# Overview
St Augustine's Primary School - Wodonga is a Catholic, co-educational primary school serving families in Wodonga, VIC. The school operates as a small-to-medium community focused on values-based education, faith formation and strong pastoral care. Class sizes are typically around 20–25 students, which supports personalised attention and close teacher-student relationships. The atmosphere is nurturing, inclusive and community-minded, with an emphasis on both academic growth and character development.
The school aims to foster a warm, faith-filled culture where families feel welcomed and involved in their child’s learning. Students are encouraged to contribute to a supportive school community, participate in faith-based activities, and engage in activities that build resilience and social responsibility.
---
# Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: Strong focus on Literacy and Numeracy, with integrated Religious Education. Emphasis on Digital literacy, STEM-inspired thinking and developing leadership skills through school initiatives.
- Special programs: Gifted and Talented/pipeline programs, opportunities for accelerated learning where available, targeted reading and writing support, and technology/robotics integration to build problem-solving skills.
- NAPLAN / trends: Historically, performance aligns with Victorian averages with trends showing steady improvement in key literacy and numeracy areas over recent years.
- Student-teacher ratios: Estimated ratio around 1:12 to 1:22, varying by year level and class structure, enabling some personalised instruction while maintaining a classroom environment conducive to collaboration.
- Support for diverse learners: Inclusive education with support for EAL learners and students with SEN, backed by on-site support staff and access to additional learning assistance as needed.
---
# Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: Basketball, netball, football (soccer), athletics, cricket, and general fitness programs; opportunities for inter-school events and district competitions.
- Strong teams or achievements: Participation in district-level sport teams and events; emphasis on team-building, sportsmanship and personal bests.
- Music, arts, drama programs: School choir, school band or ensemble options, and performing arts activities to showcase creativity and stage confidence.
- Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other age-appropriate clubs to develop strategic thinking and teamwork.
- Partnerships: Connections with local community clubs and regional competitions to broaden opportunities beyond the classroom.
---
# Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Proactive, whole-school anti-bullying programs and clear behaviour expectations that promote respect and safe relationships.
- House system: A house-based structure to foster belonging, healthy competition and collaboration across year levels.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school-based wellbeing staff to support social-emotional health and resilience.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy systems and targeted support to help new students settle in quickly and confidently.
---
# Facilities
- Sports grounds: On-site playing fields and courts suitable for various sports and activities.
- Libraries: School library with a range of books and learning resources.
- Science labs: Dedicated spaces to support hands-on science learning and inquiry.
- Music/performing arts centers: Areas for music practice, drama activities and performances.
- Tech/innovation labs: Digital learning spaces and STEM-related resources to support coding, robotics and creative projects.
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen or snack facilities offering healthy options.
- Updated playgrounds: Modern, well-maintained play areas and outdoor learning spaces.
---
# School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: Faith-based education grounded in Catholic values, with emphasis on respect, responsibility, service and inclusion.
- Leadership style: Collaborative leadership that encourages student voice, parent involvement and shared decision-making where appropriate.
- Behaviour expectations: Positive behaviour framework focused on respect, integrity and accountability.
- Community reputation: Known in the local community for welcoming families, supportive staff and a safe, inclusive learning environment.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to diversity and inclusive practices that welcome families from different backgrounds and abilities.
---
# School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typical primary school day with start and finish times aligned to local arrangements; occasional after-school activities may extend day commitments.
- Before/after school care: Availability of before/after school programs or childcare arrangements through on-site or partner providers.
- Uniform requirements: School uniform policy with specified attire and standards for daily wear and on-site activities.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Access to local bus services and school transport options as part of the regional network.
- Canteen availability: On-site or partnered canteen offering healthy meal and snack options.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are in the middle range for many Catholic primary schools, with transparent information available through the enrolment process.
---
# Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Parents typically submit an expression of interest or enrolment application, schedule an information session or interview, and complete any required parish or school documentation. The timeline varies by intake year and vacancy availability, with preferred enrolments often prioritised early in the year.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Waiting lists are common when vacancies are limited. Applications are placed on a list and considered if and when a place becomes available, with criteria often including current family affiliation and readiness to support the school’s values. The length of time on a waiting list varies by year level and intake demand.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry typically involves an interview or meeting to assess alignment with the school’s values and environment. Some Catholic schools also review parish connections or family involvement in Catholic education. Academic testing is not routinely required for primary enrolments.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are possible if vacancies exist and timetables can accommodate new students. Prospective families should contact the school to discuss vacancy availability and any transitional support.
---
# Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A supportive, values-based Catholic environment with strong pastoral care, small-to-medium class sizes and a focus on holistic development.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who respond well to a nurturing, inclusive culture, value-based learning, and opportunities in sports, arts and leadership.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Differentiated literacy and numeracy support, gifted and talented options where offered, sports teams, music/drama programs, and clubs such as robotics, coding and debating.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular updates through newsletters, meetings, parent portals and informal channels; events and parent engagement activities are encouraged.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- A balanced approach combining core academics with faith formation, wellbeing support and practical, hands-on learning experiences.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted intervention, classroom differentiation and access to learning support staff and resources.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Early identification, personalised plans, coaching and, where appropriate, referrals to specialist services.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- See above: regular updates, conferences, digital communications and event notices.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes typically around 20–25 students, with opportunities for targeted teacher support within the classroom and through additional programs.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- Sports such as basketball, netball, soccer, athletics and cricket; music and drama; clubs including 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 updated playgrounds.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Strong emphasis on digital literacy and integration of technology across learning activities and projects.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local bus services and school transport options common in the region; accessible facilities to support diverse learners.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees fall in the middle range for Catholic primary schools, with details provided during enrolment.
---
# Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Catholic, values-based education with strong pastoral care.
- Small-to-medium class sizes enabling personalized attention.
- Inclusive environment with support for diverse learners (EAL, SEN).
- Range of extracurriculars (sports, arts, clubs) and leadership opportunities.
- Safe, supportive community with a house-based culture and clear behaviour expectations.
- Cons
- Enrolment may involve waiting lists in peak intake years.
- Mid-year transfers depend on vacancies and timetable compatibility.
- Fees typical for Catholic primary schools; families should verify current costs and any additional activity charges.
- Some programs (e.g., accelerated options or specific language offerings) may vary year to year depending on staffing and funding.
