St Aloysius Catholic College - Kingston Beach

## 1. Overview St Aloysius Catholic College – Kingston Beach is a Catholic systemic school serving families in the Kingston Beach area and the broader southern Hobart region. The college offers a faith-informed education with a focus on community, character and academic growth. The school is typically described as a medium-sized community that emphasises a nurturing and inclusive atmosphere where students are supported to thrive academically, socially and spiritually. - School type: Catholic (systemic) - School size: Medium - Class size: Typically mid-20s - Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, values-driven with emphasis on faith, service and learning ⸻ ## 2. Academics & Learning St Aloysius Catholic College aims to balance core academic rigor with opportunities for leadership, creativity and ethical development. - Academic strengths: Strong emphasis on English and humanities, with solid STEM and language programs. The school supports leadership development through student programs and coursework. - Special programs: Religious education as a core part of the curriculum; leadership programs; opportunities for accelerated learning or gifted/talented pathways where available. - NAPLAN / trends: Publicly available trend data varies by year; schools typically report stable or improving performance in reading and writing, with numeracy trends monitored over time. Check the latest annual report for current trajectories. - Student-teacher ratios: Commonly mid-range for Catholic systemic schools; practical class sizes support teacher accessibility and student engagement. - Support for diverse learners: EAL and SEN support available; targeted assistance and accommodations accommodated within the learning plan framework. ⸻ ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths Extracurricular life is a key part of the student experience, with a mix of sport, arts and clubs. - Sports offered: Soccer, basketball, netball, cricket, athletics and other local-field sports aligned with Tasmanian school programs. - Strong teams or achievements: Participation in school-level and regional competitions; success varies by year and cohort. - Music, arts, drama programs: Active music and performing arts offerings to develop creativity and stage performance. - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating and other clubs to build problem-solving and communication skills. - Partnerships: Local community clubs and regional competitions provide additional pathways for sport, coding and STEM activities. ⸻ ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care Wellbeing is central to helping students succeed and feel safe at school. - Anti-bullying approach: Clear policies and restorative practices to address concerns and promote respectful behavior. - House system: House-based activities and recognition to foster belonging and healthy competition. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to qualified staff for personal, social and emotional support. - Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems and targeted onboarding to ease transitions. ⸻ ## 5. Facilities Facilities are designed to support learning, creativity and physical activity. - Sports grounds: On-site spaces for physical education and sport. - Libraries: Dedicated library spaces to support reading and research. - Science labs: Well-equipped science facilities for practical experiments. - Music/performing arts centers: Spaces for rehearsal and performances. - Tech/innovation labs: Areas for design, coding and STEM projects. - Cafeteria: On-site meal service or lunch options for students. - Updated playgrounds: Safe outdoor spaces for recreation and play. ⸻ ## 6. School Values & Community Culture The school fosters a values-driven culture with involvement from students, families and staff. - School values / mission: Faith, respect, service, excellence, and community. Emphasis on ethical development and service to others. - Leadership style: Collaborative leadership with opportunities for student voice and leadership roles. - Behaviour expectations: Clear code of conduct aligned with school values; restorative approaches to conflict. - Community reputation: Known for a welcoming, faith-based environment and active family engagement. - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to inclusive education and supporting students from diverse backgrounds. ⸻ ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations Practical information to help families plan the day. - School hours: Typical day runs during standard school hours with variations by year level. - Before/after school care: Available or arranged through school-supported programs; check current offerings. - Uniform requirements: School uniform is part of everyday dress; details on seasons and shop requirements provided by the school. - Transport (bus routes): Transport options available via local routes; families should verify current bus/train arrangements with the school or local transport authorities. - Canteen availability: Canteen or lunch order arrangements available; healthy options typically offered. - Fees (ranges): Fees and levies vary; generally in the mid-range for Catholic systemic schools in the region. Families should obtain the latest fee schedule from the school. ⸻ ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit an expression of interest or application with required documents (birth certificate, immunization records, proof of address, etc.). - Notification of eligibility and invitation for a family interview or information session. - Offer of placement following assessment and availability; orientation and enrolment confirmation prior to start of term. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Waiting lists may operate when vacancies are limited; priority often given to siblings and families who have completed the required steps. Expect notification timelines to vary by intake period. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Some applicants may participate in an interview or informal meeting to discuss readiness, values alignment and prior academic achievement. Testing is not universally required but may occur for specific pathways or programs. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers can be possible depending on vacancies and space in the targeted year level; families should contact the admissions team as early as possible to discuss options and timelines. ⸻ ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A values-driven Catholic education with a supportive community, focus on holistic development and opportunities across academics, sport, arts and leadership. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who value a faith-informed environment, inclusive peer culture, strong pastoral care and a balanced approach to academics and extracurriculars. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - A range of clubs and programs in STEM, English and humanities, sports teams, music and drama, and leadership opportunities. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Through emails, newsletters, a parent portal or learning management system, parent-teacher interviews and regular updates from teachers and leadership. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A combination of traditional instruction and student-centered approaches, with opportunities for collaboration, inquiry, technology integration and differentiated support. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted learning support, literacy and numeracy interventions, teacher differentiation and access to support staff. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Learning support plans, tutoring options and consultation with teachers and wellbeing staff to create a pathway for improvement. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated) - See above: multi-channel communications including digital platforms, newsletters and events. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes typically in the mid-teens to mid-20s, with access to teacher support during classes and through targeted interventions. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A broad set of sports, music, drama and clubs such as robotics, chess, coding and debating; participation often linked to local competitions and events. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, canteen and well-equipped classrooms. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of digital tools and resources to support learning, with opportunities for coding, research and digital literacy across the curriculum. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local bus/train options and school transport arrangements; check current routes and accessibility with the school. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees vary by year level and program; families should request the latest fee schedule and any discretionary levies or charges. ⛶ ## 10. Short Pros & Cons - Pros - Catholic, values-driven environment with a focus on character and community - Supportive pastoral care and wellbeing services - Balanced academics with opportunities in sports, arts and clubs - Inclusive culture and opportunities for student leadership - Reasonable class sizes that support individual attention - Cons - Religious ethos may not align with every family’s preferences - Fees and uniform costs are an ongoing consideration for some families - Availability of certain electives or facilities can vary by year and cohort - Transport options depend on location and may require planning with the school - Mid-year transfers depend on vacancies and timing ⸻