St Barbara's Parish School

1. Overview

St Barbara's Parish School Roxby Downs is a Catholic primary school serving families in Roxby Downs, South Australia. As a faith-based, community-focused school, it emphasises values-led learning, pastoral care and inclusion within a small-school environment.

The school is small in size, offering intimate class settings that foster strong teacher–student relationships. Class sizes are typically modest, contributing to a nurturing atmosphere where students feel supported to grow academically, socially and spiritually.

1. Academics & Learning

• Academic strengths: Focus on core literacy and numeracy foundations, with an integrated approach to faith-based learning and social-emotional development. The school also prioritises digital literacy and inquiry-based learning to build student problem-solving skills.
• Special programs: Catholic faith formation and regular religious education as part of the curriculum; opportunities to engage in cross-curricular projects that bring in STEM concepts and the arts.
• Support for diverse learners: Access to additional learning support, including assistance for students needing literacy or numeracy growth and support for diverse learners (SEN/EAL) where available through school programs and partnerships.

1. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths

• Sports offered: Common options include soccer, netball, cricket, athletics, and other core physical activities adapted to the school calendar.
• Strong teams or achievements: The school participates in regional inter-school events and promotes teamwork, sportsmanship and personal bests.
• Music, arts, drama programs: Opportunities for choir, musical instrument lessons, school plays or assemblies that showcase performing arts.
• Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating and other STEM/academic clubs are encouraged to develop critical thinking and collaboration.
• Partnerships: Involvement with local community activities and regional competitions, providing pathways for students to explore interests beyond the classroom.

1. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care

• Anti-bullying approach: Focus on a positive school culture with explicit anti-bullying strategies, restorative practices and strong supervision to promote respectful interactions.
• House system: A house structure to foster belonging, friendly competition, teamwork and school spirit.
• Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to wellbeing staff or school counsellor to support students with social, emotional and mental health needs.
• Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems and proactive communication to help new students settle in smoothly.

1. Facilities

• Sports grounds: Adequate outdoor spaces for physical education and play.
• Libraries: A school library supporting independent reading and research.
• Science labs: Basic science facilities to support practical experiments and inquiry-based learning.
• Music/performing arts centers: Space for music practice and performances.
• Tech/innovation labs: Computer/technology access to support digital literacy and coding activities.
• Cafeteria: On-site or organised meal arrangements for students.
• Updated playgrounds: Safe, age-appropriate play areas and outdoor equipment.

1. School Values & Community Culture

• School values / mission: A values-driven environment emphasising respect, responsibility, compassion, honesty and service within a Catholic ethos.
• Leadership style: Inclusive and supportive, with opportunities for student voice and leadership through classroom roles and school activities.
• Behaviour expectations: Clear code of conduct aligned with restorative practices and positive behaviour support.
• Community reputation: Strong parish and family involvement, with a focus on building lasting relationships within Roxby Downs.
• Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to an inclusive environment that welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and supports individual needs.

1. School Logistics & Daily Operations

• School hours: Typical day starts in the morning and ends in the afternoon, with a schedule designed around core learning blocks and breaks.
• Before/after school care: Availability of after-school care programs or supervision to support working families.
• Uniform requirements: Clear school uniform policies (daily wear and sports uniform) with guidelines on presentable attire.
• Transport (bus Routes): School transport options may exist via local routes or community arrangements; families should confirm available services.
• Canteen availability: Canteen or lunch provisions, with healthy meal options.
• Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Catholic primary schools generally have moderate to modest fees relative to independent schooling; exact figures depend on year level and programs offered.

1. Enrolment & Admissions

1. What is the enrolment process and timeline?

• Inquiry and information: Families request information about the school.
• Application: Submit an enrolment application with required documentation (e.g., birth certificate/immunisation records, parish details where applicable).
• Interview/assessment: Potential interview or admissions discussion with families to understand fit and expectations.
• Offer and placement: Notification of enrolment decision and start date, with timelines aligned to the school calendar.

1. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?

• Waiting lists may exist when demand exceeds vacancies. Priorities often include current siblings, parish connections, and space availability. The school will outline the process and approximate wait times if applicable.

1. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?

• Interviews or meetings are common to discuss values alignment and to answer family questions. Formal entrance tests are not typically required for primary Catholic schools; immunisation and eligibility for enrolment are standard considerations, along with compliance with parish or school policies.

1. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?

• In-year transfers are sometimes possible depending on current capacity and space. Families are advised to contact the registrar or enrolment officer to assess availability and the transfer process.

1. Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Parents Choose This School?

- A close-knit, faith-based community with supportive staff and strong pastoral care, offering a nurturing environment for foundational learning and personal growth.

• What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?

- Access to literacy and numeracy enrichment, faith-based studies, sport, music, drama, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess and debating.

• How does the school communicate with parents?

- Regular updates via newsletters, parent portals, notices, and parent-teacher conferences to share progress, events and important information.

• What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?

- Student-centered learning with a focus on core skills, inquiry-based projects, and integration of faith and values into daily learning.

• How does the school support students who need extra academic help?

- Targeted interventions, small-group support, and liaison with teaching staff to monitor progress and adjust learning plans.

• What support is available for academic challenges?

- Access to teachers and wellbeing staff for guidance, with opportunities for additional support within the classroom or via specialist programs.

• What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?

- A range of sports (e.g., soccer, netball, cricket), clubs (robotics, coding, chess, debating), and performing arts opportunities.

• What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?

- Sports grounds, library, science spaces, music/performing arts facilities, ICT/tech spaces, canteen, and playgrounds.

• What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?

- Emphasis on digital literacy, responsible use of technology, and integrated technology in classroom activities.

• What transport and accessibility options are available?

- School transport options and local arrangements may be available; families should confirm current routes and accessibility.

• What are the typical school fees or additional costs?

- Fees are modest to moderate for a Catholic primary school; additional costs may include uniform, excursions and activity levies.

1. Short Pros & Cons list

Pros

• Catholic, values-led education focused on pastoral care and inclusivity
• Nurturing environment that supports academic and personal growth
• Active involvement with the local community and parish
• Range of extracurriculars including sports, arts and clubs

Cons

• Smaller school may offer fewer specialist subjects or facilities than larger schools
• Limited public data on standardized test trends due to size
• Transport options may be more reliant on local arrangements in a rural setting
• Availability of mid-year placements can depend on space at the time of transfer