## 1. Overview
St Clare of Assisi Primary School is a Catholic, co-educational primary school serving families in Conder and the surrounding Canberra region. The school emphasises faith formation, strong classroom learning and supportive partnerships with families and the parish.
As a small-to-medium school, it focuses on close relationships, individual attention and a nurturing, values-driven culture. Class sizes typically range around 20–25 students, supporting personalized learning and positive student-teacher connections.
- School type: Catholic
- School size: small to medium
- Class size: around 20–25 students
- Atmosphere/culture: nurturing, inclusive, values-based
## 2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: English, mathematics, religious education, literacy and numeracy foundations, with emphasis on ICT and digital literacy integrated across the curriculum.
- Special programs: Catholic faith formation, differentiated learning within classrooms, and opportunities for extension in literacy, numeracy or STEM; Gifted and Talented style enrichment within the school.
- NAPLAN / Ofsted trends (not scores): Trends show steady improvement in key literacy and numeracy areas with performance consistently around or above ACT sector averages, reflecting focused whole-school learning progress and early intervention.
- Student-teacher ratios: Approximately 1:12–1:15, enabling more individual support and feedback.
- Support for diverse learners: Strong EAL and SEN support, targeted in-class interventions, learning support plans and access to specialist staff to help diverse learners succeed.
## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: Soccer, netball, basketball, AFL-inspired activities, cricket and athletics; strong PE and outdoor education programs.
- Strong teams or achievements: Regular representation in inter-school and district events; school teams compete in local feeder competitions and achieve notable participation across ages.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Choir, school band and regular drama/performing arts productions; opportunities to perform in front of peers and families.
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating and other student-led clubs developing problem-solving and critical thinking.
- Partnerships: Connections with local clubs and community groups for sport, coding electives and inter-school competitions to broaden opportunities beyond the classroom.
## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies, proactive education on respectful relationships and digital citizenship, and a positive behaviour framework.
- House system: A house structure used to foster belonging, leadership, teamwork and healthy competition throughout the year.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school wellbeing staff and, where appropriate, external referral pathways for student support.
- Transition support for new students: Comprehensive induction programs, buddy systems, and parent evenings to ease transitions into the school community.
## 5. Facilities
- Sports grounds: On-site sports fields and courts for a range of physical activities.
- Libraries: Well-stocked library with a reading program and regular literacy activities.
- Science labs: Dedicated science spaces to support hands-on STEM learning.
- Music/performing arts centers: Dedicated spaces for music and drama within the school.
- Tech/innovation labs: Computer/ICT facilities to support coding, digital literacy and multimedia projects.
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen/canteen facilities supporting healthy meal options.
- Updated playgrounds: Modern, age-appropriate play areas that promote active play and social interaction.
## 6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: Values-based education grounded in Catholic faith, service, respect, responsibility and community contribution.
- Leadership style: Collaborative leadership with student voice opportunities (e.g., student councils) and teacher collaboration to plan learning.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear code of conduct centered on respect, responsibility, care for others and personal best.
- Community reputation: Strong parish and family partnerships; positive, welcoming school community with ongoing family involvement.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to inclusive practices, supporting students from diverse backgrounds and learning needs.
## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typical primary hours with start and finish aligned to ACT conventions; variations may occur for bus runs and events.
- Before/after school care: OSHC or equivalent provision available to support families outside standard school hours.
- Uniform requirements: School uniform (and seasonal options) with clear guidelines for days, holidays and sport uniform usage.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Local school bus routes and public transport options available; information provided to families for convenient access.
- Canteen availability: Canteen open on selected days offering healthy meal options and snacks.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are in the medium range for ACT Catholic primary schools; additional costs may include excursions, camps and uniform purchases.
## 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Submit an enrolment application with supporting documents (birth certificate, immunisation status, proof of address, baptism/faith information if applicable).
- School conducts an intake interview or information session with families.
- Shortlisting and notification of available places; offers issued in line with vacancies and priority guidelines.
- Orientation and formal enrolment completion; start date arranged.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Yes, a waiting list may apply when spaces are limited. Priorities typically include current families, siblings, and parish/feeder relationships. Offers are made as vacancies arise.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry typically involves an interview or information session, along with standard documentation. In some cases, there may be discussions about learning needs and supports to ensure the fit with the school’s environment.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are considered if space is available. Parents should contact the enrolment officer to discuss availability and the transfer process.
## 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A faith-based, values-driven education with a nurturing community, small-class learning environments, strong literacy and numeracy focus, and supportive family partnerships.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Motivated, respectful, collaborative students who value faith, service and personal growth, and who respond well to differentiated learning and a strong sense of community.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Extension options in literacy/numeracy, STEM activities, leadership roles, sport development, music, drama, robotics, coding, debating and participation in inter-school events.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular newsletters, parent-teacher interviews, SMS/app alerts, school website updates and a parent portal with access to announcements and progress information.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Differentiated instruction within a faith-based, values-informed framework; focus on literacy, numeracy, inquiry-based learning, digital literacy and student well-being.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- In-class differentiation, targeted interventions, EAL and SEN support, learning plans and access to specialist staff as needed.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Early identification, intervention programs, targeted coaching, and collaboration with families to implement appropriate adjustments and supports.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated)
- See above: newsletters, conferences, portal, alerts and direct communication as needed.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes typically around 20–25, allowing teachers to provide more individualized feedback, monitoring and support.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A broad program including soccer, netball, basketball, AFL-inspired activities, cricket, athletics, music, drama and clubs like robotics, chess, coding and debating.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Modern sports grounds, library, science labs, dedicated music/performing arts spaces, ICT/tech labs and a canteen, plus well-equipped playgrounds.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integrated ICT across the curriculum with age-appropriate devices, digital literacy education and a focus on cyber-safety and responsible online learning.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local bus routes, proximity to public transport, car drop-off/pick-up zones and accessible facilities for students with varying needs.
- What are typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees fall in the medium range for ACT Catholic primary schools; possible additional costs for camps, excursions, and uniform items.
## 10. Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Catholic values-based education with a nurturing culture
- Small-to-medium school size and supportive class environments
- Strong literacy and numeracy focus with differentiated learning
- Wide range of sports, arts and clubs
- Active family and parish partnerships; emphasis on community
- Cons
- Religious affiliation may not suit non-Catholic families
- Mid-range fees may be a consideration for some families
- Availability of places can fluctuate with term, affecting mid-year transfers
- Transportation options may require reliance on public transport or car access depending on location
