## 1. Overview
St Michael & St John’s Primary School Horsham is a Catholic, co‑educational primary school serving families in Horsham and the surrounding region. The school is grounded in faith-based learning, community involvement, and a values‑driven approach to education.
It is a medium-sized school with class sizes typically in the low‑ to mid‑20s. The atmosphere is described as nurturing, inclusive, and community‑focused, with an emphasis on forming well‑rounded students who respect others and contribute positively to their school and local community.
## 2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: Strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy within a broad curriculum, with opportunities to explore STEM activities, leadership development, and language learning where available.
- Special programs: Enrichment options and pathways for gifted and talented learners, plus targeted learning support as needed. Faith formation and values education are integrated parts of the learning experience.
- NAPLAN / trends: The school tracks NAPLAN results over time to monitor progress and identify areas for improvement; trends are used to guide targeted interventions and curriculum planning.
- Student-teacher ratios: Generally operates with small to medium class sizes and a favorable student‑to‑teacher ratio (often in the approximate range of 1:15–1:22, depending on year level).
- Support for diverse learners: Dedicated support for EAL/D students, and inclusive education practices with SEN assistance and targeted literacy/numeracy supports.
## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: A range of team and individual sports typical for Australian primary schools (e.g., basketball, netball, cricket, football/soccer, athletics) with regular interschool participation.
- Strong teams or achievements: Participation in local and regional interschool competitions; opportunities to represent the school in various sports and events.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Active music programs, choir, and arts activities with performances and showcases throughout the year.
- Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other enrichment clubs available to students.
- Partnerships: Connections with local community clubs and academies for broader sporting, arts, and competitive opportunities.
## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies and positive behavior frameworks, with restorative practices and ongoing wellbeing supports.
- House system: House networks supporting friendship, teamwork, and healthy competition through regular events and activities.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school wellbeing staff and/or counsellors to support student emotional and social development.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems, and gradual induction to help new students settle in smoothly.
## 5. Facilities
- Sports grounds: On-site sports grounds suitable for a variety of physical education activities.
- Libraries: Library spaces that support reading and research across year levels.
- Science labs: Dedicated science spaces for hands-on experiments and investigations.
- Music/performing arts centers: Music rooms and performance spaces for concerts and rehearsals.
- Tech/innovation labs: ICT and technology spaces to support digital learning and creative projects.
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen or lunch facilities supporting daily meal options.
- Updated playgrounds: Modern, well-maintained play and outdoor learning areas.
## 6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: Values-driven education with emphasis on compassion, respect, responsibility, and inclusion within a Catholic ethos.
- Leadership style: Leadership across staff with a focus on collaborative planning, student leadership opportunities, and a responsive approach to student needs.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct and expectations communicated to students and families, with consistent, fair management.
- Community reputation: Generally viewed as a supportive, faith‑based community that fosters belonging and involvement.
- Diversity & inclusion: Committed to an inclusive environment that respects diverse backgrounds and abilities.
## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typical start and finish times aligned with the local primary school timetable; day includes structured learning, breaks, and lunch.
- Before/after school care: Available or offered through an approved provider; details provided at enrolment.
- Uniform requirements: School uniform with designated daily wear and a separate sports uniform for physical education and sports days.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Access to local bus services and/ or public transport options; drop-off/pick-up arrangements available to families.
- Canteen availability: On-site canteen or lunch program to support students during the school day.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are in the mid‑range for private Catholic primary schools; some activities and incursions may carry additional costs; exact amounts provided by the school at enrolment.
## 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- The school typically requires an application form, supporting documents (birth certificate, immunisation records, etc.), and may include a family interview or information session. The timeline varies by year and intake, so applicants should contact the school for the current schedule.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Waiting lists may apply in years of high demand. When space is limited, the school may place applicants on a waiting list and prioritize enrolment based on space, sibling attendance, and parish or community considerations.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry often involves a family interview or conversation with the principal or enrolment coordinator. Placement tests or readiness discussions are possible depending on the year level and capacity; religious formation considerations may also be discussed.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are possible where space permits and the school can accommodate the incoming student’s needs, subject to the usual enrolment and documentation requirements.
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## 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- Parents value the Catholic values-based education, nurturing community, strong pastoral care, and a balanced approach to academics, sport, and the arts.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who enjoy a faith-based, inclusive environment with opportunities to participate in academics, sports, arts, and leadership.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Enrichment programs, STEM activities, leadership roles, clubs (robotics, coding, chess, debating), sports teams, and performing arts opportunities.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular newsletters, email updates, parent portals, class representatives, and scheduled parent-teacher interviews.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Standards-aligned curriculum with differentiation, inquiry-based learning, and inclusive practices to support diverse learner needs.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted small-group instruction, pull-out or in-class supports for literacy and numeracy, referrals to specialists as needed.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Additional tutoring or learning support plans, ongoing monitoring, and collaboration with families to set goals.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (duplicate)
- See above: newsletters, portals, and parent-teacher meetings.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes are small to medium (roughly 20–25 students per class) with opportunities for individual support through targeted teaching and student-teacher interactions.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports, music/arts programs, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Modern facilities including sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation spaces, and well-equipped classrooms.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integrated ICT use in learning, with age-appropriate digital literacy and responsible use guidance.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Bus services and local transport options; practical drop-off/pick-up arrangements and accessible facilities.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are mid-range for private Catholic primary schools; some activities, excursions, and uniform costs may be additional.
## 10. Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Catholic values-based education with a supportive, inclusive community
- Strong focus on literacy, numeracy, and well-rounded development
- Variety of sports, arts, and clubs; leadership opportunities
- Dedicated wellbeing supports and a house-based culture
- Moderate class sizes and accessible facilities
- Cons
- Fees may be higher than public schools and can include optional extras
- Availability of popular programs may vary by year and space
- Wait times can occur in popular intake years; mid-year transfers depend on space
