St Damien's Catholic Primary School

Overview

St Damien's Catholic Primary School is a Catholic, co-educational primary school serving families in the Dawesville area. The school emphasizes faith-informed learning within a nurturing, inclusive community, supporting students to grow academically, socially and spiritually.

• School type: Catholic
• School size: Medium
• Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, faith-based with a focus on holistic development

Academics & Learning

• Academic strengths: Strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy within a well-rounded western Australian curriculum, plus Religious Education. Focus on English, mathematics and integrated STEM practices to build critical thinking and problem-solving.
• Special programs: Religious education with sacramental preparation where appropriate; targeted literacy and numeracy support; potential gifted/talented or accelerated-learning opportunities where available; support for diverse learners.
• Support for diverse learners: EAL/D support and inclusive education approaches; access to learning support staff and targeted interventions as needed; partnerships with specialists where available.

Sports & Extracurricular Strengths

• Sports offered: Soccer (football), basketball, netball, cricket, athletics, swimming and other district activities as available.
• Strong teams or achievements: Participation in inter-school and district-level events; opportunities for selective teams and representative pathways where offered by the local authorities.
• Music, arts, drama programs: School choir, instrumental programs and regular performing arts events; opportunities to participate in school productions and concerts.
• Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating and other after-school clubs depending on term availability.
• Partnerships: Local sports clubs and regional inter-school competitions; connections to community arts and STEM activities through partnerships and events.

Wellbeing & Pastoral Care

• Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies, education on respectful behavior, and proactive supervision and support systems.
• House system: A house structure supporting leadership, teamwork and positive competition during events and celebrations.
• Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school wellbeing staff or a dedicated counsellor for student support.
• Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy systems, and targeted supports to help new students settle in.

Facilities

• Sports grounds: On-site athletic fields and courts for physical education and sport.
• Libraries: On-site library with reading spaces and resources.
• Science labs: Dedicated spaces for science activities and experiments.
• Music/performing arts centers: Facilities for music and drama activities and performances.
• Tech/innovation labs: Areas for coding, robotics and digital learning activities.
• Cafeteria: School dining facilities or canteen services for meals and snacks.
• Updated playgrounds: Safe outdoor play areas with maintenance and age-appropriate equipment.

School Values & Community Culture

• School values / mission: Faith-centered education focusing on respect, compassion, service, integrity and community.
• Leadership style: Relational leadership with opportunities for student voice and participatory activities; supportive, approachable staff.
• Behaviour expectations: Clear expectations around respect, safety, responsibility and kindness; consistent routines and positive reinforcement.
• Community reputation: Family-focused, welcoming atmosphere with active parent involvement and a sense of community pride.
• Diversity & inclusion: Inclusive environment that welcomes families from diverse backgrounds and supports individual needs.

School Logistics & Daily Operations

• School hours: Typical school day runs during standard daytime hours with start and end times aligned to the WA primary calendar; before/after school care often available.
• Before/after school care: Available via school-based programs or local providers; information provided by the school.
• Uniform requirements: Clear uniform policy with seasonal options; uniforms designed to be practical for daily wear.
• Transport (train/bus routes): Access to local bus routes and public transport; guidance provided for families on travel options and times.
• Canteen availability: Canteen or canteen services offering healthy meal and snack options.
• Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are generally in the low-to-medium range for Catholic primary schools; specifics vary by year and program, with additional costs for uniforms, excursions and activities.

Enrolment & Admissions

1. What is the enrolment process and timeline?

• Begin with an expression of interest or inquiry, followed by application, submission of required documents (birth certificate, immunization status, proof of address, etc.), and an information interview or meeting. Timelines typically align with local school intake periods and the academic year.

1. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?

• Waiting lists may apply when the school is at capacity. Priority often given to siblings, then parish or community considerations, and then date of application. The school can provide current waitlist details and expected timelines.

1. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?

• No formal entrance exams for primary school entry. An interview or meeting with families may occur to discuss readiness, values alignment, and student support needs. Documentation and sometimes a readiness check may be requested.

1. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?

• Mid-year transfers are possible where space permits. Prospective families should contact the school early to review availability, transfer documentation, and placement processes.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Parents Choose This School?

• What type of student thrives at this school?

- Students who respond well to a caring, values-based environment, benefit from small-group instruction, and enjoy participation in a mixture of academic, faith-based and extracurricular activities.

• What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?

- Enhanced literacy and numeracy supports, opportunities in STEM activities, music and drama programs, sports teams, clubs such as robotics, chess, coding and debating, and leadership roles through house and student groups.

• How does the school communicate with parents?

- Regular newsletters, updates via school apps or portals, parent-teacher interviews, and mid-year/year-end progress discussions.

• What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?

- A curriculum aligned with the Western Australian standards, differentiated instruction, emphasis on literacy and numeracy, and an inclusive approach that supports diverse learners.

• How does the school support students who need extra academic help?

- Targeted interventions, small-group or one-on-one support, and access to learning support staff and external specialists as needed.

• What support is available for academic challenges?

- Early identification through ongoing assessment, tailored support plans, and collaboration with families to implement effective strategies.

• How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated)

- See above: newsletters, app/portal communications, and parent-teacher discussions.

• What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?

- A mix of sports (soccer, basketball, netball, cricket, athletics), music and arts programs, and clubs such as robotics, chess, coding and debating.

• What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?

- Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, canteen, and updated playgrounds.

• What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?

- Integration of digital literacy across the curriculum, with access to devices and collaborative learning platforms, and ongoing development of online and blended learning skills.

• What transport and accessibility options are available?

- Local bus routes and public transport guidance, with accessible facilities and walking/cycling options depending on location.

• What are the typical school fees or additional costs?

- Fees generally fall in the low-to-medium range for Catholic primary schools; additional costs may include uniforms, excursions, camps and voluntary contributions.

Short Pros & Cons list

• Pros

- Strong Catholic identity and values-based education - Balanced focus on academics, wellbeing, and extracurriculars - Support for diverse learners and families - Active involvement opportunities (clubs, sports, arts)

• Cons

- As a faith-based school, some families may prefer a secular option - Availability of certain specialty programs may vary by year and enrolment - Transport options depend on local routes and schedules - Fees and voluntary contributions are an ongoing consideration for families

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