St Francis de Sales Primary School - Oak Park

## 1. Overview St Francis de Sales Primary School Oak Park is a Catholic, co-educational primary school serving families in Oak Park and the surrounding suburbs. The school combines a faith-based ethos with a nurturing learning environment, emphasising academic growth, service to others and personal development. It aims to create a welcoming, inclusive community where students feel supported to try their best and develop as active, caring members of society. - School type: Catholic (co-educational) - School size: Medium - Class size: Approximately 22–28 students per class - Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, faith-filled with a strong focus on service and community ⸻ ## 2. Academics & Learning The school prioritises strong literacy and numeracy foundations while providing opportunities in science, technology, and the arts. A range of programs supports students to develop critical thinking, creativity and leadership. - Academic strengths: Literacy and numeracy; STEM and digital technologies; arts and leadership/citizenship development - Special programs: Integrated religious education; Gifted and Talented opportunities; coding/robotics and STEAM activities; language learning programs where offered - NAPLAN / Ofsted trends: Public reporting often shows steady literacy and numeracy progress with year-to-year consistency; emphasis on continuous improvement - Student-teacher ratios: Typical class sizes in the low-to-mid 20s with teaching staff plus classroom aides where needed - Support for diverse learners: EAL support; SEN/inclusion practices; targeted learning support and in-class differentiation ⸻ ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths A strong focus on well-rounded development, with a broad offering of sports, arts and clubs designed to engage boys and girls aged 10–14 and beyond. - Sports offered: Soccer, netball, basketball, cricket, Australian Rules football, athletics; swimming programs and cross-country - Strong teams or achievements: Participation in district/inter-school events with emphasis on participation, teamwork and sportsmanship - Music, arts, drama programs: Choir, instrumental program, school concerts and drama activities - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, environment club - Partnerships: Local clubs and community partnerships for competitions and additional training opportunities ⸻ ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care Wellbeing is central to student success, with a proactive approach to safety, belonging and resilience. - Anti-bullying approach: Whole-school policies, clear expectations and programs to promote respectful behaviour - House system: Four houses participate in regular house activities and events to foster belonging and teamwork - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school wellbeing staff or a counsellor to support students and families - Transition support for new students: Orientation sessions, buddy systems and targeted supports to ease transitions into the school community ⸻ ## 5. Facilities The school provides a range of facilities designed to support learning, sport, creativity and social development. - Sports grounds - Libraries - Science labs - Music/performing arts centers - Tech/innovation labs - Cafeteria - Updated playgrounds ⸻ ## 6. School Values & Community Culture The school’s culture reflects its Catholic identity while encouraging a diverse and inclusive community. - School values / mission: Catholic values focused on faith, service, respect and responsibility; emphasis on holistic development - Leadership style: Collaborative leadership with opportunities for student voice and teacher collaboration - Behaviour expectations: Clear, consistent expectations centred on respect, integrity and kindness - Community reputation: Positive, engaged school community with active family involvement - Diversity & inclusion: Welcoming to students from diverse backgrounds; supports EAL and inclusive practices ⸻ ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations Practical daily operations help families plan and participate in school life. - School hours: Typical Victorian school day with start and finish times aligned to the local calendar - Before/after school care: Available on site or via approved providers - Uniform requirements: Standard school uniform; sports uniform for PE and events - Transport (train/bus routes): Access to local public transport routes and student drop-off zones - Canteen availability: Canteen or lunch program offering healthy options - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are in the low-to-medium range for Catholic primary schools, including voluntary contributions, uniforms and excursion costs ⸻ ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions ### 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? Applications typically open for the upcoming intake year and involve submitting the school’s enrolment form, providing required documents (birth details, baptism certificate where relevant, family details) and attending information sessions or open days. Offers are made based on vacancies and the school’s admissions priorities, with timelines varying by year level and intake. ### 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? Yes, a waiting list may operate if demand exceeds places. Applications are typically ranked by the school’s published priorities and date of application. Families on the waiting list are notified if a place becomes available. ### 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? Primary admissions generally do not require entrance exams. Some intake years may involve brief interviews or readiness discussions, and documentation such as baptism or parish details may be requested. Always check the current admissions guidelines for year-specific requirements. ### 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? Mid-year transfers are possible if vacancies exist. Parents should contact the admissions team to discuss availability, gather required paperwork, and arrange a school visit or transition plan as needed. ⸻ ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? Parents often cite a values-based Catholic education, supportive staff, a nurturing environment and a strong sense of community. - What type of student thrives at this school? Students who are motivated, respectful, engaged in learning and values collaboration, faith and service tend to thrive. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? Programs and clubs in literacy, numeracy, STEM, coding, robotics, arts, music and athletics provide multiple pathways to extend skills. - How does the school communicate with parents? Regular newsletters, a school app/portal, parent-teacher interviews and informal updates keep families informed. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? A student-centered approach with explicit instruction, differentiation, regular assessment and integration of technology. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? A dedicated learning support team, targeted interventions, EAL support and small-group instruction. - What support is available for academic challenges? In-class supports, specialist referrals when needed and additional tutoring or intervention programs. - How does the school communicate with parents? Through emails, the school app/portal, newsletters and scheduled meetings; openness to ongoing dialogue. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? Class sizes typically range in the low-to-mid 20s with teacher aides and targeted small-group support. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? A broad mix of sports, arts, music and clubs such as robotics, chess, coding and debating. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? Comprehensive facilities including sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces and technology labs. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? Emphasis on digital literacy, classroom devices, age-appropriate software and cyber safety education. - What transport and accessibility options are available? Local transport options, established drop-off zones and accessible facilities for families. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? Fees are in the low-to-medium range for Catholic primary schools and may include uniforms, books, excursions and levies. ⸻ ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Catholic ethos with a values-focused education - Nurturing, inclusive school culture - Strong emphasis on literacy, numeracy and wellbeing - Broad range of extracurriculars (sports, arts, STEM clubs) - Active community involvement and approachable staff - Good facilities supporting learning and creativity - Cons - Like many Catholic primary schools, there may be annual fees and uniform costs - Demand may mean waiting lists for certain year levels - Transport options may be limited depending on family location - Availability of some programs can vary by year level or cohort