St Clare's High School

## 1. Overview St Clare’s High School is a Catholic, co-educational secondary school serving families in Taree and the surrounding region. It offers a values-based education within NSW Catholic education networks, focusing on student growth across academics, faith, and community involvement. The school is medium-sized, with a welcoming atmosphere designed to be inclusive and supportive for students and families. Class sizes are typically in the mid-range for NSW secondary schools, fostering strong teacher–student relationships and opportunities for personalised learning. The overall culture is nurturing and community-minded, with emphasis on respect, service, and building a positive school spirit. --- ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Solid performance across core disciplines with particular emphasis on English, Mathematics, Science and Humanities, alongside opportunities to develop leadership and critical thinking through classroom projects and student initiatives. - Special programs: Gifted and Talented pathways, accelerated learning options where available, and access to Catholic Education NSW programs that support a well-rounded curriculum and quality teaching. - NAPLAN / trends: Over recent years, trends show steady improvement in reading and numeracy with consistent participation and performance in regional benchmarks, reflecting a stable and supportive academic environment. - Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes commonly in the 20s, with a focus on accessible teacher support and opportunities for one-on-one or small-group instruction where needed. - Support for diverse learners: Dedicated support for diverse learners, including EAL (English as an Additional Language) assistance and formal SEN (Special Educational Needs) support via a learning support team and targeted interventions. --- ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: Rugby league, soccer, netball, basketball, cricket, athletics, and swimming programs, with opportunities to compete in inter-school and regional events. - Strong teams or achievements: Competitive participation in regional championships and inter-school intramurals, with a growing culture of teamwork and sportsmanship. - Music, arts, drama programs: Active music and performing arts programs, school productions, choir and ensembles, and opportunities to perform at school and community events. - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating and other student-led clubs encourage critical thinking and collaboration beyond the classroom. - Partnerships: Collaborations with local clubs, regional inter-school competitions, and community organizations to broaden opportunities for students in sport, arts and STEM activities. --- ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Strong anti-bullying culture with clear policies, student mentoring, and proactive programs to promote respect and safety for all. - House system: House-based pastoral care structure that supports belonging, friendly competition, and regular pastoral activities across year levels. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school counsellors and wellbeing staff who provide confidential support, mentoring, and referrals as needed. - Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems, and transition days to help new students settle in and build connections quickly. --- ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: On-site playing fields and courts suitable for a range of team sports and physical education. - Libraries: Dedicated library spaces that support study, research and quiet reading, with access to digital resources. - Science labs: Modern science laboratories designed for hands-on experiments and practical learning. - Music/performing arts centers: Facilities for music ensembles, drama, and performances. - Tech/innovation labs: Dedicated spaces for technology and STEM projects, coding, and innovation activities. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen facilities with options for breakfast and lunch service. - Updated playgrounds: Well-maintained outdoor spaces for recreation and break times. --- ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: A values-driven environment prioritising faith, service, respect, integrity and excellence in learning and community life. - Leadership style: Collaborative and student-inclusive leadership that encourages student voice, teacher mentorship, and shared responsibility. - Behaviour expectations: Clear conduct standards rooted in respect for self, others and the learning environment, with consistent approaches to discipline and restorative practices. - Community reputation: Known for a welcoming, supportive, and collegial atmosphere within the local community. - Diversity & inclusion: Committed to inclusivity and celebrating diversity, with supports in place to help all students participate and succeed. --- ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical day runs from around 8:30 am to 3:15 pm, with supervision available before and after school as needed. - Before/after school care: Availability of supervision and care arrangements through school provision or approved local providers. - Uniform requirements: Full school uniform required, with details provided on enrolment and council from the school uniform shop. - Transport (train/bus routes): Regional bus services and local transport options exist to support student access; specifics provided during enrolment. - Canteen availability: Canteen or canteen-style service available at breaks to support healthy meals and snacks. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are generally positioned in the mid-range for NSW Catholic high schools, with information and options shared during the enrolment process. --- ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit an enrolment application with required documentation (birth certificate, immunisation records, previous school reports, etc.). - Complete any school-specific steps (interview, if applicable) and pay the application fee (if required). - Applications are reviewed, and families are informed of outcomes within the school’s stated timeline. - If offered a place, families confirm acceptance and complete any further enrolment tasks, including attendance at orientation or information sessions. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Depending on vacancies, a waiting list may operate. Applicants are kept informed of their status, and priority considerations (such as sibling enrolment or parish well-being) may apply as per school policy. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Entry may involve an interview or information session for prospective students and families. Some schools also request basic assessments or documentation to assess support needs and readiness. Specific requirements are outlined in the enrolment guide. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are considered where places are available. Families wishing to transfer should contact the school early to discuss availability and the transfer process, including documentation and transition planning. --- ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A values-based Catholic education, supportive community, and a balanced focus on academics, wellbeing, and extracurriculars. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who are collaborative, motivated to learn, participate in community life, and value a supportive school culture tend to thrive. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - A range of enrichment options including advanced coursework pathways, leadership roles, sports teams, music and arts programs, and clubs such as robotics, coding, debating and more. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates through newsletters, parent portals, email communications, and scheduled information evenings. Prompt responses from staff when needed. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A student-centered approach that emphasizes rigorous learning, differentiation to meet diverse needs, and opportunities for hands-on and inquiry-based projects within a Catholic context. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Access to learning support, EAL assistance, targeted interventions, and teacher collaboration to plan for individual learning needs. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Dedicated counsellors and learning support staff, as well as personalised plans (where appropriate) to help students improve and stay engaged. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Note: repeated in list) - See above; ongoing channels include newsletters, parent portals, and direct communication from teachers and staff. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes typically in the low-to-mid 20s, with teacher availability for individual or small-group support as needed. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A broad range of sports and arts activities, plus clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, debating and other student-led initiatives. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Comprehensive facilities including sports grounds, libraries, science labs, performing arts spaces, technology labs, a canteen, and well-maintained outdoor areas. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of digital tools to support learning, with access to computer labs and online resources, alongside teaching that promotes critical digital literacy. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local bus routes and transport options are available to assist commuting students; accessibility considerations are addressed in line with school policies. - What are typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees are generally mid-range for NSW Catholic high schools, with clear information provided during enrolment about uniforms, activities, and any optional costs. --- ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list Pros - Values-based, faith-centered education that emphasises character and service. - Supportive, inclusive school culture with strong pastoral care. - Balanced focus on academics, arts, sport, and extracurricular opportunities. - Moderate class sizes that support individual attention and student-teacher relationships. - Modern facilities and dedicated spaces for science, technology, and the arts. Cons - Rural/regional location may mean longer travel for some families. - As a medium-sized school, course variety in certain elective streams may be more limited than larger city schools. - Fees exist as part of Catholic education; families may need to plan for uniform and activity costs. - Availability of some specialist programs can vary by year depending on enrolments and staffing.