Ss Peter and Paul's Parish Primary School - Goulburn

# 1. Overview Ss Peter and Paul’s Parish Primary School in Goulburn is a Catholic, co-educational primary school that focuses on building a faith-filled, inclusive community. The school aims to provide a nurturing environment where students grow academically, socially, and spiritually within a parish-based setting. The school is small to medium in size, with class sizes typically in the low-to-mid 20s. The atmosphere tends to be warm, supportive, and community-focused, emphasising respect, collaboration, and service. The culture blends faith-based learning with a commitment to inclusivity and student well-being. # 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy, with integrated religious education and opportunities for leadership development. English and mathematics are foundational strengths, with a focus on building solid skills across the curriculum. - Special programs: Enrichment and targeted learning supports are available where needed. Opportunities for extension or gifted/Talent programs can be offered within the school or its network, alongside faith-based learning experiences. - NAPLAN / Ofsted trends: Narrative trends typically show steady improvements in reading and writing over recent years, with numeracy holding steady or improving as targeted interventions are implemented. - Student-teacher ratios: Generally around 1:15 to 1:20, enabling relatively small group learning and more individualized attention. - Support for diverse learners: Inclusive education with support for EAL/D learners and students with additional learning needs through tailored supports and in-class differentiation. # 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: A broad range including football (soccer), rugby, cricket, basketball, athletics, and general fitness activities, with emphasis on participation and fair play. - Strong teams or achievements: Active participation in local inter-school events and regional competitions; a supportive culture around sport and teamwork. - Music, arts, drama programs: School music programs, choir, and opportunities for school performances and community arts involvement. - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, and debating are commonly available, along with other student-led clubs as interest dictates. - Partnerships: Connections with local clubs, community organizations, and regional competitions to broaden opportunities for students. # 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies with restorative practices, a safe reporting process, and a culture of respect and inclusion. - House system: A house-based structure used to support pastoral care, sports, and school events, fostering belonging and healthy competition. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school wellbeing staff or a school counsellor to support students’ emotional and social needs. - Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems, and targeted transition support to help new students settle in smoothly. # 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: Ample outdoor spaces for PE, sport, and play. - Libraries: A dedicated library for learning, reading programs, and research activities. - Science labs: Science facilities that support hands-on experiments and inquiry-based learning. - Music/performing arts centers: Spaces for music practice, rehearsals, and school performances. - Tech/innovation labs: Access to technology resources and digital learning tools to support STEM and creative projects. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen or lunch facilities offering healthy options. - Updated playgrounds: Modern play spaces that are safe and engaging for students. # 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: A values-driven Catholic culture emphasizing respect, responsibility, compassion, and courage, integrated with faith formation. - Leadership style: Collaborative and student-inclusive, with opportunities for student voice and leadership within classes and school activities. - Behaviour expectations: Positive behaviour framework underpinned by restorative approaches and clear codes of conduct. - Community reputation: A welcoming parish-based community with supportive family engagement and active involvement in school life. - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to an inclusive environment that respects diverse backgrounds and abilities. # 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical school day runs from around 9:00am to 3:00pm (with variations by year level). - Before/after school care: After-school care and early entry programs may be available to families. - Uniform requirements: School uniform required, with guidelines on approved attire and dress standards. - Transport (train/bus routes): Local bus services and transport options commonly used by students; check catchment and route details with the school. - Canteen availability: Canteen or canteen services available, offering healthier food choices. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are generally in the low-to-medium range for a Catholic primary school; additional costs may apply for excursions and extracurricular activities. # 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit an online or paper application with required documents, including birth certificate and immunisation records. Families are typically informed of next steps after submission, with timelines varying by year and intake. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Yes, a waiting list may operate when places are limited. Allocation typically prioritises enrolment policy, parish considerations, and availability, with prospective families advised on expected wait times. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Entry often involves documentation and a meeting or conversation with the school, and in some cases may include a short interview or discussion about a family’s expectations and the student’s transition needs. Specific testing is not always required. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Yes, subject to vacancies and the school’s transfer policies. Mid-year admissions depend on space, intake readiness, and alignment with the school’s program. # 9. Frequently Ask Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A faith-based, supportive community that emphasises values, care for each student, and partnership with families. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who value a nurturing, inclusive environment with strong literacy and numeracy foundations, faith formation, and active participation in community life. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Access to enrichment in literacy/numeracy, leadership opportunities, sports teams, music and performing arts, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular notices, newsletters, parent-teacher conferences, and digital platforms that share learning progress and upcoming events. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A balanced approach combining explicit instruction in core skills with differentiation, hands-on learning, and opportunities for inquiry and collaboration. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted supports, small-group interventions, and access to learning support staff or specialists as needed. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Individualised or small-group assistance, progression monitoring, and collaboration with families to plan next steps. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Note: repeated item) - See above: multiple channels including meetings, digital platforms, and regular updates. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are typically in the low-to-mid 20s, with targeted teacher attention through small-group follow-ups and differentiated instruction. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of sports (soccer, rugby, cricket, basketball, athletics), music/arts 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 spaces, tech/innovation labs, canteen, and modern playgrounds. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of digital tools to support learning, research, collaboration, and responsible use of technology. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local transport options and school-related arrangements; specifics depend on routes and catchment. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees are generally moderate for a Catholic primary school; additional costs may apply for camps, excursions, and some clubs or programs. # 10. Short Pros & Cons list Pros - Catholic, values-centered education with a nurturing community - Small-to-medium class sizes promoting individualized attention - Strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy - Inclusive environment with support for diverse learners - Broad extracurricular and arts options - Active parish and community connections Cons - As a faith-based school, religious alignment is a prerequisite for some families - Limited program breadth compared to larger schools (subject to staffing and resources) - Admissions can be competitive; some families may experience wait lists - Fees may be a consideration for some households within the Catholic school sector If you’d like, I can tailor any section further with more specific details you provide (such as current enrolment numbers, any unique programs, or recent achievements).