Overview
St Bernard’s School (Kojonup) is a Catholic primary school with a strong focus on community and values. The school tends to be small in size, fostering a warm, family-like atmosphere where students receive attentive, individualized support. Class sizes are typically in the low-to-mid teens, enabling close teacher-student relationships and good student engagement. The culture is nurturing, inclusive, and academically focused, with an emphasis on service, respect, and character development.
Parents can expect a welcoming environment where faith-based values underpin daily learning, and where staff, students, and families collaborate to support each child’s growth.
Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: Literacy and numeracy are central, with opportunities to extend learning in science and technology. Indonesian language is commonly offered as part of the language program, alongside opportunities for leadership development and inquiry-based learning.
- Special programs: Gifted & Talented or accelerated learning pathways may be available in consultation with staff; enrichment activities are often integrated into the regular timetable.
- Support for diverse learners: EAL support and SEN assistance are commonly provided, with access to learning support staff and targeted interventions to help students reach their goals.
- Sports offered: Common offerings include AFL, netball, cricket, basketball, athletics, and swimming-related activities; programs focus on participation, skill development, and teamwork.
- Strong teams or achievements: The school often participates in local inter-school competitions with a track record of positive teamwork and sport-specific achievements within the region.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Regular opportunities in music and performing arts, with school choirs or ensembles and occasional drama productions.
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, and debating are typical clubs, providing students with practical, hands-on learning experiences outside core subjects.
- Partnerships: Local partnerships with community clubs and regional inter-school events help extend learning beyond the classroom and provide broader competitive opportunities.
Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Comprehensive anti-bullying policies with restorative practices and consistent safeguarding across year levels.
- House system: A house structure is used to build school spirit, teamwork, and healthy competition.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school-based wellbeing staff or referrals to external support as needed.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy programs, and targeted onboarding help new students settle in quickly.
Facilities
- Sports grounds: Outdoor playing fields and sporting spaces suitable for a range of physical activities.
- Libraries: On-site library with a collection to support reading development and independent learning.
- Science labs: Dedicated spaces for practical science experiments and inquiry-based learning.
- Music/performing arts centers: Facilities to support music education and performance opportunities.
- Tech/innovation labs: Access to technology-enabled learning spaces, including coding and digital creation activities.
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen or lunch facilities supporting daily meals or snacks.
- Updated playgrounds: Well-maintained outdoor play areas designed for safe, imaginative play.
- School values / mission: Catholic ethos centered on respect, responsibility, compassion, and service to others.
- Leadership style: Shared leadership, with teacher and student involvement in decision-making and a focus on servant leadership.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear code of conduct aligned with school values, emphasizing positive behaviour, respect, and accountability.
- Community reputation: A supportive, close-knit community with active parental involvement and collaboration between home and school.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to inclusive practices and respect for all students, with programs that celebrate diversity.
School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Regular daytime hours aligned with WA primary schedules; typical start and finish times support family routines.
- Before/after school care: Availability of before/after school care or supervision may be offered.
- Uniform requirements: Formal school uniform policy with guidelines for daily wear and approved accessories.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Local transport options available; specifics depend on regional routes and timetables.
- Canteen availability: Canteen or snack facilities may operate on school days.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are generally within the non-government school range for regional primary schools, with potential family discounts or assistance programs.
Enrolment & Admissions
- What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Expression of interest typically starts well ahead of the desired start term, followed by submission of an application, supporting documents, and an interview or information session. Offers are made based on availability and alignment with intake priorities; refunds and acceptance steps complete the process. Timelines vary by year level and term, so check with the school for the exact schedule.
- Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Many regional Catholic primary schools maintain waiting lists when year levels are full. Families on the list are contacted as places become available, with position determined by factors such as sibling priority, religious affiliation, and vacancy timing.
- Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry requirements commonly include a school tour or information session, completion of an application, and may include an interview or informal meeting. Standard documentation (birth certificate, immunisation records, proof of address) is usually requested.
- Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are often possible, subject to space and alignment with the current cohort’s curriculum and assessment requirements. Parents should contact the admissions team as early as possible to discuss suitability and required documentation.
Frequently Ask Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who are collaborative, academically curious, respectful, and eager to contribute to the school community.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Enrichment in literacy/numeracy, science and technology activities, leadership opportunities, sports, drama and music programs, and clubs such as robotics, chess, coding, and debating.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Through newsletters, emails, SMS alerts, parent portals, and regular progress updates; open days and conferencing are common.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Student-centered, differentiated instruction with a mix of direct teaching, inquiry-based learning, and hands-on activities to meet diverse needs.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted interventions, small-group tutoring, SEN support, and collaboration with families to tailor learning plans.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Early identification, personalized learning supports, and access to specialist staff to help students improve in key areas.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (duplicate)
- See above; multiple channels are used to keep families informed and engaged.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports (e.g., AFL, netball, cricket, basketball), music and arts programs, and clubs like robotics, chess, coding, 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?
- Emphasis on digital literacy, safe online practices, and the integration of technology into learning with age-appropriate devices and resources.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local transport options and routes are available; specifics depend on regional arrangements and timetables; accessibility considerations are addressed in planning.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are in the typical range for regional Catholic primary schools, with potential uniform costs, excursions, and voluntary contributions; exact amounts vary by year and family circumstances.
Short Pros & Cons list
- Close-knit, supportive community with Catholic values.
- Focus on literacy, numeracy, and holistic development.
- Range of clubs and enrichment activities beyond core subjects.
- Inclusive environment with support for diverse learners.
- Being a smaller regional school, there may be fewer specialist facilities and some programs compared with larger urban schools.
- Opportunities and travel for inter-school events may be more limited by geography.
- Specific programs, timing, and exact offerings can vary year by year; confirm current details with the school.
