## 1. Overview
St Brendan's Primary School, Dunnstown is a Catholic primary school serving the Dunnstown community. It offers a faith-based, family-style education in a small, rural setting that supports close connections between families, students, and staff. The school emphasizes values-based learning, community involvement, and a nurturing atmosphere where every child is known and cared for.
With its small school environment, class sizes are typically modest, allowing for personalised attention and a supportive, inclusive culture. TheOverall atmosphere is nurturing and collaborative, focusing on individual growth, respect, and service to others.
## 2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: Strong literacy and numeracy foundations, with a focus on developing reading comprehension, writing, and mathematical reasoning. The curriculum integrates core subjects with inquiry-based learning to build critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Special programs: Access to targeted learning support and intervention programs to help students progress at their own pace. Catholic faith formation and values-based education are embedded throughout the learning experience.
- NAPLAN / trends: In recent years, trends show steady growth and stability in key areas like reading and numeracy, with a focus on continuous improvement and individual progress rather than raw scores alone.
- Student-teacher ratios: Small class sizes and a low student-teacher ratio enable frequent teacher-led support and personalised feedback.
- Support for diverse learners: Differentiated instruction, learning support plans, and collaboration with specialist services to assist students who need extra help. EAL/D support is available as needed, and inclusive teaching practices are prioritized.
## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: A range of primary-level sports such as Australian rules football, cricket, netball, soccer, athletics, and cross-country, with opportunities to participate in local interschool events.
- Strong teams or achievements: Active participation in district and regional sports programs; school teams regularly compete and aim for development and teamwork rather than only wins.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Music programming and opportunities to perform; occasional drama or performance events showcase student creativity.
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, and debating are offered as after-school clubs where available, giving students chances to explore interests beyond core subjects.
- Partnerships: Connections with local community groups and parish activities; opportunities to engage in regional competitions and events through school partnerships.
## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: A clear anti-bullying policy and programs that promote respectful relationships, empathy, and safe school environments.
- House system: A house-based structure for events and pastoral activities to foster belonging and healthy competition.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to wellbeing support via on-site staff or established partnerships with external services as needed.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems, and family information sessions help new students settle in smoothly.
## 5. Facilities
- Sports grounds: On-site sports grounds suitable for a range of outdoor activities and physical education.
- Libraries: A school library that supports reading for pleasure and research across year levels.
- Science labs: Practical spaces for hands-on science activities and experiments.
- Music/performing arts centers: Music facilities and spaces that support performances and classroom activities.
- Tech/innovation labs: Access to basic technology and ICT resources to support digital learning.
- Cafeteria: On-site or nearby canteen facilities offering healthy meal options and lunch programs.
- Updated playgrounds: Modern and safe play areas for recreational time and gross motor development.
## 6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: Catholic values such as respect, compassion, responsibility, and service underpin daily learning and school life.
- Leadership style: Relational and collaborative leadership that encourages student voice, teacher collaboration, and strong community partnerships.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear expectations around respectful behaviour, manners, and responsibility; positive behaviour reinforcement is emphasised.
- Community reputation: A supportive, close-knit rural community where families and staff work together to support students’ growth.
- Diversity & inclusion: An inclusive environment that welcomes families from diverse backgrounds and supports students to participate fully in school life.
## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typical day runs from morning start to mid-afternoon, with scheduled breaks; exact times may vary by year level.
- Before/after school care: Some form of before/after school care or extended care arrangements are available through on-site or partner services.
- Uniform requirements: School uniform is required, with seasonal options; details are provided by the school and uniform suppliers.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Local bus services or school transport arrangements may be available to and from the area; families should check current routes and schedules.
- Canteen availability: Canteen or lunch-order options are available, offering healthy choices for students.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are typically moderate for a rural Catholic primary; families may incur additional costs for excursions, camps, and uniform purchases.
## 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Begin by requesting information from the school, attending an information session if offered, and submitting an enrolment application with required documents. The school will outline expected timelines for assessment, interviews (if applicable), and offer of placement.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- There may be a waiting list when year levels reach capacity. Offers are made when spaces become available; timing depends on enrolment demand and cohort planning.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Typically, there is a parental and student meeting or interview to understand needs and fit; there is usually no formal entrance exam. Some readiness assessments or information sessions may occur for younger entrants.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are considered if there are vacancies and align with the school’s timelines. Prospective families should contact the school to discuss availability and transfer requirements.
## 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- Parents often choose for the Catholic, values-based education in a close-knit community, with small class sizes, caring teachers, and a focus on individual growth and belonging.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who value a supportive, family-like environment, strong relationships with teachers, and a balanced emphasis on faith, academics, sport, and community tend to thrive.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Opportunities include enhanced literacy and numeracy programs, club activities (robotics, chess, coding, debating), music and performing arts, and participation in local sports and interschool events.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Communication typically occurs via newsletters, email, school apps or portals, parent-teacher interviews, and regular updates on class activities and events.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- The approach is student-centred, differentiated, and values-driven, with a focus on literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, ICT use, and social-emotional development.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Support includes targeted learning plans, small-group interventions, literacy/numeracy programs, and access to specialist or external services when required.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Additional tutoring, learning support assessments, and personalised plans help students who encounter academic challenges.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- See above: newsletters, apps/portals, and routine updates; families are encouraged to engage with teachers and leadership.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes are small, allowing frequent teacher interaction and tailored feedback; student-teacher ratios typically enable notable individual attention.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A variety of sports (e.g., football, netball, cricket, athletics), music and performing arts, and clubs such as robotics, chess, coding, and debating.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Facilities commonly include sports grounds, library, science spaces, music/arts spaces, technology resources, and a canteen with updated play areas.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Technology is integrated across the curriculum with appropriate digital literacy education, supervised use of devices, and emphasis on safe online practices.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local transport arrangements and accessibility options are provided where available, with families advised to confirm current bus routes or services.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are generally moderate for a rural Catholic primary; there are additional costs for uniforms, excursions, and compulsory activities.
## 10. Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Close-knit, supportive community with a faith-based values framework
- Small class sizes enabling personalised attention
- Inclusive environment that supports diverse learners
- Focus on holistic development (academics, faith, sport, arts)
- Strong parent and parish connections contributing to community life
- Cons
- Smaller scale may mean fewer highly specialised programs compared to larger urban schools
- Travel may be required for families not within the Dunnstown area
- Availability of some clubs and facilities can vary by year level and cohort size
