educational Needs) assistance. - NAPLAN trends: The school tracks year-to-year progress in key areas such as reading, writing and numeracy, using targeted interventions to improve outcomes and narrow gaps. - Student-teacher ratios: Typical ratios are in the vicinity of 1:22 to 1:26, varying by year level and cohort. - Support for diverse learners: Comprehensive support for diverse learners, including EAL programs, learning support teams and access to specialist staff to address varied needs. 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: A range of team and individual sports including cricket, football (soccer), basketball, rugby league, athletics and swimming programs. - Strong teams or achievements: The school participates in district and inter-school events, with opportunities for students to represent the school and develop teamwork and resilience. - Music, arts, drama programs: Active music and performing arts offerings, including choir and instrumental activities, plus drama and theatre opportunities. - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess and debating are among the available clubs to build critical thinking and collaboration. - Partnerships: Connections with local sporting clubs, regional competitions and community organisations to extend learning beyond the classroom. 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Whole-school anti-bullying policy with clear expectations and restorative approaches to conflict resolution. - House system: A house-based structure fosters belonging, healthy competition and peer support across year levels. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school-based counsellors or wellbeing staff who support emotional and social learning and provide referral pathways. - Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy programs and transition supports to help new students settle in smoothly. 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: Outdoor sport fields and courts suitable for a variety of physical education activities. - Libraries: A library space that supports reading, research and classroom learning. - Science labs: Science facilities for practical experiments and inquiry-based learning. - Music/performing arts centers: Areas dedicated to music practice and performances. - Tech/innovation labs: Resources to support ICT and digital learning, including coding and maker-space activities. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen offering healthy meal options and snacks. - Updated playgrounds: Modern, safe play areas for break times and active play. 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: A mission centered on respect, responsibility, learning and empathy; a commitment to inclusive education and student well-being. - Leadership style: Student voice is encouraged through leadership opportunities and class responsibilities; staff model collaborative, student-centred practices. - Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct and positive behaviour for learning expectations, supported by restorative practices. - Community reputation: A supportive, engaged school community with active involvement from families and local partners. - Diversity & inclusion: Strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion, ensuring all students feel valued and supported. 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical school day runs from around 9:00 am to 3:15 pm, with variations by cohort and year level. - Before/after school care: Availability of before- and after-school care via school-approved providers or community programs. - Uniform requirements: School uniform policy in place, with standard uniform expectations and approved dress guidelines. - Transport (train/bus routes): Access to local bus routes and public transport; walking zones and drop-off/pick-up arrangements in place. - Canteen availability: Canteen or canteen facilities offering healthy meal options and snacks. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): As a public school, there are no tuition fees; families may contribute through voluntary contributions and may incur costs for uniforms, excursions and certain extracurricular activities. 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Enrolment is managed in line with NSW Department of Education guidelines. Prospective families typically submit an enrolment form with required documentation (proof of age, proof of address/residency within catchment, immunisation records, etc.). Timelines vary by catchment and year level; processing times can depend on capacity and intake schedules. It’s common for families to submit early to secure a place for the new school year, with confirmations provided when allocations are made. Orientation information and transition plans are shared after placement. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - If the school reaches capacity, a waitlist may operate. Priorities generally follow NSW guidelines (e.g., catchment priority, sibling priority) and vacancies as they arise. Waiting times vary and depend on year level and available spaces. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - For most NSW public primary schools, entry tests or interviews are not standard. Enrolment is typically based on catchment eligibility and availability. Some programs or special needs considerations may require additional information or documentation, but formal testing or interviews are not routine for general primary enrolment. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are possible if vacancies exist. Parents should contact the school to discuss availability and required documentation. Transition support is provided to help students move smoothly between schools. 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? Potential reasons include a supportive, inclusive community; strong literacy and numeracy focus; a broad range of co-curricular programs; dedicated staff and active wellbeing supports; positive transitions for new students. - What type of student thrives at this school? Students who are engaged, collaborative, curious and willing to participate in a wide range of activities—academic, sport and arts—tullily benefit from the school’s balanced program. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? Extension and enrichment opportunities in literacy, numeracy, STEM; leadership roles; sports teams; performing arts programs; clubs such as robotics, coding, chess and debating. - How does the school communicate with parents? Regular communication through newsletters, emails, the school website, parent-teacher meetings, and text/email alerts as needed. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? Student-centred, differentiated instruction; use of evidence-based practices; integration of digital learning and hands-on inquiry; emphasis on a growth mindset. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? In-class support, targeted small-group interventions, learning support staff, EAL and SEN services, and referral pathways to external services when required. - What support is available for academic challenges? Structured support plans, additional tutoring or remedial programs, and access to teacher aides to assist with targeted needs. - How does the school communicate with parents? See above; ongoing channels include newsletters, meetings, and digital updates. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? Class sizes typically range in the low-to-mid 20s, with teachers differentiating instruction and providing small-group or targeted support as needed. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? A variety of sports (e.g., cricket, soccer, basketball, rugby league, athletics, swimming), arts and music programs, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess and debating. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts facilities, technology/innovation labs, canteen, and updated playgrounds. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? Integrated ICT and digital literacy across the curriculum, with devices and software used to support learning; emphasis on safe digital citizenship and coding activities. - What transport and accessibility options are available? Bus routes and public transport access, along with defined walking zones and accessible facilities as part of daily operations. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? Public school fees are generally limited to voluntary contributions, uniforms, excursions and some co-curricular activity costs. 10. Short Pros & Cons list Pros - Public, inclusive school community with strong wellbeing supports - Solid literacy and numeracy foundations and a broad curriculum - Wide range of extracurriculars (sports, arts, clubs) - Active student leadership and opportunities for student voice - Good partnerships with local clubs and organisations Cons - Class sizes can vary by year level and may be larger in some cohorts - Availability of some specialist programs may depend on year level and capacity - Mid-year transfers depend on vacancies and can involve transition processes - Extra costs for uniforms, excursions and some clubs or activities Notes - The content above is designed as a parent-friendly overview to help with decision-making. For the most accurate and up-to-date details, please check with the school’s official communications and NSW Department of Education guidance.