Overview
St Andrew’s Catholic Primary School is a Catholic, non-government primary school that focuses on faith-based education within a supportive, inclusive community. The school aims to balance academic development with social and spiritual growth, fostering a nurturing atmosphere where students feel valued and encouraged to participate in all aspects of school life.
The school is medium in size, with class sizes typically in the low- to mid-20s. The environment emphasises care, respect, and collaboration, supporting students to grow as confident learners and responsible members of the local Clarkson community.
Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: Emphasis on strong literacy and numeracy foundations, with opportunities to engage in STEM activities, leadership development, and English-focused programs. A faith-informed approach weaves through learning to support well-rounded development.
- Special programs: Gifted and talented opportunities where available, enrichment activities, and religious education integrated with general learning. Some students may access accelerated or extension activities as appropriate.
- Support for diverse learners: Inclusive education practices with support for EAL (English as an Additional Language), SEN (Special Educational Needs), and learning support plans as needed, plus collaboration with families to tailor supports.
- Sports offered: A range of team and individual sports common to WA primary schools, including soccer, netball, basketball, AFL-style activities, athletics, and swimming programs.
- Strong teams or achievements: Active participation in local and district competitions; emphasis on teamwork, fair play, and personal bests, with opportunities to showcase athletic talents in inter-school events.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Visual and performing arts programs, school productions, choir and/or band opportunities, and ongoing exposure to music and drama activities.
- Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating/public speaking, and other enrichment clubs are typically available to support diverse interests.
- Partnerships: Local sporting programs, community clubs, and school-based partnerships in science, coding, and arts activities to extend learning beyond the classroom.
Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Clear positive-behaviour policies, anti-bullying initiatives, and a culture that promotes respect and dignity for every student.
- House system: A house-based framework with regular activities and events to encourage teamwork, leadership, and peer support.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school-based wellbeing staff or guidance personnel who support mental health, resilience, and social-emotional learning.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy systems, and targeted transition supports to help new students settle in smoothly.
Facilities
- Sports grounds: Provision for outdoor sports and activity spaces suitable for physical education and inter-school events.
- Libraries: A library or resource centre supporting reading, research, and quiet study.
- Science labs: Dedicated spaces for science investigation and practical learning.
- Music/performing arts centers: Facilities to support music, drama, and performance activities.
- Tech/innovation labs: Access to technology and digital learning spaces for coding, robotics, and STEM exploration.
- Cafeteria: On-site or nearby canteen/service for meals and healthy options.
- Updated playgrounds: Well-maintained playgrounds and outdoor play areas for recreation and active play.
- Values / mission: Catholic faith-based education emphasizing values such as respect, compassion, integrity, responsibility, and service to others.
- Leadership style: Collaborative and inclusive, with student leadership opportunities and teacher-student partnerships that encourage active participation.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct and positive behavior supports designed to foster a respectful and safe learning environment.
- Community reputation: Strong sense of community with active parental involvement and positive word-of-mouth within the local area.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to welcoming diverse families and supporting inclusive education for all students.
School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typical school day runs in the morning to mid-afternoon, with specific start and finish times published by the school each year.
- Before/after school care: Availability of before- and after-school care or programs, often managed by the school or an approved provider.
- Uniform requirements: School uniform policy in place, with details provided at enrolment and in the student handbook.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Access to local transport options; information on recommended bus routes and proximity to public transport is available from the school.
- Canteen availability: Canteen services or lunch ordering options commonly offered.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees apply for tuition and associated costs; exact amounts vary by year and program—check the current fee schedule with the school.
Enrolment & Admissions
What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Submit an enrolment application or expression of interest through the school’s admissions process.
- Provide required documents (birth certificates, immunisation records, proof of Catholic affiliation if applicable, and any parish or community information requested).
- Application review, invitations for information sessions or interviews (where applicable), and notification of enrolment decision.
- Once offered a place, complete required forms, pay deposits or fees, and participate in any orientation activities.
Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Waiting lists are common when spaces are limited. Places are usually offered based on availability and may consider factors such as year level, siblings, Catholic affiliation, and date of submission. Families on the waiting list are typically kept informed by the school.
Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry requirements may include an enrolment interview, especially for certain year levels or cohorts. Some schools conduct brief assessments or discussions to understand learning needs and fit. Religious education involvement or parish information may also be requested.
Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers may be possible if there is available space and alignment with the program. Prospective families should contact the admissions team promptly to assess feasibility and complete any required transfer documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A values-based Catholic education in a welcoming, inclusive community with focus on academic growth, wellbeing, and strong parental involvement.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who appreciate a faith-informed environment, collaborate well with peers, engage in a range of academics, sports, and arts, and value a supportive community culture.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Enrichment in literacy, numeracy, and STEM; clubs for coding, robotics, chess, and debating; music and drama programs; sports teams and inter-school opportunities; leadership roles and public speaking activities.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular newsletters, parent portals or apps, emails, notices about events and calendars, and parent-teacher interviews to discuss student progress.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- A balanced approach focusing on solid literacy and numeracy, inquiry-based learning, differentiation to meet diverse needs, and integration of Catholic values across curriculum and routines.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted learning support, intervention programs, EAL and SEN assistance, and collaboration with families to plan individualized supports.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Access to learning support staff, tutoring or small-group interventions, and adaptation of tasks to suit student needs; regular progress reviews.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated)
- See above: newsletters, portals/apps, and direct communication from teachers and leadership as needed.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A broad offering including team and individual sports, arts and music programs, robotics, coding, chess, debating, and opportunities to participate in local or inter-school events.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, library resources, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, a canteen, and updated outdoor play areas.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of technology to support learning, access to digital devices or bring-your-own-device options where offered, and emphasis on digital citizenship and safe online practices.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Information on local transport options, bus routes, and accessibility features is available through the school’s admissions or administration team.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- School fees and potential costs for excursions, uniforms, and activities vary by year level and program; exact figures are provided in the current fee schedule.
Short Pros & Cons list
- Catholic values-based education in a nurturing, inclusive community
- Strong focus on literacy and numeracy with opportunities in STEM and languages
- Wide range of extracurriculars: sports, arts, coding, robotics, debating
- Supportive wellbeing and pastoral care, transition programs for new students
- Modern facilities that support science, technology, arts, and physical education
- Active parent involvement and a positive school culture
- Fees apply (as with many independent/Catholic schools); exact costs vary by year
- Availability of certain programs or clubs may vary year to year based on staffing and funding
- Spaces may be limited; mid-year transfers depend on vacancies and alignment with the program
