Springfield Gardens Primary School

## Overview Springfield Gardens Primary is a public primary school serving families in Moonah, Tasmania. The school focuses on giving students a solid foundation in literacy and numeracy within a welcoming, inclusive community. It aims to foster curiosity, resilience and collaboration through a broad range of learning experiences. The school size is medium, with class groupings designed for strong teacher-student interaction. Class sizes typically sit in the 20s range, enabling personalized support and active participation. The atmosphere is nurturing and inclusive, with a culture that values wellbeing, teamwork and community engagement. ## Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy, solid STEM and digital literacy foundations, leadership opportunities and a languages/LOTE program. - Special programs: gifted and talented pathways, targeted learning supports, and opportunities for student leadership and inquiry-based projects. - NAPLAN / trends: upward trajectories in reading and numeracy over recent years, with ongoing emphasis on writing improvement and consistent participation. - Student-teacher ratios: generally around 1:15 to 1:20 in classrooms, allowing for regular teacher feedback and targeted support. - Support for diverse learners: dedicated support for EAL students and students with SEN, including planning and in-class adaptations through an inclusive education team. ## Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: a range of team and individual sports including football (soccer), netball, basketball, athletics, cricket and other PE activities. - Strong teams or achievements: active participation in inter-school and district competitions, with opportunities to represent the school in regional events. - Music, arts, drama programs: regular music sessions, school concerts, drama and visual arts experiences to showcase creative talents. - Clubs: robotics, chess, coding, debating and other interest-based clubs to extend learning beyond the classroom. - Partnerships: connections with local clubs, community groups and regional competitions to broaden experiences and opportunities for students. ## Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: clear anti-bullying policies and wellbeing frameworks designed to foster a safe, respectful environment. - House system: a house structure to promote teamwork, school spirit and positive competition (house-based activities and events). - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: access to school wellbeing staff who provide mentoring, counselling and wellbeing support. - Transition support for new students: orientation activities, buddy programs and targeted transitions to help new students settle in smoothly. ## Facilities - Sports grounds: well-maintained outdoor spaces for PE and sports activities. - Libraries: a learning library supporting reading for pleasure, research and study. - Science labs: dedicated spaces for practical science investigations. - Music/performing arts centers: venues and spaces for music, drama and performance. - Tech/innovation labs: areas for coding, robotics and digital projects. - Cafeteria: on-site dining options and meal services. - Updated playgrounds: modern, safe playground equipment for breaks and recess. ## School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: a focus on respect, responsibility, resilience, inclusion and curiosity. - Leadership style: collaborative leadership with student voice opportunities and active staff involvement. - Behaviour expectations: positive behaviour expectations tied to the school code of conduct and consistent reinforcement. - Community reputation: typically viewed as a welcoming and engaged school community with strong family partnerships. - Diversity & inclusion: commitment to an inclusive environment that welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and abilities. ## School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: typical day runs across standard Tasmanian school hours with start and finish times aligned to the state calendar. - Before/after school care: OSHC or equivalent programs available to support working families. - Uniform requirements: official school uniform with guidance on items and suppliers. - Transport: access to bus routes and other public transport options within the local area. - Canteen availability: on-site canteen or lunch program as part of daily school routines. - Fees: no tuition fees for compulsory education; modest charges for materials, book packs, excursions and voluntary contributions. ## Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Enrolment is handled through the Tasmanian Department of Education. Families typically apply for enrolment to the local school in accordance with the catchment and school calendar. Documentation such as proof of address and immunisation records are usually required. Enrolment timelines are aligned with the state’s scheduled intake periods, with additional admissions possible if vacancies exist. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Waiting lists can apply when there are more applicants than spaces. The school and Department manage waiting lists, prioritizing enrolments based on catchment rules, availability and readiness for year level. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - For public primary schools, formal entry tests or interviews are not typically required. Some administrative steps, such as address verification and immunisation confirmation, are standard as part of enrolment. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers can be considered if there are available places. Families should contact the school early to discuss space and transfer arrangements, along with the standard enrolment documentation. ## Frequently Ask Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? Public, approachable, inclusive environment with a strong literacy/numeracy foundation, broad learning experiences and active community involvement. - What type of student thrives at this school? Curious, collaborative, resilient students who enjoy a supportive community and a range of learning opportunities. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? Strong core academics with STEM and digital literacy, student leadership roles, coding/robotics clubs, music and drama programs, and a variety of sports and inter-school competitions. - How does the school communicate with parents? Regular newsletters, email updates, school app or portal, and parent-teacher meetings to discuss progress and upcoming events. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? Student-centred, differentiated instruction, evidence-based practices and integration of digital learning to support exploration and collaboration. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? Targeted learning support, EAL and SEN resources, small-group interventions and individualised plans where needed. - What support is available for academic challenges? Access to learning support staff, counselling for study strategies, and referral pathways to external services if necessary. - How does the school communicate with parents? (duplicate) See above: newsletters, emails, app/portal, and parent-teacher meetings. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? Typical class sizes are in the low-to-mid 20s, with teachers providing regular feedback and personalized attention through targeted supports. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? A range of sports (e.g., soccer, netball, basketball, athletics), music and drama programs, plus clubs such as robotics, chess, coding and debating. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, a canteen and updated playgrounds. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? Integration of digital devices, coding and robotics programs, interactive learning tools and a focus on safe, responsible use of technology. - What transport and accessibility options are available? Bus routes and local transport options are available; the school supports accessible facilities and safe drop-off/pick-up arrangements. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? No tuition fees for compulsory primary education; modest charges for materials, book packs, excursions and optional activities or items. ## Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Inclusive, nurturing community with a strong focus on literacy and numeracy - Broad range of academic and co-curricular opportunities - Support for diverse learners (EAL, SEN) and a clear wellbeing framework - Active student life with sports, arts, clubs and leadership opportunities - Modern facilities and a positive school culture - Cons - Class sizes in the mid-20s can limit one-to-one time in very high-demand years - Enrolment and mid-year transfers depend on space availability - Some costs for books, excursions and uniforms may be required - Travel options may vary for families outside bus catchments