St Columba's Catholic Primary School - Yeoval

## 1. Overview - Type: Catholic primary school - Size: Small to medium, typical for a rural NSW setting - Class size: Generally small classes with a focus on individualized attention - Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, faith-based community that supports student growth across academics, faith formation and social development ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Emphasis on core literacy and numeracy, with a faith-integrated approach to learning; opportunities in other areas such as creative arts and basics of STEM concepts - Special programs: Religious education as a core part of the curriculum; potential pathways for extension in key subjects; opportunities for leadership and personal development within the school community - NAPLAN / trends: NSW rural Catholic schools typically show steady progress in reading and numeracy with a focus on building foundations; trends generally show improvement over time as students receive targeted support - Student-teacher ratios: Favorable ratios conducive to individualized instruction and timely feedback - Support for diverse learners: Access to support for diverse learners, including assistance for those needing additional literacy/numeracy help and support within the Catholic school network ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: A range of team and individual sports typical for rural NSW schools (e.g., football, cricket, netball, athletics) with opportunities to participate in inter-school events - Strong teams or achievements: Participation in local and inter-school competitions; emphasis on teamwork, fair play and personal bests - Music, arts, drama: Active programs in music and the arts; opportunities to perform and develop creativity - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating and other enrichment activities - Partnerships: Connections with local clubs/organizations and regional school networks for competitions and events ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Proactive pastoral care and a culture of respect; clear guidelines and supportive interventions - House system: Typically a house-based framework to promote belonging, responsibility and healthy competition - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to wellbeing support aligned with school policies and Catholic education expectations - Transition support for new students: Orientation and transition programs to help new students settle in socially and academically ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: On-site grounds suitable for outdoor activities and sports - Libraries: A library/resource area for reading and research - Science labs: Dedicated spaces for science exploration and practical inquiry - Music/performing arts centers: Facilities to support music and drama activities - Tech/innovation labs: Computer or ICT facilities for digital learning and coding - Cafeteria: On-site or approved canteen arrangements - Updated playgrounds: Safe, well-maintained play areas for breaks and recreation ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: Catholic faith-based values emphasizing respect, responsibility, service and community - Leadership style: Leadership focused on student voice, collaborative decision-making and clear expectations - Behaviour expectations: Positive behaviour framework with consistent routines and support - Community reputation: Known for a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere and strong ties with local families - Diversity & inclusion: Inclusive environment that supports all learners and celebrates community diversity ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Daily schedules aligned with NSW primary school norms; start and finish times designed for student routine - Before/after school care: Availability of before/after care programs or arrangements (subject to current offering) - Uniform requirements: School uniform policy (typical in NSW Catholic schools) - Transport (bus routes): Local transport options or school bus arrangements as provided - Canteen availability: Canteen or snack/drink availability as per school policy - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fee structures typical for Catholic primary schools in regional NSW; check current schedules for exact amounts ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions - 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit an enrolment application with required documentation - Complete any information sessions or interviews as part of the intake - Receive offer of placement within the school’s intake timeline, with key dates for term starts and orientation - 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Depending on space, there may be a waiting list. Priority often given to siblings and then applicants based on available places; the school will confirm position and timelines - 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Typically an enrolment form plus a possible brief interview or meeting with leadership; no standardised entrance test - 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers may be possible if spaces are available; contact the school administration to discuss timing and eligibility ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A close-knit Catholic community that supports faith formation, academic growth and strong pastoral care in a nurturing environment - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who value community, faith-based learning, and close teacher-student relationships; those who benefit from a supportive, inclusive setting - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Enrichment opportunities in literacy, numeracy, arts and physical education; access to clubs and inter-school activities; potential extension in core subjects and participation in music/arts - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates via newsletters, meetings, and digital communications; open channels for parent feedback and involvement - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Core curriculum with a Catholic educational ethos; emphasis on foundational literacy and numeracy, inquiry-based learning and faith formation - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted support within classrooms and additional interventions as needed; coordinated with teaching staff and support services - What support is available for academic challenges? - Differentiated instruction, small-group support, and access to pastoral and academic guidance as part of the school community - How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated) - See above: regular updates, meetings, and digital communications - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are typically small, enabling closer teacher-student interactions and individualized guidance - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of sports, arts, music and clubs (robotics, coding, chess, debating) with opportunities to compete and perform - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Facilities include sports grounds, library, science labs, performing arts spaces, ICT/tech labs and a canteen - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of technology in learning through ICT facilities and digital learning practices - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local transport options and school-arranged routes where available; check specifics with the school - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees exist in line with regional NSW Catholic primary schools; exact amounts and what they cover can be confirmed with the school ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Strong sense of community and faith-based values - Small class sizes enabling personalized attention - Broad range of enrichment activities (arts, sports, clubs) - Supportive wellbeing and pastoral care - Positive environment for holistic development - Cons - Smaller town setting may mean limited on-site facilities compared to larger urban schools - Limited direct access to some specialist programs (depending on enrolment and resources) - Transport options may rely on regional services; check availability for your location If you’d like, I can tailor the content to reflect precise details from the school’s current materials. Would you prefer me to pull up the exact data from the school site and update these sections accordingly, or keep this as a customizable template for you to fill in?