St Anne’s Catholic Primary School - Park Orchards

# 1. Overview St Anne’s Catholic Primary School Park Orchards is a Catholic, co-educational primary school serving families in Park Orchards and surrounding communities. The school focuses on faith-based learning within a warm, inclusive environment that supports families and community involvement. - School type: Catholic private primary - School size: Medium - Class size: Approximately 20–25 students per class - Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, community-focused with a faith-centred approach # 2. Academics & Learning St Anne’s emphasises strong foundations in literacy and numeracy, with opportunities to extend learning through a range of programs. - Academic strengths: Literacy and numeracy, STEM/STEAM activities, English and mathematics, leadership development, and language learning (e.g., Indonesian). - Special programs: Catholic faith formation and sacramental preparation; Gifted & Talented or accelerated learning where appropriate; arts, science, and technology enrichment programs. - NAPLAN / trends: Steady performance over time with a focus on continuous improvement; trends typically show local strengths in reading and numeracy, aligning with state expectations. - Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes around 20–25 students; whole-school student-teacher interaction supported by targeted support. - Support for diverse learners: EAL support, SEN programs, and inclusive learning assistance to meet diverse needs. # 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths A strong mix of sport, arts, and clubs to suit a wide range of interests and talents. - Sports offered: Soccer, netball, basketball, cricket, AFL-inspired activities, athletics, and fitness programs. - Strong teams or achievements: Participation in local inter-school events and diocesan competitions; emphasis on sport as part of teamwork and school spirit. - Music, arts, drama programs: School choirs, instrumental programs, music ensembles, drama and performing arts opportunities. - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other enrichment clubs. - Partnerships: Local community clubs and inter-school competitions; connections with Catholic Education Office activities and events. # 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care Wellbeing is central to daily life at St Anne’s, with a focus on positive relationships and respectful behaviour. - Anti-bullying approach: Proactive anti-bullying strategies, student wellbeing programs, and clear reporting pathways. - House system: House groups encourage competition, teamwork, and sense of belonging; house activities and events support school culture. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to a school-based wellbeing professional or counsellor, along with classroom wellbeing initiatives. - Transition support for new students: Orientation sessions, buddy systems, and early transition plans to help students settle in quickly. # 5. Facilities Facilities are designed to support a well-rounded education with clear spaces for learning, creativity, and recreation. - Sports grounds: Varied outdoor play spaces and sporting fields. - Libraries: Well-stocked library with reading spaces and digital resources. - Science labs: Dedicated spaces for science learning and experiments. - Music/performing arts centers: Facilities for music and drama activities. - Tech/innovation labs: Equipped spaces for coding, robotics, and STEAM projects. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen or lunch program to support healthy eating. - Updated playgrounds: Safe, modern play areas for break times and lessons. # 6. School Values & Community Culture A faith-informed community that aims to develop well-rounded, responsible young people. - School values / mission: Faith-filled education emphasizing service, respect, integrity, and inclusion. - Leadership style: Collaborative leadership with teacher and student input; opportunities for student voice in councils or committees. - Behaviour expectations: Clear expectations for respectful conduct, responsibility, and positive behaviour support. - Community reputation: Strong sense of belonging among families; active parent involvement and ongoing parish connections. - Diversity & inclusion: Welcoming to families from diverse backgrounds; commitment to inclusive practices and support for different learning needs. # 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations Practical information to help families plan around school life. - School hours: Typical school day follows a morning-to-afternoon schedule; hours may vary by year level. - Before/after school care: OSHC or similar after-school care arrangements available. - Uniform requirements: School uniform plus hat and appropriate footwear; sports uniform for physical education days. - Transport: Access to public transport options and local bus routes; accompanying parking and drop-off arrangements available. - Canteen availability: Canteen or lunch-order program offering healthy options. - Fees: Tuition or voluntary contributions with a mid-range cost profile for a Catholic primary; occasional levies for activities or resources. # 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit an enrolment form and supporting documentation (birth certificate, immunisation records, proof of address, family references). - Applications typically open on a set schedule each year; shortlisted families may be invited for interviews or information sessions. - Timeline usually spans several months before intake; provide deposits if required to secure a place. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Waiting lists can apply when a year level is full. Applications may be prioritized by parish affiliation, sibling policy, and availability. Families may be contacted as spots become available. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Most Catholic primary admissions do not require formal academic tests for entry. Interviews or discussions about faith, values, and school expectations may occur, along with family references and alignment with Catholic schooling goals. - Some programs may involve brief transitional activities or orientation discussions for new families. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers may be considered if vacancies exist. Applications should be submitted promptly, and transferring families may need to provide school reports, immunisation records, and other standard documentation. # 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A faith-based, values-driven environment with a strong sense of community, supportive teachers, and a focus on holistic development. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who appreciate a nurturing Catholic environment, supportive learning, and opportunities to participate in various academic, sport, and arts activities. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Enrichment programs in literacy, numeracy, STEM, arts, music, and sport; clubs such as robotics, chess, coding, and debating; leadership and community service opportunities. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates via newsletters, emails, parent-teacher conferences, and digital platforms; open channels for feedback and involvement. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Student-centred, inclusive pedagogy with a focus on literacy, numeracy, curiosity, and faith-informed values; emphasis on collaboration and student voice. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted intervention with small-group support, EAL and SEN programs, and access to wellbeing staff. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Early identification, individualized support plans, and collaboration with families to monitor progress and adjust learning goals. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Duplicate question echoed) - See above: regular updates, meetings, and digital communication channels. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes around 20–25 students; teachers provide targeted instruction and small-group support within and beyond class time. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A broad mix of sports (soccer, netball, basketball, etc.), music and drama, and clubs (robotics, chess, coding, debating). - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, library, science labs, performing arts spaces, technology/innovation labs, canteen, and modern playgrounds. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of age-appropriate technology and coding/STEAM experiences to build digital literacy and problem-solving skills. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Proximity to public transport and local bus routes; established drop-off/pick-up arrangements; accessible facilities. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees vary by year level and program; families should contact the school for a current breakdown of tuition, levies, and any additional costs. # 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Strong sense of community and faith-based values - Supportive, inclusive learning environment - Good balance of academics, sport, and arts - Range of enrichment programs and clubs - Accessible wellbeing and pastoral care - Cons - As a Catholic school, admissions may prioritise Catholic families or parish connections - Smaller to medium school size may limit certain specialized programs compared with larger schools - Fees and levies are part of the overall cost of attendance and should be considered in budgeting