- Overview (1–2 paragraphs max)
St Clare’s is a Catholic primary school serving families in Tully, Queensland. The school is committed to providing a faith-based education within a warm, inclusive community that supports every child to grow academically, socially and spiritually. With a small-to-medium school profile, class sizes are kept deliberately manageable to foster strong teacher–student relationships and active parent involvement.
School type: Catholic
School size: Small to medium
Class size: Approximately 20–25 students per class
Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, community-focused, with an emphasis on faith-based values and student well-being
- Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: Focus on foundational literacy and numeracy, with opportunities to develop reading, writing and mathematical thinking in a supportive environment. Emphasis on values-based education integrated across learning areas.
- Special programs: Differentiated learning to meet diverse needs; potential access to enrichment or gifted/talented opportunities depending on year level and cohort. Support for students requiring additional challenge or targeted intervention.
- Support for diverse learners: EAL/D support where needed; inclusive education practices; access to learning support staff and targeted interventions for students requiring additional assistance.
- Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: Common offerings include football (soccer), netball, cricket, basketball and athletics; opportunities to represent the school in regional interschool sports.
- Strong teams or achievements: Regular participation in interschool events with a focus on teamwork, sportsmanship and personal bests; achievements highlighted through school newsletters and assemblies.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Active music and performing arts opportunities, with opportunities to participate in choir, school concerts and drama activities.
- Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating and other curiosity-driven clubs available to extend learning beyond core subjects.
- Partnerships: Collaboration with local community clubs and regional competitions to broaden exposure (e.g., regional sport events, coding/robotics challenges).
Most parents skim this section, particularly for boys aged 10–14, so highlights focus on accessible, well-supported opportunities and visible pathways to participation.
- Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies, with restorative practices and programs designed to foster respectful relationships among students.
- House system: House groups support belonging, competition and pastoral care throughout the school year.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school-based wellbeing staff to support emotional health, resilience and coping strategies.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy systems and proactive family liaison to ease transitions for new enrollees.
- Facilities
- Sports grounds: Accessible playing fields and courts suitable for daily activity and interschool events.
- Libraries: Central library with a collection to support reading programs and independent learning.
- Science labs: Basic science facilities to support practical experiments and inquiry-based learning.
- Music/performing arts centers: Space for rehearsals, performances and music education.
- Tech/innovation labs: Computer/technology spaces to support digital literacy, coding and project work.
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen or meal facilities supporting healthy eating.
- Updated playgrounds: Safe, age-appropriate play areas and outdoor learning spaces.
- School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: Catholic ethos underpinning learning, with emphasis on respect, compassion, service, integrity and responsibility.
- Leadership style: Collaborative leadership that invites student voice, family involvement and community partnerships.
- Behaviour expectations: Positive behaviour support with clear expectations, consistent routines and restorative approaches.
- Community reputation: Welcoming, family-oriented school with strong local engagement and partnerships.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to inclusive practices and support for students from diverse backgrounds and with varying learning needs.
- School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typical day runs during standard school hours with structured start and end times; before/after school arrangements may be available.
- Before/after school care: After-school care or supervision programs commonly available to support families.
- Uniform requirements: School uniform expected; details provided by the school with guidance on acceptable wear and purchasing.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Local transport options available; families commonly use school bus services or community transport; please check current routes with the school.
- Canteen availability: On-site canteen or lunch facilities available for student meals and snacks.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are positioned to be affordable within the local context, with typical additional costs for uniforms, excursions and activities; family discounts or concessions may apply.
- Enrolment & Admissions
- What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Begin with an enquiry and application form, followed by a school tour or information session.
- Submit required documentation (birth certificate, immunisation records, proof of address, etc.).
- The school reviews applications, offers places based on availability, and communicates next steps and any orientation activities.
- Timeline varies by intake period; families are advised to apply early to secure a place.
- Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Waiting lists may operate when year-level intake is full. rankings are typically based on enrolment priorities (e.g., parish/school locality) and date of application, with space allocated as it becomes available.
- Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry generally involves completion of an application and an informal discussion or tour. Some year levels may include informal assessments or confirmatory discussions to understand learning needs and place appropriate supports.
- Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers can be considered if space permits and required documentation is in order. Timelines and approvals depend on availability and coordinating with the current and receiving schools.
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
Parents often choose St Clare’s for its Catholic values, nurturing and inclusive environment, small class sizes, strong community ties and focus on both faith formation and academic growth.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
Students who value a supportive, faith-informed community, collaborative learning, and opportunities to participate in a range of clubs, sports, arts and service.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
Enrichment through targeted learning support, clubs (robotics, coding, chess, debating), sports teams, music and drama programs, and leadership or service opportunities.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
Regular newsletters, parent-teacher meetings, a parent portal or digital communications platform, and clear channels for asking questions or raising concerns.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
A student-centred approach with differentiated instruction, emphasis on literacy and numeracy, and integration of faith-based values into daily learning.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
Access to learning support staff, targeted interventions in literacy and numeracy, and small-group or one-on-one support as needed.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
Early identification, tailored planning, and collaboration with families to implement appropriate strategies and monitor progress.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
See above: multiple channels including newsletters, meetings and digital updates.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
A range of sports (e.g., football, netball, cricket, basketball, athletics), plus clubs in robotics, coding, chess and debating, and performing arts opportunities.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, technology/innovation labs, canteen, and updated playgrounds.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
Emphasis on digital literacy with access to computer/tech labs and age-appropriate use of technology to support learning and responsible online practice.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
Local transport options including bus routes and school-related arrangements; parking and accessibility considerations are communicated by the school.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
Fees are structured to be affordable within the local context, with typical additional costs for uniforms, excursions, camps and activities; family discounts or concessions may apply.
- Short Pros & Cons list
Pros
- Catholic values-based education in a nurturing, inclusive environment
- Strong sense of community and parent involvement
- Broad range of academic, sporting, arts and club opportunities
- Focus on wellbeing, pastoral care and student support
Cons
- As a smaller school, limited year-level breadth and specialist offerings compared to larger schools
- Fees and uniform costs are an ongoing consideration for some families
- Availability of mid-year transfers is contingent on space at the time of enquiry
