St Agnes' Primary School

## Overview St Agnes' Primary School, Highett is a Catholic, co-educational primary school serving families in the Bayside Melbourne area. As a faith-based, community-focused school, it combines a caring, nurturing environment with a solid academic program designed around the Australian Curriculum. The school operates as a small-to-medium size community with class sizes typically around 20–25 students. The atmosphere is welcoming and inclusive, emphasizing student well-being, peer support, and a strong sense of belonging within a Catholic context. ⸻ ## Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: English and mathematics are core priorities, with integrated approaches to literacy and numeracy. There is emphasis on STEM exploration and inquiry-based learning to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. - Special programs: Enrichment opportunities and gifted/talented pathways are available, along with strong religious education that supports values-based learning and leadership development. - NAPLAN trends: The school aims for steady improvement across core domains, with progress monitored-year to year to ensure continual growth for students. - Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes are designed to enable meaningful teacher-student interaction, with typical ratios supportive of differentiation and targeted support. - Support for diverse learners: EAL support and targeted intervention for students with additional learning needs are provided, including in-class adjustments and small-group assistance as required. ⸻ ## Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: Football (AFL), soccer, basketball, netball, cricket, athletics, and swimming programs are part of the school's cocurricular calendar. - Strong teams or achievements: The school participates regularly in inter-school competitions and district-level events, with opportunities for students to contribute to team success. - Music, arts, drama programs: There are active music and performing arts programs, including choir and school productions. - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, and debating are available to broaden critical thinking, strategy, and teamwork. - Partnerships: The school engages with local clubs and sporting bodies to provide broader competition opportunities and skill development. ⸻ ## Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: A proactive, whole-school approach with clear expectations and restorative practices to support respectful relationships. - House system: Students participate in a house-based framework that fosters belonging, leadership, teamwork, and healthy competition. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Dedicated wellbeing staff and access to school counsellors support emotional health and resilience. - Transition support for new students: Structured orientation and buddy programs help new students settle in, with ongoing support during transitions between year levels. ⸻ ## Facilities - Sports grounds: Multi-use courts and playing fields support physical education and outdoor activity. - Libraries: A well-stocked library encouraging reading for pleasure and research. - Science labs: Dedicated spaces for hands-on science exploration. - Music/performing arts centers: Facilities for music rehearsal and performances. - Tech/innovation labs: Computer and maker-space areas to support digital literacy and creativity. - Cafeteria: On-site dining options with a focus on healthy choices. - Updated playgrounds: Modern, safe play areas for break times and outdoor learning. ⸻ ## School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: A faith-centered mission focusing on compassion, respect, service, and justice, integrated into daily learning and community life. - Leadership style: Student leadership opportunities exist alongside collaborative teacher guidance, promoting responsibility and service. - Behaviour expectations: Clear expectations around respect, responsibility, and safety underpin daily conduct. - Community reputation: Strong parish connections and a welcoming, family-friendly culture foster a supportive environment for students and parents. - Diversity & inclusion: An inclusive culture that welcomes families from diverse backgrounds and supports equitable access to programs and activities. ⸻ ## School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typically 9:00 am–3:30 pm, with supervision options available before and after school. - Before/after school care: On-site or partner programs provide supervised care outside school hours. - Uniform requirements: A formal school uniform is required, with clear guidelines on appropriate attire for daily wear and special occasions. - Transport (train/bus routes): Public transport access via nearby train stations and bus routes; school arrival and parking arrangements are designed for smooth drop-off and pick-up. - Canteen availability: On-site canteen offering healthy meal and snack options. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Catholic primary schools in the area typically charge mid-range fees, with details published by the school and any associated levies for camps, excursions, and programs. ⸻ ## Enrolment & Admissions - 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit an application and any required supporting documents, followed by a possible information session or interview. If a place is available, families are contacted with next steps, and there is a defined timetable for acceptance, orientation, and start dates. - 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Yes, there is often a waiting list. Placement is typically determined by availability, sibling priority, and parish or feeder-school considerations, with timelines provided by the school. - 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Generally, no formal entrance exam is required for primary years, though an interview or conversation with the principal or leadership team may occur to discuss the family’s expectations and fit with the school’s values. - 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are considered if places are available. Families should contact the school early to discuss eligibility and transition planning. ⸻ ## Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A supportive Catholic community, strong academic foundations, a focus on wellbeing, and opportunities to participate in faith-based service and leadership. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who value community, faith-informed learning, and active engagement in both academics and co-curriculars. - What opportunities are available to extend skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Enrichment programs, STEM activities, clubs (robotics, coding, chess, debating), music and drama, and inter-school sport programs provide many avenues for growth. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular newsletters, school app/portal updates, email, and scheduled parent-teacher meetings keep families informed. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Student-centered, differentiated instruction aligned with the Australian Curriculum, with emphasis on inquiry, collaboration, and applying knowledge. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Learning Support teams, targeted small-group interventions, EAL support, and in-class accommodations are available. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Individualized support plans, progress monitoring, and collaboration between teachers, specialists, and families. - How does the school communicate with parents? (repeat) - See above: newsletters, app/portal, meetings. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes typically around 20–25 students, with teacher guidance and opportunities for small-group or one-on-one support. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A broad range of sports, arts, music programs, and clubs including robotics, coding, chess, and debating. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Modern sports facilities, libraries, science labs, performing arts spaces, and technology/maker spaces. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integrated IT curriculum with access to computer labs, interactive learning tools, and age-appropriate digital literacy education. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Access to nearby public transport options (train and bus) and well-organized drop-off/pick-up arrangements. - What are typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees are mid-range for the area, with additional costs for camps, excursions, and optional activities. ⸻ ## Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Strong Catholic community and values-based education - Supportive wellbeing and pastoral care - Solid academic program with enrichment options - Broad sports, arts, and clubs - Modern facilities and good student–teacher ratios - Cons - Fees are an ongoing consideration for some families - Availability of places can be limited during peak intake periods - Language offerings may vary year to year depending on staffing and student demand