- Overview
St Francis Of Assisi Catholic Primary School in Butler is a Catholic, co-educational primary school that emphasises a faith-based, holistic approach to learning. It offers a middle-sized school community where students can grow academically, socially, and spiritually within a supportive, inclusive environment. Typical class sizes are in the 20–25 student range, with a focus on building confident learners who contribute positively to the school and wider community.
The atmosphere is nurturing and values-driven, blending academic rigour with pastoral care and community involvement. As a Catholic school, the curriculum weaves faith, service, and respect into daily learning, aiming to develop well-rounded individuals who are prepared for secondary education and life beyond school.
- Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: Emphasis on literacy and numeracy, strong religious education, and opportunities for integrated inquiry and critical thinking. Digital literacy and foundational STEM thinking are incorporated across curriculum areas.
- Special programs: Catholic identity and values education; opportunities for extension in maths and English where available; art, music, and drama programs to support creativity and expression.
- Support for diverse learners: Access to EAL/D support, learning support (SEN) plans, and targeted interventions where needed; push-in and pull-out strategies used to assist students requiring additional help.
- Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: Soccer, basketball, netball, AFL, cricket and athletics are commonly available, with opportunities to participate in interschool events.
- Strong teams or achievements: Active participation in regional interschool sport with encouragement for all students to compete and contribute; achievement levels vary by year.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Regular music education, choir or ensemble opportunities, and school drama performances or productions.
- Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating and other clubs may be offered to extend student interests and skills outside the classroom.
- Partnerships: Connections with local community and sport clubs for tournaments, clinics, and enrichment activities.
- Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Whole-school strategies focused on respectful relationships, anti-bullying policies, and a positive school climate; buddy and peer-support initiatives are commonly used.
- House system: House groups support belonging, leadership development, and participation in events and competitions.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school wellbeing staff or counsellors to support social-emotional learning and student welfare.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems, and ongoing pastoral care to help new students settle in smoothly.
- Facilities
- Sports grounds: On-site play spaces and sports fields suitable for a range of physical activities.
- Libraries: Dedicated library space for reading, research, and quiet study.
- Science labs: Practical science learning spaces to support hands-on experimentation.
- Music/performing arts centers: Facilities to support music education, rehearsals, and performances.
- Tech/innovation labs: ICT resources and spaces for digital learning, coding, and project work.
- Cafeteria: Daily canteen or food service for students.
- Updated playgrounds: Modern outdoor play areas and equipment for recreation and physical activity.
- School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: A Catholic, service-oriented mission focused on faith, respect, responsibility, and care for others.
- Leadership style: Opportunities for student leadership through house activities, student council or other roles; collaborative teacher leadership and mentorship.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct emphasising respect, responsibility, and kindness; restorative approaches to discipline.
- Community reputation: Known for a friendly, faith-centered community with strong family and parish involvement.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to an inclusive environment that welcomes families from diverse backgrounds and supports equitable access to learning.
- School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typical school day starts around 8:30 am and ends around 3:00 pm; times may vary slightly by year level.
- Before/after school care: After-school care or wrap-around care is commonly available, subject to staffing and enrolment.
- Uniform requirements: School uniform is required; details provided by the school and uniform shop.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Access to public transport options and local bus services; car drop-off and pick-up arrangements are in place.
- Canteen availability: Canteen or lunch program available on most days.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are generally in the mid-range for WA Catholic primary schools; additional costs may include excursions, activities, and uniform purchases.
- Enrolment & Admissions
- 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Submit the enrolment application with supporting documents (birth certificate, immunisation records, and any required parish or family details).
- Complete any school-specific assessments or interviews if applicable.
- Receive an offer of enrolment aligned to space and priority considerations; attend orientation or transition sessions.
- Plan for a start date and any required enrolment confirmations; be advised that timelines can vary by year and space availability.
- 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Waiting lists may apply when a grade level is full. Priority is often given to siblings, parish/faith community families, and then by application date or school policy. The exact process will be communicated by the school.
- 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry requirements typically include standard documentation (birth certificate, immunisation records). Interviews or information sessions may be conducted to understand fit and meet family expectations; formal academic testing is not routinely required for primary enrolment.
- 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are considered subject to space availability and a smooth transition plan. Prospective families should contact the school to discuss vacancies and the transfer process.
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who respond well to a values-based education, supportive teachers, and a balanced focus on academics, faith, and community involvement.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Enrichment in literacy and numeracy, religious education and service learning, sports teams, music and drama programs, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular newsletters, emails, parent portals, scheduled parent-teacher interviews, and annual reports; proactive communication around student progress and school events.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Differentiated instruction, inquiry-based learning, emphasis on literacy and numeracy, integration of digital literacy, and a faith-informed, holistic education.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted interventions, learning support plans, EAL/D assistance, and access to teaching staff for small-group or individual support.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Early identification, remedial or extension opportunities, and collaboration with families to adjust learning plans as needed.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- See above (regular ongoing updates, meetings, and digital communications).
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A broad range of sports (e.g., soccer, netball, basketball, AFL, cricket), music and arts programs, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Access to sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, cafeteria, and modern playgrounds.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integrated ICT across the curriculum, dedicated digital learning spaces, and a focus on safe, responsible use of technology.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local transport options (bus routes and public transport), car drop-off/pick-up arrangements, and accessible facilities as part of school planning.
- What are typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are generally mid-range for WA Catholic primary schools; additional costs may include uniforms, excursions, and optional activities.
- Short Pros & Cons list
- Strong Catholic values framework and pastoral care
- Nurturing, inclusive learning environment
- Broad range of extracurriculars (sport, arts, clubs)
- Support for diverse learners (SEN, EAL/D)
- Active community and parish ties
- Catholic schooling may not align with non-religious families
- Uniform costs and occasional additional fees for activities
- Availability of certain programs can fluctuate by year and space
Note: This draft provides a structured, decision-friendly profile aligned with the sections you requested. Please verify all details with the school’s most recent information (enrolment page, prospectus, annual report) for the latest data on class sizes, facilities, programs, and fees before publishing.
