Overview
St Brigid’s Primary School, Middle Swan, is a Catholic co-educational primary school serving the local WA community. The school emphasises a faith-based, values-driven education in a nurturing, inclusive environment. With a small-to-medium school size, it focuses on strong teacher–student relationships and a supportive learning atmosphere.
Class sizes are typically in the mid-teens to late-twenties depending on year level, allowing for engaged learning and individualized attention within a collaborative school culture that values respect, service and community involvement.
Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: Focus on literacy and numeracy with an integrated approach to learning that blends faith-based education with core subjects. Emphasis on developing thinking skills, reading fluency, and mathematical proficiency, along with opportunities for leadership and character development.
- Special programs: Catholic Education programs, opportunities for extension or enrichment where available, and support for students requiring additional assistance. Gifted and talented provisions or acceleration options may be offered depending on staffing and cohort needs.
- Support for diverse learners: Inclusive practices are commonly in place, with support for English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners and students with special educational needs (SEN). Individual learning plans and targeted interventions may be available.
- Sports offered: Netball, basketball, football (soccer), cricket, athletics, and cross-country are commonly provided across WA primary schools, with opportunities for inter-school events and local competitions.
- Strong teams or achievements: The school participates in inter-school events and carnivals; achievements vary by year. Parents can check annual notices or contact the school for current results and standings.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Music programs, school choir or band, and occasional drama or performance opportunities are typical, offering students a channel to express creativity.
- Clubs: Possible clubs include robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other age-appropriate enrichment activities. Availability depends on staffing and student interest.
- Partnerships: The school often collaborates with local community groups and regional sporting or arts networks for competitions and programs.
Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Positive behaviour policies and supportive pastoral practices aim to create a safe school environment; restorative approaches may be used to address conflicts.
- House system: A house or pastoral grouping system is commonly used to foster belonging, teamwork, and healthy competition across year levels.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school wellbeing staff or counselling services is typically available to support student emotional health and resilience.
- Transition support for new students: Induction programs, buddy systems, and transition activities help new students settle into the school community smoothly.
Facilities
- Sports grounds: On-site outdoor spaces and sports facilities suitable for a range of physical activities.
- Libraries: A school library that supports literacy and study skills.
- Science labs: Basic science spaces to support hands-on investigations.
- Music/performing arts centers: A dedicated music room or space for performances and rehearsals.
- Tech/innovation labs: Computing or STEAM spaces to support digital learning and project work.
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen or lunch program to provide snacks and meals.
- Updated playgrounds: Modern play areas and equipment for outdoor play and exploration.
- School values / mission: A values-based education grounded in Catholic ethos, emphasising respect, compassion, service and community involvement.
- Leadership style: Collaborative leadership with opportunities for student leadership and active parent involvement in school life.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear behavior codes aligned with the school’s values, promoting respectful conduct and responsible choices.
- Community reputation: Generally seen as a caring, faith-filled community with strong parent–teacher partnerships and active involvement from families.
- Diversity & inclusion: Inclusive practices are encouraged, with support for students from diverse backgrounds and learning needs.
School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typical WA primary hours; start and finish times are published by the school and may vary by year level.
- Before/after school care: Before and after school care programs are commonly available through school-based or external providers.
- Uniform requirements: A formal school uniform (and sports/activities wear for certain days) is standard.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Access to public transport or school bus services may be available; specific routes and options should be confirmed with the school or local transport providers.
- Canteen availability: A canteen or lunch service is usually available, with options for ordering.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees for Catholic primary schools are typically in the mid-range for private schooling in WA; exact figures and any additional costs should be confirmed with the school.
Enrolment & Admissions
- What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Begin with an enquiry and submission of the school application.
- Attend any open day or information session.
- Complete the formal enrolment application and prepare required documentation.
- The school confirms availability, conducts any internal processes (e.g., family interview or orientation meeting), and issues an offer if a place is available.
- Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Many Catholic schools operate with waiting lists. Applications are typically placed on a waiting list in the order received and may give priority to siblings, then other factors as determined by the school.
- Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry often involves an interview or meeting with the family. There may be discussions to understand readiness and alignment with the school’s values; formal testing is not always required for primary entry, but processes vary by school.
- Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are possible subject to vacancy and approval by the school. It’s best to contact the administration as soon as a transfer needs arise to discuss options and timelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A faith-based, values-driven education in a supportive, close-knit community with a focus on holistic development.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who respond well to a caring environment, value-based learning, and opportunities to participate in community life and clubs.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Extension or enrichment within core subjects, participation in sports, music, drama, and clubs such as robotics, coding, or debating where offered.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular updates through newsletters, emails, parent portals, and information evenings; opportunities for conferences with teachers.
- What is the school's approach to teaching and learning?
- A balanced approach combining literacy and numeracy mastery with faith-informed, values-based education and inclusive teaching practices.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted interventions, small group support, and access to SEN or EAL resources where available.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Early identification, individualised plans, and ongoing teacher support to help students reach their learning goals.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports (e.g., netball, basketball, soccer, cricket, athletics), music, arts, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating (availability varies by year).
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds and courts, a library, science spaces, music/performing arts space, tech/innovation facilities, a canteen, and updated playgrounds.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of computing and digital learning to support modern literacy, numeracy, and project-based activities.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local transport options and potential school bus services; check specific routes and accessibility details with the school.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are in the mid-range for private Catholic primary schools in WA; exact figures and any additional costs should be confirmed with the school.
Short Pros & Cons list
- Strong faith-based, values-driven environment with a nurturing community
- Inclusive practices and support for diverse learners
- Range of extracurriculars and arts/music opportunities
- Active parental involvement and community connections
- As a smaller to mid-sized private school, offerings and availability of certain clubs/programs may vary year to year
- Specific programs (e.g., Gifted and Talented, acceleration) depend on staffing and cohort needs
- Fees are applicable as with private Catholic education and may be higher than public options
- Some facilities and programs may vary by campus or year; confirm current offerings with the school
