St Agnes' Primary School - Port Macquarie

## 1. Overview St Agnes' Catholic Primary School is a Catholic, co-educational primary school serving Port Macquarie families. As a small-to-medium sized school, it offers a warm, community-focused environment where faith, learning and service are woven into daily life. Class sizes are typically around 20–24 students, fostering close teacher–student relationships and individualized support within a nurturing atmosphere. The school emphasises inclusive, faith-based education with a strong sense of community. It aims to develop confident, capable learners who contribute positively to family, school and local community. --- ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Strong focus on English and Mathematics with robust literacy and numeracy programs, plus emphasis on STEM and digital literacy to prepare students for future learning. - Special programs: Religious Education is integrated as a core component; opportunities for Gifted & Talented learners; accelerated or enrichment activities where appropriate; robotics, coding and related clubs to broaden problem-solving skills. - NAPLAN trends: Past years show steady progress and solid performance with improved bands in multiple areas; ongoing focus on literacy and numeracy to support continued growth. - Student-teacher ratios: Approximately 1 teacher for every 18–22 students, allowing for targeted instruction and timely feedback. - Support for diverse learners: EAL support and SEN programs are in place, with inclusive education practices and targeted interventions to assist students who need extra help. --- ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: A wide range of team and individual sports (e.g., soccer, netball, basketball, cricket, athletics, swimming) to encourage fitness, teamwork and school pride. - Strong teams or achievements: Participation in local and regional competitions with a focus on sportsmanship and development across age groups. - Music, arts, drama programs: Active music and performing arts opportunities that complement classroom learning and provide performance experiences. - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating and other clubs to foster critical thinking and collaboration. - Partnerships: Local community clubs and regional competitions provide broader avenues for competition and skill-building. --- ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies and wellbeing education integrated into the curriculum to promote respectful relationships. - House system: House groups support pastoral care, events, teamwork and leadership opportunities. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Dedicated wellbeing staff or access to school-based counsellors to support students’ social-emotional health. - Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy programs and transition supports to help newcomers settle in smoothly. --- ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: Adequate outdoor spaces for a range of physical activities. - Libraries: Well-stocked library to support reading and research. - Science labs: Access to science facilities that support hands-on learning. - Music/performing arts centers: Space for music rehearsals, drama and performances. - Tech/innovation labs: Areas for digital learning, coding and project-based activities. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen or servery to provide healthy meal options. - Updated playgrounds: Safe and engaging play spaces for break times and physical activity. --- ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: Catholically grounded values such as faith, respect, compassion, service and integrity guide daily life and learning. - Leadership style: Collaborative leadership with opportunities for student involvement and leadership roles. - Behaviour expectations: Positive behaviour framework that recognises effort, respect and responsibility. - Community reputation: Known for a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere and active involvement of families in school life. - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to diversity and inclusive education, creating a respectful environment for all students. --- ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical day runs from around 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, with supervision before and after school as needed. - Before/after school care: Available through a before/after school care program to support families. - Uniform requirements: Clear uniform policy with standard daily uniform and sport/ceremonial options; details provided by the school. - Transport (train/bus routes): Local bus services and established drop-off/pick-up arrangements to accommodate families. - Canteen availability: On-site canteen or lunch facilities offering healthy meal options. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fee structure generally in the moderate range; specific amounts provided by the school upon enrolment inquiry. --- ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit an expression of interest or application through the school (or Catholic Education Office process as applicable). - Provide required documentation (birth certificate, immunisation records, previous school reports, etc.). - There may be an information session or interview; timelines vary by year level and intake year. - Offers are made based on vacancy availability and alignment with the enrolment criteria; you’ll receive confirmation of enrolment and start dates if successful. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Many NSW Catholic primary schools have a waiting list when year levels are full. Applications are placed on the list and offered as vacancies arise, often prioritised by policy (e.g., siblings, parish affiliation, and date of application). It’s best to contact the school early to understand current wait times. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Entry typically involves documentation and may include an interview or family conversation. Most Catholic primary schools do not require standard academic tests for entry; emphasis is often on fit with the school’s values, community, and readiness for school programs. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Yes, mid-year transfers are considered subject to vacancies and timetable availability. Prospective mid-year transfers should contact the school early to discuss options and required steps. --- ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A supportive, faith-based community with strong pastoral care, solid academics, and active involvement in sport, arts and clubs. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who value a caring community, opportunities for leadership, and a balanced approach to academics, faith and extracurriculars. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Enrichment in literacy and numeracy, STEM activities, gifted and talented options where appropriate, clubs (robotics, coding, debating), and competitive or recreational sports and arts programs. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates via newsletters, emails, parent portals, and scheduled information evenings; open channels for contact with teachers and leadership. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A student-centered approach with explicit instruction in literacy and numeracy, integrated faith formation, and hands-on, inquiry-based learning across subjects. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted interventions, small-group or one-on-one support, and resources within the classroom and specialist programs to address learning needs. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Access to learning support staff, literacy and numeracy programs, and collaboration with families to tailor support plans. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated) - See above; including a range of channels and opportunities for involvement. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes typically around 20–24 students, allowing teachers to provide timely feedback and differentiation in instruction. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A broad mix of sports (team and individual), music and performing arts, and clubs such as robotics, chess, coding 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 well-maintained playgrounds. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of digital literacy and coding, with access to age-appropriate technology and project-based learning. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local bus services and established drop-off/pick-up arrangements; accessible facilities to support all students. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees are generally in the moderate range; families should request current fee schedules from the school for exact amounts. --- ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list Pros - Strong sense of community and faith-based culture - Supportive pastoral care and wellbeing services - Balanced focus on academics, sports, arts and technology - Inclusive education with supports for diverse learners - Moderate class sizes enabling individual attention Cons - May have fewer specialized facilities than larger urban schools - Admissions can involve waiting lists during high-demand intake years - Transport options may require daily bus travel for some families --- If you’d like, I can tailor this draft with more school-specific details once you share exact figures (class sizes, current programs, transport routes, fees, and any distinctive facilities or partnerships).