1. Overview
St Augustine's Primary School, Mossman is a Catholic, co-educational school serving the local community. The school is small to medium in size and focuses on delivering a nurturing, inclusive learning environment where students develop academically, socially and spiritually within a supportive faith-based community. Class sizes are typically kept to enable personalised attention, with an emphasis on building strong relationships between students, teachers and families.
The atmosphere is one of belonging and service, combining academic growth with character formation. Students are encouraged to participate in school life, value compassion and respect, and strive for personal best in a positive, values-driven culture.
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2. Academics & Learning
St Augustine's places a strong emphasis on core literacy and numeracy, with opportunities to develop critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills. Academic strengths often highlighted include strong literacy outcomes, solid numeracy development and leadership opportunities through student roles and assemblies.
Special programs commonly available at the school include faith-informed assemblies and sacramental programs, leadership opportunities (e.g., student council or school captain roles) and small-group extension where appropriate. The school aligns with the Queensland curriculum and supports targeted learning through a Learning Support Team, including assistance for students needing additional help.
NAPLAN trends typically show steady performance and alignment with state expectations, with ongoing focus on improving literacy and numeracy across year levels. Student-teacher ratios are managed to support a high level of individual attention, and there are supports in place for diverse learners, including EAL (English as an Additional Language) students and those requiring additional SEN (Special Educational Needs) support.
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3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
Sports offered often include standard primary-level choices such as soccer, netball, cricket, athletics and other local arrangements. The school usually participates in district and inter-school sports programs, with opportunities for team development and school spirit through house-based competitions.
In addition to sports, there are music, drama and arts programs that contribute to a well-rounded education. Extracurricular clubs commonly available include robotics, coding, chess and debating, giving students chances to extend their skills beyond the classroom. The school may establish partnerships with local sports or arts organizations to provide extra-curricular opportunities and competitions.
For boys aged 10–14, these clubs and teams are particularly valued for building teamwork, strategic thinking and leadership alongside physical development.
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4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
A strong wellbeing and pastoral care framework is a core priority. The anti-bullying approach typically emphasizes a whole-school commitment, with clear expectations and restorative practices to resolve conflicts. The school usually operates a house system to foster belonging, teamwork and healthy competition.
Counsellors or wellbeing officers are available to support students’ mental and emotional health, and there are structured transition supports for new students, including buddy programs, orientation activities and family communication channels to help settle new entrants.
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5. Facilities
The school’s facilities are designed to support a range of learning experiences and student wellbeing. Visual highlights include:
- Sports grounds for physical education and inter-school events
- Library with a collection supporting literacy and research
- Science labs for practical science learning
- Music/performing arts spaces for ensembles, drama and productions
- Tech/innovation labs or computer rooms for digital learning
- Canteen or canteen facilities providing lunch options
- Updated playgrounds and outdoor learning spaces
The facilities are presented in a clear, easy-to-navigate layout that supports both independent and supervised activities.
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6. School Values & Community Culture
The school operates with a clear faith-based ethos aligned to Catholic values, focusing on virtues such as respect, responsibility, compassion and excellence. Leadership is typically collaborative, with staff and students encouraged to contribute to a positive, inclusive culture. Behaviour expectations are consistent, constructive and designed to promote safety, respect and achievement.
The community reputation is generally described as welcoming and supportive, with active parental involvement in school life. Diversity and inclusion are important, with efforts to ensure all students feel valued and able to participate fully in school activities.
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7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
Typical logistics you’d expect:
- School hours: standard primary day with start and finish times aligned to the local calendar
- Before/after school care: usually available on-site or via partner providers
- Uniform requirements: a formal school uniform with seasonal options
- Transport: information on local bus routes or school transport arrangements
- Canteen availability: on-site canteen or lunch programs
- Fees: described as low to medium for a private Catholic primary school, with transparency around any additional costs or levies
Daily routines and communications are designed to be straightforward for families, with regular updates from the school about events, notices and student progress.
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8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Inquiry and information session or open day
- Submission of application form and required documents (birth certificate, immunisation history, family details, etc.)
- Placement considerations and parallel processes for Prep entry; sometimes assessments or portfolio information are requested
- Interview with families and, where appropriate, a student interaction or classroom visit
- Offer of enrolment and acceptance by family
- Confirmation of placement and starting term arrangements
Timelines vary by intake year and year level; families are encouraged to contact the school early to understand specific dates and documents required.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- There is often a waiting list when demand exceeds vacancies. Placement on the list typically requires submitting a waitlist form and paying any applicable fees.
- The order of a waitlist is usually determined by date of application, availability for the requested year level and any priority criteria set by the school.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry requirements commonly include a family interview and confirmation of readiness for the year level.
- Some entry levels may involve a brief assessment or activity to understand a child’s learning needs and ensure appropriate placement; this is typically used to determine additional support needs or enrichment opportunities.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Yes, mid-year transfers are considered where vacancies exist. Transfer processes follow the same general steps as new enrolments, with smooth transition planning to support the student’s adjustment.
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9. Frequently Ask Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A Catholic, values-driven environment with a nurturing, small-to-medium community. Strong focus on literacy, numeracy and holistic development, plus supportive wellbeing and family involvement.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who value community, faith-based learning, and inclusive education; those who respond well to small classes, supportive teacher relationships and a balanced mix of academics and extra-curricular activities.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Leadership roles (student council, school captain), enhanced literacy/numeracy support, science and technology activities, as well as sport, music and drama programs, robotics, coding, chess and debating clubs.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular updates via newsletters, email, a school app or portal, and meetings. Open lines of communication with teachers and leadership for ongoing feedback.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- A balanced, curriculum-aligned approach prioritising literacy and numeracy, with faith-informed programs, differentiated learning, and opportunities for hands-on and collaborative learning.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted learning support through a dedicated team, small-group interventions and referral pathways for additional assessments or specialist support as needed.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Early identification through assessment, personalised learning plans, and access to learning support staff and resources to help students catch up and progress.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- See above; multiple channels for timely information and feedback, including formal reports and informal check-ins.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes are kept small to medium to enable more one-on-one time and targeted teaching within the classroom, supported by additional small-group sessions as needed.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports (interschool and local competitions), music and drama, plus clubs like robotics, coding, chess 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?
- Integrated digital learning across the curriculum, with access to computers or tablets, classroom technology, and age-appropriate coding and ICT activities.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Information about local bus routes or transport options is provided by the school, with support for families to arrange safe student travel.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are described as low to medium for a private Catholic primary school, with transparency around any additional costs such as uniforms, excursions or levies.
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10. Short Pros & Cons list
Pros
- Catholic, values-driven education in a nurturing, inclusive environment
- Small-to-medium class sizes enabling individual attention
- Strong wellbeing and pastoral care framework
- Broad range of extracurriculars (sports, music, arts, clubs)
- Active community and family involvement
- Accessible facilities (libraries, science labs, tech spaces, sports grounds)
Cons
- Fees are higher than public schools (typical for non-government schools)
- Limited year levels (primary focus; may require transfers for secondary education)
- Availability of certain specialist programs may vary year to year based on enrolments
- Transport options depend on location and external routes; may require coordination
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