# 1. Overview
St Brendan’s Primary School is a Catholic, co-educational primary school serving families in Shepparton. As a Catholic school within the local education community, it focuses on values-based learning that emphasizes faith, respect, and service. Classes are small to medium in size, supporting close teacher–student relationships and personalised learning approaches.
The atmosphere is nurturing and inclusive, with a community-focused culture that encourages strong partnerships between families, staff, and parish. The school aims to foster resilience, curiosity, and a love of learning in a supportive environment.
# 2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: Strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy alongside a solid religious education program. The school also integrates ICT and critical thinking across subjects to build foundational skills for the middle years.
- Special programs: Values-based learning embedded across the curriculum; opportunities for student leadership and participation in arts, sport, and community service. Possible access to targeted literacy/numeracy supports and enrichment opportunities within small-group settings.
- NAPLAN / trends: Public NAPLAN data typically shows steady progress over time with performance in line with state averages for primary schools in regional areas; trends focus on continual improvement in reading and numeracy.
- Student-teacher ratios: Generally in the small-to-medium classroom range, with a focus on maintaining a low ratio to support individualised attention and differentiation.
- Support for diverse learners: Inclusive education approach with support for students requiring additional help (SEN) and opportunities for EAL or language support as needed.
# 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: A range of primary-age activities including netball, basketball, football codes (e.g., Australian rules football), soccer, athletics, and swimming support in inter-school events.
- Strong teams or achievements: Participation in district and regional school sport competitions; emphasis on teamwork, sportsmanship, and skill development.
- Music, arts, drama: Active involvement in music and performing arts, with opportunities to participate in choir or instrumental activities and school productions.
- Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other after-school clubs available to develop thinking, problem-solving and communication skills.
- Partnerships: Links with local clubs and community organisations for competitions, coaching, and enrichment programs; involvement in regional academic or sport events.
# 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Proactive, values-led policies and a positive behaviour framework aimed at creating a safe and respectful school environment.
- House system: House-based activities and events to promote belonging, leadership, and friendly competition.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to wellbeing support, with staff or external providers available to support student welfare and mental health.
- Transition support for new students: Welcoming programs and onboarding processes to help new students settle into school life, including peer mentorship and family orientation.
# 5. Facilities
- Sports grounds: Dedicated outdoor spaces for PE and playground activity.
- Libraries: A school library with space for reading and research activities.
- Science labs: Access to science resources and practical experiments.
- Music/performing arts centers: Facilities or dedicated spaces for music, drama and performances.
- Tech/innovation labs: Technology and digital-learning resources to support coding, robotics and ICT learning.
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen or lunch facilities to support student dining.
- Updated playgrounds: Modern play equipment and safe outdoor areas for recreation and physical activity.
# 6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: A values-driven mission centered on faith, respect, compassion, responsibility and service to others.
- Leadership style: Collaborative leadership that invites student participation in age-appropriate leadership roles and student voice in school improvement.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear expectations around respect, responsibility, safety and courtesy; consistent reinforcement through the school’s positive-behaviour system.
- Community reputation: Known for a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere and active involvement of parents and parish communities.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to an inclusive environment that respects and supports diverse backgrounds and needs.
# 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Core hours covering the standard school day with opportunities for wrap-around care.
- Before/after school care: OSHC or similar arrangements typically available to extend care beyond normal school hours.
- Uniform requirements: Clear uniform policy in place, with prescribed attire for daily wear and sports.
- Transport (bus routes): Local bus services or school transport options available for families in the region.
- Canteen availability: Canteen or lunch program available to provide meals or snacks.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees fall within a mid-range tier for regional Catholic primary schools, with typical additional costs for excursions, voluntary contributions, and sport or activity programs.
# 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Families typically submit an enrolment form during the school’s recruitment period, with timelines published in the school’s prospectus or enrolment information. Documentation and interviews may be part of the process, and families are advised of transitional milestones (e.g., Prep intake dates) well in advance.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- If applications exceed available places, a waiting list may be used. Priority for enrolment is often given to Catholic families and parish considerations, with other factors (such as siblings already attending) sometimes influencing placement. The school will provide details on how timing affects eligibility.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry typically involves a family interview or information session, and readiness considerations for the relevant year level. There are usually no high-stakes academic entry tests for primary years, though readiness and fit assessments may occur for some year transitions.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are considered based on space availability. Families seeking a mid-year placement should contact the school early to discuss options and required documentation.
# 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- Catholic values-based education in a supportive, close-knit community with a focus on personalised learning and wellbeing.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who value a caring, faith-informed environment, strong relationships with teachers, and participation in a broad curriculum of academics, arts, and sport.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Enrichment through reading and numeracy programs, leadership roles, choir/performing arts, sports, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess and debating.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular updates via newsletters, parent-teacher meetings, digital platforms for student progress, and open channels for feedback.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- A balanced, differentiated approach that blends core literacy/numeracy with faith-based learning, inclusive supports, and hands-on, practical activities.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted small-group or one-on-one support in literacy and numeracy, with access to specialist staff and referral pathways as needed.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Dedicated teachers and support staff to implement intervention plans, monitor progress, and adjust learning goals.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- See above: regular communications, parent-teacher meetings, and digital progress updates.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes are small to medium, with a focus on providing differentiated instruction and regular teacher check-ins.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A broad range of sports, music/arts programs, and clubs including robotics, coding, chess, and debating.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Modern facilities across 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?
- Integration of ICT across the curriculum, with dedicated spaces for coding and digital learning and opportunities to develop ICT literacy.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local transport options (bus routes) and near-town accessibility, with arrangements to support families in the region.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are mid-range for regional Catholic primary schools, with potential additional costs for excursions, activities, and uniforms.
# 10. Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Catholic, values-based education in a welcoming, close-knit community.
- Small-to-medium class sizes supporting individualized attention.
- Broad curriculum with strong literacy/numeracy focus and diverse enrichment options.
- Active wellbeing and pastoral care, plus structured student leadership opportunities.
- Range of facilities and access to arts, science, and tech learning.
- Cons
- Being a regional school, options for specialist programs may be fewer than in urban centres.
- Transport/logistics can be more variable for families living outside the immediate area.
- Fees and costs for excursions or uniforms can add up; families should review annual cost expectations.
