## 1. Overview
St Augustine’s Primary School Creswick is a Catholic, co-educational primary school serving Creswick and surrounding communities. It blends faith formation with a strong academic program in a nurturing, rural Australian setting.
- School type: Catholic
- School size: Small to medium
- Class size: Typically around 20–25 students per class
- Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, faith-based community
---
## 2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: Literacy and numeracy underpin daily learning, with embedded STEM activities, arts, and a solid religious education component. The school aims to nurture critical thinking, creativity and foundational academic skills.
- Special programs: Opportunities for extension and enrichment for advanced learners; digital learning across the curriculum; intentional faith-based and service learning woven into the timetable.
- NAPLAN / trends: Trends show steady progress with strong performance relative to state benchmarks in reading and numeracy over recent years.
- Student-teacher ratios: Low student-teacher ratios enable more individualized support and a more personalised learning pace.
- Support for diverse learners: Strong inclusion focus with support for diverse learners, including EAL (if applicable) and SEN, with targeted interventions and accommodations as needed.
---
## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: Australian Rules Football (AFL), soccer, netball, basketball, cricket, athletics, swimming and other school-based activities.
- Strong teams or achievements: Regular participation in inter-school and community competitions with competitive teams and a track record of positive results and growth.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Active music and performing arts programs including choir or band offerings and school drama activities.
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating and other enrichment clubs available to students.
- Partnerships: Local community sport clubs and connections with broader education and youth activities to support competitions and enrichment.
---
## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Proactive, whole-school anti-bullying policies and culture that emphasise respect, empathy and safety.
- House system: House groups foster positive competition and a sense of belonging among students.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Dedicated staff or school wellbeing team focused on student welfare and mental health.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy programs and transition supports to help new students settle in smoothly.
---
## 5. Facilities
- Sports grounds
- Libraries
- Science labs
- Music/performing arts centers
- Tech/innovation labs
- Cafeteria
- Updated playgrounds
The school offers well-equipped spaces to support a broad range of learning activities, from hands-on science to creative arts and digital learning, with safe, welcoming outdoor areas.
---
## 6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: Faith-based education centered on Catholic values such as compassion, service, respect and responsibility.
- Leadership style: Collaborative and student-inclusive leadership; staff and families are engaged in fostering a supportive school community.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear expectations around respectful behaviour, responsibility and positive conduct; consistent reinforcement through school programs.
- Community reputation: A warm, family-oriented Catholic community with active parent involvement and strong community ties.
- Diversity & inclusion: A welcoming and inclusive environment that supports students from diverse backgrounds and needs.
---
## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typical day runs from morning to afternoon with before/after school arrangements available.
- Before/after school care: Available to families through school or partner programs.
- Uniform requirements: School uniform with specified items and guidelines.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Bus routes and local transport options available; proximity to Creswick and surrounding areas considered in access.
- Canteen availability: On-site canteen offering healthy options.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are in the medium range for Victorian Catholic primary schools; additional costs may apply for certain activities or excursions.
---
## 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Families typically express interest, submit an enrolment application, provide required documents, and participate in an eligibility/interview or information session. Upon completion, applications are reviewed and placement offered according to availability, with notification and orientation scheduling.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- There is often a waiting list; priority and placement are generally determined by enrolment policies, availability, and parish/catchment considerations. Families are informed of their status and expected timelines.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry usually involves family interviews or information sessions and may include discussions about faith formation and alignment with school values. Academic testing is not typically required.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are possible, subject to seat availability and a smooth transition plan. Prospective families should contact the school to discuss options and timing.
---
## 9. Frequently Ask Questions
- “Why Parents Choose This School?”
- A supportive Catholic community with small class sizes, strong literacy and numeracy, and a focus on holistic development (faith, character, and academics).
- “What type of student thrives at this school?”
- Students who respond well to a caring, collaborative learning environment, are engaged in community life, and enjoy participation in a range of academics, sports and arts.
- “What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?”
- Enrichment in literacy, numeracy, STEM activities, arts and drama programs, competitive sports, and clubs such as robotics, coding and debating.
- “How does the school communicate with parents?”
- Regular newsletters, parent-teacher meetings, and digital platforms provide ongoing updates about learning progress, events and school notices.
- “What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?”
- Student-centred, integrated learning that combines faith formation with academic development, with differentiation and opportunities for inquiry and hands-on learning.
- “How does the school support students who need extra academic help?”
- Targeted interventions, small-group support, and tailored programs within the classroom and through learning support staff.
- “What support is available for academic challenges?”
- Early identification, targeted tutoring or interventions, and collaboration with families to plan and monitor progress.
- “What transport and accessibility options are available?”
- Bus routes and local transport options; accessible facilities and safe drop-off/pick-up arrangements.
- “What are the typical school fees or additional costs?”
- Fees fall in the medium range for similar schools; some activities, excursions, or uniform costs may incur additional expenses.
---
## 10. Short Pros & Cons list
Pros
- Catholic values and faith-based learning
- Small to medium size with supportive, individualised attention
- Positive, inclusive school culture and community involvement
- Broad offering of sports, arts, and clubs
- Clear focus on wellbeing and pastoral care
Cons
- Rural location may limit some course variety or external program access compared to larger urban schools
- Mid-year transfers depend on seat availability
- Uniform compliance and associated costs are required
- Some specialised programs may be limited compared with larger schools
