St Fiacre’s Catholic Primary School - Leichhardt

# 1. Overview St Fiacre’s Catholic Primary School in Leichhardt is a Catholic, co-educational primary school located in Inner West Sydney. The school offers a faith-based, values-driven education for students across the primary years, focused on developing the whole child within a supportive community. - School type: Catholic primary (private, non-government). - School size: small-to-medium (a few hundred students across the primary years). - Class size: typically in the low-to-mid 20s per class. - Atmosphere/culture: nurturing, inclusive, faith-informed, with a sense of community and belonging. # 2. Academics & Learning St Fiacre’s emphasises strong literacy and numeracy foundations within a holistic learning approach, incorporating faith-based values across the curriculum. - Academic strengths: English literacy, mathematical foundations, and inquiry-based learning with opportunities in STEM and leadership development. - Special programs: potential Gifted & Talented opportunities where available; integrated Catholic Education learning experiences; programs to support student leadership and independent learning. - NAPLAN / trends: NSW primary schools participate in NAPLAN; trends typically show year-on-year variation with overall progress over time—parents should review the latest school report for current patterns. - Student-teacher ratios: generally around 1:18–1:24 in class settings, with additional targeted support as needed. - Support for diverse learners: Learning Support Team offers targeted support for diverse learners, including EAL and SEN assistance; inclusive education practices are in place to support all students. # 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths Athletics and arts are complemented by a range of clubs and activities that appeal to students aged 10–14 and beyond. - Sports offered: soccer, netball, basketball, cricket, athletics, and other school-level sport programs; participation in local inter-school events. - Strong teams or achievements: participation in local and regional school sport competitions; school teams compete in appropriate age-group events. - Music, arts, drama programs: music and performing arts opportunities through school ensembles and productions; involvement in drama and creative arts activities. - Clubs: robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other enrichment clubs are typically offered or available through the school’s extracurricular program. - Partnerships: connections with local community and sporting clubs and participation in local competitions and events. # 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care Wellbeing and pastoral care are central to creating a safe and supportive learning environment. - Anti-bullying approach: clear anti-bullying policies, proactive prevention strategies, and restorative practices to support positive relationships. - House system: house-based activities and events to foster belonging, teamwork, and healthy competition. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: access to school wellbeing staff or guidance support to assist students with social, emotional, and mental health needs. - Transition support for new students: buddy programs, orientation sessions, and targeted support to help new students settle in smoothly. # 5. Facilities Facilities are designed to support a well-rounded education with ample space for learning, sport, and creative activities. - Sports grounds: on-site or nearby playing fields suitable for a range of sports. - Libraries: library spaces with resources to support reading and research. - Science labs: dedicated spaces for practical science learning and experimentation. - Music/performing arts centers: spaces for music practice, rehearsals, and performances. - Tech/innovation labs: classrooms and spaces for technology, coding, and digital learning. - Cafeteria: on-site canteen or food service for student meals and snacks. - Updated playgrounds: modern, safe play areas for recess and lunch breaks. # 6. School Values & Community Culture The school fosters a community rooted in Catholic values and mutual respect, with a focus on character and service. - School values / mission: faith-centered education grounded in compassion, respect, responsibility, and service to others. - Leadership style: collaborative and student-inclusive, with opportunities for student voice and leadership roles. - Behaviour expectations: clear behaviour policies aligned with positive conduct and respect for others. - Community reputation: a supportive, faith-based school community with emphasis on inclusion and belonging. - Diversity & inclusion: commitment to welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and promoting inclusive practices. # 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations Practical details help families plan around school life. - School hours: typical school day runs during standard NSW primary hours; before/after school care options may be available. - Before/after school care: commonly offered through on-site or partner providers; check the school’s enrolments page for specifics. - Uniform requirements: compulsory school uniform and dress code consistent with school guidelines. - Transport (train/bus routes): accessible by local public transport; specific routes and arrangements are provided by the school and local transport authorities. - Canteen availability: canteen or lunch program available on most school days. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): fees are in the medium range for NSW Catholic primary schools, with charges for routine contributions, incursions, and materials; exact amounts vary by year level and family circumstances. # 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Inquire with the school, attend open day or information sessions, complete an application by the school-specified deadline, provide required documents, and participate in any interviewing or intake conversations as required. Offers and placements are typically communicated within the notified timelines. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Waiting lists can apply if enrolments exceed vacancies. Priority may be given to Benedictine parish families, siblings of current students, and other criteria set by the school. The enrolments team manages waitlists and notification timelines. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Entry usually involves a family interview, and sometimes a student interview or readiness discussion. Documentation such as birth certificate, baptism certificate (where applicable), and prior school records may be requested. Catholic identity and alignment with the school’s ethos are often considered. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are possible subject to vacancies and the school’s intake policies. Families should contact the enrolments team to discuss availability and transfer requirements, including documentation from the current school. # 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A faith-based community that prioritises values, academic growth, wellbeing, and strong relationships between staff, students, and families. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who appreciate a supportive, inclusive environment with opportunities to grow academically, socially, and spiritually. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - A range of enrichment options including literacy and numeracy support, STEM activities, leadership opportunities, sports programs, music and drama, and clubs like robotics, coding, chess, and debating. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates through newsletters, email, parent portals,父 parent-teacher meetings, and information evenings; details provided by the school each year. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A curriculum aligned with the NSW syllabus, integrated with Catholic values, and a focus on student-centred, inquiry-based learning to develop critical thinking and resilience. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Learning Support Team, targeted interventions, and personalised plans to assist EAL and SEN students as needed. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Additional tutoring or in-class support, adjustments in teaching strategies, and collaboration with families to address challenges promptly. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Duplicate question) - See above: newsletters, portals, meetings, and direct communication channels maintained by the school. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are typically in the low-to-mid 20s with additional targeted support available; a focus on giving students ample opportunities for individual guidance within the classroom. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A broad range of sports, music, arts, drama, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating; opportunities to participate in local and inter-school events. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, canteen, and well-equipped playgrounds. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of digital tools and ICT across the curriculum to build digital literacy, with age-appropriate apps, software, and safe online practices. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Access via local public transport with information on routes and options provided by the school; assistance with transition and accessibility for families as needed. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees reflect the medium-range level for NSW Catholic primary schools, including tuition-like contributions and extras; exact figures vary by year level and family circumstances. # 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Strong faith-based community with values-driven education - Nurturing environment and supportive wellbeing supports - Focus on literacy and numeracy within a holistic curriculum - Range of extracurriculars (sports, arts, clubs) and leadership opportunities - Inclusive practice with support for diverse learners - Cons - Fees may be used to cover school-run programs and resources (typical for private/Catholic schools) - Class sizes may vary by year level and staffing; some years may feel busier during peak periods - Availability of mid-year transfers depends on vacancies; not guaranteed - Specific programs (e.g., Gifted & Talented) may vary by year and require application or selection criteria